All posts by z3u9t.icu

When you think of the great Tottenham Hotspur strikers of the 21st century, most people will understandably gravitate towards Harry Kane.

After all, the England captain is the club’s all-time top goalscorer and has a genuine claim to being one of the very best centre-forwards the Premier League has ever seen.

However, before the Englishman was scoring goals for fun, the Lilywhites had a number of other brilliant and sometimes underrated marksmen leading the line.

The likes of Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch, for example, but there is another superstar striker who perhaps doesn’t get the credit he deserves from some: Robbie Keane.

Robbie Keane's Spurs career in numbers

Tottenham completed the £7m signing of Keane in the summer of 2002, following an impressive season with Leeds United in which he scored nine goals and provided one assist in just 33 appearances.

Despite being just 22 at the start of his first campaign with the Lilywhites, the Dublin-born poacher hit the ground running, and in just 32 appearances, he scored 13 goals and provided three assists, coming out to an average of a goal involvement every other game.

Over the course of the next few seasons, the Irish marksman had to battle it out with several other talented forwards, like Defoe, for a place in the starting lineup, but eventually succeeded and cemented himself as the club’s starting number nine.

In all, the 5 foot 9 dynamo made 306 appearances for the North Londoners across two spells, in which he scored 122 goals, provided 39 assists and won the League Cup in 2008.

After two short-term loan spells with Celtic and West Ham United in 2010 and 2011, the experienced international would eventually leave Spurs for good and join MLS side LA Galaxy, where he’d become something of a legend.

Spurs

306

122

39

LA Galaxy

265

104

41

Wolves

85

27

4

Leeds

56

19

2

Coventry

34

12

1

Liverpool

28

7

5

Celtic

19

16

2

Inter

15

3

2

ATK

11

8

0

West Ham

10

2

1

Aston Villa

7

3

1

Interestingly, it looks as if the club have now got their hands on an exciting youngster who could be the next Keane.

Spurs' next Robbie Keane

Spurs are blessed with an abundance of incredible talent in and around their academy at the moment, with the likes of Mikey Moor and Luca Barnett-Williams the leading names.

However, the youngster in question is not a part of Hotspur Way and isn’t even in the country.

Mason Melia has been making a name for himself over in Ireland for St Patrick’s Athletic and last month became the record sale from the League of Ireland when Tottenham decided to spend an initial £1.6m on securing his services, which could rise to £3.2m.

Now, that is an enormous amount of money to spend on anyone from Irish football, let alone a 17-year-old, but there is plenty of excitement and expectation that the talented forward could be one of Ireland and Europe’s leading attackers in a few years from now.

For example, despite being so young, the “relentless” gem, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already played 57 games of senior football, scoring ten goals and providing three assists.

Appearances

57

Starts

23

Minutes

2529′

Goals

10

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.22

Minutes per Goal Involvement

194.53′

On top of the obvious comparisons to Keane, regarding his position and nationality, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig was also quick to compare the teenager to another Spurs icon, labelling him the “Irish Harry Kane” only last year.

Ultimately, while the comparisons to some of the game’s very best strikers aren’t particularly helpful for a youngster trying to make his way in the game, they indicate just how highly thought of the North Londoners’ new prospect really is.

Moreover, if he can get anywhere close to the level of output Keane produced when he joins the team next year, Ange Postecoglou will have an exceptional outlet on his hands.

£30m wasted: Spurs must axe Ange signing who earns more than Van de Ven

The international ace hasn’t been good enough at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 3, 2025

Manchester City have failed to see the best out of some of their finest players this season.

Erling Haaland may have scored 28 goals in all competitions, but there have been spells where he has failed to demonstrate his true talents.

Elsewhere, Phil Foden is another player who has struggled at times. The Englishman has registered 16 goal contributions – ten goals and six assists – yet only three goals came in the Champions League against Sporting CP, Sparta Prague and Slovan Bratislava.

When compared to his peers in the Premier League, Foden fails to rank in the top 55% for successful take-ons, progressive carries, touches in the opposition penalty area and progressive passes received per 90 this season.

This highlights how much he has regressed this term, and it appears as though City are approaching the end of a glorious era under Pep Guardiola.

Even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t quite been at his best throughout the entire campaign, failing to inject the spark that City have so often required in 2025/26.

Could this be his last one at the Etihad? Only time will tell.

Kevin De Bruyne’s season in numbers for Man City

During the early part of the season, a hamstring injury meant he played just four of their opening ten Premier League matches.

Overall, the Belgian maestro has started just 18 of his 29 games for the club in all competitions, scoring four goals and recording seven assists.

When compared to his fellow attacking midfielders in the Premier League this season, De Bruyne ranks in the bottom 79% for successful take-ons, the bottom 54% for progressive carries (3.03) and ranks in the top 45% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.

Hardly the statistics that the supporters have been used to over the years, and it could finally be time for the 33-year-old to think about his future.

Indeed, his contract expires this summer, meaning City could release him for nothing. Much will depend on what happens over the next few weeks, but considering he hasn’t been as productive as in previous seasons, combined with injury problems, De Buryne’s best days are behind him.

Guardiola may look to build a new side around the youngsters he signed in the winter transfer window, as well as those who have progressed through the academy in recent years.

City have let a few youngsters go in the past, however, with several finally showcasing their talents elsewhere. Players such as Morgan Rogers, Roméo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and James Trafford moved away from City in order to secure regular game time at other clubs.

All four have gone on to impress significantly over the years. But could someone who only departed the Etihad in 2020 be their biggest regret?

Man City let "England's next superstar" leave for £0

Now outperforming De Bruyne in the here and now, a certain Jamie Gittens is the player they must regret letting go all those years ago.

He made just two appearances for the City U18 side during the 2019/20 campaign, scoring once, before, like Jadon Sancho, he made the move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2020.

His first two seasons were spent with the youth side, registering 11 goals and five assists, sufficiently impressing boss Marco Rose, who gave him his Bundesliga debut towards the end of the 2021/22 season.

That summer, he signed a three-year contract extension due to take effect on his 18th birthday, and it has been a wise move by Dortmund, especially with his recent rise.

He was introduced to the senior squad slowly, making 20 first-team appearances throughout the 2022/23 season, before this increased to 34 games last term.

The youngster chipped in with two goals and five assists for the club in all competitions while even making a brief appearance in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, although they lost the tie 2-0.

It was all good experience for the 20-year-old as he aims to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots Sancho and Jude Bellingham by using Dortmund as a stepping stone in order to secure a big-money move away from Germany.

Goals

7

Assists

3

Big chances created

6

Successful dribbles per game

2.9

Key passes per game

0.8

Shots per game

1.8

Media outlet Get German Football News dubbed the winger as “England’s next superstar” back in September following an impressive start to the season and he has been so good throughout 2024/25, that the London-born starlet is even outperforming De Bruyne in a number of key performance metrics, proving how good a player he really is.

How Jamie Gittens compares to Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne has registered 11 goal contributions for City this term. For Dortmund, Gittens has scored 11 goals and grabbed four assists for the club in all competitions, with four goals coming in the Champions League.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the previous 365 days, Gittens ranks in the top 6% for progressive carries (5.93), the top 2% for successful take-ons (3.76) and in the top 5% for carries into the penalty area (3.21) per 90, highlighting how effective he has been in the final third, despite his tender years.

In comparison, De Bruyne ranks in the lowest 62% for progressive carries (2.92), the lowest 94% for successful take-ons (0.67), and the top 2% for carries into the opposition penalty area (1.05) when compared to his own peers across Europe’s top five leagues during the same time period.

These contrasting statistics clearly show that Gittens has been the most effective player in dangerous zones for their club and there is no doubt he will secure a move to a massive club sooner rather than later.

City must rue letting him go for nothing back in 2020, especially with his current rise to superstardom. Arsenal are thought to be mulling over a bid worth £83m for the speedster.

It takes some impressive performances to consistently outperform a player such as De Bruyne, but Gittens is doing it and then some this season.

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ByRobbie Walls Mar 9, 2025

West Ham United and manager Graham Potter have made a decision on in-form defender Nayef Aguerd and his future at the London Stadium, amid interest from both Man United and Real Madrid in the Moroccan’s signature.

Nayef Aguerd impressing for Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham

Ex-West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui gave the green-light for Aguerd to make a temporary move to La Liga side Real Sociedad last summer, with the 28-year-old impressing in response.

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Barring the odd spell out through injury, Aguerd has been a mainstay for Sociedad, with Imanol Alguacil starting the African on 19 different occasions in La Liga. According to WhoScored, Aguerd even stands out as their best-performing player by average match rating per 90, with the former Rennes star also making more clearances per game than any of his Sociedad teammates in that time.

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Everton (away)

March 15th

Wolves (away)

April 1st

Bournemouth (home)

April 5th

Liverpool (away)

April 13th

Alguacil was key in convincing Aguerd to swap east London for the Spanish top flight, and the player hasn’t looked back since as many West Ham supporters wonder if he could come back and do a job under Potter next season.

“I came to Real because of the conversation I had with Imanol (Alguacil, coach),” said Aguerd on joining Sociedad. “For me, as a footballer, the coach’s trust is very important and Imanol’s call changed everything. I saw that he was willing to help me, I thought that I could also help the team, and I was clear about that.”

His performances have been so convincing that both Real and United have been credited with a serious interest in recent weeks. Spanish media have reported that Real Madrid are targeting Aguerd ahead of this summer, while it is believed United think West Ham’s defender is perfect for Ruben Amorim.

West Ham make Nayef Aguerd decision ahead of next season

Now, Claret & Hugh writer Sean Whetstone has shared an update from a senior London Stadium source on the central defender’s future. It is claimed that Potter is planning to reintegrate Aguerd next season, and West Ham would reject any offers for the player this summer.

“Nayef Aguerd is in Graham Potter’s plans next season and West Ham would reject any offers for him this summer,” said Whetstone, via X.

“Aguerd is currently on a season-long loan at Real Sociedad, who face Manchester United tonight in the Europa League. The defender has been excellent in La Liga this season after being deemed surplus to requirements by former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.”

Whetstone also reiterates what a behind-the-scenes informant told him in regard to how Potter feels about Aguerd as a player, with the club source stating:

“We want Nayef Aguerd back playing for West Ham now that we are using three centre-backs. Our new manager rates him.”

The former Dijon ace with 53 international caps now looks set to be a pivotal asset for West Ham during Potter’s first full season in charge.

In an attempt to add young reinforcements to an ageing squad this summer, Manchester City are now reportedly ready to sign a rising star who’s been compared to Lionel Messi.

Man City ready to sign Pep's next Messi

No matter who Pep Guardiola has had to privilege of coaching ever since, no player will ever come close to Messi for the Spaniard. The Barcelona legend was arguably at his best during Guardiola’s time at Camp Nou and everywhere the manager has gone he has spread the word of the Argentinian’s brilliance.

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Finding a player even close to his quality would leave the City boss in dreamland, so it should come as no surprise to see the teenager dubbed the Swedish Messi enter the Citizens’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

Those reports come ahead of an important window at The Etihad too. For the first time since Guardiola’s first summer in charge, Manchester City must complete a major overhaul, showing the door to several ageing players in an attempt to make room for some much-needed fresh faces.

The likes of Kenan Yildiz have already threatened to steal the headlines, but those at The Etihad have seemingly set their sights on signing another young star.

According to Football Insider, Manchester City are now ready to sign Roony Bardghji who has been dubbed the Swedish Messi despite being just 19 years old at FC Copenhagen.

The teenager has endured a frustrating season on the sidelines with an ACL injury, but will be looking to pick up where he left off when he returns and potentially completes a move to the Premier League.

As things stand, Manchester City will have the chance to land a bargain deal when Bardghji’s current contract comes to an end in December and he makes an all-important decision.

"Unreal" Bardghji is a future star

Before an ill-timed injury stopped him in his tracks, Bardghji was stealing headline after headline at Copenhagen – scoring 11 goals last season. Now, the aim must be to simply work his way back to that level before realising an increasing potential at just 19 years old.

Whether it’s Manchester City who benefit from that potential will certainly be interesting to see. Guardiola’s record with young players speaks for itself and the fact that Bardghji has already scored against Manchester United in the past should already go a long way towards winning The Etihad over.

City gave the rest of the Premier League a glimpse of their transfer strategy when welcoming young players like Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in January.

Dubbed an “unreal talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Citizens could now sign their most impressive young talent yet in search of rebuilding a dominant side.

As interest continues to arrive over Eberechi Eze’s signature, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards a talented attacking midfielder who could replace their star man.

Man Utd interested in Eze

Among the clubs interested in Eze are Manchester United. The Red Devils are desperate for reinforcements this summer, and as Ruben Amorim searches for the perfect attacking midfielder to slot straight into his 3-4-2-1 system, Eze could be an ideal choice.

The Crystal Palace star has once again been vital for Oliver Glasner’s side, who find themselves in an FA Cup semi-final and pushing for a top-half finish.

Glasner is certainly well aware of Eze’s importance too, albeit in a “strange season”, having told reporters after Crystal Palace thrashed Fulham 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final tie: “I think Ebere has had a strange season, he hasn’t had many goals in the Premier League and he has been unlucky, but he keeps going, he’s also struggled with strange injuries.

“The goal against Latvia and his first for England means a lot for him. He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish. We need this quality, he helped us today massively.”

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It’s the type of quality that has attracted those at Old Trafford, who will reportedly have to splash out as much as £60m if they are to lure the England international away from Selhurst Park this summer.

Palace, of course, have eventually managed to cope without Michael Olise following his departure to Bayern Munich last summer. Now, they’ve reportedly set their sights on a player who could replace Eze in the event of his exit this time around.

Crystal Palace racing to sign Sem Steijn

Already preparing for the worst, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on replacing their star man. According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now battling to sign Sem Steijn from FC Twente this summer, having already sent their scouts to watch the talented attacking midfielder in action in recent months.

The 23-year-old has got better and better in recent seasons, culminating in an incredibly impressive campaign and his best yet in the Netherlands. Scoring 26 goals and assisting a further six goals in all competitions prior to this weekend, it should come as no surprise to see the likes of Jacek Kulig sending praise the Dutchman’s way.

The football talent scout rightfully described Steijn’s season as “amazing” following a campaign which has attracted the interest of Palace, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, among others.

If Eze does depart this summer, the impressive Dutchman should sit top of Crystal Palace’s list of potential replacements.

Chelsea have now joined the race for a “top” goalkeeper, who has been recommended by club legend Didier Drogba, according to a report.

Maresca's goalkeeper problem at Chelsea

Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Enzo Maresca this season, with the manager rotating between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, who have both made errors leading to goals in the Premier League.

Sanchez has made four costly mistakes, which have made the Spaniard the subject of some heavy criticism, and it now appears as though Maresca could look to bring in a replacement in the summer transfer window.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is one of the most recent players to join the shortlist, with the Frenchman potentially set to be available for just £34m, given that his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Chelsea now want £30m Milan star with "incredible speed" ahead of Man City

The Blues have set their sights on a defender, but there could be fierce competition for his signature…

ByDominic Lund Apr 13, 2025

The Blues have made contact over a deal for Maignan, indicating the AC Milan shot-stopper is a serious target for Maresca, but an alternative option has now entered the frame, according to a report from Football Insider.

The player in question is Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, with Chelsea now joining the race for the Ivory Coast international, who has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe with his performances in Ligue 1.

Fofana has no shortage of suitors, with Newcastle United, Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers also interested in a deal, having sent scouts to watch him in action, so there could be stiff competition for his signature.

Maresca’s side are set to conduct a scouting mission of their own this weekend, having been recommended to sign the 24-year-old by club legend Drogba, who has been impressed by his form for Angers and the Ivory Coast.

Fofana impressing in Ligue 1

Previous reports have revealed the Angers shot-stopper could be available for a fee of just £15m, which could be a bargain, given the level of his displays in Ligue 1.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Ivorian as a “top” goalkeeper, while also detailing that he claims crosses well and has a good range of passing, with the latter quality perhaps particularly important if he were to play in a Maresca system.

Maresca has made it clear he wants his goalkeeper to take risks with his passing, which has led to mistakes from Sanchez this season, so the fact that Fofana is a solid passer of the ball is of key significance.

Chelsea may not choose to pursue a new goalkeeper this summer, given that Djordje Petrovic has been impressing on loan at Strasbourg, but if Maresca decides a new option is needed between the sticks, the Angers goalkeeper could be a quality signing.

In what would spark Liverpool’s frontline into life, the Reds are now reportedly strongly positioning themselves to sign an impressive La Liga midfielder, who has a release clause worth as much as £68m.

Liverpool's summer plans begin to take shape

In most circumstances, the question over just how the champions-elect improve such a talented side is the one posed. But Liverpool have been far from perfect this season and whilst they deserve their pending crown, there are still improvements to make in Arne Slot’s side. The glaring problems have come at both left-back and within their frontline this season – two problems that could be addressed this summer.

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ByAngus Sinclair Apr 16, 2025

Starting at left-back, Slot could replace the struggling Andy Robertson with the in-form Milos Kerkez. The Reds are reportedly interested in signing the Bournemouth star in a deal worth £45m in the coming months. At just 21 years old, there’s no doubt that the Hungarian would provide a permanent solution down Liverpool’s left-hand side.

On the striker front, meanwhile, the Reds have reportedly set their sights on Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, who has an increasing list of admirers. In a deal that will cost over £100m, it will certainly be interesting to see whether those at Anfield are prepared to break their transfer record.

Of course, their need for an attacking overhaul has been lessened slightly by the news of Mohamed Salah’s new contract, which will keep him at the club until at least 2027. Keeping hold of the Egyptian couldn’t be more important following the season that he’s enjoyed whilst those around him have faltered in front of goal on several occasions.

Away from both left-back and their frontline though, another Liverpool target has seemingly emerged and one that would complete Slot’s midfield once and for all.

Liverpool positioning themselves to sign Oihan Sancet

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now strongly positioning themselves to sign Oihan Sancet this summer despite a rumoured release clause worth €80m (£68m) at Athletic Bilbao. Whether those at Anfield skip the release clause and aim to negotiate with the La Liga club remains to be seen, but any talks will be made that much harder by reports that Bilbao are keen to keep hold of their midfield star.

Described as “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Sancet has certainly earned the chance to complete a big move this summer following another excellent campaign in Spain.

The 24-year-old has scored a stunning 16 goals in 29 games in all competitions from attacking midfield this season, highlighting the offensive spark that he would provide the current Liverpool side – one they’ve perhaps lacked at times when Salah has misfired.

It may be a tired cliché, but it’s true: this season has been a real roller coaster for Arsenal.

Everything started well enough, with some positive results in challenging games, but it all seemed to go wrong following Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The team started getting more silly suspensions, injuries began piling up, and it felt like every other result was a draw.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side struggled domestically, they thrived in Europe, and now just two games stand between them and the Champions League final.

Two of the players who have endured a topsy-turvey season of their own have been Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard, and to ensure the latter is available for the Paris Saint Germain game next week, Arteta should take him out of the team for tonight’s clash.

Merino & Trossard's season so far

It was a cosmically unlucky start to the season for Merino, as, following a summer-long transfer saga, he fractured his shoulder in his first training session as an Arsenal player, which saw him miss the first couple of months of the campaign.

When he did return, it was clear that he was rusty, and while the match-going fans didn’t get on his back, there was a palpable sense in the fanbase that maybe signing him had been a mistake.

However, when Kai Havertz was ruled out following surgery on his hamstring in February, the Spaniard was suddenly tasked with leading the line, and even though he’d never played up top in his career, he looked right at home, scoring two goals away to Leicester City after coming off the bench.

Over the next couple of months, he further added to his tally with goals against PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Fulham while also providing two assists in the Bernabeu and another at Portman Road at the weekend, when he was moved back into the midfield to prepare for Thomas Partey’s absence against PSG.

In his place, the manager started Trossard, who, after a lacklustre first half of the campaign, has begun to show signs of the old clinical attacker who’s been a serious asset to the club since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023.

For example, he scored away at PSV and away at Everton and then picked up a brilliantly taken brace against Ipswich Town on the weekend, which displayed his excellent ability to fire off shots in tight, congested penalty areas.

It was the sort of performance that will almost certainly see him start the first leg of the Champions League semi-final next week, which is why he shouldn’t start tonight.

However, as Merino needs to further bed into the left-eight role ahead of that game, he shouldn’t be the one to replace the Belgian either.

The Arsenal star who should start in place of Trossard

So, with the injury situation still far from ideal and Raheem Sterling simply not in contention at this point, the most logical player to start in place of Trossard tonight would be Ethan Nwaneri.

Now, we know that might sound a little too far, but Arteta has already spoken in the past about how he sees the teenager being able to play there and then in an interview with the Standard’s Simon Collings following the win over Ipswich, the Hale Ender claimed that he can play as a striker.

Moreover, if this season has told us anything about the “unplayable” phenomenon, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, it’s that he knows where the goal is.

Appearances

33

Minutes

1294′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

117.63′

For example, in just 33 appearances, totalling 1294 minutes, the Enfield-born dynamo has scored nine goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a really impressive average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 117.63 minutes.

Finally, the teenage sensation has also shown over and over again that he is simply unfazed by everything, and while other players his age might well find it too daunting to lead the line for a club like Arsenal, we imagine he’ll just take it in his stride, as he has with everything else asked of him.

Ultimately, Trossard is too important to be risked in a relatively meaningless game like tonight, and with Merino needing more time to get used to the left-eight role ahead of PSG next week, it feels like the perfect time to start Nwaneri up top.

Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Chelsea have been actively on the hunt for a new striker over the last couple of years, looking to add another dimension to Enzo Maresca’s front line as a result.

However, the hierarchy have still been unable to provide the Italian with the star he needs at the top end of the pitch, which could see the club potentially miss out on a top five place in the Premier League.

Their hunt isn’t through a lack of trying, with the hierarchy splashing over £1.3b on new additions since May 2022, handing the boss the tools needed for success.

This summer could be the perfect time for a new striker to arrive, making the side a completely different beast in their pursuit of returning to top-flight glory.

With the summer window just around the corner, numerous names have already been touted with switches to Stamford Bridge, many of which have previously been on the club’s radar.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker this summer

At this point, there are very few elite-level strikers who haven’t been touted with a move to join Chelsea, with the hierarchy targeting the best options for Maresca in the market.

Victor Osimhen is one player who’s been on the radar for a number of years now, with former Blue John Obi Mikel claiming that the Nigerian wants to join the club ahead of 2025/26.

No progress has been made despite such comments, but there has been movement over a potential deal for Celtic’s star man Daizen Maeda, according to TBR.

The report claims the 27-year-old has been scouted by the Blues on multiple occasions this season, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham also in the race for his signature.

It also goes on to state that the Japanese international is currently under contract until the summer of 2027, with the Scottish champions demanding £25m to part ways this summer.

Why Chelsea’s £25m target would be better than Jackson

Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s number one option at centre-forward over the last two years after joining the club from Spanish side Villarreal back in 2023.

The Senegalese international has registered 31 goals in his 76 appearances for the Blues, with his latest two coming in the Europa Conference League triumph over Swedish side Djurgarden.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the 23-year-old, struggling with injuries throughout the last few months, resulting in a spell on the sidelines which left Maresca without a recognised striker.

Despite his tally of 12 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, the manager evidently wants a more clinical option in the final third, leading to links around Celtic talisman Maeda.

The Japanese star has scored 33 times during the current season, outscoring both Jackson and fellow transfer target Osimhen, having the tools to thrive in the Premier League.

When comparing his stats to those of the current Chelsea forward, he’s massively outperformed him to date, subsequently offering the manager the added threat he desires in attacking areas.

Maeda, who’s been labelled a “physical beast” by one of his coaches, has managed more combined goals and assists – handing the club the added attacking threat they need to take them to the next level.

Games played

31

28

Goals & assists

25

15

Pass accuracy

83%

76%

Chances created

1.6

1.1

Dribble success rate

43%

37%

Aerials won

40%

35%

Touches in opposition box

6.5

6.1

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted to date, whilst creating more chances than Jackson, handing other players the opportunity around him to impress within the final third.

The Celtic’s star talents haven’t stopped just there, completing more of the dribbles and winning more aerials – subsequently handing Maresca an all-round option in the attacking third.

The £25m fee for his signature could well prove to be a bargain, having the tools to cement his place at the top end of the pitch and take the Blues to the next level.

However, given the interest from elsewhere for his signature, the hierarchy will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for him, finally ending their massive hunt for a new talisman.

109 touches, 98% passing: Chelsea may have found a bigger star than George

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1 ByEthan Lamb May 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur went into last weekend on something of an increasingly rare high.

For everything else that has gone wrong this season, the North Londoners had just secured their place in the Europa League Final, and therefore the chance to make this campaign a memorable one.

Unfortunately, the little positivity there among the crowd quickly disappeared as Ange Postecoglou oversaw yet another dismal showing in the Premier League, which ultimately ended in the club picking up their 20th league defeat in the competition.

Unsurprisingly, then, reports have continued to emerge linking the club with a host of new managers, including one who’s got Champions League experience and would be a massive upgrade on Postecoglou.

Tottenham's manager search

With the domestic campaign being as much of a disaster as it has this year, it’s hardly been a surprise that, in recent weeks anyway, there has been an avalanche of reports linking the club to a plethora of top managers, like Marco Silva and Simone Inzaghi.

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Since taking charge of Fulham in 2021, the former has helped transform the Cottagers from a Championship side who’d come up and go straight back down on a regular basis into a comfortable mid-table side.

However, with little to no experience in managing a truly big club, the spotlight in North London could be a little too bright for the Portuguese coach.

In contrast, Inzaghi would be an incredible appointment down to his brilliant record with Lazio and Inter Milan, but due to the incredible work he’s done at the San Siro, it feels like hiring him is nothing more than a pipe dream.

So, this need to strike a balance between attainable and exciting might help explain the links to Roberto De Zerbi that have popped up in recent weeks.

For example, it was reported late last month that the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is someone appreciated by many at Spurs, and then only last week, talkSPORT revealed that he’d be open to returning to the Premier League this summer.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but one thing is certain: he’d be a significant upgrade on Postecoglou.

How De Zerbi compares to Postecoglou

So, if Spurs are able to convince the Italian coach that they’re the perfect club for him to take charge of ahead of next season, why would he do a better job than Postecoglou?

Well, the first thing to look at is their respective records in English football, as while the Australian has a marginally better one, it should be far greater given the size of Tottenham compared to Brighton and the nature of the latter constantly losing their biggest talents.

For example, the former Celtic manager has managed 98 games in England, of which his side has won 46, drawn 14 and lost 38, which comes out to a points-per-game average of 1.55 – a number seriously helped by the ten-game-winning streak from the start of last season.

Games (All Comps)

89

35

98

Wins

38

20

46

Draws

20

5

14

Losses

31

10

38

Points per Game

1.51

1.86

1.55

In contrast, the former Sassuolo boss managed to win 38 of his 89 games in charge of the Seagulls, drawing 20 and losing 31, which comes out to a points-per-game average of 1.51.

However, since moving to Marseille, the “genius” tactician, as dubbed by analyst Statman Dave, has overseen 20 wins, five losses and 10 defeats, which comes out to a far more impressive point-per-game average of 1.86.

Moreover, the fact he’s managed at a club as massive and intense as the French giants is another big plus; if he’s been able to cope with the pressures on the French Riviera, he’d be fine in North London – which hasn’t been the case for Postecoglou this year.

Finally, on top of doing well in France, the 45-year-old is often credited with being something of an innovator, with Pep Guardiola, of all people, describing him as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.”

Ultimately, it now feels like there is no future for Ange at Spurs, and while he might not be as big a name as some would like, De Zerbi is the perfect combination of gettable, exciting and capable of handling big clubs.

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