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West Ham are crying out for a clinical striker who can do it all, as they continue their battle against relegation from the Premier League this season.

Michail Antonio is past his best, Danny Ings offers goals but can't hold the ball up, while summer signing Gianluca Scamacca has failed to live up to the big expectations of him at the London Stadium, and looks likely to follow in the footsteps of several disappointing strikers who preceded him.

David Moyes will, therefore, be wishing that the club still had a powerful, talented goalscorer such as Marko Arnautovic, who impressed under the Scottish manager in a two-season stay at West Ham having initially been brought in by Slaven Bilic.

Could Marko Arnautovic save West Ham now?

West Ham would sign the Austria international from Stoke City in 2017 in a club-record deal worth £20m, having hit 26 goals and 32 assists during his time with the Potters.

He would manage double figures for league goals in both the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns for West Ham, finishing his time with the east London side on 22 goals and 12 assists in just 65 appearances, before completing a move to China, where he joined Shanghai SIPG.

Former Hammers midfielder Jack Wilshere sang his teammate's praises after he joined the club on a free transfer in 2018.

He said: “He is up there. He is right up there.

“Ability-wise, he’s powerful, got so much in his game. His attitude is brilliant. He’s a good character and is one of the leaders in the team as well."

West Ham's woeful form in the Premier League so far this campaign certainly suggests that they are missing leaders in the dressing room, while their lack of goals on the pitch has been a major factor in Moyes' downfall.

Only five sides have scored fewer top-flight goals than the Hammers, while Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen currently lead the way for goals in Moyes' squad, with only four to their name, which emphasises how poor the attacking options have been so far this campaign.

Even at 33, Arnautovic is still outperforming all of West Ham's attackers with Bologna, as he boasts eight goals in 15 Serie A appearances so far this term.

Considering that Scamacca was signed for big money from Italy in the summer but now cannot get a game in Moyes' side, the Scottish manager will perhaps be wishing that he still had Arnautovic at his disposal.

Indeed, with his goals and Premier League know-how, the chances of West Ham suffering a shock relegation would surely be significantly lower.

Liverpool have submitted a bid of €30m (£26m) for Fluminense midfielder Andre, and they have now received a response from the Brazilian club, according to a report from ESPN.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds have been linked with a late summer move for Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, and The Express report Pep Guardiola has already given the green light for the midfielder to leave this summer, which means a move to Anfield could be on the cards.

However, more progress has been made in the pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch, with Liverpool already tabling a contract offer to the Bayern Munich midfielder, who they will be one of the favourites to sign if he makes it clear he wants to leave the German club.

According to Rudy Galetti, there is a quartet of targets on Jurgen Klopp's shortlist, with the journalist recently telling GiveMeSport: “Despite the surprising arrival at Liverpool of Endo, the names followed by the Reds remain substantially the same, including Gravenberch, Kone, Thuram and Amrabat."

It is disappointing that Liverpool have seen their bid for Andre knocked back, but it would be unwise to submit a higher offer for a player unproven outside of Brazil, particularly considering Fluminense have no plans to let him leave.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a shock summer swoop to sign Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as a new report reveals the club's concerns over the long-term future of Jose Sa.

How old is Kasper Schmeichel?

Schmeichel is 36 years of age having been on the scene now for almost two decades. He spent 11 years of his career in the Premier League with Leicester City, but eventually he left the King Power Stadium in August 2022 to join Francesco Farioli's side at the Allianz Riviera.

The Denmark international firmly established himself as their official number one following his arrival having started 36 out of the 38 games in Ligue 1 during his debut season, and despite still having another two years remaining on his contract, the shot-stopper has been attracting interest once again in England.

Nottingham Forest are believed to have identified the 6 foot 2 colossus as a suitable alternative to Manchester United’s Dean Henderson should they not be able to secure his services, though if the following update is to be believed, a new competitor has entered the running in the form of Gary O’Neil at Molineux.

Are Wolves signing Kasper Schmeichel?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are "considering a move" for Schmeichel before the end of summer transfer window.

The Old Gold feel that they could be "forced to lose" Sa as a result of needing to balance the books to help with their financial worries, and Nice's goalkeeper is one that Fosun are "keeping tabs" on because they view him as a "ready-made replacment" for their current first choice.

The Premier League's former star is thinking about a return to England, so this could be one to keep a close eye on in the final weeks of the market.

How many clean sheets has Kasper Schmeichel kept?

In Ligue 1 last season, Schmeichel kept 11 clean sheets from 36 games, so even though he’s not getting any younger, he’s still performing at an extremely high level, therefore it’s no surprise that Wolves are contemplating a swoop for the experienced man between the sticks.

Sponsored by New Balance, the shot-stopper also recorded 105 saves from 141 shots on target against, giving him a success rate of 77.3%, via FBRef, which was significantly higher than Sa’s 67.1%, showing that he’d be an upgrade on O’Neil’s current number one.

Nice’s £65k-per-week earner additionally has a strong range of passing having completed 100% of his short passes and 97.4% of his medium attempts last term, showing that he clearly has an eye for picking out balls to his outfield teammates, so for someone who is this well-rounded in terms of being equally strong with his hands and his feet, he's the perfect target for club chiefs to be pursuing.

Finally, Schmeichel, who has been dubbed a goalkeeping “legend” by journalist Josh Bunting, possesses a winning mentality having won five pieces of silverware since the start of his career, so could help to create a positive mindset should he put pen to paper in the Midlands.

Arsenal are reported to be close to cashing in on the sale of Hale End graduate Folarin Balogun, leaving questions over whether Mikel Arteta will eye another striker.

The Spaniard has already signed versatile forward Kai Havertz this summer in attack, however with Gabriel Jesus only just nearing his return from injury, the Gunners have had to rely on Eddie Nketiah to lead the line so far this campaign.

Arteta has utilised Havertz in midfield at the Emirates, which is a plus for the German who excelled in such areas while at Bayer Leverkusen, however theoretically leaves Arsenal short in the depth of their strike department.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Considering the injury blow to Jurrien Timber, it’s highly unlikely that the north Londoners will prioritise anything above signing a defender in the time remaining in the transfer window.

However, a swoop in January could come at the perfect time for one player that has been rumoured to be of interest to the Gunners.

A report from the Times has revealed that Brentford are braced for bids in the attempt to sign striker Ivan Toney in January, with Arsenal named as one of the ‘interested parties’.

The Englishman will be able to return to action in January 2024 from his eight-month ban from football due to betting breaches of the FA’s rulings, setting up a potentially exciting swoop for the north Londoners in the winter window.

It’s said that the forward is valued at £80m by the Bees, who will be reluctant to let the 27-year-old leave when he returns.

What could Ivan Toney offer to Arsenal?

Most clubs in the Premier League would be honoured to have a marksman as potent as Toney in their squad, not many more than Arsenal who are arguably a reliable goalscorer away from being in the same calibre as Manchester City.

Considering Balogun’s transfer status, it could be the ideal time for Arteta to consider a potential move for Toney, who revealed on the Diary of a CEO podcast his admiration for the Gunners.

In Balogun, the north Londoners could have had more potent goalscorer than the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, with the American netting 21 times in Ligue 1 last season during his loan at Rennes.

On his return, it never seemed as though the 22-year-old’s future would be within Arteta’s squad, making the opportunity to cash in on him an attractive prospect for both parties.

While the Hale End graduates’ scoring streak was impressive, it was the first time he had consistently found the net at senior level, with his three goals scored on loan at Middlesbrough the season prior far from impressive.

In Toney, Arsenal could have the definition of an “extremely prolific” striker, as he was once lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Scoring 24 goals in his final campaign in League One at Peterborough before joining Brentford, where he then scored 31 goals in the Championship to fire the Bees to promotion, via Transfermarkt, there were naturally questions over whether he could do it in the top-flight.

During the two campaigns since Brentford’s promotion, the Englishman has scored on 32 occasions in the Premier League, including 20 goals last term, seeing him dubbed a “lion” by manager Thomas Frank in 2021.

Arsenal could ease the woes of Balogun’s departure by making a swift move for Toney in January, in a purchase that could make Arteta’s side forget all about the Hale End product and close the gap on City.

Sunderland fans had waited a decade for this moment, as their beloved Black Cats finally faced off against their arch-rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.

The match didn’t disappoint, either, from a Sunderland perspective, as Regis Le Bris’ men secured the bragging rights when Nick Woltemade unexpectedly headed back Aaron Ramsdale, just as the second half got underway.

A real sickener for the Toon proved to be the fortuitous match-winner for the hosts, as the lofty German striker wanted the ground to swallow him up, after his connection from an inviting Sunderland delivery beat the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper.

While the ex-Stuttgart forward’s embarrassing lapse of judgment stole the headlines come the full-time whistle, many of Le Bris’ first teamers also stood out throughout, as Granit Xhaka cut an assured figure again, all across the 1-0 win.

Xhaka's performance in numbers

Come the end of the match, Sky Sports’ Micah Richards would rightly hail the Black Cats captain as an “absolute warrior”, as the ever-present midfield battler barely put a foot wrong again.

He did give away possession 16 times, but the Swiss would constantly recover and retrieve the ball, with all 100% of his tackles successfully won.

Le Bris would have known it was vital that Sunderland won the midfield battle to get the better of Eddie Howe’s visitors, as the likes of Sandro Tonali won no tackles, up against a far stronger Xhaka.

Moreover, the tenacious number 34 has the know-how of how to win these sorts of crunch affairs, having become well accustomed to the North London Derby at the Emirates, with Xhaka subsequently standing out from minute one. He would amass the most touches of any player in the first half at 50 touches, alongside calmly spraying the ball about at 43 passes.

Visibly cut at the full-time whistle, too, having given his all, it must be hard for Sunderland fans not to just constantly wax lyrical about their Swiss warrior. Yet, he wasn’t the only star showered with praise at the end.

Sunderland star was the "standout player"

Sunderland looked in control of the game from the minute Woltemade placed an effort past his own ‘keeper, as the rock-solid Black Cats defence stood firm once more this season, against a tired Magpies attack.

In particular, Reinildo shone down the left flank for Le Bris all match long, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley hailing him as Sunderland’s “standout player” in a lively first 45 minutes. Fellow journalist Andy Sixsmith also went out of his way to praise the ex-Atletico Madrid full-back by stating that he didn’t give a ropey Anthony Elanga a “sniff” when he was on the Stadium of Light turf.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

48

Accurate passes

27/32 (84%)

Successful dribbles

1/1

Tackles won

2/2

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

Blocked shots

1

Ball recoveries

7

Total duels won

6/8

Away from completely nullifying the former Nottingham Forest attacker, Reinildo would also play with the same energy and determination that Xhaka displayed in spades, with the Brazilian even coming off at the end with the same amount of tackles won as the high-octane number 34.

He would even better Xhaka in terms of duels won, having won six compared to the ex-Arsenal man’s five, while also managing to complete all 100% of his dribbles as a force willing to push his side up the pitch, away from thwarting Newcastle forwards throughout.

Having arrived on a free transfer in the summer, Reinildo will surely now be seen as an unbelievable diamond that has been unearthed, with all 100% of his duels won against Liverpool, too, away at Anfield.

The celebrations at the end of the 1-0 victory will live long in the memory at Sunderland, as both Reinildo and Xhaka rightly jumped for joy, as their combined efforts ensured a tight three points were clinched.

Now sitting even prettier in seventh spot, five spots above their sworn enemy from Tyneside, it really was an all-round perfect day for Le Bris’ hosts, as Reinildo rubber-stamped why he should be the Frenchman’s starting left-back week in week out.

Not O’Nien: Sunderland have their new Kevin Ball in £110k-per-week star

Regis Le Bris now has Sunderland’s new Kevin Ball at his disposal ahead of the feisty Tyne-Wear Derby.

ByKelan Sarson 3 days ago

Nottingham Forest could be set to table a bid for an exciting player, but a new report has revealed that they aren’t the only club looking to bring him to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news at Nottingham Forest?

Over the summer, Steve Cooper was extremely busy in the window, bringing in a total of 14 fresh faces which included the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Divock Origi just to name a few, but whilst there were plenty of new recruits entering the building, a big number of players also completed departures.

In terms of outgoings, Brennan Johnson led the big-name permanent exits, whilst the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Emmanuel Dennis and Lewis O’Brien were all sent out on loan, as per Transfermarkt, and with a bit more space in the squad having been freed up, this will allow the boss to bolster his ranks further in January.

One of the players he could turn his attention to is Benfica’s defensive midfielder Florentino Luis, who despite still having another four years remaining on his contract, could find himself on the move having previously been linked with a switch to The City Ground.

The Reds reportedly joined the race to sign the 24-year-old back in August, and whilst the same outlet claimed that they were preparing an approach, a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, though if the following update is to be believed, the hierarchy are now considering taking a second bite of the cherry.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Florentino Luis?

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest could make an “irrefutable” offer for Luis, alongside Fulham, Barcelona and Bayern Munich who are also named as interested parties.

Benfica’s central talisman, who is sponsored by Adidas, has a €120m (£103m) release clause included in his contract, but his current market value is only €20m (£17m), meaning that a cheaper deal could be available.

The Eagles are already looking for a replacement as they know their star is likely to be on his way out in the new year, and with his list of admirers growing, it “isn’t known” how much longer they will be able to hold onto their prized asset.

Is Florentino Luis a good player?

Previously, Luis has been dubbed a “Portuguese Octopus” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and the way that he protects his backline when sitting in front of them is remarkable, so it comes as no surprise to learn that Cooper and Nottingham Forest have reignited their interest in their former target.

The Team of Future client currently ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions and the 96th percentile for tackles, via FBRef, displaying his ability to win back possession for his team and get stuck into challenges, but he’s also capable of having a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch.

Since the start of his career, Luis, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role, has posted 13 contributions (ten assists and three goals), so being such a well-rounded player, it would be a massive coup if he was to put pen to paper in the Midlands in January.

Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways controversially to say the least in 2022, yet there was no doubting his ruthless nature in front of goal.

During his second stint at Old Trafford, the mercurial Portuguese forward netted 27 goals, with his 24 efforts during the 2021/22 campaign enabling him to finish as United’s top scorer.

Marcus Rashford stepped up to the plate following Ronaldo’s departure in November last season, going on to score 30 goals across all competitions, yet he was mainly deployed out wide.

Erik ten Hag has signed Rasmus Hojlund already this summer, but he is eyeing a move for Marcos Leonardo, who could turn into a perfect heir to Ronaldo.

Could Manchester United sign Marcos Leonardo?

According to Calciomercato.it, United have shown interest in the Brazilian striker, although they face stiff competition from Serie A side AS Roma.

The Santos youngster wouldn’t exactly break the bank either, with the South American outfit looking at a fee of around €15m (£13m) and Ten Hag will be hoping that the allure of playing for one of the finest teams in the world, along with Champions League football, will convince him to move to Manchester.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

For a player who has the world at his feet, this low fee represents a perfect opportunity for the Dutchman to invest in someone who could potentially generate a massive profit in the coming years.

How many goals has Marcos Leonardo scored?

Like Ronaldo, Leonardo has made a splash for his first club side at a tender age. He made his debut for Santos aged just 17 back in 2020, and it didn’t take him long to showcase his clinical nature in front of goal.

He netted 12 times during his first two seasons before turning into a player they could depend on during the 2022 campaign as he scored 21 goals across all competitions.

Leonardo has carried on this form into the 2023 season, scoring 15 times already and he ranks first across the squad in the league for goals (seven), shots on target per game (1.1) and second for big chances created (two) and this suggests he is already among one of the most influential players in the team, despite being in the embryonic stages of his career.

The 20-year-old has also made a mark at international level, emerging as arguably Brazil’s brightest spark during the recent U20 World Cup.

Not only did he score five goals during the tournament which showcases the best young talent across the globe, but his performances ranked him highly across a variety of metrics.

Not only did Leonardo rank sixth for overall Sofascore rating, but he also finished third in the competition for goals and assists, fourth for big chances per game and for penalties won, suggesting that his game revolves around more than just scoring goals.

Lauded as a “special talent” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, there is no doubt a move to Europe is the next stage in his development.

Across his fledgling career to date, Leonardo has netted 48 goals in 150 matches, which works out as a goal nearly every three matches, ensuring he could potentially sparkle if handed the chance to impress at Old Trafford.

As United saw in the case of Ronaldo – who Leonardo could help replace this summer – taking a gamble on a promising attacking talent can prove particularly beneficial, with the Portuguese ace winning three league titles and the Champions League during his first stint at the club, after signing from Sporting CP at the age of just 18 back in 2003.

With Ten Hag in need of a new attacking figurehead following the veteran's exit back in November, the young Santos forward could prove to be the dream successor to Ronaldo next season as another potentially prolific asset.

West Ham United are keen on signing another forward before the transfer window slams shut on Friday night, with a new update now emerging on the club's pursuit of a popular target.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are competing with Brentford to secure the last-minute signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike.

As per the report, Brentford have made enquiries about the young goal-scorer, however, the Hammers are keen to seal a deal for the player as they prepare to rival their Premier League peers by flexing their financial power to win the race for Ekitike in the coming hours.

What is Hugo Ekitike good at?

There is just over a day left for West Ham to complete their business before the transfer window closes tomorrow evening and despite their recent signing of Mohammed Kudus, there is no doubt that Ekitike would be a great acquisition for the east London club.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Danny Ings has found himself falling out of favour since joining the Hammers in January and is the lesser favoured striker option with David Moyes preferring Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca in his starting line-up last season – with Ings tallying up only 15 Premier League starts and averaging just 46 minutes per appearance.

The 31-year-old has been the subject of interest for Everton this week, with the Toffees stepping forward to secure the services of Ings following their struggles to find consistency in front of goal, however, it remains to be seen whether the Irons forward will be willing to move on in the dying hours of the window.

If Ings doesn't make a last-minute exit, he could fall even further down the pecking order if West Ham can complete a deal for Ekitike, as the PSG youngster has the potential and talent to play a big part in the forward line at the London Stadium.

Despite struggling for game-time with the Ligue 1 champions last season, Ekitike has made a name for himself as one of the hottest young prospects in Europe after bursting on the scene with Stade de Reims before his huge move to PSG.

When comparing the 21-year-old with his positional peers across the top five European leagues over the last 12 months, Ekitike ranks in the top 5% for assists, pass completion and interceptions, as well as ranking in the top 25% for progressive carries, successful take-ons, tackles and blocks, as per FBref, outlining him as an all-round asset.

Indeed, as per WhoScored, the Frenchman's biggest strengths lie in dribbling, long shots and defensive contributions, whilst also prolific in layoffs and an indirect threat from set-pieces, traits that combined could be highly valuable to Moyes over the season ahead on both the domestic and European stage.

Ekitike – who has a reported €35m (£30m) price tag – has also earned high praise from renowned scout Jacek Kulig who claimed that the PSG youngster is a "clinical finisher" who is "fast and powerful" and possesses "superb flair, agility & coordination for a player of his size."

With that being said, if West Ham could complete the signing of Ekitike it would deliver Moyes an experienced yet youthful presence to deploy in his forward line and with regular game time in the Premier League, could become a huge threat for opponents.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an important update on the future of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga amid his current loan spell at Real Madrid.

Who has left Chelsea?

Mauricio Pochettino perhaps oversaw one of the biggest transfer overhauls in the Premier League this summer, with a plethora of players both arriving and departing Stamford Bridge.

Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer all put pen to paper on moves to west London before September 1.

Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi all sealed moves the other way.

Chelsea are taking a bit of time to get going under Pochettino, though; winning just one top flight match and drawing another whilst suffering defeats at the hands of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Defender Ben Chilwell, speaking after his side's latest 1-0 defeat to Forest, said Chelsea have much to improve upon ahead of a long season.

"Very frustrating result and everyone is very disappointed in the changing room right now," explained Chilwell post-match.

"If you look at the stats we dominated the game, had the possession, but the most important stat is the goals. We lost in that department and lost the game, that is the black and white of it and we need to improve."

There is still work to be done to Bridge, but one player who won't be a part of the project is Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard, currently on a temporary stint at La Liga giants Real Madrid, is apparently eyeing up a permanent move away from Chelsea next year.

Arrizabalaga has seemingly been replaced by summer signing Sanchez from Brighton, with renowned transfer source Romano sharing a fresh update latest on the former's future.

“Kepa mentioned that his dream is to continue at Real Madrid, and this is the reality," said Romano on his YouTube channel.

“From what I am told, Kepa’s priority is to find another opportunity in 2024. Real Madrid, or another club. He feels that, with Chelsea, something is now broken. This is why the expectation between Chelsea and Kepa is to part ways.”

What happened to Kepa Arrizabalaga?

The 28-year-old signed for Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, a transfer which broke the world record for most money spent on a goalkeeper.

Arrizabalaga arrived for £71.6 million, but fast-forward half a decade later, supporters will be looking back on his Chelsea career as a real mixed bag.

The shot-stopper has performed well in parts, though; even earning praise from Blues legend Petr Cech.

“I must touch on Kepa, too," wrote Cech in a column for Chelsea's official website last term (via The Standard).

"He had to fill those big boots while Edou has been away, and he has been brilliant in all those games under even more scrutiny than usual.

“You need a strong team and every person ready to help. The goalkeeping group work so hard together to make sure they are all ready for when the moment comes, so Kepa deserves credit too.”

Chelsea defender Reece James has been a subject of interest for one of Europe's top clubs, and a report has now revealed whether he is likely to leave in the near future…

Which Chelsea players could leave in January?

Having spent over €1bn (£862m) in the three transfer windows since Todd Boehly took over the club, Chelsea may need to balance the books with some sales in the January transfer window, and there are several players who could be shown the exit door.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning a January swoop for Conor Gallagher's services, although the midfielder is currently happy at Stamford Bridge, and is planning to prove his worth to Mauricio Pochettino and secure a new deal, despite the signings of Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Lesley Ugochukwu.

The Blues accepted offers for Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah in the summer transfer window, and while the duo turned down moves elsewhere and plan to fight for their futures at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino's willingness to let them leave indicates they could still depart in January.

Bayern Munich are plotting a new approach for Chalobah, having held a strong interest in the summer transfer window, with Football Insider reporting the 24-year-old may find game time difficult to come by at Chelsea this season.

As reported by Football Insider, there have been fresh links touting James for a move to Real Madrid in recent days, with the Spanish giants said to be long-term admirers of the defender, but the Blues are desperate to keep hold of him.

Club chiefs are hoping the right-back can steer clear of his injury problems and become a key player under Pochettino, off the back of being named club captain earlier in the summer, and they are under no pressure to let him leave anytime soon.

The Englishman signed a fresh six-year contract last year, so he is committed to Chelsea for the long-term future, and the club should be in a strong negotiating position, if Real Madrid's interest materialises.

In the meantime, the 23-year-old remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in the draw against Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

When is Reece James back from injury?

Pochettino has confirmed the club captain is "recovering well", with the manager hopeful that he will play some part before the next international break in October, and his return could be a real boost for the Blues.

The England international could be a perfect fit in Pochettino's 3-4-2-1 system, which has been implemented in every game so far this season, given that he poses a real threat going forward, as highlighted by his performances in the 2021-22 season.

During that campaign, the "unreal" defender weighed in with five goals and nine assists in 26 Premier League appearances, averaging over one goal contribution every other game, showcasing his attacking talent.

Chelsea will be hoping that James can put his injury woes behind him after he recovers from his latest issue, but until then Malo Gusto is likely to remain the first-choice option, having made five appearances in all competitions this season.