Burnley have “entered the fray” in the race to sign a young midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to a new update regarding the Clarets’ upcoming business.

Burnley preparing for Premier League return

After the joy of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League this season, Scott Parker will know the importance of the club bringing in top-quality players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

In fact, the Burnley manager has gone into some depth as to how he hopes the summer window will pan out, with the club needing to be shrewd in the market:

“We’d like to be, of course. We’ll be searching, we’ll be in the market. At the same time, we’ve got an incredible squad here that has absolutely given me and this football club absolutely everything. We’ll try and be clever, we’ll try and improve where we can improve, but again, we probably won’t really have a clear idea until we actually know what the market is and where the market is for everything.”

The fact that all three promoted sides have gone straight back down to the Championship in the past two Premier League seasons highlights the gulf that now exists between the top flight and the second tier, again highlighting the need for reinforcements at Burnley.

Burnley enter race to sign 18 y/o winger

According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Burnley have “entered the fray” to sign TP Mazembe winger Faveurdi Bongeli this summer.

The 18-year-old is a wanted man currently, with Crystal Palace among those named as possible suitors, and the report states that talks have intensified, albeit not stating which exact clubs are in discussions with him.

Bongeli isn’t yet a household name, considering he is such a young player and isn’t plying his trade in one of Europe’s top leagues, but that’s not to say he won’t be a strong addition for Burnley.

At just 18 years of age, the winger has already won three caps for DR Congo’s Under-20s, ahead of what could be a good international career at senior level, and he has made four appearances for the first team at his current club.

Burnley need to be focusing on both long-term signings and immediate additions in the summer, with Parker knowing that he needs some individuals who can go straight into his squad as proven Premier League footballers.

That said, it is also vital that the Clarets don’t simply focus on the present and ignore young talent, which is where Bongeli coould come into play.

Parker could sign Burnley's next Barnes in swoop for "unique" PL star

Scott Parker could unearth Burnley’s next Ashley Barnes in a move for this Premier League striker.

ByDan Emery May 24, 2025

The teenage attacker clearly wouldn’t be signed as someone who would be in the starting lineup on the opening day of next season, but he could develop into a top player over time, either enjoying time in Burnley’s youth team to begin with, or potentially even heading straight out on loan for a year.

If this is to be the end of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, it would mark a sorry way to go out.

The architect of the club’s surge to the Europa League final, having scored six goals in the knockout stage alone, the Portuguese playmaker couldn’t repeat those heroics on the big stage, having put in a surprisingly muted display in Bilbao.

A defeated captain in a European showpiece for the second time – having led the team out in the absence of Harry Maguire in 2021 – the 30-year-old was far from at his best, epitomised by his two errant passes in the build-up to Brennan Johnson’s crucial strike on Wednesday night.

Speaking after that dismal 1-0 defeat, the United skipper outlined that he would be forced to accept it if the club did decide to cash in on him this summer, with The Telegraph’s James Ducker relaying that Saudi side Al-Hilal are “eager to sign” the midfielder.

As Fernandes admitted himself earlier this year, he had turned down an “offer” from elsewhere before signing a new extension last summer, with it yet to be seen if he will continue to remain the centrepiece of Ruben Amorim’s side.

Should a surprise exit occur or not, it is clear that the Red Devils are in desperate need of more players of his ilk, with that search seemingly already underway.

Man Utd's search for a Bruno Fernandes successor

While things may have been different in Bilbao, Fernandes has stood apart as the major success story of the past decade or so, having registered 98 goals and 86 assists in all competitions in just over five years.

The former Sporting CP star is a real creative spark, particularly when operating as a number ten, with the same perhaps true of departing Lyon starlet, Rayan Cherki, a player whom United know all about following their meeting in the Europa League earlier this year.

According to journalist Patrick Berger, there were even talks held with the player’s representatives following that quarter-final clash, with United said to hold a “strong interest” in the Frenchman.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that the Red Devils are competing with Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old’s signature, with it having already been revealed that Cherki will be leaving the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season.

Reportedly available for around £25m, as per prior reports, the in-demand talent – who is not said to be a “priority target” for Liverpool – could represent a real bargain addition for INEOS this summer.

Why Rayan Cherki could be the next Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes may be the captain of a sinking ship in some regard, but that should not take away too greatly from the remarkable impact he has had over the past five years, often carrying the creative and goalscoring burden on his own at times.

Currently leading the way for goals and assists again at Old Trafford this season, the “creative machine” – as hailed by Manchester City counterpart, Kevin De Bruyne – has so often taken centre-stage. He is a man who relishes the limelight.

That is a quality that Cherki appears to share, with the silky sensation notably netting in fine fashion against Amorim’s men at Old Trafford, having rifled the ball home past a helpless Andre Onana – just a week on from scoring at the death in the first leg.

Described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, the youngster has replicated Fernandes in showcasing his impact both creatively and in getting goals himself, having scored 11 times and contributed 22 assists in 44 games in 202425.

That includes a return of eight goals and 11 assists in the French top-flight, with the United skipper, for instance, recording a similar return of eight goals and nine assists in the Premier League.

Cherki vs Fernandes – 24/25 League stats
Stat (*per game)	Cherki	Fernandes
Games	30	35
Goals	8	8
Goal frequency	257min	367min
Big chances missed	1	10
Assists	11	9
Big chances created	22	15
Key passes*	2.5	2.5
Pass accuracy*	84%	81%
Successful dribbles*	1.6	0.8
Possession lost*	14.5	18.3
Stats via Sofascore

As indicated above, Cherki is also something of a ‘creative machine’ himself, having provided 22 big chances in Ligue 1, alongside averaging 2.5 key passes per game. Fernandes, as shown, averages 2.5 key passes per game in England’s top tier, albeit while creating ‘just’ 15 big chances.

That willingness to make something happen may lead to the odd erratic pass – as their possession lost record illustrates – but the two men both share that ability to unlock a defence with a moment of magic, or turn a game in an instant.

It is for no reason that teammate and ex-Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has hailed Cherki as the “best natural talent” he’s ever seen, while going on to describe the forward as a “wizard on the ball”.

Much like Fernandes has done for so long, United are in need of someone else to conjure up some magic in Manchester. The Lyon diamond certainly seems to fit the bill.

The new Van Nistelrooy: Man Utd make approach for £55m Delap alternative

Man Utd are desperate to sign a new centre-forward this summer, with Liam Delap just one target to have emerged.

By
Robbie Walls

May 20, 2025

Everton are believed to have entered the race to complete the signing of a relegated Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Moyes pushing for new Everton signings

The Blues continue to be linked with new signings on a daily basis, with David Moyes knowing the importance of bringing guaranteed quality to the club this summer. One such figure is reportedly Fenerbahce ace Oguz Aydin, with the 24-year-old winger enjoying a strong 2024/25 season with the Turkish giants, bagging 10 goal contributions (seven goals and three assists) in 18 Super Lig starts.

VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade has emerged as arguably one of Everton’s more exciting rumoured transfer targets, especially as the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are also eyeing him up. A tally of 12 goals in 17 Bundesliga starts in 2024/25 sums up why he is such a sought-after attacking player, having recently broken into the Germany set-up.

Jarrad Branthwaite isn’t guaranteed to remain a Blues player beyond the summer window, so a top-quality replacement needs to be looked at, and Burnley’s Maxime Esteve has been talked about as a potential successor. He enjoyed a fantastic campaign with the Clarets, playing a huge part in them conceding just 16 goals in their 46 Championship matches.

Everton enter race to sign Premier League defender

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Everton are interested in signing Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters ahead of next season. The Blues are “among the clubs joining the race” to snap up the 28-year-old, who will no doubt be keen to stay in the Premier League, following Saints’ relegation to the Championship. West Ham and Fulham are named as suitors, too.

Walker-Peters looks like an ideal option for Everton this summer, with the Englishman now a proven Premier League player who can thrive as both a right-back and a left-back. He would come straight in as a key starter, replacing Ashley Young, and it would be a surprise if he looked out of his depth, having matured into such a reliable performer, being lauded by journalist Adam Blackmore in the past.

“I wonder how important he’s become. You look at what happened in the summer [rumoured transfer interest] and you just wonder by the end of the season how important keeping him will have been. He’s such an integral part of what they’re doing. It’s almost like the team is built around him to get the most out of him.”

At 28, Walker-Peters isn’t past his best, so there wouldn’t be that risk with Everton signing him, and there is no reason why he can’t be an important player for Moyes for the next four or five years.

Better than Delap: Everton make approach for "menacing" £34m CF

David Moyes wants to sign a new centre-forward at Everton this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 6, 2025

He now has 148 Premier League appearances to his name, not to mention two caps for England, so it is difficult to see many negatives to the Blues securing his services.

Preparing to spend big once again this summer, INEOS are now preparing to offer £13m-a-year in contract negotiations with one of their summer targets in the hope of luring him to Manchester United.

INEOS spending big despite financial cuts

Across the last 12 months, a lot has been made about Manchester United’s financial situation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reiterated that any job cuts or attempt to lower the Red Devils’ budget off the pitch have been necessary for the club to maintain itself. And after Manchester United missed out on Champions League qualification by losing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, more staff were informed about their redundancy.

Related Man Utd want Premier League target man to play up front with Mbeumo and Cunha

The Red Devils have already signed Cunha and submitted a bid for Mbeumo.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

It was always difficult to guess just how Manchester United would spend this summer. The redundancies and lack of Champions League football, or European football at all for that matter, suggested that they would need to sell big before they even consider spending.

Yet, in one of the earliest deals of the window, INEOS have already spent big to trigger Matheus Cunha’s £63m release clause and reports have since arrived which give a glimpse as to how the Manchester club have already spent such an impressive fee.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell revealed, Manchester United’s revenue is up and their wage bill is down from what it was, with Ratcliffe’s ruthless redundancies contributing to that.

It means that, even after Cunha, those at Old Trafford still have room to spend and have already set their sights on their next target to do exactly that in the coming weeks.

INEOS preparing stunning £13m-a-year Mbeumo offer

According to The Mirror, INEOS are now preparing to offer Bryan Mbeumo a contract worth £13m-a-year to join Manchester United this summer in what would be five times more than the £50,000-a-week he currently earns at Brentford.

What’s more, Ratcliffe and co. are also reportedly preparing to table a £60m offer to convince Brentford to sell their star man this summer – taking their spend to £123m in the space of just a few weeks.

Mbeumo only wants Manchester United, who are set to offer him a staggering £250,000-a-week to complete a summer switch. Whether the forward is worth such a price is the big question and one that many will disagree on.

Man Utd’s highest earners with Mbeumo

Salary P/W

Casemiro

£350,000

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

Mason Mount

£250,000

Bryan Mbeumo

£250,000

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

Whilst some may disagree with Manchester United’s reported decision, the stats don’t lie. The Brentford forward hit the 20-goal mark last season and that alone should be enough to put him amongst the Red Devils’ highest earners.

Dubbed “incredible” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season, Mbeumo looks destined to become Manchester United’s second big-money signing of the summer.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton future is still unresolved, but that saga will have no bearing on David Moyes’ pursuit of a new centre-forward to take to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Moyes took the reins from the beleaguered Sean Dyche in January and steered Everton toward a comfortable 13th-place finish, bagging 48 points.

But scoring goals has always been the crux of Everton’s wider problems, and that’s where the Toffees boss wants to make improvements this summer.

Everton approach club for new striker

According to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, Villarreal’s Thierno Barry has been added to Everton’s shortlist, with the Toffees believed to have made an approach after asking about his situation.

Transfer Focus

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

This comes amid the Merseysiders missing out on Liam Delap, who has signed for Chelsea in a £30m deal.

Barry, meanwhile, has club-hopped for two successive years and could be on the move once again, with a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract.

However, the Yellow Submarine are keen to keep hold of their man. That said, The Friedkin Group were willing to green-light a move for Delap, and could now turn to Barry instead, with Villarreal sure to evaluate offers if their clause is indeed met.

What Thierno Barry would bring to Everton

Standing at 6 foot 4, Barry is a tall and powerful frontman whose efforts over the past several years have spoke of incremental progress.

Hailed for his “menacing” profile by talent scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old Barry appears to be the perfect kind of player for a Moyes system, having won 5.1 duels per La Liga game this term, as per Sofascore.

Indeed, FBref record Barry to rank among the top 1% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues this season for percentage of aerial battles won (67.3%) per 90, furthering the argument that he’s the man for the job.

He’s not quite so progressive a ball carrier as Delap, who ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, but he’s every bit as brutish a talisman.

24/25 – Villarreal

35

11

4

24/25 – Basel

3

5

0

22/23 – Basel

35

9

5

22/23 – Beveren

31

20

4

Barry began life on the senior stage prolifically indeed, although his term with Beveren was contested in the second tier of Belgian football. In any case, he’s showcased an exciting growth that could now be translated to life in the Premier League.

Delap, similarly, landed when making the big jump, having enjoyed a decent breakthrough campaign in the Championship with Hull City last year, scoring eight goals and adding two assists across 31 games for the Tigers.

However, he’s only gone from strength to strength across the past year, unable to prevent Ipswich Town’s relegation but impressing with a 12-goal return across 32 starts.

Barry, with his strength and confidence, might just prove to follow in Delap’s footsteps, even becoming a better version of the English talent. The Frenchman has a higher release clause, after all, while his 20 league goal involvements for 2024/25 ranked him ahead of Delap’s own return of 14.

There would be an element of risk in bringing a young and unproven talent over to Merseyside, but Everton appear to have turned a corner over the past six months, and if Moyes gets this one right, it could make the Toffees faithful forget all about Delap.

Perfect Branthwaite replacement: Everton considering bid to sign £30m star

Everton could lose Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, but appear to have the perfect replacement lined up.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 5, 2025

With rumours continuing to arrive around Bruno Fernandes’ future, INEOS are now reportedly readying a big-money move to sign a £67m star who could eventually succeed their captain at Manchester United this summer.

Bruno Fernandes concern still lurking

Where Manchester United would be without Fernandes is a scary thought, given that with their captain they’ve fallen as low as 16th in the Premier League. But it’s a reality that they may be forced to live out this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

In a squad full of struggling players, it is Fernandes who has been at the centre of anything good during Ruben Amorim’s six-month stint. Even as those around him have struggled, the Portugal international has managed a stunning 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions. Take those 38 goal involvements away and the worst-case scenario would become all too realistic for the Red Devils.

With that said, Amorim has made his stance as clear as anything when it comes to Fernandes’ potential departure, recently telling reporters: “Our idea didn’t change. We want to keep the best players – and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world. We want Bruno here.

Amorim now personally driving Man Utd move to sign £80m+ Carrick-esque star

Amorim is reportedly a huge fan.

ByTom Cunningham May 15, 2025

“It is easy to understand [his importance] – not just because of the numbers but the way he plays and the importance he has during his five years here. It’s normal a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno. He is a leader and he’s the captain, so he’s really important. He is a top player, we need top players.”

Man Utd readying Sancet move

Amorim’s stance has not stopped those at Old Trafford from preparing for the worst, however. According to reports in Spain, INEOS are now readying a big-money move to sign Oihan Sancet, who has a release clause worth as much as €80m (£67m) at Athletic Bilbao. The deal, therefore, certainly wouldn’t come cheap, but Sancet’s talent is undeniable nonetheless.

Starts

18

33

Goals

15

8

Assists

1

9

Key Passes

19

88

With 15 goals to his name in just 18 La Liga starts this season, Sancet is one of few box-crashing midfielders who could replace Fernandes’ goalscoring touch at Old Trafford, albeit whilst lacking the same creative output.

Amorim’s system could be a perfect fit for the Bilbao star too, with his 3-4-2-1 system operating with two No.10 roles. Sancet would, of course, seamlessly slot into one of those roles, but it’s hard not to imagine the partnership that Manchester United could form if they sign the Spaniard and keep hold of Fernandes this summer.

Dubbed “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Sancet could finally find his place in the spotlight by completing a move to Old Trafford in the coming months.

Arsenal have asked about signing an “important” Real Madrid player amid their reliably reported talks for Brazil international Rodrygo, but negotiations over the latter are proving far from straightforward.

Rodrygo to Arsenal talks stall due to wage demands

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a very reliable source when it comes to transfer news, Arsenal have been in discussions with all parties over a summer deal for the 24-year-old.

Arsenal offer "game-changer" a five-year contract worth nearly £30m to join

The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.

ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Rodrygo bagged 13 goals and 10 assists over 50 total appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2024/2025, but his future at the Bernabeu is far from certain amid Arsenal’s serious interest.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

It’s been reported that the South American is dissatisfied with his role in the squad, as he wants to be used in his preferred role on the left-hand-side rather than on the right, which is where he’s been forced to play due to the presence of Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé (Ben Jacobs).

Sensing an opportunity, sporting director Andrea Berta commenced work to potentially tempt Rodrygo with a north London move, amid the club’s serious pursuit of a new winger who could provide further cutting edge in the final third.

However, since beginning talks, the transfer has hit a snag due to Rodrygo’s salary demands, prompting Berta to look at alternatives like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international isn’t Berta’s only different option for the wide area, though, with another Real Madrid star under consideration at the Emirates.

Arsenal ask about conditions for Arda Guler deal

That man is Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who started Real’s last six La Liga games of the season and gradually became a more imperative player for Ancelotti during the latter stages of 24/25.

The 20-year-old bagged five goals and nine assists in 42 total appearances by the end of Ancelotti’s final campaign in charge, with the Italian branding him an “important” player in the squad.

Ancelotti also tipped the versatile forward to have a big future at the Bernabeu, leaving little surprise he’s on Berta’s shortlist of attacking targets for Arsenal.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports for The Boot Room that Arsenal have asked about the conditions of a deal for Guler. Whether they’ve approached Real themselves or the player’s agents isn’t exactly stated, but it is believed Los Blancos won’t sell him under “any circumstances” this summer.

Other forwards attracting Berta’s attention come in the form of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus, as per TBR, with Arsenal seemingly in hot pursuit of a star new wide player.

Arsenal are on the lookout for promising talent this summer and could now beat Liverpool and Chelsea to one of Europe’s top young talents, according to a report.

Arsenal look to kickstart a summer of note

The Gunners have aspirations of claiming Premier League glory after coming close in years gone by and a big few months is expected by all involved at the Emirates to shift the balance of power that Liverpool currently hold.

Mikel Arteta previously promised a high turnover of players at Arsenal, stating earlier this year: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it. The way we planned the first five summers, they were going to be very big, and they were going to have different objectives.

“There were a lot of players with three, four or five-year contracts. So the turnaround of the squad and how you visualise the next five years was very dependent on that.”

Jakub Kiwior and Aleksandr Zinchencko could leave Arsenal to help create room for new blood in North London. A few others may join them, but who has been lined up to sign on the dotted line at the Emirates Stadium?

Understandably, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is the Gunners’ main target to strengthen their forward line following his return of 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions, though he isn’t the only high-profile name linked with a move elsewhere this summer.

He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"

Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 15, 2025

Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens could also be on his way to Arsenal if they can see off competition from Chelsea for his signature.

In a crowded market where deals are there to be done, Arteta may have designs on showing their London rivals who the boss is on more than one occasion.

Arsenal readying bid to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato

According to TBR, Arsenal are now readying a bid to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after holding talks with the Eredivisie giants over a move for the Netherlands international.

Valued at around £40 million, the Rotterdam-born man is also the subject of interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, with the former also taking part in discussions to bring him to West London.

Jorrel Hato’s strong campaign for Ajax in 2024/25 – Eerdivisie (Fotmob)

Tackles won

36

Chances created

18

Long ball accuracy

60%

Duels won

128

Aerial duels won

51

However, he sees the Emirates as an ideal destination to continue his development and is viewed as someone who would fit Arteta’s philosophy ‘perfectly’ over the coming years.

Labelled “fantastic” by Jordan Henderson,, the 19-year-old has been followed by the Gunners over the last four years and the fact that Kieran Tierney has went back to Celtic alongside potential exits for Zinchenko and Kiwior has made the pursuit come to life.

Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly remain as potential left-back options, but Hato would definitely take Arsenal closer to where they need to be if all parties can come to an agreement.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted an opening bid for a defender who “never puts a foot wrong”, but there could be competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Wolves looking to kick on under Pereira

Vitor Pereira’s arrival last season marked a change in fortunes for Wolves, with the manager overseeing a major improvement in results, which meant relegation fears were quashed way before the business end of the season.

Pereira has stated he wants to “do better” next season, however, which means some new arrivals may be needed this summer, particularly with Matheus Cunha on his way to Manchester United, and there have been suggestions Nelson Semedo could follow the forward to Old Trafford.

Quite rightly, the manager may also be keen to strengthen his backline this summer, given that the Old Gold conceded the most goals of any side not to be relegated from the Premier League last season.

Club	Final position	Goals conceded
Tottenham Hotspur	17th	65
Wolves	16th	69
Manchester United	15th	54
West Ham United	14th	62

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Wolves have now made an offer for Lazio defender Mario Gila, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen.

Lazio’s failure to qualify for Europe could have a big impact on their summer transfer window, and there is now growing interest in Gila, with the Italian club looking to hold out for a fee of €50m (£42m) for his services.

However, the Old Gold only appear to be willing to fork out €35m (£29m) for the centre-back’s signature, so the two clubs remain some way apart at the moment, and he is thought to be keen on playing for a top club next season.

Wolves can sign their new Raul Jimenez with "extraordinary" £29m star

Wolves will need to replace Matheus Cunha this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 25, 2025

Gila "never puts a foot wrong" in defence

Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was full of praise for the Spanish defender upon signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”

The Barcelona-born defender has since emerged as a key player for Lazio, making 32 Serie A appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, and CBS’ Matteo Bonetti believes he could be in line for a move to a top club due to his “unique” profile.

As such, Gila could be a real coup for Wolves, but given that European football will not be on offer next season, it would be a surprise to see him move to Molineux.

Enzo Maresca leads his Chelsea team at the Club World Cup in the USA over the next few weeks, but he will still be aiming to bolster his squad.

Date

Opponent

Venue

Monday, June 16

Los Angeles FC

Mercedes-Benz stadium

Friday, June 20

Flamengo

Lincoln Financial Field

Tuesday, June 24

Esperance

Lincoln Financial Field

Indeed, several players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge of late, notably Hugo Ekitiké. The French striker is wanted by several clubs, and now Manchester United have entered the race.

Benfica defender Tomas Araujo is another player that the Blues have targeted this week. He did sign a new contract until 2029 with the Portuguese side, and it has a release clause of €80m (£68m) inserted.

Jamie Gittens is the one target whom the club appear to be prioritising of late, although they might need to wait until the Club World Cup ends to get their man.

Chelsea keen on signing Jamie Gittens

The Blues had an initial bid rejected for the English teenager before making a €50m (£42m) offer, yet this was also rejected by Borussia Dortmund.

Maresca is now preparing a new offer to sign the English talent, who is worth €50m (£42m) according to Transfermarkt.

Across his senior career with Dortmund, the 20-year-old has already played over 100 times, registering 31 goal contributions in the process.

In terms of potential, Gittens is one of the most talented young wingers in Europe, given his goal contributions at such a young age. Should he make the move to Stamford Bridge, he would build on his experience gained in the Bundesliga.

Regarding young talent, Chelsea have a player in their squad who is worth more than double that of Gittens, and he could go right to the very top.

Chelsea have struck gold on Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer was signed for just £40m in 2023. Let that sink in for a moment. Across his two seasons with Chelsea, the Englishman has scored 40 goals and registered 27 assists in just 91 matches for the Blues.

Remarkably, this counts as a goal contribution every 1.3 games, and there is no denying that £40m has turned out to be a sublime bargain for the London side.

He was widely praised by Maresa following a victory against Tottenham last season, describing the former Manchester City starlet as “one of the best” players in the Premier League.

When compared to his peers in the top flight last term, Palmer ranked in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (5.7), in the top 9% for progressive passes (6.04), and in the top 3% for expected goals (0.49) per 90.

One of the best indeed. The best thing is, Palmer will only continue to get better and better as time goes on.

Palmer’s stunning rise is evidenced by his market value shooting up in the previous 12 months. According to Transfermarkt, the English midfielder is now worth a staggering €120m (£102m), and it looks like it will continue to soar.

While Gittens may be the next big thing to come from Dortmund, Chelsea have struck gold with their own English talent. Especially considering he is worth over double what the 20-year-old is valued at.

Chelsea "exploring conditions" of deal for £34m Hugo Ekitike alternative

The west Londoners have their eyes on a different striker.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025