Chelsea are set for a busy summer period. Not only is it the transfer window, but Enzo Maresca’s side will be one of 32 teams competing in the new-look Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States of America, beginning in mid-June.

The Blues’ three group stage opponents are Mexican outfit Club Leon, Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis and Brazilian giants Flamengo. Other sides from Europe competing include Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, so the West Londoners are certainly not considered favourites.

However, with the transfer window set to open early, on the 1st of June, it gives Chelsea a chance to bolster their side before the tournament begins. They could be in line to make a real statement signing.

Chelsea's major summer target

There is no doubt that the Blues’ squad already has plenty of firepower in attacking areas. The likes of Cole Palmer is someone who springs to mind, but Chelsea could be about to get even stronger in attacking areas.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Indeed, according to Wednesday’s print edition of Spanish paper, Sport, the West London outfit are one of the sides set to make a serious move for Rodrygo this summer. They are thought to have made contact with the Real Madrid star recently.

However, they will face competition in order to bring the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge. Premier League rivals Man City are also in the race to sign him.

A report on Tuesday from Football Insider stated Rodrygo could cost £85m this summer, a hefty fee for either Premier League side chasing him.

Why Rodrygo could be Chelsea's best winger since Hazard

If Chelsea manage to convince Rodrygo to swap the Spanish capital for the English capital, then it would be an astronomical signing.

He has been important for Real Madrid once again this season, in what has been a campaign of much disappointment for Los Blancos, who will almost certainly go trophyless after winning the UEFA Super Cup back in August.

The Brazil international has amassed 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and grabbing ten assists in that time. However, he has gone 12 games in La Liga without a goal or assist, after a run of eight goal involvements in five games.

Regardless, the 24-year-old is certainly a “big game player” as Dougie Critchley described him. Just this season, he has scored a crucial goal in the Champions League last 16 against Atletico Madrid, and has found the back of the net in one of the El Clasico’s.

The attacker has some excellent underlying stats from this season via FBref, too. Per 90 minutes, he averages 4.49 shot-creating actions and 2.04 key passes, both of which rank him in the top 3% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues.

Rodrygo key stats vs. forwards in last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Key passes

2.04

97th

Progressive passes

4.46

97th

Shot-creating actions

4.49

97th

Take-ons completed

2.13

97th

Progressive carries

5.06

98th

Stats from FBref

With numbers like that, Rodrygo could certainly become Chelsea’s best winger since a certain Eden Hazard graced the Bridge. The Belgian legend departed the club in 2019, having made 352 appearances, scoring 110 goals and grabbing 89 assists.

It is not hard to pinpoint exactly which Premier League season was the 34-year-old’s best at Stamford Bridge. In his final campaign, he played 37 top-flight games, contributing an outrageous 16 goals and 15 assists.

Since his departure, however, the Blues have struggled to find a replacement for their former number 10, though not for lack of trying. They have spent hundreds of millions of pounds trying to make up for the loss of their talisman.

Raheem Sterling’s 14 Premier League goals are the most by a winger since Hazard left, with Noni Madueke currently on 13 and Timo Werner, who managed ten, the only other players in double figures. No winger has come remotely near his high standards.

However, it seems as though Rodrygo, if the deal gets done, could finally be the player to replace Hazard. For example, his best season in terms of average key passes per game was 3.1 in 2017/18, according to Sofascore, which is not much more than Rodrygo’s current tally of 2.04.

£85m is a huge investment, but signing Rodrygo could be the addition they need to finally replace Hazard, after what will be six years of trying. He is a genuine goalscorer and a huge creative threat, and could be the man to take on the mantle of an all-time Chelsea great.

Related A better signing than Osimhen: Chelsea in talks to land the "next Haaland"

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Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

If there is one position that Arsenal desperately need to address this summer, it’s centre-forward.

Mikel Arteta might want to add other players to his team as well, but ask the fans, and we reckon the vast majority will want the club to add a reliable goalscoring nine to the squad, someone who can put away the chances created by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

The board appear to share this opinion, as the last few months have seen a slew of top-quality forwards linked with the North Londoners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko perhaps being one of the most consistent and significant of the lot.

However, while the Slovenian would be a fine addition to the Gunners’ squad, recent reports have now touted another, far more impressive centre-forward for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal's striker search

As there have been so many strikers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, it’s only right we go over a couple of them, like Ollie Watkins and Viktor Gyokeres, before getting to the player in question.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Gunners made an offer for the former during the winter window but failed to match Aston Villa’s £60m valuation, and even if they want something similar again in the summer, it might be a deal worth revisiting, as in 53 appearances he has scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists this season.

On the other hand, while Gyokeres isn’t Premier League-proven, his incredible tally of 53 goals and 13 assists in 51 games this season suggests his upside may be far higher than the Englishman’s and more than justify the reports that he could cost the North Londoners around £55m.

However, if Arteta and Co want to sign a better alternative to Sesko, they might want someone younger than the aforementioned strikers and who is proven in a top-five league, someone like Hugo Ekitiké.

Fortunately, according to a recent report from French publication RMC Sport, Arsenal are indeed interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

The report has revealed that, alongside fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Liverpool, the Gunners have already approached and held talks with the player and club.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, Andrea Berta and Co will have to stump up a fee of up to €100m – £84m – to get their man.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitiké’s unreal ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a way better signing than Sesko.

How Ekitiké compares to Sesko

So, if the choice for a new striker this summer comes down to Ekitiké and Sesko, who should Arsenal sign? Who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output – what matters most for a striker – it’s the Frankfurt star who comes out on top.

For example, in just 48 appearances, totalling 3645 minutes, the “incredible” Frenchman, as dubbed by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, has scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.20 minutes.

In contrast, the former RB Salzburg gem has scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Slovenian international, this is once again another area in which the comparisons heavily favour his competition.

For example, the 22-year-old comes out on top in almost all relevant metrics, including but not limited to actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.91

0.40

Non-Penalty G+As

0.77

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.86

1.74

Progressive Carries

3.26

1.78

Shots

4.00

2.50

Shots on Target

1.55

1.10

Passing Accuracy

75.5%

67.6%

Key Passes

1.54

0.72

Shot-Creating Actions

3.55

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.34

Successful Take-On %

1.82

1.48

Aerial Duels Won

1.82

2.65

Ultimately, it’s abundantly clear that Ekitiké is a significantly better striker than Sesko, even notably described by journalist Graeme Bailey as “the next Mbappe”, and therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He's like Isak: Arsenal plan talks to sign £105m Gyokeres alternative

The free-scoring forward would be perfect for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta have been alerted to the price tag of a “gifted” attacker, and it has dropped by nearly half compared to last year, as the Gunners are presented with a £63 million discount.

Mikel Arteta praises Andrea Berta with Arsenal summer transfer update

Before their final game of the Premier League season, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s summer recruitment drive, which is now set to take centre-stage after a very disappointing campaign.

Obi-Mikel desperate for Arsenal not to sign "unplayable" Gyokeres alternative

The ex-Chelsea midfielder suggests he’d be a major threat under Arteta.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 22, 2025

The Gunners end 2024/2025 with no silverware, despite being tipped to win this year’s Premier League title and mount serious challenges across other competitions as well.

Since Arteta’s appointment, there hasn’t exactly been a lack of investment in the squad, and some critics are beginning to wonder whether he is really the right man to end Arsenal’s two-decade-long-plus wait for a domestic league crown.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, 24/25 hasn’t been without major obstacles for Arteta either, with the 43-year-old lacking major firepower upfront for the majority of this term. Injuries to Kai Havertz – who has since returned to action – and Gabriel Jesus meant that Arsenal had been forced to deploy Mikel Merino as an emergency striker for months.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were also unavailable for extended periods at points during the campaign as well, proving very unfortunate, and it highlights the need for Arsenal to reinforce their squad with further attacking quality.

Speaking in his pre-Southampton press conference, Arteta expressed his desire for Berta to bring in more “firepower” this summer, all while sharing his high expectations for the ex-Atletico Madrid chief, who officially joined in late March.

“I think he’s going to be a big contributor with his experience, and the fact that he’s already won in very difficult contexts and the way he’s built teams, he is exceptional,” said Arteta about Berta.

“I think we have to share that responsibility and Andrea is going to be a key part to driving the plans and the ideas we have and try to execute them, and we are here to support him.”

Andrea Berta handed £63m Rodrygo discoCunt after Arsenal open talks

A key target who has emerged this week comes in the form of versatile Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who England star Jude Bellingham thinks is “underrated” and the “most gifted” player in their squad.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stated earlier this week that Arsenal have opened talks over signing Rodrygo, and the Brazilian has shot to the “very top” of Berta’s transfer wishlist for the wide area.

Reports last year claimed Real president Florentino Perez was demanding around £130 million to sell the 24-year-old to Man City, but according to journalist Anton Meana, this price has dropped by nearly half.

Meana, speaking on Cadena SER show El Larguero this week, shared news that Real’s asking price for Rodrygo is now £67 million – meaning Arsenal can sign the South American star for £63 million less than previously believed.

£67m for a player of Rodrygo’s quality seems extremely tempting, and this potential deal has been made all the more doable by this latest financial update on an increasingly developing story.

Leeds United’s frontline has played a huge role in their success throughout the Championship in 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their ability to claim the title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings – the highest tally in the division, scoring 24 more than the next highest team in Norwich City.

Joel Piroe was the club’s highest goalscorer during the title-winning campaign, with his tally of 19 goals also the most of any player in the second-tier, claiming the Championship’s Golden Boot award.

However, if the club are to survive in the Premier League next time around, they will need added reinforcements to hand boss Daniel Farke with the tools to improve the squad.

With the transfer window just around the corner, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made this summer, leading to numerous names linked with a switch to Elland Road.

The latest on Leeds’ move to sign Callum Wilson this summer

Over the last couple of days, Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been the latest name linked with a move ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The 33-year-old, who’s out of contract this summer, has spent the last five years at St James’ Park, registering 49 goals and playing a key role in their transformation over recent seasons.

However, they don’t appear to be alone in their chase for the former Bournemouth star, with West Ham United also said to be in the race for his signature.

His goalscoring record in England’s top-flight would undoubtedly be a key point for Farke in their pursuit, but Wilson has endured a torrid run with injuries that has restricted him to just two league starts this campaign.

Such a deal would likely be a risk, with the centre-forward likely to command a hefty wage given his experience, which could result in the Whites targeting other attackers this summer.

The former Leeds star who is now way better than Wilson

Undoubtedly, despite Piroe’s success in the Championship this campaign, Leeds will be targeting a talisman who is capable of stepping up to the plate in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has never featured in England’s top-flight, leading to question marks whether he will be able to cut it and be a success in such a division.

Wilson could be an attractive option given his current contract status, but his injury record should see the hierarchy steer clear of any potential move this summer.

They may have been better off keeping hold of Spanish talent Rafa Muijca, with the 26-year-old taking his career to the next level after departing Elland Road back in 2021.

He spent two years in Yorkshire, linking up with the youth setup after joining from Barcelona B, but was unable to break through the ranks and subsequently joined Las Palmas.

Fast forward to 2025, the striker is currently plying his trade for Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, currently enjoying one of the best goalscoring patches of his career – showcasing what the Whites are missing out on.

Mujica has registered 20 goals in his 27 appearances for his new outfit, offering a clinical edge that could’ve been of use to the Whites had they kept hold of him.

When comparing his stats from the current campaign, he’s massively outperformed transfer target Wilson, highlighting how big of a mistake the hierarchy made in allowing him to depart.

The Spaniard has not only massively outscored the Englishman, but has managed more shots on target per 90 along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – such a record that would’ve bolstered Farke’s attack.

How Rafa Mujica compares to Callum Wilson in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Mujica

Wilson

Games played

18

17

Goals scored

18

0

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

17%

Shots on target per 90

1.8

0.3

Pass accuracy

79%

75%

Take-on success

41%

14%

Aerials won

31%

11%

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, as well as more aerials won, with his skillset potentially offering an all-around option in the final third had they kept hold of him.

Undoubtedly, it’s frustrating that the club made such a mistake in allowing the talisman to depart, with their loss now appearing to be Al-Sadd’s gain in 2025.

Whilst they won’t be able to get him back this summer, other targets will need to be explored, but given Wilson’s measly record and injury history, the Whites should be steering clear of a move for the Magpies star.

Related He's shades of Kalvin Phillips: Leeds plot move for "phenomenal" PL star

Leeds United are set for a big summer as they return to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 20, 2025

This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.

On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club’s Europa League final next week.

Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they’re going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.

Tottenham transfer news

Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.

However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner’s supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.

While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi’s ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.

Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet

So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?

Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he’s also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.

For example, across his career to date, the “exceptional” centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.

Guéhi’s senior career
Club	Palace	Swansea	Chelsea
Appearances	154	59	2
Goals	8	0	0
Assists	4	0	0
Goal Involvements per Match	0.07	0.00	0.00
All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of that, the 6 foot “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country’s backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.

Furthermore, while the Lilywhites’ Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.

Finally, if that’s still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.

According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.

Ange can solve Kulusevski blow by unleashing £45m Spurs star in new role

The gifted ace could provide some more attacking spark to Spurs.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 15, 2025

Everton are now open to a shock move for an “unbelievable” star, having set out to make one or two statement signings in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

New era on the horizon for the Toffees

The Premier League season is now approaching its climax, and the Toffees have just one game remaining at Goodison Park, ahead of making the move to Bramley-Moore Dock prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

The long-anticipated move to a new stadium marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues, with David Moyes no doubt hoping to compete for major honours on a long-term basis, but the manager may need to overhaul his squad in order to make that dream a reality.

Moyes’ side hold a strong interest in Ipswich Town forward Omari Hutchinson, who could be available for £30m this summer, while there is also a desire to strengthen in midfield and defence, with Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck of interest.

Everton in advanced talks for "complete" star who is similar to Kyle Walker

The Blues are progressing in discussions…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 5, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton are keen to make one or two statement signings ahead of their move to Bramley-Moore Dock, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey going on to say a shock move for Manchester City’s John Stones could be a possibility.

Bailey said: “Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two.

“The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 starts in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone. If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect.”

Stones could be "unbelievable" signing for Toffees

As pointed out by Bailey, Stones’ injury record should be a major concern, given that the Englishman has featured just 11 times in the Premier League this season, having suffered a number of setbacks which have kept him on the treatment table.

However, if the 30-year-old is able to put his injury problems behind him, there is every sign he could take Moyes’ defence to the next level, having gone on to achieve great success since joining City from the Toffees for £47.5m back in 2016.

The former Everton man has lifted silverware 17 times during his time with Pep Guardiola’s side, with teammate Jack Grealish lauding him as “unbelievable” after their FA Cup final triumph against Manchester United in 2023.

It would be a gamble to make a move for Stones, in light of his concerning injury record, but it could be a risk worth taking, depending on how much City demand for the £250k-a-week defender, given his top-level experience.

Much will be made of what new Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin does in the transfer market this summer.

Plenty of the Ibrox faithful are writing him off already, but by making astute signings and winning on the pitch, he will be able to get everyone behind him.

The Light Blues have been linked with a few players in recent weeks. With investment coming from the 49ers, this summer marks a critical turning point for the club.

Dor Turgeman is a striker who the club have reportedly opened talks to sign, while former Wolves centre-back Conor Coady is also a rumoured target this summer.

Both would be solid signings and signify that the club mean business ahead of the 2025/26 season, no doubt about that.

The caveat being, however, that the Gers may have to sell a player or two in the process, especially with several prized assets attracting attention.

Hamza Igamane has been on the radar of Everton since late last year. Indeed, the Toffees even sent scouts to watch him perform against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.

Mohamed Diomande is another who the Premier League side are reportedly keen on signing this summer. The midfielder enjoyed a solid first full season at Ibrox and now clubs from down south are eyeing him up.

It is Nico Raskin who is attracting the most attention following a stunning campaign in Glasgow, however. Will Martin keep the midfielder for another season? Or might he be tempted to strike when the iron is hot and secure a magnificent profit on the Belgian?

Nico Raskin's 2024/25 season in numbers

Raskin won both the Rangers’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards and both were well deserved indeed.

Despite struggling with an injury through pre-season and having to wait until September to make his first appearance of the campaign, Raskin made up for lost time.

He began dominating games alongside Diomande at the heart of the pitch and was even made captain when James Tavernier was injured. He led the club to an impressive 3-0 Old Firm victory at the turn of the year, before scoring and assisting in the same fixture a few months later.

That 3-2 win was the Light Blues’ first at Parkhead since October 2020 and his leadership qualities were regularly on display.

In the top flight, the former Standard Liege starlet not only registered 14 goal contributions, but he also created nine big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.

For someone typically known for his defensive output, these attacking statistics are certainly impressive. From a defensive point of view, the Belgian averaged 2.8 tackles per match, along with winning 6.6 total duels and recovering 5.6 balls per game in the Scottish Premiership.

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

4

1

Assists

10

1

Big chances created

9

1

Tackles per game

2.8

3.7

Total duels won per game

6.6

6.4

This combination of attacking dynamism and tenacity when looking to win the ball back established Raskin as the club’s bright spark last term.

His performances even led to a debut for Belgium and there is no doubt his future lies away from Scotland.

Should Martin cash in this summer, the Light Blues could well target someone who is in a similar mould as a player…

Rangers could land the dream midfield target

Brazilian midfielder Metinho has been eyed as a potential signing for the club this summer, as has former Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week, however, Rangers are battling several European clubs in the race to sign Colo Colo starlet Vicente Pizarro.

He won the Chilean Primera División in 2022 with his current club, and they are reportedly demanding a fee of around £4m to secure his services.

Given the fact Rangers could lose Diomande or Raskin this summer, signing another midfielder is high on Martin’s priority list.

Pizarro would be an ideal replacement for the Belgian starlet, as he has exuded similar qualities during his stint with Colo Colo.

Why Vicente Pizarro could be Rangers’ next Nico Raskin

Pizarro tends to operate as a defensive midfielder for his club, making 19 appearances during the current campaign.

While his attacking statistics may not be as impressive as the ones Raskin registered (four goal contributions in 19 matches), Pizarro has excelled in other areas, especially during the Copa Libertadores.

Indeed, when compared to his peers in South America’s most prestigious club competition, he ranks in the top 11% for passes attempted (66.41) per 90 and in the top 16% for pass completion percentage (88.2%).

Elsewhere, the midfielder even ranks in the top 5% for interceptions (2.18) and in the top 12% for clearances (2.62) per 90 in the competition this season.

These statistics suggest that he could be an excellent like-for-like Raskin replacement. Someone who would be able to slot in seamlessly next to Diomande when the 2025/26 campaign starts.

Pizarro was profiled by analyst and content creator, Kai Watson, amid the reported interest in him last month.

He was even dubbed “impressive” by Ben Mattinson last year following a performance for Colo Colo and it is clear that the midfielder would be an interesting signing.

He played 45 minutes for Chile against Argentina in the recent World Cup qualifier, although he couldn’t prevent his country suffering a 1-0 loss.

Given the fact he is already an established international player at the age of 22, it means Rangers could make a big statement of intent by signing him in the coming weeks.

He could turn out to be another player who the club bring in for a relatively small fee that will secure a massive profit in the coming years.

Much will depend on whether Raskin stays or goes this summer. Whatever happens, being linked with players such as Pizarro is only a good sign.

Thelwell now prioritising Rangers move to sign 20-goal ace who Martin loves

The Gers are ready to get their summer underway.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 7, 2025

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is beginning to form a coherent picture, with FSG acting quickly to tidy up the defensive flanks and get the mammoth deal for Florian Wirtz over the line.

The Bayer Leverkusen superstar gave curious Liverpool supporters a taste of his quality during Germany’s Nations League semi-final tie against Portugal this week, scoring during the 2-1 loss.

Florian Wirtz – Stats vs Germany

Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

2 (2)

Accurate passes

32/42 (76%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

3/5

Tackles

3

Duels won

9/16

Stats via Sofascore

His intelligence, tenacity and movement underscored the playmaker’s ability, having been utterly fantastic during his time in Leverkusen’s squad, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Year after triumphing as an invincible before claiming more Man of the Match awards than any other player across this term’s Champions League campaign.

We’re a whisker away from a positive development in Liverpool’s bid to secure a marquee deal, but it might be a case of one out, one in.

While the Wirtz deal won’t have any bearing on the potential sale of Luis Diaz, the Colombian’s departure is something to consider.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future

On Thursday, Liverpool rejected an approach from Barcelona for forward Diaz, who scored 17 goals and laid on eight assists for Slot’s side this year.

The 28-year-old, who is entering the penultimate year of his contract, will only be allowed to leave if Liverpool are offered a significant sum; the Saudi Pro League have known admirers of the South American talent.

Though the thought of Diaz and Wirtz combining in a new-look Liverpool frontline is exciting, there may well be an opportunity to secure a new, younger signature.

FSG’s no-sell stance is laced with the undertow of an openness, should the right offer be tabled.

Especially when talks have been held for an almighty replacement on the left flank.

Liverpool hold talks for marquee signing

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Liverpool held discussions concerning Real Madrid’s Rodrygo last month, their intrigue persisting after initially drawing him up as a Mohamed Salah successor, should the Egyptian have left this summer.

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Arsenal would be Anfield’s most notable rival in the race, and though the Gunners have a vested interest, they have not yet launched an official bid for the Brazil forward.

Rodrygo, 24, has become disillusioned with life at Santiago Bernabeu, frustrated to be perceived to be in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

For their part, Real no longer consider Rodrygo untouchable, but would only cash in if their €100m (about £84m) valuation was met.

What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool

While the jury will remain out for a little while as Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid begin to shape up, it’s difficult to imagine the Spanish tactician will remove Vini Jr. from his left-sided berth.

This could lead Rodrygo to make the eventual decision to leave Los Blancos, having featured 267 times, posting 118 goal contributions, for the club since signing from Santos for a £39.5m fee when he was just 18.

However, most of those outings have come off the right wing, whereas the right-footed forward prefers the alternate side as he feels it is here he reaches his zenith.

Rodrygo – Real Madrid Stats by Position (24/25)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

–

–

Stats via Transfermarkt

If the 2024/25 campaign has any say on the matter, it certainly looks like this is the case, which is why Liverpool could hit the jackpot in bringing Rodrygo over as Diaz’s heir.

Especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Wirtz, the two starring in the Champions League and driving Anfield through the domestic campaign.

Wirtz brings so much to the game, astounding in his creative output and indeed willingness to take on his man and drive the ball into the danger area himself.

The German international ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga this season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

For a gifted and technically crisp winger in Rodrygo, this could be a brilliant way to add intensity and fluency to an already thriving Liverpool frontline. Rodrygo, indeed, is a natural-born goalscorer, with his finishing once described as being “terrifyingly good” by journalist Sam Tighe.

Though he only managed to score six goals in La Liga this season, the “special” Rodrygo, as he has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti, only missed one big chance, as per Sofascore, highlighting the underlying data that Wirtz’s prowess would only enhance at Liverpool. Wirtz, in fact, created 17 big chances and supplied 12 assists in the Bundesliga this term despite only starting 25 matches.

Whether Liverpool act on their interest and launch a big-money bid for the star remains to be seen, but there’s no question he would be an incredible addition to one of the best teams in the world.

For now, we will have to wait and see whether FSG accelerate their intrigue in the superstar, but with Arsenal keen and yet to show their hand in the transfer market, it would certainly help if sporting director Richard Hughes could draw rumours over Diaz’s future to a close.

If a suitable offer does arrive, Rodrygo might just follow Wirtz through the Anfield gates, consolidating Slot’s team as a goliath of the modern European game – here to stay.

Related Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025

Only one game now remains of Ipswich Town’s fleeting Premier League campaign.

At points, the Tractor Boys have shown glimpses of their quality with Liam Delap thumping in the goals, but ultimately, the Tractor Boys have lost a worrying 23 clashes from 37 overall games with relegation now confirmed.

This immediate slip back down to the Championship will result in Delap leaving Portman Road after just one season lining up for Kieran McKenna’s men.

The Suffolk side now have the back-breaking ordeal ahead of them in attempting to replace the 12-goal star with a few names already being linked to fill the ex-Manchester City man’s expected void.

Ipswich's potential Delap replacements

Of course, the Tractor Boys might not feel compelled to go all out and actually buy a new star to replace Delap. Rather, McKenna and Co could rely on George Hirst to come good again, dropping down to the EFL.

After all, despite being second in command to the breakout Ipswich ace all of this season, the Sheffield-born forward has still chipped in with five goals of his own. Last time out in the Championship, too, Hirst would also tally up seven goals and six assists as automatic promotion was achieved.

Moving away from what McKenna already has at his disposal, however, Ipswich are being linked with a move for Swiss Super League menace Willem Geubbels.

Leeds United are also sniffing around for the St. Gallen striker’s services according to reports, and for good reason, considering Geubbels has fired home 17 goals for his current employers across 2024/25 to date.

Amazingly, however, there’s one name that hasn’t even been mentioned yet who could go on to be as potent as Conor Chaplin has proven in the past for Ipswich in the Championship.

Ipswich could now sign Chaplin 2.0

Ipswich’s rapid rise up from League One to the Premier League saw various different stars come into their own jumping up the divisions.

The aforementioned Chaplin is definitely one of those who has never looked back whilst McKenna’s men soared up to the top-flight, with the former EFL journeyman scoring a hefty 13 league strikes across the memorable 2023/24 season to help clinch promotion.

Lawrence Shankland has been through a similar upward journey plying his trade in Scotland, with a new report from EFL Analysis suggesting that the Tractor Boys are ‘looking closely’ at the striker in a bid to soften the blow of Delap’s impending exit.

It would surely be a no-brainer decision on the end of Ipswich to move for Shankland, with the report further clarifying that the recently relegated team could land the “ruthless” Hearts marksman – as he was once lauded by Chris Sutton – on a free transfer off the back of many a goal-laden season up and down the Scottish leagues.

Shankland’s G/A record by Scottish division
League	Games	Goals scored	Assists
Premiership	160	64	24
Championship	120	62	12
League One	45	34	13
League Two	33	11	2
Sourced by Transfermarkt

After all, Chaplin once had to cut his own teeth too in the lower reaches of English football, with a respectable 17 strikes coming his way in League Two before he exploded into life the more he ventured up the pyramid.

Shankland is very similar in this regard when looking at the table above, considering the Glasgow-born ace is now up to a bumper 64 goals in the Scottish Premiership after once experiencing such humble beginnings on the books of Queen’s Park.

There will be a lingering worry that Shankland has never proven himself in the English game, but McKenna might well work his magic again on getting even more out of an exciting striker.

As Chaplin was last season, perhaps Shankland can be the man to deliver the goals in the Championship. Time will tell.

A £43m star in the making: Ipswich hit gold on "fantastic" McKenna signing

The exciting talent will be an incredibly important player for Ipswich next season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 4, 2025

Chelsea are carrying on their busy summer transfer window after sealing a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with Enzo Maresca’s side now setting their sights on another exciting young centre-forward.

Chelsea could sign second striker after Liam Delap

The former Man City starlet joins in a £30 million deal following Ipswich’s confirmed relegation to the Championship, and fresh off the back of a 12-goal Premier League season, there is potential for Delap to do well at Stamford Bridge.

"Elite" player green-lights move to Chelsea with formal bid expected soon

He could be their next signing after Liam Delap.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

After completing a medical earlier this week (Fabrizio Romano), Delap becomes Chelsea’s first signing of what is expected to be a busy window, and it is believed yet another striker could still follow the Englishman.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

This is made all the more possible by clubs showing a genuine interest in striker Nicolas Jackson, who could leave Chelsea this summer and make way for another number nine, likely to be Hugo Ekitiké of Eintracht Frankfurt as things stand.

“Liam Delap is joining as well as another striker that points in the direction of Hugo Ekitiké of Frankfurt,” wrote reliable journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, this week.

“There’s been a lot of contrasting reporting on Jackson and what his future will hold now it looks like two new strikers are arriving at the club.

“At the very least, he now has big question marks hanging over his head, but what is the latest on him?

“Chelsea do like Jackson, but there has been a desire to upgrade him and bring more competition in. They believe that he doesn’t have enough to lead Chelsea in the Champions League right now, so have looked to bring in others.

“In terms of a selling standpoint, they will very much listen to any offers that come in without actively pushing to sell him.”

Phillips adds that Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid are all interested in the Senegalese and are considering making an offer, so an exit for Jackson is very much a possibility.

Now, as one African striker is faced with the prospect of leaving Stamford Bridge, another has been given the chance to join Maresca’s squad.

Chelsea make "official offer" to sign Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong

According to Africa Foot, Chelsea are seriously moving in pursuit of Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong.

The “promising” Cameroonian, as stated by this report, has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season, scoring once in La Liga for the first team and a further 19 for Villarreal’s B squad, with the 21-year-old also attracting attention from Toulouse, Getafe, and Leganes.

However, it is Maresca’s side who appear to be in pole position. Chelsea have made an “official offer” for Etta Eyong, submitting a five-year contract proposal until 2030, with the option of spending next season at sister club Strasbourg to help further his development.

There’s been no confirmation of whether the player or Villarreal are inclined to accept this proposal, but it may be one to watch over the coming days.