All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to bolster their new regime under Ange Postecoglou with signings across the squad, and while the backline has been impressive this season, there is work still to be done in that department.

Topping the Premier League table after ten matches, all is well down the N17, though Postecoglou will be eager to cement this new position of power, and to do so the squad's depth will need deepening.

Tottenham transfer targets – Marc Guehi

According to a report from The Sun last week, Arsenal are considering a move for talented Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, though the England international is also attracting the attention of Manchester City, Chelsea (who sold him to the Eagles for £18m two years ago) and Tottenham.

As per the piece, Guehi would garner a sum of at least £50m for his services – the fee that the Eagles recouped with the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019 – and while the Gunners appear to be frontrunners at this stage, Postecoglou would love nothing more than to enrich his ranks at Mikel Arteta's expense.

It is stressed that Palace will not entertain his sale until the end of the season, though this shouldn't be a problem for a Spurs side who are equipped in that department, for the time being, at least.

Marc Guehi's style of play

Eric Dier is poised to drape the curtain on his lengthy Tottenham career in 2024, having joined the club from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 for around £4m and having now completed 360 matches, playing a prominent role over the past decade.

With the 29-year-old's contract set for expiry at the end of the season, having yet to feature for Postecoglou this term, it looks a certainty that Dier is headed for the exit, and a replacement will be required.

Guehi, aged 23, would be the perfect upgrade, having made 93 appearances for the Selhurst Park side and earned praise by former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik for being an "absolute tank" in the rearguard.

In the Premier League this season, the seven-cap star has completed 90% of his passes across nine outings, making 5.1 ball recoveries and 4.6 clearances per game and coming out on top during 70% of his ground duels – metrics fit for a place in a side such as Tottenham's.

As per FBref, the £50k-per-week ace ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing his robustness and energy.

Dier, by contrast, ranks in just the bottom 38% in that regard and has fallen out of the international picture under Gareth Southgate, with journalist Ryan Taylor stating that the long-serving asset is "nowhere near the required level for what Spurs are trying to achieve".

Such a presence like Guehi would then be perfect alongside Micky van de Ven in the Spurs defence, with the £43m summer signing from Wolfsburg among the most agile in the business, with former head of Ajax talent development Ruben Jongkid claiming that he has "world-class potential" and "never seen" before speed for a centre-half.

This is evidenced through the Dutchman's ranking among the top 3% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.

Guehi has been described as a “beast" at the back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he has been immense in a Palace backline that has been noted for its resilience and togetherness, and despite his erstwhile Chelsea tag, the titan could be the perfect option to bolster Postecoglou's burgeoning outfit.

Unlike last season, Arsenal are not sitting top of the Premier League table by late November. However, Mikel Arteta's men are still just one point behind the golden spot this term, with two-thirds of the season left to play.

Arteta looked to strengthen his midfield department during the summer to avoid last season's collapse once more, bringing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to the club for a combined total of £170m, but arguably the weakest component of the Gunners' side is the number 'nine' position.

Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have led the line this season, but neither has been a prolific goalscorer throughout their respective careers. Nevertheless, there is still one more option that Arteta could try before the January transfer window opens to save some money.

Arsenal's centre-forward option

Having picked up a devastating knee injury at the World Cup last season, Jesus spent a number of months sidelined. It was suggested by journalist Dean Jones that Gabriel Martinelli should get the nod to play down the middle, having had a fantastic campaign off the left. The Brazilian has played up top 16 times before in his professional career and scored nine goals in all competitions.

Last season, Martinelli proved to Arteta that he is one of Arsenal's major goal threats, having scored 16 goals in 36 Premier League appearances, leading journalist Mark Mann-Bryans to label the winger as a "monster" for some of his displays in a red and white shirt. Martinelli was also handed a new deal for his excellent performances worth £180k-per-week.

Nevertheless, with Jesus still absent with an injury and Nketiah recovering from a slight knock, Arteta opted to deploy Leandro Trossard as Arsenal's striker against Burnley and Sevilla and the Belgian scored against the former. The Spanish coach also has Havertz as an option to play as a false 'nine' but the German featured at left-back on Saturday night for his national team in a 3-2 defeat at home to Turkey, scoring within five minutes, and may have found a new role for himself in the process.

Regardless, Trossard and Havertz don't possess the natural goalscoring instinct that Martinelli does, as the duo have bagged just eight goals in total since joining the club.

Gabriel Martinelli's stats this season

Jesus has scored four goals this season for Arsenal while Nketiah has registered one more than his Brazilian counterpart. The pair are being outscored by Trossard who has found the net six times and is the Gunners' joint-top scorer in the current campaign alongside Bukayo Saka. Despite being out-and-out centre-forwards, neither Jesus nor Nketiah have proven themselves to be consistent goalscorers under Arteta.

Meanwhile, Martinelli has turned into one of Europe's great wingers. Statistically, the 22-year-old stands out from the crowd when compared to all wide players from Europe's top-five leagues. Martinelli is in the top 9% for non-penalty goals per 90 and the top 11% for non-penalty expected goals per 90. Additionally, the Arsenal star ranks in the top 2% for touches in the opposition's penalty area per 90 as well as the top 5% for progressive passes received per 90.

According to FBref's player comparison model, Martinelli's data is most comparable to Vinicius Jr., Saka, Raheem Sterling, and even Mohamed Salah. Arsenal's number eleven may not reach Erling Haaland-numbers for goals but is currently outperforming Jesus and Nketiah on a host of key attacking metrics this season and should be given an opportunity by Arteta to showcase his talents up top.

Goals

0.13

0.25

0.59

Shots

2.13

2.5

2.94

Goals per shot

0.06

0.1

0.2

Shots on target

1

0.74

0.82

xG

0.14

0.44

0.36

Touches in opposition's box

7.88

6

6

Key passes

2.13

1

0.71

Progressive passes received

15.1

6.75

5.29

Assists

0.25

0

0

Stats via FBref

Martinelli is scoring at a lesser rate than Jesus and Nketiah because it's difficult to have quality chances when cutting in from the left due to the angle of the shot. However, the Brazilian is creating more opportunities and isn't lagging too far behind on goalscoring metrics.

With that in mind, Arteta should give Martinelli a shot up top to showcase what he can do in the absence of Jesus.

Tottenham are now reportedly weighing up a move to sign a £52 million defender wanted by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

Spurs' problems at centre-back laid bare

An injury to star summer signing Micky van de Ven, not to mention a three-game suspension for Cristian Romero, has laid bare Spurs' lack of options at centre-half behind their favoured starting duo. Van de Ven's hamstring problem, which is expected to keep him out until early 2024, is a killer blow for manager Ange Postecoglou who was enjoying the best start made by any new head coach in Premier League history.

Tottenham star now back from injury in December after training return

He’ll be available soon.

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This is a conundrum many could've actually predicted after Tottenham's failure to sign another defender in the summer transfer window. The north Londoners faltered in their attempts to bring in Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly on deadline day, and they appear to be paying for it now.

Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider earlier this year, certainly saw this coming and actually stated that Tottenham need to sign as many as three new centre-backs back in May.

“I think anyone would come in and transform that defence," claimed the former Villa striker.

“Eric Dier, I don’t understand why there are talks over a new contract for him. Romero is the sort of player who would be on his last chance with me if I was manager. He just wants to kick everyone. He knows he’s going to get sent off, but still does it.

“I think Spurs need three centre-backs. Guehi can be one of them, but I’d go out and get more. You’ve got to have multiple top centre-backs if you want to go and win trophies. Look at Arsenal after they lost Saliba – it’s cost them the title.”

Agbonlahor's last sentence is key there, as Arteta losing Saliba at the back end of last season was a major factor in Arsenal finishing behind eventual treble-winners Man City.

Similarly to Spurs being without van de Ven, whose pace and power is crucial to Postecoglou's aggressive high line, the Lilywhites just don't quite look like the same side.

Spurs weighing move for Inacio

Tottenham may re-attempt to sign Kelly in January, among others, but new targets are appearing through the press on a fairly consistent basis as we approach the winter window. Indeed, another one has now come to light in Sporting Lisbon star Goncalo Inacio.

The Portuguese, who has racked up nearly 140 appearances in all competitions for Sporting despite being just 22 years of age, has apparently entered Johan Lange's radar at Spurs. Tottenham are considering a January move for Inacio, according to The Mail, with Ruben Amorim's left-footed defensive star also attracting interest from north London rivals Arsenal.

Inacio is seen as someone with a "good eye for goal", having scored 11 in total for his club while adding a further eight assists to boot. (Goncalo Inacio stats – Transfermarkt)

Passing

Concentration

The 6 foot 1 ace, according to other reports, would cost around £52 million, his release clause, to prise away from Portugal (A Bola).

Liverpool can go one step closer to reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League this evening with victory over LASK.

As it stands, the Reds need four points from their remaining two matches to guarantee their passage into the round of 16, however, if Union Saint-Galloise manage to grab all three points against Toulouse, their qualification will be confirmed on matchday five.

Whilst the Thursday night jaunts to rogue destinations have supplied Jurgen Klopp with a busy fixture schedule, it has allowed him to heavily rotate his squad and keep competition for places strong.

The German tactician is expected to make wholesale changes once more to the side that salvaged a draw against Manchester City with Harvey Elliott looking poised to replace Dominik Szoboszlai, who has featured off the bench in all three appearances in the competition.

Dominik Szoboszlai's season in numbers

Liverpool's midfield needed an overhaul after looking devoid of energy and dynamism last term, but since Szoboszlai arrived at the club, he's provided Klopp with those attributes and more.

The Hungarian superstar has impressed across so many aspects, from his ball retention to his press resistance and ability to drive forward, possessing every ingredient in his locker to become a world-class midfielder.

Hailed as "incredible" by Liverpool legend John Barnes while drawing comparisons to Steven Gerrard, such praise has been directed towards the youngster because he can do everything on the pitch and that has been reflected across an array of his attacking and defensive metrics this term.

Appearances

13

Shots per game

1.9

Big chances created

5

Key passes

2.2

Accurate passes per game

51.4 (88%)

Expected Assists (xA)

2.95

Balls recovered per game

7.1

All stats via Sofascore

Szoboszlai's importance to the squad shouldn't be understated, as showcased by the table above, with the 22-year-old supplying the third most key passes in the Liverpool squad (2.2), second most big chances created (5) and the most fouls drawn in the box.

Much like Mohamed Salah, however, his minutes are restricted in this competition and that is a blessing to Elliott, who should get his chance to impress Klopp once more this evening.

Why Elliott should start against LASK

If competition for places in Liverpool's midfield wasn't so high, Elliott would be starting every week and that is a testament to how good he is.

At 20 years old, Elliott is maturing into a sensational footballer and although his performances warrant more first-team action in the Premier League, he's used the Europa League as an opportunity to showcase his talents.

Dubbed by Jamie Carragher as "special", the fleet-footed midfielder has thrived in the pocket of space in the right channel, slaloming in between defenders with his exceptional ball control and low centre of gravity.

Across four matches in the competition, he's completed a whopping 75% of his dribbles, which underscores how difficult he is to tackle when the ball is stuck to his foot like glue.

Whilst he is adept at gliding past his opponents, Elliott is also a menace out of possession, utilising his boundless energy to make two tackles, win possession 1.5 times and recover six balls per game.

If the Europa League is a stage, the England under-21 star – who scored twice in the 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland – has certainly performed with Reds bracing themselves for another exceptional display from the talented youngster this evening.

Aston Villa and NSWE are weighing up a 2024 bid for one "beautiful" player after manager Unai Emery's demand to club chiefs.

Villa's form under Emery this season

The Midlands side are currently on a fantastic run of 10 wins from their opening 15 Premier League games, and look sure-fire contenders for Champions League football next season.

Unbeaten in their last four and fresh off the back of a very impressive 1-0 win over league champions Man City in midweek, Emery next faces off against ex-club Arsenal this afternoon.

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The Spaniard will be looking to put a dent in his former side's title hopes when they host the north Londoners at Villa Park, and now more than ever they'll fancy their chances.

Villa's transformation under Emery has been truly remarkable at points. Since sacking former boss Steven Gerrard last October, they've went on a real upward trajectory with qualification for the Conference League and, now, a real shot at finishing in the top four.

NSWE will be keen to maintain their backing of Emery as we approach the January transfer window, having already spent around £80 million in the summer.

Club-record signing Moussa Diaby has impressed with three goals and four assists in 15 league appearances so far, while defender Pau Torres is also earning plenty of admirers for his start to life at Villa.

Heading into next month, it's been reported that Villa want to sign a new winger for Emery.

Villa weighing 2024 Baena bid

One named forward Villa are reportedly interested in signing is Villarreal attacker Alex Baena.

The 22-year-old, who was called up for his Spain nod at international level in September, has been in fine form for the La Liga side this season.

Bagging five assists and a goal over his 13 league starts so far, Baena has also been called a "beautiful technician" by members of the media like journalist Josh Bunting.

90min, sharing an update on NSWE's pursuit of the Spaniard, now claim that a 2024 move for Baena is being considered by Villa after manager Emery previously told the club's hierarchy to target him.

They're aiming to "bulk out their wide options" and it's believed that they could swoop for Baena as soon as January.

Athletic Club's Nico Williams was further up Villa's transfer agenda, but after he committed to a new deal, Villarreal's sensation has become a more viable option for Emery and co.

Gets fouled often

Indirect set-piece threat

Does not dive into tackles

Commits fouls often

His versatility is seen as a real pull, as the young forward can play both through the middle and further out wide.

In the early stages of every FIFA game, now EA FC, users have to slowly build up their Ultimate Team squads.

Collecting silver and bronze cards is where this tends to begin, and you get a feel for some alternative cards that are worth using.

Football FanCast runs you through a starting XI of silver cards that are fun to use and work well in-game on EA FC 24.

Jason Steele Goalkeeper, Brighton

The Premier League is the location for our goalkeeper and in particular, the south coast.

Jason Steele was hugely impressive last season, displacing Robert Sanchez in between the Brighton & Hove Albion sticks.

This time around, the Englishman has interchanged with Bart Verbruggen in Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

In terms of EA FC, Steele is a 71-rated rare silver card.

75 kicking and 72 positioning are his standout stats on the front of his Ultimate Team item, which won’t necessarily blow you away, but his reflexes feel much higher than a 71 when playing with him.

Ruan Right-back, D.C. United

Oue right-back choice takes us to MLS, with Ruan, who currently plays for D.C. United.

Ruan is pretty nifty on the flank with his 92 pace, though it has to be said that 55 defending for a defender isn’t particularly inspiring. However, he has the recovery speed to make up for it and works just as well as a RWB or even a RM.

Ruan enjoyed a few good years at Orlando City, winning the US Open Cup there before leaving to ply his trade in the capital.

Elisabeth Tse Centre-back, Havre AC

The addition of female players into Ultimate Team has been one of the major changes moving into the EA FC era. Being able to play with players from leagues such as the WSL and NWSL is really refreshing and much-needed.

Elisabeth Tse is a Canadian centre-back and is just 20 years old who plays their football for Le Havre in the French top flight.

Speed at the back is always important whether you want to admit it or not, so 65 pace for a silver defender isn't too shabby. Other notable stats include 80 jumping and 78 strength, which contribute towards Tse’s 71 overall physicality.

Some players can feel clunky in-game but Tse is the opposite, as both on and off the ball, everything is smooth with her in the team at the heart of defence.

Mamadou Fall Centre-back, FC Barcelona

Elisabeth Tse’s centre-back partner in this team is just slightly quicker with 68 pace, while Mamadou Fall's sprint speed being his superior stat ahead of acceleration.

Mamadou Fall of FC Barcelona is the man in question, and similarly, his jumping and strength stats tower over the rest with 82 and 78 respectively.

Fall made just 42 appearances in Major League Soccer with LAFC before earning a high-profile move to the La Liga giants.

The Senegalese defender, who is part of the Barca Atletic squad, can also play at right-back which is a huge plus, and at 6 foot 2, he is a force to be reckoned with in both boxes.

Bali Mumba Left-back, Plymouth Argyle

Bali Mumba has been a revelation since he first arrived at Plymouth Argyle – with his successful spell on loan from Norwich City earning him a permanent move to Home Park.

84 pace and 71 dribbling are a solid pair of stats, but it is his 93 balance that comes to the fore when you set off on a mazy Mumba dribble.

He beats players with ease even in this higher division, following Argyle’s title win last term, and this is represented in the game.

Not only can Mumba play in a variety of positions on UT, but he also has 3-star skill moves and a 5-star weak foot. The latter is particularly evident as when you do drive up the field with the Argyle man, he can weave left and right.

High work rate in attack and defence put the icing on the cake.

Appearances

68

Goals

8

Assists

12

Hernani Right-midfielder, Rio Ave

This isn’t the first or last mention of the fact that pace is integral to success on EA FC.

Some people may not want to admit that, with the ability to outperform and out-dribble players being more rewarding, but that is just the way it works.

A right-flank of Ruan and Rio Ave's Hernani with his 89 pace makes them a lethal duo and it is certainly his speed which stands out.

The Portuguese wide-man has slightly underwhelming shooting stats, but he can dribble well and has 5-star skill moves.

He is great fun to use and the end product can be put on the shoulders of those around him.

Jose Cifuentes Centre-midfielder, Rangers

Jose Cifuentes made the move to Rangers from LAFC, where his final act in the US was to help win them the MLS Cup – with Gareth Bale’s last-gasp goal taking the game to penalties before the side proceeded to emerge victorious on spot-kicks.

Cifuentes is the first of our two mobile midfielders and there is a lot to like across the board when it comes to his statistical breakdown.

Stats go from amber to green on the traffic light system when they surpass 70, and he has shot power, balance, ball control, dribbling, defensive awareness, strength and stamina all in this ballpark.

On top of his wide range of green stats, Cifuentes has 70 agility and composure.

With 3-star skill moves and a 4-star weak foot, there is a lot to like about this Ultimate Team card on EA FC, even if one drawback is that he can’t be used in any position other than CM.

Warren Zaire-Emery Centre-midfielder, Paris SG

Unlike Cifuentes, Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery has the ability to be deployed as a CDM in addition to his default position of CM.

There has been a large cultural shift in the French capital in the past year or so, with Neymar and Lionel Messi departing and being replaced by less high-profile players in comparison to the usual PSG acquisitions of recent times.

Zaire-Emery is benefiting from this shift and despite his tender years, the midfielder has been trusted greatly by Luis Enrique in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

There is no doubt that the 17-year-old will go on to great things, but for the time being, he is a 74-rated rare silver card with a lot to like about it.

No stats of Zaire-Emery’s jump off the page exactly, but he is a very well-rounded player both on EA FC and in real life.

76 sprint speed, 75 vision, 77 short passing, 76 ball control and 75 composure are amongst his higher numbers.

Appearances

47

Goals

4

Assists

5

Gio Queiroz Left-midfielder, Arsenal

Returning to England now, but the destination this time is the Women’s Super League.

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal have a lot of talented players in the wide areas, whether it be Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe or Beth Mead.

Gio Queiroz was just a teenager when she arrived in north London and spent last season on loan at Everton.

This time around, the Brazilian has remained a Gunner for the campaign and may yet leave on loan again in the new year, though she remains a very bright prospect indeed.

In terms of EA FC, Queiroz can play at LM, LW, RW or even ST.

Also, the Arsenal star has a solid amount of pace with 79 acceleration and 79 sprint speed, not to mention that she also boasts 82 balance and 78 ball control, which play into her dribbling abilities.

When using Queiroz’s card, there is a feeling of gliding across the turf which makes for a much more enjoyable experience in-game.

Artem Dovbyk Striker, Girona

The first of our two forwards to lead the line is Ukrainian Artem Dovbyk.

Dovbyk earned a TOTW card very recently, so who knows how far his stock could rise?

His Girona side won 4-2 away at Osasuna in November and he played a part in the first three goals, assisting two and scoring one.

He also opened the scoring as they won at the home of Barcelona to remain at the La Liga summit.

Dovbyk’s player-of-the-match display against Osasuna was recognised by EA FC, but that card is 83-rated, so doesn’t fit the bill for this list.

However, his base card is 70-rated and a combination of 74 pace and the fact that he is 6 foot 1 is certainly enticing.

This makes him a dual threat in the opposition’s box, and when you add 3-star skill moves, a 4-star weak foot, 73 shot power and 85 jumping into the equation, success can easily be had there.

Leeds United will hope they can start 2024 off on the right foot with a convincing win at Elland Road versus Preston North End, shaking off any concerns from an expectant fanbase that the Whites were beginning to falter after two defeats in a row in the Championship.

The 1-0 away defeat to West Bromwich Albion last game saw the West Yorkshire side struggle throughout, only managing one shot on target in the game with the likes of Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto notably underwhelming in attack.

Daniel Farke could well prove to vocal doubters within the Whites fanbase that he is a proactive manager by dropping Gnonto from the Leeds lineup for the Preston clash on Monday, the former FC Zurich winger poor all match against Carlos Corberan's dogged Baggies.

Wilfried Gnonto's game vs West Brom in numbers

Leeds' number 29 was completely anonymous during the 90 minutes in the West Midlands, amassing fewer touches of the ball than stand-in goalkeeper Karl Darlow with a pitiful 32 touches compared to the shot-stopper's 37 as per Sofascore.

Despite barely receiving the ball in the game, the below-par Italian attacker still managed to lose possession seven times as Farke's men collectively accepted their fate come full-time by being way off West Brom's energy and drive.

Long gone now are the days of Gnonto being an exuberant bright spark amongst dark times in the Premier League for Leeds, the 20-year-old in the present now barely able to keep down a first-team spot in the Championship.

Failing to notch up a single on-target effort to test Alex Palmer at the Hawthorns, it was no surprise to see Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth hand out a 5/10 rating to the Italian winger in his post-match thoughts – describing the 5 foot 7 forward's performance as "wasteful."

This wasn't just a one-off poor display from the youngster however, with Leeds now at peace with the possibility of Gnonto moving on this transfer window rather than continuing to be stubborn at holding onto him.

Wilfried Gnonto's season in numbers

Gnonto was a wantaway figure this summer, the West Yorkshire giants resigned to losing their top talent in the off-season with Everton reportedly interested in his services.

Now, with just two goal contributions from 18 appearances after knuckling down to stick around, Farke's men could well now try to actively offload their underperforming dud with the transfer window back open according to Football Insider.

Amassing an average of just 27.5 touches per game this season when on the pitch, figures in the Leeds camp such as Daniel James have benefitted majorly from Gnonto's drop-off in form with the Welshman making the right wing spot his own as a result.

James is now Farke's dependable choice on the flank over the diminutive number 29, the revitalised speedster helping himself to an impressive seven goals and four assists this season so far.

It's a no-brainer for the German boss to reinstate James to the starting eleven for the home game versus Preston, with Gnonto in danger of becoming a fringe player at Elland Road if he isn't sold on this month.

Sunderland are thought to be showing an interest in an international defender, who could be available to sign for nothing this month.

Sunderland January plans

The Black Cats are starting to find their feet under Michael Beale following an opening 3-0 defeat to Coventry City. Three games unbeaten and back in the Championship playoff places, attention turns to the FA Cup this weekend against rivals Newcastle United.

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However, Sunderland also have the chance to bring in some new players this month, and Beale has hinted that although discussions are ongoing at the Stadium of Light.

"I think everyone is to-ing and fro-ing a little bit. There have been a lot of discussions going on but nothing concrete as yet so I wouldn't want to put a timeline on it and disappoint, or be accused of pulling the wool over people's eyes if it comes in a bit quicker. At the moment, though, there is nothing imminent."

The likes of Fulham forward Jay Stansfield and Bournemouth striker Kiefer Moore have emerged as targets in recent weeks, however, the club are also looking at defensive additions, which has led them abroad.

Sunderland want to sign Bohdan Mykhaylichenko

Sports Witness relayed a transfer update from Ukrainian reporter Ihor Burbas on left-back Bohdan Mykhaylichenko. He stated that Sunderland are “very interested” in the player, who could join on a free transfer, with current club Dinamo Zagreb willing to allow that to happen.

“I was once again bombarded with messages from Sunderland fans, who are really waiting for Bohdan Mykhaylichenko. Yes, indeed, he can become a partner of Rusyn. I have such information.

“The English [club] are very interested in strengthening the position of the left defender with the Ukrainian, to whom his current club Dinamo are ready to give the status of a free agent. I know that in addition to the Black Cats, there is interest from another Championship club.”

Mykhaylichenko began his career coming through the academy at Dynamo Kiev and has since gone on to turn out for a number of clubs.

Bohdan Mykhaylichenko career stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Dynamo Kyiv

2

0

0

Dinamo Zagreb

15

0

2

Stal Kamyanske

18

0

2

Shakhtar Donetsk

32

2

5

Zorya Lugansk

63

3

4

RSC Anderlecht

51

1

2

Primarily a left-back who can also play as a right-back or as a left midfielder, the Ukraine international has even played in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in recent seasons.

The 26-year-old has been in the media for the wrong reasons during his career, though, with head coach Sergei Jakirovic kicking the player out of the squad after a defeat last year.

"After the defeat against Balkani in Pristina, I decided to kick out Mykhailichenko. The public thinks I did it because of his play, but it's not true because then I would have kicked out 10 other players. If you go into the changing room after the match and the first thing you do is to take off your trousers and take your phone in your hands, you speak lightly… I'm angry about the defeat, half the players are misbehaving. Well, so you're only there physically, but your thoughts are elsewhere, and I think we don't need players like that. I think that they underestimate Dynamo."

The arrival of new boss Mauricio Pochettino and the outlandish spending of Todd Boehly and Co over the summer meant that some Chelsea fans came into the season with a small amount of hope that they might just be able to rebuild after the disaster that was 2022/23.

However, at the halfway point of their Premier League campaign, the Blues find themselves in tenth place, miles off the Champions League places and heading into their League Cup semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough 1-0 down.

Aside from Cole Palmer, it would be hard to call any of their summer transfers successes, and one in particular, Nicolas Jackson, could be set to lose his place as Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez has been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea transfer news – Lautaro Martinez

According to a report from Sports Lens earlier this week, Chelsea are interested in signing Inter's talismanic frontman, Martinez, in 2024.

The report has revealed that Arsenal are another party that have been monitoring the Argentine, and that while the Italian club are looking to tie their star down to a new deal as soon as possible, an offer in the region of £80m-£100m would be enough to turn some heads at the San Siro.

While it would undoubtedly represent another significant investment into the playing squad from Chelsea's ownership group, it would be worth it to sign a striker capable of finishing the impressive number of chances the Blues create – boasting the fourth-highest xG in the division.

How Lautaro Martinez compares to Nicolas Jackson

Martinez has long been looked at as a player who could go on to do great things, and over the last couple of years, he has well and truly established himself as one of Inter's most important players.

This impressive rise is not something that would have surprised talent scout Jacek Kulig, as he once described the 26-year-old as a "mix of Agüero & Falcao".

As a forward, there are few more flattering comparisons than that, as Agüero finished his career with 426 senior goals for club and country, while Falcao – who's still playing – has 307 club goals and 36 international goals to his name.

Jackson might be four years Martinez's junior, but with 168 senior goals to his name already, it is much easier to imagine the former Racing star reaching those levels than it is the Senegalese international.

That said, while comparisons to previous greats can be helpful, how do the pair's underlying numbers stack up to one another?

Well, in almost every meaningful metric, the "complete" Inter star, as described by Jacek Kulig, has his potential new teammate beaten. He scores more goals, takes more shots on target, produces more shot and goal-creating actions and even wins more aerial duels per 90.

Stats per 90

Martinez

Jackson

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.56

0.66

Non-Penalty Goals

0.94

0.43

Shots on Target

1.51

1.24

Goals per Shot on Target

0.63

0.35

Shot-Creating Actions

3.15

2.98

Goal Creating Actions

0.57

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

0.75

1.55

Aerial Duels Won

1.01

0.93

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Jackson only emerges victorious when it comes to successful dribbles, and he has a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, which, while usually a good sign, only proves how profligate he is in front of goal for the Blues.

Poch could end Fofana's Chelsea nightmare by signing £52m "Rolls-Royce"

The 24-year-old could take the injury prone defenders place in the team.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 10, 2024

Ultimately, if Chelsea want to salvage anything from this season, they'll need an elite striker, and there aren't many better than Martinez, so Pochettino should be doing all he can to force a move for his fellow countryman this month.

Having already secured the signature of Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna this month, Celtic have reportedly made their first move to strengthen Brendan Rodgers' attack even further as they seek a third consecutive Scottish Premiership title.

Celtic transfer news

Currently top of the Scottish Premiership by eight points, above Rangers who have two games in hand, the Hoops have the chance to use the January transfer window to all but seal their crown once again. Kuhn's arrival should go a long way in achieving that goal too.

Speaking about the signing of the winger, Rodgers said: "We believe he is a dynamic player who has an excellent level of quality and all the attributes to fit well into our style of play. He has a real attacking intent, a player with great pace and ideas, the ability to create and score goals and a player with a great energy and work ethic."

Celtic could sign new "very good prospect" this month with talks already held

The Hoops could strengthen another position this month…

BySean Markus Clifford Jan 18, 2024

After getting their January business underway, the Bhoys have already turned their attention towards another potential attacking reinforcement. According to GiveMeSport, Celtic have made enquiries about a deal to sign Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United this month. The young forward has struggled for minutes at times this season and could finally earn regular first-team starts at Celtic Park.

Speaking about the potential deal, transfer insider Dean Jones told GiveMeSport: “I guess it'd be a loan move. Gelhardt would be a nice profile player because he seems ready to perform on the right platform. He's got excellent traits that probably need a bit of development now. I'm not surprised that enquiries are being made on both fronts from Rangers or Celtic at this moment in time.

"For a player like Gelhardt, it's probably confidence-boosting to have those conversations happening around you right now. Whether they can come to fruition and turn into a transfer is different, but I don't think it's harming anybody to look at that situation.”

"Excellent" Gelhardt could find form at Celtic

Gelhardt's game-time this season has been few and far between. The young forward has made just eight appearances in all competitions, scoring just once in a campaign to forget so far. In need of a move, Celtic could prove to be the perfect destination. The Scottish Premiership leaders currently have Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line and whilst the Japanese forward will be hard to displace, Gelhardt could provide an ideal backup option for Rodgers.

The Leeds youngster has earned plenty of praise throughout his time at Elland Road, including from teammate Pascal Struijk. The defender said via The Yorkshire Post after his goal in 2022 against Brighton & Hove Albion that Gelhardt set up:

"To be fair I haven’t really seen it but I know he (Gelhardt) chipped it over the defender. He’s really good, really talented on the ball and to find me at the back stick was really good.”