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Sunday’s draw at home to Crystal Palace was a game to forget for Chelsea, and not the way they would’ve wanted to kickstart their Premier League campaign.

Enzo Maresca’s side were underwhelming from the first minute to the last, and new signing Jamie Gittens failed to make any impact whatsoever.

The former Borussia Dortmund gem started the game but was taken off just 54 minutes in for the 18-year-old Estevao after failing three of his five dribbles, completing just 14 passes and not taking a single shot on target.

While it would be unfair to judge the Englishman too harshly on one performance, Chelsea are now closing in on another signing who could keep him on the bench more than he’d like.

Chelsea target Gittens upgrade

While the draw to the Eagles has taken the gloss off somewhat, this has still been a brilliant summer for Chelsea, as on top of their Club World Cup success, they’ve made several exciting signings.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap should add goals to the Blues’ frontline, and even though he is still just 19 years old, Jorrel Hato looks the real deal.

Moreover, even with all the signings they’ve made this window, the West Londoners are now closing in on another addition, someone who could keep Gittens on the bench.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed Chelsea are still working on a deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho.

The Italian journalist has revealed that the Blues and Manchester United are now “advancing in club to club talks” for the Argentine international, who “only wants” a move to Stamford Bridge.

Romano does not reveal how much the 21-year-old could cost, but reports from earlier this month claim that a fee of around £50m could seal the deal, and while that is a lot of money, it might be fair value for the talented youngster, even if he could see Gittens relegated to the bench.

Why Garnacho would bench Gittens

Now it should be said that Gittens is a talented youngster, and based on what we saw at Dortmund over the last couple of years, he’s someone we think will eventually be a success for Chelsea.

However, if the club get their hands on Garnacho, and it looks like they will, we reckon the Englishman will have to make do with being a bench player for some time, and the first reason why comes down to their respective output.

For example, in his 49 appearances for the German outfit last season, the Blues’ new left-winger scored 12 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games.

In contrast, the Madrid-born “superstar” in the making, as dubbed by journalist Liam Canning, was able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances for a historically terrible United side, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games.

Moreover, while the Bundesliga isn’t an easy league, it is ranked as only the fourth toughest in the world, whereas the Premier League is comfortably in the top spot.

So, while we know the Argentine international has what it takes to succeed in the league – he ranks in the top six for progressive carries, for example – the jury remains out on the Reading-born gem.

Finally, on top of having the better output and being proven in England, the United ace also comes out way ahead when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers.

For example, he comes out on top in most relevant metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots, key passes, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Gittens is a talented player, Garnacho has him beat in pretty much all areas at the moment, and with him being more than comfortable off the left, we can see the United ace benching the Englishman this season.

He'd make Pedro lethal: Chelsea chasing "unstoppable" £100m "machine"

The international game-changers could be just what Chelsea need to get the most out of Pedro.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 20, 2025

With the World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at how the U.S. squad might look in the upcoming October camp.

The time for experimenting is just about over for the U.S. men's national team. Manager Mauricio Pochettino noted as much when he announced his September squad, saying it was "the last camp to have the possibility for us to see players, new faces."

The process of narrowing the player pool towards a World Cup-ready squad is now truly beginning, and it gets going this October. After a back-and-forth September camp featuring a loss to South Korea and a win over Japan, the USMNT is set to face Ecuador and Australia in October as they continue their march towards the 2026 World Cup.

Ahead of the last gathering, Pochettino made it clear that this roster would be different. For one, it would be more hyper-focused on World Cup contenders. In addition, it would be one made with MLS in mind, with the coaching staff hesitant to yank players out of playoff races, even if they are established USMNT regulars.

So who's in and who's out? What are the tough calls Pochettino will have to make? GOAL takes a look.

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  GOALKEEPERS

  GOAL's picks: Matt Freese, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner

  While MLS teams do play during the international break, neither Freese's NYCFC nor Turner's New England Revolution are among the clubs with games on the schedule, freeing them both up for participation in this camp. Freese, of course, has earned his spot as the No. 1 in recent months, but with Turner back as a starter in New England, that battle remains one to watch on the road to 2026.

  This camp, then, should give some indication of where Pochettino's head is at: is it still a two-horse race that includes starts for both, or is it Freese's job to lose as he continues to get a bulk of the minutes?

  As for the third goalkeeper, there are multiple candidates. Steffen's Rapids also don't play during the break, so he's one to keep an eye on. Same with Schulte and the Crew. Pochettino could also look to someone like Klinsmann in Europe as he continues to play well in Serie B with Cesena. 

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  DEFENDERS

  GOAL's picks: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson

  With the new switch to a three-at-the-back system, deployed by Pochettino against Japan, all eyes are on the centerbacks. Richards and Ream seem to be locks, but who joins them?

  McKenzie seems an obvious candidate, even if he was left out of the last squad. The Toulouse defender plays in a similar system with his club, making him an ideal fit for this setup. Same with Miles Robinson, who should be comfortable due to his similar role with FC Cincinnati. The three-back system, it seems, is the way forward, so Pochettino might as well lean on guys who are more than comfortable playing it.

  For the fullbacks, with Pochettino saying previously he's eager to avoid disrupting MLS, Freeman could stay home this camp to help out Orlando City. That opens the door for Joe Scally's return as an option on that right-hand side. Scally, too, could get a look at center back as he's played there in the past with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga.

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  MIDFIELDERS

  GOAL's picks: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman

  A largely European-based contingent here, one that features most of the regulars. Notable possible inclusions are Tessmann, who has been on fire for Lyon to start the season, and Morris, who impressed in his initial looks under Pochettino and has certainly earned another shot with his efforts at Middlesbrough.

  They would join a holdover in Adams and the returning McKennie and Musah as options in deeper midfield spots. With that group, Pochettino should, largely, feel pretty good as that should be somewhat close to his first-choice midfield.

  As for the ones that could play higher up, Tillman is back, having recently gotten into the swing of things with Bayer Leverkusen, while Aaronson, fresh off a good performance in the Premier League, could take Luna's spot as he is left behind for Real Salt Lake's playoff push. McGlynn is a candidate there as well, too, with the Dynamo not scheduled for any games during the break.

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  FORWARDS

  GOAL's picks: Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas

  No doubt about wingers and No. 10s here. Pulisic is Pulisic. Weah provides pace and depth at multiple positions. Zendejas, meanwhile, is in incredible form and proved last camp that he belongs in this mix. With the previously mentioned Tillman as the likely starter next to Pulisic behind the striker, there are no real concerns at that spot on the field.

  As for striker, Balogun is in after his performance last camp, but who joins him? Pepi is potentially dealing with an injury, so likely not him. Pochettino has previously said he wants players to have increased chances to settle in new environments, so that likely means no Agyemang either.

  If that is the case, it leaves a decision between Sargent, Downs, and Wright, one that will be a tricky one for the coaching staff to make.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that a number of clubs have made an approach for a “dynamite” Everton player, with The Friedkin Group making a decision over his future.

Everton set for opening game at new stadium

The Blues officially begin a new chapter in their history on Sunday afternoon, hosting Brighton in the Premier League in their first-ever competitive game at their new ground.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium is an impressive new setting for Everton’s home games, and while it was sad for them to leave Goodison Park, it was important that the club planned for the future and found a new home to help take them to new heights.

Blues manager David Moyes is certainly excited about his side beginning life in a new stadium, speaking glowingly about it earlier this month.

“It’s brilliant for the football club. For my journey as well – I’ve had lots of different twists and turns – but overall I think the football club has been so desperate for this situation to arise with the new stadium. I think it’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a step up, certainly, from Goodison and I think for Everton Football Club it’s a real positive step.”

Everton’s new venture will hopefully lead to plenty of exciting new signings, as well as persuading current players to stay put, and a new update has dropped regarding an individual in the latter category.

Everton make decision over "dynamite" ace's future

According to Romano on X, Everton have seen numerous clubs make approaches for Iliman Ndiaye, but The Friedkin Group have rejected their advances.

Losing Ndiaye would be a massive blow this early in his Everton career, so this update is an extremely positive one for Blues supporters.

The 25-year-old has so often provided the creative spark for the Blues since arriving from Marseille last summer, being described as a “dynamite” player by Jamie Redknapp and being hailed as “brilliant” by Second Tier podcast.

Ndiaye is going to be a massive player for Everton moving forward – he scored nine goals in the Premier League last season – and it would be just like him to bag the opening strike at the Blues’ new ground this weekend.

Grealish can make him world-class: Everton "in negotiations" for £40m star

Everton still need to sign several more first-teamers before the end of the transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 22, 2025

The Blues cannot afford to let him go, and with his current deal not expiring until the summer of 2029, they are in a strong bargaining position and would surely only allow him to leave for huge money.

To describe this summer as unprecedented for Arsenal would be an understatement.

The Gunners have spent big in windows past, but they have never spent as much as they have this year, nor have they made so many quality additions to the side.

Mikel Arteta has been handed a new starting striker, a new starting six, the sensational Eberechi Eze, a host of quality squad options and may now get his hands on Piero Hincapié.

Yet, with the window open until next week, the club look set to make even more additions and are being linked with someone who might have more potential than Hincapié.

Arsenal target ace alongsid Hincapié

Arsenal fans were still getting over the excitement of the Eze transfer this morning when news broke that the club were looking to hijack another of Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer targets.

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This time, it was Bayer Leverkusen’s Hincapié, who had been touted for a move to N17 for some time this summer, but now looks like he could be donning red and white next month.

The versatile centre-back looks like he could be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ already formidable defensive unit, but now it looks like the club is keen on another ace who has an even higher ceiling.

At least that is according to a recent report from Europe, who has claimed that Arsenal are interested in Jeremy Jacquet.

The Belgian journalist has revealed that, alongside other sides such as Real Madrid and Al-Hilal, the Gunners are targeting the highly-rated French defender.

It does not state how much the Stade Rennes gem could cost the North Londoners, but as his £10k-per-week contract is set to run for another four years, he’s unlikely to come cheap, with previous reports stating their asking price is as much as £43m.

However, with the way he is spoken about by those in the know, and the experience he already has, he may well be worth splashing the cash on, especially as he could have even more potential than Hincapie.

Jacquet's sky-high potential

So the first thing to say is that if Arsenal sign Hincapie this week, he would represent an excellent bit of business and seriously strengthen the backline.

However, with him set to turn 24 during the season, we can see the player he is today, and while he will improve, it’s unlikely he’s going to dramatically improve in the coming years.

On the other hand, Jacquet has only just turned 20, is already playing in a top-five league and has caught the eye of top teams like the Gunners and Real Madrid.

In other words, there is a sense that the Frenchman could be one of the next great defenders in world football, much like William Saliba was considered back in 2019.

It might sound like hyperbole, but we aren’t the only ones saying this.

Take respected analyst Ben Mattinson, for example, who has called the youngster a “Rolls Royce” of players and the “world football’s next highly coveted CB.”

More than that, he has claimed that he “has the tools to be a ‘Top 5 in The World’ CB” and that he plays “with a level of composure which makes actions seem so effortless.”

The data backs up a lot of these predictions as well.

According to FBref, despite being so young, the Rennes gem ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues for tackles plus interceptions, just interceptions and long pass completion, the top 6% for percentage of aerial duels won, the top 7% for tackles won and more, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of a defender who’s nearly impossible to get past while also being brilliant with the ball at his feet.

For comparison’s sake, Hincapie ranks in the top 1% of just one metric for centre-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues: non-penalty expected goals plus assists.

In other words, while the Ecuadorian international is an exceptional defender, the data suggests his ceiling is not quite as high as the 20-year-old’s.

Ultimately, while he wouldn’t necessarily get lots of game time this season, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Jacquet before the window shuts.

He looks like he could be a future world-beater, and the last high-potential centre-back signed from Ligue 1 has done rather well for himself at the carpet.

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Arsenal reach agreement to sign "explosive" attacking gem after Eze deal

The Gunners are set to sign another attacker…

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 24, 2025

Jose Mourinho aimed a playful jibe at Manchester City when being quizzed on the 74 charges that are now hanging over Chelsea. The Portuguese coach, who has taken in two spells as Blues boss, finds himself back at Stamford Bridge for a Champions League fixture. The ‘Special One’ has returned to his homeland as the new boss at Benfica, with the 62-year-old having lost none of his ability to entertain when speaking to the media.

• Ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho back at Stamford Bridge

  The enigmatic tactician is famed for generating headlines with his behaviour on the touchline and in the press room, with Mourinho having no issue with being centre of attention. He is that again at present as an emotional reunion with a former club – one where he previously delivered three Premier League title triumphs – is taken in.

  Chelsea have been back in trophy-winning mode of late, savouring Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs in 2024-25. They have, however, also been stung with 74 charges by the Football Association relating to alleged breaches of regulations concerning dealings with football agents, intermediaries and third party investment in players. Those charges cover a 13-year period from 2009 to 2022, although most relate to the 2010-11 and 2015-16 campaigns – with Mourinho’s last stint with the Blues coming to a close in December 2015.

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  Charges hanging over Chelsea & Man City

  Chelsea are not the only Premier League side to have fallen under a monetary microscope, with City still waiting to discover their fate in a Financial Fair Play (FFP) saga that involves at least 115 historical charges dating back to 2009. They have always maintained their innocence, but various punishments have been speculated on, ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the English top-flight.

  Asked about Chelsea’s supposed misdemeanours ahead of a European fixture in west London, Mourinho quipped back with: “Not Man City? I've no idea. I've no idea about it. I've no idea what the charges are, I will try to understand.”

• Mourinho will always be a blue & is a fan of Maresca

  The outspoken Portuguese added on his strong professional ties to upcoming opponents: “Of course I will always be a blue. I'm part of their history and they are part of mine. I helped them to become a bigger Chelsea and they helped me to become a bigger Jose. When I say I'm not a blue, I'm talking about the job I have to do. There are not many clubs that do these pictures. There is a fear in many clubs about what happened in the past. Sometimes it looks like they want to delete people who made history in the clubs. This shows Chelsea are a big club.”

  Mourinho will be locking tactical horns with Enzo Maresca, a man he considers to have done a fine job since inheriting the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024. He said of the Italian coach, who was one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants at Manchester City before heading out on his own again and guiding Leicester to the Championship title in 2024: “Honestly, I don't know the model. I never studied their model. There was a set period where myself, from the outside, was putting some question marks [on it] because it looked like Chelsea had lost their identity as a club. But what happened in the last season got things back on track. They gave trust to Enzo and gave his ideas. He's fitted in well with the philosophy of the club.”

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  Chelsea & Benfica form guide ahead of Champions League clash

  Chelsea head into their meeting with Benfica having emerged victorious in just one of their last five games in all competitions. That solitary success came against League One side Lincoln in the Carabao Cup. Defeat was suffered against Harry Kane and Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, before going down in domestic clashes with Manchester United and Brighton.

  Benfica are unbeaten in their opening three games under Mourinho, picking up seven points in the Portuguese top tier, with their iconic boss returning to where it all began for him as a manager back in 2000.

Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Bologna striker Santiago Castro, sending scouts to assess the 21-year-old’s performances in Serie A ahead of a potential January move. The Argentine, who is already on the fringes of the senior national team, has emerged as a player of interest for Enzo Maresca as the Blues continue their long-running search for a consistent and clinical No. 9.

• Chelsea send scouts to watch Bologna's Castro

  Chelsea scouts were present at Bologna’s recent Serie A fixtures to monitor Castro, according to Il Resto del Carlino via Tuttomercatoweb. The 21-year-old Argentine has impressed with his movement, link-up play, and technical ability since joining the Italian side from Velez Sarsfield for €13.2 million in January 2024. Despite recording just one goal and one assist in five Serie A appearances this season, his performances have been closely tracked by multiple European clubs.

  Bologna are aware of the growing interest in their young striker, with Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr having already explored potential deals over the summer. Castro remains under contract until June 2028, putting the Serie A club in a strong position to demand a significant transfer fee. Reports in Italy suggest that Bologna would only consider offers in the €50 million (£43.4m) range, given his development trajectory and potential. 

  The scouting mission underlines Chelsea’s continued commitment to identifying emerging talent in key positions. Enzo Maresca, who is keen to introduce more tactical flexibility to his forward line, views Castro as a long-term project rather than an immediate solution. For now, no formal approach has been made, but Chelsea are expected to continue monitoring the Argentine closely in the weeks leading up to the January transfer window.

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  Chelsea showing no signs of slowing down transfer activity

  Chelsea’s interest in Castro reflects a broader trend under the club’s ownership — heavy investment in young, high-upside forwards as they attempt to solve a lingering striker dilemma. Over the past year, the Blues have spent big on attacking options, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu. Despite these signings, inconsistency in front of goal has persisted, prompting further scouting activity.  

  The London club’s recruitment model has often been described as a “carousel” of strikers, with numerous young players competing for limited opportunities. The addition of another prospect like Castro would only intensify that internal competition. Nonetheless, Chelsea’s hierarchy remains convinced that stacking depth with developing forwards will eventually produce a breakout star capable of leading the line. Bologna’s reluctance to sell mid-season, however, may delay any potential move until the summer of 2026. 

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  Castro's rapidly-rising career so far

  Castro rose through the ranks at Velez Sarsfield, where he made his professional debut in 2021. After three seasons in Argentina — tallying 61 appearances and eight goals — he made the switch to Bologna, where he has become a regular in Vincenzo Italiano’s attacking rotation. Standing 6ft tall, Castro is known for his sharp positioning, aerial strength, and off-the-ball movement.  

  At just 21, Castro is already being considered for a senior Argentina call-up after representing his nation at multiple youth levels. For Bologna, Castro has already made a tangible impact, contributing to their 2024–25 Coppa Italia triumph and delivering a standout performance in a 3–3 draw against Juventus last year. His growing influence has made him one of Serie A’s most-watched young forwards, with scouts from England, Spain, and Germany frequently in attendance at Bologna matches. As his form stabilises, his valuation is expected to continue rising, making him one of Italy’s hottest transfer prospects. 

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• Chelsea to continue scouting Castro

  Chelsea are set to continue monitoring Castro throughout the remainder of 2025, with further scouting trips likely planned as Bologna’s domestic and European campaigns progress. Any formal discussions would likely depend on player availability and Bologna’s willingness to engage, with the Italian side determined to retain their core attacking assets until at least the summer.

  Given Chelsea’s current attacking depth, a January move remains uncertain — though the club could view an early deal as a way to get ahead of rival bidders. Bologna, meanwhile, are in no rush to cash in, particularly with Castro under a long-term contract and continuing to develop under Motta. For now, the Blues will keep a watchful eye on his progress, as their search for a reliable, long-term No.9 shows no signs of slowing.  

Leeds United have now made late contact to sign a 63-cap international before the transfer deadline alongside Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

Leeds in talks to sign Harry Wilson

The Whites have been looking for attacking reinforcements in the final days of the transfer window after missing out on Brighton winger Facundo Buonanotte.

Leeds thought they were close to signing the Seagulls gem on loan, however, Chelsea came in at the last minute and hijacked any Elland Road deal.

With targets and time running out, Leeds have also failed with a loan offer to sign Emi Buenida on loan from Aston Villa. However, they are now in a race against time to sign Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

The 49ers Enterprises could eventually manage to grant Farke’s wish for further attacking reinforcements after the Leeds manager urged the club to bring in more quality.

“I don’t play any games. Everyone in the club says: ‘OK, we want to try everything to give us the best possible squad’. Everyone wants to add, in the offence, some more quality players. If not, we also won’t raise the white flag and say, ‘OK, that’s it’.

“We have shown we are competitive in the first three games, but it will be difficult (thereafter). There’s also no moaning, but, until the last hour of the window, we have to try everything to bring some more quality in.”

Contact made: Leeds now plotting last-gasp offer to sign "underrated" star

He’s in excellent form.

5

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 1, 2025

With a potential addition in attack, another signing in defence could be on the cards.

Leeds make contact for Albania international Berat Djimsiti

According to reports from Markaj News on deadline day, Leeds have been in contact over a deal for Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti.

Capable of playing anywhere across the back four, Djimsiti stands at 6 foot 2 and is under contract with the Serie A side until 2026.

The 32-year-old has also won 63 caps for Albania, but considering Leeds and Farke want attacking additions, signing Djimsiti would be a real surprise.

Fair to say, in recent seasons, a large number of players have come through Chelsea.

In fact, since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their takeover of the club in 2022, the Blues have signed 49 senior players, costing around £1.5bn, while 64 have been sold, recouping approximately £789m; many fit into both categories!

Almost inarguably, the best signing made during this period is the £40m paid to bring Cole Palmer to the club from Manchester City, considering the England international has scored 43 goals and registered 29 assists in 98 appearances for the club.

However, of the numerous players sold since 2022, many have gone on to flourish elsewhere, with one ex-Chelsea attacker, once compared to an all-time club legend, actually performing better than Palmer in 2025.

Cole Palmer's importance to Chelsea

Talisman Palmer is sidelined at the moment, suffering a groin injury during the warm-up ahead of Chelsea’s 5-1 demolition of West Ham, not featuring since, and not expected to recover in time for Saturday night’s clash with Brentford.

This is far from ideal considering Enzo Maresca’s team travel to Bayern Munich for their Champions League opener on Wednesday, before facing Manchester United at Old Trafford three days later.

The table below emphasises Palmer’s importance last season.

As the table documents, in the Premier League last season, Palmer ranked first for pretty much every attacking metric at Chelsea last season.

This doesn’t even consider his contributions in other competitions, most notably bagging three goals en route to Club World Cup glory, scoring a quick-fire brace during the final demolition of Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium.

However, is a former Chelsea attacker actually outperforming Palmer this calendar year?

The former Chelsea forward with more goals than Palmer

Back in 2019, Christian Pulisic joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £58m, signed in January before arriving in the summer, just as the club were hit with a transfer embargo, thereby prioritising youth under Frank Lampard.

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This worked to Pulisic’s advantage, scoring 11 goals and providing ten assists during his debut campaign in West London, with four of each coming during project restart, with many Americans joking that “lockdown Pulisic” is the greatest player of all-time.

Upon his arrival, he asserted that he wanted to replicate his idol Eden Hazard, stating “he is a guy to look up to and what I would love to become”.

Well, 18 months later, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes aptly stated, “he looks the closest thing I’ve seen to Eden Hazard”, high praise indeed from a legend of the game.

The USMNT winger’s importance dwindled during the subsequent three campaigns, however, scoring just one goal during his final campaign with the club, thereby sold to AC Milan for around £18m in the summer of 2023.

Well, this has been a shrewd bit of investment because Pulisic bagged 15 goals and 11 assists during his first season with the Rossoneri, before increasing this to 17 goals and 12 assists last season.

To commence the new campaign too, he has also scored against Bari in the Coppa Italia and Lecce in Serie A, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Massimiliano Allegri’s new-look side.

This means, in 2025, the American has now scored 11 club goals, five more than Palmer’s tally, having played just one more match.

Also, according to Football Transfers, this form has seen Pulisic’s value skyrocket up to around £41m, more than double the £18m he was sold to Milan for.

Thus, given that Chelsea have essentially become a player trading platform under Boehly’s ownership, they may regret selling the American for such a low fee and, who knows, had he stayed in West London, he could’ve been a key contributor, working in tandem with Palmer.

The Chelsea academy star turning Maresca's head after Nicolas Jackson praise

Chelsea’s manager is keeping a close eye on him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Maghnes Akliouche admitted he has been 'flattered' by the Premier League club's interest ahead of AS Monaco's Champions League showdown with Thomas Frank's side. After Spurs lost the transfer race to Arsenal for Eberechi Eze in the summer, they had eyed a move for Akliouche but the north London outfit eventually signed Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

• Tottenham wanted Akliouche before signing Simons

  Tottenham  were under immense pressure towards the end of the summer transfer window after missing out on key targets Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze. While their pursuit of Gibbs-White ended earlier in the summer after Nottingham Forest blocked the midfielder's transfer, Spurs saw their move for Crystal Palace's Eze hijacked at the last moment as their arch-rivals Arsenal secured the England international's signature.

  With James Maddison already out for the majority of the season with an ACL rupture, Spurs were growing impatient over signing a new creative midfielder. That is when they shifted their focus to AS Monaco starlet Akliouche, although they ended up signing Dutch star Simons from RB Leipzig instead.

  Earlier in the window, Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen had also shown interest in the talented attacker as both Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag were ready to battle it out in the transfer market. The youngster's stock rose after a breakout campaign in the 2024-25 season, in which he scored seven goals and registered 12 assists across all competitions for the French giants. 

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  Akliouche drops hint on future move to England

  Ahead of Monaco's Champions League clash against Tottenham, Akliouche addressed the media where he spoke about Spurs' interest in him, while claiming he was flattered to know about the English side's pursuit. 

  The 23-year-old said: "I thought it was very flattering to have these kinds of stories and links but I'm a Monaco player and I'm playing against Spurs tomorrow, so I will give my best. In terms of playing in the Premier League, why not? We will see in the future but tomorrow I will give my all."

• Spurs continue to monitor Akliouche

  reported last month that Spurs had sent scouts to watch Monaco in action and were interested in the progress of Akliouche specifically, along with Vanderson and Lamine Camara. Tottenham boss Frank continues to maintain an interest in the versatile young ace, who can play on either flank, in the 10 or up front. The report further added that while Akliouche would be a headline signing, the north London club are also monitoring Vanderson as potential full-back depth, with Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie currently the specialist full-backs in the squad; Archie Gray has also covered at right-back but is naturally a midfielder. Camara, meanwhile, operates primarily as a midfielder.

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• How is it going for Akliouche?

  In the 2025-26 campaign, Akliouche has appeared in nine matches for Monaco across all competitions, including seven in Ligue 1 where he has scored twice and provided one assist thus far. His impressive start to the new season earned him his maiden call-up to the France national team during the September international window.

Enzo Maresca has expressed his frustration at Chelsea striker Liam Delap after the Blues frontman was dismissed for two yellow cards within seven minutes as Chelsea hung on to win 4-3 in a tense Carabao Cup encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Delap had been out injured since August but had an unsavoury return to action as he pushed Yerson Mosquera then barged into Emmanuel Agbadou to earn his marching orders in the 86th minute.

• Another red card for ill-disciplined Blues

  Red cards have been one of the stories of Chelsea’s season so far, with the Blues having seen an astonishing six dismissals in their last nine matches. On this occasion, Maresca had little sympathy for Delap, who came on in the 61st minute for his first appearance since victory over Fulham on August 30 and let frustration get the better of him in a brief cameo.

  The Italian head-coach accused the 22-year-old striker of “playing for himself” as calls for calm fell on deaf ears when Delap earnt himself a second yellow card in the space of just seven minutes to earn "thug" accusations from fans.

  Chelsea had been 3-0 up at half-time against the Premier League’s bottom side but Wolves rallied in the second period to set up a nervy finish. The Blues’ young stars had been at it again as Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estevao and Jamie Gittens all found the net, all 21 years of age or younger. Delap, just a year older than Santos and Gittens, had less of a positive evening as he earnt the first red card of his professional career.

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  'Embarrassing' – Maresca's fury at Delap

  Asked post-match by The Athletic about Chelsea’s red card tally and if it is becoming an embarrassment, Maresca replied: “Yes, it’s embarrassing when it’s a red card like today. Because it’s two yellow cards in five minutes, 10 minutes, I don’t know, seven minutes. Both, I think we can avoid that. So it’s not good.

  “After the yellow card I told him four or five times to keep calm. But Liam is a player that when he’s inside the pitch probably he’ll be playing the game for himself, and he struggles to realise and to listen around him.

  "Very stupid red card that was completely unnecessary. Absolutely deserved. It was a stupid foul. We can avoid that. I completely support the red card,” Maresca added.

  "I completely understand when there are red cards like Brighton or Manchester United as that is difficult, but the red card against Nottingham Forest and this red card we can avoid. We have to avoid that.”

• Chelsea through to next round of Carabao Cup despite scare

  "Very happy first half, very upset second half," Maresca expressed at full-time. "It's always complicated to go away and score three goals. We were playing nice [going] forward, great chances.

  "Second half, we were not doing the right things. The first goal we conceded opened a little bit the game – gave them the boost and the energy to come back into the game. And then I think all of [the three goals conceded] we can avoid."

  Maresca’s words sum up a game of two halves for Chelsea, who will feel fortunate to have gone through to the next round unscathed despite Delap’s dismissal.

  A quarter-final tie away at League One side Cardiff City awaits, the Bluebirds having beaten Welsh neighbours Wrexham 2-1 on Tuesday to secure a place in the last eight at the expense of their big-spending Championship rivals.

  Chelsea have not won the League Cup since back in 2015, with no London side winning the competition in the decade since. Maresca’s side will hope that they can put that right this time around, with a relatively kind draw which will allow their young stars the opportunity to shine once again.

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  Delap absent for crunch Tottenham clash

  Delap will miss Chelsea’s London derby with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, in what will be a blow for Maresca amidst the continued fitness concerns of Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has played through pain for much of the season and will hope to have some of the burden taken off him in the coming weeks by fellow new signing Delap, as Chelsea look to return to winning ways in the league.