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A number of questions have been raised as to where Kylian Mbappe fits in at Real Madrid and boss Carlo Ancelotti has responded.

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• Question made about Mbappe signing
• Ancelotti reveals where Mbappe fits in the team
• Will be flexible in attack with Vinicius and Rodrygo

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid made arguably the biggest signing of the summer when they announced their acquisition of Mabppe as a free agent following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. However, Los Blancos have shown their best overall form as a squad since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and a number of questions have been raised as to the potential disruption caused by the entry of yet another superstar. Ancelotti, though, does not fear the same.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Another question that has been raised by fans and keen observers alike has been the potential utility of Mbappe as a striker rather than in his natural left-wing position which is already occupied by the 2024 Ballon d'Or favourite, Vinicius Jr. The Italian boss, however, has also eased tensions in that department as he has touted that his attack will remain flexible.

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  WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Ancelotti was asked about Mbappe's potential position on the field, he said: "I see him playing in the front with the attack being quite wide. I think the important key to having a good attack is mobility.

  “If I ask you where Vinicius played last season, it’s difficult to say. He didn’t play as a left-winger. Sometimes he played on the left, sometimes in the middle. Bellingham, sometimes, played on the left, sometimes played in the middle, sometimes on the right. Rodrygo started most of the games on the right but sometimes during the game, I see him playing on the left (laughs). It’s important to have this mobility.

  "I want to give my players freedom. They have to be able to manage the situation of the game. We played one game against City with both Rodrygo and Vinicius on the left because we thought we could take advantage of that area."

  When asked about Mbappe's integration into the team, he said: "Fitting Mbappe in the team will not be a problem. It’s important what he said, that he’ll adapt to the team. The key point is that every player has to put his talent and quality at the service of the team."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  The Frenchman is unlikely to join Ancelotti's side for pre-season until after the conclusion of their United States tour as they look to afford Mbappe extra rest following his injury at the Euros. It will only be then that the Italian will get to translate his theories into practicality.

AC Milan handed Maximilian Ibrahimovic, who is eldest son of club legend and advisor Zlatan, the first professional contract of his career.

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• Milan sign Maximilian
• Has been registered with Milan Futuro
• Will ply his trade in Serie C

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The teenage forward will join Milan's reserve team, Milan Futuro, competing in Serie C for the 2024-25 season. This move marks a significant step in Maximilian's budding football career, as he continues to follow in the illustrious footsteps of his father.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Maximilian, 17, showcased his potential while playing for Milan's under-18 squad last season. Born in Sweden, he has had a diverse training background, having been part of the youth academies at both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United due to his father's stints at those clubs. The Ibrahimovic legacy at Milan is further cemented by the involvement of Zlatan's younger son, Vincent, who is also part of the club's youth setup.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ibrahimovic, Sweden's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 121 appearances, retired from professional football last summer after his contract with Milan expired. He now serves as a senior advisor to the club's ownership, bringing his extensive experience and football acumen to the administrative side of the game.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  As Milan Futuro prepares for the upcoming Serie C season, the addition of Maximilian is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the squad. The team aims to develop young talents who can potentially make the leap to the senior squad, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled players for Milan's future.

And breathe. That was all a bit stressful wasn't it?

Arsenal are finally through to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years after last night's thriller, but they sure did it the hard way.

After 210 minutes of football and nothing to separate the Gunners and Porto, it came down to the cruellest of deciders: a penalty shootout.

However, while Arsenal teams of old might have wilted under the pressure, Mikel Arteta's side stood firm, and thanks to a brilliant showing from David Raya, the dream lives on.

David Raya's performance in numbers

While it was an entertaining game to watch – if a little chaotic – there weren't many impressive displays from either team's attacking players, aside from perhaps Martin Odegaard who assisted Leandro Trossard's opener. So, Raya's heroics have rightfully taken centre stage.

The on-loan Brentford man looked completely calm in the 90 and calmer still in extra time and topped it all off by saving two of the dragões' four spot kicks to win the game for the north Londoners and send the Emirates potty.

So impressive was the Spaniard's performance that GOAL's Matt O'Connor-Simpson awarded him a 10/10 on the night, writing that he 'radiated composure to the rest of the back four' and was 'heroic in the shootout.'

The 28-year-old's statistics from the game make for impressive reading as well. In his 120 minutes of action, he made one save from inside the penalty area, saved two penalties, took 54 touches, made one high claim, played nine long balls, made one clearance, and was successful in both of his runouts.

In all, the Barcelona-born shot-stopper's performance was thoroughly impressive, and while he is fully deserving of the spotlight, another one of his teammates should also be recognised.

Gabriel Magalhães' performance in numbers

Yes, while Raya won the tie for Arsenal with his superb saves in the shootout, it was Gabriel Magalhães' brilliant efforts just in front of him that limited the Portuguese side to just three shots on target last night.

The former LOSC Lille ace looked just as calm as his colleague between the sticks, and while he wasn't much of a threat on set pieces, his work in his own half was just as essential.

O'Connor-Simpson shared this sentiment, awarding the Brazilian a 7/10 on the night and claiming that he 'made a couple of important interventions' and was 'more comfortable in possession than his defensive partner.'

While that might sound a bit over the top, it's an opinion backed up by the 26-year-old's statistics. In his 120 minutes of action, the 6 foot 3 titan made three clearances, blocked one shot, made two tackles, took 95 touches, was accurate with 90% of his passes, won four of his seven duels, made one interception, and wasn't dribbled past.

Only his defensive colleagues, Ben White and William Saliba, had more touches of any player on the field, while only the latter could manage more accurate passes than Gabriel during the contest.

Ultimately, while it wasn't a vintage showing from the Gunners' front line or midfield, the team found a way to get through, and for the first time in 14 years, the Emirates faithful have a Champions League quarter final to look forward to.

Aston Villa head into the clash against West Ham United today full of confidence following their European heroics.

A 4-0 win over Ajax in midweek secured a quarter-final place for the Midlands side and Unai Emery will be desperate to lead his team to continental glory.

With the international break looming, taking all three points against the Irons will be his priority, although he will have to do it without his influential captain – John McGinn.

Who could replace the suspended John McGinn

During the 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, McGinn was shown a straight red card for a tackle he made on Destiny Udogie, and it was reckless, to say the least.

The sending off means the Scot will not only miss the clash against West Ham, but also ties against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City, leaving Emery short in the heart of the midfield.

The Spaniard will need to rejig his team slightly heading into the Premier League clash this afternoon, and it could see Youri Tielemans deployed in his favoured central midfield berth.

Youri Tielemans’ stats this season for Aston Villa

Since arriving at Villa Park last summer, Tielemans has been forced to play in a wide range of positions.

Indeed, the £150k-per-week dynamo has been deployed as an attacking midfielder, left-winger and even as a centre-forward on four occasions this season.

The Belgian has scored twice and grabbed five assists across all competitions for Villa, but today could see him return to a central role in place of McGinn.

The 26-year-old was hailed as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2019 and while he has yet to hit peak form in the Midlands, there is no doubting his quality.

Last season, Tielemans was in fine form for the Foxes despite their relegation. He primarily played in the heart of the midfield and, when compared to his peers, he ranked second for big chances created (ten), fifth for key passes per game (one) and fourth for successful dribbles per game (0.8) in the Championship.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

These statistics prove how effective he can be from a deeper role and this could work wonders against West Ham, especially with Douglas Luiz showing a penchant for getting forward as much as possible this term.

Tielemans may not be a long-term replacement for McGinn in this role, but for the next three league matches, the midfielder could fill in fairly well.

A win against the Hammers is all that matters this afternoon as Villa continue their chase for a Champions League spot for the 2024/25 campaign.

Losing McGinn is undoubtedly a massive blow for Emery, but having built a squad that is capable of challenging on numerous fronts, it is clear he has options who can fill in the void left by the Scot.

The Belgian gem is the one who will make the cut today and if he delivers a solid display in London, he could cement his place alongside Luiz for the following two matches after the international break.

Bayern Munich fans have begged Matthijs de Ligt not to move to Manchester United after he returned to training with the Bundesliga giants.

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• De Ligt back in training after summer break
• Posts Instagram update amid Man Utd links
• Bayern fans beg him to stay put

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Ligt has been heavily linked with a move to United this summer and reports suggest that the Red Devils have tabled a double bid for the Netherlands international and right-back Noussair Mazraoui. Nevertheless, the centre-back is not said to be close to a move to Old Trafford and has subsequently returned to work with the Bavarian giants in pre-season.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  As De Ligt posted a collage of workout imagery on Instagram, fans begged him to stay in Germany.

  @im_ayushsingh wrote: "Don't leave Bayern and waste your career at Mun (sic)."

  @boenebehm said: "Please stay my man. We love you here."

  @omar.m7 added: "Mia san mia forever. Don't leave us."

  @_no_front wrote: "Stay at Bayern and become a legend here."

  Among many other requests for De Ligt to stay, @esmueldert also said: "We need you leader."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  De Ligt has been with Bayern since 2022 and has a contract until 2027, meaning the club are under little pressure to sell. They do, however, appear to be making contingency plans, having targeted a deal to sign Jonathan Tah as a potential replacement.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United will hope to secure a new defender soon, having lost Leny Yoro to injury after his first appearance in a pre-season friendly. It remains to be seen if that defender will be De Ligt.

Leeds United are currently sat at the top of the Championship table during the international break as they aim to win automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

German head coach Daniel Farke was brought in last summer to lead the team back to the big time and has done a fantastic job so far, with the Whites ahead of Leicester City on goal difference – albeit having played one game more.

The former Norwich boss won the second tier title on two occasions with the Canaries and is now looking to lift the trophy for a third time in five years.

If Leeds do win promotion back to the Premier League, Farke and the club will need to get recruitment spot on to give themselves a strong chance to survive in the top-flight.

Work already appears to be going on behind the scenes, as they have been linked with Karamoko Dembele and Sean Longstaff, and they are now reportedly interested in a star from Scottish football.

Latest Leeds transfer news

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a possible summer swoop to sign Celtic wizard Matt O'Riley.

The report claims that the Whites are 'tempted' to make an offer to sign the talented magician from the Scottish giants, if they win promotion back to the Premier League this season.

This is not the first time the club have been interested in the Denmark international. Sky Sports reported that they had a £10m offer rejected by the Hoops during the 2023 summer transfer window.

Last month, Tipsbladet claimed that the Bhoys value O'Riley at a staggering £25m, and that they turned down an £18m offer from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, who attempted to sign him on loan with an obligation to make it permanent in the summer during the January transfer window.

This means that Leeds will have to pay significantly more than the £10m they previously offered for him to land his services ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

GIVEMESPORT add that Premier League sides Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford are also interested in the attacking midfielder, with the former having watched him closely this season.

They also state that Celtic could be tempted to cash in on the former MK Dons star if the right money is offered, and that a 'big' summer is ahead for O'Riley.

Leeds must now push to get a deal over the line for the Danish star if they win promotion from the Championship, as he is a mix of both Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter and could be a fantastic addition to the squad.

Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter's Championship form

The Whites pair have been in fantastic form at the top end of the pitch with their respective ability to cause havoc for opposition defences on a regular basis.

Summerville has offered a clinical edge in the final third with a superb return of 15 goals from an xG (Expected Goals) of 13.63 in 35 Championship appearances so far.

The Dutch dynamo has averaged a goal every 188 minutes in the division, and has scored at least three more goals than any of his teammates.

This shows that the right-footed left winger offers a huge goal threat with his efficient and consistent finishing when presented with high-quality opportunities in the second tier.

Rutter, on the other hand, lacks that finishing touch as the French whiz has only scored six goals from 11.37 xG across 37 Championship outings, which shows that the ex-Hoffenheim prodigy has been incredibly wasteful in front of goal.

The talented ace has not showcased the best of his abilities as a finisher, unlike Summerville, as he has missed a whopping 15 'big chances' to go along with his six goals.

However, as you can see in the table above, the left-footed magician has been an outstanding creator for his teammates with a consistent supply of chances created to assist goals in the league.

This has led to Rutter having at least seven more assists than any other player within the squad, which speaks to how impressive his creativity has been from an attacking midfield position.

Why Leeds should sign Matt O'Riley

Leeds should sign O'Riley to complement Summerville and Rutter in the Premier League as the Celtic star is a mix of both of them in the final third.

The 23-year-old maestro combines the silky left-footed creativity and dribbling of the French whiz with the clinical and regular goalscoring of the former Feyenoord youngster.

In the Scottish Premiership this season, the Denmark international has plundered 11 goals from an xG of 10.83 across 29 matches for the Hoops. He has only missed nine 'big chances' in the league this term, and these statistics show that the Leeds target has been effective in front of goal.

Like Summerville, O'Riley has the quality to offer a big goal threat from midfield with his ability to finish chances efficiently, without underperforming his xG.

Meanwhile, the former Fulham academy prospect is also a creative midfielder who can drive past opposition players and make defence-splitting passes.

The Celtic star, who was hailed as "complete" by journalist Josh Bunting, has assisted ten goals and created ten 'big chances', to go along with 2.4 key passes and 1.1 completed dribbles per match, across his 29 Premiership appearances this season.

This comes after he assisted 12 goals and created 16 'big chances' for his teammates in 38 league games under Ange Postecoglou during the 2022/23 campaign.

He has, therefore, racked up 22 assists and 27 'big chances' created for the Scottish giants since the start of last season, which shows that the £25m-rated star has a Rutter-like ability to create for others from midfield.

This is why Leeds must win the race to land his signature at the end of the season, if they win promotion to the Premier League, as he is a mix of both Summerville and Rutter with his qualities in possession.

Everything you need to know about the new Juventus kits for the 2024-25 season.

Home

Home kit

• Features the traditional black and white, but with a crater-like graphic all over
• Created using a 3D method to construct the jersey in three levels, with the look and feel replicating the surface of the moon
• Notably, there is no front-of-shirt sponsor as Juve have not struck a sponsor deal since Jeep's deal expired after the 2023-24 season

From

£80.00

Buy

Away

Away kit

• Set on a bold yellow base, with a striped graphic portraying the glow emitted by distant unexplored galaxies in outer space
• As a reference to the club's original uniforms, the inserts running down the side of the jersey and the shorts are tinted in Juventus pink, creating a connecting line that will undoubtedly stand out on the pitch

From

£80.00

Buy

Third

Third kit

• Another kit inspired by the moon, the kit resembles the moon's reflection in the night sky 
• Set in a sophisticated starry night colour palette in shades of navy blue with refined gold details and a tonal all-over graphic
• It sports an elegant polo collar along with a gold ‘Juventus’ sign-off on the back neck

From

£80.00

Buy

Home

Home kit

• Features the traditional black and white, but with a crater-like graphic all over
• Created using a 3D method to construct the jersey in three levels, with the look and feel replicating the surface of the moon
• Notably, there is no front-of-shirt sponsor as Juve have not struck a sponsor deal since Jeep's deal expired after the 2023-24 season

From

£80.00

Buy

Away

Away kit

• Set on a bold yellow base, with a striped graphic portraying the glow emitted by distant unexplored galaxies in outer space
• As a reference to the club's original uniforms, the inserts running down the side of the jersey and the shorts are tinted in Juventus pink, creating a connecting line that will undoubtedly stand out on the pitch

From

£80.00

Buy

Third

Third kit

• Another kit inspired by the moon, the kit resembles the moon's reflection in the night sky 
• Set in a sophisticated starry night colour palette in shades of navy blue with refined gold details and a tonal all-over graphic
• It sports an elegant polo collar along with a gold ‘Juventus’ sign-off on the back neck

From

£80.00

Buy

Home

Home kit

• Features the traditional black and white, but with a crater-like graphic all over
• Created using a 3D method to construct the jersey in three levels, with the look and feel replicating the surface of the moon
• Notably, there is no front-of-shirt sponsor as Juve have not struck a sponsor deal since Jeep's deal expired after the 2023-24 season

From

£80.00

Buy

Away

Away kit

• Set on a bold yellow base, with a striped graphic portraying the glow emitted by distant unexplored galaxies in outer space
• As a reference to the club's original uniforms, the inserts running down the side of the jersey and the shorts are tinted in Juventus pink, creating a connecting line that will undoubtedly stand out on the pitch

From

£80.00

Buy

Third

Third kit

• Another kit inspired by the moon, the kit resembles the moon's reflection in the night sky 
• Set in a sophisticated starry night colour palette in shades of navy blue with refined gold details and a tonal all-over graphic
• It sports an elegant polo collar along with a gold ‘Juventus’ sign-off on the back neck

From

£80.00

Buy

Juventus will continue to wear kits designed by Adidas, with the Old Lady expected to revert to a more traditional look in the 2024-25 season.

Shop Juventus kits at adidasShop now

It is their ninth season with the German sportswear manufacturer, who have opted for a few bold designs over the years.

Having so far launched sponsorless kits following the end of their deal with Jeep at the end of the 2023-34 season, it has to be seen if the club lands a front-of-shirt sponsor this season.

So, what will Juventus be wearing in the 2024-25 season? GOAL brings you everything we know so far, including leaks, rumours, where to buy, prices and more.

• adidas
  

  Juventus 2024-25 home kit, release date & price

  Shop Juventus kits at adidasShop now

  The new Adidas Juventus 2024-25 home kit was released on July 16, 2024.

  It will feature the traditional black and white design but with a crater-like graphic all over, taking inspiration from space missions to the moon, which "serves as a guiding beacon to inspire players and fans alike, to continue exploring new horizons".

  It has been created using a 3D method to construct the jersey in three levels, with the look and feel replicating the surface of the moon.

  With a black and white crew-neck collar, the adidas three stripes run down the shoulders of the shirt.

  Notably, there is no front-of-shirt sponsor as Juve have not struck a sponsor deal since Jeep's deal expired after the 2023-24 season.

  It has been priced at £130 ($170) for the on-field adult version, while the fan version would cost you £85 ($110).

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• adidas
  

  Juventus 2024-25 away kit, release date & price

  Adidas and Juventus have revealed the new 2024-25 cosmos-inspired away kit on July 30, 2024.

  It has a bold yellow base, which happens to be one of the traditional colours of the city of Turin, with a striped graphic portraying the glow emitted by distant unexplored galaxies in outer space.

  The iconic three stripes, brand logo and Juventus crest all stand out in dark grey, while the sides are embedded with light pink inserts along with a grey cutout that would run through towards the lower back.

  The Juventus 2024-25 away kit will cost in the region of £85 ($110), with the authentic strip to cost around £130 ($170).

• adidas
  

  Juventus 2024-25 third kit, release date & price

  Shop Juventus kits at adidasShop now

  With Juventus' new third kit for 2024-25, also inspired by the moon and released on August 12, Adidas got playful with the pattern.

  The kit resembles the moon's reflection in the night sky portrayed by a sophisticated starry night colour palette in shades of navy blue with refined gold details and a tonal all-over graphic. It sports an elegant polo collar along with a gold ‘Juventus’ sign-off on the back neck.

  Additionally, the Trefoil logo and the Juventus zebra crest bring in a classy factor as far as the looks are concerned.

  The Juventus 2024-25 third kit will cost around £85 ($110) for the adult version.

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• Juventus
  

  Juventus 2024-25 training kit, release date & price

  The Adidas Juventus 2024-25 training wear comes in two shades – one is a flashy shade of orange, the other is dark blue, and both have white detailing. The three stripes will be placed, in orange, on the blue shoulders.

  The fresh Juve training collection starts from around £40 ($50).

Manchester City were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League tie in Spain on Tuesday night.

The Cityzens are still competing to land the treble for the second season in succession, as they eye the Premier League and the FA Cup alongside Europe's major prize.

Despite their continued success on the pitch, Pep Guardiola's side are already looking at possible targets to improve their playing squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

City are reportedly eyeing up a swoop to sign a current Premier League star to bolster the Spanish manager's options in the middle of the park.

Man City agree personal terms with Premier League magician

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Manchester City have now reached an agreement on personal terms with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta.

The reporter claims that the Cityzens have ironed out a long-term contract, including the exact duration of the deal and the salary included, with the Brazil international ahead of the summer.

However, Aouna adds that there have not been any talks between the two clubs at this moment in time, which means that a fee has not been agreed.

The post states that Paqueta's agents are now expecting City and the Hammers to hold negotiations over a deal for the Brazilian wizard at the end of the season, although it does not reveal how much the London-based outfit are set to demand for their star performer.

An agreement on personal terms with the former Lyon maestro does, however, indicate that they already have the green light on the player's side, which could play into their hands in transfer talks.

West Ham would then know that they have someone who wants to move on this summer, and they may not want to keep an unhappy and unsettled player if City offer a significant fee to secure his services.

Lucas Paqueta's Premier League form

With his combative and creative performances, the 26-year-old whiz has showcased his quality as an all-round midfielder in the Premier League for the Hammers this season.

Paqueta currently ranks within the top 6% of attacking midfielders in the division for tackles (2.60) per 90, and the top 11% for interceptions (0.77) per 90, which speaks to how hard he works out of possession to win the ball back for his team.

As you can see in the table above, the £150k-per-week star has also provided attacking quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from midfield.

Paqueta, who has been described as "elegant" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, ranks within the top 7% of Premier League attacking midfielders for progressive passes (6.53) per 90 this season, which shows that he is constantly looking to play forward and progress play for his team.

Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes ranks within the bottom 45% of midfielders in the division with 4.14 progressive passes for City, and has produced zero goals and two assists in 15 games.

Man City set to make huge contract offer to "incredible" star who Pep loves

There has been a significant development.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 7, 2024

This suggests that the potential is there for Paqueta to arrive as an upgrade on Nunes as a rotation option for Guardiola in midfield, which may be why he has been targeted ahead of the summer window.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said he was "not happy" with Mykhailo Mudryk as he explained why the winger was substituted at half-time against Wolves.

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• Mudryk had shocking 45-minute display
• Maresca took him off at half-time
• Boss demands more from Ukrainian winger

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a disastrous first-half performance, Mudryk did not emerge for the second half as new signing Pedro Neto took his place. Maresca's decision paid off as Chelsea went on to win 6-2, with Noni Madueke scoring a hat-trick and Joao Felix getting a goal on his first game since returning to the club on a permanent basis.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mudryk, an £89 million ($109m) signing from Shakhtar in January 2023, managed just 13 touches, completed five of his eight passes, and failed to have a shot or create a chance in his 45-minute display. It is the second terrible display in a row from the 23-year-old as he struggled in the Conference League qualifying match against Servette on Thursday, and Maresca's patience may be wearing thin after Sunday's game.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  "Because I was not happy," Maresca said at a press conference when asked why the Ukrainian was hooked at the break. "In some moments we can manage some situations better. He was working hard off the ball but on the ball, I expect a bit more quality from Misha. He had some good moments today but the reason why was to change it and give Pedro some minutes."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MUDRYK?

  Mudryk, whose contract at Chelsea runs until 2031, will hope to be given a chance to make up for his woeful performance when the Blues meet Servette for the second leg of their qualifying tie on Thursday.

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on signing Federico Chiesa at a cut-price rate as Juventus are desperate to offload him.

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• Liverpool working to sign Chiesa
• Juventus demand around €15 million
• Reds could hand him four-year deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the 26-year-old Italian international has been identified as a prime target for the Anfield club, especially given Juventus' urgency to offload him before the transfer window closes. The forward, whose contract is set to expire in 2025, is available for around €15 million (£13m/$17m).

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool could hand Chiesa a four-year contract, which would see him make the switch to the Premier League. They have allegedly monitored the forward for several years and are keen to capitalise on this opportunity.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chiesa’s position at Juventus has become increasingly uncertain, particularly under the management of Thiago Motta. Although the reason might not be entirely tactical, his exclusion from the matchday squad against Verona is a clear indication that the Bianconeri are desperate to get him off the books to avoid losing him for free next year. He has 32 goals in 131 matches for Juventus with 10 of them coming last season under former head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Liverpool's pursuit of Chiesa comes as the team enjoy a solid start to the Premier League season under new head coach Arne Slot. The Reds have secured 2-0 victories in their opening matches against Ipswich Town and Brentford and the inclusion of Chiesa will further sharpen the attack. Although the Merseyside club are rushing to complete the deal, it remains to be seen if the Italian will be available against Manchester United on September 1.