One Queens Park Rangers player has received an offer from a big club to leave Loftus Road this summer.

Queens Park Rangers on course to stay up

The Hoops, under Marti Cifuentes, look set to remain a Championship club for the 2025/26 season. Sitting five points clear of safety after the weekend’s fixtures, QPR are looking towards the end of the season after going seven games without a win.

There are just six games remaining with Cifuentes preparing to take his side to fellow relegation contenders Oxford United on Wednesday evening.

QPR’s final Championship games	Date
Oxford United vs QPR	April 9
QPR vs Bristol City	April 12
Preston vs QPR	April 18
QPR vs Swansea	April 21
QPR vs Burnley	April 26
Sunderland vs QPR	May 3

Talking after the 0-0 draw with Cardiff City last time out, Cifuentes said: “I think in the first half we were perhaps slightly better than Cardiff. The feeling at half-time was that we needed – especially in a game like this with two teams not in the best moment of the season – to score the first goal of the game, but to not lose the game.

“In the second half Cardiff got a bit more energy off the bench… in the end it is a fair result. We are struggling with the options that we have in attacking positions, we need to give credit, because we have an honest group of players trying to do their best.”

In regards to struggling in an attacking sense, QPR have used Rayan Kolli on 15 occasions in the Championship this season, with the youngster scoring four goals.

However, he hasn’t been available in the last nine games due to a hamstring injury, and by the looks of things, Kolli could be on the way out this summer.

Big club make bid to sign Queens Park Rangers ace Rayan Kolli

According to reports in France, QPR forward Kolli is attracting serious interest from two Ligue 1 clubs in AS Monaco and Lille.

In fact, Lille, who made the last 16 of the Champions League this season, have submitted a contract offer to the Algeria U20 international.

Kolli is a product of the QPR academy and he has made 27 senior appearances for the R’s. He came in for praise from Cifuentes back in January following his winner against Plymouth Argyle.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

“What a week for him. It’s important he keeps humble and keeps working, but it’s definitely well deserved. He had an amazing impact on the game and that’s a luxury problem for me to have – to be able to pick from Rayan, Michi [Frey] and Alfie [Lloyd].

“These are problems that you want to have. The important thing is that everyone is contributing.”

Now, after receiving an offer from Lille, Kolli’s QPR future will be one to keep an eye on heading into the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur appear set for major changes this summer, with Daniel Levy reportedly eyeing up new managers to potentially replace Ange Postecoglou, and an overhaul could also occur in the Lilywhites squad.

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in season-defining Europa League tie

Despite their woes domestically, Spurs still have a chance to make history by winning a first major trophy since 2008.

£165k-a-week Tottenham star requests transfer as big club work to sign him

He’s informed the club of his desire to go.

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Norwegian minnows and 2025’s fairy-tale underdogs, Bodo/Glimt, await them in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday, and a highly-anticipated victory would go a long way in sealing Spurs’ first European final since 2019.

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Tottenham could face Athletic Bilbao, spearheaded by in-demand Spain sensation Nico Williams, or Premier League rivals Man United in the final, provided they get past Bodo/Glimt.

The Scandinavians cannot be underestimated, and they knocked Serie A giants Lazio out in the last round, but Spurs have more than enough quality on paper to get the job done.

However, even if the Lilywhites do go on to win the Europa League and make history by doing so, Postecoglou could still part ways with Tottenham this summer – leading to a host of different managers being linked with the job.

According to The Telegraph, Spurs are also facing a difficult summer transfer window, with the prospect of a ‘sell to buy’ strategy looming amid rumoured outside interest in the likes of Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro.

Tottenham could have to cash-in on Romero, who is believed to be eyeing a move away from N17 as Atlético Madrid put in extensive work on signing him for Diego Simeone ahead of next season (Marca).

There could also be changes nearer boardroom level, with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici still in the picture for a return to the club.

Fabio Paratici inclined to re-join Tottenham after failed AC Milan talks

The Italian was repeatedly linked with a reunion at Spurs, as his worldwide FIFA ban from footballing activity is due to expire on June 30th.

Reports earlier this month claimed Levy personally held talks with Paratici about re-joining Tottenham, and he was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Paratici’s negotiations over a move to AC Milan also collapsed in early April, but according to an update via Milan News, the 52-year-old held a recent meeting with the Rossoneri to discuss his appointment once again.

The prospect of becoming Milan’s sporting director was on the table again for him during these discussions, but it is currently believed Paratici is more inclined to work at Tottenham and continue his adventure away from Italy.

After being forced to resign from his Spurs post in 2023, Paratici remains a popular figure among supporters, having led the club’s pursuit of key signings like Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Romero, Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr.

Known for his tireless work ethic behind-closed-doors, it will be intriguing to see if Levy is still tempted by the prospect of welcoming him back.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is walking a tightrope at Spurs right now, following what could end up being the club’s worst ever Premier League season, with the 59-year-old heavily relying on their Europa League campaign to sway critics who want him gone.

Ange Postecoglou's future in "serious doubt" at Tottenham

The former Celtic boss started his tenure in excellent fashion, making the best-ever start by a new manager in Premier League history at the beginning of last season, but fortunes have dramatically changed for Postecoglou since then.

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A combination of injuries to key players and poor performances overall have left Spurs 14th in the table with 16 league defeats, which is unacceptable for a big six side, and this has resulted in calls for Postecoglou to be shown his P45.

The tactician has also done himself no favours thanks to some confrontations with supporters this term, most recently when he was pictured cupping his ear to Spurs supporters over Pape Sarr’s disallowed goal during their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last week, which he later claimed was actually just a normal celebration.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Postecoglou also came to blows with a fan at Craven Cottage before that, following Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Fulham, which could be a result of the immense pressure on his shoulders amid a very disappointing campaign.

“The pressure has been building up on him for sure,” said former Brentford manager Martin Allen on the incident to Tottenham News.

“His reaction to someone shouting at him from the stands will be disappointing to himself. I’m also disappointed in his staff for not taking him into the dressing room and away from the public’s opinion. His staff should have got him out of there so he wasn’t in that situation.”

Reliable media sources claim that Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is in “serious doubt”, while Fabrizio Romano believes it is Europa League or bust to save his job, as the Lilywhites prepare for an all-important quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Ange Postecoglou tenure "irreparable" with Tottenham in manager talks

However, former Premier League CEO Keith Wyness is under the impression that Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham is “irreparable” – explaining to Football Insider that the club will “already” be in new manager talks.

“Postecoglou seems to have lost the plot. Lovable old Aussie Ange has become Grumpy Ange,” said Wyness.

“The relationship has broken down with the fans and it now seems irreparable. He knows it, everyone knows that Spurs will be moving for a new manager. I’m sure there are talks already going on behind the scenes.

“We’ve discussed previously about [Andoni] Iraola or [Marco] Silva at Bournemouth or Fulham. Both of those sides still have something to play for, so there won’t be any moves immediately.

“That move will give the club a chance to catch their breath and mend the relationship with the fans.”

According to reports, Bournemouth’s Iraola is Tottenham’s top target to replace Postecoglou if they go in that direction, while Fulham’s Silva is also believed to be on Spurs’ managerial shortlist.

Both tacticians have performed impressively, but following Antonio Conte, Nuno Espírito Santo and José Mourinho’s failed tenures at Spurs before Postecoglou’s arrival, something may also have to change nearer boardroom level for the club to end their long wait for silverware.

This summer is a fresh start for Everton, having the opportunity to create a new era for the football club upon their move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

For the last couple of years, the side have been constantly in the bottom half of the Premier League table, often having to rely on last-day relegation battles.

However, David Moyes has returned to the club and turned their fortunes around, losing just twice in the league to Manchester City and Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

If the Scotsman is to take the club to the next level in 2025/26, the hierarchy desperately needs to hand him the funds he needs to make the changes he desires to the first-team squad.

With the summer transfer window just around the corner, it appears the board have wasted no time in identifying players to make the first season at the new stadium one to remember.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new signings this summer

There’s no denying the striker role has been a constant issue at Goodison Park, with the Toffees desperately needing to address such an issue in the coming months.

Former Arsenal star Mika Biereth has emerged as one player on their shortlist, starring after his January move to join French outfit Monaco, scoring 12 times in his 13 league games since his transfer.

However, it remains unclear how much they will have to fork out for his signature, given he joined the Ligue 1 side for a reported £15m less than four months ago.

Another name has reemerged on their list of targets, in the form of Chris Rigg, who has starred in the Championship with Sunderland at the tender age of just 17.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees are leading the race for his signature, with the Black Cats demanding a whopping £38m to part ways with the talent this summer.

Why the £38m star could be Everton’s biggest star since Rooney

Wayne Rooney will remain one of the best talents to ever come out of Everton, after bursting onto the scene in the first-team as a 16-year-old back in 2002.

It was unheard of for a player of that age to make such an impact on the first team, scoring his first professional goal against Arsenal – in spectacular fashion too.

His first spell at Goodison Park saw him make 35 appearances, scoring eight goals, leading to a huge move to an English giant that would catapult him to stardom throughout his professional career.

Rooney eventually joined Manchester United for a fee in the region of £25.6m during the summer of 2004, before returning to his boyhood club for a second spell between 2017 and 2018.

However, a move for Rigg this window could allow the club to land a star who could be as talented as Rooney, undoubtedly set for huge things at the top level given his achievements as a teenager.

The Sunderland ace has already notched 67 appearances for the Black Cats since his debut in January 2023, cementing himself as a first-team regular in their hunt for Championship promotion.

He’s notched four goals and one assist in his 40 league outings to date, creating 1.2 chances per 90 for his teammates – showcasing the threat he poses in attacking areas.

Rigg has also completed 1.2 successful dribbles per 90, along with an 80% pass success rate, having the tools to transform their fortunes within the final third throughout 2024/25.

Chris Rigg’s stats for Sunderland in the Championship (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

40

Goals & assists

5

Pass completion rate

80%

Successful dribbles

1.2

Chances created

1.2

Duels won

5.1

Tackles won

57%

Stats via FotMob

Whilst he’s mainly an attacking player, he’s also starred out of possession, winning 5.1 duels per game along with a 57% tackle success rate – having the ability to improve massively in the future, given his tender age.

It’s been a long time since the Toffees have had a talent as good as Rooney, but Rigg could finally end their wait, having the skill set to be a key player on Merseyside for many years to come.

£38m may appear to be a mammoth fee for such a young star, but given the figures he’s produced coupled with his potential, it’s a risk worth taking, with Moyes reaping the rewards in the Premier League should he make the move in the coming months.

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Arsenal have privately refused to rule out signing a former Man City forward for manager Mikel Arteta this summer, with new sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners hierarchy set for a key transfer decision.

Arsenal cruise into Champions League semi-finals after Real Madrid win

It’s been a sensational week for Arteta and co, who made history by becoming the first ever side in history to win at the Bernabeu on their first two visits – breaking a record which stood for 77 years.

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Emilio Galantini

Apr 18, 2025

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a stunning 5-1 aggregate win for Arsenal in the Spanish capital, making a serious statement to the rest of Europe that they’re genuine contenders to win this year’s Champions League title.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games	Date
Ipswich Town (away)	April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)	April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)	May 3rd
Liverpool (away)	May 11th
Newcastle United (home)	May 18th

A tough test in Ligue 1 champions PSG awaits in the semi-finals, but their tails will surely be up after a potentially season-defining quarter-final tie.

“The feeling that we have is our reality, basically,” said Arteta on the mood around Arsenal after their triumph over Real Madrid.

“And in the feeling that I had before the game, when the players were transmitting and how prepared I could feel the team, that we are ready to compete against anybody. Now we have to continue to do that because I think we have some momentum now.

“Where we finished last year and the way we’re doing it this year, the teams with their eyes on us and the competition, it’s incredible. Big credit to [Madrid}, it was my first time as a coach in that dugout, and today I realised after three minutes in this stadium, anything is possible. They are specialists of creating such chaos and belief, and it’s very difficult to really understand what’s going on in the game and have certainty about how we controlled it. I think they showed a lot of maturity.”

Arsenal refuse to rule out signing Raheem Sterling permanently

Privately, Arsenal are making plans to build the squad further and provide Arteta with new wide attackers.

In the last week, Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, not to mention Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams, but there is also the matter of Raheem Sterling and his future at the Emirates.

It hasn’t exactly been a dream loan move from Chelsea for the Englishman, who’s seen precious little game time under his former City assistant coach, with Arsenal paying around £163,000-per-week of his £325,000-per-week salary during his temporary stint.

Berta would need to renegotiate contract terms and a fee with Chelsea to make his move permanent, but according to The Mail, as quoted by TEAMtalk, Arsenal have refused to rule out signing Sterling permanently and are yet to inform him of a final decision.

It would be a bizarre call by the north Londoners at this point, considering the 30-year-old boasts just one goal and five assists all season, but it is believed his stay may not be completely off the table, contrary to reports.

Today is the day that Leeds United could officially secure their promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking in the Championship.

The Whites play host to Stoke City at Elland Road in a 3 pm kick-off this afternoon, knowing that if they win and Sheffield United fail to beat Burnley in their 5:30 pm kick-off, they will be promoted.

Despite beating Oxford United 1-0 last time out in the Championship, Daniel Farke could look to make some changes to his starting line-up to keep the team fresh, after only two days of recovery, and Dan James is a star who should come back in.

Why Dan James should start for Leeds

The Wales international missed the 2-1 win over Preston North End with an injury and returned to play a part off the bench in the clash with Oxford on Friday.

After his cameo at the Kassam, James should now be put back into the starting line-up against Stoke this afternoon, just days after he was named as one of the finalists in the race to win the Championship Player of the Season award.

The former Manchester United winger has scored 12 goals, created 16 ‘big chances’, and delivered nine assists in 30 starts in the second tier this term, which shows that he has made a big impact in the final third on a regular basis.

Leeds know that today could be the day that they seal promotion, if they beat Stoke, and they need their best players on the pitch in order to have the best chance of success.

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With this in mind, Farke must bring the influential star back into the team by ruthlessly ditching Brenden Aaronson from the side that started on Friday.

Why Brenden Aaronson should be dropped

The USA international played 89 minutes against Oxford and failed to offer much in front of goal, as he missed one ‘big chance’, lost possession 15 times, and failed to create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

Aaronson was described as “anonymous” by reporter James Marshment back in February, and that assessment still rings true, as it was his 12th game without a goal or an assist in his last 13 appearances in all competitions.

The £45k-per-week flop has produced two goals and zero assists in 19 matches in 2025, with one of those goals coming in the 7-0 win over Cardiff, which illustrates how ineffective he has been in the final third.

Appearances (starts)

43 (40)

40 (23)

xG

10.24

5.50

Goals

9

6

Minutes per goal

368

345

Big chances created

8

9

Assists

2

5

As you can see in the table above, Wilfried Gnonto has been more effective as a finisher whilst also providing more creativity despite starting 17 fewer games than the American dud.

This suggests that Farke should keep the Italy U21 international in the team, moving him into the number ten role, and drop Aaronson from the side in order to start James on the right wing.

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This would mean that Leeds would have an attacking midfield trident of James, Gnonto, and Manor Solomon behind either Joel Piroe or Patrick Bamford in the centre-forward position.

Chelsea stand on the brink of yet more European glory having reached the final of the Conference League in midweek.

If the Blues do go on to defeat Real Betis in the final at the end of the month, they will become the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Conference League.

It would ensure Enzo Maresca ends his debut season with a trophy, the club’s first since 2021.

The Italian will be hoping his side can finish the Premier League campaign well, securing a top five finish which would see them qualify for the Champions League next term.

With games to come against Newcastle United, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Chelsea have an extremely tough final three fixtures.

If the promised land is to be reached, Maresca will be hoping his key players are firing over the next couple of weeks.

Cole Palmer may not have lived up to his extraordinary debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, but he has still registered 25 goal contributions – 15 goals and ten assists – across 42 games for the Blues so far this season.

Why Chelsea must keep hold of Cole Palmer

The attacking midfielder progressed through the academy at Manchester City before going on to make a total of 41 appearances for the club.

Despite winning the treble during the 2022/23 season and scoring twice for City at the start of the following campaign, Palmer ended up joining Chelsea for just £40m that summer.

This has turned out to be one of the finest signings the club have made in their recent history. Indeed, across Palmer’s 87 games for the Stamford Bridge side, he has scored 40 goals while recording 25 assists in all competitions.

This works out as a goal involvement every 1.3 games and if it weren’t for his ability in the final third, Chelsea certainly wouldn’t find themselves chasing a Champions League spot, that’s for sure.

Just in the top flight this season, the Englishman has created a staggering 21 big chances, averaged 2.5 key passes and succeeds with 1.5 dribbles per game for the Blues.

While Maresca has brought in plenty of new players via the transfer market, he has also given chances to several Cobham graduates, most notably Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong and Shumaira Mheuka in recent months.

All three could have a bright future in London, but could the manager turn to the transfer market in order to find his next Palmer? As the club are showing interest in someone who could be set for an exit from his current club…

Chelsea plotting move for Premier League sensation

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are in the market for a new left-winger this summer and have narrowed the search down to three players.

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Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho are the three standout candidates for the role as Maresca aims to strengthen this area of his team.

Interest in Garnacho dates back to the January transfer window, where Chelsea first began to show their interest, although no move materialised.

Now, according to Bailey, the Blues have tracked the Argentinian winger since then and are still in contact with his agents.

With the Red Devils closing in on a move for Matheus Cunha, this could see Garnacho departing Old Trafford in the summer.

Their asking price remains around the £60m mark and with Maresca keen on moving a few players on during the window, funds should be available for a few new additions.

Garnacho was trained in a Manchester academy and is a highly-rated young talent ready to fulfil his potential.

Just like Palmer was when he left City two years ago.

Why Chelsea must sign Alejandro Garnacho

Maresca has a few options to use on the left wing, although it is clear that this position needs to be bolstered ahead of next season.

Jadon Sancho arrived on loan from United, but has managed to record just 14 goal contributions across 39 games for the Blues.

Elsewhere, Mykhailo Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for Meldonium, which is a banned substance, last year. He hasn’t played for Chelsea since November.

Goals

6

1

Assists

2

4

Big chances created

4

3

Successful dribbles per game

0.8

1.4

Key passes per game

1

1.5

These factors heighten the need for a new left-sided forward and Garnacho could be an ideal signing.

The 20-year-old made his debut for the Red Devils during the 2021/22 campaign and has since made over 100 competitive appearances for the club.

A tally of 26 goals and 22 assists is solid enough, but this season, he has struggled under Ruben Amorim. He has scored just three Premier League goals since the former Sporting CP manager took charge of the club in November 2024.

Indeed, he has created just four big chances while averaging one key pass per game in the top flight this term. Compared to last season – six big chances created and 1.3 key passes per game – there is a drop-off in output.

Might a fresh start be required for the youngster this summer? It appears so.

Hailed as “generational” talent by Statman Dave during the 2023/24 campaign, Garnacho has talent in abundance. That’s for sure. He now needs a consistent platform to demonstrate it.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Argentinian currently ranks in the top 4% for progressive carries (5.87), in the top 2% for total shots (3.7) and in the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area (7.58) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

Chelsea could be signing their next Palmer should a move for the United wonderkid go through this summer.

If so, they will have a wonderful option on the left wing who is equally able to create and score at the highest level, while he is superb at moving the ball into key areas in the final third.

A fee of £60m could turn out to be a bargain. Especially if he can replicate Palmer’s impact at the Blues.

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Glasgow Rangers must find a way to get back on top in Scottish football after they missed out on the Premiership title for the fourth season running.

The Light Blues will finish second once again in the top-flight and held the champions to a 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the last Old Firm clash of the campaign on Sunday.

Cyriel Dessers, as you can see in the clip above, scored the only goal of the game for the Light Blues, but it was not a perfect performance by the Nigeria international.

Cyriel Dessers' performance against Celtic

The experienced centre-forward did incredibly well for his goal with a good run and touch to take Mohammed Diomande’s pass in and then showed strength to hold off Liam Scales before burying his finish past Viljami Sinisalo.

Unfortunately, though, Dessers did not show that strength for much of the game, as he lost all four of his ground duels and lost four of his five aerial battles.

The former Cremonese striker also completed just 53% (7/13) of his attempted passes in the match, which means that the forward struggled out of possession and with the ball at his feet outside of his goal.

Chalkboard

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One player who was worse than the goalscorer, though, was attacking midfielder Nedim Bajrami, who should be ruthlessly ditched by the 49ers this summer.

Why Nedim Bajrami should be sold

The Albania international, who joined the club from Sassuolo last summer, was selected to start as part of the attacking set-up against the Hoops and was even worse than Dessers.

Barry Ferguson’s number nine, at least, scored the only goal of the game for the Light Blues to make up for the rest of his disappointing display. Whereas, Bajrami made little to no impact at the top end of the pitch in his time on the field.

Vs Celtic

Nedim Bajrami

Minutes

66

Ground duels won

2/2

Aerial duels won

1/1

Pass accuracy

72%

Crosses completed

0/2

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Big chances created

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Albanian forward did not create any chances or take any shots as Sinisalo’s goal, but did show some good fight to win all three of his duels.

This shows that he was even worse than Dessers because the Nigeria international made a telling contribution in front of goal and created one chance for the team, whilst the ex-Serie B ace offered nothing in that respect.

Ultimately, Bajrami is an attacking player who should be in the team to make things happen in the final third, and he has not done that consistently enough this season.

The 26-year-old flop has scored three goals and provided one assist in 38 appearances in the Premiership and the Europa League combined this term, including just two goals in 27 league matches for the club.

It is now down to the incoming owners and the new manager to ruthlessly move Bajrami on in the summer transfer window, after what has been an underwhelming debut season at Ibrox, because he has not proven that the quality is there for him to be a key player moving forward.

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Posts ByBen Gray May 4, 2025

This summer is another opportunity for Chelsea to flex their muscles in the transfer market, with the hierarchy able to back Enzo Maresca in his quest at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian took over the role last summer, joining from Leicester City, still having the opportunity to end the season with a Europa Conference League triumph and a place in the Premier League’s top five.

Should they achieve the latter, they will secure a place in the Champions League once again, finally mixing with Europe’s elite after missing out in each of the last two campaigns.

However, if they are to be competitive in such a competition, the hierarchy will need to hand Maresca the funds to invest and land key squad depth in multiple key areas of the pitch.

One area in particular has been subject to huge interest over the last few weeks, with the board looking to back the manager upon the opening of the summer window.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker this summer

Despite Nicolas Jackson’s double against Djurgarden on Thursday night, Chelsea have been in the market for a new talisman over the last couple of years.

Liam Delap has been the main striker that’s been on their shortlist in recent months, with his £30m relegation release clause potentially allowing the Blues to get themselves a bargain.

However, another name has recently entered the mix in West London, in the form of Ollie Watkins, who looks set to depart Aston Villa in the coming months, according to FootballTransfers.

The report claims that the Blues have already made an approach for the 29-year-old striker, with the hierarchy willing to pay his £60m asking price set by Unai Emery’s side.

It also reports that Maresca is keen on a move to land the England international, needing to act quickly to avoid missing out, with Arsenal once again in the hunt for his signature.

Why Chelsea’s £60m target could be their own Isak

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been one of the Premier League’s leading talismen in 2024/25, scoring a staggering 22 times in his 31 outings.

The Swede has played a huge role in the Magpies’ ambitions of also finishing within the top five, coming up against the Blues in just over seven days time.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of huge interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid over the last few months – with Chelsea even getting themselves positioned in the race.

However, it’s highly unlikely that any side will be able to afford the striker this summer, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a whopping £150m price tag on his shoulders for the upcoming window.

Such a figure could lead to a move for Watkins, with the Englishman being the Blues’ own version of Isak – with FBref labelling him as a similar player to the Swede.

When delving into their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the 29-year-old has managed to outperform the Magpies star in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be.

Watkins, who’s been labelled “tremendous” by former boss Dean Smith, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical ability in the final third.

Games played

35

31

Goals & assists

22

28

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

42%

Pass accuracy

75%

74%

Aerials won

1.8

0.9

Aerial success rate

43%

34%

Fouls won

1.2

0.4

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst achieving a higher aerial success rate, offering Maresca an all-round option in forward areas.

The Englishman has showcased over the last few years that he’s more than capable of leading the line for a side who are pushing to land a place within the Champions League places.

£60m may seem a hefty fee for a 29-year-old, but such a fee would be worth every penny if he can fire the Blues to immediate success at the Bridge – allowing the likes of Jackson to work off him in the process.

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1 ByEthan Lamb May 2, 2025

This summer is a huge one for Liverpool football club if they are to sustain the success they’ve achieved in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm on Merseyside.

The Reds have claimed the Premier League title for just the second time in 2024/25, achieving such a feat with multiple games to spare, highlighting the impressive job done by the Dutchman.

Many supporters undoubtedly had fears for the side after Jürgen Klopp’s departure last summer, but it’s safe to say Slot has rapidly put those worries to bed.

He has the opportunity to create a new era of success for a generation of the fanbase, but it’s crucial that the board backs him in his quest by landing him the targets he wants.

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, work has already been done behind the scenes to land targets who would drastically improve the options at the manager’s disposal.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new defenders this summer

Whilst boasting the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, Liverpool are still in the market for added reinforcements in such a department.

Bournemouth ace Milos Kerkez has been their number one option to strengthen the left-back department, with the Cherries demanding a fee in the region of £40m for his signature.

However, the Hungarian might not be the only star to join the Reds from Andoni Iraola’s side in the coming months, with Dean Huijsen on their radar, according to one Spanish report.

It claims that Slot’s side have already made an offer to the 20-year-old’s representatives over a summer switch to Anfield, but face competition from sides such as Real Madrid and Chelsea.

It also states that it remains to be seen whether he will stay in England or move to LaLiga during the off-season, with multiple outfits willing to trigger his £50m release clause in his contract.

Why Liverpool’s £50m target would be better than Murillo

Huijsen isn’t the only defender linked with a switch to join Liverpool in the near future, with Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian star Murillo emerging as another target for Slot’s men.

The 22-year-old has been a key part of their hunt for a Champions League spot, having a real impact at both ends of the pitch – as seen by his goal against Crystal Palace earlier this week.

He’s a unique option in today’s market, taking pride in his ball-playing ability, always offering a presence in driving out with the ball from the back and playing a diagonal pass to a teammate – but could cost a fee in the region of £80m.

However, despite his eye-catching ability at the City Ground, the hierarchy should still prioritise a move for Bournemouth star Huijsen, with the Spaniard a better option in 2025.

When comparing his stats to those of Murillo this campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – handing the manager a perfect partner to Virgil Van Dijk.

Huijsen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has completed more progressive carries per 90 whilst also completing more of the passes he’s attempted – showcasing his impressive ability on the ball.

How Huijsen compares to Murillo in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Huijsen

Murillo

Games played

29

34

Goals & assists

4

2

Progressive carries

1.5

0.6

Progressive passes

4.7

3.1

Pass accuracy

83%

78%

% of tackles won

60%

58%

Interceptions made

1.9

0.9

Aerials won

2.6

1.2

Stats via FBref

He’s also won more of the tackles he’s entered to date and made more interceptions, highlighting that he’s a better option than Murillo without the ball – further improving the club’s impressive defensive record.

Given the difference in stats, it should be a no-brainer for the club, not to mention saving themselves £30m if they were to make a move for Huijsen instead of the Forest gem.

Such a saving could allow for added investment into other key areas of the first-team squad, further improving their chances of making it back-to-back triumphs in the Premier League next season.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair May 8, 2025