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Nottingham Forest are now in talks to offload one of Nuno’s summer signings this January, as he has failed to make the desired impact at the City Ground.

Forest looking to offload Nuno signing after Dyche arrival

Evangelos Marinakis wasted little time appointing a successor to Ange Postecoglou, with Sean Dyche recently giving his first interview since becoming manager, in a journey that has come full circle, having started at Forest as a youth player.

Dyche will be under no illusions as to the size of the task at hand, with the Tricky Trees currently in the Premier League relegation zone, having already sacked two managers, while there is also European Football to contend with.

Indeed, the 54-year-old’s first match in charge will be against FC Porto on Thursday evening, with his side still looking for their first win in the Europa League, having suffered an extremely disappointing 3-2 home defeat against FC Midtjylland last time out.

The former Everton boss has just over two months to improve results before the January transfer window opens, at which point the manager may look to reshuffle the squad he has inherited and bring in some new recruits.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), a departure may also be on the cards, with it being revealed that Nottingham Forest have now entered talks to sell €30m (£26m) summer signing Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Kalimuendo hasn’t hit the ground running since being signed in the summer, with the 23-year-old still yet to start a match, and his time at the City Ground may already be coming to an end, with the Tricky Trees open to a loan departure, which would include a purchase option.

A January exit could be on the cards, with AS Roma named as the team that have entered discussions with Forest, given that sporting director Frederic Massara knows the striker well from their time together at Rennes.

Related Immediate concern for Dyche at Nottingham Forest after Marinakis decision

It probably isn’t what the new manager wanted to hear.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Kalimuendo must improve ahead of January

On paper, the signing of the Frenchman made perfect sense, given his goal and assist record in Ligue 1 since making a breakthrough at Lens during the 2020/21 season.

Season

Ligue 1 appearances

Goal contributions

2020/21

28

12

2021/22

32

12

2022/23

30

12

2023/24

30

14

2024/25

33

21

However, the former Rennes man has been unable to force his way into the plans of either Nuno or Postecoglou, appearing for just 65 minutes across five substitute appearances in the Premier League.

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Once described as “prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig, the centre-forward has been nothing of the sort since arriving at Forest, and he may continue to struggle to get into the team in the coming weeks, given that Dyche is well-known to be a big fan of Chris Wood.

It seems a little early to sanction Kalimuendo’s departure, as it often takes players time to adapt to life in the Premier League, but the grace period can only last so long.

Despite Chelsea’s dip in form during the second half of the season, Enzo Maresca has clearly improved the defensive level of his side, implementing a more control-based system with a man-to-man pressing approach.

The Blues were involved in plenty of high-scoring games last campaign, including a 4-4 draw against Manchester City, a 4-3 win against Manchester United and five 2-2 draws.

Whilst they were scoring lots of goals, it was also coming back the other way, giving them their worst defensive record in the last ten years.

Chelsea’s defensive improvement under Maresca

Stat (per 90)

23/24

24/25

Goals Conceded

1.58

1.22

xG Against

1.53

1.33

Shots Against

14.6

10.8

Shots on Target Against

4.79

4.19

Average Shot Distance Against

16.9 (yards)

17.5 (yards)

Stats taken from WhoScored & FBref

Under Maresca, these defensive metrics have begun to improve, conceding fewer goals per 90, conceding fewer shots against per 90 and forcing opposition teams into longer-distance shots.

However, we can still expect defensive reinforcement in the summer, as the Blues will likely want to take another step to further improving their defensive record next season.

Chelsea's centre-back conundrum

After Wesley Fofana has continued to struggle with injuries in the 2024/25 campaign, Chelsea are now looking to add a central defender in the summer transfer window, with one of the names highly linked being Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

Huijsen only signed for Bournemouth in the 2024/25 summer transfer window, joining from Juventus for a fee of around £12m.

That said, his excellent performances at just 20-years-old is already attracting interest from Europe’s elite, with the Spaniard’s £50m release clause now likely to be activated after just one season in England. The Blues are one of the interested parties with it reported that they and Arne Slot’s Liverpool are at the front of the queue for his signature.

The 20-year-old has made 30 appearances for the Cherries this season, scoring two goals, providing one assist, contributing to seven clean sheets and totalling 2,350 minutes played.

But, as talented as Huijsen is, could Chelsea already have their own young talented defender in the pipeline?

Chelsea's homegrown Huijsen

A certain Josh Acheampong has fully broken into the senior set-up at Chelsea this season, having made his debut under Mauricio Pochettino last term, coming from the bench against Tottenham.

The 18-year-old has made nine senior appearances throughout 2024/25 in what has been a real breakthrough year, contributing to five clean sheets in 511 minutes played.

One of his best traits is the ability to drive the ball out from the back, striding forwards and kick-starting attacks through progressive carries.

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Especially against man-to-man pressing schemes (which are becoming far more common in the Premier League), this attribute can become a real game-changer.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Acheampong has already been labelled as a “dominant” defender by scout Jacek Kulig, who referred to the 18-year-old as the “definition of a modern defender”.

The England U19 star is versatile, able play as both a right-back and centre-back, even recently showing his ability to step into midfield, having the composure and elegance beyond his years.

Having been integrated slowly this season under Maresca, who has already stated Acheampong is “the one he fell in love with” after his performance against Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Conference League, next year could be a big season for the young defender, becoming more than just a bit-part piece for the Italian head coach.

Related A better signing than Huijsen: Chelsea preparing bid for £50m defender

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Posts ByDan Emery

Chelsea have made signing a centre-back their priority now that Liam Rosenior is settled into his seat at the Stamford Bridge helm.

There is a sense that the Blues are unhappy with their wide attacking options, something that was underlined during the festive period, when an enquiry was lodged for Bournemouth talisman Antoine Semenyo, who has since signed for Manchester City.

But a five-match winless run in the Premier League tells of a need for more stability at the back for the west Londoners, and with Levi Colwill still a long-term absentee, the rearguard is an area to watch out for ahead of the final few weeks of the January transfer window.

How Chelsea plan to strengthen their defence

Chelsea have never been considered a leading candidate in the race for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who is seemingly closing on a winter transfer to Man City.

Guehi isn’t the only talented centre-half on the market, but he’s a product of Chelsea’s Cobham academy and has spearheaded Oliver Glasner’s trophy-rich stint at Selhurst Park. If Chelsea require a fallback, they must ensure they hit the jackpot.

With that in mind, The Telegraph’s Matt Law has now confirmed that a new centre-back is indeed at the top of Chelsea’s wish list, with Jeremy Jacquet at the top of BlueCo’s reckoning.

Insider Simon Phillips has corroborated this, confirming the young Frenchman is a “leading candidate” to join the Londoners.

Jacquet, 20, has been excellent for Rennes since breaking from the Ligue 1 side’s academy, and while £35m is a sharp figure, it’s only going to mushroom as he continues to make waves over the coming years, with Arsenal and Liverpool among further interested parties.

Why Jacquet could be Chelsea's own Guehi

Jacquet is young, but he’s played with such maturity and intelligence across the opening years of his professional career, leading analyst Ben Mattinson to suggest he has “top-five centre-back in the world potential”.

His anticipation is remarkable, especially for one so inexperienced. As per FBref, Jacquet ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe for tackles won and the top 5% for interceptions per 90, telling much of his capacity to read the game like a scholar, then applying his knowledge to make the right decision at the right time.

With such composure, this could be Guehi 2.0, a player who Chelsea are bound to still harbour frustrations over selling to Crystal Palace for £18m in 2021.

Indeed, looking at the defenders’ respective metrics in their respective divisions this term, it’s clear to see that Jacquet is on his way to emulating one of the Premier League’s finest, commanding on the ball while matching him for recoveries, rate of defensive contributions and success rate in the duel.

Guehi vs Jacquet – League Comparison 25/26

Stats (* per game)

Guehi

Jacquet

Matches (starts)

20 (20)

16 (16)

Goals + Assists

2 + 2

0 + 0

Clean sheets

7

5

Touches*

67.0

70.5

Accurate passes*

45.4 (85%)

52.2 (91%)

Big chances created

4

0

Ball recoveries*

4.4

4.0

Tackles + interceptions*

2.8

2.7

Clearances*

5.2

4.8

Duels won*

5.2 (64%)

4.4 (65%)

Data via Sofascore

While Chelsea have a wealth of options at their disposal, Rosenior’s side perhaps lack the kind of quality required to solidify their backline and close the gap on table-topping rivals Arsenal.

Subscribe to the newsletter for clearer transfer and scouting insight Craving deeper perspective on Chelsea’s centre-back hunt and wider transfer movements? Subscribing to the newsletter provides focused analysis, scouting breakdowns and comparative data to enrich your understanding of transfer decisions.

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The Gunners, of course, are in for Rennes’ prized defender, and so it’s clear that Chelsea could hit the jackpot by signing a player deemed worthy of a role in Mikel Arteta’s backline.

An “insane centre-back in the making”, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, Jacquet is one for the future, to be sure, but he’s also emerged as a mainstay in a strong Rennes backline; the French side are sixth in the standings, trailing third-place Marseille by only two points.

Just imagine how much progress he might have made in five years time, a core part of a Chelsea defence expected to serve as the bedrock of a multi-title-winning team.

Related Chelsea have held talks this week to sign their answer to Antoine Semenyo

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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a huge blow over the last couple of days, after it was confirmed that midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur would be ruled out for the next three months.

The Uruguayan international limped off during the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday night, with the severity of his latest injury creating a problem for boss Thomas Frank.

His partnership alongside Joao Palhinha has been brought into question over recent months, but the manager will now have to create a new duo at the heart of the side.

In the Premier League this season, the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Pape Sarr have all also featured in such a role, but it remains to be seen who will be selected in the Uruguayan’s absence.

However, with the transfer window now open, the hierarchy could look to back the Dane with a new addition, with numerous options currently being considered.

Spurs keen on a deal to sign European talent

In the last week, Spurs have stepped up their efforts to reinforce the first-team squad, leading to huge rumours over a deal to land Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher this month.

It’s been reported that talks have been held with the Spanish outlet over a move for his signature, with a £26m price tag being mooted to bring him back to the Premier League.

However, it appears as though the Englishman will be making the move to North London this winter, after a deal was agreed with Diego Simeone’s side on Monday night.

Despite the pending transfer, the Lilywhites board have identified Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand as a player they could go after even if a deal is completed for Gallagher’s services.

According to TEAMtalk, Frank’s men are keen admirers of the Danish international, who has already racked up 26 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26.

The report also states that the player could be keen to move to the Premier League, but no price tag has been mentioned over a possible transfer during the winter window.

Why Hjulmand would be better than Gallagher for Spurs

Since taking the reins at Spurs, Frank has largely operated with a 4-2-3-1 system in North London, with Palhinha and Bentancur featuring alongside one another at the base of the side.

However, their inability to progress the play from deep positions has come into question, which has no doubt had a bearing on their lowly league standing this campaign.

Gallagher would no doubt improve such a situation, but like the aforementioned duo, his potential transfer hasn’t excited fans nor fuelled their ambitions for the future.

Even though a deal has been agreed in principle, the hierarchy could still target other options to bolster the ranks amid Bentancur’s latest injury setback.

Hjulmand will no doubt be one of the options that is taken into consideration, with the Danish star arguably the perfect man to transform the club’s midfield.

When comparing his stats to those of Gallagher in the current campaign, the Sporting star has dominated in numerous key areas – many of which would aid the current first-team.

Hjulmand, who’s been labelled “one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders” by analyst Alex Brice, has completed more progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90.

How Hjulmand & Gallagher compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Hjulmand

Gallagher

Games played

16

19

Goals & assists

4

2

Progressive passes

7.1

3.4

Pass accuracy

91%

87%

Key passes made

1.2

0.5

Passes into final third

6.4

3.2

% of tackles won

63%

44%

Clearances made

1.1

0.9

Take-ons completed

56%

16%

Carries into final third

1.2

0.8

Aerials won

67%

55%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers showcase the midfielder’s incredible ability with the ball at his feet, something which Frank’s side have massively lacked since his arrival last summer.

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He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also making more key passes per 90 – with such figures ranking him amongst Europe’s elite, backing up Brice’s statement.

Out of possession, the Dane has been just as dominant, as seen by his impressive tallies of 63% of tackles won and 1.1 clearances made – both of which are higher than those of Gallagher.

Other areas, such as aerials won, and a higher take-on success rate further demonstrate his all-round dominance over Gallagher, with a move for Hjulmand needing to be a priority.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Sporting star would cost this winter, it’s evident that he’s a player who would revitalise Frank’s tenure in North London.

As a result, the hierarchy should look to pursue a move for the Dane’s signature, which could lead to two new central midfield reinforcements being made this winter.

Related Spurs open talks to sign "sensational" £26m star who'd be their own Rice

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Posts ByEthan Lamb

The Manchester United hierarchy now have a huge task ahead of them in the weeks ahead, after it was announced that Ruben Amorim had been sacked from his managerial role.

The 40-year-old was appointed back in November 2024, but his win percentage of just 40% from his 63 matches will no doubt have played into the minds of the board.

His outburst, directed at the hierarchy, following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United, appears to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back at Old Trafford.

Amorim leaves the Red Devils in sixth place in the Premier League, with the club’s statement citing it was the right time to make a change to bolster their chances of success.

However, it remains to be seen what manager the club will turn to for the long term despite already announcing who will take over the reins on a temporary basis.

Man Utd now want to re-appoint former boss to replace Amorim

After Amorim’s dismissal earlier today, United wasted no time in confirming that former player Darren Fletcher would take over the role on a temporary basis.

The Scotsman has been the Red Devils’ U18s coach since July last year, but has been handed the responsibility of taking the first-team forward for the foreseeable future.

David Ornstein stated that the board are in no rush to appoint a new permanent manager, but could even look to hire a boss until the end of the season away from Fletcher.

As a result, they could turn their attention to another former player in Michael Carrick, with the 44-year-old previously taking the reins on a short-term basis at Old Trafford.

According to a TEAMtalk report, the hierarchy could be tempted to re-appoint the boss after he led the side back between November and December 2021.

The report also states that he’s still held in high regard by many behind the scenes in Manchester after leaving Middlesbrough in June, after nearly three years at the helm.

The Telegraph reports they could even be set to make an approach to bring him back to Old Trafford in the forthcoming weeks.

Why Carrick would be perfect for Mainoo at United

Amorim’s tenure at United was one littered with strange decisions, which no doubt will have made up the board’s decision-making over their decision to sack him.

From his inability to move away from his 3-4-2-1 system to questionable signings like Benjamin Sesko, it truly has been a period to forget for the fanbase.

He also made a huge point of excluding Kobbie Mainoo from his plans, with the English midfielder often having to rely upon minutes off the bench to make an impact.

The 20-year-old was an England international and regular starter under the previous management team, but the now-departed manager failed to hand him a single league start this campaign.

Part of the midfield problems could certainly have been solved by Amorim had he handed Mainoo the chance to impress, but such a decision is one that has no doubt brought a halt to his tenure.

However, now the 40-year-old has been handed his marching orders, it could hand the young midfielder a new lease of life at Old Trafford – especially given the potential of Carrick taking the reins.

The player turned manager racked up 464 appearances during his playing career in Manchester, subsequently winning five Premier League titles.

His experience of playing in such a role, whilst knowing what’s expected from the fans, could hand the academy star the perfect platform to get his career back on track.

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Carrick, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Dev Bajwa, has previously impressed in the manager role at the Theatre of Dreams, as seen by his incredible 67% win record.

As for Mainoo, the opportunity to work under one of his heroes could be the perfect chance to resurrect his once-promising career, potentially putting an end to any exit rumours.

His stats from the 2024/25 campaign, prior to Amorim’s arrival, showcase his incredible talents, with the youngster often popping up in numerous key moments when previously handed a starting role.

Kobbie Mainoo – PL stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

25

Minutes played

1656

Pass accuracy

87%

Chances created

1.7

Successful dribbles

1.3

Tackles won

63%

Duels won

5.9

Interceptions made

1.2

Recoveries made

4.8

Stats via FotMob

Despite being just 20, he’s already scored in an FA Cup final, whilst representing his nation in a European final, subsequently showcasing his star qualities.

The prospect of Mainoo and Carrick working together is an exciting one, with the pair able to work together and finally put an end to the midfield issues. The fact the former Boro boss prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation is also likely to excite him.

Whilst the latter would only be a temporary appointment, it’s one that could set the academy graduate up for a long and successful spell representing his boyhood club.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall

Glasgow Rangers central midfielder Joe Rothwell appears to be heading for a quick exit from Ibrox, just months after joining on a permanent deal from Bournemouth in the summer.

The Daily Record reports that Sheffield United are confident that they can get a deal over the line to sign the 30-year-old midfielder when the January transfer window opens.

Chris Wilder’s side are pushing to land the former Leeds and Southampton loanee, who has not featured for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership since October.

The experienced flop has only started five league games, per Sofascore, and has failed to establish himself as a regular in the middle of the park since the new manager came through the door.

Rangers want to sign new central midfielder

Rothwell’s move to Sheffield United, should that go through next month, would create the space in the squad for Danny Rohl to bring in a signing of his own to replace him.

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According to TEAMtalk, Glasgow Rangers are ready to sanction an exit for Rothwell because they have identified a player who could come in as his replacement.

The report claims that the Gers want to sign Tromso central midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl to replace the experienced Englishman in the January transfer window.

It adds that the Light Blues have been impressed by his performances this season, having sent scouts to watch him in action, and now they want to add him to their squad.

TEAMtalk reveals that a fee of around £5m will be required to convince Tromso to part ways with the talented youngster, who would come in as a perfect upgrade on Rothwell.

Why Rangers should sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl

Rangers Journal creator and analyst Kai Watson described Hjerto-Dahl as “one of the biggest talents in Norway” and stated that it would be a “huge coup” for the club to bring him to Ibrox in January.

The 20-year-old star’s form in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign suggests that he would come in as a big upgrade on what Rothwell has offered in midfield for the Gers so far, and backs up Watson’s claim that he is a big talent.

Hjerto-Dahl was a regular starter for Tromso in the 2024 and 2025 Eliteserien campaigns, despite the fact that he only turned 20 in October, which speaks to how big a talent he is, as his club have viewed him as a key first-team player since he was 17.

As Rohl looks to the future at Ibrox, signing a 20-year-old starlet who has plenty of upside as a replacement for a 30-year-old dud who has failed to make an impact at Rangers makes perfect sense.

Rothwell has not delivered enough quality on the pitch for the Scottish giants this season in the Premiership, which is in stark contrast to Hjerto-Dahl’s form for Tromso this year.

Stats

Hjerto-Dahl (2025 Eliteserien)

Rothwell (25/26 Premiership)

Appearances

30

8

Goals

4

0

Big chances created

5

2

Assists

4

1

Dribbles completed per game

1.3

0.5

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.5

1.9

Duels won per game

5.0

2.0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Norwegian talent’s form in 2025 suggests that he would come in as a massive upgrade on what Rothwell has provided on the pitch for the Gers so far.

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Hjerto-Dahl appears to be capable of offering more in front of goal, as both a scorer and a creator of goals, whilst also being more combative in his duels, tackles, and interceptions to win the ball back for his side.

These statistics suggest that the £5.3m-rated star would significantly improve the squad as a replacement for Rothwell in the short-term, if he can adapt to Scottish football and translate his form from the Eliteserien over to the Premiership.

Hjerto-Dahl, who once scored the beautiful goal in the clip above, is also ten years younger than Rothwell, who is 30, which means that he has far more time left to develop and improve as a player.

The Norwegian star, therefore, would be a perfect upgrade on Rothwell because he has the potential to be an immediate improvement on the Englishman with what he can offer in the second half of the season, whilst also having many more years left to get even better.

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This is why the Gers should push hard to make Hjerto-Dahl one of Rohl’s first signings at Ibrox, after allowing Rothwell to join Sheffield United next month.

It’s been another frustrating campaign for Chelsea so far this season.

One week, Enzo Maresca’s side are able to keep Premier League leaders Arsenal at bay with ten men and tear Barcelona apart 3-0 in the Champions League.

Yet, the next week they’ll lose 3-1 to Leeds United and be held to a draw away to Bournemouth.

One of the big problems this season has been a lack of goals from their strikers, and the worrying thing for Liam Delap in particular is that Chelsea may already have a forward who could end his stay at Stamford Bridge early.

Chelsea's striker situation

Chelsea did not score enough goals last season; they ended the campaign having scored 22 fewer than Liverpool, eight fewer than Manchester City, five fewer than Arsenal and even four fewer than Newcastle United.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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So, on top of their other business, the Blues opted to send Nicolas Jackson out on loan and bring in Delap and Joao Pedro to compete for that nine position, with Marc Guiu then returning from loan after the Englishman suffered a hamstring injury in the third game of the season.

Now, while this looked like a reasonable plan from the outset, it would be fair to say that, so far, it has not really worked out.

The West Londoners have still scored fewer goals than the Gunners and City, and their forward options are a significant reason why.

Pedro, for example, may have been on fire in the Club World Cup and pre-season, but after the first few games of the campaign proper, he has underwhelmed.

For example, in 18 appearances, totalling 1377 minutes, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has scored four goals and provided three assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.57 games, or every 196.71 minutes.

Moving on to Guiu, the Spaniard has barely been given a chance to play this season, but has scored and assisted a goal in 280 minutes of football across eight appearances.

That comes out to a reasonable enough average of a goal involvement every 140 minutes, or every four games.

Finally, arguably the most orthodox centre forward of the lot, and potentially the most disappointing so far, is Delap.

Chelsea’s Strikers

Player

Pedro

Guiu

Delap

Games

18

8

11

Minutes

1377′

280′

453′

Goals

4

1

1

Assists

3

1

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

When not injured or suspended, the former Ipswich Town star has made 11 appearances for the West Londoners, totalling 453 minutes, in which he has scored just a solitary goal.

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, he is now set to miss another eight weeks of action with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Cherries.

Now, there is every chance Delap could eventually come good this season, but if he does not, his stay at Stamford Bridge could be cut short by another exciting striker making his way there in the summer.

The Striker that could end Delap's Chelsea career

Following the news that Delap would be out for up to eight weeks, there was talk that Chelsea could potentially bring Emmanuel Emegha’s move forward to the winter window.

That now seems to be unlikely, but even so, the Strasbourg forward, who agreed to join the Blues in September, is the player who could be bad news for the Englishman next season.

Why is this the case, you may ask. Well, the first and by far most significant reason is the simple fact that he appears to be a reliable source of goals and assists.

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For example, in 29 appearances last season, totalling 2408 minutes, the Dutchman scored 14 goals and provided three assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games, or every 141.64 minutes. There’s a reason he’s been described as a “devastating” talent by scout Antonio Mango.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough for a young forward, the “simply phenomenal” goalscorer, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has gotten even better this season.

In 11 appearances, totalling 664 minutes, he has already scored seven goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.22 games, or every 73.77 minutes.

Emegha’s recent record

Season

24/25

25/26

Appearances

29

11

Minutes

2408′

664′

Goals

14

7

Assists

3

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.81

Minutes per Goal Involvement

141.64′

73.77′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of this incredible output, the Den Haag-born poacher is also the captain of Strasbourg, so he should not feel intimidated by stepping up a level in the Premier League.

Finally, he is also 6 foot 5 and no pushover, so on top of potentially being a better goalscorer than Delap, he should be able to hold up the ball at least as well, if not better.

Ultimately, there is still time for the former Ipswich ace to come good at Chelsea, but if he doesn’t improve this season, Emegha could be the one to end his Stamford Bridge stay as soon as next year.

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Newcastle United have now reportedly made their first contact to sign Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal, as they look to find a solution for their current problems under Eddie Howe.

The Magpies were in dire form before the international break and defeat at the hands of Brentford just about summed things up. For the first time in his tenure at St James’ Park, Howe is under pressure to get things right and turn things around as soon as possible, but with Manchester City up next there’s no doubt that’s easier said than done.

The manager admitted that Newcastle’s Premier League form has “not been good” at a recent charity dinner, saying: “Our Premier League form has not been good, and our away form has not been good. [But] our home form’s been strong, been good in the Champions League and we’re still in the Carabao Cup, so it’s a mixture of things.

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“It’s been difficult to pinpoint one thing but certainly, we know we have to improve the general performances. We’re looking for more consistency – we’re looking for more goals.

“We’re looking for a big response in this moment and we’re going to need them because we have got game after game. Our schedule for the next two months is relentless, so we can’t allow any sort of negative trend to continue. It’s a really important few weeks for us.”

It’s form that has arrived off the back of a fairly chaotic summer transfer window, in which Newcastle missed out on almost every top target before turning elsewhere.

Under new sporting director Ross Wilson, that simply cannot happen in January and the Magpies have already set their sights on stars such as Elliot Anderson and Neves in a midfield rebuild as a result.

Newcastle make contact to sign Neves

As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle have now made contact to sign Neves from Al-Hilal in 2026. The midfielder has just over six months left on his current contract and will be available for just €20m (£18m) in the January transfer window.

Whilst PIF, who hold a majority stake in Al-Hilal, could be about to lose Neves in Saudi Arabia, they could use their existing relationship with the Portuguese star to bring him to Newcastle.

Unlike Al-Hilal, however, the Magpies could struggle to meet his current wage demands. As things stand, the 28-year-old earns £15m-a-year in Saudi Arabia, which would instantly make him Newcastle’s highest-earner by around £7m. It’s simply not doable unless he brings his demands down.

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Putting those wage demands to one side, though, there’s little doubt that Neves would be an excellent signing. Dubbed “fantastic” by former manager Nuno Espirito Santo during his time at Wolves, Neves would ease Newcastle’s fears of struggling in the face of a potential Sandro Tonali exit and could even form an impressive partnership using the Italian.

Find a way past his salary demands and those in Tyneside should go all out to bring Neves back to the Premier League in 2026.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an encouraging injury update prior to the Gunners’ mouth-watering Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.

Arsenal prepare for Bayern Munich amid injury doubts

Arteta’s side welcome Bayern to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in what promises to be a defining European encounter, with the Premier League title favourites riding high following their dominant 4-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham last weekend.

Arsenal delivered a masterclass against their bitter rivals, showcasing the attacking fluidity and defensive solidity that has characterised their strongest displays this season.

That emphatic win not only reinforced Arsenal’s credentials as top title contenders domestically, but also provided the perfect psychological boost ahead of this crucial European test.

Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool

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Arsenal’s preparation has been complicated by several injury concerns, with captain Martin Odegaard still touch and go after failing to make the matchday squad for Spurs.

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Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke returned to the side on Sunday following their respective injuries with both men ready to play a part tonight, as did Riccardo Calafiori, but Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus were all nowhere to be seen.

Arteta may well be forced to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift number nine once again, a challenge the Spaniard has relished throughout 2025, with this game still coming too soon for Jesus.

That being said, Arteta has some good news about the Brazil international.

Gabriel Jesus in line for 'earlier than expected' Arsenal injury return

According to Arsenal’s manager, speaking in his pre-Bayern press conference, the 28-year-old’s recovery is actually further along than expected, and he’s about to be knocking on the door.

Jesus hasn’t played a single minute since rupturing his ACL during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man United in January, so it is approaching a year since he was last able to take part.

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The former Man City star is on record stating this is the worst injury he’s ever had, and Jesus was repeatedly linked with a winter window exit following the arrival of Gyokeres in the summer.

Jesus, though, has poured cold water over the possibility of a transfer multiple times recently, even though he confirmed his intention to one day return to Palmeiras.

Arteta, meanwhile, has also said that he’s looking forward to welcoming Arsenal’s ‘unpredictable’ weapon back into the fold.

Newcastle United have now reignited their interest in James Trafford, who has reportedly made his feelings clear about a potential move away from Manchester City in January.

The Magpies could certainly do with a lift in the winter window amid their current struggles. Eddie Howe’s side have won just three of their opening 11 games in the Premier League so far this season and are paying the price for a chaotic summer.

After defeat against Brentford, the international break couldn’t have been better-timed. It’s allowed record signing Nick Woltemade to find the back of the net for Germany once again and has granted Howe the time he needs to find a solution for his side’s problems.

The towering 23-year-old has been one of the few bright sparks for Newcastle since arriving in the summer, but Alan Shearer still believes he can still go up a few levels.

Speaking after Newcastle’s loss against Brentford, the Premier League’s record goalscorer said: “I’ve said before that as good as Nick Woltemade is with the ball at his feet, he is a problem for Newcastle because he’s not the quickest, and he can’t press, and he doesn’t run in behind.

“Eddie’s teams have always done that. Look at what Alexander Isak did or look at what Callum Wilson did, they all pressed and ran behind. But this guy can’t do that, and that’s a problem for Newcastle.”

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That said, it would be harsh to suggest that Woltemade is the Magpies’ biggest problem. Before anything, they must address the form of their wingers and perhaps even return for some missed targets such as Trafford from the summer.

Newcastle reignite James Trafford move

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle have now re-opened talks with Trafford via his representatives, as they a January deal with Man City.

The goalkeeper rejected the chance to join the Magpies in the summer, but has since been made to regret his decision after City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma so soon after his return to the Etihad.

Despite interest from Tottenham and West Ham, it is believed Newcastle’s ‘advanced talks’ from the summer, their pull and Saudi-backed ambition hands them an ‘edge’ in the race for his signature — making Howe’s side favourites.

He’s reportedly desperate to leave the Manchester club in an attempt to keep hold of his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. Newcastle, as a result, are moving ahead of the winter window.

If the 23-year-old could turn back time, then he could be a Newcastle player right now. He returned to Man City ready to take Ederson’s place, but was simply sold a dream by Pep Guardiola and others who quickly welcomed their true replacement for the Brazilian in Donnarumma.

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Now, he arguably needs Newcastle more than they need him. With Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope providing them with solid options, Trafford’s arrival would be more of a luxury than a necessity at this stage.

Nonetheless, having been described as “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker last season, the young shot-stopper is still undoubtedly a player full of potential in the Premier League.

Newcastle now ready to race Barcelona to sign De Bruyne-esque talent