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Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign a "perfectionist" and a "magnificent player", according to a new report.

FC Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd

The Red Devils’ season went from bad to worse on Wednesday evening after a chaotic Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen. Things started well for Erik ten Hag’s side after two early goals from Rasmus Hojlund, although Marcus Rashford’s red card seemed to change the game.

Copenhagen drew level before half-time, but when Bruno Fernandes put the visitors in front again from the penalty spot, it looked as if United could pull off a crucial victory. However, two late goals ensured a third defeat from four group games, leaving them bottom of the table.

It is not just in the Champions League where United have struggled, with five defeats from 11 in the Premier League, while also being knocked out of the EFL Cup last week. As a result of their poor start, it looks as if new signings are being looked into by those behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ractliffe is expected to be in control of sporting decisions when he completes a 25% investment, and it looks as if a double deal is being eyed up.

Man Utd transfer updates

According to 90min, Man Utd are interested in AS Monaco pair Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana, with right-back and central midfield are areas that Ten Hag wants to improve. Former Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell is viewed as a target to take up an Old Trafford role, so it is interesting to see the Red Devils’ interest in both players.

Vanderson is regarded by some as the best young right-back plying his trade in Europe, with former Monaco manager Phillipe Clement labelling the player as a “perfectionist”.

“He had an exceptional adaptation here [last season]. We have already spoken about that. He is also a player who is and continues to interest lots of big clubs. That can possibly do something to the mindset, not that he didn’t have his feet on the ground, but Vanderson is very ambitious and a huge perfectionist.

“Every day he wants to be better than the last. That can give him a lot of pressure, lots of stress with all of the ambition that he has. We need to manage that more for him. If I left him to it, he would train for 18 hours a day. He is like that.”

Meanwhile, Fofana, a central midfielder who can play in a holding role or on the right, has recently caught the eye of a number of Premier League sides. The recent report suggests that Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United all have the Frenchman on their radar.

The 24-year-old has been hailed as a "magnificent player" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and he appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation.

Therefore, moves for both players could be shrewd ones with Ten Hag wanting to bolster his right-back and midfield ranks, and it looks as if the pair could be Ratcliffe’s first serious move in charge of sporting calls at Old Trafford.

Newcastle United are in the midst of a crisis right now with 13 first-team players currently sidelined through injury and suspension which is certainly a worry for head coach Eddie Howe.

The Magpies' form has dipped too, with the team dropping to eighth in the Premier League table, below Manchester United, while Howe's men are also on the cusp of exiting the Champions League and a massive game away at Paris Saint-Germain next week could be the final nail in the coffin.

Newcastle's attacking department is down to the bare bones, with winger Anthony Gordon being tasked with leading the line during the team's recent 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

The club have started working on plans to improve depth in the forward positions and have identified one star who could change the team's fortunes.

Newcastle transfer news – Jota

According to 90min, Newcastle United are looking to make a move for the former Celtic attacker Jota, who is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with league champions Al-Ittihad, having moved to the Middle East for £25m during the summer as a two-time Scottish Premiership winner.

The Portuguese winger has had limited game-time at Al-Ittihad as he wasn't registered in the first-team squad past the transfer window since clubs in the Saudi Pro League can only have eight foreign players at one point. There were rumours that the 24-year-old would be freed from his contract by the Saudi side but min have revealed that this now seems unlikely.

Furthermore, Newcastle would be forced to acquire Jota permanently from Al-Ittihad as Premier League teams are set to vote to prohibit any clubs from signing players on loan from affiliated sides. The Mags would fall under this category as a result of being bought by the PIF back in 2021.

How Jota compares with Anthony Gordon

Jota has struggled for minutes since moving to Saudi Arabia as a result of being unregistered. Overall, the Portugal international has featured just seven times for Al-Ittihad but only two of those games have come since September 1 in the AFC Champions League.

However, the winger had an exceptional season at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou last term. In 43 appearances for the Glasgow giants, Jota bagged 27 goal contributions in all competitions, including 15 goals and 12 assists, leading Postecoglou to call him "unbelievable". League top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi was the only player to contribute to more goals at Celtic last season.

Statistically, Jota had a far better season in the previous campaign than Gordon has had this term and has proven himself to be a greater threat in and around the penalty area than the Magpies' £45m winter signing.

Goals

0.47

0.28

Expected Goals

0.29

0.3

Assists

0.4

0.14

Expected Assists

0.25

0.12

Key Passes

2.81

0.92

Progressive Carries

5

3.46

Successful Take-Ons %

55%

41.2%

Stats via FBref

Gordon has scored four goals in 17 appearances this term and has come into his own a little in the current campaign. However, Jota has proven himself adept at playing anywhere along the front three during his playing career and can create chances but also finish them off, boasting an impressive take-on success, as well as a higher degree of key passes.

Howe could massively upgrade his forward line with the arrival of Jota this winter, especially since the Portuguese livewire would link up extremely well with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, just like he did with 34-goal Kyogo last term.

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Liverpool could be tempted back into the market to bolster their squad as they compete for the Premier League title.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently second in the division and next month could provide them with an opportunity to give the team a boost ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Over the summer, The Daily Mail reported that the Reds have a long-standing interest in Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich and would be keen to secure a deal if he became available.

This is worth remembering as Sport BILD recently claimed that selling the Germany international is no longer unthinkable for the Bavarian side, as his contract is due to expire in 2025.

Klopp could now land his own version of Manchester City star Rodri by tempting Bayern to cash in on the defensive midfielder in one of the next two windows.

Rodri's season in numbers

The Spain international is a rock in the middle of the park for the Cityzens with his outstanding play in and out of possession in front of the back four.

Over the last 365 days, Rodri ranks within the top 4% or higher of his positional peers in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European Competitions for progressive passes (8.81) and passes attempted (95.76) per 90.

This shows that the former Atletico Madrid prospect is an exceptional passer who is able to dictate the tempo of a match with the volume of passes he gets off whilst also being able to progress his team up the pitch with line-breaking, forward, passes.

The 27-year-old battler has also displayed his defensive awareness in the Premier League this season with 3.2 tackles and interceptions and 7.2 ball recoveries per match across 14 appearances, which shows that the talented gem can break up opposition attacks on a regular basis.

The statistics that show Kimmich is similar to Rodri

Liverpool could now sign their answer to Rodri in a swoop to bring Kimmich to Anfield as the German maestro has similar qualities to the Spaniard.

The £322k-per-week whiz, who was once hailed as "phenomenal" by Jose Mourinho, is also a fantastic passer who can contribute out of possession as well.

Over the last 365 days, Kimmich ranks within the top 3% or higher of his positional peers in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European Competitions for progressive passes (9.47) and passes attempted (87.32) per 90.

This shows that the Bayern star actually progresses the ball up the pitch through his passes more often than Rodri despite attempting fewer passes overall.

However, the 28-year-old ace falls slightly behind the City enforcer when it comes to the defensive side of the game. Kimmich has averaged 2.8 tackles and interceptions combined and 6.3 ball recoveries per match over 11 Bundesliga appearances this season.

These statistics show that the Liverpool target can be an imposing presence in front of the defence by winning possession back for his team on a regular basis, albeit not quite as regularly as Rodri.

Overall, the Bayern metronome is similar to Pep Guardiola's midfield star in what he offers on and off the ball, and that is why Klopp should swoop for him in January or next summer.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on securing a double swoop for two talents from the same team, but they are far from alone in showing an interest.

Liverpool eyeing January moves

The Reds are flying high after making significant additions to their squad during the summer transfer window, allowing Jurgen Klopp's side to become Premier League title challengers again. January signings could further boost Liverpool's chances of going all the way this season, with a number of players linked with moves to Anfield in recent months, with various areas of the pitch potentially being looked at.

One individual who has been backed to become a Reds player is highly-rated Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, with the Portuguese a player who is capable of thriving as both a centre-back and left-back. Another midfielder also isn't out of the question, with Fluminenese midfielder Andre possibly on the move after helping his side to Copa Libertadores glory last month. A "verbal agreement" with the Brazil international has even been mooted. Inter Milan free-kick maestro Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly seen as an option, too, although at 29, there could be question marks over whether he would be the right choice.

Liverpool keen on signing Yoro and Santos

According to a fresh transfer update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Lille pair Leny Yori and Tiago Santos, but other Premier League clubs are also in the mix for the defenders, who have caught the eye of Reds scouts.

"A pair of Lille defenders are courting heavyweight interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

"Yoro is understood to be viewed slightly more favourably than Santos despite being the younger of the pair, though both players have received glowing reports from the scouts of the interested English sides."

Both Yoro and Santos could be players who come in as the future of Liverpool, rather than signings who could immediately increase their Premier League title chances.

The former is an exciting 18-year-old central defender with so much potential, although the Reds transfer target has still started 12 Ligue 1 games this season. Meanwhile, the latter is a 21-year-old right-back who also has plenty of playing time to his name in 2023/24, enjoying 11 league outings, nine of which have come from the start.

Liverpool could soar to new heights by signing "world-class" £87m Trent partner

Jurgen Klopp has this exciting forward firmly on his radar…

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 4, 2023

At some point, Liverpool are going to need to bring in young defensive reinforcements, and both Yoro and Santos could represent eye-catching exciting options, proving to be eventual mainstays of the team. Both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both now 32 years of age, so they won't necessarily be around forever, while Andy Robertson also turns 30 next year.

Planning for the future is so important, ensuring that the Reds remain a force long after Klopp has left as manager, and acquiring the signature of two such big talents could be ideal ahead of their rivals, with Santos possibly seen as a right-back who could allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to become an out-and-out midfielder.

The old cliche goes that if you can’t beat them, join them, but the same is also true that if you can’t stop them, then sign them. Liverpool appear to be doing the latter.

Few players will have given Anfield hero Virgil van Dijk sleepless nights in recent years, although Alexander Isak might well be one of them, with Newcastle United’s Swedish sensation proving an absolute menace for the Dutchman and his fellow defenders.

Described by the Reds skipper as “definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football”, ahead of the Carabao Cup final in March, the returning Isak duly scored in that Wembley showpiece to seal an emotional, surprise win for the Magpies.

In all, the former Real Sociedad man has netted four times in just six appearances against the Merseysiders across all competitions, with that likely to have played its part in their apparent bid to prise the 25-year-old from St James’ Park on a £120m deal.

Such bombshell news has become the talk of the town from a Premier League perspective, although on Tyneside, Eddie Howe and co don’t appear to have thrown in the towel just yet.

Still steadfast in their desire to keep hold of the 6 foot 4 machine, Newcastle may steer Arne Slot’s side toward potential attacking alternatives…

Liverpool's potential Isak alternatives

The obvious place to start is with the man who could well have a pivotal role to play in Isak’s future, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

The young Frenchman is being lined up as a future replacement for the Sweden star at St James’, albeit with Liverpool also throwing their hat into the ring, should it prove too difficult to get their top target out of the north east.

It would appear that it isn’t just that duo who the Merseysiders have their eye on, however, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reporting that the champions are considering multiple other options in the bid for a new number nine.

Transfer Focus

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

Among those said to have been discussed at Anfield is Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford, with the Englishman noted as one of the six Isak alternatives that have been considered.

As the report does note, such talks have not progressed any further as yet with it looking unlikely that Slot and co will pounce, albeit with the 27-year-old certainly available having been exiled by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.

Valued at £40m earlier this year, amid the chance for Aston Villa to purchase their loan signing on a permanent deal, Rashford would represent a far cheaper choice than that man Isak. He would also be far more controversial, however…

Why Liverpool could be targeting the new Michael Owen

It says it all that the last player to directly move between Liverpool and Man United was Phil Chisnall, with the forward scoring ten goals in 47 games at Old Trafford, before moving to Anfield on a £25k deal in 1964.

Even signing a player with a previous association to the ‘other’ club has been a rarity in modern times, with notable examples including a certain Paul Ince in the late 90s, alongside the more infamous ‘treachery’ of Michael Owen.

Once the golden boy of Liverpool, having emerged from the academy ranks as a dazzling teenager, Owen burned his bridges – and then some – after ending up on the books at United in 2009, having joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s side via spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle United.

Despite admitting that he had had his heart set on returning to Merseyside amid his exit from Madrid in 2005, no such homecoming came to fruition, with the declining striker later linking up with Fergie on a free transfer.

Still just 29 at the time of that controversial switch, it was evident that Owen’s powers were on the wane, with his last-gasp goal in a 4-3 win over rivals Manchester City the only real moment of note across the next three years. Just 17 goals in 52 games says it all.

While circumstances might be different in the case of Rashford, he too could prove to be something of a bizarre, unnecessary signing, this time for Liverpool, with it hard to see the wisdom in even considering the Three Lions star as an Isak alternative.

Like Owen – who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old at Anfield – Rashford was also once a teen sensation for Man United, having scored twice on debut as an 18-year-old back in February 2016, before ending that campaign with eight goals in just 18 games under Louis van Gaal.

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

High points have followed since for the academy graduate, namely his 30-goal season in 2022/23 during Erik ten Hag’s time at the helm, although inconsistency has been the theme of recent years.

As evidenced in the table above, the forward’s “unstoppable” 2022/23 campaign, as hailed by Ten Hag, stands out amid a rather underwhelming half a decade, in truth, with Liverpool not exactly targeting a player in his pomp.

As was the case with Owen, for all parties this appears to be a move best avoided, with the scrutiny and controversy unlikely to be made worthwhile by performances on the pitch.

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

Manchester United have now submitted a £24m opening bid for a “powerful” midfielder, who has been compared to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Man Utd stepping up new midfielder pursuit

Man United could smash their transfer record to get a new midfielder through the door, having set out to bolster their options in the engine room in 2026, and Wharton has been identified as one of their top targets, even though the Eagles are set to hold out for over £100m.

The Red Devils are confident they’ll be able to sign the Englishman, and it is little wonder they are so keen, given the level of some of his performances so far this season.

However, given that the move would be on the expensive side, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, and some cheaper alternative targets have now been identified.

According to a report from Sport Time (via Sport Witness), Man United have now submitted an opening offer of €28m (£24m) for Olympiacos’ Christos Mouzakitis, who has started to attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Real Madrid have also made a slightly higher bid, but the Greek club aren’t in a rush to sanction a departure, and they are hoping to receive €40m (£35m) for the midfielder’s services in the January transfer window.

Olympiacos aren’t even willing to listen to proposals of less than €30m (£26m), so if a January deal is going to transpire, Ruben Amorim’s side will have to increase their offer.

"Powerful" Mouzakitis could be low-cost Wharton alternative

The advantage of signing Wharton is that he is already proven in the Premier League, but over £100m is a huge amount to pay for any player, and the Olympiacos star could be an interesting alternative option.

In fact, the 18-year-old has been directly compared to the Crystal Palace star by scout Ben Mattinson, who said: “Mouzakitis is a highly technical #8. As a profile if I was to compare him to someone, I’d say Adam Wharton and Granit Xhaka.”

“He’s that type of left footed #8 who’s tenacious off the ball, incredibly crisp passing through the lines, powerful ball striker, good weight of pass…”

Man Utd submit £26m offer for former Premier League striker

United have tabled a bid for a new centre-forward, who has been in impressive form this season.

ByDominic Lund Dec 3, 2025

The starlet, who has made five Champions League appearances this season, also has a keen eye for creating chances, averaging 0.47 assists per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 99th percentile compared to other midfielders.

As such, the seven-time Greek international could be an exciting long-term addition to Amorim’s squad, but Man United should also bring in a midfielder who has more experience at the top level, with Mouzakitis yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Arsenal are making serious plans over potentially signing their top striker target, with a summit expected imminently to determine the feasibility of a January deal.

Mikel Arteta loses Gabriel Jesus for the rest of Arsenal's season

On Tuesday afternoon, the Gunners released an official statement confirming the extent of striker Gabriel Jesus’ injury – and it is exactly what was initially feared.

£150k-per-week Arsenal player now in concrete January talks to leave

The player is keen to move on this month.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 14, 2025

The Brazilian, who was in fine form with six goals from his last seven games, was taken off in the first half of Arsenal’s defeat to Man United in the FA Cup last weekend – with reports then flooding in of Jesus rupturing his ACL.

Arsenal have now confirmed that to be the case, and the £265,000-per-week forward could now face nine months on the sidelines. Jesus will undergo surgery before beginning his rehabilitation, and he’s set to miss the rest of this Premier League season.

Tottenham (home)

Today

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 1

“Further to being substituted during our match with Manchester United on Sunday,” read Arsenal’s statement on Jesus.

“Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. We will continue to keep everyone updated with Gabby’s recovery, with everyone at the club fully focused on supporting Gabby to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

This leaves manager Mikel Arteta with just one striker in Kai Havertz, and reliable news outlets state that Arsenal are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring in a new centre-forward before deadline day on February 3.

Arteta and interim sporting director Jason Ayto have a number of rumoured targets on their agenda, and one of them is Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.

There are some reports that Arsenal have already had a loan bid rejected for Vlahovic (Football Transfers), and while this is yet to be backed up by the national press, claims of their interest in the Serbian continue to flood in.

Arsenal ready to take "concrete" new steps over signing Dusan Vlahovic

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, writing via X, the ex-Fiorentina star is Arsenal’s “main” striker target for Arteta.

It is believed Arsenal are ready to take new “concrete” steps over signing Vlahovic, and a meeting is expected “by the weekend” to gauge how they could prise the 24-year-old away from Turin.

Vlahovic has bagged 12 goals and two assists in all competitions for Juve so far this season, leaving little wonder why Arteta’s side are interested. He’s also entered the final 18 months of his contract, but despite this, the Old Lady’s price tag for a permanent deal stands at around £59 million.

It has been a poor start to the season for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Gary O’Neil’s job has come under fire in recent weeks, with the Old Gold sitting second-bottom in the Premier League with just one victory on the board.

That win came against Southampton last Saturday, with the Midlands club getting a 2-0 win against their relegation rivals.

Indeed, that was their only clean sheet of the season so far. Wolves have been shaky defensively this term, conceding 27 times, which is five goals more than any other side in the top flight. However, they have performed far better from an attacking point of view and possess plenty of firepower in forward areas.

Wolves attacking stats 2024/25

It may well come as a surprise to many that the Old Gold have scored 16 times this term. Whilst that is not incredible, there are ten sides with fewer than them, including fifth in the table Nottingham Forest, and Fulham with the same amount.

Whilst their season has, on the whole, been a disaster so far, the Midlands outfit can surely only be happy to have been outscored by just eight sides, all of whom are 11th or above in the table. There are a couple of individuals, in particular, who are a big reason why their form in front of goal has been so good.

Of course, one of those players is Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward has been sensational this term, scoring five times and registering seven assists in the 11 Premier League games played so far. That included a match-winning contribution against Southampton, where he scored one goal and assisted the other to ensure the Old Gold picked up their first win of the season.

Another Wolves star who is having an exceptional campaign is Rayan Ait-Nouri. The left-wing back has taken his game to a new level this season, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists flying up and down the left flank. Impressively, this is already his best season from a goal-involvement perspective.

Summer addition Jorgen Strand Larsen is also having a good impact for the Old Gold. The Norweigan striker has scored four times so far, grabbing an assist along the way too. He joined on a loan deal from Celta Vigo, a move that will become permanent if certain clauses are triggered.

If that is the case, it might leave one Wolves striker, currently on loan elsewhere, out in the cold at Molineux. That player is Fabio Silva.

Fabio Silva’s Wolves salary

Portuguese striker Silva has had a strange career at Molineux, to say the least. He was just 18 years old when he joined the club in 2020. He signed from Porto for £35.6m, which was the Old Gold’s record signing at the time.

Now 22, the former teen prodigy has seen his career stagnate. His Wolves record is disappointing, with just five goals and six assists in 72 appearances. Of course, he is young, but it is certainly disappointing to see him struggling at Molineux.

Stat

2020/21

2021/22

2023/24

Games

36

26

10

Minutes

1678

856

373

Goals

4

0

1

Assists

3

3

0

Silva has had various loan spells over the years, playing for Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Rangers and, this season, Las Palmas. His best return came for the Belgian giants Anderlecht, where he scored seven league goals and he has three in nine La Liga games this campaign.

However, Wolves’ patience seems to be running thing. According to reports, the Old Gold are believed to ‘want him off the wage bill’. It might not be viewed as a big loss to the club given he told SPORTbible in June that he “didn’t want to join Wolves” in the first place.

The centre-forward is a big earner too, pocketing £79k-per-week as per Capology. Incredibly, that is more than their biggest two stars combined. Cunha earns £60k-per-week, and Ait-Nouri just £10k-per-week.

It seems like it would be good for both club and player to part ways in January or the summer. Strand Larsen will potentially join permanently, blocking Silva’s pathway into the starting XI, and given he is on such a high wage, earning more than their best two players, it certainly makes sense to sell him as soon as possible.

Wolves want rid of £35m youngster they thought would be their next Neves

It’s safe to say this Portuguese star hasn’t lived up to the billing at Wolves.

ByBarney Lane Nov 15, 2024

Chelsea’s academy has consistently been one of the very best in England over the years, producing endless stars who have gone on and made themselves a living playing the beautiful game.

Despite the huge investment from owner Todd Boehly, centre-back Levi Colwill has been able to force himself into the plans of boss Enzo Maresca, starting every single Premier League outing as of yet.

As a result of his impressive form at Stamford Bridge, he’s been called up to Lee Carsley’s England squad for two of the last three squads; showcasing his continued development with his boyhood side.

Given his tender age of just 21, he has the time to develop into one of the best defenders in Europe, potentially spending his entire career in West London.

However, if he were to depart the Bridge, it would take an enormous amount of money, potentially surpassing the highest fee they’ve received for an academy graduate.

Chelsea’s most expensive academy graduate departures

Attacking midfielder Mason Mount has certainly made a few enemies after departing the Blues back in the summer of 2023, joining fellow English side Manchester United.

The 25-year-old came through the academy, enjoying various loans with Vitesse and Derby County before making his mark on the club’s first-team squad.

He would accumulate nearly 200 appearances, scoring 33 times, before opting for a new challenge, leaving for United in a £60m deal – the highest fee received for a Chelsea academy star.

Left-back Ian Maatsen only managed 16 games for Chelsea, spending the majority of his time at the club out on loan.

The Dutchman has enjoyed various spells with the likes of Coventry City, Burnley and Borussia Dortmund, before bringing his Blues career to an end over the summer, leaving for Aston Villa in a whopping £37.5m deal – slotting into second for their biggest academy graduate departure fee.

However, boss Maresca has the opportunity to add to that list in the coming months, desperately needing to cash in on an ace who’s simply been unable to demonstrate his undeniable ability.

The Chelsea player who Maresca needs to offload

Full-back Reece James has developed into one of Europe’s best talents in recent years, making over 150 appearances for the Blues since his debut at the end of 2018/19.

However, over the last couple of years, injuries have massively prevented the former England international from kicking on and achieving his full potential with his boyhood side.

James, who was previously dubbed “phenomenal” by former boss Frank Lampard, has been restricted to less than 25 appearances per season over the last two years, only making three starts to date in 2024/25 after an injury during the opening weeks.

The 24-year-old featured in his first game of the campaign in the 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at the end of October but is set for yet another spell on the sideline.

2022/23

Knee

60

9

2022/23

Knee

35

7

2022/23

Hamstring

4

1

2022/23

Illness

6

1

2022/23

Hamstring

36

7

2023/24

Hamstring

54

9

2023/24

Surgery

151

29

2024/25

Hamstring

66

11

2024/25

Hamstring

11

2

Total:

9

423

76

He sustained a hamstring issue ahead of the last Premier League clash with Leicester City, thus missing the fixture, with the right-back set to be out until January 2025, which could see him miss another nine matches in all competitions.

His talent is unquestionable, but given his huge £250k-per-week wages, the highest of any player in the side, along with his injury record, he needs to be sold at the next opportunity, with journalist Graeme Bailey claiming an exit could be on the cards.

It’s a real shame to see such a star-studded graduate hampered through no fault of his own, but given his £13m yearly incoming, they cannot afford to carry passengers who could put their financial situation at risk.

Many fans may disagree, but ultimately, he’s spent more time out of the side than in it because of his fitness issues, needing to cash in on him before his value plummets any further than it will have in recent times.

Not just Jorgensen: 9/10 Chelsea star has caused a big selection headache

Filip Jorgensen was in top form as Chelsea made it four from four in the Conference League.

ByConnor Holden Nov 29, 2024

Well, here we are, 37 games and ten months later, Arsenal are still just about in the Premier League title race on the final day of the season.

Granted, it might require a Herculean effort from West Ham United at the Etihad to help Mikel Arteta's side clinch their first title in two decades, but it's David Moyes' final game in charge, and stranger things have happened.

That said, before Arsenal fans can start dreaming of a 90th-minute Michail Antonio dagger, there is the small matter of Everton at home to contend with, and if the Gunners are going to claim all three points to keep Manchester City honest, they're going to have to be on their A-Game against Sean Dyche's Toffees.

So, with that in mind, Arteta should look to make at least one change to the side that won away to Manchester United last Sunday: drop Thomas Partey.

Why Partey should be benched

The answer is quite straightforward. While Arsenal came away with all three points from Old Trafford last week, Partey put in a performance that, on another day, could have cost the team.

For example, a lapse of concentration early in the first half led to a golden opportunity for Rasmus Hojlund, who should have done better.

The Standard's Simon Collings wasn't overly impressed with the 30-year-old's display either, awarding him a 6/10 on the day and writing, blaming him for the early chance and writing that his 'passing was mixed.'

Minutes

89'

Passing Accuracy

93%

Shots

0

Expected Assists

0.02

Touches

47

Long Balls (Accurate)

3 (1)

Key Passes

0

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (0)

Possession Lost

4

This appraisal is backed up by the midfielders' statistics from the match. In his 89 minutes of action, he maintained a passing accuracy of just 93%, misplaced two of three long balls, lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost the ball four times, and produced an expected assists figure of just 0.02.

In all, it wasn't a horror show of a performance, but it wasn't one that warrants him starting in the final game of a season-long title race, especially as the man who could replace him has played wonderfully at times this year.

Why Jorginho should start against Everton

Yes, the midfielder who should come in for the former Atlético Madrid ace this afternoon is former Chelsea star Jorginho.

The last game the Italian international started was the 3-0 win away to Brighton & Hove Albion in April, and since then, he has made several short appearances off the bench.

However, with a new contract under his belt and a string of seriously impressive performances this season, he should be starting against the Toffees.

Moreover, with most of the talk ahead of this game centring on the assumption that Arsenal will win, there is ample opportunity for the team to get ahead of themselves, and the former Napoli ace has already shown that he can bring an element of calm to the north Londoners' midfield in crucial games.

For example, the "ridiculous" 32-year-old maestro, as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, started in and won the Man of the Match awards at home to both Liverpool and Newcastle United earlier in the year and played 75 minutes of the club's 1-0 win over City in October.

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So, with there still being a sliver of hope that the title might be heading to N5 this afternoon, Arteta should start the midfielder journalist Darren Lewis described as a "big game player," Jorginho.