Category Uncategorized

Big picture

Another opportunity awaits for these two teams to work on plans and players to press for selection ahead of the T20 World Cup. The series could not be much more condensed – five matches played across seven days with two sets of back-to-back matches – but it has taken considerable work and negotiation to get this tour on the road.It will be the first time Bangladesh and Australia have met in bilateral T20Is – their previous four matches have all come in the T20 World Cup. Australia are currently 4-0 up but it would be no surprise to see that record slip over in the coming days with the patched-up nature of their batting line-up, further weakened from the side that lost 4-1 in the West Indies by the absence of Aaron Finch.In Finch’s absence they will be led by Matthew Wade. The bowling attack remains potent, but with five matches very quickly, it remains to be seen how many of them – including the likes of Mitchell Starc – play.There is disgruntlement in the Bangladesh camp that they won’t be able to call on the experience of Mushfiqur Rahim after he was unable to comply with the strict ten-day bubble requirements agreed by the boards to allow this series to go ahead.Bangladesh are coming off a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe which was secured by their second-highest successful chase. As ever, Shakib Al Hasan will be in front and centre for them and they will also lean on the experience of Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah with the bat and hope to have Mustafizur Rahman back from injury during the series.Related

• Covid-19 demands force Rahim to miss T20Is

• Turner hopes return to bowling will boost T20 World Cup chances

• Want good wickets since that's what we'll face at T20 WC – Domingo

Form guide

(last five completed matches)
Bangladesh WLWLL
Australia LWLLL

In the spotlight

Twenty-year-old Shamim Hossain made a promising start to his career when he closed out the tough chase in the decider against Zimbabwe with 31 off 15 balls. That came just a couple of days after he had impressed on debut with 29 off 13 deliveries in a chase that came up short. He will do well to sustain a strike rate of 214 over a longer period, but his T20 career figure of 152 suggests he is a player who can give the middle order some power.Mitchell Marsh will be looking to pick up where he left off in the T20I series against the West Indies where he made 219 runs in five matches and took five wickets. He has made a strong claim to be considered for the No. 3 role longer term and another successful series in Bangladesh will leave the selectors with plenty to ponder should Steven Smith be available for the World Cup.Mitchell Starc and Matthew Wade will be key figures for Australia•AFP

Team news

Bangladesh are without Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das for a variety of injury and bio-bubble reasons. They may look to bolster the spin attack compared to what they used in Zimbabwe. Left-armer Taijul Islam, who has only previously played two T20Is, and allrounder Mosaddek Hossain are options.Bangladesh (possible): 1 Mohammad Naim, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mahmudullah (capt), 5 Afif Hossain, 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Nasun Ahmed, 9 Mohammed Saifuddin, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Shoriful IslamWade revealed he would be moving into the middle order with a view to his likely role in the World Cup. Moises Henriques could be under pressure for his place after struggling in the West Indies. While Alex Carey’s T20I numbers are poor, he would give another left-handed option in the middle order. Ben McDermott is available after his ankle injury but Riley Meredith has a side injury. The uncapped Nathan Ellis, who was a travelling reserve, has been elevated to the main squad.Australia (possible): 1 Josh Philippe, 2 Ben McDermott, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Alex Carey/Moises Henriques, 5 Matthew Wade (capt & wk), 6 Ashton Turner, 7 Dan Christian, 8 Ashton Agar, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood

Pitch and conditions

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo said he expected “a traditional Dhaka wicket” and did not think they would take a huge amount of spin. There is a chance that thunderstorms could impact the matches.

Stats and trivia

• The last time these teams met in a T20I was at the 2016 World Cup where Zampa claimed Player of the Match. The only other time they have met in Bangladesh was in 2014.
• Starc needs two wickets to become the first Australia men’s bowler to take 50 in T20Is. Zampa is close behind on 47.
• Shakib starts the series needing five wickets to become the second men’s player to take 100 in T20Is.

Quotes

“Bangladesh don’t play against Australia that often, so this is a big series for us and we’re determined to do well in it.”
“All fringe players, every time they get an opportunity it’s an audition. Sometimes walking out, you know you only have a couple of chances to nail your spot down. I’m speaking from experience there. Every time you walk out, there’s pressure and you want to do your best but it’s probably more of an audition than previous tours.”

We are just three days away from the return of the Premier League and four days away from Arsenal resuming their quest to finally end their two-decade title drought.

Mikel Arteta's side came agonisingly close last season but ultimately fell two points short of Manchester City's impressive total.

Fans are hoping Edu Gaspar and Co will sign a new striker this summer to close that gap, and while that hasn't happened yet, things may soon change.

Recent reports have linked the club with an exciting number nine who enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 campaign and would surely thrive at the Emirates while helping players like Bukayo Saka reach another level.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, FC Porto's Brazilian goal machine, Evanilson, is on Arsenal's radar.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners have already held talks with the player's agent this summer, suggesting that the groundwork for a move could already be laid.

The report does not mention a price, but previous stories have claimed that the 24-year-old marksman has a €100m release clause in his contract, which converts to about £86m.

It would undoubtedly represent a hefty investment from the club, but if Arsenal can negotiate the price down, bringing Evanilson to add more goals to the frontline wouldn't be the worst idea, especially as he'd help make Saka even better.

Why Evanilson would be a great signing for Arsenal and Saka

Okay, so when you get down to the real basics, there is one reason above all others why Evanilson would be an excellent signing for Saka and Arsenal overall: his output.

It's the most important metric of all for strikers, and while forwards like Gabriel Jesus can bring aesthetic tricks and incredible skill to the frontline, what the Gunners need at this moment in time is a centre-forward who's going to put the ball in the back of the net and provide his teammates with the chance to do the same, which is precisely what the Porto ace would do.

For example, in his 42 appearances for the Dragões last season, the "electric" poacher, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, scored a whopping 25 goals and provided seven assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 1.31 games.

Appearances

42

47

48

51

Goals

25

20

11

14

Assists

7

14

11

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.76

0.72

0.45

0.41

This output would've made him the second most productive player in the Gunners squad behind only Saka last season, and while you have to take into account the weaker league, the sheer weight of his numbers helps to balance out any potential doubt over his ability.

Now, just imagine a striker as clinical as the twice-capped Brazilian playing alongside the North Londoners' talismanic number seven; he'd have a field day.

For example, while the Hale End superstar was incredibly efficient last season, we know from Understat's data that he underperformed his expected assists figure in the league by 3.33, which is a fairly significant margin, and demonstrates that his teammates were not finishing the chances he was creating for them.

So, put someone like Evanilson into the team who couldn't stop scoring last year, and there is a very good chance that his underperformance dramatically reduces, if not inverts entirely.

Imagine him & Toney: Arsenal could sign £22m "monster" who's like Martinelli

The impressive youngster shares a few similarities with the Brazilian talent.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 14, 2024

Ultimately, while the potential fee is somewhat excessive, the league could be decided by extraordinarily fine margins again this season, and if Arteta and Co want to ensure they finally lift that title come May, then splashing the cash on a goalscoring number nine may well be worth it.

Tottenham have turned their attentions to a new target this summer as they look to strengthen Ange Postecoglou's ranks ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, according to reports.

Tottenham transfer news

Ahead of the transfer deadline on August 30th, Tottenham still have plenty of work to do on the transfer front. They have signed Timo Werner on loan and Archie Gray from Leeds United so far, but are still looking somewhat lightweight.

First and foremost, a striker is on their wishlist amid interest in Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke, with Postecoglou admitting that the no.9 spot was his main focus at the moment.

"I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould," the Spurs boss revealed.

"It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

They are also set to push for another defender should Emerson Royal depart amid interest from AC Milan, with talks thought to be advanced for the Brazilian to move to San Siro after two tough seasons with Tottenham.

With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg having departed for Marseille already this summer, the midfield looks light for the Lilywhites too despite the arrival of Gray, and there had previously been interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, though he now appears set for Atletico Madrid instead. Now, they could have identified a budget-friendly alternative.

Tottenham chase "unique" midfielder

That comes as recent reports have linked Tottenham with a move for Stade Reims midfielder Amir Richardson, who is currently starring with Morocco at the Olympic games. The 22-year-old has featured in all four of his side's Olympic outings, scoring in the win over Iran and helping his side make history in reaching the semi-finals of the competition.

Spurs exploring deal to immediately replace £2m-a-year first team player

He has not enjoyed his time in north London so far and it could be coming to an end.

By
Ben Browning

Aug 5, 2024

He has been described as a "unique" midfielder by senior football journalist Bence Bocsak on X, who added that he drive forwards with the ball "really well".

Now 22, the midfielder struggled for game time with Reims but has impressed the Tottenham scouts, with TeamTALK reporting that "Spurs scouts believe the France-born youngster has a bright future ahead of him".

As a result, it is added that Spurs are "aiming to win the race for his services", with previous interest from fellow Premier League clubs having been met with a €10m (£8.5m) price tag.

That could have increased after an impressive showing at the Olympics, but he could well prove an excellent investment for the future nonetheless given the ability Richardson threatens to possess.

With the Premier League season right around the corner, it allows Everton the chance to improve on their 2023/24 campaign and attempt to push themselves further up the table. Last term, the Toffees managed to stay relatively far away from the relegation scrap, after staying up by the skin of their teeth in the previous two seasons.

Indeed, Sean Dyche’s side finished 15th, on 40 points, a comfortable 16 points clear of 18th place Luton Town. This impressive finish came despite being deducted eight points, in splits of six and two points for two separate breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Had the Toffees not had their eight-point deduction last term, they could have ended up around 12th in the top flight. This is no doubt where they will be hoping to finish in 2024/25, as they look to climb the table and put themselves back into European contention in the long term.

After an active summer so far in the transfer market, Everton have strengthened their squad in some key areas and put themselves in a good position going into the new season. They have recently been linked with another exciting player who could further enhance the quality of their side.

Everton target La Liga winger

The player in question here is UD Almeria and Belgium winger Largie Ramazani. The 23-year-old came through the academy system at Manchester United but left after just one fleeting appearance for the first team. He has now been linked with a move back to the Premier League.

According to a report from Football Insider, Everton are ‘are plotting a shock move’ to sign the versatile forward before the transfer deadline in just under three weeks time. The Toffees have been ‘alerted by his availability’ this summer, with just one year left on his deal and a relegation for Almeria back to the second tier of Spanish football.

Everton are interested in adding depth up front this summer, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future currently up in the air. Ramazani’s low cost could offer them an alternative to long-term target Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto, who would cost the Toffees £25m this summer as per Football Insider.

The Belgian’s price has not yet been confirmed, but he is valued at just £4m by Football Transfers. That seems like a realistic price given Almeria’s relegation and the attacker’s contractual situation ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Why Ramazani would be a good signing

The 23-year-old Belgian would add versatility and attacking output for a cheap price to the Toffees squad. Last campaign, he scored three goals and registered five assists in 29 appearances in La Liga. Given the fact Almeria were so poor, finishing 19th in the table, it was a good return by the youngster.

Ramzani’s ability to play right across the front three certainly makes this deal a more attractive prospect for Everton to do. It is safe to assume they are looking to add such a player to their squad, considering their interest in Gnonto, another versatile attacking player.

Ramazani stats by position 2023/24

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Left-wing

12

2

4

Right-wing

2

0

1

Striker

5

1

0

Second Striker

1

0

0

Stats from Transfermarkt

Last campaign, Gnonto’s return was also fairly impressive in the Championship, although he did struggle to cement a place in the starting XI under Daniel Farke. He scored eight times and grabbed two assists in 36 games in the second division of English football, playing in a multitude of positions along the way.

In terms of Ramazani’s stats on FBref compared to the Italian, they stack up fairly well. The Belgian’s ball-carrying numbers come close to Gnonto, averaging 2.37 carries into the final third and 1.56 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes. In comparison, Gnonto averages 2.23 final third carries and 1.79 carries into the penalty box.

However, the Almeria winger’s creative influence in the final third is slightly better than the former Inter youngster’s when looking at the stats. He averaged 1.5 key passes and 0.29 assists per 90, compared to just 1.2 key passes and 0.11 assists each game for the Italian.

With Everton in the market for a versatile attacker who can play across the front three, provide a goal threat and offer a good outlet in transition, Ramazani could be the dream option. He was described as a “mini-Vinicius” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, showing just how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet.

For a cheap price that could be as low as £4m, the former Manchester United academy player could be the perfect option for Everton this summer as they look to further strengthen up front.

Related Forget Phillips: Everton could land their own Caicedo in £17m sensation

The Toffees could face competition from Manchester United for his signature.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 10, 2024

عزز فريق بايرن ميونخ صدارته للدوري الألماني بفوز بثلاثية لهدفين أمام فولفسبورج، خلال المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم السبت.

واستقبل بايرن ميونخ نظيره فولفسبورج على ملعب “آليانز آرينا” ضمن مباريات الجولة الثامنة عشر للدوري الألماني.

وتقدم ليون جوريتسكا بهدف بايرن ميونخ الأول بالدقيقة 20، وبعد 4 دقائق، تعادل محمد الأمين عمورة بهدف لفولفسبورج.

وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول، تقدم بايرن ميونخ بهدف ثانٍ عن طريق مايكل أوليز في الدقيقة 39.

اقرأ أيضًا | وسط أنظار ريال مدريد.. ديفيز يُخبر بايرن ميونخ بقراره بشأن تمديد عقده

وفي الشوط الثاني، سجل جوريتسكا الهدف الثاني له والثالث لفريقه وذلك بالدقيقة 62 من عمر المباراة.

ثم أحرز محمد الأمين عمورة الهدف الثاني له ولصالح فولفسبورج في الدقيقة 88 من اللقاء.

انتهت المباراة بفوز بايرن ميونخ بنتيجة 3-2، ليرفع رصيده للنقطة 45، في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الألماني.

ويتوقف رصيد فولفسبورج عند النقطة 27 في المركز السابع بجدول ترتيب الدوري الألماني. أهداف مباراة بايرن ميونخ وفولفسبورج اليوم

Perth Scorchers allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been fined $5000 for dissent but has escaped suspension following his outburst at an umpire after his dismissal against Sydney Sixers in Saturday’s BBL Qualifier in Canberra.Marsh was given out caught down the leg side off the bowling of Steven O’Keefe despite appearing to miss the ball by some margin. He wasn’t even looking at the umpire after attempting to glance the delivery away and could barely believe it when the finger went up. He screamed his frustration at the crease then as he started to walk away, appeared to shout directly towards the umpire, Sam Nogajski.Marsh was charged by match referee Bob Stratford under Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match.Marsh accepted the charge and a $5000 fine but will be free to play in the Scorchers Challenger on Thursday night.”I accept the fine handed down to me, my reaction to the umpire’s decision was unacceptable and not the example I want to be setting for any young cricketer,” Marsh said in a statement.”I have complete respect for the umpires and the job they do. I’ll learn from this and look forward to Thursday night’s match.”The decision has reignited discussion regarding the lack of a Decision Review System in the BBL. The league has confirmed there will be a version of DRS introduced next season but it will not be brought in for the rest of the finals series.

A "quality" forward will most likely join Chelsea if high-earner Raheem Sterling leaves Stamford Bridge this summer, with Enzo Maresca's plans for the winger currently unclear.

Sterling linked with high-profile exit after two years at Chelsea

Signed from Man City for around £50 million in the summer of 2022, Sterling has gone to make 81 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and registering a further 12 assists.

Related Chelsea approach ex-Atletico Madrid ace who Conte desperately wants at Napoli

The former Blues boss is very eager to sign him.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 16, 2024

The Englishman, who hasn't been selected for the Three Lions at international level since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, featured often under Mauricio Pochettino until the back end of 2023/2024 – where he would then find himself relegated to the substitute's bench more often than not.

Some reports have claimed that Sterling believes he may have no choice but to leave Chelsea if he wants to regain his place in the England setup, and potential arrivals could limit his chances in west London even more.

Sterling was apparently floated as a makeweight in Chelsea discussions for Michael Olise, before the 22-year-old chose to join Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.

Raheem Sterling's all-time stats for Chelsea in all competitions

Appearances

81

Goals

19

Assists

12

Yellow cards

13

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,321

Transfermarkt

Other media sources around that time stated that Chelsea were ready to sell Sterling if they sealed a deal for Olise. While the winger's transfer didn't come to fruition, co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are still pushing to sign a winger as one of Maresca's top transfer priorities.

Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi is said to be firmly in their thinking in that regard. The 22-year-old, who registered seven goal contributions across 34 appearances in all competitions under ex-Dortmund boss Edin Terzic last term, could be a replacement for Sterling if the ex-City star does quit.

Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer Adeyemi a seven-year contract to join them and could bid, as per CaughtOffside last week, and another update has now surfaced courtesy of the same outlet.

Adeyemi would most likely join Chelsea if Sterling leaves

It is believed Adeyemi would most likely join Chelsea if Sterling leaves, amid reports he'd cost just £25 million to prise away from the Bundesliga.

The German represents fairly good value for money in this market, given his age and contribution at club level already, and Adeyemi was subject to serious praise from Terzic during the tactician's time at the club.

"This is the quality of Karim," said Terzic.

"It was a corner kick and we defended it quite well. It was a dangerous situation but then when you see his acceleration, and this is something we showed him at half-time as well. And this is what he did. His first touch was there to accelerate the game.

"If you are quick like this then it is going to be very tough for every defence to defend against him. It was a great goal and it was very important as it was the winning goal. I hope that he can continue to perform like this.”

Leeds United have rejected another transfer offer for a senior player shortly after turning down a bid for Georginio Rutter.

Leeds’ summer business so far

The Whites are preparing for another season in the Championship and their summer transfer business has now started. Unfortunately, the club sold Archie Gray to Tottenham earlier in the week, with the teenage midfielder having a release clause triggered after Leeds failed to win promotion.

Spurs paid £40m to sign Gray, whereas the club managed to bring back Joe Rodon to Elland Road in a permanent £10m transfer.

Explaining the decision to sell Gray to supporters, Leeds said: “Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations. Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart.”

It looks as if Leeds are now in a stronger position financially when it comes to PSR after making pure profit on their academy star, something which has allowed them to turn down a £30m offer from Brighton for Rutter in recent days.

Latest Leeds transfer news: Farke eyes Norwich raid; PL trio after stars

Find the latest transfer reports involving Leeds United here as they look to bolster their squad over the summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 30, 2024

The Seagulls tested their luck after also holding talks over a move for Crysencio Summerville last month, and alongside Rutter, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises have also received and replied to another transfer offer.

Leeds reject Diego Llorente offer

According to reliable BBC reporter Adam Pope, Leeds have turned down a bid from Real Betis for defender Diego Llorente. The La Liga side have already signed midfielder Marc Roca on a permanent deal from Leeds and have now turned their attention to the Spanish defender.

Pope also added: “Reports in Spain say negotiations continue & suggest offer from Betis was similar to Roca (€4.5m) but Leeds will want more to recover some of the €20m paid for Llorente.”

Llorente joined Leeds back in 2020 from Real Sociedad and has made 59 appearances for the club in all competitions. The £57,000-a-week defender joined Roma on loan midway through the 2022/23 season and again spent last season with the Italian giants.

There have been rumours Roma also want to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent transfer, so if multiple clubs are keen on his services, then perhaps can recoup a chunk into the £18m they paid for him four years ago, making this one to watch.

Leeds United could be set to pull off an excellent piece of business this summer after they were credited with an interest in a Premier League player.

Leeds preparing for another year in the Championship

After Daniel Farke's side failed to secure promotion out of the Championship, it could well be a low-key summer on the incomings front, at least to begin with.

The club are under pressure to raise funds in a bid to remain compliant with profit and loss regulations, with The Daily Mail claiming that the Yorkshire side "will have to raise close to £100million in player sales" to do so.

The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Wilfried Gnonto have all been linked with moves away as a result, though Leeds are hoping to fetch fair prices for any player they do ultimately part ways with.

The report adds that "up to 10 could go and would only be replaced by free transfers and loan signings", with Luke Ayling having already confirmed his departure and several fringe players also on the verge of leaving.

Leeds have been exploring their options too, with links to signing Alfie Gilchrist on loan from Chelsea as well as a potential free transfer for Daniel Jebbison and a low-cost move for Ao Tanaka.

Leeds reject bids to sell £15k-p/w player who Farke has called "important"

They are not willing to let him go on the cheap this summer.

ByBen Browning Jun 5, 2024

Now, they have been tipped to join the race for another free agent as the 49ers Enterprises look to hand Farke a squad capable of competing for promotion once more.

Fulham man in Leeds' sights

That comes in the form of forward Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who is out of contract at Fulham this summer. The Jamaican utility player's £35,000 per week deal is set to expire on July 1st, and though the Cottagers have tried to keep him at the club it has been reported that talks "stalled", leaving the 31-year-old "set to leave the club on a free transfer".

De Cordova-Reid enjoyed his strongest Premier League season to date, grabbing six goals for Marco Silva's side as well as registering two assists, and has played across the frontline and also as a wing-back. He is also a favourite of his managers, with Scott Parker dubbing him immense back in 2021 during his time as Cottagers boss.

“Bobby’s been immense. He’s been fantastic really,” Parker said.

“Everything you see with Bobby on the football pitch and the way he conducts himself on it and around it is nothing short of superb really, an unbelievable professional and he deserves to be where he is."

De Cordova-Reid offers a wealth of experience, having made over 100 Premier League appearances as well as turning out on 22 occasions for Jamaica.

De Cordova-Reid's Premier League seasons

2018/19

2020/21

2022-23

2023-24

Appearances

27

33

36

33

Goals

5

5

4

6

Assists

2

2

1

2

And TEAMtalk have credited Leeds with a potential interest as they look set to lose their fair share of attackers this summer. Jaidon Anthony's loan from Bournemouth has finished, while Jack Harrison seems likely to depart the club after spending the season on loan with Everton, who are another side reportedly keen on De Cordova-Reid.

Meanwhile, aforementioned duo Summerville and Gnonto could also leave Elland Road this summer amid widespread interest and would need replacing among Farke's ranks. With money tight, cut-price moves for Jebbison and De Cordova-Reid could be ones to watch.

Chelsea have reportedly made contact to sign an impressive young talent ahead of Liverpool, but neither of them are leading the race, according to Sky Sports.

Chelsea’s transfer plans under Enzo Maresca

The Blues and new manager Enzo Maresca appear to have a busy few months ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with the Italian replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge after a successful first season in management, winning the Championship title with Leicester City.

Maresca has agreed a five-year deal in London, with Fabrizio Romano, in a recent daily briefing, saying that Chelsea are planning to be proactive in the summer transfer window with up to five signings potentially being made for the new boss.

"It will be a busy summer for Chelsea, with around five signings, maybe less, maybe more. But for sure they are looking at goalkeepers, maybe or one or two centre-backs, and they’re also looking at central strikers and wingers. Chelsea will be busy, and Maresca will be involved.

"It’s a deal until 2029 and also with the option to extend it until 2030. This shows Chelsea’s excitement about Maresca – their conversations over the weekend were super positive, and the Chelsea board decided to fly to Marbella to meet face to face with Maresca. They like his ideas and believe he’s a very positive coach – a dynamic, modern, young manager obsessed with possession football to control a game. I said last week when Chelsea were considering firing Mauricio Pochettino that this was the kind of manager they wanted, and here he is."

Chelsea make approach to sign £85m star who'd become Maresca's MVP

The Chelsea target has been approached by the club.

ByTom Lever May 30, 2024

The club are already looking to make moves ahead of the transfer market officially opening, holding talks with Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who will soon become a free agent and making an approach to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who has a £65m release clause.

The Blues appear to be battling Manchester City for Costa, but now, a new shot-stopper target has emerged.

Chelsea make Alex Paulsen enquiry

In the last 48 hours, Sky Sports have claimed that Chelsea and Liverpool have made enquiries to sign Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, but it is Bournemouth who are currently in pole position.

“Bit of transfer news, we’re hearing that Bournemouth are leading the race to sign Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.

“Chelsea and Liverpool, we’re told, have also made enquiries about the 21-year-old. We understand the initial deal being discussed is worth around £850,000 with add-ons that would take it closer to £2m. Paulsen is set to play in this summer’s Olympics for New Zealand.”

Paulsen, valued at a career-high €450,000 by Transfermarkt, has plied his trade in New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix after coming through the academy and has made 36 senior appearances for the club, keeping 13 clean sheets.

He’s enjoyed a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign, turning out 29 times in the A-League, and by the looks of it, a move to England is on the cards. Chelsea appeared keen, but it seems as if they will miss out on Paulsen to Bournemouth, with Romano confirming as much on Friday.