Tag Futebol

Every month, GOAL brings you the top stories involving teenage wonderkids and the world's best young footballers. During September, there was plenty to be said about the likes of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, but there were also plenty of other headlines made by the planet's emerging stars in both the men's and women's games.

At GOAL, we try to pride ourselves on our knowledge of football's next best superstars. For a decade, we have run the rule over top talent with annual NXGN lists, detailing the top 50 men's and top 25 women's wonderkids you need to be hearing about. The new holder of the Ballon d'Or, Ousmane Dembele, was once featured, as were the likes of Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Lauren James and Alyssa Thompson.

Fast forwarding to the modern day, we will be reviewing how the prodigies of 2025-26 have done in our new NXGN Monthly column, diving into the latest happenings for the latest sensations, where their journeys are heading and more.

• AFP
  

  Yamal's busy month ends in impactful return

  Well, this has been quite the month for you hasn't it, Lamine? There's rarely been a dull moment in Yamal's career ever since he broke into the Barcelona first team as a 16-year-old, but this September might have been the most headline-grabbing time of all.

  Yamal began the month on international duty with Spain, supplying three assists across two games as La Roja ripped through Bulgaria and Turkiye with 3-0 and 6-0 wins respectively. So far, so good, but that's when a club-vs-country row broke out, as it was soon revealed that the winger had aggravated a groin problem on Spain's watch, with head coach Luis de la Fuente choosing to keep him in the line of fire despite cruising to two victories. Reports claimed their medical staff even gave Yamal a spinal injection in order to ease the pain, even with his own concerns about playing. This has resulted in a fiery feud, one which is still ongoing, between the Spanish FA and Barcelona.

  After sitting out four Barca matches, Yamal made his return from the bench in Sunday's 2-1 triumph against Real Sociedad, coming on and grabbing the winning assist within a minute of stepping back onto the pitch. La Real boss Sergio Francisco said in his post-match press conference: "Lamine's presence on the pitch alone is a threat. It is so difficult to stop him, even bringing on fresh players from the bench to defend him. It's great to watch him play. He showed again that he is most likely the best in the world. His introduction off the bench decided the game."

  For most of the watching world though, Yamal's standout moment from September was his night at the Ballon d'Or gala. He was up early on stage to collect the Kopa Trophy for the second year in succession, becoming the first player to win the under-21 award back-to-back, though he finished second to Ousmane Dembele when it came to the Golden Ball, with results showing it wasn't as close run a contest as previously expected.

  Though often painted as a petulant and immature character (give the lad a break, he's only 18), Yamal received praise for his statement post-ceremony, taking to Instagram to write: "God's plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa trophy x2 and congratulate @o.dembele7 for the award and the great season." 

  Back at Barca, head coach Hansi Flick is excited to see what comes next for his talismanic forward, commenting: "He's doing well, motivated for the coming years. And there's Dembele, who deserved it. He accepted it well and is motivated to prove his worth and, perhaps, have a chance for next season. He's very close to returning. And from what I've seen, he seems to be doing well."

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  Mastantuono breaks Real Madrid records thanks to Galactico 'gene'

  A couple of months ago, Argentine attacker Franco Mastantuono made a decision which will impact the rest of his career and his life. It appeared as though he was joining European champions Paris Saint-Germain amid their sweep to collect the world's premier talents. Then Real Madrid came calling. Now, the 18-year-old is a popular Galactico in the Spanish capital.

  There was hope that this would be a transitional season at best for Mastantuono given the huge step up from River Plate, but so far he's looked right at home and not at all burdened by the famously heavy white shirt of Los Blancos. He is already their youngest-ever Champions League debutant and third-youngest foreign player to feature for the first team at all, though these haven't been token gestures from manager Xabi Alonso – Mastantuono is genuinely worthy of a place at Madrid already.

  "Franco has a lot going for him. He's only 18 years old. The adaptation has been very good," Alonso recently proclaimed. "I love how competitive he is. He has a lot of energy. Then we have to get him in order. But that competitive gene is fundamental to our team. We're going to enjoy it."

  "I'm happy things are going well for him and happy to have a close friend from Argentina. It's good to share training sessions and conversations with him. He's like a little brother to me," Madrid stalwart Federico Valverde said midway through September. "I'm going to try to support him and tell him that he'll always have many more opportunities with this badge, that he'll have thousands of chances to score, that he'll score thousands of goals and win millions of titles. Let him continue enjoying what he plays at the Bernabeu, because not everyone can play there."

  Mastantuono scored his first goal for Madrid in their 4-1 hammering of Levante, feigning cutting inside onto his stronger left foot before taking a step in the other direction and firing into the top of the net with his right. The team's recently exposed defensive fragilities have little to do with Mastantuono, who is already building fruitful on-pitch partnerships with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, while he's also spoken of his desire to link up with Jude Bellingham upon the midfielder's return from injury.

  "Incredible player! If we can play with 12, even better! Bellingham is incredible, incredible," Mastantuono lauded. "A player who impressed me, a wonderful person, and a unique footballer. Honestly, I've never seen a player like him: such hierarchy, presence on the pitch. I hope he can play as soon as possible, because he'll help us a lot…he has a presence and a level of authority I've never seen before. His calmness and determination make him a different kind of player."

  There was also much for Mastantuono to shout about at international level too, becoming the youngest player in Argentine history to don La Albiceleste's No.10 shirt, smashing Diego Maradona's record and stepping into the shoes of Lionel Messi for the world champions in their 1-0 defeat at Ecuador.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Leoni's dream Liverpool debut ends in disaster

  Liverpool's inability to finalise the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day is a plot point which may well go on to define their season. It was also an opportunity for summer arrival Giovanni Leoni to be fast-tracked into first-team action, though it's a window that has been firmly slammed shut by a terrible injury.

  Leoni, standing at 6'5" and boasting every inch of presence that ought to come with that, enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 at Serie A side Parma so prominent that he was called into the Italy senior side for their September internationals. The 18-year-old followed this up with a debut for the Reds in their 2-1 Carabao Cup win at home to Southampton, during which he more than showed his credentials for further minutes in Arne Slot's team. He was by and large one of their most impressive performers on a night where several experienced players shrunk. Could Liverpool throw Leoni into more high-pressure matches and see if he's ready to partner his idol, Virgil van Dijk?

  Then came the brutal blow. Leoni tore his ACL during the closing stages and looked distraught as he was taken back down the Anfield tunnel. Slot confirmed the news worst feared in the following days. "He is not in a good place because he tore his ACL which means he will be out around a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game, it's very hard to take the positives. There is never a positive side but you try to look at that and that is that he is still so young and he has so many years still go to after he recovers from a terrible injury."

  However, though the situation may look bleak for Leoni at the moment, Slot did go on to say that the youngster is in the best place possible to bounce back due to his elder team-mates having to recover from similar adversity. The Dutchman continued: "We have some examples with Virgil and Joe [Gomez] and a lot examples all over the world [of players coming back better]. It hurts more if you are closer to retirement but it's far from ideal. The surgeons and the rehab people are important but it's nice if you can do this with players around who have lived through this and they can give the right energy in the right moments. Our players have shown plenty of compassion for him and they will not stop."

  Taking to social media, Leoni himself has said: "I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment. It wasn't the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!"

  This may be the last time Leoni features on NXGN Monthly for a while, but we're looking forward to his eventual return and rise.

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  Tottenham's 'monster' Vuskovic impresses on Hamburg loan

  Around this time last year, centre-back Luka Vuskovic was inducted into the NXGN roll of honour amid a scoring splurge at Belgian Pro League side Westerlo. Twelve months on, he's making waves in Germany with Hamburg.

  The Croatian agreed to join Tottenham from Hajduk Split back in 2023 amid interest from Manchester City and PSG, though was only able to join up with Spurs this summer after turning 18. He enjoyed some delightfully dominant pre-season minutes under Thomas Frank's watchful eye before the decision was made to loan him out in order to get valuable first-team experience. The club who stepped forth were Hamburg, where his elder brother Mario played before being dealt a doping ban, which has led to the northern German city being overrun with '#FreeVuskovic' stickers and sentiments.

  Vuskovic Jr made his HSV debut in a chastening 5-0 defeat to Harry Kane's Bayern Munich, though the defender himself was not blamed for the scoreline or the team's generally poor performance. That's why it wasn't so surprising that he reacted in style a week later, scoring the opener in a 2-1 win against Heidenheim on his first home appearance. A commanding display in a 0-0 draw with Union Berlin followed.

  "He's a monster, for sure," team-mate Miro Muheim said after the stalemate with Union. "I don't think he lost a single header. He's doing a great job. The boy is a superb footballer and is helping us tremendously. Goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes added: "When you see Luka, how he always went for headers as a flexible player. That was something you need in games like this. This aerial dominance he has, this presence. It's simply something that’s good for us."

  Union's frustration was best expressed by their assistant manager Sebastian Bonig, who emphatically said: "Vuskovic simply won a lot of headers. That also meant we couldn't get into our game." To be more precise, he won nine headers and 19 duels, more than any other player on the pitch, and this led to the christening him as 'Air Vuskovic'.

كشف معتصم سالم، المدرب العام لنادي بيراميدز، حقيقة ما يتردد عن انتقال لاعب الفريق السابق إبراهيم عادل المنضم إلى الجزيرة الإماراتي في الصيف الماضي، إلى صفوف الأهلي المصري.

وقال سالم خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “لعبة والتانية” المذاع على راديو ميجا إف إم: “الحديث عن انتقال إبراهيم عادل للنادي الأهلي سابق لآوانه، أعلم أنه لديه طموح في الاحتراف في أوروبا، وهو ما زال صغير السن ويُمكن أن يُحقق ذلك”.

وأضاف: “إبراهيم واحد من المواهب المميزة في الكرة المصرية بشكل عام، وفي بيراميدز بشكل خاص، انتقاله إلى الجزيرة الإماراتي بالتأكيد أثر على الفريق، إيفرتون دا سيلفا لاعب جيد جدًا، لكنه لم يسد الفراغ الذي تركه إبراهيم عادل”.

طالع.. فيديو | مباراة شهدت 7 أهداف.. الأهلي يهزم بيراميدز في مواجهة مثيرة بدوري الجمهورية 2005

وعن الفوز بكأس السوبر الإفريقي، أوضح: “الفوز جاء عن جدارة، طموح لاعبي بيراميدز هو الوصول لأبعد مدى والتتويج بكل البطولات، عانينا السنوات الماضية من سوق التوفيق ولكن في النهاية ربنا وفقنا”.

وأكمل: “بالتأكيد نستهدف تكوين قاعدة جماهيرية لـ بيراميدز، ولكن هذا الأمر يحتاج إلى وقت ربما سنوات، نسعى للفوز ببطولة الدوري، ونغير نظرية أن البطولة لا تخرج عن الأهلي أو الزمالك، كثرة المباريات والبطولات التي نشارك فيها قد تُصعب مهمتنا، ولكن يبقى الفوز بالدوري هدفًا رئيسيًا لنا هذا الموسم”.

وأردف: “يورتشيتش هو بطل أوضة اللبس، أضاف الكثير لفريق بيراميدز ويتمتع بشخصية جيدة ومحبوب من اللاعبين، وشخصيته مختلفة تماما خارج الملعب”.

وأتم: “البعض يتحدث عن صعوبة تحقيق بيراميدز لبطولة الدوري، لا أفهم لماذا؟ قالوا نفس الكلام عن دوري أبطال إفريقيا ونجحنا في تحقيق اللقب، ويبقى الفوز بالدوري من أهم أهدافنا”.

ونجح فريق بيراميدز، في التتويج بـ3 ألقاب حتي الآن، كأس مصر 2023 ودوري أبطال إفريقيا 2024 وكأس السوبر الإفريقي 2025.

They might have lost two games, but it would be hard to describe this summer as anything other than a success for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side won their other three, and the board have properly backed him in the market thus far.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke all look ready to make a significant impact in the Premier League and beyond this season.

However, there is still time for the club to make more signings, and one of the players they’ve been most heavily linked with is Eberechi Eze.

However, while the Crystal Palace star would be an excellent signing, it might be wiser for Andrea Berta and Co to go back in for another dynamic attacker linked with the side earlier in the window.

Why Arsenal want to sign Eze

While Arsenal have been linked with Eze before, with stories touting him for a move to the Emirates last summer, the links have been far more substantive and consistent this year.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, there are plenty of reports claiming that the player is dead set on joining Arteta’s squad, and that the only obstacle is that the club want to sell players first.

Whatever ends up happening over the coming weeks, it’s clear that the Gunners are interested in the Palace ace, and it’s not hard to understand why.

After all, despite playing for a mid-table side at best, the England international was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes last season.

That means the former QPR gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

On top of that, he also played a key role in the South Londoners’ FA Cup triumph, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final.

However, while all of this is hugely impressive, and we have no doubt that Eze would be a success in North London, Arsenal might be better off going back in for another player they were linked with earlier this summer: Bradley Barcola.

Why Arsenal should sign Barcola over Eze

Now it is certainly the case that links to Barcola have been few and far between this summer, but not nonexistent, as Arsenal reportedly made contact over the French winger back in June.

Stories since then have claimed that the Paris Saint-Germain star is valued at around £87m, and while that is a massive amount of money, we still think this is a transfer the Gunners should be back in for in a big way.

The first reason relates to the 22-year-old’s seriously impressive output last season.

In 64 appearances for the Parisians, totalling 3927 minutes, the game-changing talent, whom respected analyst Ben Mattinson has dubbed “one of the best LWs in Europe,” scored 21 goals and provided 21 assists.

In other words, the Lyon-born superstar maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.52 games, or every 93.5 minutes, which is almost unbelievable considering the amount of football he played.

Appearances

64

43

Minutes

3927′

3303′

Goals

21

14

Assists

21

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.65

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

93.5′

132.12′

On top of being more dangerous than Eze, we’d argue that, as an out-and-out left-winger, the former Lyon gem is also more of what the North Londoners need at the moment.

With Martin Odegaard looking to get back to his best and Ethan Nwaneri snapping at his heels, the most glaring weakness in Arteta’s side is the ineffectiveness on the left, with neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard being the sort of players who’d strike fear into opposition defenders.

Ultimately, it might be something of a long shot, but if Arsenal really want to take a massive step forward and closer to Premier League glory this summer, they should go all out for Barcola over Eze.

They've held talks: £78m Eze upgrade open to joining Arsenal this summer

Arsenal are making huge moves in the window despite entering talks to sign Eberechi Eze.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025

UEFA have announced a major Champions League rule change that could hand fresh hope to several high-profile stars left out of 25-man squads. Just days after Gabriel Jesus, Federico Chiesa and Mathys Tel saw their league phase dreams dashed, clubs will now be allowed to register a temporary replacement if a player suffers a long-term injury or illness.

• UEFA confirm Champions League rule change
• Clubs can now register emergency replacements until matchday six
• Jesus, Chiesa and Tel handed fresh hope of European action

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The big names left out of Champions League squads last week included Jesus at Arsenal, Chiesa at Liverpool and Tel at Tottenham. Each had to face the prospect of missing the entire league phase, with the earliest opportunity for a recall being the knockouts in 2026. However, UEFA’s new ruling allows clubs to make an emergency change before matchday six, which is when the Conference League group stage ends, if one of their outfield players is sidelined long-term.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  UEFA announced that the decision is designed to ensure fairness and protect players from being overworked amid the increasing workload. Clubs previously had no flexibility if injuries piled up, forcing them to manage with shorthanded squads. The amendment, made official in Albania on Thursday, could help balance competition and reduce the risk of clubs losing momentum due to unforeseen absences.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Thomas Frank’s decision to omit £30m signing Tel at Spurs was met with criticism, with the youngster later admitting the snub 'definitely hurt'. Chiesa’s exclusion from Liverpool’s plans under Arne Slot was branded 'cruel' by fans, while Mikel Arteta’s decision to leave out Jesus raised eyebrows at Arsenal. Now, those players could still feature if squad circumstances change, giving managers more breathing room in selection.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The rule change takes effect immediately and applies until the end of the Champions League league stage. Managers will now reassess their squads with the safety net of a late inclusion option should injury strike. For the likes of Jesus, Chiesa and Tel, their Champions League hopes may not be over just yet.

Shoaib Bashir takes CWC Young Player; Sophie Ecclestone and Ryana MacDonald-Gay also among winners

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2024

Gus Atkinson celebrates his maiden Test century•AFP/Getty Images

Gus Atkinson has been awarded the Bob Willis Trophy for England’s Player of the Year after a debut Test summer in which he collected 34 wickets as well as scoring his maiden hundred.Atkinson collected the award, voted for by members of the Cricket Writers’ Club, at the Kia Oval on Tuesday. The annual awards ceremony also saw Shoaib Bashir named NV Play Young Player of the Year, the latest winner of the CWC award dating back to 1950.Sophie Ecclestone won the JM Finn Women’s Cricket Award, while Ryana MacDonald-Gay was voted Emerging Cricketer. Liam Dawson, last month named the Professional Cricketers’ Association men’s player of the year, claimed the County Championship prize.”I was just hoping to make my England Test debut, and to have the summer that I’ve had, it’s a huge honour and to get this award at the end of it tops it off,” Atkinson said.”My debut, obviously taking 12 wickets was very special, and playing in Jimmy Anderson’s last Test was a big honour. Probably my favourite moment was that century against Sri Lanka.”Bashir has gone from virtual unknown to England’s first-choice spinner in the last 12 months, claiming three Test five-fors – including a match-winning haul in the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge. He picked up the prestigious CWC award for players under the age of 21 at the start of the summer.”Two years ago, I didn’t have a county,” Bashir said. “It’s been really special. With a lot of hard work, I’m thankful to be playing for my country. Long may it continue.”It was very special, first time I’d played at Trent Bridge. For me to take that last wicket and seal the deal to make it 2-0 in the series, it was one of the highlights of my season.”Other winners of the CWC awards included England Physical Disability opening batter Brendon Parr, who was presented with the Lord’s Taverners charity’s Disability Cricketer of the Year award.James Anderson and the cast of Tailenders took the Peter Smith Award for outstanding presentation of cricket to the public, and the Derek Hodgson Cricket Book of the year was won by David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts for.Cricket Writers’ Club chair Dean Wilson said: “Huge congratulations to all our award winners, reflecting another terrific year of cricket for all members of the media to cover.”At a time of unprecedented change in the game on and off the field, there are precious few opportunities to pause and reflect and honour the efforts of those who bring so much joy.”Whether it is the skill and guile of Sophie Ecclestone and Shoaib Bashir, or the excellence of Gus Atkinson or Brendon Parr, there has been much to admire. Long may that continue.”

Manchester United are looking to add to their squad while not overstepping the mark financially, and they have now reportedly made an enquiry for a Brazil international, according to reports.

Man Utd eye shock Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal

The Red Devils and INEOS are looking to add to the pack after Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers and find themselves pushing to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Diego Leon has also finalised his move to the club.

Reports suggest a deal could be finalised by Monday that would see the Cameroon international head to Old Trafford. At the same time, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen have also been touted as potential offensive recruits.

However, Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a squad rotation option. However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes he may need to lower his wage demands before a deal for the ex-Everton striker can become viable.

He stated: “Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”

Premier League experience will become paramount for the Red Devils in their rebuilding phase. Ruben Amorim is likely to have one game a week to manage most weeks, offering the possibility of focusing solely on the club’s league position without external commitments.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

Cup football will also present a chance at silverware. Nevertheless, there is plenty of work to be done in the market before Manchester United are back challenging for honours, though their latest pursuit wouldn’t be a bad step in the right direction.

Man Utd make Douglas Luiz enquiry

According to reports relayed by FootballTransfers, Manchester United and therefore INEOS have submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s availability following a frustrating campaign that has seen the Brazil international be placed on the transfer list.

Everton and Fulham are also in pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa man, who made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Old Lady last season.

He has previously been lauded as a “very underrated” engine room presence by Paul Merson, with the former Arsenal man claiming Luiz was every bit as good as the likes of Declan Rice and Rodri while he plied his trade in the West Midlands.

Douglas Luiz in 2024/25 – key statistics in Serie A (Fotmob)

Tackles won

8

Duels won

36

Pass accuracy

90.4%

Recoveries

31

Long ball accuracy

75%

Earning £138,000 per week in Turin, there is also talk that Luiz could be used as a part of a swap deal that would see Juventus land Jadon Sancho, albeit aforementioned striker Vlahovic is also mentioned, making the saga a possibility and nothing more.

Injury problems hampered the 27-year-old last term, and a return to the English top-flight could now be on the cards, though there would be other considerations to take into account for Manchester United.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are two existing deeper-lying midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo can also operate in the six, so Amorim would potentially need to think about cutting someone loose to ensure his side had the space to acquire Luiz.

The season proper might have come to an end in European glory for Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca’s men have a busy summer ahead of them.

The West Londoners will be looking to keep the good times rolling by winning the revamped Club World Cup and heading into next season’s Premier League in red-hot form.

However, to ensure the squad can build upon their top-five finish and make it deep into the Champions League, the board need to keep up their efforts in the transfer window and bring in even more talent.

Fortunately, recent reports have now linked the Blues with a talented goalscorer who could be an even better signing than Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea transfer news

Chelsea have already been incredibly busy this summer, securing the services of Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr and Sporting CP’s Dário Essugo, yet they look likely to sign more talents in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names most heavily touted for a move to the Blues has been Borussia Dortmund star Gittens, with reports linking the Englishman with the club dating back as far as October last year, but seriously heating up in recent weeks.

In fact, stories from this week claimed that the winger was now a top priority for the West Londoners, and yet, as things stand, he is still very much a player for the German giants.

Now, while he would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to Maresca’s squad, another player has now been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge, a player who’d be an even better signing: Joao Pedro.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion star, who is “highly appreciated” by many at the club.

Furthermore, the Italian journalist claims that initial contact has already been made and that the player will be allowed to leave this summer.

However, it might not be all that straightforward, with Newcastle United also said to be interested, while other reports claim that it’ll take a fee of around £70m for the Seagulls to let him go.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but with Pedro’s ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Gittens.

Why Pedro would be a better signing than Gittens

So, the first thing to make clear is that both Gittens and Pedro would be great signings for Chelsea this summer, but there are a couple of reasons why, at the moment anyway, the latter would be the better acquisition for the Blues.

The first is that he’s simply the more productive attacker and, therefore, is more likely to come in and hit the ground running in West London.

For example, in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, the “insane” Ribeirão Preto-born monster, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Appearances

30

49

Minutes

2136′

2803′

Goals

10

12

Assists

7

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.56

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.64

164.88′

In contrast, the Englishman scored 12 goals and provided five assists but did so in 49 appearances, totalling 2803 minutes, which comes out to a significantly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games, or one every 164.88 minutes.

On top of him simply being more effective than the 20-year-old, the former Watford ace has also got far more experience, and most crucially, the experience of playing and thriving in the Premier League.

Now, that might sound like an unfair stick to beat the Dortmund star with, but as the Blues will be looking to do better than simply qualifying for the Champions League again next season, they’ll need attackers who can come straight into the team and impress from the word go, which might not happen for someone coming from another league.

Ultimately, while both Gittens and Pedro are talented players who could bring a lot to Maresca’s squad this summer, the latter’s experience and proven level of output mean he’d be the better signing.

Chelsea open discussions over signing £86m Club World Cup sensation

He’s emerged as an intriguing target for BlueCo.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

It is the start of a new era at Ibrox after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Russell Martin is their new head coach, which came shortly after their takeover was finalised.

They also have a new sporting director, in Kevin Thelwell, and will be attacking the summer transfer window with a view to creating a team that will compete for trophies next season.

Martin and Thelwell are tasked with making changes to a squad that ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The former Scotland international has already confirmed, though, that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy, and that a change in management will not result in a change in leadership.

Of course, the English defender keeping his role as the club captain does not mean that he is guaranteed to start week-in-week-out next term.

Why James Tavernier's position could be in danger

The veteran full-back should not be a guaranteed starter at right-back under Martin because of his defensive deficiencies that have cost Rangers on many occasions.

As recently as April, broadcaster Graham Spiers posted this on X: “The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again.”

That comment was in reaction to the goal in the clip above, as Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ghosted in behind the Rangers skipper to score at the back post.

Tavernier, who former Gers full-back Steven Whittaker once claimed “needs to look” at the defensive side of the game, did not enjoy the best season in the Scottish Premiership from a defensive perspective either.

Appearances

33

Goals

4

Assists

8

Dribbled past

17x

Error led to shot

4

Duel success rate

56%

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old captain made four errors that directly led to shots for the opposition, which is twice as many as any other Rangers defender made in the division this season.

Errors have simply become too commonplace for the English full-back, whether that is giving the ball away to set up a shot for the opposition or by failing to track a runner at the back post, and that is why his spot as a regular starter should be in danger heading into next season.

Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to bolster their squad, and it could mean that Tavernier starting regularly next term is even less likely.

Rangers eyeing deal for new right-back

According to Hull Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Hull City right-back Cody Drameh in the summer transfer window, which reopens next Monday.

The report claims that the Gers are ‘huge admirers’ of the English defender, as they line up a swoop to sign him from the Championship side ahead of next season.

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It adds that Derby County, who are also in the English Championship, have already had one bid turned down for the former Leeds United full-back, but they remain determined to snap him up.

The outlet reveals that as many as nine clubs are eyeing up moves to sign Drameh this summer, with Preston North End and Strasbourg named alongside Derby and Rangers.

Hull Live reveals, though, that the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking to cash in on the defender, although they would be prepared to consider offers in excess of £1m for his services.

Rangers should, now, push hard to win the race for Drameh’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could improve Martin’s options at right-back.

Why Cody Drameh could be an upgrade on James Tavernier

As aforementioned, Tavernier’s defensive work has left a lot to be desired for Rangers and bringing in the Hull star could improve the team defensively because of the qualities that he can provide down the right flank.

The 23-year-old star, who was once described as a “Duracell bunny” by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, is a solid defender who can lock up opposition wingers week-in-week-out.

Ex-Leeds player Ben Parker previously hailed the full-back’s defensive qualities, saying: “Cody Drameh, his strength is one v one defending. He loves defending. There has not been too many players I’ve seen this season that gets the better of him in a one v one duel. I love to see that.”

Drameh has averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game across his entire club career to date, compared to Tavernier’s 3.1 per match, and his defensive statistics in the 2024/25 campaign in particular suggest that he could be a terrific addition for Rangers.

Tackles

4.04

Top 1%

Tackles in defensive third

2.57

Top 1%

Dribblers challenged

4.15

Top 1%

Dribblers tackled

2.46

Top 1%

Tackles + interceptions

5.08

Top 1%

Errors

0.0

Top 23%

As you can see in the table above, the Hull star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Championship in a host of key defensive metrics, winning tackles and challenges in his own half and preventing wingers from getting by him with dribbles.

He also ended the Championship season without a single error that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition, compared to Tavernier’s four, which suggests that he would be far more reliable in the right-back slot.

As Parker claimed, Drameh ‘loves defending’ and the same could not be said of Tavernier after aforementioned his mistakes for the Gers, which have cost them, particularly in the Europa League.

The Hull defender is also ten years younger than the Rangers captain and could be the long-term option for Martin in the right-back position, as a big defensive upgrade on the former Newcastle man.

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ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2025

Liverpool are now “seriously pursuing” a £34m defender, and advanced talks have already taken place, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool searching for Trent replacement

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Anfield isn’t ending the way he would’ve liked, having confirmed his decision to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, with the right-back entering the field to a chorus of boos after being brought on as a substitute against Arsenal on Sunday.

Jamie Carragher has since criticised the reaction to Trent entering the field, encouraging supporters to sing other players’ names, rather than booing one of their own.

Conor Bradley, on the other hand, received a good reception on Sunday, but having made an error in the build-up to the Gunners’ first goal, Arne Slot could have some reservations about the Northern Irishman becoming the first-choice right-back immediately.

As such, Slot may choose to enter the transfer market to find a replacement for Trent, and Plettenberg has now taken to X to provide an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong.

The Sky Sports reporter states the Reds are now “seriously pursuing” Frimpong, with the right-back “planning to move this summer”, and he should be available for a relatively affordable fee, given that he has a release clause of around €35m – €40m (£29m – £34m) in his contract.

The 24-year-old is also described as “one of the top options” to replace Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, underlining the Merseysiders’ level of interest, with advanced talks taking place.

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"Monster" Frimpong could be ideal Trent replacement

Trent has received criticism for his defending during his time at Anfield, but the England international has more than made up for it with his quality going forward, picking up three goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season.

Much like his potential predecessor, the Leverkusen star also excels on the front foot, ranking in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, and the 89th percentile for assists, when compared to other full-backs.

Amid previous links to Manchester United, the Dutchman was also described as a “monster” in the attacking third by the United Stand’s Beth Tucker, which is underlined by his contributions going forward over the past three Bundesliga seasons.

Season	Bundesliga appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-23	34	8	7
2023-24	31	9	9
2024-25	33	5	6

A fee of just £29m – £34m could be a bargain for Frimpong, who could be the ideal replacement for Trent, given his attacking quality, although it would also be good to see academy graduate Bradley receive more game time next season.

With no Premier League game this weekend, every Arsenal fan will have their eyes firmly on their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint Germain next week.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side have a real chance of doing something sensational on the continent, it would be impossible to describe their domestic form as anything other than disappointing.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and should Liverpool pick up even a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they’ll be crowned champions with four games to spare.

While injuries have certainly played their part, poor performances have been just as big of a problem, with club captain Martin Odegaard’s drop in form emblematic of the season overall.

The Norwegian international may well get back to his mercurial best next year, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club may have already identified someone who’d be an upgrade, someone who’s won comparisons to the incredible Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other incredible names Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Raphinha.

The Barcelona superstar would reportedly be available for about £86m in the summer, and while that is a lot, it could be a fee worth paying as he’s already scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 games this year.

A cheaper player touted for a £43m move to the Emirates in recent days has been Andrey Santos.

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The Chelsea loanee is having a stellar campaign in France with Strasbourg, amassing 15 goal involvements in just 30 appearances from central and defensive midfield.

However, the most exciting name touted for a move to N5, and the one who could replace Odegaard is Désiré Doué.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several Premier League sides interested in signing the Frenchman this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the talent.

However, Paris Saint-Germain are not planning on selling the teenage sensation unless a monster offer of around £86m is made.

It looks like it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Doué’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Odegaard replacement and has been compared to Bellingham.

How Doué compares to Odegaard and Bellingham

So, the first thing to say is that while Doué has spent more time on the wings this season, he has still made nine appearances as an attacking midfielder this term and has even been described as a “true 10” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

With that out the way, it’s worth examining this comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from before looking at how he stacks up against Odegaard.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the number one most similar midfielder to the PSG gem.

Doué & Bellingham
Statistics per 90	Doué	Bellingham
Progressive Passes	7.19	7.29
Goals	0.35	0.34
Assists	0.35	0.30
Goals per Shot	0.12	0.14
Goals per Shot on Target	0.30	0.39
Carries	45.4	43.2
Aerial Duels Won %	43.8%	46.9%
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes, goals, assists, goals per shot and shot on target, carries and more, all per 90.

So, with his apparent statistical similarities to the Real Madrid star, how does the Angers-born ace compare to the Gunners’ captain?

Well, from a pure output perspective, he comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling just 2538 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists.

That means the “absolute genius,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.84 games or every 101.52 minutes.

For his efforts this year, the Drammen-born star has scored just five goals and provided ten assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2982 minutes.

Therefore, the 26-year-old is averaging a goal involvement every 2.6 games or every 198.8 minutes, which is undeniably disappointing.

Ultimately, while he might cost a huge sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Doué this summer, as not only has he won comparisons to Bellingham, but he could be a younger, more exciting upgrade on Odegaard.

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