Chelsea are now ready to launch a £51m offer for an “unplayable” Premier League forward, according to a report.
Blues looking to bolster attacking options
Enzo Maresca will be pleased that Cole Palmer managed to get back among the goals on Sunday afternoon, with the attacking midfielder ending his drought and bagging his 15th Premier League goal of the season.
However, the manager may feel he is a little short on top-quality attacking options, given that Nicolas Jackson has scored just 10 league goals, and signing a new striker is on the agenda in the summer transfer window.
The Blues have now stepped up their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, making an approach to sign the England international, while they are also in the race for the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha.
Sky Sports: £195k-a-week star Maresca loves has "decided to leave Chelsea"
He’s struggled to establish a starting place…
ByTom Cunningham May 5, 2025
Delap is an intriguing option, having outscored Jackson despite playing for already-relegated Ipswich, but an even more prolific striker is now in the west Londoners’ sights.
According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are now ready to launch a €60m (£51m) offer for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has caught the eye of Stamford Bridge chiefs with his impressive performances in the Premier League this season.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
There is a belief that Mbeumo would be an ideal fit in Maresca’s frontline, having already proven himself in the Premier League, and the Blues are willing to spend big to ensure they win the race for his signature.
It is unclear whether Brentford would be willing to accept an offer in that region, but negotiations could accelerate over the next few weeks, and it is looking increasingly likely that a move across the capital could be on the cards.
"Unplayable" Mbeumo could be upgrade on Jackson
Jackson has spent time on the treatment table this season, but a return of just 10 goals is still below par, so it is no surprise the Blues are looking to bring in an upgrade this summer, and there are plenty of indications the Brentford star could fit the bill.
The France-born forward has been prolific in front of goal this season, picking up 18 goals and six assists, and his performances have impressed manager Thomas Frank, who lauded the forward as “unplayable” back in December.
The Cameroonian, who has 6 goals in 22 caps for his nation, has predominantly featured at right-wing for the Bees, but he has featured through the middle on a number of occasions, scoring while playing at striker in his side’s 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge back in December.
Regardless of whether Mbeumo is brought in to play out wide or as a centre-forward, there is every indication that he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, and a fee of around £51m seems reasonable, given that he is only 25-years-old.
Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing an “excellent” £29 million forward who has scored 14 goals this season, according to a new report.
Forest drop points in race for Champions League spot
It is now no wins in their last three games in all competitions for Forest, as their fight for a Champions League spot has taken a hit. Murillo rescued a point for the Reds on Monday evening after going a goal down thanks to Eberechi Eze’s penalty. The draw leaves Forest in sixth place on 61 points, two behind Chelsea and Newcastle United and one ahead of Aston Villa, who are sitting in seventh place.
Despite the dropped points, Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with his side’s attitude and defensive performance and believes everyone in the Champions League race will give it their all. As he said, “all the teams in this big fight will give it a go”.
Nottingham Forest willing to make big offer for £42k-p/w Juventus defender
He has made a big decision about his future.
ByHenry Jackson May 3, 2025
Nuno told BBC Match of the Day: “Let’s think about the game. It was two halves, and in the first half, we were very good. It was good for us that we achieved the goal so soon after the goal for Crystal Palace. That gave us belief to fight for the game. After last week, a good attitude.
“It’s about finding ourselves again after the past three games. We defended better; it’s so obvious, against a talented opponent in Palace.
“The final games will be nervous, tight games. Everyone is fighting for something, and Selhurst Park is always a tough place to come. All the teams in this big fight will give it a go.”
Nottingham Forest want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25
As Nuno and his team remain focused on the race for a Champions League spot, Forest chiefs and the manager are looking towards the summer transfer window. Now, according to La Opinion A Coruna, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest want to sign winger Yeremay Hernandez from Deportivo La Coruna.
The report states that there is a good chance Hernandez leaves the Spanish side at the end of this season, despite the fact he has just signed a new contract that runs until the summer of 2030. The winger was a wanted player in the January transfer window but stayed at Deportivo, where they inserted a release clause worth €35 million, which is roughly £29 million.
As well as Forest now showing an interest in a deal this summer, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are also keen on striking an agreement. Teams from Italy, Germany and France are also keen on signing Hernandez, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Ben Mattinson in the past.
Apps
94
Goals
22
Assists
10
However, all the teams are not going to have it easy signing the 22-year-old, as they will need to bring a lot of money and the skill to persuade Deportivo to sell one of their brightest players.
It is unclear at this stage if Forest, as well as Bournemouth and Brentford, are willing to pay Hernandez’s release clause. The Spanish U21 international has been in fine form this season, as he’s netted 14 goals in 35 La Liga 2 games.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has plenty of work to do in the window, though there are still question marks remaining over one of his most recognisable stars heading into the summer.
Celtic's summer transfer plans begin to accelerate
Plenty of movement is expected in both directions at Parkhead once the off-season comes around as the Bhoys look to build for next campaign’s Champions League qualifiers.
Currently, Celtic are a point off being crowned Scottish Premiership champions and still have a domestic treble in their sights, which, in turn, is bound to raise the stock of several assets who are already well-regarded in the football world.
Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Nicolas Kuhn are among those who may attract interest from elsewhere this summer, making it a priority for Brendan Rodgers to do his due diligence on potential replacements.
According to reports, Slovan Bratislava star David Strelec is a target at Parkhead and may be available for an overall package of £5.9 million, alleviating some of the strain on Celtic’s slim forward line.
Furthermore, Mathias Kvistgaarden is a long-term Hoops pursuit, even if his £13.5 million valuation could discourage the Parkhead hierarchy from pushing forward in their bid to sign the Denmark Under-21 international.
The next Liel Abada: Celtic plotting exciting move for £3m star
Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Liel Abada 2.0 fo the club.
1 ByDan Emery Apr 14, 2025
Either way, there is an acknowledgment that a refresh will be needed to maintain hunger for silverware over the next few years. Several Celtic stars may consider their options this summer; it is just the nature of a squad cycle’s lifespan in Glasgow’s east end.
Nevertheless, there could now be a twist involving one of Rodgers’ disciples who has seemed destined to leave the club for a few months, per reports.
Celtic star Greg Taylor could u-turn and extend his contract
In recent times, Greg Taylor has become a prime candidate to leave Celtic as even with weeks until the end of the season, no news of a contract extension has emerged regarding the Scotland international and he is now set to become a free agent this summer.
Nevertheless, journalist Mark Guidi has made clear that Taylor could yet stay at the Bhoys, claiming that the gap between player and club in negotiations over a new deal isn’t ‘insurmountable’ despite suggestions to the contrary.
Greg Taylor’s successful spell at Celtic
Appearances
210
Goals
9
Assists
33
Trophies
10
Guidi stated on Go Radio: “Maybe having seen the reception he got from the Celtic supporters on Saturday, he’s clearly a very popular member of the squad.
“He’s a good guy around the dressing room, good guy around the training ground. He got his family, his young family, involved on Saturday.
“Maybe he’ll just think, do you know what? If Celtic can come up with a bit, by all accounts, they are a good bit apart in terms of what he’s been offered and what he’s looking for. It’s a good bit, by all accounts, but it’s not insurmountable.”
Kieran Tierney has been quietly announced ahead of the summer. Nevertheless, his frequent injury problems over recent years mean a reliable competitor in his position will be needed to handle another congested fixture schedule.
Taylor won’t have designs on playing second fiddle, but competition for your role is the nature of the beast at Celtic. Following months of speculation, could an unexpected stay still be on the cards?
For the 13th time in the Premier League this season, Manchester United played out a full 90-minute match without getting on the scoresheet, having slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
Pablo Sarabia’s 77th-minute free-kick was a rare moment of quality in a largely lifeless affair at Old Trafford, albeit with the hosts likely to feel they should have walked away with all three points.
Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund notably came agonisingly close to getting on the end of Alejandro Garnacho’s driven cross, while both Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount also produced wayward attempts after being expertly picked out by the Argentine winger.
Even an inch-perfect, outside of the boot cross from Christian Eriksen could not be capitalised on by Mount, with the £55m Englishman still having scored just once since his arrival back in the summer of 2023.
Hojlund too has netted only three league goals in 2024/25 to date, a grim return for any leading number nine, with Ruben Amorim likely to be tearing his hair out at his side’s frustrating profligacy.
Cunha, Delap, Amorim
Having gone from seeing Viktor Gyokeres dazzle under his watch, the Portuguese coach is now in desperate need of a new attacking figurehead.
Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward
All of the talk at present is centred around United’s apparent progressing interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with it looking likely that the club will trigger the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause, amid positive talks over his potential contract in Manchester.
Cunha stats
The 14-goal marksman may not be the only Premier League talent to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer, however, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones – who outlined that an agreement regarding Cunha is inching closer – also naming a raft of high-profile stars who are under consideration.
Indeed, according to Jones, among those to have made the INEOS shortlist is Bournemouth man, Antoine Semenyo, with the Red Devils already said to have held talks over signing the Ghanaian forward.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This follows prior reports which outlined that United are actually frontrunners in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, albeit with it yet to be seen if Amorim and co will be willing or able to match the Cherries’ £70m price tag.
A versatile asset who can operate on the flanks or in a central role, Semenyo could represent the perfect addition to bolster Amorim’s forward line, with the potential their for the 40-year-old to morph him into his new Gyokeres-esque talisman.
Why Man Utd could be targeting Amorim's new Gyokeres
As outlined by journalist Mark Ogden, it has been a remarkable rise for the Sporting CP sensation in recent times, having gone from being sold for just £1m by then-Brighton and Hove Albion director, Dan Ashworth, back in 2021, to now standing aloft as the “hottest striker in Europe”.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Indeed, the 6 foot 2 Swede failed to actually make a league appearance for the Seagulls, while enduring a handful of less than spectacular loan spells away from the Amex – having notably scored just five goals in 2020/21 for the likes of Swansea City and Coventry City.
That steady rise only truly ignited following Gyokeres’ permanent switch to Coventry at the end of that campaign, as he went on to score 38 times in the Championship over the next two seasons.
Since moving to Lisbon on a £17m deal in 2023, the 26-year-old has soared even higher, bagging 90 goals in just 96 games – 66 of which came in just 68 outings under Amorim’s watch.
That journey from EFL struggler to elite-level monster is one which Semenyo certainly knows well, with the London-born ace having started out on the books at Bristol City, while also taking on loan moves at the likes of Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.
The 6 foot 1 star memorably failed to score during that limp stint at the Stadium of Light, while actually only scoring 21 times in 121 games back at Ashton Gate – albeit while plundering a further 21 assists.
Like Gyokeres, however, it has taken the step up from the second tier for Semenyo to truly flourish, having now scored 16 Premier League goals since the start of 2023/24, while contributing a further eight assists.
Like Gyokeres too, what also stands out regarding the in-demand talent is just what a powerful presence he is in the final third, having been hailed as “almost unplayable” at times by journalist Ed Aarons.
Semenyo vs Gyokeres – 22/23 Champ stats
Stat (per 90)
Semenyo
Gyokeres
Non-penalty goals
0.43
0.40
Assists
0.14
0.22
Shot-creating actions
1.87
4.27
Pass completion
65.6
67.3%
Progressive passes
1.87
2.01
Progressive carries
2.23
4.43
Successful take-ons
1.59
2.15
Touches in opposition box
6.27
7.16
Aerial duels won
3.24
1.86
Stats via FBref
Interestingly too, the pair were deemed to be similar players among their peers during the 2022/23 season in the Championship, as per FBref, with Semenyo having largely been operating in a central role at the time.
That likeness bodes well for the impact that the two-footed Ghana star can make under Amorim, with the £70m man representing the type of ready-made Premier League talent who can breathe new life into United’s misfiring attacking unit.
After years of scouring the Eredivisie, in particular, for new signings, now could well be the time to look a little closer to home…
New Cantona & Berbatov: Man Utd on the verge of signing £90k-p/w "maverick"
Man Utd appear to be closing in on what could prove to be a real marquee move
Manchester United’s season isn’t over just yet, not if Ruben Amorim can help it, although the same can’t be said for Marcus Rashford, with the exiled Englishman looking set to miss the remainder of the campaign through injury.
Currently on the books at Aston Villa, following his February loan switch to the Midlands, the 27-year-old will have to watch on as his parent club bid for Europa League glory – eight years on from playing a vital role in lifting that same trophy under Jose Mourinho.
In what was just his first full season in the senior ranks at Old Trafford, the then-youngster notably came alive in the knockout stages, racking up five goals and assists in total, including a stunning, crucial free-kick away to Celta Vigo.
That impact had followed on from Rashford’s emergence onto the scene a year earlier in the final few months of the 2015/16 season, having ended that campaign with eight goals in just 18 first-team games under Louis van Gaal’s watch.
Perhaps his prime years, however, came during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, with the academy graduate registering 26 goal contributions in 31 Premier League games in 2019/20, followed by a further 24 in 37 top-flight outings in the following season.
Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25*
24
7
3
2023/24
43
8
6
2022/23
56
30
11
2021/22
32
5
2
2020/21
57
21
18
*Not including record at Villa
Stats via Transfermarkt
A brief resurgence did occur in 2022/23, amid the forward’s 30-goal heroics, although recent years have showcased far too much inconsistency, with the Three Lions star now looking set for a permanent summer exit. A potential youthful replacement appears to have already been lined up…
Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward
Alongside the widely reported move for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the signing of a new centre-forward appears hot on the agenda for Amorim and INEOS this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund having scored just four league goals in 2024/25 thus far.
As outlined by GIVEMESPORT, the Red Devils have identified Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen as the prime candidates in the search for a new number nine, albeit with boths deals said to be ‘complicated’.
Indeed, there are doubts over whether the £30m-rated Delap is keen on moving to Old Trafford at this point in his embryonic career, while as for Osimhen, there are concerns regarding the Nigerian’s potential wage demands and willingness to actually feature for the club.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With that in mind, alternatives to their pair are now being drawn up, with the report outlining that one of those whom INEOS are also ‘keeping tabs’ on is Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.
Previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – having also been heavily linked with Newcastle United in past – the Frenchman has dazzled in Germany this season, hence the interest in him from those in Manchester.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
One major obstacle would be the 22-year-old’s reported £80m price tag, although if any kind of leeway can be found, then he may come onto United’s radar in a more concrete manner.
Why Hugo Ekitike is like a prime Rashford
Following a difficult few years under the Manchester United microscope, Rashford had looked like getting back to his best in a Villa shirt of late, prior to his recent cruel injury blow.
Indeed, the experienced forward notably scored his first league goal for the Villans with a breakaway goal on the counter against Brighton and Hove Albion, evoking memories of his goal against Arsenal at the start of 2022/23, or his second strike in the 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea on the opening day of 2019/20.
Against Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, the resurgent striker was also breathtaking at times as Unai Emery’s side bravely crashed out at the quarter-final stage, with Rashford teeing up Ezri Konsa following a stunning solo run down the right flank.
That speed and skill showed shades of the Rashford that United fans had seen in years gone by, with the polarising talent having looked almost “unstoppable” in his pomp – as noted by Erik ten Hag.
In many ways, the aforementioned Ekitike is showing exciting similarities to that prime version of ‘Rashy’, not least in his ability to sparkle off the left or in his usual centre-forward berth.
This season, in particular, has been a fruitful one for the former PSG starlet, as he has already registered 22 goals and a further ten assists in 45 games for Frankfurt across all fronts, including 15 goals and six assists in the Bundesliga.
He is then not too far off emulating Rashford’s best-ever Premier League tally, which came, as alluded to previously, in 2019/20, amid his record of 17 goals and nine assists during that Covid-impacted campaign.
Ekitike (2024/25) vs Rashford (2019/20)
Stat (per 90)
Ekitike
Rashford
Non-penalty goals
0.55
0.37
Assists
0.24
0.24
Shot-creating actions
3.68
3.24
Pass completion
75.8%
75.3%
Progressive passes
1.92
4.22
Progressive carries
3.41
3.58
Successful take-ons
1.88
2.04
Touches in attacking penalty area
7.21
5.18
Progressive passes received
7.80
8.51
Stat via FBref
Described as “one of the best strikers out there” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Ekitike does mirror the United outcast in a range of attacking metrics too, when comparing those two seasons, with the Frankfurt talisman also something of a monster in that left channel.
That quality was on full display as the in-demand marksman netted in fine fashion against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, running at his man from that left flank, before unleashing a delightful finish into the far corner.
It is difficult not to see an element of Rashford at his best when witnessing Ekitike in full flow, with the France U21 international potentially representing the perfect successor to the Red Devils’ 138-goal enigma.
United were his “favourite club” as a child, by the way…
The next Di Maria: Man Utd lodge offer to sign "world-class talent"
Man Utd appear to be ramping up their search for new faces, ahead of the summer window – including the next Angel Di Maria
All eyes might be on next week’s Champions League semi-final for the fans, but behind the scenes, Arsenal are preparing for a massive summer transfer window.
The Gunners are set to finish with fewer points in the Premier League than their previous campaign under Mikel Arteta for the first time, and as they’ve scored 12 goals fewer than Liverpool, it’s clear they need attacking reinforcements.
One of the standout players most heavily touted for a move to the Emirates in recent months has been Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who would be available for around £50m thanks to the release clause in his current deal.
However, while the Spaniard is a supremely exciting winger, recent reports have now linked the club with another sensational wideman, someone having a way better season than the Basque star.
Arsenal looking to sign one of the best players in Europe
As we get closer and closer to the opening of the summer transfer window, the links to incredible stars have been steadily increasing, so before looking at the potential Williams upgrade, it’s worth going over some of the other names touted for a move to N5, such as Rafael Leao.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to reports from earlier this month, the Portuguese international could be available for around £86m this summer, and while that’s a lot of money, it could prove to be a fee worth paying, as in just 46 appearances for AC Milan this term, he’s scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists.
However, a far cheaper option would be Kingsley Coman, who has been touted for a £39m move to the North Londoners.
The Bayern Munich star, who scored the winning goal in the 2020 UCL Final, has somewhat fallen out of favour in Bavaria this year but has still managed to rack up a haul of seven goals and four assists in 1666 minutes of action.
With that said, perhaps the most exciting winger linked with Arsenal at the moment, and the one who would be a better signing than Williams, is Raphinha.
FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
According to a recent report from Spain, the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Brazilian game-changer, including Liverpool, Chelsea and teams from the Saudi Pro League.
However, the key information is that, per the story, Barcelona have not ruled out selling the former Leeds United star, and that should an offer of around €100m – £86m – be made, they’d be willing to cash in.
It would be an incredibly costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Raphinha’s immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Williams.
How Raphinha compares to Williams
So, with the fees being reported, it seems likely that Arsenal would sign Raphinha or Williams and not both, so how do they compare?
FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their third goal
Well, when it comes down to the most important metric for an attacking player, their raw output, it’s the Barcelona star who comes out way ahead.
For example, in 49 appearances this season, totalling 3952 minutes, the “amazing” Porto Alegre-born star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has racked up an outrageous tally of 30 goals and 23 assists. He is truly living up to his billing as “the best player in the world” this season, as hailed by Statman Dave.
That means he is currently averaging 1.08 goal involvements a game or one every 74.56 minutes, which is a simply world-class rate of return and makes Thierry Henry’s tip for him to win the Ballon d’Or earlier this year look like a shrewd one.
In contrast, the Pamplona-born dynamo has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists for the Basque side in 43 appearances, totalling 2971 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.38 games, or every 165.05 minutes.
Raphinha vs Williams
Player
Raphinha
Williams
Appearances
49
43
Minutes
3952′
2971′
Goals
30
11
Assists
23
7
Goal Involvements per Match
1.08
0.41
Minutes per Goal Involvement
74.56′
165.05 ‘
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Now, it should be said that, in and of itself, that is an excellent rate of return for a winger, but it’s simply incomparable to the Brazilian’s mind-blowing efforts this year.
Ultimately, Arsenal need to sign an attacker who can propel them forward this summer, and while he won’t be cheap, that attacker is Raphinha, not Willimas.
Shades of Xhaka: Arsenal star who won 100% duels is now undroppable
The impressive international has turned his Arsenal career around.
Celtic avoided back-to-back-to-back defeats against their city rivals with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
A goal from Cyriel Dessers in the first half gave the home side a commanding position heading into the second 45, but a fine goal from Adam Idah secured a point for Brendan Rodgers and his men.
Old Firm games in 2024/25
Date
Result
5th May 2025
1-1 draw
16th March 2025
3-2 Rangers win
2nd January 2025
3-0 Rangers win
15th December 2024
Celtic win on penalties
1st September 2024
1-0 Celtic win
It was the final Old Firm clash of the 2025/26 campaign, ending with two wins and one draw apiece, and it may have been the final Old Firm match for left-back Greg Taylor.
Why that may have been Greg Taylor's last Old Firm
The Scotland international is out of contract at the end of this season, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension at Parkhead.
It was reported by the Daily Record last month that the Hoops are planning to offer him a new three-year deal to stay at the club, but that he also has options from abroad, in the MLS, England, and Dinamo Zagreb.
This means that the 1-1 draw with Rangers on Sunday may have been his last Old Firm match for the Hoops, unless an agreement can be reached in the coming days.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Taylor may not have been the only player to have played his final Old Firm game for the Scottish giants, though, as Anthony Ralston should be moved on this summer.
Why Celtic should move on from Anthony Ralston
The Celtic academy graduate started for the sixth time this season and, perhaps, showed why Rodgers has not relied on him more often, as he produced a disappointing display.
During Sky Sports’ commentary of the game, pundit Chris Sutton described his challenge on Nedim Bajrami as “daft” in the first half, before suggesting that the full-back had “brain freeze” when he watched Nicolas Raskin run past him in the second half.
There were many moments like the two Sutton commented on, including a dive late in the game that almost presented Rangers with a chance to create something in the final seconds of the match.
As you can see in the table below, Ralston lost the majority of his duels, losing seven of the 13, and offered very little in possession, with all four of his crosses failing to find a teammate.
Vs Rangers
Anthony Ralston
Minutes
90
Tackles
2
Interceptions
1
Error led to shot
1
Ground duels won
4/8
Aerial duels won
2/5
Key passes
0
Crosses completed
0/4
Stats via Sofascore
The Scottish defender, therefore, struggled on and off the ball throughout the match and did not prove himself to be a reliable option when called upon by the Celtic boss.
With Taylor possibly on his way out of Parkhead on a free transfer, the Hoops may look to revitalise their full-back option, and Ralston could be a player on the chopping block if they decide to make changes in those positions, which could make this his last Old Firm match for the club.
Or, if Ralston does stay at Parkhead, Rodgers should look to use other options from the start to avoid the defender from being a liability down the right flank, as he was on Sunday.
Worth more than Maeda: Celtic have struck gold on "immense" star
Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth even more than Daizen Maeda.
Celtic are already building towards next season and could see plenty of movement in both directions once the summer window comes around at Parkhead.
Celtic begin to make inroads in the transfer market
While Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed another remarkably successful season at Parkhead, the Irishman still has the small factor of focusing on winning a domestic treble before fully looking ahead to 2025/26.
After claiming the Scottish Premiership title, Premier Sports Cup and putting on a brave showing in the Champions League, he will hope his side have demonstrated more than enough appeal to prospective summer recruits.
Brendan Rodgers
Recently, Celtic have been linked with a move for Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson. The Scotland international has enjoyed a breakout campaign at Tynecastle, though it remains to be seen whether he would be given first-team guarantees in Glasgow.
Sarpsborg star Sondre Ørjasæter has been on the Hoops’ radar since January, suggesting that bolstering the ranks from middle to front could be a key priority for Rodgers. Nevertheless, there will also be a number of departures to clear the decks for fresh blood to enter the fold, even if Celtic are likely to fight hard to hold on to key stars.
Only played 66 minutes: Celtic can fix Jota blow by unleashing young star
With Jota set to be sidelined for an extended period of time, Brendan Rodgers should give Celtic’s “absolutely brilliant” youngster an opportunity.
ByBen Gray May 2, 2025
Daizen Maeda is attracting reported interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, signifying that high-profile sides may be casting an eye over a number of Hoops men ahead of next season. Now, further information has emerged regarding who could become Celtic’s early casualties and four players are now set to head through the exit door once their contracts expire.
Celtic set to part ways with four starlets this summer
According to The Daily Record, Celtic are set to part ways with Daniel Cummings, Joe Morrison, Alasdair Davidson and Lewis Dobbie, with the latter three not being retained by the Scottish champions.
Notably, Cummings has previously been offered a new contract by the Bhoys, but the Scotland Under-21 international has been frequently linked with a move to West Ham United after the Hammers saw a £500,000 bid turned down for the striker in January.
Celtic’s four departing youngsters in 2024/25
Daniel Cummings
Appearances: 37
Goals: 29
Assists: 0
Lewis Dobbie
Appearances: 26
Goals: 13
Assists: 0
Alasdair Davidson
Appearances: 10
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Joe Morrison
Appearances: 12
Clean sheets: 6
Goals conceded: 10
Seemingly, any efforts from Celtic to try and retain the prolific forward have fallen on deaf ears, and it remains to be seen whether a move to the London Stadium becomes a likely prospect in the summer months.
While there is an appetite from supporters to witness their academy system produce more talent for the first-team, it appears that none of the quartet mentioned will be household names at Parkhead.
Instead, they will focus on finding a steady path to senior involvement elsewhere, leaving Lennoxtown bosses to work with their existing pool of options.
While they haven’t necessarily seen much success in the modern era, Tottenham Hotspur fans have been blessed with incredible players.
For example, for years, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were arguably the most dangerous duo in the entire Premier League.
Before that, it was Gareth Bale, Luka Modrić and Rafael van der Vaart who wowed fans on a weekly basis, yet for all the incredibly talented players just mentioned, none of them was able to deliver a moment quite as magical as a certain Lucas Moura.
The Brazilian winger might not have been the best player to grace N17, but he was undeniably talented, lively, and capable of producing here and there, and now it looks like the club might have found their new version of him.
Moura's Spurs' career
Moura joined Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2018 for a fee of around £23m, which, looking back today, doesn’t seem unreasonable.
His first six months in North London were relatively unremarkable, as he was limited to just 457 minutes of first-team football across 11 appearances, although he was still able to score one goal and provide four assists.
However, it was the following season, the 18/19 campaign, that brought with it his finest moment in a Tottenham shirt and the moment that cemented his place in the club’s proud history.
In the Premier League, he did well enough, scoring ten goals and providing one assist in 32 games, but it was in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, away to Ajax, where he did something awe-inspiring.
The Lilywhites were already a goal down from the first leg, so when the hosts went in at halftime two-nil up, it felt as if the club’s European adventure had come to an unfortunate end.
However, Mauricio Pochettino must have given the team talk of his life, as Moura came out like a man possessed in the second half and scored a hat-trick, with the third goal coming in the 96th minute.
The former PSG gem would spend the following few seasons in and out of the team, eventually returning to Sao Paulo in August 2023 with a tally of 66 goal involvements in 221 games, but with the appreciation of the fanbase for that magical night in Amsterdam – and now it looks like the club have found their new Moura.
Spurs' new Moura
So, while Brennan Johnson has an eye for goal in him and Wilson Odobert has shown glimpses of something special, neither player could be considered Spurs’ new Moura.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
That title belongs to Mathys Tel, and there are a few reasons for this.
The first is the simple fact that, like the Brazilian, he arrived at Tottenham in January from a massive European club where he was struggling for game-time, this time Bayern Munich.
On top of that, the youngster arrived with quite a bit of hype around him, with journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that Spurs themselves were describing him as “a generational talent.”
That might sound hyperbolic, but in their defence, the “mind-blowing” attacker, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored ten goals and provided six assists in just 1406 minutes of first-team football last season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 87.87 minutes.
Appearances
41
Starts
10
Minutes
1406′
Goals
10
Assists
6
Goal Involvements per Match
0.39
Minutes per Goal Involvement
87.87′
Finally, like the former Lilywhites star, the Sarcelles-born dynamo is incredibly direct, rapid and capable of making things happen on his own, and had the team been on song against Nottingham Forest on Monday night, he could have easily picked up a couple of assists, as he played five key passes and created one big chance.
Ultimately, while it’s still early on in his career, and there is even a chance they don’t sign him permanently in the summer, Tel looks to be an exciting prospect and someone who could become Spurs’ new Moura.
However, fans might be hoping he can produce magical moments on a more consistent basis than the Brazilian did.
One of his poorest-ever displays: 5/10 Spurs dud was worse than Richarlison
Spurs suffered yet another Premier League defeat, this time at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta’s side take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League final tonight in the knowledge that winning by a two-goal margin will send them to the club’s first final in the competition in 19 years – their second overall.
However, for them to get those two goals, or even to win by one and get through to penalties, the North Londoners are going to have to be at their very best from the first minute to the last, and that means making some personnel changes from the team that lost against Bournemouth.
In particular, there’s one player who has to be ruthlessly dropped by Arteta, a player who struggled just as much as the out-of-form Martin Odegaard did.
Arsenal's poor performers
Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other starters who underwhelmed on Saturday afternoon, such as Leandro Trossard.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The Belgian wasn’t terrible on the day, but as can sometimes happen when he starts up top, the natural winger offered little to nothing in attack, earning himself a 6/10 from the Standard’s Simon Collings.
Likewise, it was another worrying showing from David Raya, who once again looked shakey in possession and almost gifted the visitors a goal out of nothing with a poor pass out from the back.
Finally, while he did manage to pick up an assist for Declan Rice’s great goal, it was yet another poor game for Odegaard, as his lacklustre marking of Evanilson in the closing stages saw the Cherries knick all three points and more than justified the 6/10 match rating he received from Collings.
However, while the Norwegian will almost certainly keep his place in the team for tonight’s game thanks to the armband and a lack of other genuine options, there was another starter who simply has to be dropped by Arteta ahead of tonight.
The Arsenal star who has to be dropped
So, while Trossard is likely one of the starters who will be taken out of the lineup for tonight’s game, Ben White should be another.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion star came back into the starting XI on the back of news that Jurrien Timber had picked up a minor knock.
While £50m defender wasn’t terrible on the day, he didn’t convince anyone that he should keep his place now that the Dutchman’s seemingly back in full training.
For example, while the Englishman offered something on the overlap and should eventually get back up to speed, he really struggled with the defensive side of the game and was ‘troubled by Dango Ouattara’s pace,’ per Collings.
Unfortunately, on top of looking shaky and failing the eye test, the Gunners’ “warrior,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also had some pretty terrible statistics from the game.
Minutes
86′
Expected Assists
0.01
Clearances
6
Dribbled Past
3
Ground Duels (Won)
5 (1)
Lost Possession
8
Passing Accuracy
22/28 (79%)
Dribbles (Successful)
1 (0)
For example, while he did well to make six clearances, he was dribbled past three times, lost four of five ground duels, lost the ball eight times, failed his one and only attempted dribble and amassed a dire expected assists figure of 0.01.
Ultimately, if he couldn’t live with Ouattara on the weekend, then there is no way the manager should be looking to start him against potentially Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tonight.
That is especially true now that Timber seems to be fit and back in contention, who respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described as an “elite 1v1 defender” following his monstrous display away to Real Madrid.
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