Wolves’ £50k-p/w "Superstar" Being Tracked By PL Rivals

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto is being watched by Premier League rivals Arsenal as they weigh up a summer approach, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

What's the latest on Neto to Arsenal?

The Old Gold winger has made 109 senior appearances since joining back in 2019, and despite his contract not expiring for another four years, he’s been a long-term transfer target of Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

The Athletic reported that the Portugal international was at the top of the Gunners boss’ wishlist with talks even having taken place regarding a potential deal for over a month last summer, but the reason for a move not coming to fruition soon emerged.

The Sun’s Daniel Cutts claimed that the N7 outfit were only willing to pay £35m for the 23-year-old whereas the Midlands side valued him at £50m and therefore weren’t willing to sanction his sale for a fee significantly lower than they would have been happy with.

Now, according to Football Insider, Arsenal are “considering a return” for Neto at the end of the season and are already “monitoring” his situation at Wolves. The Gunners are “in the market” for a winger who could be a backup to Bukayo Saka and they feel that Julen Lopetegui’s attacker could be the right man for the job.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto.

Should Wolves keep or sell Neto?

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has previously hailed Neto a “superstar” at Wolves, and whilst he has had some decent performances, one goal in 19 appearances across all competitions this season isn’t a good enough return so they should definitely cash in if a huge offer – like £50m – arrives.

As per WhoScored, the left-footed ace is ranked 21st out of a total of 26 squad players who are still at the club for his level of displays this season, recording a match rating of 6.39, which shows how little of an impact he’s been able to make at Molineux.

The Viana do Castelo native also pockets £50k-per-week which is the same as captain Ruben Neves, and when you consider how much more the skipper does both on and off the pitch, it seems unfair for the two of them to be on the same wages.

Finally, Neto is extremely injury prone having spent 127 days on the sidelines with an ankle problem this term so he’s even costing the club a lot when he’s out of action, so it would make sense to sanction his sale and use his transfer fee to generate funds for new signings in the summer.

"Superb" Chelsea Teen Could Be Pochettino’s Next Kyle Walker

Mauricio Pochettino looks increasingly likely to be the man to take over as Chelsea's new manager this summer, with the Blues in need of a significant rebuild after a woeful 2022/23 campaign.

Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and now Frank Lampard have all fallen short at Stamford Bridge, and the Argentine will have to somehow get the best out of a bloated squad in west London if he wants to be a success.

How did Walker play under Pochettino?

The 51-year-old's best spell in management arguably came at Tottenham Hotspur, where he helped to develop one of the best full-backs in world football in Kyle Walker.

The England international would make 95 appearances under the Argentine at Spurs, contributing one goal and eight assists, which saw him earn a £45m move to Manchester City in the summer of 2017.

There, he has gone on to make 244 appearances for the Citizens under Pep Guardiola, winning four Premier League titles thus far, with more trophies likely to come the 32-year-old's way given they are still on to win the treble this season.

While Reece James might be seen as a natural heir to Walker in both Pochettino's and England's thinking, the promising right-back has spent far too long on the sidelines through injury in recent seasons and has become something of a liability when it comes to staying fit.

However, Pochettino will have another right-back to choose from at Stamford Bridge next season, and he could potentially unearth his next Walker in January signing, Malo Gusto.

How good is Malo Gusto?

Chelsea confirmed the signing of Gusto from Lyon in January in a deal worth £35.1m before sending him back to the French side on loan for the rest of the campaign.

So far this season, the "very dangerous" teenage defender – as dubbed by journalist Bobby Vincent – has made 18 appearances in Ligue 1, contributing one assist and averaging a strong 6.94 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Walker cultivated a reputation as an extremely dangerous defender in both an attacking and defensive sense at Spurs because of his pace, as well as one who is comfortable in possession at City, and Gusto could certainly emulate that at Chelsea.

FBref rates him in the top 10% of defenders across Europe for passes completed, progressive carries and progressive passes received per 90 minutes, which highlights his attacking abilities, while WhoScored suggests that he excels at tackling, interceptions and holding onto the ball.

If the Frenchman can live up to his potential at Stamford Bridge, there seems no reason why he couldn't oust James from the starting side and potentially become Pochettino's next Walker in the process.

Aston Villa Keeping Tabs On "Flamboyant" £169k-p/w Forward

Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Barcelona forward Ferran Torres ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Torres?

The Spaniard first arrived at Camp Nou back in January 2022 and has since gone on to make 67 appearances under Xavi, but despite his contract not expiring for another four years, financial problems mean that the La Liga outfit could be forced to cash in on him this summer.

The Blaugrana winger will already be used to the style of play in the top-flight having spent almost two years at Manchester City so he knows the division well, and there’s a chance that he could be set to stage his return during the upcoming window having attracted the attention of Unai Emery.

Speaking on The Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey, journalist and transfer expert, confirmed that the 23-year-old was a name he’s “already hearing” doing the rounds in the Midlands, and it would appear that the rumoured interest is true by the following update.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are “monitoring” Torres ahead of a possible move back to the Premier League. Barcelona’s forward being potentially put on the market has “alerted” NSWE who are “eager” to back the boss with a “number of ambitious signings” in the months ahead. Emery is a “big admirer” of the £169k-per-week ace’s ability and believes that the chance to snap him up should the opportunity arise is “too good to turn down”.

NSWE’s likely appointment of Barcelona’s director of football Mateu Alemany could further boost the chances of a deal being completed with him being the individual to sign the player for the Spanish giants.

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres.

Should Aston Villa submit an offer for Torres?

Torres is an extremely exciting player with bags of potential and being just 23 years of age is still very much in his prime, so with the experience that he already has in England, Aston Villa should definitely consider tabling a bid to secure his services.

The World Cup and Europa League participant posted 20 goal contributions (16 goals and four assists) in 43 Man City appearances so has proven that he’s capable of performing at the level required.

As lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the “flamboyant” attacker also has the silverware to match his performances having helped the Sky Blues get their hands on the Premier League and English League Cup trophies during his short spell at the Etihad.

Finally, Torres would add some wonderful versatility to the manager’s squad with his ability to operate in attacking midfield, out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside at centre-forward, so this deal really is a no-brainer to complete should the chance present itself.

Chelsea Gem Set For Medical As Contract Agreed With New Club

Chelsea star Dujon Sterling is set to join Rangers after agreeing a four-year deal with the Scottish outfit.

The 23-year-old is out of contract next month and is set to leave Stamford Bridge after first joining the club as a seven-year-old in 2007.

Much like many of Chelsea's most promising youngsters, he has been forced out on loan for four of the last five seasons with his most recent spell with Stoke City.

What's the transfer latest on Dujon Sterling?

According to Football Insider, Sterling has already agreed to join Rangers and once he completes a medical with the Scottish outfit, he will put pen to paper on his new deal.

The medical will be completed imminently and having already been given a tour of Rangers' training ground, only the most important details remain.

In his career to date, Sterling has been able to provide 13 goals and 16 assists in 193 appearances across a number of different positions.

Todd Boehly watches on from his seat at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play in the Premier League.

The Blues are infamous for their loan policy but Sterling's exit marks a failure in this department. The 23-year-old leaves as a free agent so Chelsea will not recoup a transfer fee from his departure.

Given the financial scrutiny the London outfit is under, any income will help alleviate pressure to generate revenue that can be directed towards transfers and balancing the books.

Who are Chelsea's transfer targets?

The Blues could theoretically complete a double transfer from Napoli given the reported interest in defender Kim Min-Jae and attacker Victor Osimhen.

However, signing them will likely cost a fortune given their success this season in Italy. Osimhen, in particular, will cost a heinous amount of money to bring to the Premier League.

The Nigerian forward could cost as much as £131m although Chelsea are investigating whether they could include the likes of Christian Pulisic and Kepa Arrizabalaga to sweeten the deal for Napoli.

But with the Blues having already spent a huge sum of money under the stewardship of Todd Boehly, perhaps looking to utilise some of their young talents would have been a wise option.

It is believed Mauricio Pochettino has now agreed to become their next manager over the summer and he is a manager who is known for his positive influence on a club's exciting, young prospects.

And given the injury issues which Reece James has suffered from in recent months, perhaps allowing Sterling to leave could be a decision which they are left to rue over coming years.

Rangers Considering Swoop To Sign £10m Marksman

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Anastasios Douvikas to Rangers?

According to TEAMtalk, Gers boss Michael Beale could launch a swoop to sign Greek international centre-forward Anastasios Douvikas from FC Utrecht ahead of next season.

The report claims that the Light Blues are eyeing up the Eredivisie striker and that they could be competing with Scottish rivals Celtic to land his signature, with the Hoops having also been touted with an interest in the ace.

Earlier this month, Utrecht technical director Jordy Zuidam claimed that the Dutch club are looking for a fee in the region of €12m (£10m) before they will cash in on their top players, with the marksman being named as one of their biggest assets.

How has Anastasios Douvikas performed this season?

The 23-year-old centre-forward has been in prolific form in the Eredivisie in 2022/23 and the no.9 could come in as a big upgrade on current Gers striker Kemar Roofe.

Glasgow Rangers forward Kemar Roofe.

Beale, in March, confirmed that the Jamaican attacker will miss the rest of the campaign through injury and this means that the dud will end the season with just three appearances in the Scottish Premiership.

He has only played 24 games in the division since the start of last term and this shows that the ex-Leeds poacher is rarely available for selection, with injuries plaguing the dynamo.

Roofe racked up 11 goals – scoring every 2.18 outings – and one assist in that time and that is a decent return in front of goal but Douvikas could come in and offer far more reliability in his availability whilst also being able to provide a greater threat in the final third.

The Greek international, who is also seven years younger than the Gers man, has played 65 Eredivisie games since the start of last season and has plundered 18 goals and four assists in 31 matches in the current campaign – a strike every 1.72 clashes.

This shows that the 23-year-old is more durable, based on his vastly superior appearance record, and has the potential to score goals more frequently than the Light Blues liability.

Douvikas, who was hailed as "sharp" by journalist Josh Bunting, has created seven 'big chances' for his teammates in 22/23 and Roofe has provided his fellow Rangers players with four in the last three years combined, which suggests that the Utrecht star would offer far more creativity from the number nine position by providing others with opportunities to score on a regular basis.

Therefore, Beale could land a big upgrade on the ex-Anderlecht striker by beating Celtic to the signing of the Eredivisie titan in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea Want £50m Ace On The Verge Of Premier League History

Chelsea are interested in signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and have shortlisted him ahead of the summer transfer window.

Could James Ward-Prowse join Chelsea this summer?

With Southampton's relegation to the Championship already confirmed, Ward-Prowse has naturally been linked with a summer exit.

It would mark an end to his 12-year stay at the club and, according to football.london, his transfer fee is expected to be set at around £50million. The club captain has three years remaining on his deal, so despite Southampton's relegation, the south-coast outfit can stay firm in negotiations.

Chelsea have added the 28-year-old to their transfer list, according to Football Transfers, and could compete with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle United for his signature.

Former Southampton and incoming Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly could play a key role in a deal to sign Ward-Prowse having managed the midfielder during his time as Saints head coach in 2013/14. The Argentine coach is still considered to be a big fan of Ward-Prowse.

Back in 2014, he said:

"In every training session, he gives 100%. He always has an immediate impact in what he does and he is still a player who is growing. He is a figurehead of the sort of player that we are looking for at Southampton."

Pochettino was spot on as Ward-Prowse has gone on to play 420 games in all competitions, playing a whopping 30,493 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Does James Ward-Prowse have the Premier League free-kick record?

Ward-Prowse, who is represented by CAA Stellar like Ben Chilwell, is a technically gifted player. The midfielder has been tipped by Nathan Jones to beat David Beckham's record of 18 Premier League goals directly from free-kicks. Ward-Prowse has 17 currently and with his incredibly consistent dead ball technique, it might not be long before he equals the record. Jones waxed lyrical about the player, saying:

"He's been outstanding. When I arrived at the club my first conversation with him was ten minutes after he didn't get picked for the England squad.

"Since that moment, he's been absolutely world-class for me. I'm sure he's going to [beat Beckham's record]. I think he's going to play in the Premier League for a few years yet and the quality isn't going to diminish in any way.

"Unless somebody comes in and cut off his right leg, I think that record is under threat. He's one of the best technicians I've ever seen, the consistency he shows is world-class."

It looks set to be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, and it seems as if a move for Ward-Prowse could be one to keep an eye on, potentially reuniting him with his former manager in the process.

"Complete" 19 y/o Could Be Chelsea’s Own Maldini

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Atalanta wonderkid Giorgio Scalvini – and the Italian centre-back could prove to be Mauricio Pochettino's own Paolo Maldini at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Scalvini this summer?

According to reports from Italy, Chelsea are among the suitors for the 19-year-old this summer after a fine season in Serie A with Gian Piero Gasperini's side.

The likes of Inter, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the youngster, who is likely to cost around €40m (£35m) this summer.

While Scalvini is contracted at the Gewiss Stadium until 2027, it is suggested in the report that he earns a relatively low wage – something he would likely be able to increase should he make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Could Scalvini be Pochettino's own Maldini?

Pochettino is all but confirmed to be the man in the dugout for Chelsea next season, with the Argentinian's appointment likely to be formally announced in the coming weeks as the Blues finally end their nightmare campaign at home to Newcastle this weekend.

While it has been scoring goals rather than keeping them out which has been the main problem for the Blues in the Todd Boehly reign, Thursday's heavy defeat against Manchester United exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, while 38-year-old Thiago Silva cannot be expected to be the main man at the back forever.

Scalvini has featured 30 times in Serie A so far this term with a solid 6.67 rating from WhoScored for his performances, while he has already earned a call-up to the national side.

Italy is famous for producing world-class defenders, with the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Nesta all regarded as some of the best centre-backs in footballing history.

However, the best of the best is arguably Maldini, with former teammate Alessandro Del Piero suggesting that he went beyond the description of world-class, arguing that he was number one.

chelsea-pochettino-kendry-paez-transfer-caicedo-brighton-gossip

Maldini famously said that "if I have to make a tackle, then I have already made a mistake" and it could be argued that Scalvini seems to play with that mindset, with his preference to intercept the ball, as according to FBref he ranks in the top 3% of defenders across Europe for interceptions per game.

Goal journalist Tom Maston lauded the youngster's "eye-catching" displays and it is easy to see why, as he also ranks 6% of defenders for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive passes received per 90, which suggests that he is a very modern centre-back who is comfortable in possession.

It is rare to see a centre-back as young as Scalvini playing regularly for club and country and he will certainly be looking to follow in the footsteps of the great Maldini, who broke into AC Milan's first team at the age of 16 and retired nearly 25 years later at the age of 41.

Boehly has already shown a preference for signing players with potential, and in Scalvini, he could uncover a top-class player for Pochettino – so long as the Italy international is allowed to properly develop at Stamford Bridge.

Rangers "Poor" £27k-p/w Dud Must Never Play Again

Glasgow Rangers face a crucial summer transfer window if they aim to become the dominant force in Scottish football yet again, with plenty of ins and outs looking likely.

In truth, the exodus has already begun, with Michael Beale not offering Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor, or Filip Helander extended contracts, freeing up a good chunk of the wage budget.

There could be more to go, with Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin also set to be departing the Ibrox side this summer, while Glen Kamara has been recently linked with newly promoted Sheffield United, and it appears as though Beale is displaying a ruthless nature when it comes to moving out the deadwood in order to strengthen.

Another player who should be making an exit at the Light Blues is defender Ben Davies, who hasn’t quite settled since arriving from Liverpool last summer for a fee of £4m.

Does Ben Davies have a future at Rangers?

With Filip Helander leaving the club, Beale has Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Leon King and Davies as his centre-back options, however, with Souttar’s improved performances come the end of the season, averaging a stellar Sofascore rating of 7.45/10 from his final four games, it appears he and Goldson could form the main partnership at the heart of defence.

Davies made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Gers, yet missed chunks at the beginning and the end of the season due to injury issues, averaging a rating of 6.94/10 as per Sofascore.

The £27k-per-week defender ranked 16th in the squad for tackles made, seventh for interceptions per game and 14th for overall rating, suggesting his league performances weren’t exactly up to scratch.

Against Celtic in a decisive league encounter back in April, Davies endured probably his worst performance in a Gers shirt, failing to clear a simple ball in the box which eventually resulted in the Parkhead outfit scoring the second goal of the match, and he was criticised after the game by former Rangers' striker Kenny Miller.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group A – Rangers v Liverpool – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – October 12, 2022 Rangers’ Ben Davies in action with Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

He said: “It’s a wonderful finish. Again he’s alert, alive, ruthless when the chance drops.

“But it’s so poor from Ben Davies. He should be heading that out.”

The club appears to be open to offers for the 27-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window and with the poor season he has had, it might be time for the Gers to cut their losses and move him on ahead of 2023/24.

Liverpool Eyeing "Perfect" Bundesliga Transfer

The Bundesliga is the 'perfect place' for Liverpool to find players this summer, according to The RedMenTV's Ste Hoare.

The Premier League side, of course, failed in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, but have since reportedly turned their attention to others in the same league.

Liverpool transfer targets – The Bundesliga

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have set their sights on £34m-rated Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer, and have been in direct contact with the player's agent.

Meanwhile, as per Inews, Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven this summer.

Whether either of the moves reach completion remains to be seen, but since the arrival of new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, Liverpool have seemingly focused their attention on the Bundesliga.

What has Ste Hoare said about Liverpool and the Bundesliga?

With Liverpool linked with moves for a couple of Bundesliga stars, Hoare delivered his verdict on the German top flight.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Hoare said: "I think they wanted a couple of Premier League players. They've definitely got one, there might be more on the way. But I also think the Bundesliga feels like a perfect place for Liverpool to go and get them.

"It’s probably the most similar to the Premier League. I think there’s a couple of teams who play similar to how Liverpool do, and obviously, Jurgen’s philosophy comes from that league, so it makes sense."

Who is Manu Kone?

Soccer Football – Bundesliga – Borussia Moenchengladbach v FC Cologne – Borussia-Park, Moenchengladbach, Germany – October 9, 2022 Borussia Moenchengladbach's Kouadio Kone celebrates with fans after the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.

Linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, Borussia Mönchengladbach's Kone is still only 22, and showed plenty of promise last season, making 30 Bundesliga appearances.

A defensive-minded midfielder, Kone could solve a lot of issues for Liverpool, who struggled in that area last season, especially when Fabinho's form dropped off.

As per FBref, Kone was statistically similar to Fabinho last season, whilst also providing the addition of a more successful take-ons and progressive passes – adding that attacking intent from the middle of the park.

Still only young, too, the 'Gladbach midfielder would be a player for both the present and future for Klopp, who found himself looking at an ageing midfield last season, featuring Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Thiago Alcantara – all in their thirties.

With a long summer ahead, we may well see a continuation of the Kone links with a move to Anfield before Liverpool potentially attempt to complete a deal.

Rangers: Gers Make "Interesting Signing" For Beale

Journalist Josh Bunting has praised Rangers and their signing of forward Sam Lammers from Atalanta, calling it an “interesting” move by the club.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale and the Teddy Bears have undergone a major summer overhaul thus far, with many former first-teamers departing Ibrox in late May.

Indeed, ex-mainstays like Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Filip Helander and Steven Davis all departed at the end of their contracts, leaving Rangers with the almighty task of replacing them.

They’ve done an exceptional job of it thus far, completing deals for Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland and now Lammers for a fee of around £3 million.

The Dutchman has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Rangers, with Beale now signing a replacement for Morelos and potentially astute addition.

Eintracht Frankfurt's former striker Sam Lammers.

Reporter Josh Bunting, writing on Twitter after the Gers confirmed his capture, is completely aware of Lammers’ ability and believes the club have pulled off a major coup.

The journalist detailed exactly what supporters can expect from Lammers, namely his technical ability, sweet left foot and in-game intelligence.

How many goals has Sam Lammers scored?

The 26-year-old, who stands a towering 6 foot 3, could have the physicality suited for Scottish football and some of his past numbers suggest he could do well under Beale.

Lammers spent the 2022/2023 campaign on loan at Sampdoria, where he bagged just one goal and an assist, but his previous spell at SC Heerenveen in 2019 indicates there is a real goalscorer waiting to be unearthed.

During the 18/19 season, Lammers bagged an impressive 16 goals and five assists on loan at Heerenveen in the Dutch top flight, which may have prompted Atalanta to later snap him up from PSV Eindhoven.

While his career arguably didn’t work out there, Lammers has been handed another chance to succeed at Rangers and showcase his true ability.

Heerenveen boss Kees van Wonderen has also praised the attacker.

“What you get from him as a player is first and foremost a superb work ethic. He’s a left-footed striker and is good technically,” said van Wonderen.

“He’s a player who has an eye on the tactical aspects of the game, he appreciates how the game is played, where the spaces are and how to deal with circumstances on the pitch.”

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