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Celtic will be playing Europa League football this season after they were beaten 3-2 on penalties by Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off clash on Tuesday night.

The Hoops had drawn 0-0 at Parkhead last week, failing to make the most of home advantage, and then failed to get the job done in normal time or extra-time away from home, which led to a loss on penalties.

Adam Idah, Luke McCowan, and Daizen Maeda all missed from the spot for Brendan Rodgers, and it will not have done Idah’s confidence any good after a disappointing start to the season.

Why this will knock Adam Idah's confidence

The Ireland international is yet to get off the mark with a goal this term. In four games in all competitions, the former Norwich City marksman has missed three ‘big chances’ and failed to register a goal or an assist for the team.

He has not proven that he has what it takes to be the main number nine for Celtic as a regular starter, and this latest performance against Kairat will not have helped his confidence.

In his defence, though, his performance after coming off the bench before the penalty shoot-out was not horrendous. He created two chances for his teammates and won two of his three aerial battles to provide an outlet for the team, per Sofascore, but then the striker missed from the spot in the shoot-out.

Performance in Numbers

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Despite his penalty miss, though, Idah was not the worst performer for the Hoops on the night. One other player who should be dropped from the team because of their showing is Hyun-jun Yang.

Why Rodgers must drop Yang for Celtic

Rodgers must ruthlessly ditch the South Korea international from the starting XI for the clash with Rangers on Sunday because he put in a poor display on Tuesday evening.

The 23-year-old winger was selected to play off the left flank for the Scottish Premiership giants, with Maeda through the middle and James Forrest on the right, and failed to do enough on or off the ball to impress.

Yang played the opening 70 minutes of the match and did not register a single shot or goal, nor did he create a single chance for his teammates at the top end of the pitch. Whereas, as aforementioned, Idah created two chances for the side after he came off the bench.

Vs Kairat (A)

Hyun-jun Yang

Adam Idah

Minutes

70

50

Dribbles completed

1/3

0/0

Pass accuracy

61%

77%

Key passes

0

2

Duels won

3/15

2/6

Duel success rate

20%

33%

Possession lost

20x

7x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the South Korean flop performance was even worse than Idah’s in general play before the penalty shoot-out miss from the striker, as he performed worse in duels, gave the ball away way more, and was less creative.

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The Hoops winger did not offer anywhere near enough in any phase of the game to justify his continued inclusion in the starting XI, particularly with a clash against Rangers away from home in their next match in the Premiership.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha is reportedly closing in on a move to Celtic from Royal Antwerp to bolster Rodgers’ options on the flanks, and this means that the manager may have another player to pick from on Sunday.

With this in mind, the Northern Irish boss should ruthlessly drop Yang from the line-up after his dismal showing on Tuesday, to potentially throw Balikwisha in at the deep end this weekend.

Related Idah upgrade: Celtic set to make offer for "incredibly prolific" £5m star

Celtic are reportedly preparing to make an offer for a star who would b an upgrade on Adam Idah.

Posts ByDan Emery

Arsenal may not have won the Premier League this season, but Mikel Arteta’s squad still have it all to play for in the Champions League.

Though Paris Saint-Germain left the Emirates Stadium with a slender one-goal advantage in midweek, the Gunners have the quality and confidence to create something special at the Parc des Princes.

Some questionable officiating aside, Arsenal know the crux of their issues this season lies with the failure to provide Arteta with an elite-level striker.

Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the new year sapped the Londoners’ strength at number nine, calling for an unconventional but curiously effective stopgap in Mikel Merino.

However, Arsenal need a permanent solution, one which could ease the talismanic burden Bukayo Saka wears around his neck.

Bukayo Saka's season in numbers

To be fair, Saka wears the weight of responsibility rather well, having maintained a confident stream of goals and assists through the campaign while producing influential and energetic performances.

But this only draws to attention the yawning hole at number nine, with a prolific centre-forward certain to take the England international’s game to the next level.

Saka, 23, has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists for Arsenal this season. The three-month hamstring injury picked up in December has proved the biggest blow to his side’s campaign; Saka’s back now, but he’s still not at his sharpest.

Nonetheless, the winger’s return has restored a deeper degree of balance and fluency that must be allowed to bloom into something truly world-class next season, and a more clinical attacking partner than one of Havertz or Jesus will ensure that happens.

As per FBref, Arsenal’s starboy ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 5% for crosses made per 90.

This man is a striker’s dream, and new sporting director Andrea Berta is ready to reward him with one of the finest centre-forwards out there.

Arsenal in talks to sign top striker

We all know Alexander Isak’s the dream. But Isak is going to cost more than £150m to convince Newcastle United to sell, and this would likely prove beyond any interested party’s means.

Instead, Berta is pushing to seal the signing of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, several talks have already taken place, with the Liga Portugal champions looking for no more than €70m (about £60m) to get a deal done.

Arsenal are confident they can get a deal done, but with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United also keen, they will need to act swiftly.

What Viktor Gyokeres would bring to Arsenal

Isak has been described as “the best striker in the Premier League” this season by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, but he’s not the only deadly goalscorer on the market.

In fact, Gyokeres has the complete take on the centre-forward role and could make it his own at the front of Arteta’s system.

The 6 foot two star’s technical quality, physicality and hunger for success have been hallmarks of his journey in Portugal, scoring 95 goals from 98 matches and winning last season’s Liga Portugal title before being crowned the division’s Player of the Year.

This level of surety in the final third is something that Arsenal have lacked across the campaign, and by instating Gyokeres in the focal role, Saka would finally have the reliable outlet from which he could direct his peerless playmaking ability.

Viktor Gyokeres – Past Five Seasons (all comps)

Club

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25 – Sporting

48 (40)

52

12

23/24 – Sporting

50 (47)

43

15

22/23 – Coventry

50 (47)

22

12

21/22 – Coventry

47 (42)

18

5

20/21 – Coventry

19 (7)

3

0

20/21 – Swansea

12 (2)

1

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

Talk about year-on-year growth. Gyokeres, 26, has yet to make his mark in one of Europe’s recognised top-five leagues but his numbers leave little to the imagination in the best way, especially since he’s only missed 43 big chances across his past three league terms, as per Sofascore, scoring 88 times.

Havertz has his strengths, but he’s not clinical. In the Premier League this season, the German has missed 15 big chances, converting nine strikes. The 28-year-old Jesus, meanwhile, has not been available often enough to warrant Arteta’s trust as his first-choice option.

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There’s no doubt Saka is among the finest players in world football, but his game is being impeded by the absence of a partner like Gyokeres. With 20 big chances created in the Premier League this season, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has more – and having played plenty more minutes at that.

Injury pulled from Saka the chance to immortalise his name in the Premier League’s playmaking record books, but the Three Lions sensation’s electric start to the 2024/25 season remains a welcome reminder of the level of player Arsenal have on their hands.

Moreover, it’s an arresting lever Arteta wields in convincing a player of Gyokeres’ ilk that the Emirates project is the best place for him to go from strength to strength and hit the next level in his incredible journey.

Of course, any natural goalscorer would find their game enhanced alongside Arsenal’s main man, but the Sweden star is “the hottest striker in Europe,” according to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, and the partnership might just be something that fixes the issues that have plagued the north London side’s season.

Having come agonisingly close in recent years, this would be a signing to complete the craft and finally establish Arsenal as the continent’s team to beat.

It’s not over yet; Arsenal may yet find themselves fighting for the Champions League trophy after turning it around against PSG, but in any case, Gyokeres would turn a great team into an unstoppable force.

Related Their own Bruno Fernandes: Arsenal holding talks over "exciting" £66.5m ace

The creative maverick could be Arsenal’s missing piece.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

With the January transfer window just days away, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly ready to make a January offer to sign an attacking target worth over £16m next month.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

It’s not just on the pitch that Forest are likely to benefit from the job that Nuno Espirito Santo is doing, with their race towards European qualification likely to attract a plethora of impressive names in both January and the summer transfer window. On that front, clinical goalscorer Manfred Ugalde has already been linked with a 2025 move to the City Ground.

The Spartak Moscow striker has scored 15 goals in 18 league games so far this season and is undoubtedly one to watch at just 22 years old. Given that Chris Wood is not getting any younger either, welcoming an inevitable replacement would be yet another piece of transfer genius by all involved at Nottingham Forest.

Competing for shock Champions League qualification, the January transfer window could prove to be the final key to unlocking a historic season if those in the Midlands get things right. Recent reports certainly suggest that Forest and Evangelos Marinakis could be set to steal plenty of headlines come the start of next month.

According to Turkish outlet Star via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now ready to offer €20m (£16.6m) to sign Baris Alper Yilmaz in the January transfer window in a deal that would see a long-term target finally arrive.

Related Nottingham Forest and Marinakis now tracking £50m star with PSG and Bayern

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing a winger but face a transfer battle to secure his signature.

Posts 1 ByBrett Worthington

That said, Galatasaray reportedly value their winger at more than £16m to leave Nottingham Forest pondering their options and weighing up just how much they, themselves, believe Yilmaz is worth.

Of course, given that Espirito Santo already has Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga, Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa to choose from on both flanks, begging the question as to whether Forest need to splash out on Yilmaz.

Forest don't need to overpay for "important" Yilmaz

For the first time in a long time, Forest find themselves in a position of luxury in the transfer window, with a wealth of options already to choose from in pursuit of European football. And with that luxury comes the opportunity to land deals at the right price instead of paying extortionate fees at a desperate time, which should give them plenty to think about when it comes to Yilmaz.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season so far, scoring nine goals and assisting another in just 24 games in all competitions, but Forest should keep their fee within their budget and at least around their reported opening offer worth £16.6m.

If they can do that then they have the chance to land an eventual bargain, given the praise that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk sent Yilmaz’s way during Euro 2024 last summer.

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The Dutchman told reporters as relayed by GiveMeSport: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive. It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

Newcastle United have made it no secret that they are admirers of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi during the current transfer window.

With just a few days to go until the transfer window slams shut, Eddie Howe faces a race to bring the English defender north and vastly improve his squad.

Talks are ongoing between the two clubs, but could the manager perhaps sign an alternative to the Euro 2024 star for the Magpies? One that wouldn’t break the bank…

Newcastle United target move for Guehi alternative

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona could be willing to let defender Andreas Christensen go this summer, if a bid of around €30m (£26m) arrives.

It appears as though Newcastle has the Danish centre-back on their radar ahead of the final few days of the summer window, and he would certainly be a cheaper option than Guehi.

Will Howe make a move for the former Chelsea player rather than continue to haggle with Palace? As he could be a worthwhile addition to the squad.

If Christensen does move to the Premier League, he could turn out to be Howe’s very own version of Matthijs de Ligt.

Andreas Christensen’s 2023/24 season in numbers

The Dane made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan side last term, scoring twice while grabbing three assists in the process.

In La Liga, Christensen finished the season having achieved a pass success rate of 94%, along with winning 3.6 total duels per game – a success rate of 56% – losing possession only 3.6 times per game and recovering 3.6 balls per match as he enjoyed a solid campaign at the heart of the defence.

Comparing Marc Guehi and Andreas Christensen domestically last season

Metric

Guehi

Christensen

Pass success rate

87%

94%

Total duels won per game

3.6

3

Tackles per game

1.1

0.8

Possession lost per game

7.4

3.6

Interceptions per game

0.7

0.7

Accurate long balls per game

3.4

1.6

Stats via Sofascore

De Ligt made the move from Bayern Munich to join Manchester United this summer, arriving as one of the best defenders on the continent. During his spell in Germany, he won the Bundesliga title in 2022/23 after an impressive spell at Juventus prior to that.

If Howe could land his own version of the Dutch titan in Christensen, then it would help improve his backline.

According to FBref, De Ligt is the most-comparable player to the Dane in Europe’s top five leagues.

Indeed, the duo also registered similar statistics last season with regard to pass success rate (94.3% vs 93.9%), shot-creating actions per 90 (1.27 vs 0.84), percentage of aerial duels won (71.1% vs 59.4%) and tackles won (14 vs 12), showcasing their similar playing styles.

Cesc Fàbregas, his former teammate at Chelsea, lauded the defender a few years ago, saying on X: “What a player. Very underrated. He’s very shy and doesn’t make too much noise because he hardly makes mistakes.”

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This is clearly the type of character Howe will want in and around the dressing room, with his ability on the pitch bolstering the Magpies’ defence.

Of course, Guehi is the first choice for the club, but if they can’t work out a deal, then Christensen will be a solid alternative, no doubt about that.

Related Reliable journalist reveals what he’s hearing on Newcastle's £65m Guehi bid

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Posts ByHenry Jackson

There has not been a whole lot to cheer about for Chelsea fans this year, as every impressive win is seemingly followed by an embarrassing draw or defeat.

For all the money spent on new players for Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, the performances haven't improved from last season.

That said, a few youngsters have impressed thus far, with Cole Palmer being the obvious one, but there is another that people might look kinder upon at the end of the year: a player who is now worth twice as much as Christopher Nkunku.

Christopher Nkunku's valuation this season

Chelsea spent around £52m to sign Nkunku from German club RB Leipzig last season, and while the transfer was initially agreed in December 2022, he didn't join the club until the summer window.

Since arriving in West London, it would be hard to describe the Frenchman's season as anything other than a disaster, not due to his performances but his consistent and severe injury problems.

In the 26-year-old's short Blues career so far, he has suffered from four separate injuries, which have seen him miss a total of 34 games and spend 221 days on the sidelines.

This acute lack of game time has understandably hurt his valuation, with the CIES Football Observatory now pricing the former Paris Saint-Germain forward at just €40m, which is £34m, and it would probably be even less if he didn't have such an impressive campaign last year, returning 32 goal involvements in 36 games.

Nkunku's value has plunged so dramatically this year that he is now worth half as much as one of his younger teammates.

Nicolas Jackson's valuation this season

Yes, the player in question is fellow summer signing Nicolas Jackson.

Now, the former Villarreal striker has not had the easiest of transitions into English football, and he has received his fair share of stick for his myriad of impressive misses, but it hasn't been as poor a season as many might think.

In his 35 appearances so far this year, the Djibonker-born ace has scored 12 goals and provided four assists, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 2.1 games for Pochettino's malfunctioning side, which for a young player in his first campaign in England, really is not that bad, and is far from a complete disaster.

Moreover, his underlying numbers are genuinely quite impressive as well.

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According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the "extraordinary" striker, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, sits in the top 7% of forwards for non-penalty expected goals and assists, the top 10% for non-penalty expected goals, the top 14% for successful take-ons, and the top 15% for pass completion, all per 90.

Nicolas Jackson Scouting Report

Stats per 90

Percentile

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

Top 7%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

Top 10%

Successful Take-Ons

Top 14%

Pass Completion

Top 15%

Non-Penalty Goals

Top 17%

All Stats via FBref

These statistics might not make the 22-year-old a world-class number nine, but they suggest that, over time, he could develop into the striker Chelsea need and, combined with his age, have seen his valuation soar this season.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now worth around €80m, or £68m, which is twice Nkunku's valuation and £38m more than they paid for the rapid forward, which shows that the club have hit the jackpot with the Senegal international as his soaring value and performances on the pitch have been promising given the circumstances.

Related Chelsea star whose value has fallen by £64m is now worth less than Palmer

The talented Blues ace has had an underwhelming season this year.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

Ultimately, while Jackson hasn't lit the world alight this season, he also hasn't been anywhere near as poor as some may suggest, and while it might take him a couple more campaigns to fulfill his true potential, the fact that he is already worth so much money is just a nice bonus for Chelsea Football Club.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Celtic are eyeing up a Chelsea striker this month as Martin O’Neill’s side scour for a new number nine.

The Bhoys are stepping up their pursuit of January striking reinforcements, with O’Neill making a new centre-forward his absolute priority.

The Scottish giants are actively exploring a move for Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilic, with the 25-year-old Serbian international reportedly emerging as a key target (TEAMtalk).

Sources indicate Celtic are prioritising what has been described as an “ambitious” and “extremely challenging” deal for the Bundesliga forward. Ilic boasts an impressive record of 72 goals in 192 career appearances and joined Union permanently last summer from Lille.

However, securing the striker’s signature will prove difficult, with Union demanding around £9m and the player also attracting interest from Premier League side Burnley.

Union hold a strong negotiating position with Ilic contracted until 2027 (Give Me Sport). The physical 6 ft 2 striker has managed 6 assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, despite scoring just once in all competitions.

Related Celtic considering bid to sign "exceptional" star in Carter-Vickers repeat

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Celtic have also reportedly submitted a loan offer with an option to buy for Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba, according to French outlet Ouest-France (Sport Witness).

The 24-year-old Ivorian has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in 722 minutes from 16 matches this season (Sport Witness). However, serious concerns have emerged after Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni dropped Bamba from his squad for their recent Coupe de France clash due to “repeated lapses” in group discipline (GlasgowWorld).

O’Neill confirmed earlier in the week the club is “genuinely working really hard” to add players during the January window (The Scotsman).

The manager also warned Celtic could be in “serious trouble” without January reinforcements, given 22-year-old Johnny Kenny is their only fit natural striker following Kelechi Iheanacho’s recurring hamstring problems.

New targets are emerging all the time amidst the hustle and bustle of January, and reliable transfer journalist Romano has now lifted the lid on another name Celtic are looking at.

Celtic express interest in signing exit-bound Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana

Taking to X, the renowned reporter, famous for his ‘here we go’ catchphrase, says that Celtic are expressing an interest in outcast Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana.

The 23-year-old has made just four appearances for Chelsea since joining them in 2023, with Fofana spending time on loan at various clubs minus any long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast international is currently on a temporary deal at Karagümrük in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he’s scored seven goals in 14 outings across all competitions.

For a Celtic deal to happen, the loan would have to be terminated, of course, but he could find the perfect new home in Glasgow, where O’Neill is craving a striker to rescue their hopes of a Scottish Premiership crown.

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The chase is on for a clinical yet energetic forward who can bring a new dimension to the team, and Fofana possesses a lot of the traits required by O’Neill.

The former Burnley striker scored four Premier League goals over a productive loan spell at Turf Moor during the second half of 23/24, where Vincent Kompany praised his attributes as a ‘very fast’ and ‘aggressive’ centre-forward.

For Molde, Fofana bagged 24 goals in 65 appearances, and that form prompted Chelsea to seal a deal three years ago.

Scotland could be the ideal next landing spot for him, where he could have a golden opportunity to rip it up north of the border.

Related Contact made: Celtic launch move to sign African star who went to university in Middlesbrough

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Posts ByTom Cunningham

Fabrizio Romano has tipped Tottenham to sign two forwards, with chairman Daniel Levy and co making a decision on Richarlison’s future at the club.

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Spurs boss Thomas Frank has now welcomed playmaker Xavi Simons to N17 from RB Leipzig, after Spurs struck an overnight agreement for the Dutchman worth around £52 million.

After missing out on both Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in humiliating fashion, Simons’ arrival comes as a much-needed boost to inject positivity ahead of what will be an interesting last three days of the window.

The 22-year-old bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last season, despite missing a chunk of the early-campaign with ankle ligament damage.

Tottenham’s summer signings

Price tag

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard has alluded to sources in Germany claiming that Simons has attitude concerns, but this may just be paper talk, and supporters can expect a “silky” new playmaker capable of making a serious contribution in the final third.

In terms of other business that Levy, Johan Lange, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and Fabio Paratici could conduct before the September 1 cut off time, it has been widely reported that Tottenham want a new defender and a new winger too.

Spurs were in lengthy talks to sign Savinho from Man City, but must now look at alternatives as Pep Guardiola’s side adopt a firm ‘not for sale’ stance.

The Lilywhites are still actively pursuing a centre-back too, with City’s Manuel Akanji on their list of targets heading into deadline day.

Tottenham tipped to sign two forwards with Richarlison decision made

Speaking on Men in Blazers earlier this week, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that he expects Tottenham to sign two new options up front before the end of the season, with Levy and co making a call on Richarlison’s future.

It’s actually good news for Spurs supporters, because Romano expects Frank’s side to sign a forward duo on top of Richarlison – who won’t be going anywhere this summer.

The 28-year-old, after a difficult 2024/2025 marred by injury, is beginning to hit his stride just in time – with Richarlison having one eye on a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

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The former Everton star bagged a brace against Burnley, including an early goal of the season contender, and assisted Brennan Johnson for Tottenham’s opening goal in their outstanding 2-0 win at the Etihad last weekend.

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign a Premier League forward who has “blistering pace”, but a deal would amount to at least £43m, according to a report.

Blues attacking issues on display at Craven Cottage

Although the Blues were ultimately able to overturn a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, their attacking issues were once again on display prior to the late comeback.

It was a drab affair at Craven Cottage, with Enzo Maresca’s side lacking a spark and recording an xG of just 0.90 throughout the match, while Nicolas Jackson once again failed to find the back of the net prior to being replaced by youngster Tyrique George.

George scored the equalising goal to ignite the comeback, but the overall performance suggests the west Londoners may need to bolster their attacking options this summer, and they have now joined the race to sign a Premier League winger.

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Posts ByDominic Lund

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now monitoring Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, given the Sweden international’s impressive performances in the Premier League this season.

However, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Elanga, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also keeping an eye on developments ahead of the summer transfer window.

Forest have not placed the 22-year-old on the transfer list, but a bid of over €50m (£43m) would make the Tricky Trees consider a sale, although they are also weighing up the possibility of offering the former Manchester United man a new deal.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Everton (h)

April 26th

Djurgarden (a)

May 1st

Liverpool (h)

May 4th

Djurgarden (h)

May 8th

Newcastle United (a)

May 11th

Elanga making a name for himself at Forest

Like many players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the young forward struggled at Man United, picking up just four goals and four assists in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, but he has started to make a name for himself since moving to the City Ground.

In an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Forest, the right-winger amassed 14-goal contributions in the Premier League, notably scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 victory for his side at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.

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Since then, the Swede has continued to impress, with journalist Ryan Taylor left impressed by his “blistering pace” last month, which was also on display during Forest’s 1-0 victory against Man United at the start of April.

At 22, Elanga is at the right age to be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, and his performances since signing for Forest indicate he could be well worth the fee of over £43m, which could be demanded for his services.

Leeds United took advantage of Sheffield United’s 2-0 loss to Burnley earlier in the day by beating Stoke City 2-0 away from home on Boxing Day.

That win has left the Whites sat at the top of the Championship table, on goal difference, ahead of the Blades, and they can now head into the new year in first place if they win their next match.

They have only lost three of their 23 matches so far in the second tier and are on course to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, after they finished third last term.

The West Yorkshire outfit secured all three points thanks to a double from Joel Piroe, who scored either side of half-time after being selected ahead of Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford.

His first goal was a rasping effort into the top corner after initially being challenged by Viktor Johansson, and his second was a close-range header from Dan James’ perfect ball to the back post.

The former Swansea marksman has established himself as a regular starter as the team’s main number nine, and justified his inclusion once again with a brace.

Joel Piroe's form this season

In the 2023/24 campaign, the majority of his appearances for Leeds in the Championship came in an attacking midfield position, as Georginio Rutter and Bamford were preferred ahead of him as the centre-forward.

This season, however, 12 of his 13 starts have been as a striker, in his natural position, and the Dutch attacker has thrived as a result of that.

After a return of 13 goals in 45 appearances in the division last term, Piroe has already found the back of the net nine times in 23 outings this season, which shows that he is on course to beat last year’s tally.

It has not been a perfect campaign for the left-footed finisher, however, as he started the season on the bench with Joseph initially preferred ahead of him by Daniel Farke.

He made the most of his opportunities off the bench, though, and has now established himself as the go-to option for the German coach, by outperforming the Whites academy graduate at the top end of the pitch.

24/25 Championship

Mateo Joseph

Joel Piroe

Appearances

23

23

xG

3.79

6.13

Goals

2

9

Assists

3

4

Duel success rate

31%

27%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Piroe has been far more clinical than the wasteful Joseph and offered more creativity in the final third for Leeds, which is why he deserves his place in the side right now.

Joseph has won a slightly higher percentage of his duels but both players, clearly, struggle in that department, as opposition defenders find it a bit too easy to get the better of them in physical contests.

Despite Piroe’s strong form, the January transfer window is just around the corner and Farke could land an upgrade on the Dutchman by signing one of the club’s reported transfer targets.

Leeds interested in young marksman

Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported that the German tactician wants to make attacking reinforcements ahead of the second half of the season to bolster the club’s push for promotion.

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The outlet added that they are also looking at forward options in the market in the event that experienced centre-forward Patrick Bamford secures an exit from Elland Road in January.

It also revealed that the Whites are interested in signing Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Dor Turgeman and that they are weighing up whether or not to make a move for the young whiz in the winter window.

The Daily Mail added that the West Yorkshire side have had positive reports back from scouts who went to watch him in action this season, but they are still assessing their options and have other players under consideration at this moment in time.

It was previously reported that Turgeman, who Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetić described as “a beast on the pitch”, could cost a fee of around £4.1m to sign in January, yet it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are prepared to pay that price for him.

Farke must, now, push for the board to get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old marksman, who could come in as an excellent signing for the club.

Why Leeds should sign Dor Turgeman

The Whites should swoop to sign the £4.1m-rated attacker because he has the potential to come in and offer an upgrade on Piroe in the centre-forward position.

Turgeman, who has played with Manor Solomon for Israel, has enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign and could come in to offer more quality than the Dutchman at the top end of the pitch.

He has showcased his ability on the big stage with one goal, from 0.86 xG, and one ‘big chance’ created in four starts in the Europa League this term, scoring against LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad and creating the ‘big chance’ against Ajax.

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This shows that he can perform against top level opposition and, therefore, could compete at Championship level in the second tier in England.

Turgeman’s form in the Israeli Premier League, coupled with his Europa League performances, also suggests that the potential is there for him to offer more to the team than Piroe.

24/25 season

Turgeman (Israeli Premier League)

Piroe (Championship

Appearances

12

23

Goals

5

9

Big chances missed

1

3

Big chances created

6

3

Aerial duel success rate

61%

24%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, both players have found the back of the net at a similar rate, with 2.4 games per goal for Turgeman and 2.5 matches per goal for the Leeds man, whilst neither of them have spurned many ‘big chances’.

The Israel international, however, appears to have a significant advantage over Piroe from a creative perspective, with twice as many ‘big chances’ created in 11 fewer league appearances, which suggests that he could come in and provide more to his teammates in the final third.

Turgeman’s strong aerial duel success rate also indicates that the 21-year-old star would provide more of a physical presence in the centre-forward position, and that could make him more suited to the long-term ambitions of the club, as he could stand a better chance of holding his own – physically – in the Premier League.

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Therefore, the Maccabi Tel Aviv star could come in as an upgrade on Piroe by offering a similar goal threat whilst giving more to the side in the build-up and out of possession, which is why Farke must push for the club to sign him.

Aston Villa will embark on an exciting adventure when they return to the Champions League next season. It will be their first time playing amongst Europe’s elite since the competition rebranded from the European Cup in 1992. In fact, they haven’t played in the Champions League since 1982/83, having won the whole thing the season before, in 1981/82.

Villa’s pathway to qualification for the Champions League last season saw them finish fourth in the Premier League, two points clear of Tottenham Hotspur who occupied fifth and therefore the Europa League spot. In total, the Villans ended the campaign with 68 points.

However, according to Understat’s expected points tally, they hugely exceeded their expectations. In reality, instead of their 68 points, Unai Emery’s side should have got 55.43xPTS, which would have placed them seventh in the top flight instead. However, their overachievement shows just how impressive the Midlands side performed last season.

Indeed, with their Champions League adventure awaiting them next term, the Villans will need to add players to their squad who can enhance their chances of a good performance in the competition. In fact, they have recently been linked with one player who could bring plenty of European experience to their squad.

Aston Villa target Premier League striker

The player in question here is Chelsea and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku. Since returning to Stamford Bridge for £97.5m in 2021, the all-time record goalscorer for Belgium has become something of an outcast in Blue, and could now permanently leave this summer after several loan spells.

According to a report from Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, the Villans are ‘pressing hard on the Belgian striker’, and could launch a bid and leave other suitors in the dust as they look to beat competition to his signature.

Indeed, the other side showing the strongest interest in Lukaku this summer is Italian giants Napoli. However, for Gli Azzurri to do a deal this summer, Victor Osimhen must depart the club. The Nigerian striker was linked with Chelsea, but a deal to Stamford Bridge may now be off after they are set to sign Samu Omorodion from Atleti.

Should Villa nip in front of Napoli in the queue to sign Lukaku this summer, they will have to fork out a fee of £30m, assuming Chelsea ask for the same price the 2022/23 Scudetto winners were charged for the Belgian.

Why Lukaku would be a good signing

It has certainly been an interesting few years for Lukaku, who put up some impressive numbers for his second club in Italy, AS Roma. The 31-year-old Belgian scored 21 goals and grabbed four assists in 47 games in all competitions last term. He grabbed 13 goals and three assists in 32 top-flight games in Italy, as well as seven goals and an assist in 13 Europa League games.

One thing that Lukaku can bring to Villa next season if he joins the club that could be crucial is experience and goals in the Champions League. He is vastly experienced in the biggest club competition in Europe and boasts an impressive record.

Lukaku's Champions League record by season

Season

Club

Games

Minutes

Goals

Assists

2017/18

Man United

8

704

5

N/A

2018/19

Man United

9

546

2

1

2019/20

Inter

5

405

2

2

2020/21

Inter

5

446

4

N/A

2021/22

Chelsea

6

320

2

1

2022/23

Inter

8

177

3

1

Stats from Transfermarkt

The 31-year-old’s excellent goalscoring record amongst Europe’s elite is better than some legends of the game. Italian icon Francesco Totti has only scored 17 goals in the Champions League, and legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo boasts just 14 goals in 40 games.

Having played in a Champions League final, albeit ending up on the losing side, the former Inter striker could bring plenty of experience to a Villa side taking an unknown step into arguably club football's biggest competition.

Not only will he bring goals and experience in the Champions League, but the signing of the Chelsea man would mean he is the first Belgian striker to play for the club since Christian Benteke between 2012 and 2015.

The Belgian, who, like Lukaku, is something of a journeyman himself, was superb for the Villans during his time at the club. He played 101 games, getting himself on the scoresheet 49 times as well as grabbing 12 assists, before getting a big £32.5m move to Liverpool.

Benteke was a talisman for Villa, and the signing of Lukaku would certainly have shades of that prior deal, given he has an exceptional goalscoring record and could become a cult hero at Villa Park if he manages to find his best form.

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One of the only stumbling blocks for a deal to sign Lukaku for Villa this summer could be his wages. The 31-year-old is currently earning an eye-watering £325k per week at Stamford Bridge according to Capology, which would see him be the highest earner at Villa Park by some distance.

The highest-paid players in Claret and Blue currently are Boubacar Kamara and his Belgium teammate Youri Tielemans, who both earn £150k per week. The Chelsea striker currently earns £175k per week more than those, and even if he accepted a wage reduction, it could be hard to negotiate a weekly wage in line with Villa’s current wage structure.

Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley once described Lukaku as an “absolute phenomenon”, and if he can rediscover his best form, such as what he showed at Everton or during his first spell at Inter, Villa could have one of the best strikers in the Premier League on their hands.

There is no doubting Lukaku’s quality, and if he gets on a goalscoring run, Emery’s side could find themselves progressing through the Champions League thanks to one of the most exciting strikers of his generation.

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