All posts by z3u9t.icu

Mauricio Pochettino has landed the unenviable task of attempting to pinpoint Chelsea’s new striker and finding the right method to maximise their talents.

During this abysmal campaign, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz, and Joao Felix have all been deployed as the focal point – and although the latter displayed minor flashes of brilliance, watching this trio all separately play as a central striker was an unfulfilling and frustrating experience.

One name that has been floated around as the solution to this damaging problem is Lautaro Martinez, who has demonstrated is more than capable of filling this humongous void.

What’s the latest on Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea?

According to The Times, Chelsea will be rivalled by Real Madrid for the 25-year-old’s signature.

The reigning European champions are in the market for a frontman after Karim Benzema’s sudden departure to Saudi Arabia.

A previous report by the Football Insider has revealed that it will take a £70m offer to tempt the Nerazzurri to sanction his sale.

Who can Lautaro Martinez emulate at Chelsea?

The Argentine has arguably been unplayable this season – he has netted 28 times in all competitions and was the second-highest scorer in Serie A.

The 48-cap international was the protagonist of Inter’s recent trophy lift against Fiorentina, who they beat 2-1 in the Coppa Italia. Unsurprisingly, Martinez was on the scoresheet twice and has registered the highest average match rating (7.18) in the squad over the campaign, as per Sofascore.

The Milanese giants will be hoping he can replicate this spell-binding potency in the Champions League final this evening when they take on treble-chasing Manchester City in Istanbul.

If the Blues secured this audacious swoop, Martinez could repeat the tricks of the irrepressible Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman spent four years in the English capital, scoring 59 goals and registering 36 assists in 184 games, while also winning one Premier League and two FA Cups in that time.

In his first full season at Chelsea, the former Arsenal prodigy found the net 19 times, was crowned as the division's joint-top scorer, and stepped up when Drogba’s season was ravaged by injury as he only scored on five occasions.

This is similar to the current situation at the San Siro, as Martinez has netted more than fellow forwards Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, combined.

However, what Anelka and Martinez share is the ability to be the driving force of the attack, but is also able to combine and conjure up a formidable striking partnership.

For Anelka, this was shown in 2009/10, when he and Drogba recorded 61 goal involvements in the top flight as Chelsea secured the Premier League title.

Similarly, in the 2020/21 season, the World Cup winner and the aforementioned Lukaku notched the same number of goal contributions in their imperious Serie A triumph.

Described as “spectacular” by Lionel Messi, the £186k-per-week man’s versatility, his mastery of being the main source of goals or sharing the responsibility, and his experience in playing as a single or double striking force, make him an extremely attractive prospect for the west London outfit.

Arsenal are "firmly in the driving seat" to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo after "multiple conversations" with his agents, according to reports.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners, according to various reports, have earmarked the signing of a central midfielder, or even two, during the upcoming summer transfer window.

This has lead to links with Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan, Wolves star Ruben Neves and Chelsea's Mason Mount among others – but it is in the defensive midfield where Arsenal are determined.

Indeed, a plethora of targets have been mentioned, including Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, yet perhaps the top two names are West Ham United's Declan Rice and Caicedo.

The former has attracted serious interest, with a bid apparently in the pipeline and verbal agreement already being reached, according to recent claims.

It appears the Gunners are favourites for Rice as things stand, but that apparently won't stop them making a move for Caicedo either.

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal do indeed want two midfielders this summer, so their "exciting progress" on a Rice deal won't affect Caicedo's potential arrival.

On the Ecadorian, it is believed Mikel Arteta's side are "firmly in the driving seat" to sign him this summer, coming after "multiple conversations" with the player's representatives and the ability to offer Champions League football.

In a further promising piece of news from the outlet, Brighton apparently believe Arsenal will pay the £75 million fee required for Caicedo's signature. The Premier League top four side agreed personal terms with him back in January, and they apparently still stand heading into the summer.

Who is Moises Caicedo?

Having starred on the south coast under Roberto De Zerbi last season, Caicedo is currently a hot commodity.

Only Pascal Gross and Lewis Dunk were selected more in the league for Brighton, with Caicedo also averaging more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates over 22/23 (WhoScored).

South American football expert Tim Vickery is in no doubt over his quality, either, who said this on the 21-year-old before Brighton managed to sign him (BBC via Sussex Express):

“Caicedo is a terrific player. Independiente del Valle are a small club that continue to exist based on developing players in order to sell them.They do it unbelievably well, bringing in top-class Spanish youth coaches to develop their players. Caicedo made stepping into the first team at his club and with his national team look like a breeze in 2020.“He’s a box-to-box midfielder, a terrific athlete who is cool in possession. He’s not a wizard, not a glamorous player but he’s got so much to offer.”

Chelsea have been poor this campaign and will be desperate for the close of play to arrive so they can focus on what is set to be a busy summer ahead at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues will take on Newcastle United on Sunday at home in the Premier League before taking a break to regroup before 2023/24. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to take the reins in SW6 in the off-season following a lengthy manager search by the Blues' hierarchy.

Sizing up potential transfer incomings and outgoings will be a key task for the Argentine upon arrival and Chelsea have been linked with some high-profile players as they eye another spending spree under Todd Boehly.

The Guardian report that Pochettino has earmarked Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a target for his rebuild in west London as he looks to add an elite forward to the Chelsea attack to lead from the front next term.

What's the latest transfer news involving Victor Osimhen and why is he so effective?

As cited by The Guardian, Osimhen is indeed 'on the radar' at Stamford Bridge; however, it is believed that it would take a 'huge fee' to entice the Nigeria international away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Ben Jacobs has echoed the sentiment that Chelsea pulling off a deal to sign Osimhen will be 'difficult' to do.

Jacobs told FFC: "I think that alongside Vlahovic, for Chelsea, Victor Osimhen remains a target and player that they hugely admire, but everybody chasing Victor Osimhen is well aware of how difficult that deal is to pull off. People forget sometimes what Napoli paid, which was €80 million all in, including bonuses and the valuation put on players that were also part of the deal to Lille, but the all in number is €80 million when everything is included. As a consequence, with the form that Osimhen is on and the level of interest when Napoli are asking for a fee well in excess of £100 million, that isn't because they're being greedy, it's because they are aware that Osimhen has significantly improved in value since they signed him. Because the fee that they paid to Lille was so hefty, it's obvious that, if possible, they would like something close to double what they paid and that's where this approximate number of €150 million comes from."

It is no surprise that interest in Osimhen is strong from Chelsea, as the 24-year-old has registered 28 goals and five assists in 37 appearances this term across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has likened the £91k-a-week earner to Didier Drogba in a recent interview with Sky Sports via METRO, saying: "I see a lot of similarities but it’s unfair to compare players from different eras. They both play with a lot of physicality and they are both very good with scoring, taking their opportunities. He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders."

Bringing in Osimhen would be a real coup for Chelsea and there is an argument to say that he would be the best signing of Blues' co-owner Boehly's era so far. According to WhoScored, the frontman has averaged 4.2 shots per match in Serie A this campaign, demonstrating his ability to constantly trouble opposition backlines.

FBRef also show that the Nigerian has been among the elite forwards in Europe's top five divisions and has fared well in regard to his positional peers in the art of non-penalty goals in the last 365 days, averaging 0.85 per 90 minutes, putting Osimhen in the second percentile for this metric.

As per Tuttonapoli via GOAL, ex-Roma forward Ciccio Graziani has praised Osimhen's qualities as a striker, stating: “He's the top scorer in Serie A, he scores goals in every game. Maybe it won't be beautiful to see but he's effective. The highest performance in the entire league and it's the one that affects the most, so for me, he's my player in Serie A at the moment."

In a time of need for Chelsea, bringing Osimhen to Stamford Bridge would be the perfect tonic for the Blues to get back to challenging for major silverware in 2023/24.

James Maddison is thought to be interested in joining Newcastle United this season with Leicester City on the verge of being relegated.

The 2016 Premier League champions need Everton to drop points on Sunday otherwise they will be relegated from the top flight for the first time since returning in 2015. If they are relegated this weekend, it may make it simpler for Maddison to secure a summer switch to St. James' Park.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to the Shields Gazette, Leicester value Maddison at £50million, although the midfielder only has just over one year remaining on his contract.

Newcastle have had two bids for Maddison rejected in the past, but if the Foxes are unable to remain in the top flight, he may be available at a discounted price point.

Maddison is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle and has already spoken to Kieran Trippier on international duty about playing for the Magpies. Callum Wilson also discussed the club with Maddison while they were at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has been open about his admiration for the Leicester playmaker, saying:

“I have full respect for him and his abilities. I have seen him grow from a Football League player to a Premier League player. He’s been brilliant.

"He has been a great advert for the Premier League, but he’s a Leicester City player – and I fully respect that. I’d never talk about another contracted player coming here. But he’s a player I do respect."

How many goals and assists has Maddison got this season?

It's no surprise clubs are interested in Maddison. Despite the lack of quality around him at the King Power Stadium this season, Maddison has still managed ten goals and nine assists, an extremely impressive return for a team in the relegation zone this late in the season.

With the quality already at Newcastle in the final third such as Wilson and Alexander Isak, who have netted combined 28 goals in the league this season, Maddison could thrive if he made the switch to St. James' Park, where he would play for a Champions League side and at 26, you could say he is reaching his prime as a midfielder.

The England international is one of the best creators in the Premier League, ranking eighth for chances created this season, so appears ready for a big move, and it looks as if that could be north to turn out for the Magpies.

West Ham United are reportedly keeping tabs on Red Bull Salzburg starlet Junior Adamu, with the striker also attracting attention from across Europe.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Mail, the Hammers have entered the race for the Austria international and are said to be ‘monitoring developments’ with regards to the 20-year-old’s future at his current side.

The report suggests that the Nigeria-born marksman is attracting interest from the likes of Ajax, RB Leipzig and Premier League outfit Southampton, with his reported £12m fee seemingly an enticing prospect for those potential suitors.

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As for David Moyes’ side, the club are still on the lookout for a new forward addition, with Michail Antonio still the only recognised, senior centre-forward in the squad, having missed out on Benfica’s Darwin Nunez in January.

Next Haaland?

Adamu, who has been described by journalist Gimba Kakanda as a “low-key” talent, may not quite be the household name that Irons’ supporters are chasing, although he has already showcased his promise after an impressive last few seasons.

A brief loan stint at Swiss outfit FC St.Gallen saw the young starlet net six league goals in just 14 games during the tail end of the 2020/21 season, before he followed that up with an impressive nine goals in all competitions in the most recent campaign after returning to his parent club.

That tally included a shock opener in a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16, first-leg tie in Salzburg, in what was the hosts’ first-ever knockout tie in the competition.

That image of a young striker impressing at the elite level for the Austrian outfit stirs memories of a certain Erling Haaland, the Norwegian menace having burst onto the scene at the club, notably netting eight goals in his first five group stage appearances in the competition during the 2019/20 campaign.

A move to Borussia Dortmund soon followed, although after scoring 86 goals in just 89 games for the Bundesliga side, the 21-year-old has since been plucked by Manchester City, with the £135m-rated gem having arguably been the most coveted player in Europe, alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.

Like Adamu – who previously spent two-and-a-half seasons as a teenager at second-tier outfit FC Liefering – Haaland also rose from obscurity at the likes of Byrne and Molde back in Norway, with the duo potentially mirrored in their carefully plotted career paths.

Although Adamu has yet to hit anywhere close to the heights of the new City addition, his explosive form this term has showcased just what a potential talent he could become in the coming years, with the east Londoners set to have a real bargain on their hands if a deal can be struck.

Dubbed a “jewel” by Varsky Sports, the £1.1k-per-week prospect appears to have an incredibly high ceiling, much like that of Haaland, with Moyes and co set to relish the chance to nurture and improve him over the coming years.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Brenden Aaronson.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that Leeds are closing in on a £28m deal for the RB Salzburg attacking midfielder, with the Whites having already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old ahead of a proposed summer switch.

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In his post, the transfer insider said: “Leeds are closing on Brenden Aaronson deal, here we go soon. Full agreement reached with RB Salzburg and paperwork to be prepared soon, deal worth £28m as reported yesterday. Aaronson has already agreed personal terms with Leeds as he wanted Premier League move.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a prospect Aaronson quite clearly is, the news that Victor Orta looks to be closing in on a deal for the USA international is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £18m-rated talent played a key role in Salzburg’s title-winning campaign over his 26 Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring four goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

The £19k-per-week forward also impressed over his eight Champions League outings, registering two assists, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per match, while his 27.23 pressures per 90 also ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues over the last 365 days.

As such, with Leeds in rather desperate need of greater creativity and attacking impetus from midfield if they are to improve on their disappointing 17th place finish next time out, it would very much appear as if a player of Aaronson’s skillset would make a fantastic addition to Jesse Marsch’s current options in the position – not to mention a player who represents a huge upgrade on Tyler Roberts.

AND in other news: Orta must brutally axe “pathetic” £50k-p/w Leeds flop, he’s “papering over the cracks”

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been dealt a big blow as early SFA Cup injury news has emerged on the Glasgow giants’ opponents…

What’s the talk?

Robbie Neilson has revealed that soon-to-be Gers defender John Souttar and Craig Halkett will both be available for selection on Saturday.

Van Bronckhorst’s men come up against Hearts in the final of the Scottish Cup this weekend and both players are poised to be involved.

When asked if they will be in contention to play, he told STV: “Yeah, 100 per cent. We’ve got a bounce game here on Tuesday.

“They’ll get some game time in that and then we’ll make a decision after that.”

Supporters will be frustrated

The Ibrox faithful will be frustrated by this news as Halkett and Souttar being fit comes as a blow to van Bronckhorst’s side, as both of them being out would have increased the Gers’ chances of winning the trophy.

Rangers know all about Souttar as he is a player who has agreed to move to the club at the end of the campaign on a free transfer. Ironically, his last match for Hearts will be against the team he is moving to, which will make for an interesting subplot on the day if he turns in a less-than-impressive display.

The Scotland international seems unlikely to do that, though, as he has been in terrific form throughout the season for the Jambos. In the Premiership, he has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.30 across 27 appearances, winning a whopping 71% of his duels.

Halkett is also a defender who will be familiar to Gers supporters as he came up through the youth ranks at Ibrox. He has made a name for himself at Hearts and performed well alongside Souttar – averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.14 across 28 matches in the division.

These statistics prove that both players have been in fine form for the club in the league this season. They have both consistently put in quality displays at the back and have proven that they are able to compete at the top end of the table in the Scottish top-flight, with Souttar doing enough to earn a switch to the Glasgow giants, and that is why their involvement is a big blow for the Gers.

Rangers supporters will be frustrated that both of them appear set to play in the game and will be hoping that the players with connections to the club do not end up costing them a trophy on Saturday.

AND in other news, Wilson plotting Rangers bid for “top notch” 16 G/A “master”, GVB needs him badly…

Frank Lampard has been working hard to keep Everton in the Premier League next season with a relegation battle going right down to the wire and to add to the relegation worries a new transfer threat has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing not one but three Everton players this summer with Richarlison, Ben Godfrey and Anthony Gordon on Antonio Conte’s summer wish list.

Since the Toffees picked their form off the floor in the last few weeks these three players, in particular, have caught the eye of the London club, and the report suggests that Spurs are watching the developments of Everton’s end of season outcome closely.

Supporters will be furious

There is no doubt that these three players play important roles in the team and have been three of the most influential in keeping Everton’s chances of survival alive, so the prospect of them leaving will leave supporters furious if it did go ahead this summer.

Richarlison has been linked with securing a new challenge at another club for months now, so it will come as no shock that Spurs have thrown their hat into the ring for the Brazilian goal machine. However, they will need to compete with the likes of Manchester United who have also shown interest.

Gordon would be a huge blow for Evertonians as the youngster is a boyhood Blue, which means a move away would be devastating for supporters of the club as if the current season hadn’t been disappointing enough.

Out of all three of these players Gordon has been by far the most consistent and hard-working player in the team this term and the position of the club bears no reflection on the performances of the young winger who in terms of form, has had his best season yet at Goodison Park.

The 21-year-old has bagged himself four goals and two assists but it is his all-round play that has been an absolute nuisance for opponents to mark and tackle in the Premier League this season.

Gordon has created 30 chances, successfully made 52 tackles and 21 interceptions for Everton and has won the majority of his 326 duels (50.3%) which shows how effective he is in making his presence known in the team. At such a young age to dominate your position with such strength is something the Toffees cannot afford to lose under any circumstances.

Ultimately, the future of all three of the players Tottenham Hotspur have their eye on currently will not be sealed until the end of the season when Everton will either drop into the Championship or remain in the Premier League.

If Lampard can keep his side in top-flight football we’re sure he will do his best to hold onto them.

AND in other news: Everton can finally axe “poor” £68k-p/w dud by signing 22 y/o with “huge potential”

Leeds United have been dealt a fresh setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Arsenal this Sunday.

What’s the latest?

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday afternoon (via the Evening Standard), Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben White, who missed the fixture due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-1 win over Manchester United a week prior, could be in line to make a return to action against Leeds this weekend – with the centre-back’s predicted return date being May 8.

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Regarding the defender’s absence against the Hammers, the Arsenal manager said: “Ben got injured against Manchester United, he felt a muscular problem and we checked him, and we will have to assess him in the next few days to see how he is.”

Marsch will be livid

Considering Leeds’ mounting injury concerns of their own – with Stuart Dallas being ruled out for the season after fracturing his kneecap in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, as well as Liam Cooper missing the game after sustaining his own knee injury in the warmup to the fixture – the news that Arsenal could be boosted by the return of White ahead of Sunday’s clash is sure to have left Jesse Marsch livid.

Indeed, following his £50m move to The Emirates last summer, the 24-year-old has highly impressed over his 31 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 4.4 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per game.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week defender average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Arteta’s joint tenth-best player in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is clear to see just how important a player the £36m-rated England international is within the Arsenal defence, with the former Leeds loanee’s potential return ahead of Sunday’s meeting sure to come as a huge blow to the Whites’ chances of leaving north London with all three points.

And, following Everton’s 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend – a result that saw the 18th placed Toffees climb to within two points of Leeds – Marsch’s side will be looking for any marginal gains they could possibly take advantage of ahead of their trip to the capital, something which White’s potential return is certainly not.

AND in other news: Huge update emerges on big-money summer deal, Leeds supporters will be devastated

Rangers delayed their rivals’ title party as they held their opponents to a 1-1 draw away from home in the Premiership on Sunday.

The Gers came from behind to secure a draw to prevent the Hoops from celebrating their league triumph on derby day.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s side found themselves 1-0 down at half-time after a strike from Jota put the hosts in front and they were lucky to only be one goal behind as Celtic missed a number of chances to make it 2-0 and potentially 3-0.

They rode their luck and eventually found the equaliser through Fashion Sakala as the Zambia international brilliantly fired the ball past Joe Hart after good build-up play from Scott Wright and Ryan Kent. The striker also came close to a winner as he struck the post late on after a quick break through the middle of the pitch.

Whilst the 2021 signing scored the goal to rescue a point for the Gers, the real Old Firm hero for Rangers was central midfielder John Lundstram.

The former Sheffield United man was absolutely phenomenal in the middle of the park as he bossed the majority of the game for van Bronckhorst. He was excellent on and off the ball as he put in a fine display that will have supporters excited to see him in derby action again next season.

In possession, he was a reliable outlet for the team. As per SofaScore, he completed 89% of his attempted passes and only gave possession away nine times from a whopping 74 touches of the ball. He was also successful with all eight of his long pass attempts and created one chance, as he showed his quality and range of passing with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, he was a monster for Rangers. As per SofaScore, he won 77% (7/9) of his individual duels as he dominated the opposition throughout the match. He also made four tackles, three interceptions and two clearances to continually cut out Celtic attacks in midfield to put the Gers on the front foot.

With these statistics in mind, Lundstram was the real hero for Rangers – not Sakala – as he made an impact at both ends of the pitch and was sublime.

Hopefully, he can carry his form into next Thursday’s Europa League clash with RB Leipzig in what is poised to be an electric night under the lights at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Wilson must reignite Rangers swoop for “impressive” 28 G/A flier, GvB needs him…