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Liverpool are firing on all cylinders under Arne Slot and will look to advance their thrilling campaign even further with a win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round this afternoon.

Fresh from their emphatic thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday evening, dumping the north Londoners out of the Carabao Cup and clinching a place at Wembley, the Merseysiders are now looking to prevail in the other, more distinguished domestic cup competition, having won last the FA Cup in 2021/22 under Jurgen Klopp.

Plymouth have struggled in the Championship this season but took Liverpool to a replay in the 2016/17 FA Cup, keeping a clean sheet at Anfield before narrowly losing the replay at Home Park.

Liverpool team news

Slot is expected to enforce plenty of rotation as Liverpool travel to Plymouth, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch almost certain to be absent from the starting lineup and perhaps even the matchday squad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out once again after feeling discomfort in his thigh, coming off against Bournemouth last weekend, though the Reds are hopeful that he will be fit enough to compete in Wednesday’s crunch Merseyside derby.

While Tyler Morton is set to miss out after picking up a shoulder injury, the talented James McConnell could be involved, having seen a winter loan departure blocked by Slot after the Dutch coach was impressed by his Champions League performance against PSV Eindhoven.

Indeed, Liverpool have a wealth of young talent that will be pushing for starting berths, and there are two in particular who will be hoping to catch the eye.

Slot must unleash Liverpool's academy stars

Trey Nyoni will definitely be looking to earn a second senior start of the season for Liverpool, having started and impressed in the previous round against Accrington Stanley.

Nyoni is a silky and powerful midfielder who is capable of playing across a number of positions. He didn’t start Liverpool’s 4-0 victory in the previous round, but the 17-year-old was introduced off the bench and claimed an assist for Federico Chiesa’s late goal.

However, Slot could unleash another academy sensation who may attract even more attention in Rio Ngumoha, with the 16-year-old ace catching the eye when given a starting role last month.

His ceaseless attempts to drive the ball forward and willingness to get stuck in and contest for duels came together to make a convincing comment on Ngumoha’s chances on the major stage.

He gave a great account, with The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle awarding a 7/10 match rating and raising praise regarding his ball-carrying skills.

Such a prodigious talent could even shape into Slot’s very own version of Raheem Sterling, who waltzed onto the scene with Liverpool in similarly precocious circumstances, making his Premier League debut as a 17-year-old in 2012 under Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Ngumoha might not have graced the top flight yet, but it’s worth remembering he’s still half a year away from hitting 17. The likeness doesn’t stop there, though, with Sterling entering conversations pertaining to a reputation as one of Europe’s best young players, thriving under Brendan Rodgers before leaving for Manchester City for £49m in 2015.

Nguomha could emulate his older countryman, with reporter Lewis Bower even saying: “I’ve probably never seen anything like it before. In terms of his ceiling, it’s frightening.”

Only time will tell, but if Ngumoha is given another chance to impress against Plymouth and takes his opportunity, the buzz around this young talent is only going to rise in volume.

Slot has hit gold on Liverpool "superstar" who's worth more than Gakpo

He’s one of the biggest unsung heroes of this high-flying Liverpool team.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 7, 2025

Arsenal are seriously weighing up a transfer alternative to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak who they are convinced will be much cheaper, with the attacker having also enjoyed an excellent 2024/2025 campaign thus far.

Arsenal want Alexander Isak but Newcastle unlikely to sell

The Gunners are reliably reported admirers of Isak, and manager Mikel Arteta in particular is believed to be a real fan.

Arsenal can sign striker with nearly 20 goals this season for £43m in July

The Gunners are still in the market for a centre-forward.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 18, 2025

Reports as far back as May last year claimed Isak is Arteta’s dream signing for Arsenal, and his admiration for the superstar Premier League striker doesn’t appear to have waned in the slightest.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein stated this month that Isak is top of Arteta’s transfer wishlist, but Eddie Howe won’t be in any hurry to green-light the sale of his key player, even if those around Arsenal believe he is perfect for the club’s system.

“I’ve always said that Alexander Isak is perfect for Arsenal. He would be at the top of my list of new forwards if he were to become available,” said Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts in late 2024.

“He’s long been mentioned as a potential target, but I don’t believe there have ever been any talks or anything like that.

“The word coming out of Newcastle has always been that Isak has not been for sale and given the money it would take to change that stance, Arsenal have focused attention elsewhere, like on Benjamin Sesko for example. I would love to see Arsenal at least try and have a conversation about a potential move.

“The issue is, however, that Isak’s current deal does not run out until 2028, so Newcastle are still in a very strong position. It would still take huge money to prize him away from St James’ Park.”

The list of potential alternatives to Isak is interesting, with reports claiming Arsenal are still very much targeting RB Leipzig’s Sesko for the summer window after their hopes of a deal faded in January.

As well as the Slovenia international starlet, it is now believed that Eintracht Frankfurt newbie Hugo Ekitiké is on their list of targets.

Arsenal "majorly considering" Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are “majorly considering” Ekitike as a cheaper alternative to Isak, following the Frenchman’s brilliant 24/25 campaign where he’s managed 17 goals in all competitions thus far.

Ekitike was on the fringes of PSG’s first-team before making an initial loan move to Frankfurt in 2024, with the Bundesliga side then opting to make his transfer permanent last summer.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a new lease of life in Germany, so much so that his form is now attracting serious interest from both Arsenal and London rivals Chelsea. However, as expected, Ekitike’s club are in no rush to sell him, and will demand a set fee of £60 million to let the forward go before next season.

Interestingly, West Ham were heavily linked with a summer deadline day move for Ekitike in 2023, so this isn’t the first time he’s garnered attention from English clubs.

“There is something very special about him,” said former Reims boss Oscar Garcia. “He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

Chelsea have turned their attention towards Benfica's rising star Tomas Araujo having lost top transfer target Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

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• Chelsea wanted Huijsen as new defender
• Bournemouth star heading to Madrid
• Blues turn to Araujo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea are prepared to invest in their backline and were leading the race to sign Bournemouth talent Huijsen, before Real Madrid entered and officially completed the transfer in a matter of days. In response to the setback, Chelsea have now reignited their interest in Benfica star Araujo, per a report from .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Araujo has been one of the pillars of Benfica under the coaching of Bruno Lage, impressing with his performances both domestically and in the Champions League. Last summer, it was reported that the Blues made an approach for the Portuguese centre-back. The 23-year-old has an €80 million (£68m) release clause, but apparently Chelsea bid nowhere near the amount Benfica demanded. However, sources told that the Premier League heavyweights will make a €50m-€55m offer for Araujo. PSG and Liverpool are also in the race for the defender, per the same sources.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Araujo is not the only player on Chelsea's radar. GOAL understands that the west Londoners are preparing a shock move for out-of-favour Madrid winger Rodrygo this summer. Formal talks between the two clubs are yet to take place, but Chelsea have already gotten in touch with the Brazilian's entourage.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea will next take on Nottingham Forest in a crucial top-five Premier League encounter on Sunday, May 25, before locking horns against Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday, May 28.

Aston Villa are not short of attacking options in their current squad. Unai Emery has a plethora of attackers, with some January signings helping to reinforce that depth up front. January additions Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have made a fast start to life at Villa Park.

Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United, has three assists in seven games, and Asensio, who is at Villa Park temporarily from Paris Saint-Germain, has already scored five goals.

Villa also signed Donyell Malen in January from Borussia Dortmund, adding to the depth of an attack that includes Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey.

However, the West Midlands outfit did lose one of their big-name forwards, Jhon Duran in the winter window.

Jhon Duran’s Aston Villa record

It was hard for Villa to turn down Saudi side Al-Nassr’s offer for Duran in January. He left the club to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo for a fee that could reportedly reach as high as £71m. Given they paid just £18m two years prior, that was a strong deal for the Villans.

Indeed, Duran’s record was impressive in that famous Claret and Blue shirt. He scored 20 goals in 78 appearances, but only featured for a total of 2272 minutes. That is the equivalent of 25 full 90-minute games, leaving him with an impressive goal-to-game ratio

The Colombian striker was a scorer of sublime goals during his time at Villa Park. He was not afraid to try his luck with a shot from range, including a screamer against Everton, which proved to be a winner in a 3-2 comeback win.

Losing the 21-year-old was certainly a blow for Villa, especially when you factor in the number of goals he scored in such a short space of time. However, they have replaced him with the likes of Rashford and Malen.

In fact, it is not only their January recruits that could be the answer to filling the void left by Duran. The answer may also lie in the academy.

Aston Villa’s in-house Duran replacement

The Villans academy has produced some great talent over the last few years. Of course, Jack Grealish is arguably the most famous academy product, but more recently, stars including Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka are also graduates.

Next in line to graduate from the Villa academy could be Scottish striker Rory Wilson, if the youngster’s current situation is reversed. Described as a “star in the making” by football scout Antonio Mango, the former Rangers youngster has impressed for Villa in recent years.

Throughout his time at the club, he has played 53 games, and already has 36 goals to his name. That includes an incredible record of 27 goals and two assists in 25 appearances for the under-18s side, for whom he averages 1.16 goals per game.

Wilson’s involvement this season has been few and far between. He started 2024/25 on fire, with a record of two goals and one assist in four games, but has not played since September.

In The Pipeline

Although he had an injury at the start of the campaign, the reason for his absence is unclear, albeit while having reportedly been exiled due to his failure to pen a new deal.

The Villans are seemingly in a real battle to keep the talented young striker. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and it was reported at the end of last term that European heavyweights Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Feyenoord are all interested in signing him.

Well, the West Midlands side arguably cannot face a repeat of the Duran situation. Wilson could be their long-term replacement for the Colombian, and giving him first-team chances could be the persuasion he needs to extend his stay at Villa Park.

There is no doubt he is a talented player, and if Emery’s side can keep hold of him beyond this season, Villa might have one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe on their hands.

Aston Villa submit enquiry over signing "incredible" in-demand 12-goal ace

He’s been involved in 23 goals this season…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 7, 2025

Top-tier clubs can find themselves a bargain by identifying the best talent from England's second division

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There's no denying the gap between the Premier League and the Championship is widening. You only need to look at the fact all three promoted teams have come straight back down again in each of the last two seasons to realise that.

Nevertheless, there's still a fine talent supply coming from the second tier and that shouldn't be ignored by those settled in the top-flight. Best of all, you don't need to do too much overthinking to pick out and find the best of the bunch.

Of course, Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland have taken most of the talent up with them after securing promotion, but there are still some gems waiting to be snapped up. GOAL have picked out seven players to keep an eye out for this transfer window:

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  Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield Utd)

  The last three seasons have been gloriously agonising for Gustavo Hamer. He was the star player of a Coventry City side featuring the much sought-after Viktor Gyokeres when they were beaten on penalties by Luton Town in the 2022-23 play-off final. Nevertheless, he earned a move to Sheffield United, who had secured automatic promotion, only for them to finish bottom of the 2023-24 Premier League by a considerable distance. The Blades accrued 90 points this term but could only finish third, and despite being heavy favourites to win the play-offs, they were agonisingly beaten in the final by Sunderland in second-half stoppage time.

  For Hamer, the reigning Championship Player of the Year, he shouldn’t feel consigned to another season in the second tier. He’s proven again and again he has quality beyond this division, and should be able to find a Premier League buyer this summer. A midfielder with his sort of final-third production won't hang around in the second tier again, and he has already been heavily linked with Everton and Leeds.

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  Jack Rudoni (Coventry City)

  Coventry were a different beast after Frank Lampard took over from club legend Mark Robins in November 2024, going from relegation candidates to the play-offs. The ex-Chelsea boss claimed that one of his remits was to get more out of a talented but underperforming squad, and he squeezed every last bit of juice out of Jack Rudoni.

  An attacking midfielder who can play deeper much like Lampard in his former playing days, Rudoni came in clutch during the final few weeks of the Sky Blues' season, most notably scoring both goals in their 2-0 win against Middlesbrough on the final day to secure their place in the top six. That ensured he finished the year with nine goals and 12 assists in the Championship alone, while he was also on target during their play-off defeat to Sunderland.

  "Rudi has been amazing," Lampard has said of the 23-year-old. "He's so engaging, he wants to train, he wants to ask questions. He's an absolute dream to work with, and I was delighted that he was the main man."

  Given Coventry only signed Rudoni from Huddersfield Town last summer, they will probably want to keep him for at least one more season, but they'd be remiss to overlook an offer from any of the big boys.

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  Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

  United States star Josh Sargent wasn't quite ready to take the Premier League by storm when he touched down at Norwich City in 2021, with the Canaries sent straight back to the Championship. Since then, the American has spread his wings and grown into one of the second division's most reliable scorers, hitting double figures in each of the last three years and being voted into the Team of the Season, while also taking home the Canaries' in-club Player of the Year award too.

  "I think when I first got here it was a difficult situation, you know I was playing out on the right wing and I'm never going to say no to playing that position in the Prem," Sargent said. "I think I was also young and not as developed as I am now. Still obviously have a long way to go but for sure I think I'm a different player now compared to when I first came here."

  Amid speculation that Sargent could leave, Norwich have been urged to give him the captaincy and pull out all the stops to make him feel like it's worth his while remaining at Carrow Road. Good luck to them with that…

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  Borja Sainz (Norwich City)

  Sargent was actually outscored by fellow Norwich attacker Borja Sainz across the season, with the Spaniard ousting him 18 goals to 16. Still only 24, the winger is expected to be the subject of transfer interest from above too. At least that's according to Sainz's barber, who has wished his client the best of luck in whatever he does next.

  There have been question marks over Sainz's attitude after he received a six-match ban for spitting at an opponent in January, but his ability and output could be enough alone for suitors to look past that in negotiations with Norwich.

Looking to replace Ederson, Manchester City have now reportedly turned their attention towards Serie A and signing a goalkeeper who has kept over double the amount of clean sheets as the Brazilian this season.

Man City eyeing Ederson upgrade

Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong for Manchester City this season. The Cityzens are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time under Pep Guardiola, who has been forced to manage an ageing squad hit with an almighty injury crisis.

After such a frustrating campaign, however, the rest of the Premier League will be well aware of just how powerful the Blues could be in the summer transfer window as they look to overhaul what has been a historic squad.

KDB repeat: Man City want to sign "underrated" ace who struggled at Chelsea

He’s been one of the best in his position this season…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 14, 2025

Those at the Etihad are likely to act ruthlessly this summer as they aim to reclaim their English throne at the first time of asking. Already, it looks as though Kevin de Bruyne is heading for the exit door as a free agent and the likes of Ederson could yet join him.

The Brazilian shot-stopper is almost into the final year of his current contract and could yet be among those shown the door as City attempt to cash in before finding an instant upgrade.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now targeting a move to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Juventus this summer following the 27-year-old’s impressive campaign in Serie A. Given that he already turned Liverpool down last summer, however, the Manchester club could face an uphill battle.

Voted the league’s best goalkeeper whilst at Monza last season, Di Gregorio has only kicked on even further since joining Juventus – taking hold of his opportunity. Now, however, he could be on the move again if Manchester City come calling.

The Italian is seemingly one to watch this summer, especially if Ederson concludes what has been an incredible career at the Etihad.

"Reliable" Di Gregorio is at his peak

Following an excellent campaign at Monza, Di Gregorio has picked up where he left off at Juventus to keep 15 clean sheets in all competitions – over double the amount that Ederson has managed at Manchester City.

It’s the type of consistency that has resulted in impressive praise from the likes of former Juventus goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla, who told reporters earlier this season: “He showed his true value at Monza. The Juventus shirt is certainly heavier but he is doing his job very well.

“His best quality, as I like to underline, is his presence inside the penalty area, he is the master of his area. He has a certain authority and then there is no question about his value. He plays well with his feet and gives security. He is a reliable goalkeeper.”

Whilst there may be some concerns over Di Gregorio’s ability to match Ederson with the ball at his feet, his save percentage would certainly offer Manchester City an upgrade on the shot-stopping front this summer.

If the City goalkeeper does depart, then the Italian should be among the leading candidates to arrive at the Etihad when the transfer window swings open.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has sent a stern warning to Jack Grealish with the winger set to be left out of Manchester City's Club World Cup squad.

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• Grealish axed by Guardiola from CWC squad
• Attacker staring at uncertain future
• Tuchel wants him to find new employers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish's struggles at City appear to have reached a tipping point, with reports indicating that he will not be part of the club’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. Once considered a marquee player for City following his record-breaking transfer from Aston Villa, the 28-year-old has endured a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that has now put his place in the team in serious jeopardy.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Grealish featured sparingly in the Premier League last season, making just seven starts across the campaign and playing a total of 715 minutes – a considerable decline for a player once viewed as a key creative outlet in Pep Guardiola’s system. Even more telling was his absence from City's squad in the final match of the Premier League season against Fulham, as well as his exclusion from the FA Cup final line-up. On that occasion, Guardiola opted to hand a debut to 18-year-old Claudio Echeverri off the bench, a decision that underlined the manager’s shift in priorities and perhaps his waning trust in the England international.

  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

• WHAT TUCHEL SAID

  Tuchel spoke candidly about the winger’s current plight after leaving Grealish out of his latest England squad, and emphasised the need for the player to regain consistent game time if he hopes to rediscover his best form and push for a return to the national setup.

  He said: "I love Jack for his personality and of course his talent. He is a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field. He is never shy of pressure. It’s the opposite. He grows in big matches but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time. That’s basically everything. Nothing has changed."

  Tuchel went on to acknowledge reports of Grealish being omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad, adding: "I have maybe the same information as you that City are thinking of not taking him to the Club World Cup. So he needs to make himself available by playing. I think it’s one of his key strengths.

  "To go every three days and get better and better with every minute that he has in his legs. That’s what is missing, nothing else. I have spoken to him after the first international camp and very shortly after the FA Cup final, but not since then."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

  With the 2026 World Cup drawing closer, Grealish is believed to be highly motivated to return to the national fold. A change of scenery may be essential if he is to reclaim his place in the Three Lions squad. Whether that means a fresh start in a different domestic setup or a leap to another European league remains to be seen.

Nick Woltemade was disappointed by his first meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo as the young forward made his Germany debut against Portugal.

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• Woltemade featured in defeat to Portugal
• Ronaldo scored winning goal in Nations League
• Woltemade opens up on encounter with icon

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Woltemade made his international debut for Germany in last week's Nations League semi-final against Portugal, featuring CR7. The Stuttgart striker started the game alongside Ronaldo, who scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for Portugal.

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  WHAT WAS SAID?

  Woltemade has since joined up with Germany's Under 21 team for the U21 European Championship and was asked what it was like coming up against the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

  "Of course, I've been asked that question a lot, including by the guys here [at the U21s]," Woltemade told reporters. "It's like so often in life: you imagine things to be cool and exciting in your mind – but when you're actually there and it becomes real, it's just a normal moment. And that's kind of how it was."

  "I thought it would affect me a bit more. It was Ronaldo, of course, you know him. But it wasn't like I imagined, that I would be amazed. I was happy to see him and the other opponents, to measure myself against them… The idea was probably a bit nicer and bigger than it actually was in real life."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A few days after his debut in the senior national team, Woltemade was in the starting line-up for national coach Julian Nagelsmann in the 2-0 defeat to France in the third-place play-off. Ronaldo also scored in the final against Spain, saving Portugal with his goal to make it 2-2 and send the game into extra time. In the penalty shoot-out, the Portuguese, who had to substitute CR7 shortly before the end of regular time, prevailed and secured the Nations League title.

  Woltemade has had a strong season for Stuttgart. In 33 appearances, he scored 17 goals and provided three assists, and also won the DFB-Pokal.

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  WHAT'S NEXT?

  Woltemade travelled straight from the senior national team to the U21s, who kick off their European Championship campaign in Slovakia on Thursday. Woltemade and his team-mates will first face Slovenia, with the Czech Republic and England also in their group.

  Meanwhile, Ronaldo is expected to extend his contract with Al-Nassr, which expires at the end of June, and remain in Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old wants to play for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Chelsea have now been told that a “world-class” striker “really wants” to move to Stamford Bridge, and a deal would be “pretty easy” to get done.

Blues identify several top strikers as summer targets

The Blues are one of many top Premier League sides with intentions of signing a top striker in the summer transfer window, and they have now started to identify a number of key targets.

There have been suggestions a stunning £151m move could be made for two Real Madrid stars, namely Endrick and Rodrygo, and there is a determination to get a deal over the line, although the Spanish side have no intention of letting either player leave.

Jonathan David has also emerged as a target for Enzo Maresca’s side, who have expressed a strong interest in the Canadian, and there is a feeling the striker could be set for an imminent move to the Premier League.

A development has occurred in the west Londoners’ pursuit of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, as they have now leapfrogged Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race for the Frenchman’s signature.

Chelsea set to sign £25m Premier League forward Maresca called "fantastic"

BlueCo are now working on a move for a player Enzo Maresca rates very highly.

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By
Dominic Lund

Mar 17, 2025

Other targets include the very highly-rated Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen, with the latter player still thought to be a target, despite a late deal falling through last summer.

Although the move collapsed, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has now revealed Osimhen would still be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, while also stating a deal could be relatively straightforward.

The Nigerian said: “We almost got the deal for Victor Osimhen done last summer. The club wanted him, he wanted to come as well. I know exactly where we stopped. If we have to pick it up again in the summer, it’s pretty easy to get it done. He really wants to come.”

"World-class" Osimhen in red-hot form for Galatasaray

After the move to Stamford Bridge fell through last summer, the Nigeria international opted to move to Galatasaray on loan, rather than remaining at Napoli, and he has been extremely impressive in front of goal throughout the campaign.

The 26-year-old is in red-hot form as of late, netting six goals in his last three Turkish Süper Lig games, while he has also impressed in the Europa League, picking up seven goal contributions in as many matches.

Football writer Matt Barlow has also lauded the Galatasaray star as “world-class”, indicating that he could be a real upgrade on the much-maligned Nicolas Jackson, who has received his fair share of criticism since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen is set to be available for just £62m this summer, as a result of a release clause in his Napoli contract, and Chelsea cannot afford to pass up the opportunity to sign a top striker for a very affordable fee.

In what is a growing concern for Regis Le Bris, AS Roma have now reportedly joined the race to sign one of his most important Sunderland players ahead of this summer.

AS Roma racing to sign Sunderland star

Sunderland could yet fall victim to what has been a successful season if the current campaign doesn’t end in Championship promotion. As things stand, the Black Cats sit fourth and all but secure in the play-offs. But that’s just the start of their race to win a spot in the Premier League.

Set to compete in the play-offs, Sunderland will be well aware of just how heartbreaking Wembley can be and as talents continue to rise throughout their squad, the pressure will be on if they reach that final hurdle come May.

Sunderland in talks to agree deal to sign 18 y/o gem before end of season

Talks has been held over a move to the Stadium of Light.

By
Henry Jackson

Mar 23, 2025

Players like Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have both been the subjects of Premier League interest in the last year and both are players who should have their sights set on the Premier League.

As the summer approaches, however, they’re not the only ones who could be heading for the exit door in Wearside. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, AS Roma have now joined the race to sign Dan Neil after officials spotted his talent whilst keeping an eye on current loanee Enzo Le Fee.

The Italians aren’t alone in their interest, either. They are reportedly joined by both Everton and West Ham United to form a three-club race which could yet end in the ultimate frustration for Sunderland.

Promotion could be key to "fantastic" Neil's stay

Whilst his role as captain would make any exit more complicated than it otherwise would be, Neil is a rising talent who should want to play at the highest level sooner rather than later. With just one year left on his current contract too, Sunderland may be left with no choice but to make a decision this summer if that issue remains unresolved.

The midfielder has earned plenty of praise during his time at the Stadium of Light, including from former manager Michael Beale, who told reporters: “Dan’s a fantastic player.

“There’s a lot of eyes on Dan because he’s got a lot of potential. Hugely important player in our squad and I’ve been super impressed with him since I joined the club. It’s important for him that he focuses on his game and plays well because this is the level he wants to play at regularly, you know, against these players.”

As the current campaign nears a conclusion, the future of several key players may well rely on whether Sunderland find themselves back in the Premier League next season.