All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Chelsea are considering opening a fresh round of discussions to bring Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Andre Onana leaving Inter Milan?

The Cameroon international still has another four years remaining on his contract at San Siro, but having made 24 Serie A starts from 38 games last season after sharing the gloves with Samir Handanovic who is the club’s captain, he could be looking to secure a move and establish himself as a prominent first-choice elsewhere.

The Athletic credited the Blues with an interest in the 27-year-old three years ago, so they have clearly been long-term admirers, but back in March, Gazzetta Dello Sport reported that they had knocked on his door only to be turned down by the player with Simone Inzaghi’s side also resisting the temptation to cash in.

However, Nizaar Kinsella, who is a journalist for Standard Sport, recently claimed that the shot-stopper is now “open to the move” so he must have had a change of heart, something which Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly are considering capitalising on.

Are Chelsea signing Onana?

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could "discuss" Onana once again "in the coming days" when they hold talks with Inter regarding the future of Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues would be "open" to striking a deal for the goalkeeper, though it would likely mean players "moving in the other direction". Manchester United are also pushing to reach an agreement, but the SW6 outfit are not "out of the race" despite initially thinking his price tag of £50m was "too expensive".

Recent reports have suggested that Pochettino is happy to head into the 2023/24 season with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his number one, but with Edouard Mendy having completed a medical to join Al-Ahli, Chelsea’s manager will need a replacement to challenge the Spaniard and Onana could be just the goalkeeper he’s looking for.

Across all competitions last term, he kept 19 clean sheets from 41 appearances and in Serie A made 61 saves from 83 shots on target against, giving him a 73.5% save percentage – higher than both Kepa and Mendy.

Inter’s 6 foot 2 colossus also has a strong range of passing having successfully completed all of his 224 short passes and 98% of his medium length attempts, an attribute that has seen him hailed “exceptional with his feet” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, so for such a well-rounded player, it would be a massive coup to secure his services.

With a third bid rejected for Mason Mount, Manchester United could be set to move on from trying to sign the Chelsea star as Erik ten Hag looks at alternative targets ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Taylor Booth to ManUnited?

According to ESPN, the Old Trafford side could turn to FC Utrecht midfielder Taylor Booth as an enquiry has been made with regard to a potential move during the summer transfer window.

He has a contract at the Dutch side until 2025 and with no fee mentioned, it is unclear how much the American youngster could cost. Although, with Chelsea demanding around £58m, plus £7m in add-ons for Mount, Booth will be valued at a cheaper sum.

Who is Taylor Booth?

Following Chelsea’s recent demands, a move is looking unlikely now, despite the Englishman favouring a move to the Red Devils, and the Dutchman will have to turn to other targets before it’s too late.

Booth was first linked with United way back in February, but it appears as though these links have never gone away, and he could now be an ideal alternative to Mount.

Over the previous 365 days, Booth has displayed his attacking attributes by ranking in the top 2% for progressive carries per 90 (3.25), top 11% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.45) and top 17% for total shots per 90 (1.56) across the next eight leagues in Europe and these figures suggest that he enjoys getting the ball forward as often as possible, while enjoying great success at one on one duels.

Mount, across the big five European leagues, comparatively ranks in the top 15% for progressive carries per 90 (2.41), top 8% for total shots per 90 (2.02) and in just the top 40% for successful take ons per 90 (0.86), indicating that Booth would be a more than adequate alternative for the Englishman.

The 22-year-old has already earned two caps for the United States and enjoyed a stellar campaign for Utrecht last season where he contributed two goals and four assists and showed his versatile nature by playing across four positions and this could be a bonus for Ten Hag should he turn his attention towards the youngster.

His form during 2022/2023 led broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos to state that he was now “getting the rock star treatment at Utrecht” but with only 46 senior appearances behind him, he is still very much in the embryonic stages of his career.

The 5 foot 8 gem may not be the finished article yet, but Ten Hag could take his game to the next level should he move to United, no doubt about it.

Pinpointing a new midfielder to partner Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea is arguably one of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest challenges, which he simply must get right.

Getting the perfectly curated protector with a tough-tackling ferocity and keen athleticism is a tricky task.

The club has been incessantly linked to Moises Caicedo, however, Brighton are supposedly demanding around £120m for the Ecuadorian’s services.

Nevertheless, a cheaper, more realistic, and attainable alternative has emerged in the form of Aurélien Tchouaméni, whose signing would be a humongous statement of intent from the West Londoners.

What’s the latest on Aurélien Tchouaméni to Chelsea?

According to reports in Spain, the Blues offered €60m (£51m) for the Frenchman which was immediately rejected, and they are planning an improved bid of €80m (£68m), which will give Real Madrid something to think about.

Although far-fetched and extremely ambitious, the 2021 Champions League winners possess a ludicrously excessive budget, which could be shrewdly sprayed upon this ball-winning machine.

Who can Aurélien Tchouaméni emulate at Chelsea?

The 25-cap international joined the 14-time European Champions last summer for €100m (£86m) and made 50 appearances for Los Blancos.

As per FBref, the former Monaco prodigy has been compared to the current talk of the town, Declan Rice, due to their strikingly similar attributes.

Defensively, both these titans are formidable protectors for their backlines, with Tchouaméni averaging slightly better numbers in most departments as he has more tackles per 90 (2.61 vs 2.17), interceptions per 90 (1.98 vs 1.73), clearances per 90 (1.87 vs 1.59), and aerials won per 90 (1.91 vs 1.02), according to FBref.

The £206k-per-week man also outperforms his positional peers in pass completion (92.9% vs 86.5%), but Rice makes more progressive passes.

Tchouaméni’s compatriot Paul Pogba has lauded the sensation for his quality saying: “Very very good. He's not a boy, he's a man.

“It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, and extraordinary technical and physical quality.”

Indeed, that's a review that could well describe Rice too.

The 22-year-old has started every game for his nation at the 2022 World Cup and scored in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over England.

Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has said that Chelsea’s new ownership has targeted the world’s “best young players” and Tchouaméni certainly fits that bill.

The pivot ranks within the best 8% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for interceptions, pass completion, and clearances per 90.

For the West London outfit to get back to where it belongs, this is exactly the type of scintillating Rice-like signing to reinvigorate the fanbase with a new-found belief that its new setup can take the club forward.

Leeds United have been on a sharp decline over the past few years since completing an exceptional campaign in 20/21 in their first year back in the Premier League since devastating relegation in 2004.

The proud outfit finished ninth under the master tactician Marcelo Bielsa but spent the ensuing campaign embroiled in a relegation battle before succumbing to the drop this time around, and comprehensive change is now needed to fix the issues and ensure that a coveted return to the top-flight is followed by sustained success.

Many will be shipped on, such is the way in football, but the Whites boast enough power to forge a title bid regardless and must work with diligence to make signings of the highest calibre.

This is why rumours of interest in Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer must be acted upon, with the Whites eyeing a summer transfer for the Brazilian dynamo this summer, according to Football League World.

The publication states that the 49ers are planning to raid this year's defeated Championship play-off finalists for the 25-year-old, who captivated supporters with his performances this term and was touted at £10m last year following interest from Brighton & Hove Albion – though this figure may well have ballooned now.

How good is Gustavo Hamer?

Signing for the Sky Blues from PEC Zwolle for around £1.5m in 2020 after their promotion from League One, Hamer has made 130 appearances and been one of the key components of a side that has made increments to surge into promotion contention.

It is this year that Hamer has truly grown into his skin and tantalised his merit as a destructive midfielder capable of flourishing at the top level, scoring 11 goals and supplying ten assists from 45 outings across all competitions – including two fantastic strikes in the play-offs.

Praised as "unbelievable" by former Coventry City goalkeeper Marko Marosi, Hamer is a first-rate orchestrator for his side and excels through his work rate, tenacity and flair.

As such, he could be the successor to Pablo Hernandez's throne at Elland Road, with the Spaniard integral in securing a path back to prominence at Leeds and heralded as an "unreal" gem who "played like a demon" by The Athletic's Phil Hay.

Posting 36 goals and 41 assists over 175 appearances for the Whites, the 38-year-old maestro's vision, ball-playing technique and footballing intellect left him a revered figure as he orchestrated a return to the top-flight, and Hamer can now adopt the mantle from the middle of the park.

The Coventry ace ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions – below the top European five – for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 3% for rate of assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes, and the top 14% for rate of tackles per 90, as per FBref.

Hernandez, comparatively, averaged 2.1 shots, 2.3 key passes, and 1.3 tackles per game, as per WhoScored, during Leeds' triumphant campaign in 19/20, scoring nine goals and assists apiece from 27 starts in the second tier, outlining his similarity to the club's £5k-per-week transfer target.

Hamer's success lies in variegating his approach, something he achieves with aplomb, and while Coventry will be reluctant to sell him to a promotion-chasing rival, if Leeds succeed after lodging a formal offer they would wield one of the division's brightest stars and their finest catalyst since Hernandez.

Jarrod Bowen has played an important part in West Ham's run to Wednesday's Europa Conference League final, where Serie A side Fiorentina await, but he may face increased competition for a starting place next season…

Who is West Ham target Samuel Chukwueze?

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are interested in adding Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze to their squad ahead of next season, with David Moyes looking to improve on a disappointing showing in the Premier League after his side finished down in 14th place.

The 27-cap Nigeria international is coming off the back of his most efficient season yet across five years with the Spanish side, having scored and assisted a combined 11 La Liga goals in 2022-23 – only Nicolas Jackson (16) was directly involved in more for the Yellow Submarine.

Even prior to this season, Chukwueze was a well-known name across Europe after scoring a late equaliser away to Bayern Munich in the 2021-22 Champions League quarter-finals.

That led to plenty of fanfare, with the 24-year-old previously being described by football reporter Zach Lowry as an "exciting talent" for the way he broke into the Villarreal team at an early age and held down his place in the side.

Unsurprisingly given his form this season, which included two goals and a brace in Villarreal's 3-2 win away at Real Madrid in April, Chukwueze has also been touted as a target for the likes of Los Blancos themselves, Arsenal and fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, now managed by ex-Villarreal boss Unai Emery.

Where would Chukwueze fit in at West Ham?

14 of Chukwueze's 27 La Liga starts this season have come as a right-sided forward, as per WhoScored, with the Nigerian known for his ability to get past an opponent and cut inside with his left foot.

Indeed, with 2.3 dribbles per 90 this season, only Rodrygo Goes (2.4), Lee Kang-in (2.5) and Vinicius Junior (3.4) ranked higher in LaLiga.

Villarreal head coach Quique Setien has been full of praise for one of his star men – reportedly available for €50m (£43m) – describing him as a "crazy dribbler" following that high-profile win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Given his preference of playing on the right and cutting inside, there are obvious comparisons to be made with current West Ham favourite Bowen, who started 30 Premier League games down that same flank this season.

As highlighted by FBref, there are plenty of other similarities between the players, not least that they both scored six goals and assisted five more in their respective leagues this season, albeit Chukwueze played one less game.

There is an argument to be made that Chukwueze can provide West Ham with more efficiency in the final third, though, with his six goals coming from an expected goals (xG) return of 6.5, compared to six goals from an xG of 8.9 for Bowen, showing the latter does not always convert his chances.

Bowen is also far more trigger-happy than Chukwueze, shooting 73 and 60 times respectively in the league this season, though both men hit the target at an almost identical rate (28.8 and 28.3).

Ultimately, after scoring just 42 goals across 38 Premier League games this season at a rate of around 1.1 a game, bringing in a player who can provide both goals and assists can only be a good thing for Moyes' side.

It does not resolve West Ham's need for an out-and-out goalscorer through the middle, but in Chukwueze they will be providing both support and competition for Bowen in what would be a big statement of intent.

West Ham are eyeing defensive reinforcements.

The East Londoners conceded 55 goals in the Premier League this season, the most they’ve allowed in a single campaign since 2020.

David Moyes’ side eventually finished 14th, but at times it was far from comfortable, and their defensive fragility was exposed on multiple occasions.

With the monumental Europa Conference League victory now under their belts, the Irons are set for an active summer and Roma’s Roger Ibanez is understood to be a serious target.

What’s the latest on Roger Ibanez to West Ham?

According to Romagiallorossa.it (via Sport Witness), the Hammers are “in the picture” to sign the 24-year-old, who Jose Mourinho has previously labelled as “untouchable.”

Despite his manager’s huge praise, the Giallorossi may be forced to raise funds of up to €30m (£26m) before the end of the month due to the stringent stakes of Financial Fair Play that are pushing Roma into unwanted sales.

The 2023 Europa Conference League winners are set to be rivalled by Atletico Madrid for the Brazilian’s signature which could cost €40m (£34m).

Would Roger Ibanez be a good signing for West Ham?

The two-cap international has made 33 Serie A appearances for Roma this season, averaging two tackles, two interceptions, and 2.8 clearances per game, whilst committing zero errors leading to shots.

Outside his own team, the 6 foot 1 titan also ranks impressively across the continent. In Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, Ibanez sits in the top 3% for interceptions per 90, as well as the highest 18% for tackles per 90, according to FBref.

The centre-back also started 12 of his side’s 15 Europa League outings, as they agonisingly lost in the final to Sevilla on penalties.

As per FBref, the defender has been compared to Real Madrid’s Eder Militao. His compatriot has previously been labelled as the “best centre back in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, who added: “Militao is really quick, really good at one-on-one, really good with the ball and he can head the ball so well.”

The former Porto ace has a phenomenal ability to read the game and is an adept asset with possession. This is showcased by the fact that he manages over two blocks per 90, and ranks within the top 21% for progressive carries.

Militao has evolved as a key figure for Los Blancos and made 12 appearances in their sensational journey to European glory when they beat Liverpool to win the Champions League in 2022.

West Ham's target is yet to reach such illustrious heights but is equally good on the ball, ranking in the top 19% for take-ons attempted and is similarly supreme in the air sitting in the best 14% for percentage of aerials won per 90.

Therefore, with West Ham able to attract big players, Ibanez would be a commendable and huge statement of intent for their unwavering ambition next term.

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Lazio phenom Sergej Milinkovic-Savic after his value has been slashed with just one year left on his current contract.

What's the latest on Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Liverpool?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Serbian gem could be available for just €26m (£22m) this summer, amid mounting interest from Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all played their final game for Liverpool and will depart Anfield, along with forward Roberto Firmino, at the conclusion of their contracts in a few weeks, and the 28-year-old Lazio star could be an astute addition to replenish the ranks.

Lazio will listen to offers and would rather sell him than allow him to depart for nothing in one year, especially given the Eagles have returned to the Champions League and are one match away from securing second place in Serie A.

Should Liverpool sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic?

Milinkovic-Savic has enjoyed a blistering campaign and ostensibly been the centrepiece of Lazio's seasonal success in returning to the Champions League after a two-year absence – on course for their highest finish since winning the Scudetto in 1999/00.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, the machine has scored nine goals and supplied eight assists from 35 Serie A matches this term, averaging 1.7 shots and 1.2 key passes per match and making 1.6 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game, earning an average rating of 7.16.

He has donned the captain's armband on 14 occasions this season too, and could bring both leadership and attacking quality to Liverpool's centre as Klopp seeks a resurgence to lift his outfit back to the forefront after the summer.

As such, he could be Klopp's own version of Manchester City phenom Ilkay Gundogan, with the first-rate German midfielder among the creme de la creme on a global scale and imperative to the illustrious success of his team, having notably gleaned five Premier League titles and the FA Cup – also in the final of the latter competition again and the Champions League this season.

The 32-year-old actually used to play for Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, where they won two Bundesliga titles and the DFB Pokal together, which bodes well for Milinkovic-Savic, with the Reds' German boss perhaps best fit to unlock the full scope of his skill set on Merseyside.

The £99k-per-week Serb, hailed as a "different beast" by journalist Sacha Pisani, 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 8% for rate of assists, the top 12% for touches in the attacking box and the top 2% for aerials won, illustrating his devastating box-crashing prowess as a progressive central force.

Gundogan, comparatively, ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 20% for rate of assists and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box, and it's clear to see that both aces are superlative forward-thinking midfielders.

Klopp could unlock a "magic" new dimension – as he was dubbed by teammate Ciro Immobile – with the acquisition of Milinkovic-Savic, and must seek to emulate Pep Guardiola's success with the Citizens by providing his team with a new midfield general to orchestrate a resurgence.

Leeds United have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Phil Hay, who revealed in a recent article for The Athletic that, after being withdrawn in the 37th minute of the 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Jack Harrison now looks as if will be ruled out of the weekend’s clash with the Seagulls.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

Concerning the 25-year-old’s injury, Hay wrote: “Others are simply injured, like Harrison, who went down in the 37th minute and is probably beyond Marsch’s reach for the meeting with Brighton.”

Marsch will be fuming

With Leeds now in need of something of a miracle if they are to secure Premier League survival following their recent run of three straight losses, the news that Harrison could now be ruled out of what is undoubtedly a season-defining fixture this Sunday is sure to have left Jesse Marsch fuming.

Indeed, with Daniel James being ruled out for the remainder of the season after receiving a straight red card against Chelsea on Wednesday, as well as both Tyler Roberts and Crysencio Summerville being unavailable for the last two fixtures of the current campaign due to injury, the further loss of Harrison in the Whites’ attacking arsenal will undoubtedly come as a huge blow.

And, while it is true that the £13.5m-rated winger has not been in the best form of his career this season, the 25-year-old has still scored seven goals, registered one assist and created three big chances over his 33 Premier League outings – with the £60k-per-week forward being Leeds’ second-top scorer in the top flight this term.

As such, with it now being absolutely essential that the Whites secure all three points against Brighton this weekend, it is clear to see that the loss of Harrison would come as a huge blow to Marsch’s chances of doing so – with a loss at Elland Road, coupled with a Burnley win over Tottenham Hotspur, being enough to condemn Leeds to the Championship.

AND in other news: Forget James: “Completely anonymous” dud should’ve just played his last game for Leeds

Wolverhampton Wanderers have a Portuguese starlet on their hands in Chiquinho and the 22-year-old is looking to replicate the progress shown by Diogo Jota and Daniel Podence amidst his ambitions of breaking into the first team.

What’s the latest?

That is according to Journalist Josh Holland, via GIVEMESPORT, who believes Chiquinho is eager to become one of the first names of the team sheet.

Holland said: “He’s aspiring and going to want to show his worth to then follow in the footsteps of Diogo Jota and Daniel Podence by getting into that Portugal team.

“I don’t blame Tim [Spiers] for being an admirer of him. I think when he came on against Arsenal, when they lost 1-0, he was just running at Arsenal.

“It’s just something that Wolves miss when Traore is not there. It’s whether he’s got that final product that Traore obviously struggled with.”

On the chalkboard

Jota’s rise to prominence serves as the golden example that the £2.2m-rated Chiquinho will be looking to follow.

The 25-year-old broke into the Portuguese national team during his time at Molineux and has since gone on to make 24 appearances in a time span that has seen him become an elite forward under Jurgen Klopp’s management at Liverpool.

22-year-old Chiquinho, who has been dubbed “magic” by Estoril U23’s head coach Vasco Botelho da Costa, demonstrated his promising potential in his 20-minute cameo against Chelsea on Saturday. The two goals that Wolves scored were both assisted by the former Estoril asset, leaving the Old Gold faithful questioning why he is not being given more minutes.

His “explosiveness” as highlighted his former coach Vasco Botelho da Costa, was the game-changer for Lage’s side and scorer of the last-minute equaliser Conor Coady gave the starlet all the plaudits: “I went into the box, hoping Chiquinho would get it. I thought he was outstanding when he came on.

“He’s a young lad who’s learning every day and he took the game to Chelsea, he ran at them every single time he got the ball, and he always put a ball inside the box.”

With that in mind, he’s clearly a young individual with the world at his feet and if he can find some end product in the Midlands, he stands a great chance of following Jota’s impressive lead at Wolves.

In other news: Lage can land huge Jimenez upgrade for Wolves in £82k-p/w “monster”, he’d be “perfect”