All posts by h79snht.top

Liverpool don’t want to sell Luis Diaz this summer, but they might have to. Keeping a player on the books whose heart is set elsewhere is an ill-fated move, and the Colombian wants to leave Anfield.

You can see his case. Aged 28, Diaz is one of the finest wingers in the game, but he earns a comparatively modest salary at Liverpool and has entered the second-to-last year of his contract.

Diaz wants a pay rise, but Liverpool aren’t inclined to give him one, instead willing to see out his contract.

Rank

Player

Gross pay per week

Gross pay per year

1

Mohamed Salah

£400,000

£20,800,000

2

Virgil Van Dijk

£350,000

£18,200,000

3

Florian Wirtz

£195,000

£10,140,000

4

Andrew Robertson

£160,000

£8,320,000

=5

Alexis Mac Allister

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Alisson

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Ryan Gravenberch

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Federico Chiesa

£150,000

£7,800,000

16*

Luis Diaz

£55,000

£2,860,000

Data via Capology

He was a crucial part of last season’s success. Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool, his best return for the club.

His electric pace, tenacious fight and versatility proved perfect for Arne Slot as the Dutch coach led the Reds to the Premier League title.

But Bayern Munich are persistent in their bid to sign the Colombian winger, having already seen a £58.5m bid knocked back this summer.

However, Sky Germany confirm that the Bundesliga champions continue to push, and with Liverpool set to sign a new striker, perhaps his sale for a mammoth fee wouldn’t be such a bad thing in the long run.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been one of the more coveted names on the market this summer. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both shown an interest, but it’s the Reds who will likely prevail, the Frenchman submitting a transfer request on Thursday to seal a deal with the Anfield side.

Valued at €100m (£85m) Ekitike will cost a pretty penny, all right, but he’s worth it, already regarded “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been sporting director Richard Hughes’ first choice, the Magpies have rejected Liverpool’s advances, so the Reds have stolen their top target instead.

He’s not as good as Isak, but the 23-year-old does have sky-high potential, the genuine chance to make headway over a number of years at Liverpool and reach that pedestal.

While Diaz spent a fair share of time as a makeshift striker in 2024/25, he is at his core a left-sided forward. With Darwin Nunez supposedly off as well, Liverpool might need to sign a winger to go alongside Ekitike.

Liverpool line up Luis Diaz heir

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Liverpool have retained an interest in signing Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, having come close to signing him one year ago.

The England international, 24, is valued at £75m and any concrete move is dependent on Diaz’s future. However, the long-standing interest and Gordon’s Merseyside affiliation could see him push for a return to Anfield, having left Liverpool’s academy as an 11-year-old.

While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also on Liverpool’s radar, with preliminary talks having taken place, Gordon might be the man to go for.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

In Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have a prolific and proven left winger. However, Diaz’s departure would call for a direct replacement, and while Rodrygo would be a stunning signing, Arsenal also have a vested interest, and Real Madrid are seeking upwards of £87m.

Gordon would be a more than acceptable fallback. A high-speed runner with a dogged approach to his football, the Newcastle star has bloomed into one of the Premier League’s finest over the past couple of years, with teammate Bruno Guimaraes describing him as “special”.

Technically sharp and physically robust, he certainly fits the mould that Diaz would leave behind, and this dynamic skill set could be the perfect thing for a young striker in Ekitike, who will need support as he steps into the cauldron of fire that is the English top flight.

Ekitike will, of course, have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to lead the supply line, but in Gordon, Liverpool could retain the sense of energy and completeness that Diaz brings to the table.

And anyway, the Toon talent has already demonstrated in the Premier League that he’s capable of throwing down with the likes of Diaz, and indeed Rodrygo, whose skill has led Luka Modric to describe him as a “world-class superstar” in La Liga.

Let’s dig a little deeper. Now, we’re going to skew the data a tad. Gordon’s 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired, but he was a force to be reckoned with the season prior.

Looking at that 2023/24 term, comparing it to Rodrygo and Diaz’s league efforts last term, we can see that he’s got the potential to make quite the impression at Liverpool.

League Comparison – Gordon vs Rodrygo vs Diaz

Stats (* per game)

Gordon (23/24)

Rodrygo (24/25)

Diaz (24/25)

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

30 (22)

36 (28)

Goals

11

6

13

Assists

10

5

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.8 (0.7)

2.0 (0.8)

Big chances missed

9

1

11

Pass completion

82%

91%

86%

Big chances created

16

5

8

Key passes*

1.6

1.6

1.6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.6

1.5

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.4

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

1.3

Duels won*

5.3

3.8

3.8

Stats via Sofascore

Quite the effort. Gordon’s performances, notching 21 goal contributions across Newcastle’s injury-hit year, led to the honour of the club’s Player of the Year. It was his first full season on Tyneside, and an illustration of his capacity for high-level performances.

And while his high duel rate, creativity and potency in the final third would elevate Ekitike as he makes his maiden way in England, the centre-forward could certainly return the favour, with a style of play that is truly layered and vast.

Indeed, as per FBref, Ekitike ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s transfer window being anything other than a success. Slot proved his worth last season, and now he’s being rewarded with the parts to create a lasting squad of champions.

Related Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target

Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.

Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 17, 2025

This will be the first time the two teams face off in the longest format

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-2024 • Updated on 27-Jul-2024

Afghanistan are set to play their third Test in 2024•AFP/Getty Images

Afghanistan are set to face New Zealand in a one-off Test in September. The match will be played in Greater Noida in India. This will be the first time the two teams face each other in the longest format.This will be Afghanistan’s 10th Test, and their third in 2024 – the most they would have played in a calendar year.It will also be their first Test at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, which has previously served as Afghanistan’s adopted home ground.The Test is likely to be from September 9 to 13. That’s roughly one month before New Zealand’s three-Test tour of India, with the first of those games set to begin on October 16. New Zealand will tour Sri Lanka for a Test series in between – the dates are yet to be announced.”We are delighted to host a quality New Zealand Test team for the first time in our cricketing history. This is a testament to the hard work we have put in through numerous discussions and meetings with different boards on the sidelines of the various ICC Board Meetings,” ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said. “The Blackcaps are an outstanding all-format team in world cricket, and we hope to reach an agreement with New Zealand Cricket for white-ball bilateral matches in the future.”Following the New Zealand Test, England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa will be the only countries to not have played against Afghanistan in a Test match yet. Australia had pulled out from hosting them in a Test in 2021 citing humanitarian reasons.Australia had also pulled out of three-match T20I series scheduled for August this year, meaning Afghanistan had a hole in their schedule which will be partly filled by this New Zealand TestIn their two Tests so far in 2024, Afghanistan have lost to Sri Lanka and Ireland. They had also lost their one-off Test in Bangladesh last year, and their last win in the format came in March 2021, when they beat Zimbabwe in the UAE. In all, Afghanistan have a commendable 3-6 win-loss record in their first nine Tests.

كشف المدير الفني لـ منتخب فلسطين، إيهاب أبو جزر، عن غياب 7 لاعبين عن مواجهة ماليزيا الودية بسبب الإصابات.

ويلتقي منتخب فلسطين، مع منتخب ماليزيا غدًا الإثنين على استاد السلطان إبراهيم في مدينة جوهر بحرو الماليزية.

طالع.. خالد الغندور يرد على سخرية سيد عبد الحفيظ: تعلمت الاحترام في بيت المستشار

وأعلن أبو جزر، غياب المهاجم عدي الدباغ إلى جانب ستة لاعبين آخرين عن المباراة الودية أمام ماليزيا.

وأشار أبو جزر في المؤتمر الصحفي الذي عقد اليوم الأحد أن غياب الدباغ جاء بداعي الإصابة، دون كشف أي تفاصيل، لكنه أوضح أن الإصابات التي تعرض لها هؤلاء اللاعبين تعود في معظمها إلى شد عضلي ناجم عن قصر فترة الإعداد للموسم الجديد أو بسبب مشاكل في فترة الراحة.

ويغيب عن فلسطين 7 لاعبين وهم، عدي الدباغ وعميد محاجنة، وعميد صوافطة، وأسد حملاوي، ومحمد حبوس، ومحمد صالح، وأوغسطين منصور.

وقال مدرب فلسطين: “المباراة ستكون فرصة لتجربة لاعبين جدد والوقوف على مستوياتهم، في إطار التحضير لتصفيات كأس العرب وكأس آسيا 2027”.

وأفاد: “المنتخب يمر بمرحلة إحلال وتجديد، وانضم لنا قرابة 10 لاعبين جدد في الأشهر الماضية، ما ساهم في خفض معدل أعمار الفريق بشكل ملحوظ”.

ويلعب الدباغ في صفوف الزمالك، حيث انضم إلى الأبيض خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية.

Arsenal have a massive season ahead of them.

After all, they finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce last season, and there is only so much time Mikel Arteta will have to bring the glory days back to the Emirates.

The good news is that the board seem intent on giving him all the help they can in the transfer window this summer, with a host of brilliant players already touted for a move to N5, like Eberechi Eze.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal are now closing in on a deal to sign an international star who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.

Arsenal move to sign a new goalscorer

It was last week that stories linking Arsenal to Eze began to appear, but it was over the weekend that things supposedly accelerated in a meaningful way.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to reports from Monday, the Gunners had held talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp, and, according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s now more than open to a move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old has a release clause in his current deal widely reported to be worth around £68m, but even at that price, he could still be worth going all out for.

Yet, it appears as if the North Londoners are now making serious progress in their attempts to sign someone who’d be an even more exciting addition: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Belgium, Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” with Sporting CP over the Swedish international, and feel like they are near the “final line” of the deal.

Moreover, it has been revealed that the club and player have already agreed personal terms.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claimed that a fee in the region of £69m could be enough to seal the deal.

It’s a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Gyokeres’ recent record, it could prove to be more than worth it, and he could end up being a far more exciting signing than Eze.

Why Gyokeres would be more exciting than Eze

While there are so many different things to enjoy in football, from a well-timed tackle to a wonderful ball over the top, there is one thing that excites fans more than anything else: goals.

When it really comes down to it, what supporters want to see above all else is their team putting the ball in the back of the net, and when it comes to that, there seem to be few, if any, better than Gyokeres.

It’s this reason why his arrival would be more thrilling than Eze’s, as he’s been a lean, mean goalscoring machine over the last two years.

Gyokeres’ recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in his first campaign with Sporting, the “ball-striking monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

Then, somehow, he managed to do even better last season, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4248 minutes, which comes out to a simply sensational average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

In contrast, Eze has scored 48 goals and provided 28 assists in the 167 appearances he’s made for Crystal Palace since joining them in 2020.

Ultimately, it is a little simplistic, but sometimes football can be an extraordinarily simple game, and based on the sheer weight of goals he’s scored in recent seasons, we can’t imagine many, if any, players being a more exciting signing for Arsenal than Gyokeres would be.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

It was the most expensive over Starc has ever bowled in T20Is

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2024

Rohit Sharma took 29 runs off Mitchell Starc in a single over•ICC/Getty Images

2.1
Starc to Rohit Sharma, SIX runsBosh, launched up and over! Full outside off and Rohit goes for broke over cover, gets a good chunk of it. First six of the innings2.2
Starc to Rohit Sharma, SIX runsFull, wide and clattered again! Rohit has become a free spirit at the top of the batting, and he has arrived wearing long hair, beads and baggy sweats again. Scuds into the boundary cushion at cover point, just about on the full2.3
Starc to Rohit Sharma, FOUR runsSlammed down the ground now, third boundary from successive balls! Hammered off a length over mid-on2.4
Starc to Rohit Sharma, SIX runsZOMG, tonked into the crowd at deep midwicket! Pitched up, 144kph outside off but it’s basically a slot ball without much swing and Rohit ready and waiting. He was set in front of the stumps and clobbers Starc for six more over the leg side2.5
Starc to Rohit Sharma, no runWide blockhole, good response. Rohit can’t chop down in time2.6
Starc to Rohit Sharma, 1 wideGoes for the wide yorker again, 142kph. But this one slides outside the tramlines2.6
Starc to Rohit Sharma, SIX runsAnother full toss, top-edged for six more! Starc going around the park. This was angling across and Rohit just threw the plumbing, not too bothered about where it went (which was over deep third on the full)

It wasn’t exactly a well-kept secret this summer that Birmingham City were interested in landing Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku.

Unfortunately, the Blues’ drawn-out pursuit of the entertaining Ghanaian has seemingly gone cold now, as the likes of Russell Martin’s Rangers accelerate to the front of the queue for his coveted services instead.

This would have been a knock to Chris Davies and Co.’s confidence as they navigate up to the Championship, but it hasn’t stopped them from pressing on with other attacking targets, as the ambitious Blues look to close in on another statement addition up top.

Birmingham close in on statement reunion

As per a recent report from journalist Alan Nixon, the newly promoted outfit look to be edging ever closer to bringing former star Demarai Gray back to their ranks this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

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Much like their chase for Poku, it had been well publicised that the Blues wanted to make such a stunning reunion happen.

Now, it might well become a reality, with both Sunderland and Fiorentina, who had also been looking at signing the experienced Jamaica international in an £8m deal, left in Birmingham’s dust to seal the sublime move.

Whilst the Rangers-bound attacker had been viewed as the flavour of the month in the EFL after a sensational season on the books of Posh, landing Gray might well be an even more exciting pick-up than the 23-year-old.

Why Gray would be a more exciting signing than Poku

If Birmingham are deadly serious about going after back-to-back promotions, Gray joining will undoubtedly help them to pull off such an arduous feat, with the former Blues prodigy going on to have a lengthy career at the very top after waving St. Andrew’s goodbye in 2016.

Indeed, Gray is likely more well-known in English football now for being a Premier League regular on the books of Leicester City and Everton, than a one-time academy product emerging up the Blues ranks.

In total, the Birmingham-born forward has amassed over 200 Premier League appearances for the likes of the Foxes and the Toffees, with an impressive 19 goals and 14 assists coming his way from those contests, on top of a Premier League title astoundingly being lifted when situated at the King Power Stadium.

Gray’s G/A numbers by club

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Leicester

169

13

14

Birmingham

78

8

4

Everton

75

12

6

Al-Ettifaq

50

4

5

Bayer Leverkusen

12

1

2

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Poku might well have a certain level of freshness on his side – considering he has just tallied up a blistering 12 goals and 11 assists for Darren Ferguson’s men last campaign – but the table above really does speak for itself when judging the 28-year-old’s pedigree alone, with a season even under his belt in the Bundesliga when lining up for Bayer Leverkusen.

Moreover, whilst Poku was a breakout success for Posh last season, he has never actually bagged a goal in the Championship, despite ripping up the third-tier, with just a meagre two goal contributions next to his name at the difficult level from 20 clashes.

An “electric” attacker on his day – in the words of journalist Scott Saunders – his first major steps in the senior game did actually come in the Championship with his hometown club, notably netting a memorable hat-trick above three of the eight strikes he has managed in the division when donning Birmingham blue.

It will now be up to Gray to roll back the years on his expected return, with more Premier League appearances perhaps coming his way down the line.

Whilst Poku is the talk of the town as an up-and-coming ace, Gray has already cemented himself as a Championship-capable talent and beyond across his vast playing days, with another chapter soon to be added to his packed story when hopefully starring for Davies and Co.

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Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 22, 2025

Thomas Frank is poised to become the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur, and he’s thought to have his eyes on some transfer targets already.

Tottenham closing in on Thomas Frank appointment after talks

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano says Frank to Tottenham is already a done deal, with the Lilywhites set to trigger his £10 million release clause and secure Ange Postecoglou’s replacement in quick fashion.

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Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Following chairman Daniel Levy’s tough decision to axe a manager who ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy, whilst securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, Spurs have wasted no time in getting his successor through the door.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Postecoglou was a popular figurehead among the squad, with James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pedro Porro all speaking publicly in defence of the Australian before his dismissal, so Frank has big shoes to fill.

The Dane’s experience of overperforming on a very limited transfer budget, not to mention his work under a data-driven recruitment model similar to Tottenham’s, makes him a solid candidate to replace Postecoglou.

The downsides of this prospective appointment lie with Frank’s inexperience managing an elite-level side or competing in the Champions League, and the 51-year-old has no major honours to boast of heading into the biggest job of his career.

Frank will need plenty of backing this summer from Levy and technical director Johan Lange, who he already knows very well from their time together working in Denmark, and they’ve been familiar with one another for many years.

Tottenham are set for a significant financial boost due to their confirmed place in the Champions League next season, and they’ll no longer have to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer as a result (Michael Bridge).

Reports suggest Frank has already identified transfer targets ahead of his arrival at Spurs, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze firmly in his thinking (GiveMeSport).

Tottenham consider "bold" move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

As per TEAMtalk, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is another player admired by Frank.

The 22-year-old has been a star mainstay of the Toffees backline since returning to Merseyside from a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/2023 season, and England fans were left shocked when Gareth Southgate omitted Branthwaite from his Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.

Branthwaite is attracting interest from across the Premier League, and Tottenham are certainly in the mix for his services, despite Everton slapping a £70 million price tag on his head.

That is according to TT, who also claim that Frank sees Branthwaite as the ideal Spurs signing to prepare for Champions League football, with Tottenham considering a “bold” move to bring him down south.

A move to N17 is also described as “appealing” to Branthwaite, considering their state-of-the-art set-up and place in Europe’s most prestigious competition, but remaining at Everton is also tempting for him given their new stadium and promise shown under David Moyes.

The Toffees will apparently fight tooth and nail to keep hold of him for next season, so a lot will hinder on how high Tottenham are ready to bid.

Celtic have already brought in one left-back as Greg Taylor edges closer to the exit door and could be set to recruit another if recent reports are to be believed.

Celtic star Greg Taylor set to leave after Kieran Tierney arrival

Making a start to the window that has created plenty of headlines, Celtic announced Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal after finding an agreement to bring the Scotland international home in January.

In light of this, long-serving defender Greg Taylor appears to be on the move to PAOK on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Should he depart under freedom of contract, that will leave the Bhoys in need of another left-back this summer.

The question then becomes, who could become a realistic competitor to Tierney? According to reports, Sassuolo star Josh Doig is being tracked by Celtic and may be on the move back to Scotland after starting his career at Hibernian.

There is also the prospect of a youth player such as Matthew Anderson or Mitchel Frame coming in to fill the void. If that scenario arises, B team manager Stephen McManus believes there is no better role model than Kieran Tierney at Parkhead for young stars to look up to.

He explained: “Kieran’s coming back at the age that he’s at, his full career’s ahead of him. For the national team, for us as a club, it’s tremendous.

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“It’s given everybody a real boost and for the younger lads it’s another role model that we’ve got to look up to.”

Supporters are eagerly anticipating movement on incomings and there could now be potential for Celtic to land a Scottish Premiership star if reports are to be believed.

Celtic in James Penrice scouting mission

According to The Daily Record, Celtic have ran scouting checks on Heart of Midlothian left-back James Penrice and could look to strike on the market for the former Partick Thistle man in their hunt for a competitor to lock horns with Tierney.

Although their watchful eye isn’t to be mistaken for something more, it does show that Rodgers and company are doing their due diligence on potential targets to strengthen their backline.

James Penrice in Scottish Premiership action – 2024/25 (FBRef)

Chances created

56

Successful crosses

69

Successful dribbles

21

Tackles won

48

Recoveries

116

Labelled “outstanding” by Neil Critchley, Penrice registered two goals and seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions last term as Hearts narrowly missed out on a top-six finish.

Nevertheless, with Derek McInnes now at the helm, it remains to be seen whether the ex-Kilmarnock boss would be willing to part ways with one of his prize assets.

Hearts and Celtic don’t share a great deal of rapport on and off the pitch, so it would likely take a significant fee to tempt the Jambos into letting Penrice leave Tynecastle for a divisional rival.

Chelsea have impressed massively throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with Enzo Maresca having a huge impact during his first season as the club’s manager.

The Italian took the reins last summer after Mauricio Pochettino departed, leading the side to a top five finish in the Premier League – subsequently securing Champions League football for 2025/26.

His side also claimed the Europa Conference League trophy after a thumping 4-1 win over Real Betis in the final, topping off what has been a season to remember in West London.

With the transfer window now open, it presents the 45-year-old to make key additions in various areas of the squad to push themselves one step closer to returning to a title battle.

He’s already landed the signing of striker Liam Delap, but numerous other players are already on their shortlist, with potential moves popping up after the window opened on Sunday.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new attackers

Despite the deal for Delap, Maresca has made adding strength to his Chelsea forward line a priority this summer, with further firepower needed for future success in the near future.

The likes of Samu Omorodion, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a switch to the Blues this summer, but as of yet, no deals have been agreed for any of the aforementioned talents.

However, another name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus emerging as a key option, according to one Spanish report.

They claim that the Blues are preparing a £59m offer for the 24-year-old Ghanaian winger, who managed to register nine combined goals and assists in all competitions throughout 2024/25.

It also states that the hierarchy are determined to win the race for his signature this summer, with city rivals Arsenal also firmly in the race for the attacker’s services during the off-season.

Why Chelsea’s £59m target has shades of Hazard

Belgian winger Eden Hazard arrived at Chelsea back in the summer of 2012 as an unknown quantity to many, but it’s safe to say he managed to quickly announce himself to the fanbase.

The attacker cost the club around £32m from French outfit Lille, a fee that proved to be a bargain given his time as a player in West London – all before banking them a huge profit, after eventually leaving in a £150m deal to join Real Madrid back in 2019.

The now-retired 34-year-old featured over 350 times, scoring 110 times, with Hazard today still in the conversation as one of the best wingers in Premier League history with his mazy runs and unbelievable dribbling ability.

Many players such as Jadon Sancho, Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto have all tried to fill the void left by the attacker in recent years, but have failed miserably – leading to the club’s interest in new forwards this summer.

Maresca could be able to find his own version of the Belgian this summer, with Kudus having a similar skill set, offering the side the added threat they need going forward.

He registered 13 take-ons against the Blues back in 2023/24, the most of any player in the division that campaign, highlighting his ability with the ball at his feet. That tally of 13 was also what the great Hazard achieved on two occasions during his Stamford Bridge stay.

Kudus, who’s also been labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Smith, has registered 3.4 progressive carries and 3.2 successful take-ons per 90 this campaign – further highlighting his skillset of getting at the opposition.

Mohammed Kudus’ stats for West Ham in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

8

Pass accuracy

84%

Progressive carries

3.4

Successful take-ons

3.2

Shots taken

2.6

Carries into penalty area

1.5

Stats via FBref

The Ghanaian has also registered 2.6 shots per 90, cutting inside on his favoured left-foot off the right hand, similar to how Hazard did on the opposite side during his spell in West London.

£59m may appear to be another huge investment from the hierarchy this summer, but given the stats produced by the Hammers star, it’s a no-brainier with the winger having the tools to take his game to the next level as a result.

Should he manage to get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Hazard at the Bridge, it would be an absolute bargain, potentially catapulting the Blues towards title glory once again in the near future.

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Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025

It’s no secret that Chelsea have been targeting a new striker over the last 12 months, with Enzo Maresca still unable to land the talisman to take the club to the next level.

Nicolas Jackson has been the Italian’s main option at the top end of the pitch, scoring 10 goals in his 30 Premier League appearances throughout 2024/25.

However, there have been doubts over his long-term suitability for the role, especially after receiving a straight red card in the clash against Newcastle United for a deliberate elbow on Sven Botman.

Whilst he scored in the Europa Conference League triumph last night, his terrible first touch when bearing down on goal highlighted the need for new attackers this summer.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have wasted no time in lining up potential options to lead the line in their title push throughout 2025/26.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Given Chelsea’s recent antics in the transfer market, it’s a surprise to no one that they are likely to be busy once again this summer to bolster Maresca’s ranks.

Viktor Gyokeres, Joao Pedro and Emanuel Emegha are just three names that have been mentioned as potential targets, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned targets.

However, they may not need to pursue moves for any of the stars, with the Blues closing in on signing Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

He claimed on Wednesday that the Blues have taken the lead in the race for his signature, with Manchester United’s chances now decreasing after failing to secure any European football next season. Jacobs also confirmed that the Blues have held positive talks to sign the £30m star.

A move has progressed significantly on Thursday with everything now pointing towards the English talent joining. Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday evening that he will sign his Chelsea contract in the next 24 hours.

How Delap could repeat Chelsea's Palmer success story

Cole Palmer may have endured somewhat of an uncharacteristic drought in front of goal over the last few months, but he’s still managed to play a vital role in the success endured by Chelsea.

The 23-year-old went 18 games without a goal across all competitions, before slotting home a penalty against league champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge – securing a huge win in their hunt for a top five finish.

Whilst he’s still not managed to score since that triumph back on the 4th of May, he has provided key moments for some of his teammates, including two assists against Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday.

His latest contributions have taken him to 69 combined goals and assists in his 91 appearances for the club, after joining the Blues in a £40m deal from Manchester City back in the summer of 2023.

However, Maresca could land his next version of the English star this summer, with a deal to take Delap to West London appearing to be entering its final stages.

The pair both plied their trade together within the Manchester City academy as youngsters, looking to do the same in forward areas once again at the Bridge for the Blues in 2025/26.

Should the 22-year-old reach the levels set by Palmer in West London over recent years, he would be a splendid signing by the board, with his £30m clause potentially being a bargain.

When comparing his stats to those of Palmer this season, Delap has managed to outperfrom him in numerous key areas, offering the manager the focal point he craves in the first-team.

He may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing his clinical edge within the final third.

How Delap compares to Palmer in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Delap

Palmer

Games played

37

37

Goals & assists

14

23

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

36%

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Take-on success

47%

45%

Aerials success rate

43%

22%

Fouls drawn

1.8

1.6

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more take-ons and drawn more fouls, therefore offering Maresca a more all-round option in the final third – which could take the side to the next level as a result.

Delap has also won more aerial battles than the current Blues star, handing the side the needed focal point in which the manager has desired since his arrival.

With a deal appearing to be edging closer to being completed, the Englishman would be an excellent addition, having the ability to develop further in the years ahead at the Bridge.

£30m in today’s market would be a super price for a striker who’s already proven his talents in England’s top-flight, potentially being the missing piece in Maresca’s Chelsea puzzle and creating a deadly partnership with Palmer once more.

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