Wolverhampton Wanderers know they will enter the 2025/26 season without the services of Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian is set to join Manchester United in a deal worth £62.5m in the coming weeks and this will leave the Old Gold short in the attacking department.

Cunha was arguably the reason why Wolves remained in the Premier League last season. All good things must come to an end, however, and Vitor Pereira will now be looking to replace the former Atlético Madrid man when the transfer window opens.

Matheus Cunha's Wolves record

Cunha was the club’s biggest attacking threat last season. Not only did he top the scoring charts with 17 goals, while finishing second in the squad for assists with six in all competitions.

Indeed, Cunha registered the most goal involvements (21) in the squad during the Premier League, while also ranking first for big chances created (13), key passes per game (1.8) and successful dribbles per game (1.8).

Matheus Cunha’s Wolves’ statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

36

17

6

2023/24

36

14

8

2022/23

20

2

1

Via Transfermarkt

If it weren’t for his contributions in the final third, Wolves might have found themselves in graver danger towards the end of the season, that’s for sure.

Now the onus is on Pereira to find a suitable replacement for the Brazilian talisman. One who can hit the ground running at Molineux at the start of next season.

Could the manager target a player from a fellow Premier League club?

Wolves could land Premier League star as Cunha replacement

Last week, Birmingham World claimed that the Old Gold were considering making a move for James McAtee of Manchester City this summer.

A fee of around £25m appears to be what Pep Guardiola is set to demand for the youngster. Given that Pereira will have money to play with upon Cunha’s sale, this shouldn’t be a problem.

McAtee has already made 48 Premier League appearances throughout his embryonic career, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists.

Despite playing 27 times last term, only nine of these came in the starting XI. If McAtee wishes to fulfill his potential, moving to a club like Wolves will allow him to play every week.

Hailed as a “special player” by Guardiola, the Englishman would certainly offer something extra to the Wolves side next term.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, McAtee ranks in the top 1% for goals (0.78) and the top 6% for total shots (3.53) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

If given chances, he will certainly score plenty of goals for Wolves. Furthermore, he also created two big chances and had a goal conversion percentage of 25% in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.

This was despite averaging just 24 minutes per game for City. He might not be at the same level as Cunha just yet, but the English talent certainly has the tools required to eventually get there one day.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Pereira will need to act swiftly, as there are a few other teams also seeking a move for the City starlet this summer.

Related Offer made: Wolves submit bid for £42m star who "never puts a foot wrong"

The Old Gold have now made a move for a defender.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

Throughout the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Arne Slot has utilised a strong core of players to help his Liverpool side claim the Premier League title.

The Reds have to ensure that work is done over the summer to bolster the squad and ensure that he has enough depth to mount another charge for top spot.

It was unthinkable that the Dutchman would be able to achieve such a feat during his debut campaign at the helm, especially after taking over from fan favourite Jürgen Klopp.

However, next season presents a whole new prospect, going from the hunters to the hunted, with the former Feyenoord boss setting the bar as to what’s expected during his spell in charge.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the best chance of retaining their crown.

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

Left-back Milos Kerkez has been on their radar over the last couple of months, with the Hungarian enjoying a season to remember in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

It’s been confirmed in recent days that talks are progressing for the 21-year-old star who could be available for around the £45m mark during the off-season.

However, the defender isn’t the only player in England’s top-flight that’s caught the hierarchy’s attention, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro a target, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist confirmed that the Reds are big admirers of the 23-year-old forward after notching ten goals and six assists in just 27 games for the Seagulls.

He also stated that the Brazilian is seen as a potential replacement for Darwin Núñez, who’s been linked with a move away from Anfield, but any transfer could set them back around £60m.

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

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been a key component to Liverpool’s success this campaign, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The Argentinian international has featured in 35 of the 37 league outings to date, having a huge impact in attacking areas – as seen by his tally of five goals and five assists.

However, he’s also starred without the ball, winning 61% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 5.9 duels won per 90 – offering Slot the perfect box-to-box option in his midfield.

Such performances have led to calls for him to be included in the division’s Team of the Season, highlighting the impact he’s had in the Reds’ title triumph.

His £35m deal from Brighton in the summer of 2023 now appears to be a bargain, with Slot having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with Pedro this summer.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by one analyst, has been a key reason in the success endured under Fabian Hürzeler this campaign, able to transfer such a skillset to Anfield.

His underlying stats highlight how impressive he’s been at the AMEX, registering 2.2 shots per 90, with one of which per game directed on target – handing the manager the added attacking presence he desires.

Games played

27

Goals scored

10

Assists

6

Pass accuracy

75%

Shots taken

2.2

Shots on target per 90

1

Chances created

1.4

Dribbles completed

1.4

Aerials won

1.9

The Brazilian also managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, along with 1.4 chances created per 90, offering other attacking players around him the chance to thrive.

Pedro’s talents don’t stop there, completing 1.4 dribbles per 90 and winning 1.9 aerial duels per 90, with his all-round talents aiding the club in their quest to retain the title in 2025/26.

£60m may seem a hefty fee for the striker, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League – subsequently not needing to adapt to the demands it presents.

Should he get close to the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside in recent months, it would be yet another super deal and one that could be a key factor in any future success.

Slot's own Firmino: Liverpool in talks for "monster" £84m Isak alternative

Liverpool could land a star who could replicate the talents of Roberto Firmino at Anfield.

ByEthan Lamb May 21, 2025

While it failed to culminate in any silverware, this season wasn’t all doom and gloom for Arsenal.

For example, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly broke into the first team, with the latter establishing himself as a regular starter and now a full-fledged England star.

Moreover, despite missing almost four months of action, Bukayo Saka once again proved he’s a world-class attacker by racking up a haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Appearances (Starts)

37 (30)

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

Yet, it’s impossible to overlook that, in the end, a lack of invention in the final third prevented the team from winning anything, so it’s a good thing that reports have now linked Arsenal to someone compared to Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal transfer news

With Arsenal creating just the seventh-highest expected goals figure in the Premier League this season, per FBref, it’s easy to understand why there has been such an emphasis on the club signing players capable of both scoring and creating more goals in recent weeks.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been one name linked with the club, as has Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, although a player touted more heavily for a move to the Emirates than both this summer has been Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid star scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 51 games for Los Blancos this term.

However, with a price tag of at least £84m and murmurs that he does not want to leave the Spanish capital, the North Londoners may be forced to sign another attacking talent from the Santiago Bernabéu, a talent who’s won comparisons to the Brazilian.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arteta has asked Arsenal to inquire about Brahim Diaz, who he believes could thrive at the Emirates.

Moreover, the story has revealed that the North Londoners are now willing to make an offer of €50m for the Moroccan international, about £42m, despite Xabi Alonso wanting to keep him in Spain.

It might not be a straightforward transfer to get over the line, but Diaz is undeniably talented, and as he’s already won comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo, he could be just what Arsenal need.

How Diaz compares to Saka & Rodrygo

Now, there are a number of reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Diaz this summer, but before getting to them, it’s important to address these comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo and where they come from, for that matter.

Well, in both cases, the comparisons stem from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it concluded that the Brazilian international was the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Morccan star, while the Englishman came in as the seventh most similar.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.48

0.48

Goals per Shot

0.20

0.20

Passing Accuracy

84.8%

85.1%

Live Passes

45.7

44.3

Tackles Won

1.11

1.13

Successful Take-On %

56.5%

58.1%

Carries

42.0

41.3

The best way to see how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players ranked closely, which, for the case of his Real Madrid teammate, included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot, passing accuracy, carries, tackles won and more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ own number seven, the metrics that overlapped with the former Manchester City gem included things like shots on target, goal-creating actions, key passes, passes into the penalty area, non-penalty expected goals and more, also per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.28

0.34

Shots on Target

1.31

1.42

Key Passes

1.11

1.19

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.30

1.19

Goal-Creating Actions

0.80

0.83

Miscontrols

2.04

2.02

Usually, being so statistically similar to two of the most exciting wingers in the modern game would be reason enough to sign someone, but away from these comparisons, there are other reasons the North Londoners should be looking to recruit the Málaga-born maestro this summer, such as his versatility.

For example, while the 25-year-old does tend to play out on the right at the moment, his most played position across his entire career is attacking midfield, but even then, he’s also capable of playing off the left and has spent time as a second striker and up top to boot.

Moreover, while he has mainly been kept to substitute appearances in Spain, he’s got the ability to do something seriously special, with former professional turned pundit Owen Hargreaves describing a goal he scored in the Champions League last season as “Messi-esque.”

However, Hargreaves doesn’t limit the comparison to strictly that goal, pointing out that it’s his “low centre of gravity” and “way he can dribble”, which also makes the 5 foot 7 magician similar to the Argentine legend.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more quality to their attacking and midfield options this summer, and while he might not be the biggest of names, Diaz is undeniably talented and could add that extra spark the team need.

Dream Gyokeres alternative: £40m striker now wants to sign for Arsenal

The free-scoring forward could be the missing piece for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

Chelsea have certainly ruffled the feathers of England’s top clubs over recent seasons, with their outlandish spending and recruitment capturing the headlines.

Huge money being spent in the modern game is no surprise, but very few have matched the Blues’ levels of around £1.3b in the last three years alone, which would surely raise questions about their PSR standing, right?

Well, actually no, as Enzo Maresca’s side currently sit in the best position out of any side in the Premier League at present, sitting £300m in the green, after sales of their women’s team and other assets in and around Stamford Bridge.

There’s no denying the loopholes surrounding the current regulations are there for all to see, but no team has quite taken advantage quite like the Blues – enabling them to continue their heavy spending this summer.

With three deals completed since the window opened less than 10 days ago, that would make a solid summer market for many teams in the division – but not Chelsea – with plenty more names still in the mix for a move to the Bridge this summer.

Chelsea’s pursuit to make more signings this summer

After a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League, many sides would be content with limited business, but not Maresca’s men, leading to various areas of the pitch subject to investment this summer.

Hugo Ekitiké has been a name mentioned within the attacking department, with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Fermin Lopez targeted and reinforcements in the middle of the park.

However, the backline hasn’t been forgotten about, with centre-back Ousmane Diomande once again on their radar after previous interest this summer, according to O Jogo via CaughtOffside.

The report claimed that the 21-year-old is seen as an immediate and long-term acquisition at the heart of the backline, but face tough competition from Arsenal for his signature.

It also states that the Sporting CP youngster also has a €80m (£67m) release clause in his deal, but doesn’t mention if they would be open to negotiating a deal for a cheaper price.

Why Diomande would be a better signing than Guehi for Chelsea

Marc Guehi is a centre-back who has been a leading option in the Premier League, leading to multiple England call-ups, even featuring in the Euros final back in 2024.

The 24-year-old has also enjoyed a season to remember for Crystal Palace, leading the Eagles to their first major trophy in their history, beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley – securing Europa League football for 2025/26.

He could’ve been plying his trade at Stamford Bridge to this day, but they prematurely offloaded him to the Eagles back in 2021 for a fee in the region of £18m.

However, the Blues have been firmly in the race to land him this summer, leading to continuous rumours over the England international’s future, especially considering he’s set to enter his final 12 months of his current deal.

Despite the interest in the Cobham academy graduate, they should look to steer clear of a reunion and prioritise a move for Diomande, who’s been labelled a “hybrid” of Arsenal centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba by analyst Ben Mattinson.

The pair have often been the leading pair in England’s top flight over recent seasons, helping the Gunners concede just 34 times in 38 matches – the lowest in the division – highlighting how big of a compliment Diomande has received from Mattinson.

When comparing his stats to those of Guehi, he’s outperformed him in key areas, including passes completed and progressive passes made – handing Maresca an added ball-playing option from the back.

Games played

31

34

Pass accuracy

94%

83%

% of tackles won

79%

66%

Interceptions made

1.2

0.8

Recoveries made

5.1

4.2

Aerials won

67%

54%

Progressive passes

3.9

2.9

He’s also managed to dominate defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more interceptions – potentially bolstering the defensive department and replicating the success of local rivals Arsenal in such a department.

Whilst a reunion with the Englishman would be a dream for numerous supporters, the club desperately need to look past Guehi in favour of a move for Diomande.

The Ivorian is a younger prospect with a much higher ceiling, potentially blossoming into one of Europe’s leading stars over the next couple of years should he make the jump to West London.

Better than Sarr: Chelsea in contact for "one of the best young talents"

Chelsea are looking to improve their defence this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 10, 2025

Aston Villa have now made contact over a deal for a defender, whose recent performances have attracted the attention of some top clubs, according to a report.

Aston Villa eyeing bargain signings amid PSR concerns

PSR has been a thorn in Villa’s side for quite some time now, having previously been forced to cash-in on the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran to raise funds, and having missed out on the Champions League in controversial fashion, NSWE may have to make sales this summer.

After the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, there are now doubts over the futures of Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez and Marco Asensio, with Manchester City being named as potential suitors for the former in the past.

Martinez also looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, with Atletico Madrid recently entering the race for the Argentina international, alongside Manchester United, although it is unclear whether a move to Old Trafford would be of great appeal after their Europa League final defeat.

Better than Rashford: Aston Villa exploring move for "special" £58m star

It’s set to be a busy summer at Aston Villa, so could they sign a “special player” from a Premier League rival for £58m instead of Marcus Rashford?

By
Ben Gray

May 30, 2025

Amid PSR concerns, it could be a wise idea for Aston Villa and NSWE to make some low-cost additions to the squad this summer, and they have now made contact over a deal for Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola, according to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Owing to some of his recent performances, Coppola is now attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford also being named as potential suitors.

A deal could be on the relatively cheap side too, with the Serie A side expected to receive offers of around €10m – €15m (£8m – £13m) in the coming weeks.

"No-nonsense" Coppola impressing in Italy

The Hellas Verona defender is only 21-years-old, but he has already solidified his place as a regular starter for the Italian side, making 34 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he impressed considerably.

Indeed, the Italian centre-back showcased his defensive quality on a regular basis, perhaps most notably ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic	Average per 90
Aerials won	4.09 (98th percentile)
Interceptions	2.21 (99th percentile)
Tackles	2.03 (85th percentile)

Not only that, but the “no-nonsense CB”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also proved himself to be an attacking threat, scoring with a towering header in his side’s 3-2 victory over Parma back in December.

Coppola has proven he could now be ready to take the next step in his career, and he could be a fantastic low-cost addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have kickstarted their transfer plans after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs went public with their decision to appoint the 51-year-old on Thursday evening after days of talks, with Frank swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for north London in what is his most high-profile job to date.

Related Tottenham may be offered "quick" £26m defender in Radu Dragusin swap deal

Spurs apparently agreed a deal for him in January.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Frank is tasked with maintaining the momentum garnered from Spurs’ historic night in Bilbao last month, when Postecoglou guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man United in the Europa League final.

Now that the Dane is confirmed as Tottenham’s choice to succeed Postecoglou, it is believed the tactician is already starting to have a say in the Lilywhites’ transfer activity ahead of his first full season in charge of a Premier League ‘big six’ side.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank has personally recommended Eberechi Eze to the Spurs hierarchy, according to GiveMeSport, and Sky Sports shared on Friday that they could inflict more misery on United by hijacking their move for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford star was a key member of Frank’s squad last season, racking up 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and Sky claim that Mbeumo has suddenly become more intrigued by the prospect of a London move after his manager’s arrival at Tottenham.

Initial talks have also been held with Frank’s former side, so this move could now be one to watch.

The Cameroon international would be a stellar addition for Frank, and Tottenham are rumoured to be targeting a new winger to accompany Mathys Tel.

Frank wants to keep Tel at Spurs, according to TEAMtalk this week, with the Frenchman’s loan deal from Bayern Munich including a £45 million option to buy. Chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate a lower price tag after a mixed first six months at the club (Sport Bild), and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has now confirmed they’re currently in discussions.

Max Eberl confirms Tottenham talks over Mathys Tel

Speaking publicly, via Abendzeitung München and Sport Witness, Eberl admitted that talks are ongoing with Tottenham over Tel’s transfer.

“Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to,” he said.

“We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out.”

The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist during his first 20 games as a Tottenham player, but former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is on record tipping Tel for a very bright future.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day. I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season,” Nagelsmann told reporters in 2022.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”

Chelsea can officially start to make moves during the summer transfer window after it opened for business on Sunday, and that includes exits as well as incomings.

Towards the end of last month, the Daily Mail reported that Crystal Palace could make a move to bring Trevoh Chalobah back to Selhurst Park, after they qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Blues would be willing to part ways with the academy graduate, whom they recalled in January, but they were willing to send him out on loan to Palace last summer.

Chalobah started the Conference League final against Real Betis, but was also an unused substitute in the last two Premier League games as Chelsea chased a top-five finish.

Chelsea eyeing deal for new centre-back

The 25-year-old defender, whose sale would represent pure profit for the Blues as a homegrown player, could find himself on his way out of Stamford Bridge amid talk that the club are interested in bringing another centre-back to the club.

He is already behind Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Wesley Fofana, when available, which suggests that the addition of another player in that position could send him too far down the pecking order.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With a move for Liam Delap all but sewn up, now according to The Guardian, Chelsea are ‘considering’ a swoop to sign England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Blues are eyeing up a deal for the English centre-back, who is ‘widely expected’ to move on from Selhurst Park ahead of next season.

The Guardian recently reported that Palace value Guehi at a fee of around £65m, although it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea would be willing to pay that much for their former defender.

Why Chelsea should sign Marc Guehi

The Conference League champions should swoop to sign the £65m-rated England international this summer because he would arrive as a big upgrade on Trevoh Chalobah, due to the defensive qualities that the former Cobham star can bring to the side.

Guehi, who has previously been hailed as “unbelievable” by podcast host Aaron Moniz, is a proven Premier League performer who has been there and done it and could hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.

As a former academy graduate, he would also not need much time to adapt to life at Cobham and with some of the players with whom he would already be familiar, like the captain Reece James, which could work in his favour.

Appearances

34

25

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

2.4

Clearances per game

4.6

4.2

Blocks per game

0.2

0.1

Duels won per game

4.9

4.2

Duel success rate

59%

59%

As you can see in the table above, Guehi’s performances in the Premier League this season also suggest that he would be a big upgrade on Chalobah as an out-and-out defender.

Whilst the individual statistics may not show a big difference, with only 0.4 more clearances per game or 0.2 more tackles and interceptions per game, it is the fact that he is ahead of the Chelsea defender in every category that stands out.

This means that Guehi could come in and offer more to Enzo Maresca’s side as a centre-back in every aspect of defending, from winning duels, to making blocks, to being in the right place at the right time to make vital clearances.

He is also less prone to making mistakes. Chalobah made two errors that led to goals in the Premier League, whilst Guehi did not make a single error that led directly to a goal, which suggests that the Palace star would be more reliable at the heart of the defence.

Big Sancho upgrade: Chelsea step up move for 'one of the world's best'

Chelsea could be ready to land an upgrade on Jadon Sancho this summer

1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 1, 2025

Therefore, Chelsea should press ahead with a deal to sign the £65m-rated English star this summer because he could come in as a big upgrade on Chalobah to improve Maresca’s defence next season.

Will Chelsea spend big again this summer?

Since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago, the Blues have signed over 35 senior first-team players for in excess of £1bn, but are showing no signs of slowing down.

The Blues have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m, meaning he will be eligible to feature at the Club World Cup, with Enzo Maresca’s side kicking off their campaign against LAFC next Monday.

Before that match in Atlanta, could Chelsea sign another young attacker?

Chelsea's search for a new wide-attacker

BlueCo are incredibly busy trying to improve the squad before the Club World Cup gets underway with Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Yet, he’s not the only player who could arrive before Chelsea’s American adventure.

According to a report by RMC Sport, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens on a whopping seven-year contract.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

This comes after David Ornstein of the Athletic reported that the Blues have submitted an official bid, although Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland claims that Chelsea’s initial bid of €29.5m was “rejected”, with die Schwarzgelben “demanding” closer to £51m.

Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian has previously documented that adding a ‘right-footed left-winger’ to their squad, having previously assessed Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho, but Gittens has emerged as the first-choice target.

So, it appears to be just a matter of time until this deal gets done, although they only have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday to finalise the transfer, if Gittens is going to feature at the Club World Cup.

How Jamie Gittens could unleash Liam Delap

Neel Shelat of Total Football Analysis outlines how Delap has all the attributes to be a top-class penalty box poacher, so why would Gittens’ arrival be the dream signing for him?

Well, Felix Johnston describes the 20-year-old winger as “electric”, praising his “variation with crosses” and ability to make threatening “back post” runs.

Meantime, Lebohang Mwamuka of Breaking the Lines believes Gittens has the ability to become a ‘regular creator from wide areas’, given that he is “strong with both feet… dynamic” and possesses “remarkable dribbling’.

Jacek Kulig of Talent Football Scout agrees, believing Gittens’ ‘potential is extremely high’, noting that his primary strengths are dribbling, ‘decision-making and movement’.

So, let’s analyse Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season.

Gittens Bundesliga statistics 2024/25
Statistics	Gittens	Bundesliga rank
Minutes	1,776	149th
Goals	8	32nd
Assists	3	71st
Progressive carries	113	4th
Attempted take-ons	171	1st
Successful take-ons	77	2nd
Carries into penalty area	63	1st
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, there are few better dribblers in the Bundesliga than Gittens, ranked first for attempted take-ons and carries into the opposition penalty area, behind only Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz for successful take-ons.

In fact, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Englishman ranks seventh for attempted take-ons as well as seventh in the Champions League for the same metric. Thus, Gittens’ dribbling and creative abilities would surely get the best out of centre-forward Delap.

The duo have actually played together on nine occasions before, seven of which have been with England’s U21s, while they were briefly teammates in Manchester City’s academy too, with Delap assisting Gittens for a goal against Liverpool’s U18s in September 2019.

Thus, if the pair are reunited in West London later this summer, they could form quite the devastating attacking duo.

Talks ongoing: Chelsea mainstay could be forced out if they sign "elite" player

There is set to be real shake-ups at Stamford Bridge this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 8, 2025

Spinner will be available for five Blast matches and Championship fixture with Surrey

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2024Shoaib Bashir, the England Test offspinner, has joined Worcestershire on a short-term loan that includes five Vitality Blast appearances, starting with Friday evening’s clash with Northamptonshire at Wantage Road, and a County Championship match against the table-toppers Surrey.Bashir, 20, enjoyed a breakthrough winter with Ben Stokes’ England team, claiming 17 wickets in three appearances against India in February and March, including two five-wicket hauls.However, his selection had come off the back of limited playing time at his home county of Somerset, for whom he had claimed just 10 previous wickets in six matches since making his professional debut in June 2023.With Jack Leach established as Somerset’s premier first-class spinner, the club had long been realistic about the prospect of a loan move to enhance his chances of playing. In March, Jason Kerr, the head coach, said he would not “stand in the way of anyone’s opportunity”.The knee injury that curtailed Leach’s involvement on the India tour meant that Bashir played as Somerset’s premier spinner for three County Championship matches in April. However, he took just four wickets at 74.75 in the early-season conditions and has not featured since.Most recently, he has been playing alongside Leach in the county 2nd XI T20 competition, but now he has a chance to add his five senior T20 appearances – most recently Somerset’s victory in last summer’s Blast semi-final over Surrey, in which he didn’t bat or bowl.”We are delighted to have Shoaib Bashir join us on loan,” Alan Richardson, Worcestershire’s head coach, said. “Shoaib is a player of immense talent and potential, and we believe his presence will significantly strengthen our squad for the Vitality Blast and our next Championship fixture against Surrey.””We’re confident that he will make a positive impact from tonight’s game against Northamptonshire. We’re excited to welcome him, and we are looking forward to seeing him in action.”Worcestershire are currently fifth on net run-rate in the Blast North Group, albeit with the same number of points as the teams above them, after two wins and a loss in their first three games. In the Championship, they have yet to win any of their seven Division One matches, and their most recent match at New Road was abandoned as a draw after three washed-out days.

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge season ahead of them if they are to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, which saw them finish in a measly 17th place.

Ange Postecoglou may have ended their near-two-decade wait for a trophy, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to keep his job, with owner Daniel Levy handing the Aussie his marching orders.

The subsequent responsibility now falls into the hands of Thomas Frank, after the Dane moved to North London after spending nearly seven years in charge at Brentford.

Within his first interview since taking the reins, the 51-year-old stated the importance of building on their European success, aiming to transform the club into serial winners during his tenure.

However, if he is to achieve his ambitions, he will need backing from Levy in the transfer market, with key work already seemingly taking place behind the scenes.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In recent days, it’s emerged that Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, as Frank evidently wants to improve the options within the final third.

He’s not the only Premier League talent currently on their radar this summer, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa also an option, potentially following the Dane in making the switch to North London.

However, another new name has been touted with a move to the club, in the form of OGC Nice star Evann Guessand, that’s according to TBR Football’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites have made contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential move for the 23-year-old forward, who netted 13 goals across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Ivorian international is keen on a move to England this window, with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Brighton all pursuing a move for his signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

As a result of Frank’s appointment, striker Wissa hasn’t been the only talent touted with a move to follow his former boss, with winger Bryan Mbeumo another Bees star on Spurs’ radar.

The 25-year-old has been a key player in 2024/25, often causing numerous sides endless trouble, as seen in his tally of 20 league goals – with one of his efforts coming against the Lilywhites.

However, such form hasn’t gone unnoticed, leading to Manchester United also making a beeline for his signature, currently leading the race for the Cameroonian’s signature.

His desire to move to Old Trafford this summer has seen other targets being considered, with Kudus appearing as the main alternative to Mbeumo this window.

Despite such interest in the Hammers star, Guessand has also emerged as a key target, with the forward’s versatility a huge factor in any potential deal.

He can operate off either flank, as a central striker or even slightly deeper in a number ten role, offering Frank a viable option in numerous areas – something which Mbeumo would be unable to provide.

He’s also managed to outperform the Brentford star in numerous key areas for an attacker, whilst likely to cost a hefty whack less in the process, subsequently making him a better addition.

How Guessand compares to Mbeumo throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Guessand

Mbeumo

Games played

33

38

Goals & assists

20

27

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

43%

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.8

1.6

Take-on success

48%

46%

Aerials won

42%

31%

Stats via FBref

Guessand, who’s been labelled “one of the best young attackers” by one writer at The Athletic, may have registered fewer goals this campaign, but has matched the Bees star in goals per shots on target, showcasing he has the clinical nature needed in attacking areas.

He’s actually managed to direct more of his efforts on target than Frank’s former star boy, taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way, demonstrating his ability to find the net when needed.

However, the Nice ace has also managed to complete more passes into the final third and complete more take-ons, having the skillset to offer players around him the chance to better their own goalscoring tallies.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the 23-year-old would cost this summer, it’s clear that he would be a sensational option for Spurs this summer, likely being a cheaper option than Mbeumo.

Despite Guessand being a cheaper option, it doesn’t take away from the talent he possesses, having the opportunity to play a key role in the club’s revival should he move to North London this summer.

Related He's as exciting as Mbeumo: Spurs set to launch £50m bid to sign Son heir

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to pursue a move for a star who could end Heung-min Son’s time in North London.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025