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Chelsea may already be well stocked at the back even after Kalidou Koulibaly's exit, but new head coach Mauricio Pochettino is no doubt eyeing a replacement before the summer transfer window closes.

Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer has been strongly linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, though Chelsea and Manchester United appear to now face fresh competition from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

That's according to the Daily Mail, who suggests Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is hoping to bring in the Brazilian, meaning Chelsea must speed things up if they are indeed interested in the player.

Is Gleison Bremer a good choice for Chelsea?

Bremer only joined Juventus from Torino last year, having caught the eye across three seasons as a regular with their city rivals, especially in 2021-22 when being named Best Defender in Serie A.

As a full Brazil international and with four years still to run on his Juve contract, it is reported that it will take a bid of around £50m to tempt the Turin giants to cash in.

For those unaware of Bremer's style, FBref's player comparison tool provides a good indication. Based on their statistical profiles, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk is rated as the eighth-most similar defender to the Juve star across Europe's top five leagues.

Bremer would be a long-term partner for Benoit Badiashile at Chelsea, but it is likely to be the more experienced Thiago Silva he links up with in the heart of defence next season should he join.

The international colleagues have similarities and differences, with the most notable being Bremer's ability to score goals, as reflected in the four he scored last season. That ranks him in the top 4% of all defenders across Europe's top five leagues, whereas Silva is in the bottom 16% (no goals).

That is further highlighted in the shots and touches in the box metrics (top 5% and top 8% for Bremer respectively; top 36% and top 34% for Silva), though the former AC Milan defender does come out on top for tackles won per 90 (0.99 v 0.71), as per FBref, and percentage of aerial duels won (71.2% v 62.4%).

While Bremer is 12 years younger than his compatriot, he can certainly hold his own. As former Torino team-mate Mergim Vojvoda explained last year: "[Bremer] is very strong, an animal. He is also fast, he is tall and has made a great leap in quality on a technical level, with the ball at his feet."

That is reflected in the stats, with Bremer completing 89.7% of his passes across all competitions last season – a very similar figure to Silva's 90.7% at Chelsea.

Ultimately, it appears the Brazilian duo can complement each other well in the short term, providing a springboard at the back for what Pochettino will hope is a successful first campaign in West London.

Aston Villa tried to pull off a surprise transfer swoop late in the window that never came to fruition at Villa Park, according to reports from transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Aston Villa?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has issued an update confirming that Philippe Coutinho looks to be on his way out of Villa Park following months of speculation surrounding his future, as he stated: "Al Duhail are now closing in on Philippe Coutinho deal! Agreement being sealed with Aston Villa on loan move with salary covered. Coutinho accepted 10 days ago as he rejected approaches from Besiktas and Betis to join Qatari side Al Duhail. Here we go, soon."

In his time in the West Midlands, Coutinho has struggled to make a lasting impact at the club and has registered six goals and three assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Last weekend, Aston Villa were trounced 3-0 by Premier League title hopefuls Liverpool at Anfield and former Villans' midfielder Jermaine Jenas spoke on Match of the Day 2 – via Birmingham Live – and aired his frustration at their defensive line, stating: "I think their game plan defensively today was quite worrying. First and foremost mistakes like these and inviting pressure at Anfield, you're asking for trouble when you start playing like this, you've got to be much more incisive. There's certain things in football that never change."

The Villans will take stock and recuperate over the international break before returning to action against Crystal Palace at Villa Park on September 16th. European adventures lie in wait for the Villans the following week, where they will travel to Poland to face Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League.

What has Ben Jacobs said?

According to journalist Jacobs writing in is column for CaughtOffside, Aston Villa were keen suitors for Sancho late in the summer, but Monchi's interest was deterred by Erik ten Hag: “Sancho was not really a player Ten Hag wanted to sell this summer despite early interest from Spurs and late interest from Aston Villa.”

Of course, Sancho has got himself into hot water recently after he publicly responded to comments from Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag made about his level of performance in training, cited by The Mirror.

Sancho took to social media to express his frustration at becoming something of a "scapegoat" at Old Trafford and it is said that Ten Hag could look to jettison the England international from involvement in senior training due to his reaction to the situation alongside enacting potential disciplinary action.

The former Borussia Dortmund ace, who earns around £350k-a-week on the books at Manchester United, hasn't exactly set the heather alight since moving to the North West in 2021 for a reported fee of £73 million.

As per Transfermarkt, Sancho has notched six goals and 12 assists in 82 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, signifying a lack of consistency since his return to English football.

Truthfully, we will never know if Sancho could've found his feet again at Villa Park; however, Unai Emery and Monchi will have to be happy with the offensive options they have available for the remainder of the campaign.

Glasgow Rangers are keen to sign defender Auston Trusty as Michael Beale looks to continue his recruitment drive at the Ibrox side.

What’s the latest on Auston Trusty to Rangers?

According to The Athletic, Rangers are still interested in signing Arsenal centre-back Trusty this summer, having first been linked with him at the start of May.

A fee of around £2m was suggested last month as being enough to tempt him away from the Premier League, and this is a figure that Beale could certainly afford, especially with the Gers looking to move on some deadwood over the coming weeks.

Beale is looking at making his fifth signing of the summer, with Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland and Sam Lammers all arriving in Glasgow since the end of 2022/23.

Could Auston Trusty replace Ben Davies at Rangers?

With the need for a total rejigging of the playing squad this summer, Beale will have to offload some players in order to raise funds for future purchases, and Ben Davies – who was only signed in 2022 – could be someone that might generate a solid transfer fee.

Stoke City are keeping tabs on the centre-back, and although he played more during the second half of the season, as per Sofascore, he only ranked 14th in the squad for overall rating (6.94/10), 16th for tackles per game (0.9) and seventh for interceptions per game (0.8), suggesting that he hasn’t exactly shone across these defensive metrics in relation to his teammates.

Kenny Miller even dubbed him as “very poor” following a mistake during an Old Firm clash back in April, when he failed to clear a simple ball over the top and Trusty may be the man to come in and replace him.

Meanwhile, Trusty enjoyed a solid season out on loan at Birmingham City in 2022/23, ranking third in the squad for rating (6.97/10), second for tackles per game (2.3) and first for interceptions per game (1.5), underlining his importance to the team while also averaging better numbers than Davies across these metrics.

The £13.8k-per-week brute is only 24 years old and has arguably yet to his peak years, which suggests that Beale could get the best out of the American should he make a move to Glasgow in the coming weeks. Having won the fans’ Player of the Year Award for his performances at St Andrew's, it indicates that he is able to settle in well at a club and takes no time in showcasing his ability, which could be a big bonus for the 42-year-old, as a fast start is a must next term.

Trusty was dubbed “incredible” by teammate George Friend back in October while also saying that he took to the Championship “so easily” – which surely bodes well ahead of a potential move to the Premiership.

Making a move for the American could be a shrewd investment by Beale and it looks set to be bad news for Davies if his signing is announced.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed the recent injury scare for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a "nightmare".

What's the latest Everton injury news?

After picking up a brilliant three points against Brighton last time out, the Toffees were unable to repeat the trick against Manchester City this weekend.

Indeed, playing at Goodison Park, the home side lost 3-0 in the Premier League encounter with Ilkay Gundogan netting a brace and Erling Haaland also scoring.

That result means Everton are only one point and one play above the relegation zone, with two games to go – while Leicester could leapfrog them if they win tonight against Liverpool.

And adding to the worry is the fact that Calvert-Lewin had to come off early, lasting just one half against City before being subbed due to injury.

While speaking about it all on the BBC 606 radio phone-in show, Sutton outlined his concern, saying: (33:16) "I thought he was brilliant at Brighton. I think he'd started the previous three games or something like that.

"And he looked sharp early on in the game today, took the ball in well. So I mean, I think it's a bit of a nightmare…"

Will Calvert-Lewin play again this season?

As of yet, it remains unclear for how long exactly Calvert-Lewin will be out but with so little left in the season, he faces a real race against time to get himself fit again.

After the groin injury, manager Sean Dyche was at least optimistic that by subbing him off early, they may have prevented any serious damage from developing.

Indeed, he told LiverpoolEcho: "Dom had a tight groin and because of his history we had to get him off. We'll have to wait and see but the hope is he came off before damage was done."

Everton travel way to Wolves on Saturday before hosting Bournemouth on the final day of the season the week after, so it's not as though the £100k-p/w forward has much time to recover.

And while he's only scored twice in the league this term, he's still the club's key striker when fit and with the Toffees the third most goal-shy club in the division, they need all the help they can get up top.

If he isn't fit, Dyche will likely have to choose between either Neal Maupay or Ellis Simms to lead the line – not ideal as they have two league goals between them this term.

Journalist Charles Watts has praised Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after his goal-saving tackle on Joe Willock against Newcastle United.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Granit Xhaka?

With the Gunners still hoping to win the Premier League and the Magpies looking to secure Champions League football next season, it's no surprise that this encounter was full of quality as well as plenty of fight.

Indeed, it was a fiercely contested encounter that could have potentially gone either way but Arsenal's quality told on the day as they picked up all three points.

Goals in each half – first from Martin Odegaard and then an own goal from Fabian Schar – were enough to see Mikel Arteta's men win 2-0.

But the outcome of the match could have been different had Xhaka not made one brilliant tackle to deny former Gunner Willock from netting against his former club.

While speaking about the win on his YouTube channel, Watts handed the £120k-p/w star and 8/10 player rating for his efforts before highlighting the "special" challenge.

He said (08:07): ”Xhaka I gave him eight [out of ten] as well. That block from Granit Xhaka to deny Joe Willock was just something very, very special.

"It just looked a certain equaliser. How he got there in time, I have no idea, but he did. A really good performance from Xhaka, he bang up for it.

“There was lots of times when you thought: 'Oh, is he going to go over the edge here and get himself sent off?' Because it could have happened.

"But it didn't, he kept himself just on the right side of it. And it was a top performance from him.”

How good was Xhaka against Newcastle?

It's safe to say Watts wasn't the only one impressed with Xhaka on the day. For instance, in the player ratings for football.london, Kaya Kanak also handed him an 8/10.

The journalist added: "A superb all-round midfield display from the Swiss international. Two blocks to prevent almost certain Newcastle goals and then some passes in the final third to split the Newcastle defence wide open. Great leadership and fight too when things got feisty."

As per Sofascore, he also showed quality on the ball with 27 completed passes (the fourth highest for Arsenal), one key pass, and 3/4 long balls. And was key definitely too with two tackles, one blocked shot, and four clearances (the most from either side).

All in all, it's safe to say Xhaka earned his paycheck with this superb display.

Everton have a long-standing interest in Chelsea central midfielder Conor Gallagher, and a reliable journalist has revealed whether Sean Dyche will make a late move before the transfer deadline on Friday.

How old is Conor Gallagher?

Gallagher is 23 years of age and an academy graduate at Stamford Bridge, but he’s never really been given a chance to prove what he’s capable of, having been sent out on four development loans throughout his career to Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

However, the England international has started all three top-flight games so far this season so is clearly being given more of an opportunity under Mauricio Pochettino than previous managers, but that hasn’t stopped him from being targeted by the likes of Aston Villa, Brighton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham.

Speaking to GiveMeSport last month, Dean Jones, journalist and transfer insider, claimed that the Toffees have been in contact with the Blues for a long period of time after seeing a £45m package for their target rejected back in January, having never fully lost hope that a move could take place at some point in the future.

Are Everton signing Conor Gallagher?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs name-checked Everton as one of the clubs to have been monitoring Gallagher for the largest amount of time, but admitted that the hierarchy are not pursuing a deal as it stands. He said:

“Conor Gallagher also faces an uncertain future but has been playing for Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino and is content to stay and fight for his place.

"Bayern, West Ham and Spurs have all looked at Gallagher during different parts of the window. Everton and Newcastle held a historical interest as well, but are not active currently.

"Brighton really like Gallagher, but not his wages, and that’s why nothing has materialised to date. Chelsea will listen to offers should they arrive around the £50m mark.”

€25m (£21m)

€12.5m (£10.7m)

Loan – €3m (£2.5m)

Loan Transfer

Free Transfer

Everton will know that Gallagher hasn’t yet been handed the proper chance to flourish, so having been dubbed a “warrior” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s clear to see why Dyche and the rest of the board have wanted him for so long.

The Epsom-born talent is extremely calm and composed on the ball where he’s currently averaging a 92.6% pass success rate in the top-flight, not to mention that he loves to get stuck into challenges having made eight tackles so far this season which is more than any other of his teammates at Stamford Bridge, via FBRef.

The Elite Management Agency client, who has also clocked up 68 contributions (36 goals and 32 assists) since the start of his career, even has a great record against the Toffees having scored twice previously, so if he’s capable of doing that on the opposition side, surely he could continue that impressive form on Merseyside, but by the looks of things, a late move may not be on the cards.

Newcastle United have already completed the signing of Sandro Tonali this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's next move on a long-standing transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Kieran Tierney?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are reigniting a move for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney following sit-down talks.

As per the report, the Magpies have moved on after missing out on Fulham's Antonee Robinson and are now exploring a move for Tierney instead.

It is claimed that the player is the top target for Eddie Howe in his shortlist of left-back options and the club are now in pole position to secure his signature.

How good is Kieran Tierney?

Whilst the interest in Tierney appeared to have cooled due to making the signing of Robinson their priority, the young in-demand Fulham star has now signed a new long-term deal to remain at Craven Cottage, ensuring Newcastle can now focus on agreeing a deal with Arsenal for their out of favour full-back.

Howe is looking to bolster key areas of his squad to ensure his already impressive team can continue to develop and compete for trophies next season, as well as putting together a good run in their long-awaited return to the Champions League.

The left-back role is one that could definitely be strengthened with centre-back Dan Burn playing out of position the entire campaign to maintain quality across the back-line, whilst Matt Targett doesn't appear to be a trusted option which reflects in his limited game-time at St James' Park last season – having started just six league games in 2022/23.

Indeed, Burn – who has made a "ridiculous impact" according to pundit Frank McAvennie – has done a fantastic job in his adapted role and played a key part in Newcastle's League Cup journey alongside qualification for Champions League football, however, it would be advantageous to bolster the position with an experienced left-back who is a natural in the role too.

As a result, the signing of Tierney could be a great piece of business for the Tyneside outfit ahead of next season, despite his lack of minutes at the Emirates in recent times due to a variety of injury issues and the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer.

The 26-year-old – who also started just six league games last term – ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, progressive carries and progressive passes, demonstrating his clear attacking-minded style of play from his position of the left-flank, as per FBref.

In contrast to the aforementioned Robinson, the former Celtic ace – who has a reported £30m price tag – has won more tackles per 90 (1.84 v 1.81), delivered the same number of shot-creating actions per 90 (1.69 v 1.69) and provided more progressive passes per 90 (5.15 v 3.76), showcasing that the failure to land the Fulham man could prove to be a blessing in disguise, such is Tierney's all-round quality.

The Scotland star has drawn high praise over his career so far, with former Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole complimenting Tierney's impact on the Gunners when fit:

"When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team."

With that being said, if Newcastle can strike up a good deal for Tierney he would certainly provide the left-back position with a fresh perspective ahead of next season and will undoubtedly push Burn for the first-team role if he can be a difference-maker for Howe in the future.

Newcastle United have reportedly already shown ‘first signs’ that they would be willing to pay the release clause of Paulo Dybala to sign him this summer.

The Lowdown: Summer interest

Newcastle were reportedly interested in signing Dybala as a free agent last summer, as his contract at Juventus was expiring.

However, he ended up signing for AS Roma instead, but with a release clause inserted in his deal.

The Latest: Newcastle showing ‘first signs’

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the St. James’ Park outfit have already shown ‘first signs’ that they would be willing to pay Dybala’s release clause, which has been set at just €12m (£10.7m) for non-Italian teams.

However, the clause is also thought to be ‘attractive’ to their fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United, and so there could be a battle for his signature come the summer.

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The Verdict: Bargain

Signing Dybala for just over £10m would be a real bargain, considering that his market value is currently nearly three times as much as that, and he was valued at around £100m just a few years ago.

Hailed as a ‘world-class’ player on his day by former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Dybala ranks in the top 20% for a number of key metrics for forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, and of course, comes off the back of a FIFA World Cup win with Argentina.

The 29-year-old has so much experience of playing at the highest level for both club and country, and would be a shrewd addition to the Magpies, especially if they are playing in Europe next season.

Liverpool are keeping a watchful eye on Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze's situation this summer as sporting director Jorg Schmadtke considers lodging a summer transfer offer.

What's the latest on Eberechi Eze to Liverpool?

According to recent reports, Jurgen Klopp's outfit are "planning to check" on the 24-year-old this summer as they plan to recraft their midfield following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Fellow Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all said to be interested in the England international, with the Eagles willing to talk business for around €30m (£26m).

A mercurial midfielder with dazzling skills, Eze would be a stellar addition to the Anfield ranks, and with just two years left on his current deal, his club might seek to secure maximum value with haste.

How good is Eberechi Eze?

Considering Liverpool's problems throughout the 22/23 campaign stemmed from the stagnancy of a midfield depleted of energy and with a pervading loss of belief, signing a progressive menace in Eze, who finished the term atop the crest of a wave, could be an auspicious move.

Hailed as "magic" by former Palace teammate Christian Benteke, Eze scored ten goals and supplied four assists in the Premier League last season, indeed coming into his own in the business end and plundering six strikes from his final nine matches.

Having recently made his international debut, the one-cap England star's box-surging prowess and potency could leave him as the perfect alternative to Celta Vigo prospect Gabri Veiga, who has been in scintillating form in LaLiga this season, scoring 11 goals and supplying four assists, and subsequently leaving Liverpool considering paying his €40m (£34m) release clause.

Such similar returns indeed stand out among the aforementioned pair, but a deeper dive into their styles reveals that Eze could produce every bit the 'magic' that Veiga could, with the 21-year-old Spaniard being called a "wonderful talent" by journalist Josh Bunting.

As per FBref, Eze ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.

Veiga, comparatively, ranks among the top 1% for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 24% for shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

The 24-year-old Eagle would indeed be a worthy alternative to Veiga, and Klopp must now choose carefully as he charts the best route to success on Merseyside.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of players ahead of the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The Spaniard fired the Gunners back into the Champions League as well as posing as serious title contenders for the majority of the season, and will look to take his side one step further next campaign.

The latest talent linked with a move to the Emirates is one of the most exciting wingers in Europe, and a gem that could add more than just depth to north London.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Arsenal?

As reported by the Mail Online last month, Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby.

A separate report from Evening Standard said that the Bundesliga club are expected to price their star at £65m, a fee that has derailed fellow Premier League interest from Newcastle United, via The Athletic.

It has since been suggested that the Gunners remain interested in the winger, with Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor telling GIVEMESPORT that Diaby could ‘reach a new level’ at the club.

"He ticks that under-25 box and is a player that can reach a new level at Arsenal," he said.

What could Moussa Diaby offer to Arsenal?

Having been lauded as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes, the 23-year-old dynamo could elevate Arsenal’s attack with his deadly ability in the final third.

Being primarily deployed as a right-winger for Leverkusen, the Frenchman contributed to 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season, scoring nine and assisting eight in 33 appearances, via FBref.

While the Gunners have their own monstrous wide man in Bukayo Saka, the north London outfit could show their commitment to competing with the best of the best by signing Diaby as a player that could compete with the 21-year-old.

Saka’s place in Arsenal’s line-up is unchallengeable, predominantly because there isn’t an individual that could apply pressure on the Englishman to perform consistently well.

As per FBref, the Frenchman averaged 4.04 progressive carries per 90, placing in the top 20% of wingers in Europe in that area showing his ability to progress with the ball, Saka was marginally ahead of the 23-year-old with 5.04.

The Paris-born whiz could challenge Saka in a position that, at present, is comfortably his, in an area of depth that Arsenal must introduce to challenge against the best.

With a statement contract freshly signed, it’s integral for the club to not allow the Englishman to grow comfortable in his surroundings, as was seen prior in the drop-off of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s form after extending his stay.

The Gabon international’s place was safe in the squad, and when performance dipped there were no repercussions to his role other than the negative influence it had on the club’s results.

Signing Diaby could present Saka with a competitive partner in his position, as well as someone that could influence Arteta’s attack, bringing rotation into the equation, something that could be key with Champions League football on the horizon.

As per Sofascore, the Leverkusen gem averaged 1.1 shots on target per game in the Bundesliga, with the Arsenal star averaging 0.8 in an area that highlights the added threat the transfer target could offer the Gunners.

With Paris Saint-Germain also said to be monitoring the movements of Diaby, Arsenal must act fast this summer if they are to snatch the £50m-rated target's signature.