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Chelsea has been the home to numerous midfield talents over the years, with many capturing the hearts of the fanbase and leading them to success over various time periods.

Frank Lampard will arguably remain one of, if not the club’s most iconic players, producing countless moments of magic during his time as a player at Stamford Bridge.

The Englishman scored 211 goals for the Blues, still holding the record to this day for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history – showcasing how important he was during his stint in West London.

Fast forward to 2025, Enzo Maresca has a talented crop of players in his hands, helping to try and secure the Italian a top-four finish during his opening Premier League campaign at the helm.

As a result, he’s been targeting reinforcements in the January transfer window, including one player who could return to England in the coming weeks.

Chelsea make enquiry to land midfield star

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made contact with Juventus to ask about a potential loan move for midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian only joined the Serie A outfit in the summer, joining in a £42m deal from Aston Villa, but it’s a move that is yet to go to plan for either party.

He’s only featured in 12 league matches, starting just three of them, with former side Manchester City and surprise top-four hopefuls Nottingham Forest also in the race for his signature.

However, Romano confirmed that the Italian outfit are reluctant to allow him to leave on a temporary basis after his move just a handful of months ago from Unai Emery’s side.

Whilst a deal may seem tricky given the interest from elsewhere, it would be a superb addition for Maresca’s side, undoubtedly proving a better option than another player linked with a move to the Bridge.

Why Luiz would be a better signing than Mainoo for Chelsea

In recent weeks, Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has been regularly touted with a move to join the Blues after it was confirmed they would accept a reasonable bid for his services to satisfy the division’s PSR rules.

No bid has been made for the 19-year-old’s signature yet, but the Red Devils youngster is a name who simply won’t go away, leaving the door open for a late move before the end of the window.

It’s unclear how much Ruben Amorim’s side would demand to part ways with their star academy graduate this month, but it’s clear that he would provide quality in the middle of the park – helping secure a top-four spot.

However, a move for Luiz would certainly be a better option, having that experience at the top level of the English game to have a serious impact at the Bridge to help Maresca in his quest.

When comparing their respective figures from the ongoing campaign, the Juve ace has produced various impressive stats, many of which have completely blown Mainoo out of the water, showcasing why he would be the better option for the Blues.

Luiz, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best in the world” in a midfield position by one Sky Italia journalist, has completed more of his attempted passes this campaign, whilst also creating more chances per 90, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

However, the Brazilian has been just as impressive defensively, winning more of his ground and aerial duels than Mainoo, making him the perfect box-to-box option at the heart of Maresca’s side should he move.

Given the interest from other Premier League clubs, the Blues may face stiff competition for the former Villa ace’s signature, but it’s a signing that would hugely improve their chances of Champions League football.

He has the opportunity to make himself a fan-favourite should he make the move, providing the added quality and dimension that has often been lacking in the recent poor run of form.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea make contact over signing "world-class" star

Chelsea could be about to move for yet another attacker before the end of the month.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 22, 2025

Rio Ferdinand believes Ollie Watkins 'deserves' to play for Arsenal after the Gunners saw their January transfer bid rejected by Aston Villa.

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• Ferdinand backs Watkins to join Arsenal
• Striker left frustrating by reduced game time
• Arsenal tried to sign the striker in January

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners are expected to raid the transfer market in the summer in search of a quality striker ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Premier League giants have included Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko in their shortlist as Mikel Arteta seems desperate to add a new No.9 to his squad.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The North London side reportedly placed a transfer bid for England international striker Ollie Watkins in the January window, however, the Villans rejected it and instead sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr. Watkins has been left frustrated with his reduced game time under Unai Emery, who had benched the striker in both of Villa's Champions League quarter-final legs against Paris Saint-Germain.

• WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

  Amid speculation over the English striker's future at Villa Park, Manchester United legend Ferdinand backed him to move to Arsenal in the summer.

  He told TNT Sports: "I think he’s a cult hero here. He’s one of the main reasons as to why they’re playing Champions League football and playing at this level. I think for any defender, he’s a hard day’s work, 100 per cent, he’s added quality to his game over the last few years. ‘His route to the top hasn’t been conventional, no academies, he’s worked his way here and he deserves everything he gets. I wasn’t surprised Arsenal came in for him because I think he deserves that given the performances and the output he’s been putting in."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ASTON VILLA?

  Emery's side will be back in action in the Premier League on May 10 as they take on Bournemouth away from home.

West Bromwich Albion are now pushing hard to sign a “technically very strong” midfielder, who has attracted the interest of a whole host of Championship clubs, according to a report.

Baggies in play-off battle

As we approach the end of the January transfer window, West Brom are still well-placed to reach the Championship play-offs, securing their place in the top six with an emphatic 5-1 victory against Portsmouth last time out. However, the final two play-off spots are likely to be hotly-contested, with just six points separating the Baggies from 13th-placed Queens Park Rangers.

As such, new manager Tony Mowbray may be keen to bolster his options before the February 3rd deadline, and he has now set his sights on a striker, targeting St. Gallen forward Willem Geubbels, who is in advanced talks with Luton Town.

A new midfielder is also of interest to Albion, having made contact over a deal to sign Chelsea’s Harvey Vale, who has mainly been limited to reserve football this season, despite an impressive spell on loan at Bristol Rovers in the 2023-24 campaign.

He'd be amazing with Diangana: West Brom racing to sign "powerful" striker

West Bromwich Albion fans would love to see this new striker line up next to Grady Diangana.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 26, 2025

The signing of Vale could be viewed as a risk, given that he is unproven at Championship level, but West Brom have now identified a midfield target who has already proven himself at the level, having won promotion from the second tier last season.

According to a report from Football League World, the Baggies are now pushing hardest to sign Vancouver Whitecaps’ Stuart Armstrong, alongside fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, who are also aiming to reach the play-offs.

Armstrong is attracting interest from a whole host of Championship sides, but Albion and Wednesday are among the frontrunners for his signature.

Armstrong has a track record of success

The 32-year-old helped Southampton to promotion from the second tier last season, registering five goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for the Saints, and he has chalked up 149 appearances in the Premier League.

Not only that, but the £39k-per-week Scotland international has proven himself north of the border, winning eight trophies, including four league titles, during his time with Celtic, where he received high praise from Brendan Rodgers.

The former Celtic man also has a keen eye for goal, as displayed by the fact he ranks in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers in similar leagues.

As such, Armstrong could be a brilliant acquisition for West Brom as they look to secure their place in the Championship play-offs in the second half of the season.

Internal talks over signing a “special” number 10 have been held at Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.

Leeds news and updates

There is still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season, but with the Whites looking on course to seal a return to the Premier League, plans behind the scenes will be starting to take shape as they prepare for the likelihood of top-flight football next season.

Cost £7m, now worth more than Solomon: Leeds struck gold on "top-class" ace

Leeds United have completed some phenomenal business in the market over the last couple of years.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 13, 2025

This week Daniel Farke stated that discussions over new contracts for the soon-to-be free agents have yet to begin. Sam Byram, Junior Firpo, and Josuha Guilavogui’s contracts are all set to expire at the end of the season, and Farke revealed that talks will be held at the right time.

Meanwhile, ahead of the summer transfer window, it has been reported that Manor Solomon could be available for a permanent transfer. The winger is currently on loan at Elland Road from Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s been claimed that he would be allowed to leave on a permanent basis in the summer if an opportunity is presented.

Solomon has made a big impact since joining Leeds, being a key player in their attack, as he was crowned the club’s player of the month in January.

Leeds hold internal talks over move to sign £25m ace

Solomon is not the only player the Whites have their eyes on ahead of the summer, as according to TEAMtalk, Leeds have held internal talks over a move to sign James McAtee from Manchester City if they are promoted to the Premier League.

The report states that the Championship outfit will prioritise signing a new number 10 in the summer, with interest remaining in Emi Buendia, who was a target during January but ended up joining Bayer Leverkusen instead. As well as Buendia, Leeds also hold interest in Eduard Spertsyan, Gustavo Hamer and McAtee, who could be available for a loan move next season.

Before this campaign, McAtee enjoyed two rather successful loan spells at Sheffield United, and instead of going on loan again, Man City decided to keep him at the Etihad this season. However, the midfielder has only played 16 times for the Blues, struggling to make an impact in the starting XI.

The 22-year-old has failed to start in the Premier League or Champions League, with the majority of his game time coming in the FA Cup.

Given his lack of game time this season, City could decide to let McAtee leave on loan in the summer, or they could even decide to cash in, but it would cost Leeds and any other interested team £25 million to secure his services that way. Despite not playing regularly, McAtee has been labelled “special” by Pep Guardiola this season.

“I’m so happy for him; he’s a special player,” Guardiola said of McAtee after his hat-trick against Salford City.

The league has announced the partnership in hopes to reach a new fanbase on the mobile gaming app

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• MLS partners with EA Sports FC for live match broadcasts
• Begins on May 10, with four select matches available for streaming
• Will be first match streamed live worldwide on EA FC
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  MLS has partnered with EA Sports to allow fans a new entry point for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The league is set to make four live matches available to stream live within the EA FC mobile gaming app this season, beginning with a May 10 match between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls – a rematch of the 2024 MLS Cup.

  “This collaboration with EA SPORTS and Apple TV underscores MLS’s commitment to pushing boundaries, innovation, and fan-first experiences," said Camilo Durana, Executive VP at Major League Soccer. “By bringing select live MLS Season Pass matches to EA SPORTS FC Mobile, we’re reaching new and digitally native audiences around the world and continuing to broaden the way we’re building relationships with fans. It’s easier than ever to experience the excitement of MLS, our Clubs, our world-class players, and our vibrant supporters.”

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  Fans around the world who watch MLS Season Pass will be able to click directly through to a one-month trial for the subscription service through the mobile app. The matches will be available through an in-game hub called FCM TV, which will be accessible to all players who have reached Level 4.

  “By being able to watch select live MLS Season Pass matches within EA SPORTS FC Mobile, we’re continuing a commitment to our players to bring them closer to the game they love, by investing in innovation and growing experiences offered through our platform,” said Lawrence Koh, VP, EA SPORTS FC Mobile. “Alongside our partners at MLS and Apple TV, we share a dedication to a fan-first future of football, and we look forward to the reaction from fans worldwide as we continue to build on this moment for the future of EA SPORTS FC Mobile.”

  MLS is now in its third season of its partnership with Apple TV and MLS Season Pass. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, the league partnered with Xfinity and DirecTV to allow customers to sign up directly through their pay-TV cable carrier. The league also renewed its 2023 partnership with T-Mobile, which granted free access to Season Pass to all of the carrier's customers.

  Viewership data for MLS Season Pass is not shared by the league or Apple, but commissioner Don Garber said that the league has "over a million viewers" on Saturday nights during the regular season at the end of the 2024 campaign.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Fans will also be able to watch the Philadelphia Union take on Atlanta United on May 17 on EA FC's Mobile App – giving supporters another chance to catch some of MLS' best in action.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

  Matchday 12 of the MLS season kicks off this weekend, highlighted by a blockbuster match between Inter Miami and Minnesota United at Allianz Field. A battle of the birds, the host the as two of the league's top teams meet in a cross-conference clash.

  MNUFC, who sit second in the West, will look to hold off Messi and Co. – the fourth-place team in the East.

Chelsea are now willing to make a huge bid to sign a “world-class” player despite him having a release clause of £833m, according to a report.

Blues set to spend big this summer

The Blues have overhauled their squad over the past few years, spending vast sums of money in the process, but they are showing no signs of slowing down, with several expensive targets on their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

One such player is Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma, with the west Londoners now prepared to make a £75m bid for the Japan international, having been impressed by his performances this season.

Not only that, but an approach has been made over Barcelona gem Marc Casado, who has a £83m release clause in his contract, with the same report detailing that January target, Mancheser United’s Kobbie Mainoo, could cost £80m at the end of the campaign.

Chelsea battling Arsenal for "skilful" forward with a £17m release clause

The Blues are very interested in signing a winger this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 16, 2025

Casado is not the only Barca player of interest to Chelsea, however, with a report from Spain stating they would be willing to pay €100m (£83m) for Jules Kounde, indicating just how highly the right-back is thought of at Stamford Bridge.

However, Kounde is said to be very happy at the Camp Nou, with the La Liga side set to offer him a new contract over the next few weeks, in light of some impressive performances this season, which have impressed Hansi Flick.

As such, it may be very difficult for the Blues to get a deal done, and the fact the Frenchman has a €1bn (£833m) release clause in his contract will not help matters.

Kounde proving himself as "world-class"

It is no wonder Enzo Maresca’s side are so keen on signing the defender, given that his performances for Barcelona have been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media.

However, the Spanish side are in a very strong negotiating position, given that the 26-year-old is happy at the Camp Nou, and he is protected by an astronomical release clause.

The France international has proven himself to be a top attacking full-back this season, picking up three goals and seven assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, indicating he could be a great acquisition for the Blues if he doesn’t agree a new contract.

That said, there are doubts over whether Kounde would be a necessary signing, given that Maresca is already well-stocked in the right-back department, with the likes of Reece James and Malo Gusto at his disposal.

Of course, there are always question marks about James’ fitness, but the Chelsea captain can be “fantastic” when fully-fit, while Gusto’s stellar performances this season have attracted the attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arne Slot admits it would be "stupid" if Liverpool did not look to add this summer, with "a few" transfer targets being identified.

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• Chiesa the only signing in 2024-25
• Movement expected in next window
• Reds aware that rivals will spend big

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Reds have taken in two quiet windows since seeing managerial reins passed from legendary former boss Jurgen Klopp to Dutch tactician Slot. Federico Chiesa was the only cut-price signing during the summer of 2024.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  No fresh faces arrived at Anfield in January, with Liverpool favouring continuity and consistency in a season that saw them quickly rise to the top of the Premier League table. Another top-flight title triumph – a 20th in total – has been enjoyed on Merseyside.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  New contracts have been put in place with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is preparing to leave as a free agent. Movement is expected over the coming months, with Slot eager to bolster a squad that only requires minor tinkering.

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• WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID

  He already has potential additions in mind, telling of his recruitment plans: "[Manchester] City will probably strengthen the squad again. If the rumours are correct, Arsenal is planning the same, so it would be stupid if we are not looking at trying to strengthen the squad as well.

  "Again, I've said it many times, it's not that easy because this team has already won the league. So to find players that can strengthen us – that might not be that difficult – because there are certain players in the world where I think, 'if they would come, it would be nice'.

  "But they're also playing at clubs where they don't want to leave. So there are not many that can strengthen us, but the few that are out there, we will try to get them. At this moment of time we're not sure if that's possible."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is pushing the Gunners to replace ex-sporting director Edu Gaspar with his preferred candidate, coming as the man in question receives a seismic offer from Saudi Arabia.

Why Edu left Arsenal as sporting director in blow for Mikel Arteta

Edu was responsible for the club’s record signing of England star Declan Rice, alongside other high-profile deals which have proved fruitful for the north Londoners, but the Brazilian officially resigned from his post in late 2024.

Arsenal set for imminent agent talks over signing £21m Champions League ace

The Gunners have scheduled a meeting.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 26, 2025

Working in tandem with Arteta, Edu played a key role in facilitating the club’s transfer deals, and Arsenal have been attempting to cope without his influence ever since. Interim director Jason Ayto’s jumped into the 46-year-old’s stead, with Edu since revealing that he needed a new challenge.

“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” said Edu after quitting Arsenal.

“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Edu has since agreed to join Greek billionaire Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire, where he will oversee the running of multiple clubs under his umbrella, including Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, the search for Edu’s long-term heir is believed to remain an ongoing situation at N5.

Ayto could even be considered for the Arsenal role full-time, having worked under Edu as his assistant, while some reports have suggested that Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes is on Arsenal’s list of potential director candidates.

Mikel Arteta pushing Arsenal to appoint PSG director Luis Campos

According to Football Transfers, PSG director Luis Campos, who is out of contract this year, is also firmly on the Gunners’ radar as an option.

The big-name transfer chief was linked with the role at Tottenham during José Mourinho’s time in charge of the Lilywhites, and his contract situation at the Parc des Princes has sparked interest from a host of elite sides.

Arsenal are among the clubs pushing to appoint Campos, alongside both Chelsea and Saudi Arabia, with the latter presenting an offer worth around £165 million over the course of 10 years.

The Saudis want Campos to head an ambitious project, where he will oversee the development of an elite youth academy, which will eventually form a club side to compete in the Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, it is believed Arteta is personally driving Arsenal’s interest in Campos, as the Spaniard is convinced the chief’s footballing expertise could help to end the club’s two-decade-plus long wait for a title.

Mohamed Salah pointed out the differences between Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp as he hinted he had a strained relationship with the ex-Liverpool boss.

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• Salah oulined differences between Slot and Klopp
• Hinted at having a strained relationship with ex-Reds boss
• Salah revealed his personal bond with Slot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Slot took over at Liverpool last summer after Klopp exited Anfield after almost a decade. The Dutch coach had his work cut out but he came through with flying colours as the Reds went on to win their 20th English top-flight title in the 2024-25 campaign and also reached the final of the Carabao Cup.

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  After a successful season under Slot, Liverpool talisman Salah opened up on the differences between the Dutch coach and Klopp, as the Egyptian hinted that he had a strained relationship with the ex-Reds manager. The winger also revealed that he shares a close personal bond with the current head coach.

• WHAT MOHAMED SALAH SAID

  Speaking to Egyptian TV channel after the club's final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Salah said: "Every coach has a different style of play but I talk a lot with Slot and we understand each other very well. Unlike Klopp, we sit a lot and talk, he was honest with me from the beginning and told me that he wants to get the best out of me and I told him that I want to be comfortable on the pitch." Salah also hailed Klopp for "giving too much to the club".

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MOHAMED SALAH?

  In April, the winger put pen to paper on a new Liverpool contract that tied him down at Anfield until the summer of 2027.

Bruno Fernandes is on the verge of leaving Manchester United to make a highly-lucrative move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

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• Portuguese edging closer to Old Trafford exit
• Al-Hilal preparing big move for Club World Cup
• Amorim wants Fernandes to remain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United captain is leaning towards accepting the offer from Al-Hilal, according to the , and the The offer is said to be worth approximately £200m ($269m) over three years including bonuses to the midfielder, while United would be in line to receive £100m ($134m) in a transfer fee.

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  Reports of Al-Hilal's interest in Fernandes first emerged at the start of May before United's Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club and has gathered pace since the Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in the final. Fernandes opened the door to him leaving United immediately after losing to Spurs at San Mames, telling reporters: "If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”

• WHAT AMORIM SAID

  "He is really important for us and what we want to build for the team," Amorim said earlier this week during United's post-season tour of Asia. "We talk about this many times. You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should because he is the captain."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to , Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho held talks with Al-Hilal representatives in Riyadh on Thursday and has told his client the terms of the offer, which would see him more than double the £300,000-per week salary he is currently on at United. Fernandes joined the Red Devils from Sporting CP in January 2020. He has scored 98 goals and set up a further 97 in 290 appearances. He was also the team's leading scorer and assist provider last season, with 19 goals and 19 assists.