All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United and PIF are ready to offer one of their stars a lucrative new contract to keep him on Tyneside, after it emerged that his wages were set to be reduced automatically this summer.

Newcastle miss out on Champions League

After a strong first full season under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have struggled much more this season in both the Premier League and domestic cups.

There have been some very impressive outings at St James' Park in particular, but overall injuries have seen the squad decimated and they look set to miss out on their goal of Champions League football next season.

£50k-p/w star will "definitely" be sold as Newcastle ready summer move

He could be another savvy signing for Eddie Howe’s side.

ByBen Browning Apr 23, 2024

As it stands, they sit sixth, sixteen points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with a total of 18 points left for Howe's side to possibly pick up. Though it is not yet mathematically impossible for Newcastle to be in Europe's elite competition, it will be the next time Unai Emery's side pick up three points, which could be as soon as this weekend.

They are in a fight even to land European football of any sort next season too; though in a Europa League position as it stands, they are above Manchester United only on goal difference and Chelsea can join the pair on 50 points should they win their game in hand against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, West Ham are also in with an outside shout, though they sit two points behind the Magpies having played two games more and appear to be in freefall under David Moyes with just one win in their last five Premier League outings.

But missing out on Champions League football is nonetheless set to have a knock-on effect on Tyneside amid financial fair play concerns.

Isak in line for new deal

That comes with star striker Alexander Isak set for an automatic wage reduction as a result of missing out on a top-four spot. The Swedish striker has become a talismanic figure at St James' Park, scoring 17 times in the Premier League this season and dragging Newcastle out of midtable back towards the European spots.

Alexander Isak in the Premier League 23/24

Appearances

24

Goals

17

xG

15.9

Shots on target per 90

1.43

Minutes per goal

104

Currently under contract until 2028, he will see his wages docked by as much as 20% according to a report by TBRFootball, which would equate to around £24,000 per week lost.

As a result, Newcastle are now set to offer the striker fresh terms in a bid to ward off growing interest from Premier League rivals including Arsenal, who are on the hunt for a striker this summer and were keen to sign Isak during his time at Real Sociedad.

Indeed, they are ready to offer him the chance to become one of the club's highest earners, on a par with fellow star Bruno Guimaraes. It would see him handed a massive £40,000 per week increase on his current terms, and £64,000 on the terms he will be set to receive without Champions League football.

Should they manage to tie him down, it would be perhaps the club's biggest statement yet that they are here to stay.

Leeds United are expected to cash in on one of their stars this summer for a massive profit, it has been revealed.

Leeds reveal financial situation

Earlier in April, Leeds United revealed that they had lost £33.7m across the 2022-23 season, with an increased wage bill up to £145m and operating costs rising by £71m.

Though less than the £36m loss the year before, it is still a worrying trend and there are concerns around whether the numbers are sustainable with regard to financial fair play, especially if Daniel Farke's side were to find themselves spending another season in the Championship.

Leeds could soon cash in on a player who's worth more than Dan James

Leeds United will be faced with a conundrum about what to do with this star in the summer.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2024

They still owe a significant portion of transfer fees for the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Georginio Rutter and Maximilian Wober, with the club reportedly oweing a massive £190m in fees, but with just £2m set to head into their pocket for their own players.

It means that they are likely to have to sell this summer in a bid to avoid financial fair play issues further down the line, especially should they wish to reinvest in the squad further.

Fortunately, there are some obvious candidates to consider, with plenty of the signings made under Jesse Marsch now out on loan and likely to have no future under Farke's new regime, while Luis Sinisterra has joined Bournemouth and Jack Harrison could make his loan move to Everton permanent.

But there are still concerns that two of their stars could depart, with Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray both the subject of strong Premier League and international interest, and their departures far more likely should Leeds miss out on promotion back to the top flight come the end of the season.

Leeds, however, will do everything they can to avoid having to sell the pair.

Leeds prepared to cash in on Gnonto

Now, in a fresh update from Football Insider, Leeds are ready to sell Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto this summer in a bid to ease their financial problems.

Though Pete O'Rourke claims that the Whites don't want to sell Gnonto in an ideal world, he has admitted that the Italian has his price tag set, with Leeds set to demand between £20m and £30m and ready to "accept an offer at the higher end of that threshold" this summer.

The deal would also see them save around £20,000 per week in wages, though it is unlikely they will find a replacement of his calibre willing to accept being one of the club's lowest earners.

Gnonto has previously been subject to strong Premier League interest as well as clubs in Serie A, with Arsenal and Manchester City even touted as potential destinations last summer. The Italian has endured an up and down year in the Championship, struggling to become a regular starter under Farke after his push to leave but still managing eight goals and two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

Gnonto's Championship season

Starts

16

Minutes

1421

Goals

7

Assists

2

Shots on target per 90

0.82

Minutes per goal/assist

158

Bought by Leeds for just 4.5m euros (£3.9m), a sale for £30m would see them make a profit of just over £26m, or 770% on their initial investment.

In a summer where they are likely to have to accept losses on plenty of their high profile players to get them to leave, Gnonto's departure could be a welcome change in that department, though it is as of yet unclear if any club will be willing to meet that asking price for the Italian.

Newcastle United have entered the race to sign "one of the best defenders in the world" at the moment, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have made some superb signings in recent years, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak really kick-starting this new era and cementing Tyneside as a viable destination for top level talent.

A number of players have been linked with summer moves to Newcastle recently, with defensive, midfield and attacking signings all being looked at. Few individuals have been backed to head to St James' Park more often than Amadou Onana of late, and the Magpies are believed to be among the favourites to acquire the Everton star's signature.

Miguel Amiron is expected to leave Newcastle at the end of the season, and Irfan Can Kahveci has emerged as an option to come in for him. He has 19 goal contributions (12 goals and seven assists) in 22 Turkish Super Lig starts this season, invariably shining in a right-sided attacking role for Fenerbahce.

Eddie Howe could need further midfielder reinforcements if Bruno ends up leaving St James' this summer – that remains up in the air, as things stand – and Leicester City ace Wilfried Ndidi is a target for the Magpies, having helped the Foxes secure promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

Newcastle want one of world's top defenders

According to Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle have joined the race to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, but a host of clubs are keen on snapping him up. The likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are all mentioned as potential suitors for the Frenchman, who is contracted at Barca until the summer of 2027.

Kounde stands out as a wonderful option for Newcastle with the summer window around the corner, even though he is reportedly keen on remaining at his current club for the time being. The France international started in his country's 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina, featuring in six matches in the competition and starting five of them.

Barca manager Xavi has heaped praise on him: "He was one of the transfers that I asked for. He’s one of the best defenders in the world right now. Stopping Mbappé was a collective effort. Kounde did amazing against Mbappé but Lamine [Yamal] also helped him a lot."

One of the biggest positives about Newcastle signing Kounde is not only would they be bringing in an elite defender, but his versatility allows him to excel as both a centre-back and a right-back.

Newcastle expected to make official bid for South American talent – report

He has a £13m release clause in his current deal.

ByHenry Jackson May 6, 2024

At 25, the Barca man is also still relatively young, meaning he wouldn't be arriving as a quick fix, and he could provide cover in two key positions, making up for the long-term injury absence of Sven Botman and also acting as a possible successor to Kieran Trippier in the process.

Arsenal could sign two new strikers as manager Mikel Arteta also personally takes a real liking to one club's £60 million star.

Arsenal set sights on new nunber nine despite Havertz form

The exceptional form of 2023 signing Kai Havertz has been among the key reasons why Arsenal are still in with a shot of clinching their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Arsenal hold internal talks over signing trophy-laden £199,000-a-week ace

The Gunners are looking to shore up a key department.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2024

Tottenham ultimately failed to do Arteta any favours on Tuesday evening, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Man City, who now have one hand on their potential fourth consecutive domestic crown.

Arsenal supporters will still be ruing that spurned Son Heung-min opportunity when the South Korea star was one-v-one against Stefan Ortega, but they're still very much on City's heels heading into the final day, and now turn to David Moyes' swansong in search of a favour.

The nature of the Premier League means you cannot rule out a last second twist, as Arsenal pray that West Ham can do the business at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Havertz is set for another key Arsenal role on the same afternoon, as the Gunners must also dispatch Everton. The German, despite early-season criticism, has really come into his own as he stars in a makeshift forward role, but will face a stern test against an improved Sean Dyche side.

Over 2023/2024, the former Bayer Leverkusen sensation has racked up 12 goals and seven assists for Arteta's side in the top flight alone, standing out as their joint-second top scorer.

Bukayo Saka

16

Kai Havertz

12

Leandro Trossard

12

Martin Odegaard

8

Declan Rice

7

However, despite Havertz's success, it is still believed that sporting director Edu is aiming to sign a classic, goalscoring number nine this summer. Arsenal are apparently set to bring in an "important" new striker, and they've been repeatedly backed to do so over the last 12 months.

Many interesting names have been linked in the last two weeks alone, and one of the most consistently mentioned frontmen is £60 million Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee. Reports in the last few days have also claimed that Arsenal appear favourites over Man United to sign Zirkzee as things stand, with Tribal Football now sharing an update of their own.

Arsenal could sign two strikers as Arteta personally eyes Zirkzee

According to their information, Arteta is a great admirer of Zirkzee and Arsenal could even sign two new strikers. Both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah look likely to depart the Emirates Stadium, meaning Edu may have to replace both of them. Alongside Zirkzee, it is believed Arsenal are doing work on other names.

They're monitoring both RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko and remain interested in Brentford star Ivan Toney, while Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins is a far more complex option. However, it appears a move for Zirkzee may well have the most legs right now.

"Joshua is Joshua, he’s special," said Bologna boss Thiago Motta. "I hope he continues like this and I won’t compare him to anyone. He plays well but above all he works, I will never stop saying that from the first day of training camp, he has always been the first to work and has become a leader. He must continue like this and we must help him continue like this because this is on the right path.”

The hiring process for the next Chelsea manager is now reaching a conclusion as Todd Boehly looks to find his Mauricio Pochettino successor.

Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi were both included in the original list which can be seen below, but it’s Enzo Maresca who's become the first-choice option.

The Italian doesn't have experience of leading a side in the Premier League, but he certainly knows how to win, as shown during his time at Manchester City as an assistant to Pep Guardiola.

It'll be a busy first few months at the helm for Maresca with a number of player's futures undecided at Stamford Bridge.

What the future holds for Trevoh Chalobah

Having progressed through the academy ranks, Trevoh Chalobah has become a frequent first-team player over the past three seasons.

Unfortunately, this campaign hasn’t exactly been brilliant for the defender, having missed the majority of the season through injuries, sitting out of 32 games in total.

This has inevitably had an impact on his market value, with the Blues now reportedly open to selling the 24-year-old this summer.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Chelsea have set a £25m asking price for Chalobah as they look to improve the “club’s profit and sustainability situation.”

To put that into context, it's a price tag worth more than the likes of captain Reece James (£17m) and the same as Christopher Nkunku's current worth, as per CIES Football Observatory.

Given his age, profile, and the fact that he’s a homegrown talent, selling Chalobah for such a little fee seems like a poor decision, especially considering he’d be fantastic under Maresca if he were to join.

Why Chalobah would be perfect for Maresca

Injuries have completely ruined Chalobah’s 2023/24 campaign, hindering his chances of impressing Pochettino.

His Premier League appearances have been limited to 13, with ten of those being starts, but during these games, he’s shown enough to be handed a true opportunity under the next boss.

Chalobah is an extremely well-rounded defender who can operate at both centre half and right back, which makes him a valuable asset to have in the squad.

In order to play both roles, the number 14 has extreme technical ability, defensive security, and athleticism, which makes him the perfect defender for Maresca's 4-2-3-1, as the right-back inverts into midfield, meaning that the wide centre-backs must be able to defend space well and progress the play.

Touches

69

Passes completed

52.4

Pass accuracy

90%

Balls recovered

3.5

Tackles

1.2

Dribbled past

0.4

Duels won

3

Another aspect of his game that would suit the Italian's style perfectly is just how confident and comfortable he is on the ball, which enables him to play out from the back.

Under the Foxes boss, it’d be expected that all of his defenders are brave during the buildup phase, and Chalobah’s 69 touches per game and 90% pass accuracy prove he’d be up for the task.

Because Maresca's team always dominates the ball, as shown by their 62% possession this season – the second highest in the Championship – it’s important that, from an out-of-possession perspective, his defenders are proactive and aggressive, which suits Chalobah’s profile also, given his defensive actions shown above.

Overall, to have such an incredible talent in the squad who would slot into a Maresca team perfectly is incredibly lucky, and to let Chalobah go for just £25m seems unreasonable.

Chelsea had chance to hire "unique" manager who's an upgrade on Maresca

The manager target finished below Pochettino’s Chelsea this season.

ByTom Lever May 27, 2024

Leeds United are in the race to sign one of the Premier League's most promising talents on loan next season, according to reports.

Leeds facing summer fire sale

A 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley meant that Daniel Farke's side will be playing Championship football once more next season, and has had a major impact on their summer transfer planning.

£15,000-a-week trio Farke doesn't want may now never play for Leeds again

It is set to be a busy summer at Elland Road.

ByBen Browning Jun 1, 2024

According to a report released before the play-offs, the Elland Road club have "to raise close to £100million in player sales" after failing to secure a place in the top flight of English football, and it is added that "up to 10 could go and would only be replaced by free transfers and loan signings".

Chief among those likely to depart are the forward duo of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, while there has also been plenty of interest in teenage talent Archie Gray, though Farke will be hoping that their financial position does not force them to sell the youngster on the cheap this summer.

But it looks set to be a tough summer for squad building, meaning that Leeds may well need to turn to the free agent and loan market on a regular basis to build a squad capable of challenging for a second consecutive promotion. They may well be about to do just that.

New loan target emerges

Now, Leeds have been credited with an interest in Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist this summer, who is set to leave Chelsea on loan ahead of the new season.

Big things are expected from the defender, and he has already recieved plenty of praise from former iconic Chelsea centre-back John Terry, who tipped him to be the next academy star at Stamford Bridge.

"He's a really really good player," Terry told supporters at a Q&A. "He's got an unbelievable attitude. He's been at the club since the age of eight."

The defender went on to explain that he hoped the centre-back would play one or two times across the 2023-24 campaign, but in fact Gilchrist managed 17 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, including against Leeds United as he helped his side squeeze through the FA Cup tie with the Yorkshire side.

Alfie Gilchrist's appearances by competition

Premier League

11

FA Cup

4

Carabao Cup

2

He penned a new £5k-per-week contract earlier in the season, and now appears primed for a loan deal this summer in a bid to get regular first team football, with Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana all ahead of him in the Chelsea pecking order when fit.

Leeds are not the only side keen to tie up a deal though, with Ben Jacobs revealing that Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers have both also "shown interest" in taking the 20-year-old for the 2024-25 season.

Any talks remain in the "early stages", but with Leeds on the hunt for defensive reinforcements and money tight at Elland Road, they will be hoping the youngster is playing his football in Yorkshire next season.

Whilst potential incomings have been stealing the headlines in recent weeks, a Championship club are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a Liverpool gem who impressed at Wembley last season.

Liverpool transfer news

As the Arne Slot era gets underway, it's not just fresh faces walking through the Anfield doors that is likely to represent the change in a new chapter at Liverpool. Without Jurgen Klopp for the first time in nine years, the Reds could yet see certain players heading for summer departures, which could include the likes of Joe Gomez and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Kelleher enjoyed an excellent season last time out, stepping in for an extended period to complete the impossible task of replacing Alisson Becker. Proving once and for all that he's ready for a No 1 role, the Irishman may well find that away from Merseyside this summer.

He admitted in a recent interview with The Athletic: “I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”

Liverpool eye dream 1st Slot signing who can "reach Sadio Mane level"

This would be the dream first signing for Arne Slot and his new Anfield side.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2024

He may not be the only academy graduate heading for the door, either. According to the Liverpool Echo, Hull City are now interested in signing James McConnell on loan this summer. The 19-year-old midfielder was among the youngsters who came on against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final last season, before maintaining unerring composure to help Liverpool over the line, with the help of Virgil van Dijk's dramatic winner.

Now, McConnell could follow in the footsteps of both Tyler Morton and Fabio Carvalho, who both found their form in loan spells at Hull last season.

"Unbelievable" McConnell can continue Liverpool and Hull connection

Following the success of Carvalho and Morton, McConnell could become the third player to be loaned from Liverpool to the Tigers in the last year, representing a growing connection between the two clubs. The way Carvalho rediscovered his form was particularly impressive given that he found himself at a crossroads after an underwhelming spell at RB Leipzig.

The attacking midfielder went from his lacklustre time at Leipzig to notching nine goals and two assists in 20 Championship appearances at Hull in an environment that McConnell may now step into after impressing many, including reporter Bence Bocsak last season. Bocsak described the midfielder's performance as "unbelievable" after his Wembley cameo in February, posting on X.

In a deal that would go a long way in helping the Tigers' pursuit of a place in the Championship's top six, Liverpool could help another young gem develop by allowing McConnell to flourish elsewhere for the next 12 months.

With a keen eye on Euro 2024, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly interested in signing one particular star who has already impressed by keeping Harry Kane quiet.

Tottenham transfer news

Whilst Ange Postecoglou's project showed signs of promise last season, the squad at the Australian's disposal undoubtedly has its limitations, as proved by their failure to qualify for the Champions League. Those limits should be solved this summer, however, especially if Daniel Levy wants to put his full trust in what Postecoglou is attempting to build.

Reports certainly suggest that's the case too, with Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori already linked with a move to North London this summer. Both players are at Euro 2024, with the latter stealing the spotlight in Italy's 2-1 victory over Albania in their opening game. The young defender was a standout even after his side conceded within 23 seconds.

Calafiori isn't the only Euro 2024 defender to keep an eye on when it comes to Spurs either, it seems. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Spurs now want to sign Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina this summer. The central defender has also attracted interest from West Ham United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Fulham in a busy race that Spurs should be looking to win this summer.

Tottenham now willing to make offer to sign £50m+ star ahead of Man Utd

He’s a player in demand.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 16, 2024

Milenkovic impressed in Serbia's Euro 2024 opener against England. Whilst his side came out 1-0 losers, Milenkovic played a large part in keeping Kane quiet, which is no easy task. By the end of the game, the Bayern Munich star had been limited to just one touch in the Serbia box and one shot, as per Statman James, highlighting the job that Milenkovic and the rest of Serbia's backline completed.

"Perfect" Milenkovic is Premier League ready

If keeping one of the Premier League's greatest ever players quiet doesn't say that Milenkovic is ready for such a move this summer, then not much will. The defender could prove to be the difference next to either Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven to truly solidify Postecoglou's backline with three quality options. What's more, if Romero did leave, Spurs would have enough depth to cover for his exit.

Progressive Carries

8

81

Progressive Passes

81

179

Tackles Won

21

40

Ball Recoveries

108

189

A player to keep an eye on for the rest of Serbia's tournament, Spurs will hope that Milenkovic's price tag doesn't skyrocket as a result of any form throughout the Euros, as they continue to eye a move.

At 26 years old, the Fiorentina man should be at the top of his game in a rise that Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig saw coming, having dubbed Milenkovic "perfect" earlier in his career. Now, it could be the Premier League's turn to see that so-called perfection this summer.

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold was at the literal centre of an England display that left pretty much everything to be desired, with Gareth Southgate's Three Lions surviving an impressive Denmark assault to snatch a draw and take four points into their final group game of Euro 2024.

The right-back has been one of the Premier League's exceptional players of the past seven years, winning the title in 2019/20 and racking up 58 assists from 228 top-flight fixtures – behind only teammate Andy Robertson in the all-time assist-making charts for a defender.

Having long flirted with the idea of performing in central midfield, the elite-level playmaker has not performed with the authority, guile and gusto that the country's supporters hoped to have seen.

Minutes played

54'

Touches

51

Accurate passes

35/40 (88%)

Shots

0

Key passes

3

Long balls

6/7

Dribble attempts

0/0

Duels won

3/5

Clearances

1

Blocked shots

2

Is this down to Alexander-Arnold, shoehorned into a position where he has no business dwelling? Or, perhaps, have England's tactics and general fluency over the past week precluded the 25-year-old from finding any decent measure of success?

Under Arne Slot, at Liverpool, he could find the perfect conditions to flourish in the centre of the park indefinitely, with the perfect attacking partner being considered to maximise his glittering talents.

Liverpool lining up Serie A star

According to a report from Caught Offside earlier this week, Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is hoping to leave the 2022/23 Serie A champions this summer.

The Georgia international's camp are eager for him to leave Naples but the club hopes to disabuse him of this notion, though suitors such as Liverpool could capitalise on the uncertainty.

Premier League rivals such as Chelsea are interested in signing the 23-year-old, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Napoli would demand €100m (£84m) for his sale.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's Napoli career

Napoli signed Kvaratskhelia from Dinamo Batumi for roughly €10m (£9m) in 2022, fashioning him into a deadly force down the left channel. After two campaigns, he has posted 25 goals and 26 assists across 88 appearances.

Praised for bringing "magic" to the field by the above-mentioned Romano, he's a slick and stylish dribbler with dazzling movements, flicks and tricks, gliding up and down the wing with a sense of freedom to pick out peers and unleash ferocious strikes on goal.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 14% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive carries, and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90. Such metrics showcase his creative prowess and ball-carrying expertise.

Matches played

34

34

Matches started

32

30

Goals

12

11

Assists

10

6

Accurate passes

84%

86%

Big chances created

14

11

Shots taken

2.5

3.8

Key passes

1.6

1.9

Tackles

1.3

1.2

Dribble attempts

2.2 (41%)

3.0 (51%)

Duels won

5.0 (45%)

6.9 (51%)

Napoli might have fallen off a proverbial cliff last season but Kvaratskhelia actually raised his all-round game, and it's for this reason that Liverpool must throw the kitchen sink at securing his services, bolstering their wide options with a creative, combative, and high-class new winger.

Kvaratskhelia could unlock Alexander-Arnold

While Luis Diaz is currently Liverpool's No. 1 option on the left flank, the 27-year-old has attracted interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with FSG touting the Colombia international at €75m (£63m).

Kvaratskhelia would be both an upgrade and a new version, tailor-made for Slot's high-pressing, energetic style of football. Slot likes to press in a manner not too dissimilar to that of Klopp but he is definitely more ball-centric, with his former Dutch Eredivisie team Feyenoord second in the possession charts last season with an average of 61.8%.

A crisp passing game and a remarkable rate of creating would allow the Georgian to prosper, with his unique array of abilities making him the perfect player to latch onto Alexander-Arnold's balls.

The £180k-per-week ace ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for progressive passes, and the top 5% for assists per 90, basically underscoring just how sharp his playmaking acumen is.

But, as was evidenced by England against the Danes, he needs runners to meet such sprayed passes. Despite creating three key passes against Denmark, Alexander-Arnold failed to impress, largely due to a lack of control. But at Liverpool, within Slot's system and partnered with Kvaratskhelia on the left, a deadly duo might just be born.

Kvaratskhelia's 3.0 dribbles per game in the Italian top flight is frankly absurd. For reference, Diaz averaged 1.8 per match in the Premier League, while Manchester City's Jeremy Doku, who has been hailed for his "frightening" speed by pundit Rio Ferdinand, also averaged 3.0 dribbles per game last term.

This suggests that Liverpool could find joy from Trent being able to spray long passes out wide to the onrushing Georgia international, who can the use his dribbling skills to get himself into positions to effect games with goals and assists on a regular basis.

With an incredibly diversified style of play, the Serie A superstar would surely be a wonderful addition to a Liverpool team in transition. A statement of intent, he would bring title-winning experience and elite athletic qualities to Slot's system.

He might not come cheap, but Kvaratskhelia – who is "unstoppable" when he gets going, according to Kulig – is one of the leading wingers on the European stage and if the funds are available to bring him to Merseyside, he simply has to be signed.

Diaz sold, £216m spent: What Arne Slot's dream Liverpool XI could be

Anfield could boast quite the team come the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2024

A member of Chelsea's squad has been telling one player to make the move to Stamford Bridge and sign for Enzo Maresca this summer.

Chelsea targeting new senior forwards after flurry of early summer deals

Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart have been spearheading yet another active transfer window for Chelsea so far, with the Blues already spending £105 million in total on Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian.

Chelsea now make offer to sign £30m forward who dribbles like Mbappe

The Blues continue to be very busy this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2024

Luckily, exits for Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson and Ian Maatsen have brought in around £84 million in sales, meaning Todd Boehly and co have done fairly well in balancing the books with a net spend of around £21 million.

Chelsea are involved in a high-profile race to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna as well, but Arsenal appear set to have a major say on this potential transfer as the London rivals go toe-to-toe for his signature.

Match

Match Rating (WhoScored)

Bologna 3-0 Salernitana

8.09

Empoli 1-0 Bologna

7.76

Bologna 1-0 Lazio

7.65

Roma 1-3 Bologna

7.55

Bologna 4-0 Lecce

7.49

There remains the possibility of Chelsea signing more senior forwards to bolster Maresca's squad as well. 18-year-old striker Guiu, despite arriving from Barcelona with bags of potential, could be seen as one for the future rather than an immediate first team upgrade.

Estevao, meanwhile, isn't actually linking up with the club until 2025. Therefore, it has been reported that Chelsea chiefs are still scouring the market for new attacking options.

Reports in France claim a Chelsea bid has been submitted for Brazilian winger Wesley, while other media sources suggest Chelsea are prepared to bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen for the striking position.

One name who refuses to go away is that of Spain starlet Nico Williams, coming amid a very impressive Euro 2024 campaign for him personally. The 21-year-old racked up 19 assists in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao as well and already has a connection to Chelsea through international teammate Marc Cucurella.

Cucurella has been telling Williams to sign for Chelsea

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport, via TEAMtalk, Cucurella admits that he's been trying to convince Williams to join Chelsea.

“He is a great player, he is bringing out all his potential,” said Cucurella when questioned about Williams.

“It is a source of pride that he is on our team, that he is our teammate and with players like him everything is easier. He would be a great signing [for Barcelona], but it all depends on what he wants. I’ve been telling him to sign for Chelsea. In the end everything depends on him, he is very young, with a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player.”

The forward, who earns a reported £200,000-per-week at Bilbao, could depart for the value of his £49 million release clause.