da betsson： Aston Villa are still looking to fill the void left by Jhon Duran as the summer transfer window enters its embryonic stage.

da dobrowin： The Colombian was sold for £71m in January after scoring 12 goals for the club during the first half of the season.

While Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford contributed well between January and May, scoring 12 goals between them, both have since returned to their parent clubs.

This means Unai Emery enters the market looking for a forward who can make a difference. Might he turn to Ligue 1 again?

Aston Villa lead the race for Belgian sensation

It appears as though Rashford won’t return to Villa next season. The club have shown interest in Tyler Dibling and Jadon Sancho in a bid to improve their wide options next season.

Transfer Focus

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

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Rather than focus on Premier League talent, the manager also has eyes on the continent. According to TEAMtalk, Villa are among the clubs leading the race for talented Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

Liverpool and Arsenal are also in contention for the player and the report states that Lyon’s financial troubles could see Fofana available for just £40m this summer.

A young, left-footed talent ready to make his mark in the Premier League. Can Emery sign his new Duran in a move for Fofana?

Why Villa must sign Malick Fofana

Duran certainly had the potential to become Emery’s main attacking option, but the offer from the Middle East was too good to turn down.

The youngster dazzled with his displays off the bench for the Midlands side, eventually scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances, yet only 17 of those were starts.

Malick Fofana’s stats for Lyon (2024/25)

Metric

Ligue 1

Europa League

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes per game

0.9

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.8

0.9

Via Sofascore

Emery has been craving a talent like Duran ever since he departed, and in Fofana, the Belgian starlet could become his next exciting young forward. Indeed, journalist Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “frightening speed” and “game-changing potential” – remind you of anyone?

The 20-year-old made his debut for Gent during the 2022/23 campaign, impressing sufficiently to secure a move to Lyon in January 2024.

His spell with the French giants has been a major success. Across 62 games, the youngster has registered 22 goal contributions – 15 goals and seven assists – particularly impressing last term.

Indeed, in April, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the winger for “showing flashes of his enormous potential” and he was especially dangerous in the Europa League.

When compared to his positional peers in the competition, Fofana ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05), progressive carries (7.88) and touches in the attacking penalty area (8.23) per 90 in the Europa League.

His explosiveness and desire to make things happen in the final third make him an excellent prospect, and he could continue his development under Emery at Villa.

Like his fellow left-footer, Duran, he would be an exciting young signing with potential, and there is no doubt Fofana could have a similar sort of impact as the Colombian forward.

With Villa playing in the Europa League – a competition Fofana excelled in – then bringing the Belgian sensation to the Midlands this summer could turn out to be one shrewd move by the manager.

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da esoccer bet： Whilst many dared to question whether Lionel Messi would have been able to perform at the peak of his powers in the Premier League, the legendary Argentine continued to prove those doubters wrong in the only way he knows how – by dominating England’s best sides.

da realsbet： Whether it was Manchester United at Wembley in the 2009 Champions League final or, more recently, against Liverpool in the first-leg of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final tie – which they eventually lost in historic fashion – Messi has proven time and time again that a cold, rainy night in Stoke would be no problem for a man of his talents.

Lionel Messi vs England’s top six (via Transfermarkt)

Games

Goals

Assists

Manchester City

8

7

3

Arsenal

6

9

2

Manchester United

6

4

0

Liverpool

4

2

0

Chelsea

10

3

3

Tottenham Hotspur

2

2

0

In 36 games against England’s top six, Messi has scored 27 goals and created another eight. If there were any remaining doubts that he would have dominated the Premier League at a level arguably never seen before, then those numbers should bring those to an end once and for all.

Like most around European football, some of the Premier League’s best have often been in awe of Messi. Jamie Carragher, among those running out of superlatives for the magical playmaker, said: “There have been so many players we’ve thought that about in the past, but to go on and do what he’s done, it’s crazy.

“For me, he’s the best player we’ve ever seen play football. And you can’t predict that of any 19, 20-year-old when you’re looking at where they’re going to go.”

Whilst he has often terrorised English opposition, there has been occasions when Messi has been shocked by Premier League players taking their revenge, and he admitted that one player left Barcelona fearful.

Messi: Lampard was one of the best players in the world

Given that his record against Chelsea out of all of the Premier League’s top six is the worst, Messi’s praise for a Stamford Bridge hero should come as no surprise. He took the time to single out Frank Lampard ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League tie against the Blues in 2009, admitting that he admires the midfield great and that he was a “big threat”.

The tie itself lived up to the billing, but it was another midfield legend who stole the headlines as Andres Iniesta netted a last-gasp winner for Barcelona to take his side into the Champions League final.

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Messi’s praise still rings true, however. At the peak of his powers, Lampard was one of the most dangerous midfielders around and Messi had every right to be fearful of the threat that he often provided. All in all, Lampard scored 211 goals in 648 games for Chelsea.

da casino： Aston Villa have now burst into the race for a “special” player who is expected to cost over £60m, according to a report.

Villa locked in transfer battles with Newcastle

da realsbet： With Villa and Newcastle both set to compete in Europe next season, it is no surprise the two clubs are shopping in similar talent pools, and they are battling it out for the signature of FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who is protected by a £85m release clause.

The Villans’ pursuit of a new striker comes amid doubts over Ollie Watkins’ future, with Sky Sports recently revealing that Manchester United are now exploring the conditions of a potential deal for the England international.

However, striker is not the only position in which Unai Emery is looking to strengthen, with the manager also setting his sights on a new winger, according to a report from talkSPORT.

The report states that Aston Villa have now burst into the race for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, with the Sweden international also being targeted by Newcastle, and widespread recent reports have suggested the Magpies are in advanced talks.

Villa are now set to compete for Elanga’s signature, however, having conducted checks on the Forest star, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side, with their Premier League rivals set to hold out for a fee in excess of £60m.

Forest have no desire to sell one of their key players, having already knocked back a £45m bid from Newcastle, which means Emery’s side will need to be willing to spend big to get a deal over the line.

"Special" Elanga could excel at Villa Park

The former Manchester United man has gone from strength-to-strength since leaving Old Trafford, playing a key role in Forest securing survival in the 2023-24 campaign, before going on to feature in every Premier League game last season.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2023-24

36

5

9

2024-25

38

6

11

As such, the 23-year-old clearly has the talent to excel at Villa Park, but there are doubts over whether NSWE would be able to justify an outlay of over £60m+ outlay, considering they are currently looking to sell the women’s team to avoid a PSR breach.

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Should Watkins complete a move to Man United, Villa should have money to spend, but the number one priority at that point would surely be to bring in a new striker, having also lost Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.

Consequently, even though Elanga has been lauded as “special” by Forest boss Nuno, there are doubts over whether the right-winger would be a necessary signing for the Villans, and a move to St. James’ Park may be more attractive, as Champions League football is on offer.

da bet vitoria： Glasgow Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises have received a bid to sell an Ibrox star this week and have already responded to that offer.

Rangers stars linked with Ibrox summer exits

da doce： New manager Russell Martin and the Gers have already welcomed two signings this summer in midfielder Lyall Cameron and full-back Max Aarons, with the former penning a permanent deal after leaving Dundee and Aarons joining on loan from Bournemouth.

More additions are expected at Ibrox, however, there have also been plenty of Rangers exit rumours doing the rounds with the transfer window open until September 1.

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Martin is looking to build his Rangers side around Hamza Igamane and Nicolas Raskin, however, Marseille have made a new approach to sign Igamane, whereas Raskin is reportedly “ready to quit” Ibrox amid interest from the Premier League.

In defence, Robin Propper, who was only signed last summer, is being heavily linked with a return to FC Twente, and there are rumours Rangers have a €1.5m agreement with the Dutch side for the centre-back.

Last season’s Scottish Premiership Golden Boot winner, Cyriel Dessers, is also a wanted man, with suggestions the forward has agreed a £30,000-a-week contract to leave Rangers for AEK Athens. Now, an update has emerged on the two clubs and a potential fee.

Rangers receive £4.5m bid to sell Cyriel Dessers

According to The Daily Record, Rangers have received a £4.5m bid for Dessers from AEK Athens this week. That offer was rejected by the 49ers, however, the Greek were side were readying a new bid as Dessers is their ‘No1 signing target’.

The report, which was published on Tuesday, did say that ‘if no progress can be made over the next 24 to 48 hours, the Yellow-Blacks may be forced to move on’.

As per Transfermarkt, Rangers paid €5m to sign Dessers in 2023 which works out at £4.25m, so the Gers and the 49ers would be making a slight profit.

However, reports elsewhere have suggested Rangers want around £5m to part ways with the forward, so AEK Athens aren’t far off the Ibrox valuation.

Dessers, called “quality” by Tom Lawrence, scored 18 league goals last season under both Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson, with the latter praising the striker following his stoppage time winner against Dundee in March.

“One thing about the big man, he has been a joy to work with, and he is a brilliant worker. Brilliant listener. He wants to improve even at his age. He puts himself in brilliant positions, he can get frustrated and start feeling sorry for himself, but he keeps going.

“He got his reward with the winner. Even before I took the job I always said the big guy would keep going. If he got criticism from fans, the media, the big man just rolls his sleeves up. I didn’t think it would affect him and it never affected him. He kept going. If you have that type of character then you get your rewards in the end.”

Dessers’ stats at Rangers

Games

109

Goals

51

Assists

16

Minutes played

6,845

Now, it looks like his days in Glasgow could be numbered, providing AEK Athens improve their offer closer to £5m.

da stake casino： Glasgow Rangers have agreed a deal to sell a prominent Ibrox player during the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer Gers update from Sky Sports.

Martin's ruthless transfer approach at Rangers

da betano casino： Russell Martin has taken on a huge job at Ibrox, with the Englishman tasked with not only closing the gap on Celtic, but becoming Scottish Premiership champions again.

The 39-year-old is certainly speaking well in his early weeks and months in charge at Rangers, providing a ruthless outlook when it comes to the type of players he wants to sign this summer, and outlining what will put him off bringing in some individuals.

“People need to be desperate to play for this club and not just be an option. When we have spoken to people and they say, ‘Well, I need to hear my options,’ we are onto the next one. People need to be desperate. Spoke to Joe [Rothwell] and there was no other choice on his mind, and he had a lot of options.

“Same with Manny [Emmanuel Fernandez], spoke to my old manager at Peterborough, Darren, and he spoke so highly of him, and he has the potential to be anything he wants to be, I really believe that. Max [Aarons], loads of options in Europe but wanted to be here. Hopefully, because of the strength of the relationship with myself and Gilly [Matt Gill], but also because he wants to come and win and be part of something.”

There are likely to be plenty of ins and outs at Rangers before the transfer window reaches its conclusion, and it looks as though one current player’s time at Ibrox is now coming to an end.

Rangers agree deal to sell £9,000-a-week defender

According to a fresh update from Sky Sports, Rangers have now “agreed a deal” to sell centre-back Robin Propper back to former club FC Twente this summer.

“Rangers have agreed a deal for defender Robin Propper to return to Dutch club FC Twente. He moved to Ibrox last summer and will now be allowed to return to the Eredivisie if he can agree personal terms. Rangers will also allow the likes of Leon King, Ben Davies, Clinton Nsiala and Jose Cifuentes to depart this summer.”

This feels like the right decision by Rangers, despite Martin recently confirming the agreement in place and admitting that he has been “really impressed” with Propper since coming in as manager.

Robin Propper’s 2024/25 SPL stats

Total

Appearances

25

Starts

21

Minutes played

1851

Clearances per game

4.0

Aerial duel wins per game

3.2

Tackles per game

1.6

Interceptions per game

0.9

Goals

2

Assists

0

The 31-year-old has struggled to wholly convince on a consistent basis since arriving from Twente in the summer of 2024, making only 21 starts in the Scottish Premiership last season.

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The £9,000-a-week defender also isn’t getting any younger, meaning the Rangers can cash in on him now and use the funds to look to bring in a younger centre-back option – one who could be a regular starter for Martin.

da esoccer bet： After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards improving their backline with the addition of a Premier League rival.

Newcastle drop out of Ekitike race

da brwin： In the end it seemed to be a choice of either opening the door for Liverpool to make their move for Alexander Isak or miss out on Ekitike for Newcastle, who swiftly chose to prioritise their Swedish star. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies have now walked away from any potential deal to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, allowing Liverpool to advance.

It’s a frustratingly familiar story for those at St James’ Park this summer. Despite doing well to welcome Anthony Elanga and with James Trafford likely on his way, Eddie Howe has been forced to watch on as the likes of Joao Pedro and now Ekitike head elsewhere. Back to square one on the transfer front, Newcastle must now assess their options.

With pre-season underway and around one month to go until the Premier League is back, there are a number of options that Newcastle could turn towards after missing out on Ekitike, but Yoane Wissa remains the standout name.

The Brentford forward scored 19 Premier League goals last season – more than Ekitike managed in the Bundesliga – and is certainly ready for a big move away from West London.

He remains one to watch, and the same can be said for another Premier League rival as Newcastle look to welcome further fresh faces before the end of August.

Newcastle pushing to sign Disasi

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now pushing to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea after opening negotiations with those at Stamford Bridge. There is reportedly some belief that the Magpies could land a deal for just €30m (£26m), which would be a cut-price from the Blues’ €35m (£30m) valuation.

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Although the Frenchman’s move hasn’t gone exactly to plan at Chelsea, he could quickly rediscover his best form with a summer switch to St James’ Park. It’s there that the 6’3 defender could act as instant competition for Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, before eventually replacing the ageing latter.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Disasi

Botman

Schar

Minutes

854

412

2,934

Progressive Passes P90

3.37

1.52

3.62

Tackles Won P90

0.95

1.96

0.64

Ball Recoveries P90

3.16

3.04

4.11

Finally gaining some much-needed game time on loan at Aston Villa last season, Disasi impressed at times and began to live up to the praise of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who previously described the defender as “brilliant”.

If Newcastle can land a deal worth just £26m too, then they should consider that an impressive bargain for a defender who should be at the peak of his powers at 27 years old.

da bet nacional： Everton are now reportedly closing in on a double deal to welcome two teenage talents to their academy.

Everton continuing summer business after Thierno Barry

da cassino： Having already kicked off their summer business by welcoming Thierno Barry from Villarreal, Everton are reportedly set to continue their pursuit of incomings by signing Bournemouth’s Mark Travers. The shot-stopper looks set to arrive to provide Jordan Pickford with some much-needed backup following the departures of Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia.

The goalkeeper’s arrival will hand Everton their third signing of the summer after Moyes was left delighted by the signing of Barry last week to follow up the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent deal earlier in the window.

The Everton boss told reporters: “We are delighted to have brought Thierno to the Club. We see lots of potential and we are hoping for good things from him.

“We will give him plenty of time to settle in and we are looking forward to getting started working with him as soon as possible. I’m hoping to make more additions in the coming weeks.”

It’s no surprise that the Toffees have turned towards Travers as well as the talented forward, either. Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s decision to leave the club as a free agent, Moyes desperately needed a fresh goalscorer and Barry will provide exactly that.

It’s not just current gems that the veteran manager is thinking about, however, with reports now suggesting that Everton are closing in on signing two future stars this summer.

Everton closing in on Dodds and Gokah swoop

As reported by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, Everton are now closing in on deals to sign John Dodds and Reuben Gokah from Hearts and Charlton Athletic respectively. The double swoop follows Friedkin’s decision to add significant investment into improving their academy and adding former Manchester United chief Nick Cox to their ranks as a result.

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While Dodds and Gokah won’t steal the same headlines as Barry or Travers, they may prove to be just as important in years to come. Both defenders, the teenage duo will feature for Everton’s academy before potentially breaking into Moyes’ first-team when the time is right for all parties.

Given the path that Jarrad Branthwaite has taken since arriving in Merseyside as a youngster, there should be no concern over whether there will be an opportunity for Dodds and Gokah to thrive if they impress enough at youth level.

With the teenage duo and Travers, Everton will be taking their list of incomings up to five for the summer in what has so far been a productive transfer window.

da realsbet： Tottenham Hotspur are a club who have endured success in recent times, something which the supporters have been starved of in the last two decades.

da roleta： The Lilywhites were on a 17-year drought without any form of silverware, but that all changed at the end of 2024/25, after winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.

However, it wasn’t enough to maintain his job, leading to Thomas Frank being appointed as the man to try and build on the recent levels reached by the Lilywhites.

The Dane has numerous years of experience in the Premier League, something which will massively help him in his quest for success during his spell in North London.

He will undoubtedly want to make his own mark on the current first team squad, with the style of play that saw him be a hit at Brentford, but will also need reinforcements if he is to reach the next level in his managerial career.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, João Palhinha has emerged as the latest player who appears to be making a move to join Spurs during the current transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed yesterday that a deal has been agreed for the 30-year-old to join the club on an initial loan deal, with the deal having an option to buy for around £25m next summer.

However, he’s not the only star currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi still firmly on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that despite missing out on him in previous windows, the Lilywhites are set to meet his current asking price of around £50m, with the centre-back only having a year left on his deal.

The report also states that Newcastle United are also willing to match his asking price, which could see a battle for the 25-year-old take place in the coming weeks.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be perfect for Palhinha

As previously mentioned, Spurs are set to complete a deal for Palhinha in the coming days, a deal that could prove to be an excellent piece of business from Frank and the board.

Whilst the Portuguese international only made six league starts last season, he still managed to produce some impressive numbers, many of which would bolster the club’s ambitions for success.

He won 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga – a tally which put him in the top 2% of all players in the division, handing Frank a needed ball-winner at the heart of his side.

Palhinha also thrived with the ball at his feet, registering 6.3 passes into the final third per 90, achieving a 92% pass completion rate, having the tools to star in and out of possession.

If he is to be a success in North London, he will need other reinforcements in his quest to impress, potentially opening the door to a move to sign Guehi this summer.

Whilst the Englishman is a defender and his primary role is to stop the ball from entering the goal, he also has the responsibility to build up play from the back and allow the former Fulham star to prove his worth after his own move.

The Palace captain completed 84% of the passes he attempted, with a tally of 3.9 of his passes being progressive, subsequently being able to break the lines and find Palhinha in pockets of space.

Marc Guehi’s stats for Palace in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

34

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

84%

Progressive passes

3.9

Key passes made

0.5

Tackles won

1.8

% of tackles won

66%

Blocks made

1.6

Clearances made

4.8

Aerial success rate

54%

Stats via FBref

However, Guehi, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former goalkeeper Joe Hart, also dominated out of possession, winning 1.8 tackles per 90, and winning 52% of the aerial battles he entered.

His tally of 66% of tackles won in England’s top-flight also ranks him in the top 10% of all defenders in the division, offering key depth and quality to Frank’s side next season.

If he can transfer such skills across the capital this summer, a deal for Guehi would be another huge statement made by the hierarchy in their attempts to build on their European triumph.

He has all the tools to link up with Palhinha in possession, whilst both players could hand the Lilywhites would be gaining two defensively solid players who can help improve their record at the back, which saw them ship 65 league goals in 2024/25.

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da 888casino： To say it’s been a busy summer for Chelsea this year would be quite the understatement.

da leao： While most of the Premier League were enjoying a break, Enzo Maresca’s side were competing in and winning the Club World Cup.

It was just as busy off the pitch for the Blues, as the board sold several players like Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, while also bringing in stars like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

Moreover, with just over a month of the window remaining, the West Londoners look set to do more business, with Jorrel Hato the latest player set to join the club, and if reports are to be believed, they could also bring in another international ace who’d be an even better signing.

Chelsea target better signing than Hato

At the moment, it looks like Chelsea are getting close to signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, but the player closest to making the move to Stamford Bridge is undoubtedly Jorrel Hato.

Transfer Focus

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

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In fact, the Dutchman’s move to the club received the “here we go” treatment from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano yesterday afternoon, who revealed the fee is set to be in excess of €40m, which is about £35m.

There is no denying that in signing the highly-rated 19-year-old, the Blues have improved their defence for the present and future, but it also appears as if they are interested in another star who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from BBC Sport, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Marc Guehi.

The report claims that alongside the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues have registered an interest in the Crystal Palace star since the end of the season.

In terms of how much the England international would cost, the story states that the Eagles want around £40m, which could prove to be great value, especially as he would likely be a better signing than Hato.

Why Guehi would be a better signing than Hato

Okay, so the first thing to say is that, like plenty of others, we do feel confident that Hato will be a great addition to Chelsea’s squad this summer, as he’s young, highly promising and already has an impressive amount of experience under his belt.

However, there are still a few reasons why we think that this summer, Guehi would end up being the better acquisition.

The primary one actually relates to experience, as while the Ajax gem has an impressive tally of 111 senior club appearances under his belt, the Palace star dwarfs that with a whopping 216 across his stints with the Eagles, Swansea and Chelsea.

Hato vs Guehi’s senior record

Players

Guehi

Hato

Appearances

216

111

Goals

8

4

Assists

4

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.05

0.11

National Team Caps

23

6

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, you have to take into account the competition in which most of those appearances were made, as according to Opta Analyst, the Premier League is comfortably the toughest in world football.

In contrast, the Eredivisie comes in as just the tenth toughest, behind the likes of Brazil’s Serie A and Portugal’s Primeira Liga.

On top of the simple fact that this means the Englishman has been playing far more challenging games, it also means he should be able to adapt to playing for the West Londoners quicker, as he does not have to change leagues or take a step-up.

Then, while the fact that the 19-year-old has already won six senior caps for the Netherlands is certainly promising, it once again pales in comparison to the 23 won by the former Blues gem, especially when you consider he played a key role in the Three Lions’ run to the final of the European Championship last year.

Finally, while it’s good to invest in promising young players, Maresca and Co need signings who can help them win things over the next couple of seasons.

So, it’s crucial that, at 25 years old, the “sensational” Palace ace, as dubbed by Steve Parish, is just two years from reaching his peak, whereas it could be another seven years until the Rotterdam-born ace hits his, according to research carried out by The Athletic.

Ultimately, Hato is a great signing, but due to having more quality experience and being closer to his peak years, Guehi would likely be a better signing for Chelsea this season.

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da leao： It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say this summer is turning into something of a disaster for Newcastle United.

da poker： The Magpies should be looking forward to a season of Champions League football and possibilities for more silverware, but instead are embroiled in a transfer saga involving Alexander Isak.

On top of that, Eddie Howe and Co have had to watch the club seemingly miss out on target after target in recent weeks, with it now not entirely clear what is happening regarding Benjamin Sesko.

However, perhaps it’s not all doom and gloom, as the League Cup champions have done some business, and it now looks like they’re planning to go back in for one international who could be something of another Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle target another Elanga

While there is plenty to be worried about from a Newcastle fan’s perspective this summer, it is worth noting that the club have conducted some promising business, such as getting Aaron Ramsdale in on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

Transfer Focus

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The Englishman may have his detractors, but for two years at Arsenal, he was brilliant and played a big part in the Gunners’ surprise title push in the 22/23 season, pulling off some notable saves in games against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

On top of that, the club have also got their hands on Elanga, and while it would be fair to say pre-season has been mixed for the Swedish international, we all saw how effective he could be last season when he ended the campaign with six goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances for Nottingham Forest.

Interestingly, with just under a month until the transfer window slams shut, the Toon look set to go back in for one of their previous targets, someone who could be described as another Elanga.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Times, which claims Newcastle are interested in Marc Guehi again.

The report has revealed that the Crystal Palace star, who is valued at around £50m, is now back on the menu for the Magpies, and that they could finally go in with a fresh bid at any point in the coming weeks – although they do not want to spend more than £40m.

It would be another significant investment from the club, but the Englishman has proven his worth over the years, and there would be an Elanga-esque quality to the deal.

Why Guehi would be an Elanga-esque signing

So, before we get into a few reasons why Guehi would be an excellent signing for Newcastle in his own right, it’s worth going over why his arrival would be reminiscent of Elanga’s.

The first is that, like the Swede, the Englishman would be moving to St James’ Park from another Premier League side, and not just that, but one set to compete in Europe next season.

Moreover, while it’s not entirely clear just how much the Palace ace will cost at the moment, the likelihood is that the final price will not be too far off the £55m the Toon paid for the Malmo-born winger.

Lastly, like former Manchester United prospect, the Eagles star defender had to leave one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ sides early in his career to really gain a foothold in English football and make a name for himself, and make a name for himslef, he certainly has.

That brings us to arguably the most crucial reason the 25-year-old would be an excellent addition to Howe’s squad, which is his vast experience.

Hato’s senior record

Team

Club

National

Appearances

216

23

Goals

8

0

Assists

4

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.05

0.08

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Despite still being relatively young for a centre-back and around two years off from hitting his peak, according to research carried out by The Athletic, the “exceptional” star, as dubbed by former goalkeeper Joe Hart, has now made 216 senior club appearances across his stints with the Eagles, Swansea and Chelsea.

On top of that, the former Blues gem has also won 23 caps for England and was a key member of the squad that made it to the final of the European Championships last season.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Newcastle should once again push the boat out to sign a player previously discarded by the ‘big six’ as Guehi looks like he has everything needed to elevate their backline next season.