Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr has been left thrilled by some news that has now emerged before they play Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
The Lowdown: Darsley Park plans
As per The Athletic, the Magpies have now submitted ambitious plans to North Tyneside Council to upgrade their training ground at Darsley Park in Benton.
They admitted that their current facilities do not meet the standards required for a club in the Premier League, and perhaps even in the Championship.
The Latest: Scurr reacts
Taking to Twitter, Scurr shared the kind of upgrades that have been planned at the training ground, labelling them as ‘exciting’.
The Shields Gazette journalist added that it is ‘welcome news’ for the St. James’ Park faithful, and claimed that Darsley Park was in ‘dire need’ of an upgrade.
The Verdict: Exciting
The plans to upgrade the training ground are exciting ones indeed, and show the ambition from the new owners to take the North East club to the next level.
In truth, this should have come much sooner, with former owner Mike Ashley seemingly neglecting the thought of bettering the facilities, but now the plans are finally in place.
Nonetheless, the improvements should also attract new players to the Toon, as they look to move to the next stage of their long-term project.
In other news, find out what big NUFC update has Liam Kennedy buzzing here!
It’s no secret that West Ham are arguably one of the teams of the season in the Premier League.
It has been an incredible campaign that has seen them flirt with a top-four spot on occasions and witnessed a stunning run to the Europa League semi-finals.
David Moyes has got his side firing during his second tenure in charge and there seems to be no ceiling for his side as they chase success.
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His diligent recruitment along with a fearless mentality has powered his team to some fine wins during the campaign, with many players contributing to the cause.
Next season will be different, however, as West Ham hero and club stalwart Mark Noble won’t be there as he is retiring at the end of the current campaign. There could also be fresh options in attack with the club lacking many options at centre-forward.
As a result, Moyes may save the club millions by promoting from the U23 squad, and he could well have an exciting player in the mold of Michail Antonio, who is ready to stake his claim.
Thierry Nevers is versatile and while primarily operating as a left-winger, he is adept at playing across any position along the forward line and this variety is what Moyes urgently needs.
With Antonio going through a bit of a scoring drought at the moment, netting only once in his previous 12 matches, Nevers may find himself involved sooner rather than later.
Academy manager Ricky Martin has dubbed him as “impressive” when he signed for the club and has “been on fire” in the words of Roshane Thomas alongside fellow U23 player Armstrong Okoflex which could tempt Moyes to see how pre-season goes and potentially give them an opportunity early in the campaign.
Like Antonio, Nevers has a strong eye for goal, scoring seven times this season in a variety of positions which will make him more attractive to the manager in the long haul.
West Ham could have a new generation of youth talents coming through the academy, let’s hope they don’t go to waste.
AND in other news, Contact made: West Ham plot bid for 14-goal gem, he could become a £63m-rated talent
After the success of Harry Amass on loan, Sheffield Wednesday have now reportedly set their sights on signing Gabriele Biancheri and Victor Musa from Manchester United in January.
The Owls are slowly but surely solving the problems left behind by Dejphon Chansiri and now have plenty of reason to be optimistic after clearing debts owed on deals for Yan Valery and Ike Ugbo.
According to The Star’s Alex Miller, with those debts cleared, Sheffield Wednesday’s FIFA transfer restriction has been lifted and they’ll be in a position to sign players at long last in January. What’s more, those at Hillsborough are still waiting for a verdict from the EFL on lifting their ban on signing free agents in what would be a major boost.
Whilst Championship safety remains a mere fantasy after their 12-point deduction, Sheffield Wednesday at least have the chance to drag their rivals down with them after the international break, given that Sheffield United sit as low as 22nd as things stand.
Victory over their rivals in the Steel City derby would take the Owls within two points of reaching the positives again and manager Henrik Pedersen, who is already looking forward to the game – telling reporters: “Oh I am looking forward.
“You can see from the players, from the fans, the energy is good. We are together with a lot of hope for the future and when we see the boys at Southampton, they don’t work hard enough for the three goals, but away at Southampton there were so many good things.”
Off the pitch, meanwhile, the manager will have the chance to welcome some much-needed reinforcements in January, which could start with two more Man United gems.
Sheffield Wednesday targeting Musa and Biancheri
According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Sheffield Wednesday are now targeting Victor Musa and Gabriele Biancheri at Man United following the success of Amass’ loan deal this season. The left-back has started all 11 of Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship games and even scored his first goal for the club against Southampton last time out.
Now turning back to Old Trafford, the Owls could land two more impressive talents. Both 19-year-old strikers, Biancheri has scored four goals in seven Premier League 2 games so far this season and has enjoyed a better season than Musa, who is yet to score.
As a result of his recent rise, it’s Biancheri who has earned the most praise with Canada boss Jesse Marsch telling reporters after inviting the forward to join the country’s training camp in June: “He’s a dynamic player. He’s very good around the goal. You can see he’s an intelligent player.
“He’s a version of Jonathan David. He’s not exactly the same player but he’s a striker that can play up on the backline and is also good at coming underneath and connecting plays and being part of the build-up phase.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared what’s impressed him most about teenager Andre Harriman-Annous after the Hale End graduate’s senior debut against Brighton on Wednesday.
The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 11 in all competitions whilst booking a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after their victory over Brighton.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Goals from fellow youngster Ethan Nwaneri and star winger Bukayo Saka handed Arsenal a routine win at the Emirates Stadium, despite summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga being forced into a string of early saves to deny the Seagulls, who threatened to break through first.
The headlines initially belonged to Max Dowman, after the 15-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter.
Dowman showed flashes of brilliance on the right-hand side in place of Saka and the injured Noni Madueke, who’s believed to be making “faster-than-expected” progress in his recovery from a knee injury.
However, once the teenager was hauled off Saka, and Harriman-Annouss replaced Declan Rice, attention turned towards the latest in a long queue of star-studded talents from the Hale End production line.
Harriman-Annous, who bagged 18 goals in 37 games for the Under-21s last season, has been a regular in first-team training at London Colney with Arteta taking note.
The England Under-18 international can feel hard done by that he didn’t mark his first senior appearance for the club with a goal too, having watched Jason Steele save his one-v-one effort before Saka dispatched the rebound.
Arteta shares what's impressed him about Harriman-Annous after Arsenal debut
It was a night to remember for Harriman-Annous, with Arteta explaining in a post-match press conference why he finally gave the youngster a chance to shine at N5.
Arsenal’s boss explains that Harriman-Annous has impressed him with a fierce mentality and work ethic behind-the-scenes, with the versatile centre-forward desperate to make an impact.
Arsenal supporters have plenty of reasons to feel excited about Harriman-Annous after his debut against Brighton.
Stepping onto the pitch in a high-stakes cup match is no small feat, and the teen showed glimpses of the potential that has impressed coaches throughout his development.
His composure and confidence stood out. He demonstrated good technical skills and an understanding of the game that belies his age. For a young player making his first senior appearance, showing such calmness under pressure is a promising sign of future growth.
Harriman-Annous made the bench against Liverpool in August, and if he continues to seize his opportunities like he did against Brighton, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his first Premier League outing.
Newcastle United are keen on completing the signing of an “elite” attacking player in January, but they face competition from another Premier League club.
International boss makes demand to Eddie Howe
Nick Woltemade has come in as an exciting summer signing for the Magpies, looking to help fill the void left by the departed Alexander Isak.
The striker is expected to be a key man for Newcastle alongside fellow new signing Yoane Wissa, and speaking to the media during the international break, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has asked for Eddie Howe to use Woltemade regularly, in order to aid his development.
“I’m happy when they play a lot of games and get a lot of minutes, that’s the most important thing for me. It’s not ideal for the German Bundesliga that the best German players are moving to England. But that’s how it is. It’s kind of normal at this period of time.
Bayern's Julian Nagelsmann
“Flo is already one of the most important players for us. Nick is, too and will be in the future. I hope Nick will play regularly at Newcastle so he can develop in the right way. If they do, then they will play a big role for us.”
While Woltemade and Wissa have added a huge amount of quality to Newcastle’s attack, it looks as though another exciting player could be a target in the near future, potentially adding to the competition for minutes.
Newcastle eyeing "elite" attacker in January
According to a new report from LaRoma24, Newcastle are interested in signing Roma attacker Artem Dovbyk in the January window. The 28-year-old is also wanted by fellow Premier League side Leeds United, however, in what could become an auction for the target man’s signature.
Dovbyk could come in as a proven player at a high level, with the Ukrainian in his peak years, having scored 11 goals for the Ukraine national side and earning a nomination in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or rankings last year.
That international tally is more than Woltemade and Wissa have netted for Germany and DR Congo combined, with the Roma ace being lauded as both “elite” and “fantastic” by Zach Lowy.
Dovbyk is primarily a centre forward, so there is an argument to say that he isn’t needed because of Woltemade and Wissa already joining Newcastle this summer, but more depth can never be a bad thing, and the former is still a young player learning his trade.
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He averaged a goal involvement every other game last season.
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The Roma striker could come straight in as a proven top-level player for the Magpies, looking to make his mark in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Aston Villa are now set to make a move for an “amazing” striker, who has been identified as a priority target for the January transfer window.
Villa eyeing striker after Watkins' slow start
Ollie Watkins has been one of the driving forces behind Villa’s resurgence under the helm of Unai Emery, with the striker maintaining a fantastic goal and assist record across the past five Premier League seasons.
Season
PL appearances
Goal contributions
2020-21
37
19
2021-22
35
13
2022-23
37
21
2023-24
37
34
2024-25
38
24
However, it would be fair to say the striker has made a slow start to the new campaign, having failed to register a single goal contribution despite featuring for 90 minutes in each of the Villans’ opening three games.
Of course, it is still very early days, and the 29-year-old still has plenty of time to get back on track, but it now appears as though Emery wants to bring in another striker during the January transfer window.
Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa and NSWE are now set to make a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe-Mateta, with the Europa League side planning to maintain pressure on the Eagles throughout the January window.
With Villa aiming to secure qualification for the Champions League once again, they are keen to bring in more depth in attacking areas, and Mateta has been identified as a priority target, but there is set to be competition for his signature.
Leeds United and Newcastle United have also pinpointed the striker as a priority target, given the level of his performances last season, but any deal may be relatively expensive, given that Palace are set to hold out for a fee of around £40m.
"Amazing" Mateta would provide Emery with great depth
Given that Emery implements a 4-2-3-1 system, it is difficult to see how the 28-year-old would fit into the side, although Emery has been willing to drop Watkins in the past, with the England international hitting out after not starting against Paris Saint-Germain last season.
The striker said: “I was fuming I wasn’t playing. I let him (Emery) know that. He’s the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision. But I’m not one of the players happy to sit on the bench.
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NSWE have splashed the cash in recent years.
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“It’s something I haven’t experienced before, missing out on the biggest stage. You always want to play, especially in the Champions League.
Given that Mateta is the main man at Palace, scoring 17 goals in all competitions last season, he is also unlikely to be willing to sit on the bench, but the signing of the Frenchman would provide Emery with great depth in attack. He has also loved playing against Villa in the past, scoring six goals in 10 appearances.
Lauded as “amazing in the box” by manager Oliver Glasner, Mateta is a proven Premier League striker in the prime of his career, but Emery would be a real selection dilemma in attack if Villa were to win the race for his signature.
Rangers and Russell Martin have been given a transfer boost with one experienced target open to moving to Ibrox this summer.
Rangers line up more transfer targets after Cameron
The Gers’ transfer business ahead of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season is underway, with midfielder Lyall Cameron becoming the first official signing of the Martin era.
A pre-contract agreement was reached back in February before the 49ers took over and appointed Martin, but Cameron will look to become a key member of the new manager’s starting line-up.
Talking to Rangers’ official media after completing his move, Cameron said: “It is amazing to walk in the door, it is a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time.
“It was a no-brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.”
Following on from Cameron, Rangers now appear to be turning their attention to defensive additions, with Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons a target at Ibrox.
A player who Martin is well aware of from his time managing in England, Aarons actually spent the second half of the 24/25 campaign on loan at Valencia and looks to be surplus to requirements at the Vitality Stadium.
Contact has been made by Rangers over a loan move, however, Bournemouth would prefer a permanent exit for the defender they spent £7m on.
Another target at the back is Leicester City central defender Conor Coady. An approach has also been made for the experienced centre-back, with Rangers are “very keen” to sign the Foxes man.
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Leicester, following their relegation from the Premier League, are also open to selling Coady, and another promising development over a move to Scotland has now emerged.
Conor Coady open to signing for Rangers
According to Rangers Review, Coady is a personal target for Martin and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who worked with the 32-year-old at Wolves and Everton.
In the report it says Coady is ‘keen on a move to Ibrox – with initial contact established and a move having been explored last summer’. This comes as a boost for Martin and Rangers chiefs, and with Coady once valued at £38m during his time at Wolves, could be on to a shrewd signing.
Due to still being under contract at the King Power Stadium, a transfer fee will be required for the England international and a deal ‘could still drag on into next month’.
Should Rangers get their man in Coady, they will be getting an experienced centre-back who has been hailed by former Everton teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure.
“He is going to help us a lot this season. All the times I have played against him, he was a good character and very consistent. We are very happy to have him in our team – he is a leader.”
Leeds United face the unenviable task of having to recruit for a season in the Premier League after they won the Championship title to earn promotion to the big time.
The last six teams that were promoted from the second tier were all relegated in their first seasons in the top-flight, which speaks to how difficult the task ahead will be for the Whites.
However, Leeds already know what it takes to achieve survival in their first season back in the Premier League, because they finished in the top-half under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign.
The West Yorkshire outfit lost 4-3 to Liverpool in a thrilling match on the opening day of the term, before they went on to comfortably avoid relegation.
Exceptional recruitment work done by Victor Orta and Bielsa underpinned their success that season, as they made several key signings to bolster the squad.
Arguably, the most successful signing that the Whites made ahead of the 2020/21 campaign was the addition of Raphinha from Rennes on a permanent deal.
Leeds hit the jackpot with Raphinha
Leeds swooped to sign the Brazilian attacker from the French side in a deal that was reported to be worth £17m plus add-ons, and it turned out to be a huge bargain.
Coming up from the Championship, Bielsa’s side needed an injection of quality to bolster their efforts to stay in the Premier League, and that is exactly what Raphinha provided with his quality at the top end of the pitch from a right wing position.
Appearances
30
Goals
6
Big chances created
12
Key passes per game
2.1
Assists
9
Dribbles completed per game
1.9
As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international made an instant impact in the top-flight with a return of 18 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 30 appearances.
Raphinha was not done there, though, as the left-footed magician scored 11 goals and created ten ‘big chances’ in 35 appearances in the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign to steer Jesse Marsch’s team clear of relegation.
Raphinha’s incredible form for Leeds in the Premier League in his two seasons at Elland Road, unfortunately, attracted interest from elsewhere, and he signed for Barcelona in a deal worth a reported £55m in the summer of 2022.
In the present day, the former Whites star has scored 34 goals and provided 25 assists in 56 matches for the Spanish giants this season, in what has been a phenomenal campaign for him on an individual level.
Whilst Raphinha has kicked on to become a superstar in European football with Barcelona, Leeds are still looking for their next winger to shine on the Premier League stage.
Leeds United's wingers since Raphinha left
Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League in the season after the Brazilian sensation moved on from Elland Road, which points to how important he was to the side.
Raphinha-Leeds-Stats
The Whites ended that term without any of their wingers scoring more than five goals or assisting more than seven goals in the top-flight, which shows that they failed to adequately replace Raphinha’s impact at the top end of the pitch.
24/25 (Championship)
Dan James (12)
Manor Solomon (13)
23/24 (Championship)
Crysencio Summerville (21)
Crysencio Summerville (10)
22/23 (Premier League)
Luis Sinisterra (7)
Jack Harrison (10)
As you can see in the table above, Dan James hit double figures for goals and Manor Solomon hit double figures for assists, but it remains to be seen how that translates to the top division, after Crysencio Summerville’s struggles this term.
The Dutch forward, who left Leeds to sign for West Ham last summer, only scored one goal and provided one assist in 19 Premier League games for the Hammers this season, which suggests that he has failed to make the step up to the top tier as of yet.
Leeds, therefore, have not had a winger who has had the quality to make a consistent impact at the top level since Raphinha left, but they could change that by signing reported transfer target Dazien Maeda, who is reportedly valued at £25m.
Why Leeds should sign Daizen Maeda
The Whites should swoop to sign the Celtic superstar in the upcoming summer transfer window because he could be their best winger signing since they brought Raphinha in from Rennes in the summer of 2020.
Daizen Maeda
Maeda, dubbed an “amazing role model” by Brendan Rodgers, just ended his 2024/25 campaign with the Scottish giants and enjoyed an unbelievable year on a personal level.
The 27-year-old sensation scored a staggering 33 goals and provided 12 assists in 53 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, which means that Raphinha only outscored him by one goal for Barcelona, and he has scored at least 12 more goals than any other Leeds winger has in one season in the last three years.
These statistics show that the Celtic star has the potential to be an exceptional addition to the Leeds squad as a winger, who typically plays on the left flank, with the quality to score and create goals at an incredible rate.
Some supporters may question the quality of Scottish football and how it translates to the Premier League, as is the case with the Championship, but Maeda also showcased his quality on the biggest stage of all in the Champions League.
Appearances
9
xG
2.80
Goals
4
Conversion rate
27%
Big chances created
1
Assists
0
As you can see in the table above, the Hoops star outperformed his xG to score an impressive four goals in nine Champions League games, which included goals against German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
This shows that the Japanese ace, who has been described as a “machine” by coaches, has the quality to make a big impact in the final third against some of the biggest teams in Europe, which suggests that he could adapt to the level of the Premier League.
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Therefore, Leeds could sign their best winger since Raphinha by splashing £25m on Maeda in the upcoming summer transfer window, because he has the statistics and the performances at the top level to suggest that he would be a high-quality addition to Daniel Farke’s squad.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca looks set for a busy summer indeed. He may be close to leading the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, but the Italian is already thinking ahead to next season.
There has been no shortage of big-name players being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is one trending target, with reports coming from Spain that the club would love to sign the Brazilian.
Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as another potential option to bolster Maresca’s frontline this summer. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had been scouting the Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window following his excellent campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt.
While the need for attacking players is obviously key for Maresca, especially if the club secures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, bringing in another centre-back or two is equally important.
Across all competitions this season, the club have conceded 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.
37
19
14
4
71
37
20
6
11
66
37
19
9
9
66
37
19
9
9
66
36
19
8
9
65
37
19
8
10
65
They will face tougher competition in Europe certainly, heightening the need for a defender capable of stepping up to the plate.
It looked as though they were frontrunners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but that plan was scuppered recently…
Chelsea have missed out on Dean Huijsen
Following an excellent season for the Cherries, Huijsen certainly attracted attention from elsewhere, and it appeared as though he would be leaving the south coast sooner rather than later.
According to the Mail, Chelsea were targeting a swoop for the Spanish defender, with the report claiming fellow admirers Liverpool, believed that the Blues were leading the chase.
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.
Recent developments, however, now mean that the youngster won’t be making the move to London this summer.
Real Madrid activated the £50m release clause in his contract in order to secure his services at the end of the season.
This is a big blow for Maresca, as capturing Huijsen, especially with clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showing interest, would have signalled a statement of intent.
Now, the Italian will have to turn to other defensive targets ahead of the transfer window opening on June 1. By that time, the Blues will know which European competition they will be playing in next season.
Could this allow the club to sign more high-profile players?
Chelsea keen to open talks with teenage defender
Maresa could turn to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternatives this summer, according to Sky Sports.
It is likely both Crystal Palace and Everton will attempt to put Chelsea off by placing huge price tags on their prized assets. If so, the Blues could well turn to the continent for another centre-back.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
According to TEAMtalk, with Huijsen now unavailable, Chelsea are reportedly keen on opening talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
The 19-year-old is a sought-after player, with the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal all showing interest in prising him away from the Netherlands.
Ajax have set an asking price in the region of €45m-€50m (£38m-£42m), meaning if the Blues were to sign him, he would be cheaper than Huijsen.
The report claims that talks are set to begin soon between the Premier League side and Hato. If so, Maresca will be looking to get this deal over the line as quickly as possible.
Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is used to waxing lyrical about young talent, but his praise for Hato back in 2023 proves just how highly-rated he really was.
“17 years of age. De Toekomst’s Finest. One of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Said Kulig and the youngster has gone from strength to strength since.
Player
Year joined
Hakim Ziyech
2020
Daishwan Redan
2017
Juan Familia-Castillo
2016
Per Weihrauch
2006
Moubarak Boussoufa
2002
Jesper Gronkjaer
2001
Mario Melchiot
1999
Despite only turning 19 in March, the Ajax sensation has already racked up 111 competitive appearances for the club, registering 13 goal contributions in that time.
Although the club collapsed over the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title away from them, Hato enjoyed a wonderful campaign.
His 90% pass accuracy in the top flight was third-best in the squad, behind only Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, while he ranked first for tackles (1.9), fifth for interceptions (0.7) and third for clearances (2) per game for Ajax.
He also won 4.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 52% – while recovering 4.2 balls per game in the Eredivisie this term.
These performances led Kulig to hail him for his “immense quality” and for having an “excellent season” for the Dutch club.
Huijsen may be on his way to Madrid, but is there a case for Hato to perhaps turn out to be the better long-term prospect for Chelsea?
Why Jorrel Hato can be a better signing than Dean Huijsen
While Huijsen is a superb centre-back, Hato offers positional flexibility which could see him thrive under Maresca.
Not only is he an excellent ball-playing centre-back, but Hato is also just as comfortable at full-back, particularly on the left side of the defence.
Domestically this season, the Dutch youngster has registered eight goal contributions for Ajax, along with recording 0.45 goal-creating actions, winning 36 tackles, making 33 carries into the final third and taking 413 touches in the final third.
Compare these statistics to Huijsen, however, and it is clear who could fit into Maresca’s style better.
The Spaniard has recorded four goal contributions for the Cherries this term, while he also recorded 0.12 goal-creating actions, wins 26 tackles, made 29 carries into the final third and has taken only 137 touches in the opposition’s final third in the top flight.
Hato’s ball-playing ability in advancing out of his own half could give Chelsea a new dimension next season.
Jorell Hato for Ajax.
Huijsen may have been flavour of the month for a while, but for a cheaper transfer fee, Maresca could sign a defender who has the potential to be even better.
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Chelsea are eyeing up a Dean Huijsen alternative who could be even better than Tosin Adarabioyo.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester City are now reportedly readying a formal proposal to sign a talented South American defender for Pep Guardiola.
Pep reveals Man City's FA Cup pride
Whilst it’s been a fairly disappointing season in the Premier League and arguably Guardiola’s toughest, Manchester City still have the FA Cup final to look forward to this weekend. In what is the third year in a row that the Citizens have reached the final at Wembley, they will be desperate to avoid an upset against Crystal Palace and fall at the final hurdle for the second consecutive year.
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Guardiola knows exactly what the occasion means and spoke about how proud he and his side are of their FA Cup achievements in recent years. The Spaniard told reporters earlier this week: “I say it every time we are in this position, but I will say it again: it is such a privilege to be able to play in this incredible stadium and have a chance to win this beautiful trophy,” said Guardiola, ahead of his squad’s trip to north-west London.
“This is our third year in a row in the FA Cup Final, which is something we are very, very proud of. In the FA Cup, you play all the top teams from the Premier League and the Championship and always there are times when it is difficult.
Manchester City managerPepGuardiolacelebrates after the match
“To have made three Finals in a row shows how consistent we have been. It says everything about this generation of players and the club itself. The FA Cup is the most challenging and beautiful domestic cup competition in the world, there is no doubt about that.”
Away from their potential Wembley success this weekend, meanwhile, those at The Etihad have already reportedly set their sights on welcoming a defensive reinforcement when the summer transfer window arrives.
Man City readying Wesley proposal
According to Coluna do Fla, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are now readying a formal proposal worth €35m (£29m) to sign Wesley Franca from Flamengo this summer. The Brazilian right-back is reportedly keen on a move to Man City, but has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool as a result of his impressive campaign.
Their £29m proposal will reportedly fall short of Flamengo’s valuation, however, with the Brazilian club demanding as much as €45m (£38m) to sell Wesley before the Club World Cup begins.
Dubbed “pacy” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, Wesley looks set to have quite a decision to make this summer. With a whole host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature, the 21-year-old looks destined for England and may well end up in a Manchester City side who desperately need a right-back.