Tottenham Hotspur remain active in the market as they look to add another player to their squad before the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday.
Tottenham's search for a midfielder
Spurs have snapped up Timo Werner, on loan from RB Leipzig, and Radu Dragusin, on a permanent deal from Genoa, to bolster their side so far this month. However, Daniel Levy is still working to bring in a new central midfielder for Ange Postecoglou, who currently has the likes of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to pick from.
Recent reports claim that the Lilywhites are in talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign England international Conor Gallagher from their rivals.
Conor Gallagher for Chelsea
The report states that Tottenham want to sign a central midfielder as a priority and they appear to have identified the Blues captain as their top target. However, Mauricio Pochettino's side are demanding a staggering £80m for their skipper and it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs are willing to meet their demands.
Joshua Kimmich transfer update
The same report adds that Spurs could make a sensational late swoop to sign Bayern Munich and Germany star Joshua Kimmich if they fail to land Gallagher. Football Insider claim that the 28-year-old maestro, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of next season, could be allowed to depart the Bundesliga giants.
They run the risk of losing him for nothing next year if they do not cash in on him in this window or the summer, if he does not put pen to paper on an extension, and Tottenham could take advantage of this situation by moving for his signature. The outlet reveals that Bayern would be willing to part ways with their star midfielder for a fee of up to £60m, although they claim that it could also be as low as £40m.
Kimmich would be a dream alternative to Gallagher as the experienced star could offer far more quality and control in possession for Postecoglou in the middle of the park.
Passes attempted
55.18
88.65
Progressive passes
5.92
9.77
Assists
0.13
0.22
Expected assists
0.12
0.23
Shot-creating actions
2.86
4.41
As you can see in the table above, the Germany international excels when it comes to progressing play into dangerous areas for his teammates to either score or create for another player to score. The £60m-rated midfield general, who was once lauded as "phenomenal" by Jose Mourinho, has also made 6.1 ball recoveries per match in the Bundesliga this season, compared to Gallagher's 6.9 per outing in the Premier League for Chelsea.
This suggests that there is not a significant difference in their defensive work for their respective clubs, whilst Kimmich offers far more on the ball for his team.
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Therefore, the Bayern star could be a dream alternative to the England international due to the qualities he could provide in possession to build up attacks effectively and consistently from a number six or eight position under Postecoglou.
Despite fielding numerous different centre-back pairings this campaign due to enforced reasons and not choice, Erik ten Hag's Manchester United side have been a relatively strong unit on the whole, especially in the Premier League.
United have kept the joint-second-most clean sheets in the top flight, six, conceding an average of just 1.38 goals per game.
However, rumours have arisen regarding Raphael Varane's future at the club, who has had an injury hit time in Manchester, and according to Football Insider, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are willing to let the World Cup winner leave in the summer when his contract expires.
Raphael Varane
Therefore, let's take a look at three incredible centre-back replacements for Varane.
1 Option 1: Matthijs De Ligt – Bayern Munich
Dutch centre-back Matthijs De Ligt is the first star who could send Varane packing in the summer. The 24-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of minutes at Bayern Munich, and he could reunite with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
According to a report from The Athletic, Man United have contacted the German club regarding a potential loan move for the former Ajax giant.
Passes completed
68.24
Top 16%
Passes into final third
7.25
Top 2%
Touches
84.51
Top 16%
Touches (Att pen)
2.16
Top 2%
Aerials won
3.33
Top 12%
As you can see, De Ligt is a dominant defender both on the ball and off it, particularly in the air, which can be useful at both ends of the field.
His ability to progress the play and be comfortable in possession will elevate United's control, while his speed and athleticism will make the side difficult to face in transition, in a similar way to how William Saliba mops up at Arsenal.
2 Option 2: Jean-Clair Todibo – OGC Nice
Jean-Clair Todibo has arguably been the most linked player to Man United in January, and CaughtOffisde confirmed that the Nice defender is among the top three targets for Ten Hag.
The French rock has been instrumental for Nice this campaign, as they have conceded the fewest goals in Ligue 1, 11, and climbed into second place.
Passes completed
82.81
Top 8%
Touches
101.88
Top 6%
Progressive passes
4.84
Top 16%
Tackles + interceptions
3.30
Top 25%
Dribblers tackled
1.17
Top 18%
Todibo is a defender who is extremely composed on the ball and rarely gives it away cheaply, but his high progressive passes mean he isn't passive in possession.
His tackles and interceptions combined are very high, as he is an aggressive, proactive defender, and funnily enough, his most similar player according to FBref is United central defender Martinez.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
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Jarrad Branthwaite has been immense in his first proper campaign in the Premier League, which has led to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig labelling him an absolute "monster."
A recent report from The Mirror stated that Everton could be forced to sell their most valuable assets, which means that the £100m valued Branthwaite would be the first out the door.
The table below shows that the 21-year-old loves to defend, and he reads the game brilliantly while also having the ability to defend 1v1 situations with ease. This makes him extremely difficult to play against, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him a "physical beast".
Tackles
2.11
Top 17%
Dribblers tackled
1.39
Top 1%
Dribblers challenged
1.72
Top 15%
Interceptions
1.78
Top 9%
Ball recoveries
6.39
Top 12%
The former PSV defender is also cool-headed and rarely makes impulsive actions, which would make him the perfect replacement for Varane, especially as Martinez is the opposite.
Reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared some news on West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten's transfer plans for January.
West Ham tipped for busy January
As reported elsewhere, West Ham are backed to be one of the busier sides in January, with defender Thilo Kehrer already sealing a loan move to Monaco for the rest of the season.
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Both in terms of incomings and outgoings, other reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano have stated that West Ham chiefs have been working on this transfer window long before its official opening. It is believed that the Hammers could make multiple new signings this month (Wayne Veysey), including a new striker and centre-back, with West Ham believed to hold an interest in Wolves defender Max Kilman.
Supporters are eager to hear about West Ham bringing in a new number nine in particular, though, especially after they failed to replace Gianluca Scamacca last summer.
Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca.
Michail Antonio's injury, combined with David Moyes' lack of faith in Danny Ings, has forced star winger Jarrod Bowen to play a makeshift striker role for large parts of the campaign.
While the Englishman has shone in that position, there is very little cover behind him, barring youngster Divin Mubama and Ings. West Ham, like half of Europe, are therefore taking a real liking to Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy.
The Guinea international's sensational 2023/2024 season has turned heads from all over the continent, with Guirassy netting 17 league goals in just 14 Bundesliga appearances so far.
ExWHUemployee shares Guirassy to West Ham update
Speaking on his West Ham Way podcast, reliable club insider Ex has shared an update on West Ham's chances of signing the in-form striker this month. He says transfer chief Steidten has worked on signing Guirassy for West Ham, but the competition for his signature is fierce given the £15 million release clause in his deal.
“As we have reported for some time, Serhou Guirassy is still a top target for the club this January,” said Ex.
“Tim Steidten has worked on this potential deal, although I must stress there are many others keen on the player.
Stuttgart strikerSerhou Guirassy.
“Not only has his performances attracted other top clubs to look at the player, but the fact he’s got a £15m release clause makes the competition for his signature fierce. Another stumbling block is the player is part of the Guinea side at the AFCON, although they are not expected to advance far due to a tough group they are in.”
Barring his goals, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has also called Guirassy a "leading figure" in his club's dressing room.
"He is very strong physically," said Plettenberg to Sky.
"He knows how to score and he is known as a leading figure in the dressing room. However, what you do have to say is that it is a very good first season. So, there is a chance it is a one-season wonder but I'm not sure that will be the case.
"He's a good age, very experienced and very focused. He also has good and tough management in the background."
Manchester United began the new year in positive fashion with a comfortable 2-0 win over League One neighbours, Wigan Athletic, in the FA Cup on Monday evening, with Erik ten Hag's men setting up a Fourth Round meeting with Newport County or Eastleigh to boost their hopes of a long run in the competition.
While that most recent triumph proved a rather smooth outing against the lower league side – as was expected – there would still have been notable frustrations for the former Ajax boss, with the Red Devils' frontline once again failing to fire.
It ultimately took a long-range effort from full-back Diogo Dalot, as well as a late Bruno Fernandes penalty, for United to get the better of Sam Tickle in the hosts' goal, with it having been yet another day in which summer signing Rasmus Hojlund simply couldn't buy a goal.
The Danish hotshot spurned numerous chances – including prodding wide with the goal gaping – to ensure his domestic tally remains at just one goal this season, while on the flanks, neither Alejandro Garnacho nor Marcus Rashford got themselves on the scoresheet.
The pair now have just eight goals between them in all competitions in 2023/24, while absent teammate Antony, for instance, remarkably remains without a goal or assist in all competitions this season – despite having featured on 21 occasions.
With every passing week, the £86m addition looks even more like a waste of money, hence why Ten Hag may be looking to replace the "frustrating" talent – as described by club legend Gary Neville – with Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen.
Man Utd transfer news – Donyell Malen
According to a report from Football Transfers, the Red Devils are weighing up whether to make a loan-to-buy offer for the Netherlands international this month, with discussions having already been held within Old Trafford regarding that potential swoop.
The report indicates that United could use the fact that the 24-year-old is part of the SEG agency – alongside Ten Hag, Sofyan Amrabat and Hojlund – in order to strike a deal, albeit with Dortmund said to be more likely to sanction a 'straightforward' permanent sale instead.
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As the piece also notes, this interest in the £52m-rated talent comes at a time in which Jadon Sancho could potentially be heading in the other direction back to Germany, amid reports that the Englishman is in line to return to Westfalenstadion on a short-term loan.
Signing Malen – who can feature on the flanks or through the middle – could then allow Ten Hag to instantly replace Sancho in the squad, as well as ensure the Dutchman can acquire a a replacement for the floundering Antony, who has himself been tipped for a departure of late.
Donyell Malen's style of play
A deal for the right winger would be following the recent trend of signings under the Ten Hag regime, with Malen another who has plied his trade in the Eredivisie, having previously been on the books at PSV Eindhoven.
Donyell Malen for the Netherlands.
The 5 foot 11 speedster – who was also once part of the youth set-up at both Arsenal and Ajax – scored 55 goals and contributed 24 assists in just 116 games during his time in Holland, with such form subsequently leading to a move to Germany back in 2021.
That switch has proven fruitful for the 28-cap international as he now has 41 goal involvements to his name in just 96 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, having typically operated on the right flank, or the opposite side, of late.
Interestingly, as far as United are concerned, the wideman's style of play has previously been likened to a former Old Trafford asset, with ex-Ajax youth coach Brian Tevreden describing him as being a "bit like Alexis Sanchez" in the past.
Former Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez.
Such a comparison may perhaps have alarm bells ringing among those of a United persuasion, with Sanchez previously enduring a miserable and costly stint in Manchester, after also arriving in a January window back in 2018.
Having been handed the club's number seven shirt and a bumper £400k-per-week deal, the Chilean ultimately lasted just 18 months before being shipped out on loan, having provided just 14 goal involvements in that time.
At his best, however, Sanchez was a real menace during his time at Malen's former club, Arsenal, after scoring 80 goals and registering 45 assists in 166 games in all competitions, having been dubbed an "exceptional footballer" by ex-Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger.
For United's sake, they will be hoping that Malen emulates the impact that the now-veteran forward had at the Emirates rather than the Theatre of Dreams, with the Red Devils no doubt keen to avoid another costly January mistake.
How Donyell Malen compares to Antony
Even if that Sanchez comparison may work against Malen with regard to his chances of thriving at United, it is not too difficult to argue that he could represent a sizeable upgrade on the aforementioned Antony on the right flank.
It is worth repeating that a player who cost €100m still hasn't delivered a goal contribution this season, with it no surprise that the mercurial Brazilian is among those that the incoming Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be seeking to move on.
While Malen himself has not been prolific, he still boasts a tally of five goals in 15 league appearances this season – a figure that only Scott McTominay can match in the Premier League for Ten Hag's side.
The £99k-per-week marksman also significantly outperformed Antony at a time when they were both plying their trade in the Eredivisie for PSV and Ajax respectively, with the current United man having moved to Amsterdam in 2020.
That 2020/21 campaign did see Antony enjoy a productive debut season at the Johan Cruyff Arena with a haul of ten goals and ten assists in all competitions, yet Malen, by contrast, registered a mammoth 27 goals and ten assists in that same season – albeit while operating more centrally.
Malen
Antony
32
32
19
9
9
8
13
10
1.2
1.1
1.6
1.3
7.28
7.22
Of course, signing players from Dortmund – or with Dutch connections – has not gone particularly well for the Red Devils of late, as the cases of Sancho and Antony can attest to, yet Malen could be the player to potentially break the mould if a deal is to be agreed this month.
At the very least, he would serve as an extra body to pep up Ten Hag's attack, although more optimistically, the Sanchez-esque dynamo could be something of a difference-maker in a lifeless United frontline.
Arsenal's efforts in the final third over the last few matches of 2023 were nowhere near good enough for a team with title aspirations.
Against West Ham, they registered a whopping 77 touches inside the Hammers' penalty area but failed to beat Alphonse Areola in between the posts. Against Fulham, they were arguably even worse going forward, despite the fact they did open the scoring during that 2-1 defeat.
One win in their last five league outings is hopefully a wake-up call to Mikel Arteta and with the January transfer window now open, it's timely.
That lack of firepower of late means a striker should arguably top their wish list this month.
Who Arsenal could sign in January
According to reports there are a number of names on Arsenal's agenda in January, although with the finances predicted to be involved and the time of the year taken into consideration, it will be difficult to spend huge waves of cash.
Ivan Toney has perhaps been the most notable name linked, with there have also been shouts concerning Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. While Toney may be more viable after his lengthy recent ban, the other two names will take a considerable fee to prise away from their clubs and have been key performers this term.
That's why Edu and Co could target Serie A where a familiar name in Dusan Vlahovic lingers. Two years ago Arsenal tried bringing the powerful Serb to the Emirates Stadium, only for him to end up at Juventus instead.
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Now, 24 months later, TV Play, via Football365, suggests Arsenal are targeting Vlahovic again. A bid could be forthcoming in the next few weeks, with the Gunners willing to put €40m (£35m) on the table to conclude a move.
The trouble is that Juve are looking to rake in a fee closer to €60m (£52m). That's not quite the £100m price tag Brentford allegedly want for Toney, so a move may well be easier to wrap up.
How Vlahovic compares to Arsenal's current strikers
Make no mistake about it, Arsenal need a striker. They have been far from their free-flowing best this season, a fact that Ian Wright has been quick to criticise. In the aftermath of their defeat at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve, he took to social media to criticise the system Arteta was employing.
You could argue that most strikers would struggle with the current set up but we are yet to see many convincing displays from both Gabriel Jesus and chiefly, Eddie Nketiah.
The former has just three league goals all season while the latter, despite his hat-trick at home versus Sheffield United a few months ago, has not scored a Premier League away goal in over a year. If you want to win a title, then a striker with a more clinical nature is urgent.
Fortunately, Vlahovic has that in spades, even if his recent form has diminished. Prior to the Gunners' original interest in 2022, the Serbian forward had found the net 17 times in 22 outings for Fiorentina in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign.
His form in Turin, however, has been less convincing, scoring 29 goals in 79 outings. That said, this is clearly a forward with a higher degree of pedigree than Nketiah, a man who had a torrid afternoon against Fulham.
Minutes Played
90
Touches
24
Accurate Passes
8/12 (67%)
Expected Goals (xG)
0.21
Expected Assists (xA)
0.01
Key Passes
0
Duels Won
6/9
Possession Lost
9x
Fouls
1
Shots
2
Nketiah dropped a 4/10 display, as per the Standard, and left his day by the Thames having had fewer touches of the ball than goalkeeper David Raya and made just eight passes in 90 minutes; worrying indeed.
Comparisons between Haaland and Vlahovic
Vlahovic isn't exactly the link-up player that Jesus is but he'd guarantee a more destructive level of performance than those currently leading the line for Arsenal.
After all, his form with La Viola a couple of years ago earned comparisons to Erling Haaland. Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic said in 2022: "Vlahovic is better and more complete than Haaland. The Norwegian has devastating power, but Dusan is not inferior: there is also very little difference in their height."
Well, 'better than Haaland' has clearly not been the case of late. The Manchester City sensation ended last term with 52 goals in 53 appearances after all.
However, you could suggest there is more to Vlahovic's game than just sticking the ball in the back of the net. Here's how the two striking phenomenons compare.
Goals
0.56
0.97
Progressive Carries
1.39
0.83
Progressive Passes
1.76
0.69
Passes into final 3rd
0.93
0.35
Shot-creating Actions
3.06
1.88
Touches
29.3
20.2
Take-ons Attempted
1.30
0.83
Aerials Won
1.30
1.32
Obviously, Haaland is the pure goalscoring sensation. You wouldn't swap him for many, if any strikers in world football. That being said, Bjekovic's comments are true. Vlahovic is the more complete attacker.
As can be seen in the table, the Juve star is far more likely to take a defender on with the ball at his feet and he's far more likely to drop a bit deeper and play a pass into dangerous areas in the final third. Considering Jesus' exploits since he joined Arsenal, that is what Arteta will surely want. Yet, what Vlahovic also brings is the ability to score goals at a high rate.
It may not be the mega-money answer some fans are seemingly crying out for but it would be a smart move, one that helps the club to finally move on from the languid displays of Nketiah.
With Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United facing the very real possibility of dropping out of the Premier League on the final day of the current campaign this weekend, questions will undoubtedly be asked as to where this season went so wrong for the Whites.
One potential answer for Leeds’ demise could be last summer’s transfer business, when Victor Orta spent £25m on Daniel James, £13m on Junior Firpo, £11m on Jack Harrison and £1m on Kristoffer Klaesson, signings which have well and truly failed to take the Whites to the next level following their ninth-placed finish in the top flight last time out.
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Indeed, Patrick Bamford’s numerous injury layoffs this season have highlighted just how lacking the Whites squad is of another out and out number nine, with Marsch’s side having currently scored 22 goals fewer than the 62 they managed last term.
As such – while hindsight is a wonderful thing – it is now clear that, instead of spending £25m on the signing of a new winger, the Spanish sporting director should instead have concentrated his focus on the signing of Brentford centre-forward Ivan Toney – with whom Leeds were linked with a £30m swoop in March of last year.
Indeed, following the Bees’ promotion to the top flight, the £31.5m-rated striker has been in exceptional form over his 32 Premier League appearances, scoring 12 goals, registering five assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots, making 1.3 key passes and winning 8.5 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.
These returns have seen the £31k-per-week hitman average a simply breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking the 26-year-old as Thomas Franks’ second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best forward in the division as a whole – behind only Son Heung-min, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane.
And now, in a strange twist of fate, Leeds face a trip to Brentford on the final day of the season, with Marsch’s men needing to secure all three points against the Bees if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop – with Toney’s goals against the Whites having the potential to cost Orta’s side around £120m if they were to condemn the club to the second tier.
As such, it would very much appear as if the Spaniard’s decision not to follow his initial enquiry up with a firm £30m offer for the striker last year has proven to be something of an extremely costly shocker for the Whites.
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The majority of that will come from guaranteeing qualification to the Champions League group stages next season, should they win the game.
The Latest: Whelan reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, former BBC pundit Whelan has claimed that banking that kind of money is ‘huge’ for the club, adding that winning the Europa League would be a ‘massive achievement’:
“It’s huge. It could be a fantastic season for Scottish football. Celtic winning the league in a proper title race – they’re back to their best.
“But also Rangers potentially winning the Europa League – you couldn’t write it, it would be a massive achievement.
“£60million coming into Rangers – that would really boost the finances after Covid and ensure they can keep all their best talent.
“It’s also Champions League football. That opens the door for both clubs to go out there and try to tempt the best players to Scotland once again. There’s that attraction again.”
The Verdict: Big boost
Of course, not only would winning the final be big for the Teddy Bears in terms of their incredibly decorated history, but it would also give them a big financial boost ahead of the summer.
It would allow them to shop in a different kind of market, knowing that they can pay a premium for some of their targets, and thus allow them to strengthen significantly ahead of another title push and run in Europe.
The Light Blues also have a number of first-team players out of contract this summer, and so the extra money would also help renew these for next season.
Nonetheless, they have done very well to get all the way to the final, and it would be great for Scottish football as a whole if they win it.
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While they might not have spent the truly vast sums of money they have in windows past, Chelsea have still been busy in the market this summer.
As things stand, the Conference League champions’ standout signings are Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, and they are set to secure the highly rated Jorrel Hato any day now.
However, for all the brilliant deals they’ve been able to get over the line, they had to watch Liverpool get their hands on the free-scoring Hugo Ekitiké, who was touted for a move to Stamford Bridge earlier in the window.
Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike
Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, the West Londoners could be closing in on a player who could be their own version of the French attacker.
Chelsea target their own Ekitike
Now, while plenty has already happened this summer, and it is often hard to keep track of every deal and rumour, it’s true that Chelsea were linked with Ekitike at several points towards the start of the window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, with the Blues clearly focusing on other, more pressing targets, and likely not being quite as interested as some stories suggested they were, Liverpool stole a march on them and secured the Frenchman’s services for a fee of around £69m.
Interestingly, while the former Eintracht Frankfurt star is now obviously no longer available, the West Londoners do appear like they are closing in on another attacking gem who could be their version of him.
Hugo Ekitike.
At least that is according to a recent report from German outlet Bild, which reaffirms Chelsea’s intense interest in the talented Xavi Simons.
The report goes a step further, revealing that the Blues have now reached a broad agreement on terms with the player himself, and while they’ve not made an official offer to RB Leipzig just yet, it’s believed the German outfit are holding out for a fee of €70m, which is about £61m.
It would be an expensive transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ ability and potential, it would be worth it, especially as he could be their own Ekitike.
Why Simons could be Chelsea's own Ekitike
Now, the first thing to say is that while Simons is an incredibly versatile player and someone who has made a few appearances up top, he is not a centre-forward like Ekitike, but there are still several reasons the former could be Chelsea’s version of the latter.
Firstly, the young Dutchman would also be making his way to a ‘big six’ side in the Premier League from a Bundesliga side outside the traditional big two in Leipzig, similarly to how the Frenchman’s moving to Merseyside from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Second, both players are making their moves at similar ages, with the midfield maestro being just 22 and the exciting centre-forward just turning 23 years old.
The last somewhat surface-level similarity is the fact that both of them spent time playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
Simons joined the French side’s youth system in 2019 and then left and rejoined over the following years until his move to Leipzig was made permanent this January, while the new Liverpool star joined the Parisians in July 2022, and then left for Germany on a permanent deal two years later.
Finally, while the former PSV Eindhoven dynamo is unlikely to match the 22 goals in 48 games Ekitike scored last season at Stamford Bridge due to the position he tends to play in, he still has the ability to be an attacking tour de force, and could help flip games on their head for Maresca and Co.
For example, in just 33 appearances last season, totalling 2763 minutes, the Amsterdam-born “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.
Appearances
33
Minutes
2763′
Goals
11
Assists
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
Minutes per Goal Involvements
144′
In other words, the sensational talent, who one analyst has dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” managed to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 144 minutes.
Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Chelsea should be doing what they can to bring Simons to West London this summer, as he could add some real quality to their attack and be an answer to Ekitike.
Sancho 2.0: Chelsea now "pushing" to sign "electric" £40m star after Hato
Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a dream signing in Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Conte pushing for move…
The sensational Bundesliga forward, out of contract in 2023, has been at the centre of exit reports recently as his club still fail to agree terms over an extension.
Bayern, as a result, are currently under some pressure and face the possibility of having to sell him for a profit in the next transfer window while they still can.
Gnabry has no shortage of Premier League suitors, including Spurs, with manager Antonio Conte personally holding a serious interest in the former Arsenal ace.
According to a report by The Daily Star, Conte is ‘pushing’ transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the north Londoners to ‘table a cut-price deal’ for Bayern’s star given his contract status.
The Star believe that Tottenham, as a result, are ‘plotting an ambitious swoop’ to appease the Italian with an update now emerging from Spain.
The Latest: Gnabry ‘most dreamed of’ at Spurs…
Indeed, according to Spanish sources, Gnabry is now the ‘most dreamed of’ signing for Spurs this summer amid reports Conte seriously wants it done.
However, despite his contractual situation, it is believed the Lilywhites ‘would still have to pay a large amount’ for the 26-year-old.
As Paratici and co eye a number of reinforcements in other key areas, this report claims a formal bid is fairly unlikely despite Conte’s affection for the player.
The Verdict: Perfect but uphill battle…
The serious competition for Gnabry’s signature could certainly drive up his price tag with interest also coming from European heavyweights Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus.
Regardless of the £63 million-rated Germany ace entering the final year of his deal, it may still be an uphill battle to seal and agreement at Spurs.
If Conte does get his alleged wish, though, and Spurs do attempt a cut-price move, there is little arguing he would be a serious upgrade.
Former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson has recently urged the Lilywhites to get a deal done, calling Gnabry a ‘world class’ player, and the fact he has hit double figures for goals in every single one of his Bundesliga seasons is real evidence of this (Transfermarkt).
While unlikely, it is little wonder the former West Brom winger is seen as a dream signing.
In other news: Fabrizio Romano says ‘monster’ Spurs player is now ‘expected to leave’ this summer! Find out more here.
One cannot often learn much from pre-season results, but Everton’s need for reinforcements has certainly been crystallised.
On Saturday, the Toffees were demolished 3-0 by Bournemouth at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, outplayed and outclassed throughout.
Before travelling to the US, the Blues had also lost 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers and been held to a 1-1 draw by Accrington Stanley, which isn’t really generating excitement ahead of the grand opening of their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Speaking to the Men in Blazers Podcast, manager David Moyes asserted that he needs “nine or ten” new players before the season begins, so are Everton about to secure the signature of a “magnificent prospect”?
Everton's search for attacking quality
So far this summer, there’s been a bit of a clear-out at Everton.
Goodison stalwarts Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré are the most high-profile players to have departed, but Ashley Young, Mason Holgate, Asmir Begović, and João Virgínia have all also been released.
In their place, Mark Travers will be the new back-up goalkeeper, while centre-forward Thierno Barry has arrived from Villarreal for £27m, and is the service the 6 foot 5 in (196cm) striker will receive about to exponentially increase in quality?
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
Well, according to a report by Patrick Boyland and Matt Woosnam of the Athletic, Everton are “in talks” with Lyon as they seek to sign winger Malick Fofana.
Despite having been spared relegation to Ligue 2 following an appeal, Olympique Lyonnais are still in a huge amount of debt, so are currently in the midst of a fire sale; Rayan Cherki, Lucas Perri, Alexandre Lacazette and Thiago Almada are amongst those who’ve departed already.
With that in mind, Alan Myers claims that les Gones value Fofana, who has three years remaining on his contract, at around £43m including add-ons, amid talk that there is “strong interest” from the Toffees in the player.
So, could the 20-year-old soon swap Décines-Charpieu for Merseyside?
How Malick Fofana will improve Everton
Fofana began his career at Gent, scoring just five goals in 64 senior appearances for the Buffalos, but doing enough to capture the attention of Lyon, who signed him for around £15m as recently as January 2024.
Since making the move to France, his career has really taken off, bagging 15 goals and seven assists for les Gones, earning widespread praise.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “magnificent winger prospect”, while Astorre S. Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines believes he has ‘huge potential’, impressed by his ‘technical qualities’ and ‘directness’.
Elsewhere, Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis agrees, highlighting his ‘strong attacking contributions’, concluding that, given Lyon’s financial turmoil, he would represent a massive bargain in the transfer market.
In terms of Everton, Iliman Ndiaye was their top-scorer last season with nine goals, while Beto was the only other player to bag more than four.
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye
Like Fofana, the Senegalese international arrived from Ligue 1 just 12 months ago, joining from Olympique de Marseille for a reported fee of £16.9m.
If Fofana is equally as productive and impactful as Ndiaye, Evertonians would almost certainly be satisfied, so let’s assess how the two wide players compare to one another.
Appearances
41
46
Minutes
2,280
2,476
Goals
11
4
Assists
6
5
All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:
Shots
1.5
1.6
Shots on target
1.3
0.6
Shots on target %
84.09%
37.98%
Chances created
1.5
0.8
Take-on success %
42.28%
57.94%
% of touches in the box
14%
10%
Average Sofascore rating
7.24
6.82
As the table outlines, in Ligue 1 and the Europa League, Fofana comes out on top for pretty much every metric included; Ndiaye boasted better figures in terms of shots per 90 as well as successful take-ons.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
Nevertheless, Fofana’s numbers in terms of shots on target ratio, chances created and pure goals and assists are very eye-catching, underlining that his signing would represent a massive coup for Everton, one that they badly need with the start of the season fast approaching.
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