All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester United are now racing Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signature of a “total footballer”, who is attracting growing interest from across Europe.

Man Utd eyeing midfielder amid Mainoo uncertainty

There are now doubts over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford, with it recently being revealed the young Englishman is pressuring INEOS to sell him to Real Madrid in January, viewing the Santiago Bernabéu as a dream destination.

Mainoo has been unable to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans, having made just two appearances in the Premier League so far this season, both of which coming as a substitute.

It is perhaps no surprise the 20-year-old is looking to leave his boyhood club, given that receiving regular game time will be crucial to his chances of going to the 2026 World Cup, having been omitted from the most recent England squad.

"Massive fan" – Gerrard has named Man Utd legend among his "favourite players"

Steven Gerrard has made it clear he is a huge admirer of a former Manchester United star.

ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025

With the youngster’s future up in the air, the Red Devils are looking to sign a new midfielder, identifying Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba as a target, and they are expected to hold a meeting with the 21-year-old.

Baleba is not the only young central midfielder on the shortlist, however, with a report from Caught Offside revealing that Man United have now joined the race for Ajax maestro Jorthy Mokio, who is attracting growing interest from across Europe.

The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on Mokio, who is capable of playing in both defensive midfield and at centre-back, with the 17-year-old’s versatility deemed to be one of his key strengths.

Ajax are eager to keep hold of the teenager, whose contract doesn’t expire until 2027, but a bid in the region of €30m (£26m) could make the Dutch club reconsider their stance.

"Total footballer" Mokio is one for the future

The Gent-born midfielder/defender has already established himself as a first-team regular for Ajax, which is an encouraging sign, making 22 appearances for the Eredivisie side, and scout Ben Mattinson believes he is a very talented youngster.

Mattinson also adds: “Mokio on the ball is exceptional. Sprays passes effortlessly and plays through the press like a quality midfielder.”

The Ajax starlet’s defensive ability has been on display regularly over the course of the past year, while also proving himself as an impressive dribbler of the ball.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Blocks

2.82 (99th percentile)

Clearances

2.35 (84th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.25 (94th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.03 (92nd percentile)

With Baleba expected to cost over £100m, it would make sense for Man United to target a low-cost alternative, and Mokio’s potential availability for around £26m makes him an attractive option.

Combine that price tag with his ability to play at centre-back too, notably hailed as “one of the most talented teenage CBs in world football” by scout Jacek Kulig, this is certainly a saga to keep an eye on.

While it hasn’t been the perfect start to the season for Arsenal, it’s been a pretty good one.

Mikel Arteta’s side have had to play Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United in the Premier League, and have come out with seven points out of a possible 12 from those specific games.

Add to that thumping wins over Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, and a good 2-0 win away to Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, and it’s hard not to be optimistic about the campaign ahead.

However, there have still been a few problems here and there, whether it be mounting injuries or a perceived lack of threat, especially when it comes to the club’s new talisman, Viktor Gyokeres.

It’s been a mixed start to life in England for the Swede, which isn’t helped by a former Arsenal striker outperforming him on the continent.

Gyokeres' start to the season with Arsenal

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, it’s worth stating that, despite what some would have you believe online, Gyokeres has not had a terrible start to his Arsenal career, far from it.

However, it’s equally true that, so far anyway, the former Sporting CP star has not been the monstrous goal machine some had thought or hoped he’d be. After all, this is a player who found the net on over 50 occasions last term in Portugal.

He is officially the best striker in the world, so the Ballon d’Or awards would have you believe, anyway, so this certainly wasn’t a poor use of funds over the summer.

However, while he scored a wonderful goal and a penalty against Leeds, and then got himself another against Forest, it would be fair to say that the 27-year-old has struggled somewhat in the big games.

Granted, a significant reason he hasn’t been able to find the back of the net in the big games is the lack of service he’s received from his teammates, but even then, the very best strikers in world football can create their own chances.

His performance against Newcastle was a bit of a mixed bag as well.

While he held up the ball well at times, made some good runs and even won a penalty, which was then overturned, he still failed to do the most crucial thing: score.

Moreover, there were more than a few moments in which he got his feet stuck under himself, or took a touch too many and lost the ball in an advantageous position.

Yet, with all that said, it’s still early in the season, and as his teammates get more and more comfortable with his style of play, there is every chance he becomes that goal machine so many thought he’d be.

However, as things stand, he is currently being outperformed by a former Arsenal star whom Arteta let leave for free.

The former Arsenal star outperforming Gyokeres

While there are probably a few Arsenal players who could fit this label at the moment, the star in question is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabonese striker joined the Gunners back in the 2018 winter window, and to say he justified his £56m price tag would be a massive understatement.

The former Borussia Dortmund star would go on to become the fastest player in the club’s history to score 50 goals; he’d play a crucial role in their 2020 FA Cup triumph and even wear the captain’s armband at points.

However, after the goals began to dry up, and he fell out with Arteta over discipline and his off-the-pitch behaviour, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement in January 2022, which allowed him to join Barcelona for free in the same month.

He’d only stay in Spain for half a season before spending a dreadful year back in London with Chelsea, after which he made his way to Marseille, and once again regained his out-of-this-world ability.

In a single campaign in the South of France, the former Arsenal star scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 51 appearances, but instead of staying on, he made a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.

Unsurprisingly, the “world-class” striker, as dubbed by Behdad Eghbali, also performed brilliantly in the Middle Eastern state, racking up an impressive tally of 24 goal involvements in 36 games for Al-Qadsiah.

Fortunately, the Laval-born monster felt the urge to return to European football this season and rejoined Marseille in the summer.

Since his return to the French giants, the 36-year-old has once again shown his quality, scoring three goals and providing one assist in just six appearances, totalling 337 minutes.

Appearances

6

8

Minutes

337′

572′

Goals

3

3

Assists

1

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.66

0.37

Minutes per Goal Involvement

84.25′

190.66′

In other words, he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.5 games, or every 84.25 minutes, which, unfortunately for Arteta and Co, means he’s currently outperforming Gyokeres, and by some margin.

For comparison’s sake, the Swede’s three goal involvements in eight appearances, totalling 572 minutes, come out to an average of one every 2.66 games, or every 190.66 minutes.

Ultimately, it would probably be untrue to claim that Aubameyang is currently a better striker than Gyokeres, but Arsenal fans will be hoping the former Sporting star can start putting the ball in the back of the net more regularly as the season goes on.

Arsenal have signed a "Fabregas-type" player and he's "near-perfect"

The international ace has been a monster for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 29, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now been handed an opportunity to sign an “unbelievable” Premier League attacker, according to a report.

Wolves remain in relegation dogfight

The Vitor Pereira era is off to a largely positive start, but Wolves are outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone, and Ipswich Town have started to put in some improved performances over the past few weeks.

As such, the Old Gold may have to strengthen this January to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding the drop, and it is vitally important they sign a new centre-back, given their very poor defensive record.

Pereira has moved swiftly to rectify his side’s defensive woes, having now reached an agreement to sign Stade Reims’ Emmanuel Agbadou in a deal worth a reported €20m (£16.6m).

The lack of defensive solidity has been the main factor in Wolves’ disappointing first half of the season, as they have been impressive at times in an attacking sense, with Matheus Cunha already notching 10 Premier League goals.

However, the Old Gold are still looking to strengthen in midfield, having held agent talks over a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, and they have now been offered the opportunity to sign an attacking midfielder.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (a)

January 15th

Chelsea (a)

January 20th

Arsenal (h)

January 25th

Aston Villa (h)

February 1st

Liverpool (a)

February 16th

According to a report from Caught Offside, Newcastle United have decided to let Miguel Almiron leave this month, with the Magpies looking to receive a fee of around €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m).

Almiron’s services have been offered to a number of Premier League clubs, namely Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Wolves, while there are also a number of foreign clubs interested.

Although he was once considered an important player by Eddie Howe, the Paraguayan has fallen down the pecking order at St. James’ Park, and it looks like he could be on the move this month.

Almiron still has a lot left to give

Although the 30-year-old is out of favour at Newcastle, there is no reason why he wouldn’t be a good signing for Wolves, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years.

Wolves hold talks over move for midfielder with £16m+ transfer possible

He’s been described as a “machine.”

ByBarney Lane Jan 6, 2025

Former Hibernian man Tam McManus lauded the attacker just over two years ago, saying: “He has that pace to get in behind and he has been integral to Newcastle this season, there seems to be a real steel about Newcastle.

“It’s ever since those comments Jack Grealish made about Almiron, maybe that spurred him on. That can happen to a player.

“But Almiron, in any case, has been absolutely unbelievable for Newcastle so far this season and hopefully it continues.”

During the 2022-23 campaign, the Paraguay international bagged 11 goals in 34 games, and if he is able to rediscover that form, he could play a key role in helping Wolves avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Having already signed Romain Esse, Crystal Palace have now reportedly submitted an opening bid to sign a defender who could be handed the eventual task of replacing Tyrick Mitchell.

Crystal Palace transfer news

The Eagles have already completed one January swoop to sign young attacking midfielder Esse from Millwall and have already seemingly set their sights on further reinforcements. The former Championship star arrived for a reported £14.5m fee and could make his Premier League debut in the coming weeks under Oliver Glasner.

Welcoming the new signing, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to welcome Romain to Crystal Palace, and we’re looking forward to working with him to continue his impressive progress to date.

“Romain is the type of player who gets crowds off their seats – the type of player long associated with South London and Crystal Palace Football Club – and everyone at the club is looking forward to watching him shine on the pitch, and fulfil his exciting potential.”

As one star arrives, however, Palace could be forced to replace another amid reports recently linking Manchester United with a move for Mitchell, who is out of contract in the summer.

Crystal Palace could sign immediate upgrade on Esse all for £25m

Crystal Palace announced the signing of Romaine Esse on Saturday.

ByConnor Holden Jan 19, 2025

In pursuit of a wing-back, the Red Devils could attempt to land a bargain deal as Crystal Palace struggle to agree a fresh deal with their defender in the closing months of his current contract. Set to lose Mitchell for free in the summer, the Eagles could act as soon as this month.

According to Fotospor, via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace submitted an opening bid worth €15m (£13m) to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf this month but have seen that offer rejected by Slavia Prague, who value their left-back at around €20m (£17m) this month.

"Dominant" Diouf could replace Mitchell

Although they reportedly saw their first offer turned down, Palace have still got just over a week to match Slavia Prague’s £17m price tag for Diouf this month. All signs are pointing towards a player capable of becoming a top left-back at the same time that Mitchell’s current direction is towards the exit door – handing Palace a simple answer to a pending problem.

The 20-year-old has impressed in the current campaign, especially going forward. In 28 appearances, Diouf has managed as many as nine goal involvements, having scored six and assisted another three, to highlight his standout attacking ability.

Earning plenty of praise as a result, analyst Rohit Kumaran described Diouf as “physically dominant” and a player with “quick feet” in his recent assessment of the rising star.

As Mitchell edges closer and closer to the exit door at Selhurst Park, Palace would be wise to keep their sights set on signing Diouf either this month or in the summer.

Xavi Simons’ start to life at Tottenham has been fairly slow, already raising some concerns about the club’s hefty investment in the Dutchman.

Thomas Frank dealt Xavi Simons concern at Tottenham

The 22-year-old struggled to influence the game once again during Spurs’ 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at home in the Premier League on Sunday.

Since his high-profile move from RB Leipzig in the summer, which could end up costing the club a whopping £125 million in total when factoring in wages over a potential seven-year deal (Paul O’Keefe), expectations have been sky-high for Simons to inject creativity and flair.

Appearances

25

Minutes played

2,157

Goals

10

Assists

7

Bookings

5

Shots at goal per 90 minutes

2

Passing accuracy

82.9%

Average match rating

7.32

via WhoScored

However, his performances so far have largely fallen short of those hopes, with many fans and pundits noting Simons’ inability to make his mark in the way those at the club envisioned.

One of the most glaring concerns has been Simons’ output — or rather, the lack of it.

Despite being touted as a dynamic playmaker to replace the injured James Maddison, capable of unlocking defenses with clever passes and incisive dribbling, he has struggled to consistently make an impact in the final third.

So far, Simons has registered just one goal contribution, which came during his Premier League debut, and even that was an in-swinging cross from a corner for Pape Sarr to head home against struggling West Ham.

Part of the problem may be attributed to the pressure of living up to his big-money price tag at a club with high expectations.

The weight of that can sometimes hamper a young player’s confidence, especially in a league known for its intensity and competitiveness. Moreover, adapting to a completely new environment, manager and tactical setup takes time, and the Netherlands international’s early struggles could be a reflection of this adjustment period.

Interestingly, Thomas Frank has been told by some members of the media that Simons isn’t a playmaker at all, but this is hardly reflective of the numbers during his time at Leipzig.

The former PSG sensation, who was also a member of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy during his time as a youth player, racked up 11 goals and eight assists in 33 total appearances for Leipzig last season — even despite missing a good portion of 24/25 with an ankle problem.

Simons did deliver a good portion of those numbers in a CAM role, including a match-winning performance against Borussia Dortmund and brace at home to Werder Bremen, but he impressed out on the left too during his final Bundesliga matches for Leipzig.

Frank could have some experimenting to do, and Lucas Bergvall could be deployed in a more advanced midfield role with the Dane playing centrally, Simons out wide and Mohammed Kudus on the right.

In the meantime, though, Simons is attracting criticism from on-lookers.

Gabriel Agbonlahor gives scathing Xavi Simons verdict after Tottenham loss

Following Spurs’ disappointing loss to Villa, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor gave a scathing verdict about Simons when debating who would get into a team combining both sides’ best players.

Despite his challenges, it’s worth noting that Simons is still young and has shown flashes of his talent in glimpses during games.

His technical ability, vision and dribbling are evident when he finds space, and Tottenham’s coaching staff will be keen to work closely with him to help unlock his potential.

Meanwhile, Frank has already leaped to the player’s defence — insisting he needs more time to bed in.

Celtic continued their march towards a fourth straight league title with an emphatic 4-0 victory over St Johnstone at Parkhead in their last outing of 2024 on Sunday.

The Hoops end the calendar year with a bang and are now a whopping 14 points clear of Rangers in second place ahead of their Old Firm clash with their city rivals on Thursday.

Brendan Rodgers will surely have been delighted with the dominant nature of his side’s performance on Sunday, taking 30 shots and creating six ‘big chances’ – scoring four.

The defence, which was much-changed with Alistair Johnston and Alex Valle coming in, also kept the away side at bay, restricting them to one shot and zero ‘big chances’ created, which meant that Kasper Schmeichel had yet another quiet afternoon in Glasgow.

It was a thoroughly deserved three points and the confidence should be high heading into the game against Rangers at Ibrox in the first match of 2025.

One player who should be full of confidence for that all-Glasgow clash should be central midfielder Paulo Bernardo, who put in an excellent display against St Johnstone.

Paulo Bernardo's performance against St Johnstone

The Portuguese maestro was given another chance to impress by Rodgers despite his struggles against Motherwell in the previous Scottish Premiership outing.

Bernardo had lost seven of his eight duels and failed to take a shot on goal or create a ‘big chance’ for the team in his time on the pitch in that 4-0 win for the Hoops.

The summer signing from Benfica was given an opportunity to make up for that performance by bouncing straight back with a strong display against St Johnstone, which is exactly what he did.

Bernardo won three of his six duels and made two tackles and two interceptions, without being dribbled past once, which illustrates how much his defensive work improved from the Motherwell game to Sunday’s clash.

There was also an improvement from the midfield whiz, who was on loan at Parkhead in the 2023/24 campaign, with his work in possession for the Scottish giants.

Minutes

90

Key passes

2

Big chances created

1

Pass accuracy

87%

Shots

3

As you can see in the table above, Bernardo created two chances for his teammates and troubled the opposition’s goal with three efforts of his own.

One of his shots led to Kyogo Furuhashi’s first goal, as the midfielder’s close-range effort was parried to the striker, and one of his key passes assisted Daizen Maeda’s goal, with a sublime through ball between the lines to send the Japan international through.

There was one Celtic player, however, who may be looking over his shoulder in the January transfer window, as his performances have been lacklustre – Hyun-jun Yang.

Why Hyun-jun Yang should be moved on

The South Korean winger was given another chance to shine after winning a penalty in the 4-0 win over Motherwell, but struggled to stamp his mark on the match.

Yang was the only member of the starting set of midfielders and forwards to end the match without a goal or an assist, as Bernardo, Reo Hatate, and Arne Engels all registered assists, and Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn both scored.

The young forward did not register any shots on goal and failed with five of his eight attempted dribbles, losing possession 19 times in total, which shows that he struggled to make a real impact in the final third.

A lack of end product has been an issue throughout his time in Glasgow so far. Despite reportedly earning more (£6k-per-week) than Bernardo (£5.8k-per-week) – per Salary Sport – he has produced far less in front of goal.

Appearances

33

39

Goals

1

5

Big chances missed

6

7

Big chances created

7

9

Assists

3

6

As you can see in the table above, the Portuguese star, who is the same age as Yang (22), has offered far more to the team at the top end of the pitch, despite playing in a midfield position, rather than out wide.

The South Korean winger has, quite simply, not produced much in the way of quality in the final third in the Premiership, with four direct goal contributions in 33 matches.

At the age of 22, there is no need for Celtic to write him off and cash in. However, a loan move to another club where he can go and play regularly and hone his skills before returning to Parkhead to compete for a spot in the team for the 2025/26 campaign.

Yang could benefit from going, perhaps to another team in the Premiership or to another side in Europe, out on loan to find some consistency in his performances, rather than dipping in and out of the Hoops team throughout the season.

Sending the South Korean talent out on loan would also free up a space in the squad for the Scottish giants to bring in a new player to bolster the squad.

What Celtic could do out wide in January

It was recently reported that Rodgers would like to bring in a left winger to improve his options ahead of the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

Chalkboard

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

The job for the recruitment team is to, then, find suitable options to come in and provide an upgrade on Yang, who could then be brutally binned from the squad to go out on loan in January.

Celtic are reportedly interested in Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter and the Norway U21 international could come in to provide more quality at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

28

Goals

5

Big chances missed

5

Assists

5

Big chances created

12

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old ace could offer more as both a scorer and a creator of goals than Yang, if his form translates to Scottish football.

Whether it is Orjasaeter or another signing, bringing in a new forward in January would mean that Celtic could bin the South Korean youngster, who could benefit from going out on loan.

Rodgers could land big Maeda upgrade in Celtic swoop for £5m talent

Celtic could improve the quality of their attack by making this signing in January.

ByDan Emery Dec 27, 2024

Sheffield Wednesday’s joint administrator has confirmed there are “already four or five interested parties that look like the real deal” as the club head toward new ownership.

The Owls, bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, went into administration on Friday and have been handed a 12-point deduction by the English Football League.

The EFL is also currently investigating further breaches of its financial regulations and has not ruled out another points deduction this season, the PA news agency understands.

Sheffield Wednesday administrator reveals buyers and criteria

Kris Wigfield, joint administrator with insolvency firm Begbies Traynor, told BBC Five Live’s Wake Up to Money programme that new owners could be in place by the end of the year.

Wigfield said: “As always, you get a lot of interested parties that probably aren’t going to meet the criteria, but within the numerous inquiries we’ve had, we certainly think that there are already four or five interested parties that look like the real deal.

“There are two criteria that new owners basically need to satisfy to then open dialogue and there to be an opportunity where they can make an offer.

“The first thing is they need to show the administrators that they could make the football club viable. So they’ve got to show that they’ve got sufficient funds to be able to fund it for the next few years.

“And secondly, we have to be satisfied that they will pass the EFL fit and proper persons test, and if they can satisfy both of those, then we’ll start talking to them seriously.”

Wigfield, a Wednesday season ticket holder since 1984, said that under EFL rules the club have to stay on the market for 28 days, adding: “I’m hopeful that by the end of November, if things go well, we might know who’s going to buy the football club.”

Wednesday’s financial problems under former owner Dejphon Chansiri, who bought the club in 2015, reached crisis point in the summer and they were placed under various embargoes amid tax debts and failing to pay players and staff on time.

The club were bottom of the Sky Bet Championship even before going into administration, with just one league win this season, and are now on minus six points, 16 from safety.

A tough battle to avoid relegation now appears to be nigh on impossible but it is understood the EFL does not think a possible further points sanction would deter potential new owners as it would also be applied this season.

PA also understands that the government’s new Independent Football Regulator, due to formally take office this autumn, is shadowing the EFL throughout Wednesday’s administration process.

Celtic have the chance to win their first piece of silverware of the 2024/25 campaign today as they face Rangers at Hampden Park in the League Cup final.

The Hoops were knocked out of this competition by Kilmarnock last season and had to watch on from afar as their Glasgow rivals lifted the trophy.

Brendan Rodgers can make up for that by winning it this time around and his side come into the match off the back of a 0-0 draw with Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

The Northern Irish head coach may look to make a couple of changes from the starting XI that lined up in Croatia, including the return of Arne Engels to the team.

Why Arne Engels should start against Rangers

The summer signing from Augsburg could be brought back into the line-up because his performances on the big stage have been impressive so far this season.

Engels has recorded three assists in two matches in the League Cup, including two assists against Aberdeen in the semi-final, and this speaks to the creative quality he can bring to the side.

The Belgium international has also scored one goal and provided three assists in six appearances in the Champions League, further proving that the young gem can step up to provide contributions in the final third in big matches for the Hoops.

Engels could come in to replace Paulo Bernardo and the 21-year-old starlet may not be the only change, as Rodgers could boldly unleash Adam Idah from the start ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi.

Why Adam Idah should start against Rangers

The former Leicester and Liverpool boss must bring the Ireland international in from the start because he has the physical qualities to suit starting a big match.

Chalkboard

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

Kyogo lost 100% (4/4) of his duels and completed just three passes in 72 minutes against Dinamo Zagreb, whilst Idah won 100% (2/2) of his duels and completed three passes in 18 minutes off the bench.

The 6 foot 3 marksman can hold the ball up and get involved in the build-up phase more effectively than Kyogo, who struggles to get into matches at times due to his lack of physicality.

Appearances

14

12

Starts

10

5

Goals

6

5

Big chances missed

14

8

Duel success rate

35%

42%

Aerial duel success rate

20%

56%

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese forward has only scored one more goal than Idah in the Scottish Premiership, despite starting twice as many games and missing six more ‘big chances’.

The Irishman, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Rodgers, has also won a far greater percentage of his duels and aerial contests, which illustrates how much more the former Norwich man brings to the game from a physical perspective.

Therefore, the Celtic boss must boldly unleash Idah ahead of regular starter Kyogo, who could be a fantastic option off the bench if the team needs a goal in the second half, given his return of eight goals in 15 clashes with Rangers.

Kuhn 2.0: Celtic lining up move for star with "incredible potential"

Celtic are reportedly interested in a swoop for the talented young midfielder.

ByDan Emery Dec 13, 2024

Chelsea are in fast-moving talks to offload a “very big” player in their squad, with his suitors apparently eager to get him tied up and over the line by the very start of January.

Chelsea prepare for Astana as Enzo Maresca confirms squad decision

The west Londoners are back in action this afternoon, as manager Enzo Maresca prepares his side to face off against Kazakhstani minnows Astana in the Conference League.

Chelsea set eye-watering Cole Palmer price tag as Real Madrid circle

The ex-Man City gem is fast becoming a Premier League superstar.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 11, 2024

Chelsea have been allocated a bizarre kick-off time of 15:30 this afternoon due to time zones, with Kazakhstan being five hours ahead of the United Kingdom, so local supporters will watch the two teams play at around 20:30 in their region of the world.

Maresca also has to factor in their Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday, and the Italian has vowed in his pre-match press conference to give as many players as possible a full 90 minutes each week, no matter what competition.

“We have a session this morning,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s line up against Astana in his pre-match press conference.

“The general decision [over the squad] is already there but we will see.

“Some of them will be here, some of them will fly with us. We try to manage in the same way we have done until today. We have many young players with us, the rest will be working.

“The target since we started the season is to allow all of them, no matter the competition, to play 90 minutes every week. Most of those who play tomorrow would have also played against Southampton last week. So we will try to keep them in the regular situation of playing 90 minutes every week. This is what we’re trying to do.”

Brentford (home)

December 15

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

Crystal Palace (away)

January 4

Youngster Josh Acheampong has attracted recent interest from Real Madrid amid disputes over a new Chelsea contract, but his omission from the squad has come to an end recently, as the club are apparently close to tying him down with an extension.

The 18-year-old is also likely to start against Astana this afternoon, confirms Maresca, which would be his second senior appearance of the season after a brief cameo in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.

A player who could also feature tonight is exit-linked midfielder Cesare Casadei, but according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, tonight could be one of his last games in Chelsea blue this season.

Chelsea in fast-moving talks over loaning Cesare Casadei to Monza

As per the outlet, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are in rapid negotiations over loaning Casadei to Monza, and the Serie A side are very keen to sign him by January 2, as they desperately look to bolster their midfield options.

Talks are said to be “moving quickly” and have been ongoing for several weeks, and the potential transfer is seen as a real win-win.

The 21-year-old, who worked with Maresca at Leicester, has featured regularly in cup competitions and attracted praise from Chelsea’s head coach – but this move would allow the player to garner more minutes in his homeland.

“This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder,” said Maresca on Casadei’s use for Chelsea in October.

“The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”

Arsenal could look to part ways with a “creative player” in the January transfer window, after he’s been left “frustrated” by manager Mikel Arteta.

Players who could leave Arsenal next year

The Gunners could part ways with a few first-team players once we reach the beginning of 2025.

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Kieran Tierney is back from his hamstring injury, which previously kept him out since Euro 2024, and the Scotland international even featured on Arteta’s bench for their impressive 5-1 win away at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

However, the consensus is that Tierney has accepted he will be sold by Arsenal, with Arteta looking to potentially give him more game time in the build up to January so the left-back can attract suitors.

West Ham United (away)

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Man United (home)

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Fulham (away)

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Everton (home)

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Crystal Palace (away)

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Poland international Jakub Kiwior is also expected to leave Arsenal in the near future, having played a bit-part role this season, while Emirates Stadium hierarchy are set to make big decisions on the long-term futures of midfield duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Both players are out of contract at the end of this Premier League season, and there is a belief that Jorginho is being tempted by Besiktas with a move to the Turkish Süper Lig.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected in the beautiful game after 10 years working in recruitment at Old Trafford, has also cast doubt on the futures of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.

“There are three players at the club they’d be looking to sell,” said Brown to Football Insider.

“And that’s Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney. They’re not in the manager’s plans. When it comes to sales, you have to look at who your assets are. We know there’s been interest in Saliba, for example, but I think he’s one of the last players they’d ever consider selling for any sort of money. If they feel they need to raise money, they’ve got these players who they’re far more likely to turn to. That’ll take a big chunk off of the wage bill and help them to reinvest in strengthening their squad.

“So first are foremost, these are the players I expect they’ll cash in on.“

Arsenal could decide to offload Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand

According to GiveMeSport, a new player in Arsenal’s ranks could be set for the mid-season exit door – highly-rated midfielder Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand.

The 21-year-old was subject to approaches in the last window, but the Gunners ultimately kept him, in the hope that he could battle his way into Arteta’s plans.

However, Oulad M’Hand has been left “frustrated” by his lack of game time under Arteta. The Dutchman has been named in just two matchday squads so far this campaign, and GMS now write that Arsenal could look to offload Oulad M’Hand in January.

The former Netherlands Under-17 international could seriously benefit from an Emirates exit to kickstart his senior career, having lauded himself as a “creative player” with plenty to offer.

“I’m a central midfielder and I like to play box to box,” said Oulad M’Hand on his ability.

“Offensively, I’m a creative player and I can play with my left or right foot. I score goals and get assist, and defensively I like to think I do my bit too, especially in the transition.”