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Sunderland have now submitted a bid for a proven Premier League player who is capable of scoring “worldies”, according to a new transfer update.

Le Bris outlines Sunderland's pre-season training plan

The Black Cats are getting closer to their Premier League return all the time, with Regis Le Bris working on having his squad as prepared as possible during pre-season.

Sunderland’s manager has been discussing what he wants to see from his players during their trip to Portugal, with focus on the “dynamic” within the team.

Le Bris will know that further signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window, though, with talks reportedly underway over a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, and now a fresh update has emerged.

Sunderland submit formal offer for Xhaka

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have now “made advances” to sign Xhaka, submitting a bid for the former Arsenal man. While the Swiss is valued at £17m, the offer in question is believed to be “less” than that, as the Black Cats look to get a cut-price deal over the line.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has discussed the 32-year-old’s future: “Granit is a very important player for us, for the team and for the club.

“Our main interest is to keep him. Sure, there is interest in him, we need to speak to the player to know what his ambitions are. But one thing is clear: There would only be a transfer in a win-win situation.We still have a three-year contract with the player and are very happy with him.

“We have big goals for the next few years. That’s why there can only be a transfer if it’s good for all sides. We’ll have to wait and see. But our goal is for Granit to stay with us.“

Xhaka stands out as such a shrewd option for Sunderland this summer, so it is exciting to see progress being made in their pursuit of him.

The Leverkusen stalwart is now a 137-cap Switzerland international, showing how vastly experienced he is, and he has been hailed as a “lovely technician” by Joe Cole, also lauding the ex-Gunners star for his ability to score “worldies” from distance.

Better signing than Henderson: Sunderland open talks to sign £17m "monster"

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ByKelan Sarson Jul 17, 2025

Xhaka knows the Premier League inside out, making 225 appearances in the competition during his Arsenal days, so he could be an invaluable addition to Sunderland’s midfield, combining tactical discipline with an eye for the spectacular.

Manchester City have now held talks with a £78 million Real Madrid “superstar” as Arsenal continue to work on a transfer of their own, according to a new report.

City hold talks to sign Denzel Dumfries after Walker departure

On Saturday, City announced defender Kyle Walker had left the club to join Burnley, which puts an end to his eight-year stay at the Etihad. The England international has linked up with Scott Parker, who he played with at Tottenham Hotspur, on a two-year deal at Turf Moor. Walker spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan.

Pep's new Cancelo: Man City accelerating move to sign £60m "superstar"

Pep Guardiola might be about to win his next João Cancelo by snapping up this £60m superstar for Manchester City.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 2, 2025

As the 35-year-old moves on from City, the Blues are now set to enter the market to find his replacement. Newcastle United’s Timo Livramento has been linked with a move to the Etihad for a few months now, and Football Insider’s Mick Brown believes City will accelerate a move to sign Livramento now Walker has left.

However, he is not their only option, as according to Football Transfers, City have held talks to sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter. The Dutch international has been a key player for the Serie A giants over a number of seasons, but it is believed he could be available this summer for just £21.5 million due to a release clause in his contract that expires next week.

Man City hold talks to sign Rodrygo

While the Blues work on a deal for Dumfries, they are also busy working on another one that could blow the transfer market wide open. According to TBR Football, Man City have held discussions with the representatives of Rodrygo.

Rodrygo looks set to leave Real Madrid, as he doesn’t appear to be in the plans of Xabi Alonso, and he’s now held talks with City, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and others, as his availability has been made clear.

This news comes after it was reported that Arsenal are not only leading the charge to sign the Brazilian international in this transfer window but are even prepared to make an offer worth £78 million to bring him to the Emirates, a switch that Rodrygo is said to be open to making.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed a “superstar” by teammate Luka Modrić, scored six goals and recorded six assists in 30 La Liga games last season, as he was an important member of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Apps

270

Goals

68

Assists

51

However, Rodrygo, who is under contract until 2028, looks to have failed to make an impression on Alonso, as the winger has played just three games in the Club World Cup, failing to appear in games against Pachuca and Juventus. Should he arrive at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola may see him as an upgrade on Jeremy Doku, who has shown flashes of his talent but struggled for consistency.

Far more eyes are on Thomas Frank now that he’s accepted the Tottenham job to replace Ange Postecoglou, and he’s under more pressure than ever before to deliver results after the club’s European heroics last season.

Tottenham set to back Thomas Frank this summer

Frank’s debut campaign in the Spurs dugout will also be his first ever season managing in the Champions League, so the 51-year-old will need all the help he can get this summer from chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange.

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Their qualification for Europe’s most elite contest next term is huge for Frank’s side when it comes to recruitment, with Tottenham set to benefit from a significant financial windfall and being a more appealing destination for the continent’s top players.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites have already moved to back Frank with his first signing of the window, sealing a cut-price permanent deal for Mathys Tel to the tune of £30 million, with Japanese defensive starlet Kota Takai also joining Spurs in a £5 million deal from Kawasaki Frontale.

Levy will fork out what is a record fee for a Japanese player from the J-League, and what’s more, the 20-year-old is also expected to be a first-team player next campaign. Tottenham are hoping that Takai can follow in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray and Destiny Udogie to stake his claim among Frank’s crop of exciting young players who are vital to the senior squad.

According to recent reports, Takai could also be followed through the N17 door by ex-Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters – who’s set to leave Southampton as a free agent in just five days.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed an excellent career overall since departing Spurs for St. Mary’s in 2020, making over 200 appearances for the Saints after initially joining them for just £12 million.

Tottenham think they're favourites to re-sign Kyle Walker-Peters

Frank is currently stocked with full-back options, but Tottenham’s need to fill their ‘club-trained’ Champions League quota has prompted transfer chiefs to consider re-signing the right-back on a free (Alasdair Gold).

According to an update from GiveMeSport, Fulham and Crystal Palace have reached out to his representatives as well, but despite interest from London rivals, Tottenham believe they’re in pole position to strike a deal for Walker-Peters.

Echoing other reports, GMS state that the Englishman still wants to rejoin Spurs as a free agent and make a return to his boyhood club, so this could be a very good option for the north Londoners to make up ground on their European quota.

Walker-Peters was one of the shining lights in an otherwise dismal Southampton side who dropped straight back down to the Championship, and at zero transfer cost, it’s a relatively risk-free move.

Arsenal are set to announce their first batch of summer recruits soon.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as well as midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard are all reportedly poised to join Arsenal in the next week or so, the former providing a back-up to David Raya, while the latter duo will be replacing the outgoing Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the base of midfield.

Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta, Andrea Berta and the Arsenal hierarchy still have plenty of work to do.

Arsenal targeting attacking reinforcements

After a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League, it is clear what Arsenal need to add this summer and that is more attacking firepower, as the table below outlines.

League finish

2nd

2nd

2nd

Goals scored

88

91

69

Expected goals

71.6

76.1

59.9

Shots

589

647

544

Shots on target

194

209

178

Shot-creating actions

1,045

1,185

969

As shown in the table, last season, when compared to their two previous title bids under Arteta, the Gunners’ attacking output was significantly down by all available metrics.

That’s why the debate of the summer remains Benjamin Šeško or Viktor Gyökeres, with the club clearly in the market for the new number nine, but they’re also looking for reinforcements out-wide too.

Thus, according to reports in Spain, Arsenal are ‘strongly’ interested in signing Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, with the Gunners said to be ‘pushing’ for his signature.

They add that the German international, who is believed to be available for around €45m (£38m), is viewed as a ‘serious alternative’ to Barcelona-bound Nico Williams, as he would add ‘explosiveness’ to Arsenal’s forward line.

The 23-year-old began his senior career at RB Salzburg, scoring four Champions League goals for die Roten Bullen, thereby earning a £38m move to Borussia Dortmund three summers ago.

Transfer Focus

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

So far, in 105 appearances for die Schwarzgelben, Adeyemi has scored 26 goals and registered 17 assists, featuring in all three of their Club World Cup fixtures this summer, starting against both Fluminense in East Rutherford and Ulsan HD in Ohio.

Now, could he become the 13th German to play for Arsenal, joining current Die Mannschaft teammate Kai Havertz, while following in the footsteps of Mesut Özil, Bernd Leno, Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and others?

How Karim Adeyemi would improve Arsenal

Arsenal are looking to improve their left-wing options, with most agreeing that an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli​​​​​​​ and Leandro Trossard, or at the very least an alternative to both, is required to take the Gunners to the next level.

Nevertheless, speaking on the Arsecast, Andrew Mangan and James McNicholas both agreed that it is highly “unlikely” that the Gunners will sign two wingers this summer, so someone who can play on the left but also cover for Bukayo Saka on the right would be ideal.

Well, Adeyemi certainly fits that brief, having been deployed on both flanks by both Dortmund managers, Nuri Şahin and Niko Kovač, throughout this season.

So, let’s assess how he compares to the gold standard of Arsenal wide-players, namely the aforementioned Saka – a player he is deemed to be statistically similar to among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Non-penalty goals

95th

77th

Shots

82nd

87th

Assists

83rd

96th

Expected assists

91st

98th

Shot-creating actions

45th

91st

Progressive carries

71st

83rd

Successful take-ons

87th

75th

Touches

79th

95th

Progressive passes received

71st

94th

FBref disclaimer: these statistics are based upon matches played in domestic leagues and UEFA club competitions across the last 365 days, and are in comparison to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

As the table outlines, Saka does come out on top for the vast majority of metrics, but that is not to be dismissive of Adeyemi, given that the England international is one of the best players in the world, at least according to teammate Martinelli.

The German’s statistics are broadly comparable to those of Saka, scoring more non-penalty goals and successfully completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes him as possessing “electric pace” and “superb dribbling skills”, simply labelling him a “world-class talent”.

Meantime, Lee Scott of Total Football Analysis believes that he provides ‘a direct goal threat’ and the ability to ‘carry the ball at speed past defenders’, while Tunde Young of Breaking the Lines boldly asserts ‘he could go on to be a multiple Ballon D’Or winner, just like Lionel Messi’.

Thus, it is clear that Adeyemi ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal and would be an excellent, exciting addition, should they be able to pull this deal off. He could well prove to be like a left-sided Saka.

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Leeds United have now made contact over a deal for a £17m-rated striker, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri.

Leeds eyeing new striker amid Piroe doubts

Joel Piroe was the Championship’s top scorer last season, finishing the campaign with 19 goals, however, the Whites have doubts over the forward in the top flight. Former Arsenal man Alan Smith has also expressed concerns about whether Piroe will be able to cut it in the Premier League.

Smith said: “You look at who’s scoring the goals last season for Leeds, like Dan James, and Joel Piroe, the Dutchman.

“Are these boys going to be good enough for the Premier League? James has already had a crack at it, and it’s not really worked, so I think Leeds still need more players.”

Smith also expressed his concern over the potential signing of Callum Wilson, given his age and injury record, but Daniel Farke’s side are now looking at signing a younger centre-forward, albeit with less experience at the top level.

According to Tavolieri, in a report for Sky Sports on Monday, Leeds have now been in contact to explore the possibility of a deal for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, having deemed bringing in a new centre-forward a priority this summer.

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It could take a bid of up to €20m (£17m) to prise Sargent away from Norwich, however, and he is not the only striker on the shortlist, with Everton’s Beto also of interest to the Championship winners.

In talks with his entourage, the Norwich forward has made it clear he would be keen on a move to the Premier League, which means a move to Elland Road could be of great appeal to the 25-year-old.

"Exceptional" Sargent impressing in the Championship

Smith has doubts about whether Piroe will be able to make the step-up to the Premier League, but the American is also relatively unproven above the Championship, having scored just two goals in 26 games in his previous stint in the top flight back in 2021-22.

However, there are signs the Missouri-born striker has developed considerably since then, having scored a combined 44 goals in his past three Championship campaigns, most recently collecting 20 goal contributions in 32 appearances.

Lauded as “exceptional” by members of the media, Sargent may deserve another chance to prove himself at Premier League level, and Wilson’s very poor injury record could make the USA international a preferable option to the Englishman.

Season

Wilson games missed

2020-21

18

2021-22

30

2022-23

9

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

That said, it seems a little harsh to suggest Piroe won’t be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and the Dutchman has earned the chance to lead the line in the top flight with his impressive performances ever since arriving from Swansea City.

Will Chelsea make any more signings ahead of the Club World Cup?

Last week, the Blues unveiled Liam Delap as their new signing, paying Ipswich his £30m release clause.

Now, Chelsea have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday 10th June to register any more signings ahead of the Club World Cup, with their opening fixture against Los Angeles FC taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the following Monday.

So, before then, will Enzo Maresca have another new centre-forward at his disposal?

Chelsea chasing another striker

The Blues are looking to significantly improve their forward line this summer with mooted interest in Frankurt forward Hugo Ekitike.

Transfer Focus

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

Further reports have suggested that a deal could be on the cards for Jamie Gittens too, with the club having held talks with his club side, Borussia Dortmund, ahead of a possible move. However, there are more targets on the horizon for BlueCo.

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are targeting a move for Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro, with Newcastle United also interested.

Fabrizio Romano claims that the Brazilian is ‘expected to leave Brighton’ this summer, after not featuring in any of the Seagulls’ final five Premier League fixtures this season, the first three due to suspension, before being left out of two matchday squads by manager Fabian Hürzeler following a training ground ‘altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports in Spain claim that the Albion value their star striker at around £70m, with Football.London noting that Chelsea are willing to pay around £50m, so some sort of compromise will have to be made if Pedro is going to feature stateside this summer.

How Pedro and Delap could function together at Chelsea

Having only just signed Delap, pointedly presenting him with the number nine shirt too, it may seem peculiar that Chelsea are targeting another attacker.

Nevertheless, with Christopher Nkunku on his way out this summer, Matt Law of the Telegraph believes they are in the market for a versatile forward, but is Pedro actually a bigger talent than his potential future teammate?

Let’s try and answer that question.

Goals

0.46

0.42

Assists

0.28

0.07

Shots

1.94

2.29

Shots on target %

35.7%

43.9%

Shot-creating actions

3.32

2.15

Open-play passes completed

20.8

7.4

Chances created

1.3

0.7

Lay-offs completed

1.6

0.9

Touches

44

24

As the table outlines, Delap is much of a penalty box presence, emphasised by the fact he registered more shots, a higher proportion of which hit the target, while also taking almost half the number of touches on a per 90 basis.

Pedro meantime, is a significantly more well-rounded forward, underlined by his higher number of chances created, passes completed and touches per 90 statistics.

Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has hailed his “really magical” quality on the ball, while Adrian Clarke of the Premier League labelled him ‘hardworking, creative, and calm in front’, praising his ‘deft pieces of link play’ and believing he has started to show ‘a poacher’s instinct’ this season too.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout notes that Pedro ‘is capable of playing anywhere across the attack’, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic outlines how he is adept at ‘dropping deep to link play’.

Thus, this all suggests that Delap and Pedro could function in a team together, with the former holding his position in the penalty area, while the latter drops deep to link play alongside Chelsea’s abundance of other high-quality attackers.

Thus, he would surely be an excellent addition for the Blues, even if getting this deal over the line by Tuesday appears unlikely at this stage.

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Chelsea chiefs are expected to undergo another hectic summer window of incomings and outgoings, with many players set to be put on the transfer list by BlueCo and face uncertain futures.

Players expected to leave Chelsea this summer

It is perhaps a given that, barring any U-turns from Enzo Maresca, a plethora of loaned-out senior players in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all but set to quit Stamford Bridge.

£60m Premier League forward has spoken to friends about joining Chelsea

He’s apparently interested.

ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

BlueCo’s mountainous task ahead of June 1 is beginning to find new homes for all the surplus to requirement, out-of-favour members of Chelsea’s full to the brim squad list.

3. Man City

68

4. Newcastle

66

5. Chelsea

66

6. Aston Villa

66

7. Nottingham Forest

65

As things stand, they’re all set to return to Chelsea once their temporary spells elsewhere conclude, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell both commanding huge salaries and proving a drain on the club’s wage bill.

Chelsea will be especially keen to find new homes for the England international duo, and the same can be said for summer flop Joao Felix.

The Portuguese returned to west London in 2024 for around £45 million, with Cobham academy graduate Conor Gallagher heading the other way to Atlético Madrid in a separate deal.

However, since that ‘sort of’ swap deal was agreed, both players’ fortunes have contrasted significantly. While Gallagher has gone on to become a mainstay under Diego Simeone, making 46 appearances in all competitions and racking up nine goal contributions, Maresca has already deemed Felix an unwanted man just one season into his stay.

Felix was shipped off on loan to AC Milan in January, failing to impress at the San Siro, with the Rossoneri deciding long ago that they’re not interested in keeping the 24-year-old beyond this season (Fabrizio Romano).

Benfica working to re-sign Joao Felix from Chelsea

It seems pretty inevitable that Chelsea will attempt to rid themselves of Felix’s £130,000-per-week wages once he returns to Cobham.

This is echoed by Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo, and their journalist Manuel Pedrero, who provides an update on Felix’s precarious situation.

He writes that Felix is aware he’ll need to pack his bags and quit Chelsea this summer, and he could have a golden chance to return to his former club. Benfica are said to be working on bringing the attacking midfielder back home, with the Portuguese heavyweights viewed as his most credible next destination as things stand.

In an alternate universe, and one where Aston Villa had the financial capabilities to match his demands, Felix would be working under Unai Emery right now. The ex-Arsenal boss once confirmed that he couldn’t quite get him over the line at Villa Park before Chelsea swooped in, but does rate the forward very highly.

“He’s a special player and it was not totally impossible for us (to sign him), but he wanted to play for a team in the Champions League,” Emery said last year.

“We are realistic about how we can improve and how we can add players to improve our squad. He has a high salary and Chelsea paid a lot of money for that.

“I like him, but we were never really in the running for him. He can assist, score goals, drop deep to build up and he can play in the small spaces and drive into the box. He’s special.”

Already thinking about summer targets, Crystal Palace have now reportedly set their sights on signing a young defender who’s earned comparisons with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his abilities in the air.

Glasner urges Crystal Palace to embrace final

Whilst transfer rumours continue to come thick and fast off the pitch, Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner have been preparing for one of the biggest games in their history this week. Wembley and the FA Cup final awaits the Eagles, as they go in pursuit of their first-ever FA Cup victory.

In front of them stand a Manchester City side looking to restore some pride to what has been their worst campaign under Pep Guardiola. Still battling for Champions League qualification with two Premier League games to go, the Citizens find themselves in unfamiliar territory and in with every chance of falling victim to a shock upset at Wembley.

The nerves will only be natural for all involved in South London, but Glasner has urged his players to embrace the occasion, telling reporters this week: “What is clear is that we should feel no burden. Pressure comes when you are trying to avoid relegation, when you are playing for your future, the future of the football club and the club’s employees.

“But playing in a Cup Final means that you can achieve something incredible. This is what we are all playing for, this is the childhood dream! When these players were kids, I’m sure they all watched the Cup Finals and dreamed of one day being involved in one. Now, everyone has the chance to fulfil that childhood dream.”

Scouts sent: Crystal Palace racing to sign "impressive" Serie A defender

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It is also worth noting that FA Cup final victory would also see Crystal Palace qualify for the Europa League in a moment that would have an impact both on and off the pitch.

Crystal Palace targeting De Winter

One deal that Europa League qualification would help with is for a Serie A star. According to Football Transfers, Crystal Palace are now targeting a move to sign Koni de Winter from Genoa this summer. The central defender has only been at the Italian club for a year, but they’re already hoping to make profit by selling the former Juventus man for around €30m (£25m) in the coming months.

Dubbed a “gifted footballer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his Juventus days, De Winter has only pushed on at Genoa to earn comparisons with Virgil van Dijk by Football Transfers.

Those comparisons are certainly understandable, too. According to data relayed by their report, De Winter is well above average when it comes to his aerial performance in the Serie A, so it’s perhaps no surprise he’s scored three times with his head in his 22 league starts this term.

It’s the type of impact in both boxes that Crystal Palace should go all out to sign this summer, as Glasner looks to reinforce his backline.

Chelsea are now preparing a £60m swoop for an “insane” forward, who has put in some very impressive performances in the Champions League this season, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new striker

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku struggling in front of goal since the turn of the year, it has become apparent that Enzo Maresca will need to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window, and a number of targets have been identified.

Talks have been opened over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, and there is a feeling the Blues could be willing to fork out a fee of £65m for the Sweden international, although they will face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.

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The west Londoners have reached out to another target.

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Given Gyokeres’ huge price tag, however, it could be wise to consider alternative options, and it has recently emerged that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is set to be available for just £30m this summer, should his side be relegated from the Premier League.

Delap has been extremely impressive in front of goal in the Premier League this season, but according to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now set their sights on one of this season’s Champions League revelations, namely Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.

The west Londoners are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for Guirassy’s services, given that the striker has shone in the Champions League this season, most recently scoring a hat-trick against FC Barcelona in the quarter-final.

Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli are also interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund star, but Stamford Bridge is said to be his most likely destination this summer, with Maresca looking to bring in a striker who guarantees goals, amid concerns over Jackson.

"Insane" Guirassy could be huge upgrade on Jackson

Despite some promising signs near the start of the season, Jackson has been largely ineffective in front of goal this season, while Guirassy has been extremely impressive in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League throughout the campaign.

The Guinea international has amassed a remarkable 36 goal contributions in 40 appearances in all competitions, having been particularly prolific in front of goal in Europe, prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona earlier this week.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

15

3

Champions League

14

13

5

U23 football scout Antonio Mango has lauded the France-born striker as “insane” in the past, and his performances this season suggest he deserves to be playing in the Champions League next season, which is now extremely unlikely to be the case at Dortmund.

As such, it seems likely that a move to Stamford Bridge could appeal to Guirassy this summer, should the Blues manage to qualify for the Champions League, which underlines the importance of Chelsea having a strong end to the campaign.

Attempting to solve their left-back problem at long last, Manchester City are now reportedly in constant contact with one £30m target who Kyle Walker has recently got to know fairly well.

Man City planning major overhaul

Whilst Kevin de Bruyne’s pending departure is likely to be an emotional one at the Etihad, Manchester City may have to get used to bidding farewell to club veterans in the coming months as the Blues commence a much-needed overhaul.

City boss Pep Guardiola has already paid tribute to De Bruyne’s time at the club as the Belgian prepares to leave, whilst revealing that it was the club’s decision. The Spaniard told reporters: “The decision has been made for the club, and the club is the club. Me, Txiki [Begiristain, sporting director], and the club, so this is what it is. It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.

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“The last year and a half, he was out injured because he gave everything for the club. Everything he had in his body and his mind, he’s done it, so there’s no doubt about it.”

The focus has since shifted towards replacing De Bruyne and whilst some may see that as mission impossible at the Etihad, a number of candidates have already emerged. Recent reports have mentioned the likes of Florian Wirtz and even Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White regarding players on City’s radar and there’s no doubt that both have their own standout qualities.

When comparing the two, however, it must be said that it’s Wirtz who would steal the most headlines having become one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, away from their need to replace De Bruyne, Manchester City must also finally sign another left-back this summer – allowing Josko Gvardiol to move back into central defence and ending Rico Lewis’ unsuccessful role down that side.

Man City in constant contact with Theo Hernandez

On that front, one name that has recently emerged as a potential solution is Theo Hernandez. According to The Boot Room, Manchester City are now in constant contact with Hernandez’s representatives over a summer move from AC Milan and are racing to secure his signature alongside Tottenham Hotspur.

A Champions League winner who could reportedly be available for as little as £30m this summer, Manchester City may well get themselves a bargain solution by signing Hernandez this summer. There’s no doubt that he would be an instant upgrade on Lewis and a player who could match Gvardiol’s quality or allow the Croatia star to move into the middle.

Minutes

2,254

2,647

1,720

Assists

3

0

2

Tackles Won

22

33

19

Ball Recoveries

111

119

89

Dubbed “electric fast” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Hernandez will have the chance to find out all about Manchester City whilst at AC Milan if he speaks to former captain Kyle Walker, who had plenty of pace of his own, often relied upon to halt counter-attacks as City dominated possession.

The England international is currently on loan at the San Siro and whilst he may yet leave on a permanent basis, he could first bring back the gift of Hernandez this summer.