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Aston Villa have surpassed expectations this year in the Premier League, and even looked like title challengers at one point.

Unai Emery's side currently sit in the lofty heights of fourth, though in order for a Champions League place to be secured, they'll need to avoid injuries to key men and continue to maintain the gap between them and Spurs.

With that in mind, Football FanCast is here to keep you updated with the latest injury and suspension news ahead of Saturday's evening clash with Chelsea.

Latest Aston Villa injury news

Unai Emery has six squad members unavailable ahead of Chelsea's visit to Villa Park this weekend. The player to return to the squad will be Douglas Luiz, who has served his yellow-card suspension. Otherwise, the clash against the Blues comes too soon for Nicolo Zaniolo and Alex Moreno, who both have minor problems and could return next week.

Long-term absentees Jacob Ramsey, Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Buendia and Boubacar Kamara are all out until the start of next season at the earliest.

Nicolo Zaniolo

Unknown

April

Unknown

Alex Moreno

Calf injury

April

May

Jacob Ramsey

Foot injury

2nd March

Next season

Tyrone Mings

Knee Injury

12th August

Next season

Emi Buendia

Knee Injury

9th August

Next season

Boubacar Kamara

ACL rupture

11th February

September-October

Nicolo Zaniolo – unknown

Nicolo Zaniolo missed the midweek win over Bournemouth through injury, and while Emery was hopeful that the Italian wouldn't be on the treatment table for long, he will not be fit enough to take part this weekend.

Whether he is fit for next week's Europa Conference League semi-final first leg against Olympiacos remains to be seen, but he appears to be the Villa player closest to a first-team return.

Alex Moreno – calf

Alex Moreno has been out recently with a calf issue, with Unai Emery previously claiming that it would see him out for around 2-3 weeks. This weekend's game against Chelsea was unlikely to mark his comeback, but he could return in time for next week's clash away at Brighton, with the Europa Conference League semi-finals also coming up.

Jacob Ramsey – foot

Jacob Ramsey is set to be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a foot injury, with Emery confirming he will play no further part in the campaign earlier this month.

Tyrone Mings – knee

Tyrone Mings suffered a significant knee injury on the opening day of the season against Newcastle United, and Villa quickly confirmed that he would require surgery to resolve the issue.

The defender is making progress in his recovery, with a comment coming out of Aston Villa:

"When they are injured for a long time, it's the worst in football. It's more difficult for the player, as a person, when they are injured. We've had two injuries for a long time, for all the season, with Buendia and Mings."

He still hasn't made an Aston Villa squad, but he can't be far away now.

Emi Buendia – knee

Aston Villa confirmed that Argentine midfielder Emi Buendia had suffered a 'significant knee ligament injury' in training a day before the season started.

Similarly to Mings, he can't be too far away now, though there's been no timeline given by Emery, with him clearly not wanting to rush the midfielder back to action.

Boubacar Kamara – ACL

Boubacar Kamara last featured for Villa in their defeat to Manchester United, with it later confirmed that he had suffered an ACL rupture.

Emery has insisted that a likely return date won't be until September or October at the earliest.

Aston Villa latest suspensions

There are no suspensions for Aston Villa this weekend. Douglas Luiz missed the clashes against Arsenal and Bournemouth after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season. Luckily, it seems like Villa did not miss him after winning both matches, and they will have him available for selection against Chelsea this weekend.

Aston Villa are preparing for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semifinal against Olympiacos in what is arguably their most important match of the season.

On the transfer front, meanwhile, it appears as though Unai Emery has one eye on the upcoming summer window, however…

Aston Villa's search for a midfielder

With Champions League football looking increasingly likely for the Midlands side next term, Emery is aiming to bolster his first-team squad with bigger challenges ahead.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Villa are showing plenty of interest in Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia ahead of the summer.

They face some stiff competition as Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth are also interested in luring the player away from La Liga once the season is over.

The good news is Emery won't need to pay over the odds for the Girona star. AS claim that his release clause is between €15m (£12.9m) and €20m (£17.2m), which could make the move even more appealing to the Villa boss.

Adding some midfield depth could be crucial heading into the 2024/25 campaign and signing Garcia is a chance for the club to secure Douglas Luiz 2.0.

Aleix Garcia’s statistics for Girona this season

Like Garcia, Luiz has also played for Manchester City and Girona during the early stages of his career.

City signed him in 2017 but loaned him out to the Spanish side for two seasons prior to joining Villa in 2019, making 46 appearances across all competitions in Spain.

This season, the Brazilian has emerged as a key member of Emery’s side, registering 20 goal contributions – ten goals and ten assists – across 50 matches for the club in all competitions.

With the building blocks in place to develop a genuinely wonderful starting XI, Garcia – who has been dubbed "the best deep-lying playmaker this season" by data analyst Ben Mattinson – could certainly add some more attacking qualities to this area.

The 26-year-old has played 36 matches during the current campaign, scoring three times, and grabbing six assists, indicating how much of a threat he poses from the heart of the midfield.

Barcelona starlet Pedri even hailed his compatriot for his stunning 2023/24 campaign, saying: “There are many, Alex Garcia is having a great season in Girona, I have him in my Fantasy lineup.”

Impressing players such as Pedri clearly means Garcia is doing something right. His passing ability has stood out over the previous 365 days as, when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, the Spaniard currently ranks in the top 5% for passes attempted (80.28) and in the top 8% for progressive passes (7.9) per 90.

Not only that, but the midfielder also ranks in the top 16% for assists (0.18) and shot-creating actions (3.57) per 90, showing that he can also be a major threat when going forward and Emery would love to add another midfielder with this attacking ability to this squad.

If Villa do secure a Champions League spot for next season, it will certainly make it easier to attract players such as Garcia during the summer transfer window.

NSWE interested in exciting 17 year-old after intense Aston Villa scouting

He could be a star of the future, and Villa are keen to land him.

ByBen Browning May 8, 2024

There are fears from a selling club that Nottingham Forest have pulled off a sneaky piece of business in landing a discount for one of their summer signings should they wish to finalise the move.

Forest secure survival

Though not mathematically safe yet, Nottingham Forest have all but ensured their Premier League survival ahead of the final day. Facing already-relegated Burnley, Nuno Espirito Santo's side need just a point to be certain of survival, and even were Luton to win their game against Fulham and Forest to fall to defeat, it would require a 13 goal swing to have any impact on the final standings.

Nottingham Forest hit gold selling £13m man who's not scored since May 2023

It’s safe to say the club made the right decision selling him…

ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2024

There is summer uncertainty ahead though at the City Ground, with pressure to meet financial fair play regulations once more and the threat of potentially being docked yet more points if they fail to, which could lead to some big sales.

Already some decisions have been made, with Giovanni Reyna's loan move not set to be made permanent and speculation surrounding the likes of Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White, who may follow him out of the door.

With money tight in the Midlands this summer, every penny will count, and one club believe that Nottingham Forest have used an underhand technique to land a discount.

Montiel summer deal could still go ahead

That comes in the shape of Sevilla, who loaned Gonzalo Montiel to Nottingham Forest for the season. The Spanish outfit added an obligation to buy the player for 11m euros (£9.4m), which came into play if Montiel featured in 50% of their matches in the Premier League across the season.

Montiel in the Premier League 23/24

Games

13

Starts

7

Goals

0

Assists

2

Yellow Cards

5

But the 27-year-old has endured a tough campaign, and was benched by Steve Cooper. When Nuno Espirito Santo arrived, Montiel started four of his first five games in charge, before once more being consigned to the bench or left out of the squad entirely.

However, injury to Williams has seen him restored to the side for the final three games of the season, and local reports in Spain claim Sevilla believe that "a black hand may have pulled a string", in that they opted not to play him so as to avoid paying the transfer fee.

And with Montiel set to return to the south of Spain this summer, he will once again be on the market for around 4m euros (£3.4m), meaning that Forest would have secured a roughly £6m discount on the player were they to return for him ahead of the new season.

It as of yet unclear whether they will choose to do so, but Sevilla clearly feel that this is the plan they have set in motion, and it could be one that saves them some key funds this summer.

Chelsea are now apparently ready to sell a player, who was key for Mauricio Pochettino over the end of the season, for under £30m.

Chelsea players who could be sold due to PSR worries

It's been widely reported that the west Londoners could eventually be facing Premier League charges if they don't raise money through player sales, even if that hasn't stopped them from making new signings already.

Chelsea are now one detail away from sealing "huge" £50m+ signing for Poch

The Blues are close to getting their summer business underway…

ByTom Cunningham May 19, 2024

Chelsea appear set to finalise a deal for Palmeiras starlet Estevao to kickstart their summer transfer business, with the highly-rated teenager costing upwards of £50 million including add-ons according to Fabrizio Romano.

This comes after Chelsea agreed personal terms with Estevao over joining, with the Brazilian talent on the verge of sealing a switch to Stamford Bridge – adding to Todd Boehly's ever-growing list of deals for football's most exciting young stars.

Moises Caicedo

£115 million

Enzo Fernandez

£106.8 million

Mykhailo Mudryk

£89.1 million

Wesley Fofana

£70 million

Marc Cucurella

£60 million

However, to comply with PSR and avoid serious trouble, Chelsea have been tipped to sell a host of stars to balance the books. Conor Gallagher could even be sold by Chelsea, as his transfer would count as pure profit in the eyes of FFP.

The 24-year-old's deal also expires next year, meaning Boehly and co may much rather do business over him this summer than lose Gallagher for nothing in just over 12 months time.

"Decisions, particularly on some of their homegrown players and their academy players, will have to be made before June 30th," said Sky journalist Dharmesh Sheth on player sales earlier this year.

"So keep an eye on the likes of Conor Gallagher, keep an eye on the likes of Trevoh Chalobah as well, because selling those players would represent pure profit for Chelsea, which is probably what they need going into the next financial year from July 1st onwards."

That's not even counting the plethora of senior players out on loan, but an update has now come to light on how Chelsea will proceed with Chalobah.

Chelsea ready to sell Chalobah for under £30 million

The versatile defender played in 14 of Chelsea's final 15 league games of the season after returning from injury, starting 10 of them and becoming a mainstay for Pochettino on their run to a Conference League qualifying place.

Pochettino, according to The Telegraph, rates Chalobah as one of Chelsea's best defenders. The outlet, though, also claims Chelsea are ready to sell Chalobah for around £25 million regardless – with their price tag from last summer not changing. The 24-year-old could come as a bargain for interested clubs given both Chalobah's versatility and fine end to the campaign.

“He’s a delight to train with every day because he comes in with an enthusiasm," said former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

"Low maintenance, and when you talk about the things you want, he tries to do them on the pitch, which is a great thing."

Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises have already made an enquiry for a summer signing following their Championship playoff final defeat to Southampton.

Leeds transfer plans after Southampton defeat

The Whites and Daniel Farke are now preparing for another season in the second tier following a 1-0 defeat at Wembley on Sunday, with another busy summer in regards to incomings and outgoings now expected.

The next Gray: Leeds could soften Gnonto exit by unleashing academy star

Leeds United could look towards their youth if Wilfried Gnonto ends up exiting Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson May 29, 2024

Speaking to Sky Sports, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said there are "going" to be some departures and arrivals ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

“We are well capitalised from an investment standpoint. We have the funds that we need to do what we need to do. The reality of being in the Championship is that Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) plays a role. We also inherited a challenging situation, so naturally there are going to be some trade-offs. But also, we have a really good team, and it is not just about outs, but ins. We're looking at scouting possibilities and players that we can bring in. We will have to make some trade-offs because of P&S but we have the investment commitment to do what we need to do.”

Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto and Archie Gray have already been linked with moves away from Yorkshire, however, it looks as if plans are already being put in place to finally bring a 2023 target to the club.

Leeds make Ao Tanaka enquiry

Last year, Leeds were heavily linked with signing midfielder Ao Tanaka but ended up bringing in both Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev. The links to the Japan international have now returned, with reports from Hochi News stating that Leeds have already enquired to sign Tanaka this summer alongside Borussia Monchengladbach, FC Mainz and Everton.

It is increasingly likely that Tanaka will leave Fortuna Duesseldorf after they failed to win promotion to the Bundesliga, throwing away a three-goal lead in a two-legged promotion final against Bochum.

Tanaka, who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, can play in holding or attacking roles but is primarily a box-to-box midfielder, so could provide Farke with plenty of versatility next season alongside the likes of Kamara, Gruev, Ampadu and potentially Gray. He caught the eye of Josh Bunting during the 2022 World Cup as well for his “effective” displays, with the journalist saying:

The 25-year-old has plenty of experience in the German second division, making 91 appearances for his current employers, and by the looks of it, he could be on the move this summer, whether that be with Leeds remains to be seen.

Tottenham could propose out-of-favour winger Bryan Gil in a part-exchange bid to sign a prolific striker for Ange Postecoglou this summer.

Spurs looking to sign Harry Kane replacement

The north Londoners managed to secure Europa League football and displayed signs of real potential last season, despite the absence of club-record goalscorer and former superstar Harry Kane.

Suggestion Tottenham will make proposal for Euro 2024 star in coming days

The north Londoners have made checks on his situation in the last week.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2024

Kane joined Bayern Munich last season in a multi-million pound deal, going on to win the European golden shoe after scoring 36 goals in the Bundesliga alone. The England star was tipped to be a big miss last term, and replacing Kane was perhaps the toughest ask of Postecoglou's debut managerial campaign.

However, Son Heung-min instead took Kane's mantle with real aplomb – often featuring in a central striker role over the beginning of 2023/2024 before Richarlison started to get the nod as well.

Son Heung-min

17

Richarlison

12

Dejan Kulusevski

8

Brennan Johnson

5

Crustian Romero

5

Both players scored a combined 29 goals in all competitions for Tottenham, but with Richarlison attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and Spurs open to selling, the time could be now to sign an out-and-out replacement for Kane.

Spurs have identified a striker as one of their top summer priorities, and have been linked with the likes of Brentford star Ivan Toney from the Premier League. Club ambassador Ledley King, speaking to talkSPORT recently, said Postecoglou needs a centre-forward to take them to next level.

“I still think that we need a centre forward," said King. "It’s difficult to find out who. Finding a top, top striker is at a premium.

"I really like [Alexander] Isak at Newcastle but that’s probably not going to happen. I like [Dominic] Solanke at Bournemouth, Evan Ferguson at Brighton. Solanke’s had a good season. I’d like to see us get an out-and-out striker.

“We conceded a lot of goals but if we improve going forward then that takes the load off the defenders. If the manager wants to play an attacking style of football it’s as simple as that. The full-backs are inside the pitch and of course that’s going to create space for the opposition, but you have to create in your style.

"The more we can strengthen our squad to play in the manager’s style of football in terms of being on the front foot that will see us concede fewer goals.”

While top number nines will come at a marquee price, a very astute option could be Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri.

Tottenham could offer Gil in swap deal for En-Nesyri

The striker, called "skilful" by former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell, scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, and could cost Spurs just £17 million.

That is according to Spanish news outlet El Mira, who also suggest that Gil could be used by Spurs in a swap deal for En-Nesyri to bring the price down. Despite interest in the forward from West Ham and Man United, doing a deal with Tottenham is seen as a more "attractive" option for Sevilla as a result.

West Ham United might be pushing to sign Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers, writes Fabrizio Romano, but Julen Lopetegui will no doubt have the future of winger Mohammed Kudus in his mind.

Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Lucas Paqueta, who had been expected to complete a move to Manchester City before being charged for betting breaches by the FA, the Hammers have been forced into turning toward alternative options to sell.

As per Football Insider, the Ghanaian star could now push for a move away following West Ham's failure to qualify for Europe and David Moyes' dugout departure last month. Having paid Ajax £38m to sign Kudus only one year ago, United would expect a pretty penny for his departure.

Luckily, a shrewd replacement is already being considered.

West Ham eyeing Kudus replacement

Should West Ham sign Kilman, Lopetegui's former star at Molineux, it would require an outlay of £45m, and while Kudus's sale would bring in some nice funds, there's perhaps a reason that Tim Steidten and Co are opting to make a shrewd signing and bring Wilfried Zaha back to the Premier League.

So, according to Fotomac, West Ham have made Galatasaray an offer of £6m for Zaha, aged 31, though the Turkish Super Lig champions are holding out for £8m.

Zaha joined Gala after his contract expired with Crystal Palace one year ago, and while he's impressed, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing and this is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Imagine Wilfried Zaha at West Ham

Zaha scored 90 goals and supplied 62 assists across 458 appearances for Palace but moved to Turkey with sights set on performing on the continental stage before his career is up.

While Galatasaray came third in their Champions League group and subsequently lost in the Europa League round of 16 – against Sparta Prague – Zaha impressed throughout, scoring ten goals and adding five assists.

He notably bagged during his side's resounding 3-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League, with his wonderful, multi-faceted display showcasing his ability to thrive against the best that English football has to offer.

Minutes played

73'

Goals

1

Touches

35

Accurate passes

12/18 (67%)

Key passes

2

Dribble attempts

1/2

Duels won

4/7

Once described as a "world-class" player by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Zaha is an electric and artful winger who is blessed with sharp speed and innate intelligence. In many regards, he could mimic the role that Kudus performs in the Hammers' first team.

Kudus, one of the Premier League's most impressive athletes, ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 5% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

Zaha, too, knows his way around beating his opponent and rifling an almighty effort into the corner with constancy, and while he's approaching the later stage of his career, for just £8m, West Ham should exhaust every effort in bringing him to the London Stadium.

His Premier League experience with Palace could allow him to hit the ground running at the London Stadium, as he would not need time to adapt to the division, which is why this could be a shrewd swoop for the club to make.

West Ham could sign Kudus 2.0 in "devastating" £15m star

The star only scored one league goal less than Bowen last season.

ByTom Lever Jun 21, 2024

Chelsea have agreed to pay £60 million for a "wonderful" player after holding talks with his agents, and they've moved ahead of Man Utd in the race to sign him this summer as a result.

Maresca set for busy summer as Chelsea hold negotiations for forwards

Fabrizio Romano has tipped Chelsea to have a busy summer transfer window, following their appointment of Enzo Maresca to replace the departed Mauricio Pochettino.

Chelsea chiefs identify new top target in £85 million Duran alternative

Todd Boehly and co look like they’re moving on from the Colombian.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2024

They've already put pen to paper on a deal for defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, who will come in to help fill the void left by Thiago Silva's exit, but Chelsea are now turning their attention towards signing a forward or two.

Maresca's side, as widely reported, have been locked in talks to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa. Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over a deal for Duran, but are believed to be stalling the move due to Villa's demands.

Aston Vila 3-3 Chelsea

8.36

Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace

7.48

Aston Villa 4-0 Liverpool

7.38

Man City 4-1 Aston Villa

6.90

Aston Villa 3-2 Burnley

6.80

They could even walk away from the Colombian and pursue other targets, with RB Leipzig star Lois Openda emerging as an alternative to Duran for Chelsea. Amid their pursuit of a striker, whether it be Duran, Openda or another name, they're also reportedly pushing to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.

The 22-year-old, upon returning from a season-delaying injury last term, racked up an impressive 10 goals and six assists in 19 Premier League appearances. Olise's top-flight pedigree has been highlighted on a consistent basis at Selhurst Park, with former manager Roy Hodgson calling the player an "enormous talent".

“In the first-half he was a figure on the right but he wasn’t creating chances or showing aggression in his play. In the second-half he got it all right in both defence and attack and he showed what a wonderful player he is," said Hodgson on Olise after a performance against Leeds in 2023.

“I have seen him for 10 days less than I have seen the others. What I make of him is that I think he is an enormous talent – he has got a great possibility to have a wonderful career and a wonderful future. We can only hope we at Crystal Palace can give him that platform.”

Chelsea agree to pay £60 million for Olise in warning to Man Utd

As per Foot Mercato, a very promising update has come to light on his potential move to Stamford Bridge. Indeed, Chelsea have been locked in talks with the player's representatives, but Man Utd are also in the picture and named as one of the "serious candidates" to sign him.

However, the Red Devils are now in real danger of missing out on him. Foot Mercato say that United don't want to pay the attacker's price tag, and this has put Maresca's side in pole position. By contrast, Chelsea have agreed to pay £60 million to sign Olise this summer – a figure which Erik ten Hag and co don't want to meet. The Blues appear to hold all the cards as things stand, and it will come as good news for their new manager.

Tottenham have started the window with a bang, acquiring highly rated talent Archie Gray from Leeds United. But they aren't looking to stop there, with plenty of attacking targets being linked with the club.

Spurs will be looking to clinch Champions League football next season, having missed out by two points, and finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, in Ange Postecoglou's first year in charge.

Having already bolstered the midfield with Gray, it is likely Tottenham will see at least one forward signing come through the door this summer, either in the shape of a striker, or a dynamic and exciting winger.

Tottenham chasing exciting winger

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are continuing to watch Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams closely and could make a move for the Spaniard. Aston Villa are also said to be long-term admirers of Williams.

The reports state Williams has a £49m release clause in his contract, but his wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block, as it seems Barcelona have been "scared off" due to the figures.

Williams is one of the shining stars at Euro 2024 currently, making three appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Spain has won four out of four games so far, and will face Germany on Friday in the quarter-finals.

How Williams would form a deadly duo with Son

Williams made 37 appearances in all competitions last season for Athletic Bilbao, scoring eight goals, and providing 19 assists. Helping Bilbao towards a fifth-place finish in La Liga, bettering their eighth-place finish from the season before.

Bilbao managed to score 14 more goals last season compared to the season prior, and Williams had a massive part to play in that, adding eight G/A to his La Liga numbers in the most recent campaign.

The 14 assists Williams managed last term was the most impressive feat of his game, showing his elite ability to create chances through a variety of skills, such as his ball carrying, 1v1 ability, and his crossing.

Williams excels in the ball-carrying metrics, averaging 5.69 progressive carries per 90, and 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, which both rank in the top 10% for wingers on the continent in this metric.

His ability to receive the ball in 1v1 situations, beat his man and find himself in dangerous areas to either deliver the ball or get a shot off, is what makes him so sought after, as he can create chances for himself and others.

But once he gets into these areas, he is also a top-level crosser of the ball, averaging 6.08 crosses per 90, and making 0.87 crosses into the penalty box per 90, which ranks in the top 1% for wingers in this metric.

Son Heung-min could be the beneficiary of this move, getting a deadly striking partner back, just like his past partnership with Harry Kane. Whilst Son used to operate from the left, with Kane in the middle, this could see a similar partnership struck, but with Son in the central zones, and Williams off the left.

The Spanish star's ability to take the creative burden away from Son, would allow him to operate even more in and around the box, getting more shots off, and showcasing that extremely clinical nature of his, producing a goals – xG of +0.15.

One thing is for sure, as Zach Lowy said, Nico Williams "is going to be one of the most coveted wingers in the transfer market this summer".

Spurs have big interest in special star who could be their answer to Yamal

Tottenham looking to add a tricky and direct winger to their ranks

ByConnor Holden Jul 4, 2024

Since the takeover by the Saudi PIF back in 2021, Newcastle United have conducted excellent business in the transfer market that has seen the club transform from relegation candidates to European hopefuls.

Eddie Howe, the man at the helm for the Magpies, has done an excellent job in creating a settled side with all the investment, with the additions to the forward line making a huge impact at St James’ Park in particular.

Alexander Isak has undoubtedly been the best addition out of the bunch, scoring 35 times in his 67 appearances for the club since his £60m move to Tyneside from Real Sociedad.

Anthony Gordon has rapidly developed under Howe’s watchful eye, registering 11 goals and ten assists in the Premier League last season – allowing the Magpies to register the fourth-best goalscoring tally in the division.

However, the duo couldn’t do enough to catapult the club into a second successive European qualification spot, with Howe looking to make improvements as a result.

One player in particular has become a player of interest in recent days, with Newcastle battling with numerous sides to win the race for the attacker’s signature.

Newcastle enter race to sign £25m wonderkid

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle have overtaken Everton in the race to sign Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto and are now plotting a move.

The Italian enjoyed a successful campaign in the Championship last season, scoring eight and assisting two, however, it wasn’t enough to secure an immediate return to England’s top flight.

Gnonto, who’s still only 20, is a versatile talent who can feature in any role across the front three, a characteristic that Howe is looking for as he looks to provide strength in depth to his forward line.

The TEAMtalk report also states that Daniel Farke’s side wanted £30m for his services last summer, but are willing to part ways with the youngster for £25m – a bargain for a player of his quality and potential.

His figures produced last season were very impressive to say the least, with some of his stats playing perfectly into the hands of Magpies star Isak.

Why Gnonto would be perfect alongside Isak

As previously mentioned, Swedish striker Isak has been a phenomenal signing since his move to Tyneside, cementing himself as one of the best finishers in England’s top flight.

As a result, he’s attracted interest from fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal, but the Magpies would want a fee over the £100m mark to part ways with the 24-year-old.

However, with the potential arrival of Gnonto, Isak could reach the next level at St James’ Park, with the pair able to form a deadly partnership in the Premier League during 2024/25.

The “remarkable” Italian, as dubbed by journalist Ryan Taylor, managed a tally of ten goals and assists in the Championship last season, with his tally further bolstered by Howe’s already potent attack.

Gnonto has also averaged 4.8 progressive carries and 4.3 progressive passes per 90, demonstrating his ability to get the ball forward and create opportunities at any given opportunity – allowing Isak to be presented with more opportunities to bolster his goalscoring tally next season.

Games played

36

Goals + assists

10

Shots taken

2.6

Progressive carries

4.8

Progressive passes

4.3

Successful take-ons

1.5

Shot-creating actions

3.5

Whilst it’s understandable people may question his ability to cut it in the Premier League after spending last season in the second tier, but he’s previously excelled in England’s top flight, registering eight goal contributions in Leeds’ relegation campaign during 2022/23.

Whilst they do face tough competition from Everton for his signature, a move to Tyneside would tick all of the boxes for Howe, providing excellent cover in the attacking area.

£25m in today’s market would be excellent business for a talent who is undoubtedly going to improve further, especially under the guidance of Howe who has already showcased his ability to develop talents such as Isak and Gordon.

Newcastle have already struck gold on star who's worth more than Bowen

Both players have enjoyed successful 2023/24 campaigns.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2024