da betcris： By the time that the 2026 World Cup arrives, it will be 60 years since England won the World Cup. In that time, the Three Lions have had 18 managers, one or two incredibly impressive golden generations and even a UK number one thanks to John Barnes. But as much as England ‘defend and attack’, the men’s side are yet to bring football home.
da pinup bet： The latest tasked with doing so is Thomas Tuchel. The former Chelsea manager’s CV almost speaks for itself. He has taken charge of the Blues as well as Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – even winning a Champions League along the way. Now, however, his greatest task awaits as England aim to end 60 years of hurt.
The German has already proved that he’s not afraid of making some bold decisions and many will argue that’s exactly what Gareth Southgate was missing throughout his tenure. Whilst the old boss often failed to change his ways and players, Tuchel has already dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold in the first international break of the season and introduced Elliot Anderson to his set-up.
Full of praise for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, Tuchel told reporters: “Elliot Anderson is very physical, a lot of volume, very precise, clean passing, so it’s a good package.”
This time next year, England fans will find out whether Tuchel’s bold nature ends in World Cup victory or whether they really should have called upon a former Premier League manager who believes he’d end the Three Lions’ drought.
Sam Allardyce believes he'd have won World Cup with England
Technically speaking, Sam Allardyce has a better win rate at England than any other England manager. But there is one caveat and that’s the fact that his reign only lasted one game, which featured a late Adam Lallana winner against Slovakia. The FA shocked many when they hired ‘Big Sam’ in 2016 as they looked to move on from a disastrous Roy Hodgson era.
He ticked the box for experience and if anyone knew English football, it was him. As it turns out, we’ll never know whether Allardyce would have created shock history, but he certainly believes that he was denied the chance to end England’s wait for glory.
In the end, the former Premier League manager left his role by mutual consent after just 67 days. His departure followed The Telegraph’s report that he had been seen negotiating a £400,000 fee to represent a firm hoping to profit from transfers involving Premier League transfers as well as making “inappropriate” remarks.
A dream quickly became a nightmare for Allardyce, who never got the chance to prove that his football belonged on the biggest stage.
da pixbet： Sunderland have made some great strides in the market this summer and still find themselves in the hunt for fresh blood to help bolster their Premier League survival prospects, per reports.
Sunderland plot further signings under Regis Le Bris
da betsson： Nobody could accuse Sunderland of not showing ambition this summer in the market, and there is plenty more where that came from as the Black Cats aim to take their spending spree beyond £147.9 million
Regis Le Bris delivered a coy response when asked whether his side will add one or two more new faces to the group ahead of Monday’s deadline, specifying that he is happy with his squad no matter what happens over the next few days.
He stated: “The amount of work is huge (that Sunderland have done this summer). Not an easy challenge. Connection with players now is good. They understand identity of the club, the connection with team-mates.”
With that in mind, Sunderland are hopeful of striking a deal for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and could also look to add Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson to compete with Anthony Patterson between the sticks alongside Robin Roefs.
Furthermore, West Ham United outcast Nayef Aguerd is a target for the Black Cats. However, Marseille are also pushing to add the Morocco international to their ranks, which could lead to a tense battle between the two clubs to secure his signature.
Making the jump to the top-flight was never an easy ask for Sunderland, though they are making their mark in the window and could now be set to ramp up interest in an exciting attacker.
Sunderland looking to sign Dario Osorio
According to reports in South America via Sport Witness, Sunderland are plotting a late move to sign FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio alongside Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
Given the deadline is on Monday, the Danish outfit are in no rush to sell, but it is claimed that £15.5 million may be enough to entice the Chile international to swap MCH Arena for the Stadium of Light.
Compared to Alexis Sanchez in Chile due to his rise to prominence, Osorio has already registered four goals and four assists in 11 matches this campaign, including pivotal strikes in Europa League qualifying against KuPS and Hibernian.
His former club Universidad de Chile are said to retain a 15% stake in the 21-year-old, and it remains to be seen how that stipulation could reflect in negotiations with Midtjylland as they aim to collect a fair fee for their prize asset.
Sunderland have made a habit of finding gems from markets around Europe and Osorio could be the next on their conveyor belt if circumstances align in the North East.
da 888casino： The mood around West Ham United today could not be more different to the one around the club last week.
da fazobetai： There are still plenty of issues that need to be addressed, but a thumping 3-0 Premier League win away to Nottingham Forest, combined with some brilliant signings, has given fans plenty to be optimistic about.
It’s been a pretty good summer for the Hammers so far, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Soungoutou Magassa and Kyle Walker-Peters all quality additions.
WestHamUnitedplayers celebrate after the match
Moreover, with the window closing at 7pm tonight, West Ham could be closing in on another top signing, someone who could be their own Marc Guehi.
West Ham target their own Guehi
According to a recent report from Jacob Steinberg, West Ham are interested in Axel Disasi.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
More than that, Steinberg has revealed that the Hammers have already contacted the Blues over a potential loan move for the player.
However, the journalist has also stated that it “remains to be seen” whether the two sides can come to an agreement on the finances of a deal for the £80k-per-week titan.
It might not be the most exciting signing the Irons could make this summer, but Disasi could be an excellent addition to Graham Potter’s defence, and their own Guehi.
Why Disasi could be West Ham's Guehi
So, given the reputation that Disasi has cultivated in recent seasons, the comparison to Guehi might sound absurd to some of you.
Disasi
However, we aren’t really claiming that the Chelsea ace is on the same level as the soon-to-be Liverpool star, but there are some similarities between the pair, and who knows, with the proper coaching and mentoring, West Ham could be getting their hands on a gem of a player.
With that said, what are some of these similarities?
Well, first and foremost, the French defender is actually far more accomplished with the ball at his feet than people tend to give him credit for.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 5% of centre-backs across Europe’s top-five leagues for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-on percentage, the top 10% for total carrying distance and the top 15% for live passes, all per 90.
Disasi’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Goals/Shot
0.20
Top 4%
Touches (Def 3rd)
24.70
Top 4%
Goals/Shot on Target
1.00
Top 5%
Pass Completion %
87.9%
Top 5%
% of Aerials Won
65.4%
Top 5%
Non-Penalty Goals – npxG
+0.06
Top 7%
Pass Completion % (Medium)
89.8%
Top 7%
SCA (Defensive Action)
0.09
Top 7%
Successful Take-On %
57.9%
Top 7%
Pass Completion % (Short)
93.5%
Top 8%
Touches (Mid 3rd)
35.91
Top 9%
Total Carrying Distance
219.12
Top 10%
Aerials Won
1.56
Top 11%
Passes Blocked
0.83
Top 12%
Carries
40.96
Top 13%
Progressive Carrying Distance
111.12
Top 13%
Live-ball Passes
53.27
Top 15%
All Stats via FBref
In other words, while he might not show it as much as the Palace star, the 27-year-old is more than capable of playing out from the back, baiting the press and starting attacks.
Another key similarity he shares with the Englishman is his physicality.
At 6 foot 3, the Gonesse-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Rahman Osman, is not someone who is easily bullied off the ball, and he puts that height to good use in the air as well, with FBref ranking him in the top 5% of centre-backs for percentage of aerial duels won, per 90.
Finally, like the Abidjan-born star, should this deal go through, the former AS Monaco gem would be another centre-back discarded by Chelsea, which could be the perfect thing for his career at this point.
Ultimately, while Disasi is not on the same level as Guehi at the moment, there are some key similarities between the two, and on loan, there isn’t much risk in West Ham bringing him to the London Stadium.
da betcris： Leeds United are now leading the race for an “incredible” attacker, and they are ready to trigger his release clause, according to a report.
Leeds looking to sign another attacker after Calvert-Lewin
da betobet： Leeds are closing in on the signing of former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with David Ornstein revealing the Englishman is now set to undergo a medical before completing a move to Elland Road.
However, Gary Lineker is not entirely convinced the 28-year-old has what it takes to be a success in Daniel Farke’s side, saying: “I suppose if you look back at his career there’s been a decent season or two. He’s got all the attributes [but], he’s not a clean finisher and that for a striker is an issue.
“He’s never going to be a 20/25 goals a season player even in a side that’s really attacking and has got creative players. I think in the end in football, you find your level.”
While Lineker doesn’t believe Calvert-Lewin is cut out to be a top striker even with a playmaker behind him, Leeds are now planning to add a new attacking midfielder to their ranks, and they have moved into pole position in the race for his signature…
According to a report from Caught Offside, the Whites are now leading the race for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, having taken the most concrete steps to secure a deal, amid rival interest from the likes of Newcastle United, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.
Having already held talks with El Khannouss’ representatives and offered the attacking midfielder a £50k-a-week salary, the Premier League newcomers are now ready to trigger the £24.5m release clause in his Leicester contract.
"Incredible" El Khannouss could flourish at Elland Road
While the 21-year-old struggled to find his rhythm in a very poor Leicester side last season, picking up just five Premier League goal contributions, there are indications the youngster could be a success at Elland Road.
At times in the 2024-25 campaign, the Morocco-born playmaker did manage to impress, being lauded as “incredible” by talkSPORT writer Jack Johnson after impressing in his side’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White in action with Leicester City'sBilalEl Khannouss
The starlet also managed to make a good impression on Pep Guardiola, having confirmed the Man City boss complimented his performance after the match, saying: “He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today. I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now.”
El Khannouss deserves another chance in the Premier League, and Leeds should look to finalise a deal before Newcastle or Dortmund step up their interest.
da cassino： Arsenal are now very serious about signing a “world-class” star in a loan-to-buy deal, as he is protected by a massive release clause, according to a report.
Gunners still keen to strengthen in attack
da aposte e ganhe： Viktor Gyokeres got off to a dream start in an Arsenal shirt, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, while Mikel Arteta has also waxed lyrical about Noni Madueke since the former Chelsea man’s arrival.
Arteta said: “He’s a real threat, I wouldn’t want to play against him and we want to find something else and playing with natural-footed players, he’s going to give us that solution.”
However, with the new Premier League campaign edging ever closer, the Gunners remain keen on strengthening their attacking options, and there have been suggestions they are now closing in on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
With a deal for Eze set to be on the expensive side, the north Londoners may not have much money left to spend this summer, which could be why they are looking at signing a different attacker in a loan-to-buy deal.
That is according to a report from Spanish media, which states Arsenal are now very serious about signing Rodrygo, having made plans to sign the Real Madrid forward on an initial loan deal, which could include a mandatory purchase clause.
The Brazilian is thought to be valued at around the €90m (£77m) mark, although he is also protected by a €1bn (£866m) release clause, which showcases how highly the forward was regarded by the Spanish club when signing his most recent contract.
Related Berta eyes bid as Inter fear Arsenal will hijack "world class" player
Arsenal are looking to further add to their attacking depth.
The 24-year-old’s high wage demands have also proved to be prohibitive in the past, so it could be difficult for the Gunners to get a deal over the line.
"World-class" Rodrygo could flourish at the Emirates
The Brazil international is clearly the type of proven top-level player who could elevate Arsenal’s standards and help them finally win a major trophy, having proven himself in a Madrid shirt over a number of years.
The former Santos man has now chalked up 270 appearances for the Spanish giants, during which time he’s picked up 68 goals and 51 assists, and he is also vastly experienced in the Champions League, scoring 25 goals in the elite competition.
Rodrygo's Real Madrid career (timeless)
That said, while he has been lauded as “world-class” by Luka Modric, there are doubts over whether the Osasco-born forward is a necessary signing, given that Arsenal have already splashed the cash this summer, signing Madueke and Gyokeres to bolster their attacking options.
With Eze looking increasingly likely to move to north London too, it may only be possible to sign Rodrygo on a loan-to-buy deal, and a deal of that nature may not appeal to Madrid, given that it wouldn’t be immediately beneficial.
da heads bet： Up until yesterday, this summer was shaping up to be pretty much perfect for Chelsea.
da blaze casino： Enzo Marsca’s side looked brilliant on the pitch, and the board were making excellent additions to the squad off of it.
However, it’s now been confirmed that Levi Colwill has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the majority of next season.
Chelsea'sLeviColwillcelebrates after the match
The only good news is that there is still time for the club to bring in a replacement, and while they’ve been linked with Marc Guehi in the past, reports suggest they are looking at someone else entirely.
Chelsea target Guehi alternative
Chelsea have been linked with Guehi for quite some time now, with serious reports touting him for a move back to the club as far back as last summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Those stories have remained fairly constant this summer as well, with some claiming that the Englishman could be available for a fee of around £43m.
However, while the Crystal Palace star could be a smart signing in the current circumstances, it now looks like the Blues are eyeing another international defender to replace Colwill.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are interested in Ronald Araujo.
The report has revealed that the Uruguayan defender is someone who has been discussed by the West Londoners and is now seen as ‘one of the main options’ to come in and strengthen the backline.
Interestingly, despite renewing his contract in January, the story claims that Barcelona would be willing to let the 26-year-old leave this summer for a fee of around €50m, which is about £43m.
While that’s still a lot of money, this feels like a transfer worth pursuing for Chelsea, especially as Araujo could be the perfect replacement for Colwill.
Why Araujo would be a great signing
So, there will be some of you out there who might make the point that Chelsea have only just signed Jorrel Hato, and so there is surely no need for another defender to come in and cover for Colwill.
Jorrel Hato
However, while that is a fair point and we have no doubt the Ducthman will develop into a future superstar, he’s still just 19 years old and has no experience of playing in a top-five league.
Therefore, instead of placing an immense amount of pressure on the teenager and potentially hampering his long-term development, it makes far more sense to go out and sign a proven defender who has played at the highest level for some time now, someone like Araujo.
Araujo’s Barça record
Appearances
175
Starts
141
Minutes
12926′
Goals
10
Assists
7
Points per Game
2.15
La Liga Titles
2
Copa del Reys
2
Super Cups
2
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, the defensive “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Raj Chohan, has made 175 appearances for Barcelona, of which 141 have been starts, and he’s racked up a pretty good tally of ten goals and seven assists in those games.
Moreover, he’s helped the Catalans win two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups, so he would bring a real know-how to Stamford Bridge that’s been lacking in recent years.
Barcelona's Ronald Araujo against Inter Milan.
On top of his impressive experience and record, the Rivera-born titan can also play as both a centre-back and a right-back, meaning he’d give Maresca some extra tactical flexibility.
Finally, the 6 foot 2 ace is more than just a defensive wall, as he’s got several seriously impressive attacking underlying numbers to his name.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals and goals plus assists, the top 2% for goal-creating actions from shots, the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals and the top 9% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.
Ultimately, losing Colwill is a massive blow, but Chelsea can help mitigate that blow by going all out and signing Araujo this summer.
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The dynamic international could develop into something special at Chelsea.
da realsbet： There’s no denying that West Ham United look a little light with the 2025/26 Premier League season just two weeks away, even after the defensive acquisitions of Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadj Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.
da pixbet： Mohammed Kudus has not yet been replaced after completing a controversial £55m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Crysencio Summerville remains injured after sustaining a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the final 18 games of the term.
However, Lucas Paqueta’s absolution from wrongdoing in a two-year-long spot-fixing case marks a galvanising lift and potentially the catalyst for change. A turning point.
However, the Irons still need more, and no mistake. Paqueta is a high-level playmaker, but he could with a foil, someone to shoulder his burden at times.
And Potter has got the perfect young star in his sights.
West Ham lining up more attacking quality
Skipper Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s offensive linchpin, but he needs some help in the final third after a rather uninspiring 2024/25 as a collective.
West Ham United's JarrodBowencelebrates scoring their first goal
Goalscoring quality remains a pressing issue, but United averaged just 1.53 goal-creating actions per 90 last term, as per FBref, which surpassed only the three relegated sides.
As such, Potter may look to complete a move for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is anticipated to leave Anfield this summer, having been limited for playing time under Arne Slot.
Football Insider report that the Hammers are ready to make their move, pushing ahead with plans to sign the £50m-rated midfielder.
Elliott, 22, has held talks with a number of suitors, and West Ham are joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham, among others, in their intrigue.
Why West Ham want Harvey Elliott
Though Elliott struggled for match action at Liverpool last season, he still managed to showcase his ability on numerous occasions, notably scoring in three successive Champions League fixtures.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
A diminutive and versatile midfielder, Elliott’s technical ability on the ball serves as the staple of his skill set, with one-time Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley praising his ability to create “magic” through his passing.
As per FBref, the England U21 international ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal involvements, passes attempted and progressive passes, as well as the top 15% for goal-creating actions per 90.
Thus, Elliott’s potential to become a special player for a team like West Ham is underscored, and he could even rekindle the finest form of Bowen, who still wrapped up the latest campaign with a respectable haul of 13 goals and ten assists in the Premier League.
Elliott came up trumps through the 2023/24 campaign, providing plenty of creative support as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool struggled against a slew of unfortunate injuries.
Harvey Elliott – Liverpool Stats by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25
28
5
3
23/24
53
4
14
22/23
46
5
2
21/22
11
1
0
*20/21
1
0
1
19/20
8
0
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
He has the tenacity and winning mentality, inculcated in him through his years on Merseyside, to combine with Bowen, who is a spirit-lifting star in his own right.
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino once said that Bowen is “direct and he’s a bit like Salah” when discussing the complete forwards’ fast rise at the London Stadium, and this only strengthens the case for him being a dream partner for Elliott.
Bowen celebrates scoring with Antonio's shirt
Landing Elliott would be a statement signing, all right, and perhaps what West Ham need to hit their stride and return to the forefront next season.
Related Potter's new Bissouma: West Ham accelerate move for "outstanding" £20m star
West Ham want to sign at least one midfielder this summer
da wazamba： EA Sports FC 26 is released later this month, amid much excitement, so we’ve shared the 10 fastest players on the game, from Kylian Mbappe to Vinicius Junior.The much-anticipated game gets its worldwide release on September 26th, as football fans across the globe look to show off their gaming expertise.The question is: who are the fastest players on the game? And is their place fully merited? Here are the top 10…
10 Ousmane Dembele Speed: 91
da imperador bet： It has been quite a 12 months or so for Ousmane Dembele, who has not only won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, but is also the favourite to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or later this year.
The Frenchman is known for his quick feet and end product, but his blistering pace arguably stands out more than anything, hence him sneaking his way into the 10 fastest players on EA Sports FC 26.Dembele gets a 91 rating for speed – something most of us can only dream of!
9 Sophia Wilson Speed: 92
The first female entry on the list is Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Wilson, who is renowned for the pace she is able to generate in attacking areas.
The 25-year-old is a key player for the USA at international level, scoring 24 goals in 58 caps, with her speed helping her get into great positions and take down her opponents.
Wilson is one of four players here to get a 92 pace rating.
8 Victor Osimhen Speed: 92
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenreacts
One of the most dominant strikers in the world on his day, Victor Osimhen has been a nightmare for defenders to face in recent years, not least during an unstoppable period in Serie A for Napoli.
Not only does the Nigerian possess power and stature leading the line, but his speed is the cherry on top, allowing him to make runs in behind before finishing in deadly fashion.
Osimhen may not always look like one of the fastest players around, but when he gets going and reaches full pace, he is a sight to behold.
7 Achraf Hakimi Speed: 92
Is there a better right-back in the world at the moment than Achraf Hakimi? It would take a bold person to claim that anyone is better.
The Algerian has matured into a wonderful player for PSG, playing such an important role in his side’s Champions League success last season, providing scintillating pace from deep.
Hakimi’s pace is also a valuable asset to have at the other end of the pitch, allowing him to thwart danger if he is out of position, and he is the seventh-fastest player on EA Sports FC 26.
6 Kadidiatou Diani Speed: 92
Kadidiatou Diani is next up, with the Lyon attacker one of the fastest players in the women’s game and topping the scoring charts in the Champions League in 2023/24.
Now 30 years of age, there don’t appear to be too many signs of her pace dwindling in her autumn years, and she places at a highly impressive sixth on the list of quickest players.
5 Nico Williams Speed: 93
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliams
Lamine Yamal may take the limelight as Spain’s star winger in the current game, but Nico Williams is a fantastic player in his own right, not to mention a speedier option than Barcelona’s teenage superstar.
The Athletic Bilbao wide man has a devilish combination of lightning pace and strength in wide areas, allowing him to give even the best full-backs in Europe a tough assignment, and he is a joy to watch at his best.
Williams edges his way into the top five here, outlining just how quick he is.
4 Melchie Dumornay Speed: 93
Lyon midfielder Melchie Dumornay is rated here as the fastest player in the women’s game, notching a 93 rating for pace, which is the same as Williams.
The 20-cap and 20-goal Haiti international was named the Champions League Young Player of the Season in both 2023/24 and 2024/25, and it is going to be fascinating to see how her career pans out.
The unstoppable pace that Dumornay has in her locker is such a great weapon to have.
3 Nuno Mendes Speed: 95
If Hakimi was impressive for PSG on the right flank, Nuno Mendes may have been even better at left-back for the reigning European champions.
Surely the world’s best player in his position currently, the Portuguese has been given a speed rating of 95, which seems entirely fair when you watch him in the flesh.
The pace that Mendes can provide on the overlap is a great foil for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, allowing the Georgian to cut inside from the left wing, and at just 23 years of age, there will be so many more years of seeing him flying down the left-hand side.
2 Vinicius Junior Speed: 95
Vinicius Junior is one of the best attacking players of his generation, possessing Brazilian flair and a relentless flow of goals and assists from his favoured left-sided role.
The Real Madrid icon can be unplayable on his day, proving capable of cutting inside and also hitting the byline, and a lot of that is due to the incredible speed that he has in his armoury.
Vinicius is deemed to be the second-fastest player on EA Sports FC 26, getting a 95 rating to put him on the same level as Mendes. So who comes in at No.1?
1 Kylian Mbappe Speed: 97
France's KylianMbappereacts
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappe is still seen as the fastest player in the world – in fact, there aren’t many footballers in history who can lay claim to being as quick as him.
The World Cup and Champions League-winning Frenchman is arguably the world’s best player currently, but for all his inch-perfect finish and cleverly-timed runs, it is his speed that most associate him with.
Mbappe in full flight almost feels like you’re watching peak Usain Bolt, with the 26-year-old’s giant strides allowing him to pull clear of opponents and so often find the back of the net.
da fazobetai： Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to make headway in the Premier League and Champions League next season, all the while challenging for further silverware in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
da blaze casino： They’ve got a taste for that winning feeling, you see, and while Ange Postecoglou was sacked in June, we left with his head held high, a hero, the manager who came and conquered after so many were thwarted before him.
In Thomas Frank, though, Spurs have the perfect successor, bringing structured organisation and dynamic balance, but also a pragmatism that was lacking under Ange’s wing.
While Mohammed Kudus has already been reeled in, Tottenham are hoping to sign another creative midfielder, with several names lined up.
Spurs sounding out attacking midfielders
Only one week ago, it looked as if Tottenham were on the cusp of signing Morgan Gibbs-White. But Nottingham Forest allege the Lilywhites made an unlawful approach.
While work is being done to get that one over the line, Tottenham have since set up contingencies, with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons the centre of talks between the outfits, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested.
Elsewhere, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Tottenham are hugely keen on striking a deal for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, 24, who is expected to be on the move this summer.
Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey
Newcastle United and Forest are also keen on a deal, with Villa reported to have set a price of £50m for their homegrown midfielder.
Why Spurs want Jacob Ramsey
Last summer, Tottenham explored a player-plus-cash move for Ramsey, with Giovani Lo Celso heading the other way. That never came to fruition.
At 24, Ramsey is entering the prime years of his career, but having made 167 appearances for Aston Villa, his boyhood club, he’s struggling for purchase in Unai Emery’s plans.
At his best, Ramsey is lively and slippery and exciting. Statman Dave once noted his “magic” technical qualities, and that sense of wonder could lead him right to a new chapter down N17, buoyed by the knowledge that Tottenham’s vested interest winds right the way back through the previous campaign and into the 2024 summer window.
If Frank succeeds in unlocking those powers, he might have a cut-price alternative to the likes of Simons on his hands, who may yet restore his finest form, perhaps expand it to something not yet witnessed.
The diminutive Dutchman has scored 21 goals and supplied 23 assists across 71 matches for Leipzig, with talent scout Jacek Kulig even suggesting that the playmaker is “destined for greatness”.
After a couple of frustrating seasons in the Premier League, Ramsey doesn’t have the same hype around this name, but there’s little question that he has what it takes to level back up; the dynamic midfielder, after all, ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, as per FBref.
Jacob Ramsey – Premier League Stats by Season
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
29 (19)
1
3
23/24
16 (8)
1
1
22/23
35 (31)
6
7
21/22
34 (29)
6
1
20/21
22 (6)
0
0
Data via Transfermarkt
He’s shown before an aptitude for clinical performances, and that could swell larger in a new project at Tottenham, with Frank’s tactical prowess sure to take his development to the next level.
Ramsey might not have the reputation or accomplishments of Simons, but he’s got so much more to give and could prove a shrewd signing indeed, as well as playing in similar positions to the Dutchman, either as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks, drifting into central positions.
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da bet7： For all the criticism of their transfer policy in recent years, if there’s one thing Chelsea have done well, it’s investing in young, promising talents.
da aviator aposta： For example, Liam Delap is still just 22 years old, Jamie Gittens is 21, Marc Guiu is 19, and the incredibly exciting Estevao is just 18.
The Blues have a squad bursting with phenoms, but they aren’t the only ones, as London rivals Arsenal have seen their own batch of youngsters burst onto the scene over the last year or so.
Arguably the most exciting has been Myles Lewis-Skelly, who went from winding up Erling Haaland on the sidelines to starting and scoring for England in the space of half a season.
So, the Stamford Bridge faithful should be delighted over reports linking Chelsea to another future superstar who could be Enzo Maresca’s own version of the Gunners star.
Chelsea's window so far
On top of the names already mentioned, Chelsea have continued to sign exciting talents this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Mamdou Sarr, who is just 19, joined the club from partner club Strasbourg for a fee of around £12m early last month after making 28 first-team appearances last season.
Also, last month, the club splashed around £18m on 20-year-old Dario Essugo, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP.
However, while both players could end up having a great career in West London, it is still hard to be sure about whether they will succeed at the very top, which doesn’t seem to be the case for the club’s latest target: Jorrel Hato.
Yes, according to a recent report from Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are still very much interested in the Ajax star this summer.
In fact, Jacobs has revealed that the West Londoners have held fresh talks with the player’s camp over a potential transfer.
Interestingly, even though the Amsterdam outfit have been quoting teams a £60m price tag, Jacobs has revealed that an offer of £40m should suffice.
It would still be a lot to spend on a teenager, but Hato has been brilliant for some time and could end up being Chelsea’s answer to Lewis-Skelly.
Why Hato could be Chelsea's Lewis-Skelly
So, when people talk about Lewis-Skelly, what are the themes that usually emerge?
Generally, it’s how he plays well beyond his years, how well he has adapted to senior football, and that he’s been so good at left-back that he might remain in this position for some time.
These are all things that could be said about Hato and then some.
For example, despite still being just 19 years old, the Dutchman has established himself as one of Ajax’s most essential players.
Since making his debut back in February 2023, at just 16 years old, he has played 111 matches for the first team, scoring four goals, providing nine assists, and even wearing the captain’s armband on three occasions.
Hato’s senior record
Appearances
111
Starts
102
Minutes
9121′
Goals
4
Assists
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.11
Minutes per Goal Involvement
701.61′
Points per Game
1.86
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Additionally, he surpasses the Englishman in terms of national team appearances, having won six caps since making his debut at 17 years old in November 2023.
Finally, on top of showing the same grit and determination as the Arsenal star, the “immense” Rotterdam-born gem, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also at least somewhat versatile.
He may primarily play at left-back today, but he started as a centre-back and can still fill in there when needed.
Ultimately, it might be a lot of money for someone so young, but just like Lewis-Skelly, Hato already feels like a seasoned professional, and it’s incredibly exciting to think about how good he could be in a few years from now.
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It would be wise of Chelsea to cash in and upgrade.
