Set to return for his second spell behind the scenes at Tottenham Hotspur, Fabio Paratici has reportedly set his sights on signing a Premier League-winning defender this summer.

Tottenham eyeing back-to-back wins

After defeating Bodo/Glimt to take one step into the Europa League final in midweek, Tottenham now have the chance to secure back-to-back victories in all competitions for the first time since beating Manchester United and then Ipswich Town at the end of February. In a London derby no less, Ange Postecoglou has the opportunity to keep his side in the winning habit ahead of a vital second leg in the Europa League next week.

Tottenham in contact with "quick" target as Paratici plots first move back

Paratici has reportedly reached an agreement to return.

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

The Australian spoke about Tottenham’s visit to the London Stadium in his pre-match press conference whilst confirming a number of injury doubts, telling reporters: “Dom is not too bad. He is still a bit sore from last night, but we don’t think it’s anything serious. Obviously, [Solanke is] a doubt for weekend. Madders, we’re a bit more concerned about.

“He was heading for a scan [on Friday]. We’re just wait to hear that outcome. Sonny is working hard. He’s out on the grass every day. We’ll see how he’s going by [next] Thursday.”

With next week’s Europa League trip in mind, it seems unlikely that any risks will be taken by Spurs even as a London derby awaits. Aside from bragging rights over their rivals, the North London club have nothing to play for as they head into their final four Premier League games in a season to forget domestically.

It’s become clearer every weeks that Spurs must welcome a number of reinforcements this summer if they are to turn thing around under Postecoglou and the return of Paratici should certainly help on that front. If reports are anything to go by too, the sporting director is wasting no time before setting his sights on key targets.

Tottenham chasing Eric Garcia deal

According to reports in Spain, Spurs now wants to sign Eric Garcia in what could be a cut-price deal given Barcelona’s financial struggles and also Paratici’s first capture back in the helm.

The former Manchester City defender has endured a mixed spell back in Spain, which included a loan spell at Girona, and could now be on his way back to the Premier League. Spurs aren’t the only side interested, however. They reportedly face competition from Girona, Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Como ahead of the summer transfer window – potentially leaving Garcia with a decision to make.

Of course, the Spaniard already knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level in England’s top flight after he became a Premier League champion at Manchester City. And although the Tottenham challenge would throw up different obstacles, that experience would likely go a long way in North London.

It was during his time at The Etihad that Garcia earned impressive praise from manager Pep Guardiola, who told reporters: “Incredibly clear guy, and he’s able to lead the line. He’s so clever. Played incredible attention of that and played well. He’s going to play a lot of minutes,”

Manchester United are now leading the race for a “spectacular” Real Madrid star, who could be allowed to leave for £85m this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd keen to strengthen in attack

Man United’s misfiring frontline is one of several reasons for their extremely disappointing Premier League campaign, and they have now set out to rectify the issue in the summer, having identified several top forwards as transfer targets.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue is one of the most high-profile stars under consideration, but it remains to be seen how plausible it is to lure the 19-year-old to Old Trafford, given that the French club’s asking price could be in the region of £275m.

A more attainable target could be Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian “very keen” on signing for United in the summer, and the forward’s £62.5m release clause shouldn’t pose too much of an issue.

Man Utd now leading race for £30m "monster" who just scored at Old Trafford

The Red Devils are now in a strong position to win the race for an attacking midfielder, who could be available for a bargain fee.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 30, 2025

The Red Devils are making progress in their pursuit of Cunha, who could be brought in to play in the number 10 role, but a new winger could be brought in alongside the 25-year-old, and they are now leading the race for a Real Madrid star.

According to a report from The Sun, Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Rodrygo, with the Brazilian now ready to leave the Spanish club this summer, should they receive a big-money bid from a Premier League side.

Madrid are looking to receive £85m for the forward, who played an integral role in their dramatic comeback victory against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semi-final, scoring two late goals after coming on as a substitute.

Arsenal are also in the race to sign the 24-year-old, but the Red Devils are best-placed to secure his signature.

"Spectacular" Rodrygo impressing in Champions League

Not only did the Brazil international make the difference against Man City en-route to his side’s 2022 Champions League triumph, but he has also continued to impress this season, picking up five goals and two assists in Europe’s elite competition.

The winger hasn’t been quite as prolific in La Liga, however, failing to pick up a single goal contribution since the end of January, despite starting the vast majority of his side’s matches.

That said, the former Santos man is clearly held in very high regard by his manager, having been lauded as “spectacular” by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and his previous exploits indicate that he could be a fantastic signing for Man United in the summer.

However, it could be very hard to tempt Rodrygo into a move to Old Trafford, should Champions League football not be on offer next season, which underlines the need for United to finish the season strongly and win the Europa League.

Although their fate is yet to be decided in pursuit of Champions League football, Aston Villa have already reportedly reached the closing stages of negotiations to sign one particular star.

Aston Villa's late push to secure Champions League football

Aston Villa have hit form at the perfect time and could yet be in a position to take full advantage in the final two games of the Premier League season. Victory over Bournemouth last time out made it four wins in their last five league games in a run that includes a 4-1 thrashing of top five rivals Newcastle United. Now, with two games remaining, Unai Emery’s side only sit behind Chelsea on goal difference.

Liverpool (C)

83

46

Arsenal

68

33

Newcastle United

66

23

Manchester City

65

24

Chelsea

63

19

Aston Villa

63

7

Nottingham Forest

62

12

With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play – two sides who have nothing to play for following disastrous Premier League campaigns – there’s every chance that Villa could yet sneak into the Champions League places in dramatic fashion.

Emery reiterated that Aston Villa must keep going after victory at Bournemouth, telling reporters: “It’s very good. I’m very happy and proud but we can’t stop now. We have to keep going.

Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

“We got Europe last week against Fulham at home and today against Bournemouth, teams that are competing very well and performing very well. They were fighting with us as their opponent.

“They were an opponent for us to get Europe. Now we’re in the run in with the teams fighting for Champions League after the way we did last week and the win we did today. We’re deserving to play the next match against Tottenham having the possibilities to be there, taking even more in Europa League or Champions League.”

Aston Villa closing in on Asensio deal

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, those in the Midlands have already reportedly set their sights on their first reinforcement of the summer. According to Estadio Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now in the closing stages of a deal to sign Marco Asensio on a permanent basis for Aston Villa this summer.

The Villans are reportedly set to offer Paris Saint-Germain around €15m (£13m) to sell the Spaniard in a deal that Emery is reportedly personally pushing Monchi to complete. Given that PSG are keen to sell Asensio too, it seems likely that Villa will be in the perfect position to secure their move.

Asensio certainly has plenty of fans around the Midlands following a successful loan spell. And Emery is among those fans, having told reporters when questioned on the winger’s quality: “For him as well, it is a very huge challenge, to show here his capacity to help us. But every match, of course, he is doing a fantastic job, and his adaptation was going very quick.”

Leeds United are set for a massive summer in the transfer market as they aim to make themselves a competitive outfit in the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Daniel Farke led the side to the Championship title this campaign after achieving a staggering total of 100 points, ending their two-year stint in England’s second division.

However, the real test starts now for the German, looking to avoid relegation from the top flight, something which he’s been unable to do with his previous attempts with Norwich City.

If he is to achieve such a feat, the board will need to back him heavily this summer, with a £100m spending spree mooted around Yorkshire over the last couple of days.

With the transfer window rapidly approaching, the board have already made plans for potential additions, with one name already emerging as a key target for the summer.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of James McAtee

In recent days, Manchester City star James McAtee has remerged on Leeds’ shortlist after previously being a target on loan ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The 22-year-old has impressed within Pep Guardiola’s squad this campaign, registering seven goals in his 27 appearances throughout the current campaign.

With his deal set to expire in 2026, the Whites have been touted as a potential destination for the youngster, but could face competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

A report from the Yorkshire Evening Post claims that Farke’s side have made an enquiry to sign the youngster this summer, but any deal would set the hierarchy back around £25m.

However, despite the links to the English star, the club already have a talent whose worth more than McAtee – showcasing the impressive recruitment conducted by the club in recent years.

The Leeds star who’s now worth more than McAtee

Over the last couple of seasons, Leeds have recruited well in the market, undoubtedly playing a massive role in their success they’ve endured this campaign.

Ethan Ampadu joined for just £7m from Chelsea back in the summer of 2023, now looking to be a bargain given his success in the side – registering 86 appearances in his two years at the club.

The Welsh international has even taken the captain’s armband during Farke’s reign, highlighting the impressive development he’s made at Elland Road since his switch.

He’s not the only person to exceed expectations, with winger Wilfried Gnonto thriving in Yorkshire over the last couple of years after his £3.8m transfer from FC Zurich in the summer of 2022.

The Italian has since made huge strides in the professional game, registering over 100 appearances for the club – producing numerous moments of magic in such a time period.

He’s managed to find the net on 22 occasions, including one of the goals against Plymouth Argyle on the final day – securing the club the Championship title as a result.

Such performances have seen him linked with huge moves away from the club in recent years, with Everton just one of the sides interested in his signature as of late.

Games played

43

Goals & assists

15

Pass accuracy

82%

Successful dribbles

1.7

Touches in opposition box

5.5

Chances created

1.8

Shots taken

3.2

Interest isn’t the only thing that has occurred as a result of his displays, with his market value taking a sharp upturn – now with millions more than the fee they paid for his signature.

Gnonto, who’s been labelled “monster” by one analyst, is now valued at £19.5m by FootballTransfers, an increase of over 410% since he moved to Yorkshire.

Such a value is higher than that of McAtee, who’s valued at just £15m – further highlighting the impressive work done behind the scenes over the last few seasons.

A deal for McAtee is certainly one that would bolster the attacking department at Elland Road, that’s if his goal tally from 2024/25 is anything to go by.

However, a repeat of a deal for Gnonto showcases that bargains are still there to be had in the current climate, with any subsequent deal banking the club a hefty profit in the years ahead.

Their answer to Hamer: 49ers lining up Leeds swoop for "special" £25m star

Leeds could land their own version of Gustavo Hamer in a move for this £25m star.

ByDan Emery May 12, 2025

David Moyes took the reins in January and guided Everton away from certain peril. Goodison Park was sinking, but instead, the Scottish coach has made a positive impact and ensured the club parted with their historic home in a good position, set for future success.

With the 2024/25 Premier League season wrapped up, Everton finishing 13th, Moyes and The Friedkin Group have turned their attention to the summer transfer window, releasing a number of loanees as well as first-team mainstays such as Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Whether players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane will be playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium remains to be seen, but The Toffees are preparing to add some genuine quality to the starting line-up.

On that note, let’s have a look at how Moyes could apply his expertise over the summer, bringing in a few fresh faces who could make a big difference for a team hoping to challenge for a place in the top half.

1 GK – Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has now completed 319 matches for Everton, keeping 89 clean sheets. He’s been a pillar of strength and a source of leadership for so many years.

He’s going nowhere; what else is there to say?

2 RB – Jake O'Brien

Joining from Lyon last summer, Jake O’Brien didn’t start a Premier League game until Moyes’ second game, filling in at right-back during the thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

He’s since been a regular feature in the starting line-up, hailed as an “absolute revelation” by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo.

3 CB – Yann Bisseck

While the currently injured James Tarkowski will still be on the books, Everton could move to sign a long-term heir, with Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck being ambitiously targeted for the role.

Bissesk is a monstrous defensive star, playing a prominent role in the Serie A side’s ongoing Champions League campaign.

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have been informed they could bring him over to Bramley-Moore if they meet the £30m asking price.

4 CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Will Jarrad Branthwaite be an Everton player come September? Only a few months ago, the powerful defender was reported to be considering his options after being overlooked by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for the March camp.

Tuchel has opted against picking him once again. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are rumoured to be keen, but Moyes will certainly want to keep hold of his star centre-back.

5 LB – Vitalii Mykolenko

Solid and largely dependable, Vitalii Mykolenko has another gear to raise in his development, but has definitely made gains, speaking of his enjoyment in embracing a more attacking role since the managerial change in January.

Mykolenko has six goal involvements across 110 matches in the Premier League, half of which have been posted over his last 11 matches, with Moyes at the helm.

6 CM – Tomas Soucek

Moyes wants to sign Tomas Soucek this summer, having enjoyed the fruits of the Czech midfielder’s labours for over four years at West Ham United.

An industrious and physical player with a shrewd eye for goal, Soucek would dovetail right in. And according to Football Insider, he’s keen on the move.

7 CM – Idrissa Gueye

TFG are fighting tooth and nail to tie 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye down to a new contract, as per TEAMtalk. He might be getting on, but the Senegalese midfielder was a tough-tackling menace in the centre of the park this season, so important for Moyes’ side.

1)

Idrissa Gueye

133

2)

Daniel Munoz

123

3)

Joao Gomes

116

4)

Noussair Mazraoui

115

5)

Moises Caicedo

114

Everton will need to retain his services. Gueye instils a calming effect while bringing the thunderous storm to his opponents, and it will be hard to replace that.

8 RW – Ben Doak

According to reports, Everton are talking internally about a jaw-dropping swoop for Liverpool talent Ben Doak, who has enjoyed a productive loan spell with Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and supplying seven assists from 24 games in the Championship.

Valued at £30m, the Scotland international wouldn’t come cheap, but he’s explosive and electric and definitely an upgrade on the outgoing Jack Harrison.

Former Tartan Army boss Craig Levein has touted him to become a “world-class player,” after all.

9 AM – Charly Alcaraz

Everton might be parting with most of their loan contingent, but they are in talks with Flamengo to sign Charly Alcaraz on a permanent basis.

The Argentina talent is tenacious and dynamic, and will give Dwight McNeil a run for his money for the number ten berth, especially now that Doucoure has played his final game in Merseyside blue.

10 LW – Iliman Ndiaye

What a player. Iliman Ndiaye missed a sizeable chunk of the season after Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but who can deny he’s been a show-stopping signing?

Arriving from Marseille for a £15m fee, Ndiaye, 25, finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer, with 11 goals from 37 matches in all competitions.

Manchester United have now held internal talks over signing a former Barcelona player on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing cut-price deal after Europa League disaster

Of course, winning trophies is always important for a club the size of Man United, but Europa League glory was arguably even more important from a financial point of view, given that success in the competition grants qualification to the Champions League.

Having failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season, United are thought to have missed out on £85m, which could hamper their ability to bring in their top targets this summer, in what could be a very important window.

That is according to Jamie Carragher, who has insisted the Red Devils will need to splash the cash to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s squad, although the former Liverpool man has doubts over whether the former Sporting CP boss is the right man for the job.

Carragher said: “Backing him means getting behind a big idea; a system of play that is uncommon among the elite of Europe, requiring specialist footballers and a squad of back-up wing-backs and centre-halves so he can play three at the back.

“It means spending big on redesigning the squad to meet Amorim’s specific needs in the knowledge that, if he underperforms again next season, his successor will most likely revert to a flat back four.”

However, it appears as though INEOS are set to stand by Amorim, and they have now set their sights on a new target, who could suit the manager’s style of play, having internally discussed a move for Wolverhampton Wanders right-wing back Nelson Semedo.

That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Semedo’s name has been raised during talks over Matheus Cunha, with the full-back set to leave Molineux on a free transfer this summer.

Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025 "Outstanding" Semedo could be ideal for Amorim

The 31-year-old is accustomed to playing at right-wing-back, which could make him a good fit in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, while his availability on a free transfer is ideal for Man United, having missed out on Champions League football.

Not only that, but the £80k-a-week Wolves star has proven himself in the Premier League over the course of a number of years, with Garth Crooks saying in the 2023-24 season: “Nelson Semedo deserved a mention as he was outstanding. His ability to get forward, but also defend with equal measure, was impressive.”

Admittedly, the former Barcelona man wouldn’t be the most exciting of signings, and there are other areas of the squad in more urgent need of strengthening, with the lack of goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee a real problem.

However, Semedo could be a solid signing as a rotation option at the very least, and the fact the Portuguese defender is available on a free transfer makes him even more appealing.

Celtic could look to make a move for a Premier League “superstar” in the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman.

Rodgers expecting busy summer at Celtic

The Hoops have again comfortably sealed Scottish Premiership title glory this season, but the next step is for them to become more of a force in the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers will know this more than anyone and want to bring in some top-quality players. The Celtic manager has made it clear that he expects there to be plenty of business in the coming months:

“We have to look at and adapt to situations as well. We all know fine well here there’s a player trading model, which means that we will probably get offers for some of our players in the summer. And if that happens, then we have to be flexible and be able to adapt to that. If I said that everyone now would be here, then you’d maybe only have a few, two to three players coming in of high quality, but we’ll just have to see.”

There are sure to be ins and outs at Celtic before next season gets underway, with Arne Engels strongly linked with a move to Atalanta, but now a big claim has emerged regarding the Hoops signing a renowned player.

Pundit talks up Celtic signing superstar

In quotes provided by Celts Are Here, Goodman talked up the idea of Celtic signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson in the summer window:

“I was shocked looking into Evan Ferguson’s season. He only started a combined three Premier League games for both Brighton and West Ham. To me, it looks like his confidence is on the floor. I thought in January, and this is no disrespect to the Scottish Premiership, that Evan Ferguson should aim higher. But given what’s happened, a move to Celtic wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

“If he goes to Celtic, he would be guaranteed goals, which would only boost his confidence and help bring out the player that we saw break through at Brighton. Evan Ferguson just needs to play football. If a move to Celtic means he can do that, then I understand why he would do it.”

In truth, it is arguably a left-field call by Goodman, with Ferguson unlikely to trade the Premier League for Celtic, but at the same time, it doesn’t feel impossible.

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international’s stock has fallen of late, hence Brighton deciding to send him out on loan to West Ham, where he hasn’t scored a single goal in the league this season.

That is in contrast to his breakthrough campaign on the south coast of England, where he netted 10 senior goals in 2022/23.

For that reason, he could see Celtic as a chance to rebuild his career, be a star man and play in the Champions League, having been called a “superstar” by Micah Richards in the past.

Related Celtic in talks to sell "excellent" ace with personal terms being discussed

Would selling him be a blow for the Hoops this summer?

Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson May 23, 2025

As mentioned, Hoops supporters arguably shouldn’t get their hopes up too much, but even if Ferguson only joined on loan from Brighton for a season, he could still be an exciting addition.

As good a team as Arsenal are, there has been one key factor in their failure to get over the line in the last few years: a lack of genuine attacking threat across the whole frontline.

Now, nobody can question the incredible talismanic abilities of Bukayo Saka, but it has to be said that down the middle and increasingly off the left, the North Londoners are lacking.

For example, despite them still being second in the Premier League, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United have all scored more than them.

So, with that in mind, it’s not a surprise to see the team linked to an array of incredible wingers, including one who has won comparisons to the likes of Vinícius Junior and Lamine Yamal.

Arsenal transfer targets

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked with a whole host of incredible stars, so before getting to the player in question, it’s worth taking a look at some of their other supposed targets, like Rayan Cherki and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be available for around £30m this summer, so that, combined with his ability to play in multiple positions and brilliant haul of 31 goal involvements in 42 games this season, makes signing him feel like a no-brainer.

It’s a similar situation regarding Delap, as even though he’s not been quite as prolific, he’s still been able to amass an impressive tally of 12 goals and two assists in just 34 top-flight games this season, so his £30m release clause also feels too good to pass up on.

However, while both players have an immense amount of potential, Arteta and Co might be after someone already near the pinnacle of his game, someone like Rafael Leão.

Yes, according to a report from Spain last month, Arsenal are one of several teams keen on the AC Milan superstar ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, the North Londoners are not alone in their appreciation for the Portuguse superstar, as a more recent report from Caught Offside has also credited Chelsea with an interest in the winger, who they claim could be available for as little as €75m, which is about £64m.

It would be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Leão’s immense ability, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Yamal and Vinicius in the past.

How Leão compares to Vinicius and Yamal

So, before we get into the other reasons why Arsenal should be going all out to sign Leão this summer, it’s worth addressing these comparisons to Vinicius and Yamal and where they come from.

Well, in this instance, they stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one.

In this instance, they have concluded that the Real Madrid star is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Milan star across all of those competitions, while the Barcelona star has been ranked as the seventh most similar in this season’s Champions League.

Leão & Vinicius
Statistics per 90	Leão	Vinicius
Expected Assists	0.24	0.25
Goals per Shot	0.13	0.12
Goals per Shot on Target	0.30	0.31
Crosses into the Penalty Area	0.32	0.31
Successful Take-ons	2.85	3.06
Live Passes	31.5	33.1
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

The best way to see how these conclusions have been reached is to look at the players’ underlying numbers and find the metrics in which they rank closely.

In the case of Vinicius, those metrics include things like expected passes, goals per shot and shots on target, crosses into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Leão& Yamal
Statistics per 90	Leão	Yamal
Expected Assists	0.23	0.20
Passing Accuracy	74.1%	74.5%
Key Passes	1.14	1.15
Successful Take-ons	4.43	4.59
Carries into the Final Third	3.64	3.44
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Season

For the comparison with Barça’s young superstar, the metrics include things like passing accuracy, expected assists, carries into the final third, key passes, successful take-ons, and more, all per 90.

The fact the 25-year-old shares an ability to take players on and beat them with two of the best players in the game is hardly surprising, as FBref place him in the top 4% of wingers for successful take-ons in Europe’s top five leagues, and The Athletic’s Alex Barker has called him “one of the best dribblers in the world.”

Finally, away from the incredibly flattering and promising comparisons, another reason Arteta should go out and sign the former LOSC Lille star is his output.

So far this season, the Almada-born dynamo has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances, which works out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games – something the Gunners could really do with off the left.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Leão once the window opens, as his output and technical mastery could help propel the club to glory.

Kai Havertz upgrade: Arsenal send scouts for "unpredictable" goal machine

The free-scoring forward could be just what Arsenal need.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 9, 2025

Chelsea are looking to build on the momentum they gathered at the back end of the 2024/25 campaign.

They won five of their final six Premier League games, qualifying for the Champions League in the process, and, of course, won the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, to end the season on a high note.

Now, with the new look FIFA Club World Cup right around the corner, Chelsea could do something really special at the end of the campaign under Enzo Maresca. Their first game of the competition is on the 16th of June, against LAFC.

The transfer window is open for ten days, and the Blues are actively looking to do transfer deals in multiple positions.

Here is a look at what their dream lineup could look like if some of those transfer rumours come to fruition.

1 GK – Mike Maignan

Starting off this dream Chelsea lineup is a new signing, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge by Fabrizio Romano, who says the Blues are ‘aware of the situation’ regarding his contract, which is currently up in the air.

At 29 years of age, he is very much in his prime, and despite a tough campaign in 2024/25 for the Rossoneri, Maignan played well. In 37 Serie A games, he conceded just 41 goals and kept 13 clean sheets.

Chelsea have pounced on this market opportunity early, and the Frenchman could be a perfect upgrade on Robert Sanchez. The former Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper struggled last term, and Gary Neville said the club “are going to have to look at it”, implying they need a new shotstopper; perhaps Maignan is that guy.

2 RB – Reece James

Club captain Reece James will, if fit, start every game for Chelsea. He only managed 19 appearances in the Premier League last campaign, but Maresca was careful to manage his minutes and ensure they got the best out of their captain.

A prime example of just how important James is to this Chelsea side came in their 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United at the end of the season. The piece of skill he used to beat Alejandro Garnacho, before crossing for Marc Cucurella, was exceptional. A healthy James is pivotal for the Blues.

3 CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

The second new addition in this hypothetical Chelsea side would see Jarrad Branthwaite move to Stamford Bridge. He has been linked with a move to the club by TEAMtalk this week, who say they are ‘seriously considering a move’ for the England international.

The 22-year-old Everton defender was a really important member of the Toffees side, as they once again avoided relegation and finished mid-table. After suffering an injury which kept him out at the start of the campaign, he featured in 30 Premier League games.

The Everton centre-back played 90 minutes in 27 of the 30 games he featured in, contributing to nine clean sheets in that time. The £75m price tag suggested in the report is expensive, but could be an excellent investment for Chelsea to strengthen at the back.

4 CB – Levi Colwill

Pairing Branthwaite at the heart of the Chelsea defence would be another England international centre-back, Levi Colwill. He was a staple of the team under Maresca last season, playing a huge role in their Champions League qualification.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender played 35 times in the Premier League last term, as well as making three appearances in the Conference League when called upon.

Transfer Focus

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

Having two defenders with the availability and quality of Branthwaite and Colwill would be a strong foundation for the Blues to build on.

5 LB – Marc Cucurella

Rounding out the defence is Spain international Cucurella. Since winning Euro 2024 last summer, the 26-year-old has improved leaps and bounds, to the point where he is a key man for Maresca. Last season, Cucurella played 48 games in all competitions.

Another ex-Brighton defender, the left-back has some impressive stats via FBref after his efforts in 2024/25. Some of the standout numbers include 3.64 final third passes and 87.7% pass accuracy per game, for which he ranks in the top 6% of full-backs in Europe for the latter.

6 CM – Enzo Fernandez

The first half of the midfield pivot is a player whom Maresca leaned upon last season, his namesake Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea manager said at one stage last season that his number 8 has “taken a step forward” in his game.

Well, he was certainly important to his manager. The 2022 World Cup winner played 36 Premier League games, scoring six goals and seven assists from midfield. He also got on the score sheet in the Conference League final.

7 CM – Moises Caicedo

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Moises Caicedo is the second midfielder in this dream Chelsea side. Described as “the outstanding player” by Neville last season, he played all 38 games in the Premier League and was sensational in midfield.

Well, that is what the stats suggest, anyway. The Ecuador international ranked highly amongst his Premier League peers for several key metrics via FBRef, including ball recoveries, where he made 229, more than any other player by 16.

Ball recoveries

229

1st

Aerial duel win rate

68.6%

8th

Tackles and interceptions

163

3rd

Passes completed

1967

7th

Progressive passes

215

9th

8 RW – Noni Madueke

It was an interesting campaign for Noni Madueke in the 2024/25 season. He was, at one stage of the season, criticised openly by Maresca for his performances in training and was even dropped from the squad. The Chelsea boss confirmed it was because he didn’t “like the way he trained”.

However, the former PSV Eindhoven star was able to put that behind him and worked his way back into the manager’s favour. He made 41 appearances across all competitions, ending with 11 goals and five assists to his name.

9 AM – Cole Palmer

Another guarantee in this dream Chelsea side was always going to be Cole Palmer. The Blues talisman was once again sensational in 2024/25, despite suffering from a dip in form. He still ended the season with 15 goals and 12 assists in 46 games.

Two of those assists came in the Conference League final. After setting up Fernandez with a magical cross, he did the same again for Nicolas Jackson, showing off some sensational footwork before delivering a perfect ball in to help steer Chelsea ahead. Exactly what Palmer can offer, he is a crucial player for this Blues side.

10 LW – Morgan Rogers

The next new signing in this Chelsea dream lineup comes on the left wing, and it is “unstoppable” Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers. It was Jamie Carragher who described him like that, and it is easy to see why.

The former Middlesbrough attacker has taken the Premier League by storm, and last season was no different. He contributed to 19 top-flight goals in 2024/25, featuring 37 times for the Villans.

Reports suggest that the West London side are “prepared to bid for him” and could offer Jackson or Joao Felix to Villa in return, to sweeten the deal. Either way, there is no doubt he would add goals and creativity to an already exciting attack. It’s just a pity he may cost around £100m.

In what would be a bargain deal, Aston Villa are now reportedly in the race to sign a midfield star who has already confirmed his next steps ahead of this summer.

Aston Villa's final UCL push

It all comes down to Sunday for Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side travel to square off against a heartbroken Manchester United side who are fresh from their Europa League defeat and simply must compile the Red Devils’ misery. As things stand, they sit outside of the top five on goal difference and must desperately hope to see at least one of Manchester City, Chelsea or Newcastle United slip up.

There’s no denying just how important this weekend’s action is and Emery hasn’t tried to play things down in the build-up. The Spaniard told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “In our hands is only our result on Sunday, how we can respond and how we can perform against Manchester United.

“That’s the only issue I want to focus on with the players. I don’t want to know other results.

“I want only to play our match, only to focus on our match in 90 minutes and try to focus the dressing room on the first half on everything tactically and individually. We will not focus on other results. We must win, we must compete and we must get our result. We must respect Manchester United. That’s the only way I want to focus on Sunday.”

The impact that Champions League football would have on Villa’s summer business also cannot be overstated. It could instantly put them in a position to attract top talents for the second season on the bounce, which may yet include an England international for a bargain price.

Aston Villa chasing Angel Gomes deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Angel Gomes, who has already confirmed that he will be leaving LOSC Lille at the end of his current contract next month.

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The England international said in a statement on Instagram: “After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye.

“This club has been more than just a team – it’s been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I’m truly grateful to my teammates and the fans for sticking with me throughout.”

Gomes’ time at the French club will be looked back on as a pivotal turning point for his career. From a Manchester United reject, the midfielder transformed into a deep-lying midfielder who is now ready to step back into the Premier League.

Dubbed a “smart” passer by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gomes is set to become one of the best bargains of the summer transfer window wherever he ends it playing for Aston Villa or, indeed, another club.