Arsenal chiefs are facing a renewed Real Madrid threat after Los Blancos swooped in to win the race for Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, with the La Liga giants posing some worry for Gunners transfer chief Andrea Berta and his deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal reach Zubimendi agreement as Huijsen nears Real Madrid move

Earlier this week, it was reliably reported that Arsenal reached an agreement to sign Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano even dropping the ‘here we go’ on his switch to the Emirates Stadium.

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The Spain international’s signature is believed to be all-but officially sealed, with Berta seemingly wrapping up his first signing as Arsenal’s new sporting director.

Arsenal are poised to lose Jorginho, who’s agreed to join Brazilian side Flamengo after his contract expires, while talks remain ongoing over Thomas Partey’s contract with no guarantee they will shake hands on a renewed deal.

The arrival of Zubimendi is crucial to Mikel Arteta with Arsenal in danger of being left quite short in midfield, and it would come as welcome news after they missed out on a deal for top defensive target Huijsen.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal were in pole position with Chelsea to strike a deal for the 20-year-old, but Real Madrid then got involved. The 15-time European champions swooped in to tempt him towards his homeland, and they’re currently putting the finishing touches on a move which will see Huijsen depart Bournemouth for the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid are in direct meeting with Dean Huijsen’s camp to complete the agreement on the contract,” said Romano on X.

“The agreement on £50m release clause with Bournemouth has been sealed on Wednesday, as reported. Matter of contract details with Huijsen’s camp, then, here we go.”

Arsenal risk Dean Huijsen repeat after Martin Zubimendi update

After Real eventually beat Arsenal to Huijsen’s signature, despite the north Londoners having reportedly made a “formal” offer of their own (Cadena SER), it is now believed that Florentino Perez could still spoil their swoop for Zubimendi as well.

As per a report from Diario AS, Arsenal’s signing of Zubimendi is already “arranged”, but nothing has been signed in terms of contract or legislation, meaning Real are still able to come in and hijack Berta’s deal.

The Spanish newspaper suggests this is highly possible and a “sharp turn” in the situation cannot be ruled out, as per sources “close” to the talks, with Zubimendi agreeing a move to Liverpool last year and changing his mind at the last second.

Until the “world-class” 26-year-old puts pen to paper, there is every chance Real decide to move with a counter-offer to rival Arsenal, and AS describe the race for Zubimendi as remaining “open”, contrary to previous claims.

Arteta will be hoping Real stay out of this one, as their need for a midfielder of Zubimendi’s cannot be understated following Jorginho’s imminent exit and uncertainty surrounding Partey.

Everton are set for a summer of change as they move to Bramley-Moore Dock and now have a talented defender lined up who could arrive for an inexpensive fee, according to a report.

Everton set for an overhaul this summer

David Moyes has managed to take Everton to the relative comfort of bottom-half obscurity in the Premier League and has earned due adulation for the way he has carried himself despite members of his playing squad facing uncertain futures.

Several of his key stars, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure, have yet to agree contract extensions, while Jack Harrison, Armando Broja and Orel Mangala are loanees that could be set for the exit door.

Of course, there is plenty of talent embedded within his group at Finch Farm, but Moyes will be expected to carry out an overhaul as the Friedkin Group begin to make their mark on the blue half of Merseyside.

Making an early start on identifying targets, Everton are doing everything they can to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as his £30 million relegation release clause continues to attract the attention of top-flight clubs.

Honing in on adding creativity to his midfield, Moyes is also pursuing Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer in a deal that could be worth £15 million.

Premier League club set for talks to sign "underrated" £60m Tottenham player

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Emilio Galantini

May 8, 2025

The Toffees are set for an emotional few weeks as they bid farewell to Goodison Park. That said, the future could shine brightly over their new stadium should transfer funds be used wisely by those in charge.

Finding value for money will be key, and Everton are now reportedly well in the hunt to seal a bargain signing after carrying out a detailed scouting mission.

Everton look to sign Torino defender Jackson Tchatchoua

According to Tuttosport (via Cuore Toro), Everton have scouted Hellas Verona right-back Jackson Tchatchoua and are now looking to bring the 10-cap Cameroon international to English shores in the summer window.

Valued at around €8m (£6.7m), the 23-year-old has registered two goals and two assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.

Jackson Tchatchoua’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Serie A
Successful crosses	23
Duels won	102
Chances created	33
Successful dribbles	18
Aerial duels won	28
Interceptions	12

Marseille are also in the hunt for his signature and have sent representatives to watch him in action, while Torino are also watching on with interest to see how the situation develops.

Ashley Young and Everton club captain Coleman are two vastly experienced operators in the full-back areas. Nevertheless, it appears that Tchatchoua may be a younger alternative to take over their role in the years to come.

Nathan Patterson hasn’t been a frequent starter this term, so it makes sense that an alternative has been identified to provide strength in depth as the Toffees prepare for life at their new stadium.

Chelsea are prepared to open talks over re-signing a former “leader”, who one source describes as the perfect player for Enzo Maresca’s dressing room.

Enzo Maresca makes "very important" Conference League claim

The west Londoners take a commanding 4-1 lead into their Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens tonight, and all signs point towards Chelsea easing past Jani Honkavaara’s side as they look to confirm a spot in the final on May 28.

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Maresca has a golden chance to win his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager during his debut season in charge, and a lot of expectation is riding on him, as they’ve been backed as solid favourites to lift the trophy since the beginning of 2024/2025.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

While Chelsea have much grander ambitions in the long-term, being knocked out of the Conference League at this stage would arguably be a disaster, and Maresca says winning the competition is “very important” for many reasons.

“Very important, very important for sure, 100 per cent,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s Conference League ambitions.

“For different reasons but the main reason is because we want this club winning trophies. In this moment we are in the Conference so we have to try to win the trophy in the competition that we are.

“So yeah, it’s important personally, but for me, it’s much more important for the club, for the fans. We said many times that it’s the only trophy that Chelsea didn’t win in the past and Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions so it’s also good for the club.”

It would also end the campaign on a high, even if Chelsea’s race for Champions League qualification is taking centre stage right now.

The club’s ambitions to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to summer transfers, and it is believed the signing of a new centre-back is a top priority for Chelsea ahead of next term.

Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi are among Chelsea’s rumoured central defensive targets, but according to Football Transfers, they now have their eyes on a possible reunion with Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea ready to open talks over bringing back Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger

According to their information, the Blues have made contact with their ex-defender’s camp “in recent days” to be informed on his future at the Bernabeu – as they lay some groundwork over a potential deal.

The Germany international, while generally satisfied with life at Real, has apparently become “increasingly difficult” to deal with, and one source describes his situation as “tense” amid clashes with those in his inner circle.

The reasons for Rudiger’s dissatisfaction are kept vague, but this has apparently alerted Chelsea. Indeed, as well as reaching out to the £238,000-per-week defender’s representatives, it is believed Chelsea are “ready to negotiate” re-signing Rudiger if they get the green-light from him or Real.

The 32-year-old, despite some drama behind-closed-doors, has been described by an FT source as “exactly what the dressing room needs”. Rudiger’s experience could also be vital for Maresca’s very young squad, and he’s already a proven Premier League defender.

“He’s a leader, a warrior, exactly what this Chelsea dressing room needs,” said the source.

“There’s no fear about his personality. If anything, that fire is what we’re missing.”

Arne Slot’s first season as Liverpool manager has been nothing short of sensational, taking the club to new heights during the first few months of his tenure.

The Dutchman has already led the side to the Premier League title, losing on just four occasions, two of which have come after they confirmed top spot against Tottenham Hotspur.

In his 55 matches in charge of the Reds, the 46-year-old has won 38, achieving a win percentage of 69%, creating a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp.

It’s safe to say he’s been a breath of fresh air in England’s top flight this campaign, but he can’t rest on his laurels and will need to strengthen this summer.

The club have gone from the hunters to the hunted, with added quality and depth desperately needed if they are to have any chance of retaining their position in 2025/26.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer

With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave at the end of the season, it appears that Liverpool have wasted no time in targeting a replacement, with Jeremie Frimpong set to complete a switch to Anfield.

However, he may not be the only Bayer Leverkusen player to move to Merseyside this summer, with Florian Wirtz also on their radar ahead of the upcoming window.

Despite the attention on the aforementioned Bundesliga stars, Xavi Simons is the latest player from a German side to be linked, that’s according to a report from Spain.

The report claims that the Reds could be willing to enter talks to sign the 22-year-old, who may be tempted by a summer switch to England’s top division.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £60m during the off-season, and is seen as a Luis Diaz replacement should he depart for Barcelona in the coming months.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target could be Slot’s next Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has managed to resurrect his Liverpool career this season, taking his stint at the club to new heights after the arrival of compatriot Slot.

The Dutchman struggled to make a huge impact under Klopp after his £34m switch from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, mainly being utilised as an impact player.

He started just 12 games in the Premier League, but has been a crucial cog in their success during their title-winning campaign – starting all but one outing, highlighting his importance to the manager.

Such a fee now appears to be a bargain, with the 22-year-old having the potential to improve further over the next few years at Anfield and become one of Europe’s leading midfielders.

However, a move for Simons could see a repeat of Gravenberch, with a Dutch star arriving on Merseyside from a Bundesliga outfit and cementing his place in the starting lineup.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a huge investment from the board, it would be a deal that would improve the options at Slot’s disposal – handing him another threat in attacking areas.

When delving into his stats from the current campaign, he’s starred in numerous key areas, with his talents taming the squad up a gear in their ambitions of retaining their crown.

Games played

25

Goals & assists

17

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Tackles won

75%

Duels won

5.7

Simons, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart, has registered 19 combined goals and assists in all competitions – having the tools to star himself and provide others with the ammunition to succeed.

He’s also managed to notch a total of 2.2 chances created per 90, along with 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning 75% of the tackles he’s entered and winning 5.7 duels per 90, showcasing his work rate and ability to regain possession for his side.

If he can replicate such levels at Anfield, Simons would be a superb addition to the squad, offering Slot an added creative presence at the heart of his already impressive Liverpool squad.

Should he get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Gravenberch on Merseyside, it would be a £60m signing that would be worth every penny – allowing the club to have yet another impressive youngster on their books.

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Tottenham Hotspur are now seen as the favourites to sign a highly-rated forward, despite his agent’s talks with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Daniel Levy gifted Spurs transfer boost after Europa League triumph

Spurs’ triumph in the Europa League final last week stands to seriously benefit the Lilywhites in far more ways than ending their long wait for silverware.

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Spurs have an opportunity to strike a bargain deal.

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While Ange Postecoglou fulfilled his promise of ‘always’ winning silverware during his second season in charge, subsequently ending Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy, chairman Daniel Levy will also have a much easier task when it comes to attracting the club’s top transfer targets.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The north Londoners are reportedly set to receive £38 million in prize money from winning the Europa League, and will earn at least £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if they lose every game and go out in the group phase (Sky Sports).

The boost is clear from a financial perspective, but Spurs’ place in the Champions League draw next term now suddenly makes the club a far more attractive landing spot for big-name players.

As reliably reported, Tottenham are aiming to sign more experienced players this summer (BBC), and their European status makes this objective all the more possible.

This is especially true when it comes to Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane, who is out of contract beyond June 30, with Sky Sports reporting earlier this week that Postecoglou’s side have now been offered his services.

The 29-year-old is a proven attacking star at the highest level and possesses great Premier League experience from his time at Man City.

Since departing Eastlands for Bavaria, he’s racked up 61 goals and 55 assists in 220 appearances at Bayern, with 27 of those goal contributions coming in the Champions League.

Some may even suggest he is exactly the calibre of player needed to bolster Spurs’ inexperienced squad.

Tottenham favourites to sign Leroy Sane ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal

Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Sane within the past few months, but Tottenham’s Europa League win has now catapulted them into pole position.

That is according to Sport Bild, who report that Tottenham are ahead of both Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for Sane, despite the latter two sides holding talks with his agent, Pini Zahavi.

Discussions over a new deal for Sane have stalled recently, thanks in part to the £242,000-per-week winger appointing Zahavi, but the representative travelled to Munich this week for another meeting with Bayern regarding the player’s future.

For this reason, we advise an err of caution when it comes to Sane. There is reason to believe this flirting with Premier League sides could simply be a ploy to encourage improved terms from Bayern, and Levy won’t want to be embroiled in a dramatic transfer saga.

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.

Derby County are now plotting a summer move for a record-breaking defender, whose contract is set to expire next month, according to a report.

Derby looking to kick on after final-day survival

After securing promotion back to the Championship in the 2023-24 campaign, Derby’s main aim last season was always likely to be avoiding the drop, and they just about managed to get the job done.

A goalless draw against Stoke City on the final day ensured the Rams will remain in the second tier for another season, with manager John Eustace taking the time to praise his players’ efforts after avoiding an instant return to League one.

“What a fantastic effort from everyone connected with the football club. The players have been outstanding every day in training they have dedicated themselves to getting to this moment and I couldn’t be any more proud of them.”

After securing their Championship status, however, Eustace’s side will be looking to kick on next season, and plans are being made for the summer, with the manager recently confirming he would like to sign loanee Nat Phillips on a permanent basis.

Alongside the centre-back, Derby could also look to make an addition at left-back, with a report from Football League World revealing they are now plotting a move for Charlton Athletic’s Thierry Small, whose contract is set to expire next month.

As such, Small could be available for a low fee, with compensation required seeing as the defender is just 20-years-old, although his current employers are still hopeful of keeping hold of him, should they secure promotion via the League One play-offs.

There is widespread interest in the youngster, with the Rams joined by Championship rivals Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Oxford United in the race for his signature, having caught the eye in the third tier this season.

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ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025 Small could be "fantastic" long-term signing

Back in 2021, the left-back broke Jose Baxter’s record by becoming Everton’s youngest-ever player, and while he didn’t manage to kick on by becoming a regular starter for the Blues, there are signs he could be capable of reaching the Premier League.

The full-back has been a vital player for promotion-chasing Charlton this season, making 39 appearances in League 1, and he has proven himself to be useful on the front foot, picking up two goals and three assists.

Not only that, but Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes the starlet has “bags of potential”, while manager Nathan Jones has described him as a “fantastic athlete”, perhaps in part due to his pace.

Small’s performances in the third tier this season indicate he could be more than capable of making the step-up to the Championship soon, so it is promising news that Derby are now plotting a summer move.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now personally keen on an “extraordinary” goalkeeper as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez this summer, according to a report.

Martinez linked with Aston Villa exit

After five memorable seasons in a Villa shirt, it appears as though Martinez’s time in the West Midlands could be coming to an end, with the goalkeeper left visibly upset while waving goodbye to the fans after the final game at Villa Park this season.

With the goalkeeper seemingly heading for the exit door, there have been recent suggestions he could remain in the Premier League, as Manchester United have made an offer, although a move to fellow potential suitors Barcelona could be a more attractive proposition.

Should he depart, it will be a difficult task to replace the 32-year-old, but Emery now believes he has found a goalkeeper capable of doing exactly that.

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According to a report from Spain, the Aston Villa manager thinks Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has the experience to take over from Martinez, presumably because he has spent a number of years with one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Lunin has made 61 appearances for Madrid, but there is a feeling his time with the La Liga club could be coming to an end, given a lack of game time this season, and a move to Villa Park could be appealing to the Ukrainian.

"Extraordinary" Lunin could be at the level to replace Martinez

Of course, Villa fans may well be hoping Martinez has a change of heart and opts to remain at Villa Park beyond the end of the campaign, but there are signs the Madrid shot-stopper could be a suitable replacement.

Much like the Argentine, the 26-year-old has experience at the top level, making eight appearances en-route to Real Madrid’s 2023-24 Champions League triumph, and starring in the quarter-final victory over Manchester City.

Remarkably, the Ukraine international achieved a 9.7 SofaScore match rating in the second leg against City after making a number of important contributions.

Lunin’s stats vs Man City 23/24

Number completed

Total saves

8

Saves from inside the box

6

High claims

2

Punches

4

The £73k-a-week Madrid ace also caught the eye earlier in the competition, being lauded as “extraordinary” by CBS Sports’ Nico Cantor courtesy of an impressive performance against RB Leipzig in the round of 16.

With Villa looking to return to the Champions League next season, it would be wise to bring in a goalkeeper who is proven at the highest level, and Lunin clearly fits the bill, given his performances for Madrid.

Can Celtic start to rebuild some momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup Final?

On Sunday, the Hoops fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox, with Adam Idah equalising shortly after half time, before Daizen Maeda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch victory right at the death.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have therefore won only one of the five Glasgow derbies played this season, excluding penalty shootout victories, but it matters not, given that the Celts were crowned champions a week earlier, still a whopping 17 points clear at the top.

Nevertheless, Rodgers will still want to see his side get back to winning ways when third-placed Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday, with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen to come at Hampden a fortnight later.

Off the park, attention has already turned towards plans for the summer transfer window, so do Celtic have a player from within the Premiership in their sights?

Latest on Celtic's summer transfer search

According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘considering’ a move to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer, with his contract at Pittodrie set to expire this summer.

Given that Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Viljami Sinisalo has started Celtic’s last six matches in goal, earning decent reviews, with Graeme McGarry of the National outlining that the 23-year-old has taken ‘it all in his stride’.

It’s unclear where Doohan would fit into the pecking order, but his potential arrival could see current third-choice Scott Bain depart, having not featured since a two-minute cameo on the final day of last season.

Doohan, for his part, is currently second-choice at Aberdeen, behind Dimitar Mitov, albeit he has made 18 appearances this season, described as “brilliant” by Dons captain Graeme Shinnie, following Celtic’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Pittodrie in December.

So now, could the 27-year-old, who was previously on Celtic’s books between 2013 and 2022 without ever making a senior appearance, be set to return to Glasgow’s East End?

Celtic's best value-for-money signings from within the Premiership

It’s hardly the most inventive or ingenious strategy, but Celtic have often sign the best players from within the Scottish Premiership, not only strengthening themselves, but simultaneously weakening their rivals in the process.

Here is a selection of the most recent examples.

Celtic signings from within the SPFL (2015-present)
Players	Selling club	Fee	Celtic appearances
Luke McCowan	Dundee	£1m	37*
Benjamin Siegrist	Dundee United	Free	2
David Turnbull	Motherwell	£3.25m	134
Greg Taylor	Kilmarnock	£2.2m	213*
Scott Bain	Dundee	Free	78*
Jonny Hayes	Aberdeen	£1m	68
Lewis Morgan	St Mirren	£300k	31
Jack Hendry	Dundee	£1.5m	27
Nadir Çiftçi	Dundee United	£1.5m	26
Scott Allan	Hibernian	£275k	17
Ryan Christie	Inverness CT	£500k	151
Gary Mackay-Steven	Dundee United	£250k	62
Stuart Armstrong	Dundee United	£2.5m	144
*indicates that the player is still at the club
All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table proves, Celtic’s domestic signings over the last decade have been pretty hit-and-miss; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong all made a big impression, while others, looking at you Benjamin Siegrist, contributed very little at all.

The Hoops’ most recent signing from within the Premiership is Luke McCowan, who arrived from Dundee on deadline day last summer for a reported £1m, and has impressed during his first season in Glasgow.

To date, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and registered seven assists in hoops, with Rodgers describing the midfielder as “absolutely brilliant”, adding that he’s probably “been unfortunate not to play more” throughout the season.

Thus, McCowan proves that value can be found within the Premiership, which is certainly something for Celtic to think about ahead of the summer.

Doohan, for his part, has gained plenty of experience since departing Celtic after seven years at the club as a youngster, making 80 appearances for Ayr United, 60 for Tranmere Rovers, 20 for Aberdeen and 19 in the colours of Forest Green Rovers.

In this season’s Premiership, Doohan has registered a 54.4% save percentage, saving 33 of the 59 shots on target he has faced, keeping only two clean sheets in 14 starts but, should he move to Celtic, that ratio would surely be significantly higher.

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By
Dan Emery

May 5, 2025

Chelsea are not short of quality options in their midfield. Enzo Maresca has some excellent players at his disposal in the centre of the park, including the £100m plus duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. The pair have been integral to the Chelsea side this term.

Former Blues winger Joe Cole recently claimed that Caicedo is an “outstanding” player and picked him for the most improved player in the entire Premier League.

With 38 games, he has played more times in the top flight this season than any other Chelsea player. As for Fernandez, he’s featured 36 times, also highlighting his importance to the Blues.

Remarkably, Chelsea appear to be looking to bolster their midfield depth by adding a title-winning midfielder to their squad this summer.

Chelsea’s midfield target

Adding a new midfielder to this squad would certainly be a statement for Chelsea, given the star power they have. Let’s not forget that Romeo Lavia is also an option for Maresca. However, as all sides with top aspirations should, they are looking to improve their options in midfield.

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According to a report from Italian news outlet Gazzetta, the West London side have made ‘an important offer’ for Napoli midfielder Frank Zambo Anguissa. There are question marks about whether the newly-crowned Scudetto winners can convince him to remain in Naples.

Indeed, it is thought that ‘a clause in his contract allows him to evaluate this option independently’. This could leave the door open for Chelsea to bring him back to West London; the midfielder was formerly on the books at Fulham.

If he does leave, a price has not yet been clarified, but Napoli paid the Cottagers a reported £15m back in 2022, according to The Athletic.

Why Anguissa would be a good signing

For Chelsea’s project under Maresca, it seems like they are about to enter phase two. With Champions League qualification secured, the Blues will surely want to become a permanent fixture in the top four once again, and, eventually, push for a Premier League title.

Well, who better to help with that than a two-time Italian champion like Anguissa? He has played a pivotal role in Napoli’s success under a former title-winning manager at Stamford Bridge, Antonio Conte.

He played 35 Serie A games this season, notching up 2858 minutes in total, the equivalent of 31 full 90-minute games. One reason why he was pivotal in the middle of the park is his tendency to pop up with a key goal or assist. Anguissa found the back of the net six times and provided five goals for his teammates.

If the Blues agree a deal for Anguissa, perhaps he will bring some of the qualities Declan Rice possesses in the midfield for Arsenal. Of course, the England international was once a Chelsea academy player, years before he broke through into first-team football with West Ham United.

Just like Anguissa, the 26-year-old is an all-action midfielder, known for his hard work off the ball and his quality in possession. In fact, he has similar goal involvement numbers to the Cameroon international, with four goals and seven assists in the Premier League in 2024/25.

The pair are also noted as similar players among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, when looking at their underlying statistics.

For example, the pair are both hard workers off the ball, with the Napoli midfielder averaging 5.4 duels won per 90 minutes compared to 3.9 duels won each game for Rice.

Open play passes completed

39.2

39.9

Forward passes

12

11.6

Take-ons completed

0.8

0.5

Duels won

5.4

3.9

Ball recoveries

4.8

5

As writer Zach Lowy has stated, Anguissa is “one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe”, which the stats certainly back up. There is no doubt that the Blues would want a Rice-type player in their midfield, and he certainly tricks the boxes, given his impressive carrying skills, numbers out of possession and amount of goal contributions.

Whilst a fee is not clear, Chelsea have seemingly made contact with Anguissa already, so this could be a deal that moves swiftly. If they do manage to bring him to the Blue side of West London, he could be an excellent addition to an already star-studded midfield.

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