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Chelsea chiefs are informed that a Premier League forward who Atlético Madrid are pushing to sign wants to join Enzo Maresca’s side – with a transfer battle potentially brewing against the La Liga side.

Chelsea preparing for another very active summer window

With Chelsea participating in the Club World Cup, BlueCo are expected to be busy right from the off this summer, and could take full advantage of the early window, which opens from June 1 to June 10.

Shields pushing Chelsea to sign £90m Villa star amid belief price may drop

The Stamford Bridge recruiter is very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

A host of players face uncertain futures at Chelsea – including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi – who are all away on loan spells right now and seemingly out of Maresca’s plans.

Chelsea will likely attempt to find buyers for all the aforementioned crop, all while the west Londoners reportedly target a new centre-back, winger and striker as the priority signings on their agenda (Simon Phillips).

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

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Depending on their qualification for the Champions League next season and how many unwanted players they can ship out the door, it is also believed that Chelsea could go for a second centre-back (who can play at left-back when required), an attacking midfielder and a goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).

All signs point towards a very busy off-season for the Chelsea recruitment team, and new forwards appear to be high on their to-do list.

Chelsea have held talks over Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens already, while reports in Italy claim Milan star Rafael Leao is also a target for the west Londoners.

However, another player who remains in their thinking is Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho wants to join Chelsea this summer

The Argentinian has scored 11 goals and assisted 10 others in all competitions so far, featuring regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, but he could still make the move away from Old Trafford.

Chelsea did work on signing Garnacho in January, but a move for him ultimately couldn’t come to fruition. Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has told the Chelsea Chronicle that he could join Maresca this summer instead.

Indeed, it is believed Garnacho is also keen on a move to Chelsea, and the Blues are serious fans of the “huge talent”.

“Garnacho is very much still on Chelsea’s radar – they are looking for someone to operate from that left side, and they have done work on a lot of names,” said Bailey.

“I am told that the three at the top of their list are currently Jamie Gittens, Nico Williams and Garnacho.

“Chelsea are not set on one target and Garnacho is someone they like a lot, they tried to sign him in January. They know the player is keen on the move. And he is a huge talent, they think he would be a good fit. He seems to have been around forever, but he is still just 20.”

The South American would reportedly cost around £65 million, and Bailey has also written that Atlético are “pushing hard” to sign Garnacho as well, so he won’t be an easy capture by any means.

Regardless of what happens in the Europa League and with Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur need a massive summer in the transfer market.

From defence to attack, the North Londoners need to dramatically improve their squad to avoid having another domestic season as bad as this one next year.

Fortunately, Daniel Levy and Co seem to agree with this sentiment, as, on top of the near-constant rumours around the manager’s position, we are starting to see stories linking the club to some brilliant players.

In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, the Lilywhites have now set their sights on one of the most exciting strikers in the Premier League, someone who’d be an enormous upgrade on Richarlison, who looks like he could be on the way out as well.

Spurs' striker search

So, before we get to the forward in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other strikers Spurs are supposedly interested in from outside the Premier League, like Jonathan David and Tim Kleindienst.

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

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The former is set to be available for free this summer, and with a sensational tally of 25 goals and 12 assists in 47 games this season, the Canadian international would be an incredible addition to the North Londoners squad.

Kleindienst, on the other hand, could cost around £30m this summer, and while that isn’t chump change, it would still represent fair value, as the German international has scored 16 goals and provided ten assists in 32 games this year.

Yet, Levy and Co might prefer to shop closer to home and sign a more Premier League-proven marksman like Liam Delap.

Yes, according to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs are one of several teams incredibly interested in the Ipswich Town goalscorer.

In fact, while the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham United are all also keen, the report has revealed that the Lilywhites are now ‘planning to make an offer’ for the Englishman, who now has a £30m release clause in his contract.

It might be a complicated transfer to get done with how many interested parties there are, but it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be an incredible Richarlison upgrade.

How Delap compares to Richarlison

So, if Spurs are able to get ahead of the chasing pack and bring Delap to N17 in the summer, it’s almost certain that, to begin with at least, he’d play second-fiddle to club-record signing Dominic Solanke.

Therefore, he’d either be in direct competition with Richarlison or be his replacement should he be moved on, so how does he stack up to the Brazilian?

Well, the most important metric for a centre-forward is their raw output; in this case, the Englishman comes out comfortably on top.

For example, despite playing for a relegated side, the 22-year-old “wrecking-ball,” as dubbed by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, has managed to score 12 goals and provide two assists in 37 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.64 games.

In contrast, the former Everton star has scored five goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games.

Delap vs Richarlison

Players

Delap

Richarlison

Appearances

37

20

Goals

12

5

Assists

2

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.37

0.35

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, besides being the more dangerous forward and five years younger, the former Manchester City gem has one other massive advantage over the Nova Venécia-born ace: his fitness.

For example, across his career, the Winchester-born monster has missed just 16 games, and that was down to a single knee injury he suffered last season, which has since not resurfaced.

In stark contrast, the 48-capped Brazilian has missed a whopping 78 games for club and country across his career and suffered from 20 injuries.

Ultimately, while he’s still somewhat raw, it’s abundantly clear that Delap would be a massive upgrade on Richarlison in almost every way, so Spurs should do what they can to sign him this summer.

Related Conte 2.0: Spurs looking at hiring "phenomenal" Postecoglou upgrade

The vastly experienced manager would be an incredible hire for Spurs.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2025

Leeds United and the 49ers now want to sign a “technical” attacking player who will cost them nothing this summer, and he’s apparently open to joining both Leeds and rival suitors Wolves.

Leeds putting plans in place for busy summer

The Whites’ automatic promotion hopes suffered another blow over the weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Luton Town. Leeds now have six games to go to secure a top-two finish ahead of Burnley or Sheffield United. But despite the uncertainty, Leeds are still putting plans in place for the summer, with the hope being they are a Premier League team.

Leeds want "brilliant" £60k-p/w star who has same agent as Rodon and Bogle

Leeds are eyeing statement signings should they claim promotion.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 6, 2025

At the end of last week, it was reported that the Whites have made an approach over a deal to sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham. The Czech Republic international has been identified as a target by Daniel Farke, who sees the midfielder as someone who can offer goals and experience to his team. But obviously this deal can only go through if Leeds are back in the top flight.

Signing a new goalkeeper has also become a priority for the club, and according to The Sun, Leeds are lining up a move to sign Nick Pope as Illan Meslier’s replacement.

Newcastle are chasing a deal for James Trafford, and this could mean Pope is allowed to leave St James’ Park this summer, despite his wealth of Premier League experience.

Leeds want to beat Wolves to the signing of "technical" star

It is not just a new goalkeeper on the Whites’ transfer list, as according to Alan Nixon, relayed by Football League World, Leeds are now interested in signing Grady Diangana from West Brom, with the attacker ‘hoping’ the Whites sign him, while he would also welcome interest from rival suitors Wolves.

It is reported that Diangana, who joined the Baggies on a permanent basis in 2020, would like to make a move to the top flight come the end of the campaign. Both teams have shown a concrete interest in the player, while teams from the MLS are also interested in a possible deal.

However, Diangana, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is holding off interest from teams abroad, as he wants to concentrate on the remainder of the campaign with West Brom, as they can still finish in the top six. It is claimed that there are no signs of a deal being agreed between the player and the Baggies, meaning he will cost Leeds nothing this summer should they look to sign him.

Apps

198

Goals

26

Assists

21

Diangana has been a big hit in the Championship, but before joining the Baggies, West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini labelled him a “technical” player with a great vision: “A technical player with a good view of the pitch and with a good solution when they receive the ball.”

A look at the players who made their ODI debuts during the 2022-25 cycle and who could shape their teams’ campaigns

Srinidhi Ramanujam26-Sep-2025Georgia Voll (Australia)Georgia Voll’s last 12 months have marked a breakout phase in her career. She debuted across all three formats, stepped in for the injured Alyssa Healy, and scored a commanding 101 in just her second ODI. She followed that with an unbeaten 99 for UP Warriorz in her maiden WPL stint, showing her comfort in subcontinental conditions. At 22, she’s earned a Cricket Australia central contract and heads into the World Cup as one of the team’s most promising young players. Though she may not be part of Australia’s first-choice top order, her ability to slot in seamlessly and perform under pressure makes her a valuable option.”It’s something I probably never imagined to happen so quickly,” Voll said of her rapid rise and she credits Australia’s strong domestic setup for her readiness. “You just prepare the same way as if you’re playing. You can’t get too wrapped up in the what-ifs and just making sure you’re best prepared if you’re called on or if you’re playing, like any other day.Georgia Voll has settled into a strong Australia squad•Getty Images”If you let the other things overtake you, it can probably not set you up as well. That’s probably what I’ll be looking to do is just prepare as if I’m ready to go if I’m playing or not playing… if you’re training the exact same way every time, you’re set up for success, if that is on the field or helping the team out running drinks or whatever.”Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand)Touted as one of New Zealand’s brightest talents, Georgia Plimmer played her first 13 ODIs in the middle order since debuting in 2022, before being promoted to open in April 2024. While her early ODI numbers don’t fully reflect her potential, the right-handed batter has demonstrated the ability to score big. After nine innings at the top, Plimmer converted her opportunity into a maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka in Nelson in March.In the recent A series in Derby, Plimmer also scored a century against England A in June. At just 21, she is already a World Cup winner, having been part of New Zealand’s T20I squad that claimed the title last year. Although she was a late injury replacement in New Zealand’s 2022 World Cup squad, she didn’t feature in any games.Georgia Plimmer celebrates her maiden ODI hundred•Getty ImagesKranti Goud (India)Kranti Goud’s rise has been nothing short of dramatic. As recently as April 2025, the 21-year-old seamer from Madhya Pradesh wasn’t in India’s ODI plans, only getting her debut due to an injury replacement. Left out of the initial England tour longlist in July, she forced her way in after impressing at a skills camp and then made history.At Chester-le-Street, she became the youngest Indian woman to take a five-for in ODIs, with a sensational 6 for 52 against England, drawing praise from captain Harmanpreet Kaur: “We’ve been dying for a fast bowler like you.”Kranti Goud dismisses Alyssa Healy•Getty ImagesKnown for her nip-backers, yorkers, and ability to hustle batters, Goud had already turned heads earlier by dismissing Meg Lanning in the WPL, and also the likes of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alyssa Healy in bilateral series.Marufa Akter (Bangladesh)Marufa Akter has quickly become Bangladesh’s pace spearhead in a bowling attack traditionally dominated by spin. Just 20 years old, she already has 20 wickets from 26 ODIs at an average of 31.90 and brings a valuable point of difference with her ability to swing the ball both ways and strike early with the new ball.With a smooth, repeatable action and a bustling run-up, she brings energy and discipline, often sticking to stump-to-stump lines. Marufa was Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker at the 2023 Under-19 T20 World Cup, where she first caught wider attention. In a team stacked with spinners, her role as the pace leader could be key to Bangladesh unsettling stronger sides early in the innings.Marufa Akter belts out an appeal•ACCLauren Bell (England) Since the start of 2024, no England fast bowler has taken more wickets than Lauren Bell, who has picked up 24 in 16 ODIs at an economy of 5.17 – a sign of her growing consistency and impact. She has gone wicketless in just three of her 28 ODI appearances, underlining her reliability with the ball.Lauren Bell spearheads England’s seam attack•Getty ImagesWith senior seamer Kate Cross not in the World Cup squad, Bell will be expected to lead the pace attack. That responsibility is well-earned: in 2023, she remodelled her action to bowl more upright, unlocking the ability to swing the ball both ways. While subcontinental pitches may not offer much assistance, Bell’s height, accuracy, and ability to move the ball through the air make her a genuine threat with the new ball.Annerie Dercksen (South Africa)Annerie Dercksen has quickly established herself as a key allrounder across all formats for South Africa since her ODI debut in 2024. Although a seam-bowling top-order batter in domestic cricket, she has adapted to a middle-order role in the national team. She idolises Marizanne Kapp and brings a similar blend of grit and versatility.Annerie Dercksen celebrates reaching a century•SLCOne of only four South African batters to score an ODI hundred since the start of 2024 – a composed 104 against Sri Lanka in May – Dercksen has shown she can deliver in subcontinental conditions.With close to 400 ODI runs and useful medium pace, she adds depth to both departments. Her breakthrough year earned her a first national contract and the Women’s ODI Player of the Year award at the 2024-25 CSA awards.Sadaf Shamas (Pakistan)A composed top-order batter, Sadaf Shamas made her ODI debut in November 2022 but is still finding her feet at international level. In just her second innings, she struck a maiden half-century, against Ireland in Lahore – a promising glimpse of her temperament and technique.Sadaf Shamas has shown great temperament early•Getty ImagesWhile her international returns have been modest so far, the right-hander would be keen to get a big score at the World Cup and add stability to Pakistan’s top order. Recently, she suffered a left quadriceps tear during a practice session in Karachi in August but recovered in time to make the squad. With Pakistan looking to build a more reliable batting core, Shamas could have a key role to play if she finds form early in the tournament.Dewmi Vihanga (Sri Lanka)A tall offspinner with impressive control and variation, Dewmi Vihanga made her senior debut during the tri-series with India and South Africa in Colombo earlier this year and made an immediate impression. She picked up 11 wickets in her first four ODIs, including a five-wicket haul against South Africa where she dismantled the top and middle order in just her third international appearance.Dewmi Vihanga picked up a five-for•SLCThough the least experienced among Sri Lanka’s spin options – which include Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu, and Kavisha Dilhari – her accuracy and deceptive flight make her a genuine threat. Vihanga was also Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker and second-highest run-scorer at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, signalling her all-round potential early on.

Another title for Australia, but what next for India?

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2023Is a one-off final enough to decide the winner of a World Test Championship cycle? Did India really blunder it at The Oval? What’s up with the India-A programme, and how should the BCCI look at structuring Indian cricket going forward?Sidharth Monga joins Kaustubh Kumar and Vishal Dikshit to discuss all the burning questions.