Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has named two England legends among his favourite players of all-time.
Dembele announced as 2025 Ballon d'Or winner in Paris
PSG won their maiden Champions League crown in 2025, and Dembele was paramount to their success, picking up eight goals and six assists across 15 matches in the competition, while also amassing 29 goal contributions in Ligue 1.
As such, the Frenchman had been the favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or for quite some time, and he was crowned the winner at the ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha making up the top five.
Having failed to deliver at Barcelona, the 28-year-old’s career has undergone a major transformation since he returned to his home country, and the PSG talisman delivered an emotional speech after being confirmed as the 2025 winner.
Courtesy of scooping up the award, the winger joins a prestigious list of just ten players to have won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup, having been part of the France squad that went all the way at Russia 2018.
Lionel Messi is one of the other players on that acclaimed list, and it will come as no surprise that Dembele once named the Argentina star as one of his favourite players of all time, but two England legends also make up the top three.
Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane
This could settle the debate once and for all…
3 ByBen Goodwin May 17, 2025
David Beckham for England.
Gerrard named as England's "greatest ever" player by Messi
It is a bit of a surprise to see the Liverpool fan pick Beckham over Gerrard, as Messi himself once claimed the Liverpool legend is the best player England have produced, saying: “Personally, I think Steven Gerrard is England’s greatest ever player. I wish him a happy retirement.”
The 45-year-old was arguably one of the only reasons Liverpool were successful during his era, with the former captain instigating the dramatic comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League, and scoring some incredible long-range goals.
Beckham was also fantastic at striking the ball from distance, having scored the most goals from direct free kicks in the history of the Premier League.
David Beckham
18
James Ward-Prowse
17
Thierry Henry
12
Gianfranco Zola
12
Cristiano Ronaldo
12
Consequently, both Gerrard and Beckham make their way onto the 20 best midfielders in Premier League history, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Roy Keane and more.
The former Liverpool and Man United stars are undoubtedly legends of the game, but Dembele has also now cemented his place in the history books, courtesy of his 2025 Ballon d’Or triumph.
West Ham United boss Graham Potter is walking on increasingly thin ice after a lacklustre start to the campaign, with pressure on the tactician at an all-time high after their London derby defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.
Potter’s side put in an impressive performance away to Nottingham Forest just prior to the international break, winning 3-0 at the City Ground courtesy of goals from Lucas Paqueta, Callum Wilson and Jarrod Bowen, but were on the receiving end of the same scoreline against Spurs.
Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounded off a routine win for Thomas Frank’s men at the London Stadium, whilst piling the misery on Potter, who has recorded the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history.
9. Sam Allardyce
30.7%
10. Julen Lopetegui
30%
11. Gianfranco Zola
27.8%
12, Graham Potter
27.3%
13. Avram Grant
18.9%
via StatMuse
Since the former Chelsea and Brighton boss was appointed on January 9, West Ham also have the worst top flight record of any Premier League side outside Leicester City, Southampton and Ipswich Town — who were all relegated last term.
They’ve also conceded 11 goals already, the highest number of any West Ham side at this stage of a Premier League season since Avram Grant’s Hammers were relegated in 2011.
West Ham United managerGrahamPotterbefore the match
The numbers make for extremely grim reading, and reports suggest that West Ham are internally discussing replacements for the under-fire Potter.
Nuno Espirito Santo is allegedly being considered by West Ham and chairman David Sullivan is a fan of the Portuguese, according to journalist Alan Nixon, with the ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss readily available after leaving Forest.
It is also claimed that West Ham have approached Coventry City boss and ex-player Frank Lampard, who has resurrected his managerial career in the West Midlands and came close to promotion from the Championship last season.
Kretinsky could push for "natural winner" to replace Potter at West Ham
The West Ham shareholder may push for a manager with a fantastic track record to replace Graham Potter.
ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025
Even serial winner Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move to east London after departing Fenerbache, but this trio of intriguing names have now been joined by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna on West Ham’s managerial target list.
Kieran McKenna emerging as frontrunner for West Ham job
That is according to journalist Wayne Veysey and Football Insider, who report speculation is mounting that McKenna is emerging in pole position for the West Ham job after a development.
Veysey writes that McKenna was a surprise guest in the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs after being invited to attend.
It is unclear right now what the 39-year-old’s stance is on leaving Portman Road for the English capital, but there is reason for West Ham to consider him as an option.
Why Kieran McKenna could be a good appointment for West Ham
Ipswich’s boss guided them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, before they were unfortunately relegated last campaign, and reports suggest that McKenna was actually a top Chelsea target to replace Mauricio Pochettino before they hired Enzo Maresca.
MauricioPochettinocoach of U.S. during the match
The coach, who once played for Tottenham reserves and the Lilywhites youth teams before hanging up his boots due to a hip injury, is regarded as one of England’s most promising young managers.
It’s been a slow start to 25/26 for the Tractor Boys, who’ve just recorded their first win of the Championship season with a 5-0 win over Sheffield United, and McKenna may well be tempted by the prospect of an immediate switch back to the top flight.
He’s also coached Man United and Spurs at junior level, with Liverpool legend John Barnes calling him a “sensational” tactician.
After officially announcing the arrival of Lucas Perri, Leeds United have reportedly launched an improved bid in an attempt to sign their eighth fresh face of the window.
Perri: Leeds move a “great opportunity”
When assessing his squad following promotion last season, a new goalkeeper would have been among Daniel Farke’s top priorities following the struggles that Ilan Meslier faced.
As such, names such as Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic were both mentioned in the early stages of the transfer window, only for both goalkeepers to seal moves to Brentford and Bournemouth respectively. But that didn’t end Leeds’ search, as they quickly turned their focus towards Perri, who has now been signed and delivered.
After putting pen to paper, the former Lyon shot-stopper told the official club website: “It was a really exciting moment for me. I was really, really glad that the club showed interest. It was incredible. To sign here I am very, very happy.
“From the videos I saw the goal celebrations, especially this last game of the season, which was an away game, and saw the parade for the Championship title and the atmosphere at Elland Road.
“I watched the Premier League since I was really young and to see all the goalkeepers that have been in the Premier League that have been successful in the Premier League, they were incredible goalkeepers.
“I think it is a great challenge for me, a great opportunity, and I am really happy and focused to be my best version here. I want to feel the atmosphere, to see the fans and the stadium. I think it will be an incredible opportunity and an incredible stadium to play in.”
Meanwhile, with another priority signing now ticked off the list, the 49ers have now set their sights on securing a talented attacking reinforcement.
Leeds launch "improved" Paixao offer
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have now launched an “improved” offer to sign Igor Paixao from Feyenoord this summer.
Elland Road chiefs are now pushing to secure a deal as soon as possible, with reports suggesting that Feyenoord are demanding as much as £35m to sell their star winger.
Negotiations may not be about to get any simpler, however. As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, the Whites are ready to pay £28m, but have been unable to come to an agreement to sign Feyenoord’s South American winger.
£35m may seem like a steep valuation, but a closer look at Paixao’s numbers suggest that he would more than pay that back in the form of goal involvements next season.
If the Brazilian completes a move and goes on to replicate his Feyenoord form at Elland Road, then Farke would instantly have a new leading talisman at his disposal.
Leeds initiate talks with "outstanding" star who "will" leave his club
The Whites face competition for his signature.
1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025
Praised for his “insane” ball-striking ability by analyst Ben Mattinson, Paixor managed 37 goal involvements last season and could now be joining a Leeds side which already ended their promotion campaign on 95 goals.
Liverpool are now interested in signing an “unbelievable” attacking player who up to this point has only been linked with title rivals Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool considering striker options in summer window
The Reds continue to be linked with new signings, including Almeria striker Luis Suarez, with the Reds no doubt loving the idea of him having a similar impact to his namesake at Anfield.
The Colombian scored 27 goals in the league for his current club last season, as well as registering 33 goal contributions (23 goals and 10 assists) in 100 appearances in La Liga throughout his career.
Almeria's Luis Suarez
It has been claimed that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak remains Liverpool’s dream target, but the Magpies are clearly absolutely desperate to keep hold of one of the best players in the Premier League. If the Reds could strike a deal for him, though, it could be a stunning piece of business.
The reigning Premier League champions are also said to be in the race to sign Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu, with the Turk a gifted footballer who could provide Arne Slot with even more quality in the middle of the park, potentially coming in as a replacement for Harvey Elliott, should he depart.
Liverpool eyeing hijack of "unbelievable" star
Now, according to The Independent‘s Miguel Delaney, Liverpool “may come in” for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer, a rumour which has emerged from nowhere considering it’s been Arsenal chasing his £60m signing all summer.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has been hard at work all summer, already racking up over £180m worth of signings including the record deal for Florian Wirtz, but it seems he has no intention of slowing down.
While the Gunners appear to be in pole position to sign Eze, Liverpool should be doing all they can to snap him up instead, with Palace manager Oliver Glasner hailing his brilliance in the recent past.
Eze scored the winner in Palace’s 1-0 win away to Liverpool in 2024, so the Reds have witnessed the quality he possesses up close, and he also netted the only goal in Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.
Slot's answer to Gyokeres: Hughes lines up Liverpool move for "crazy" CF
Liverpool have been named among the interested parties for this prolific forward.
1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 8, 2025
The England international is both an entertainer and a player with genuine substance in his game, and he could be sensational for the Reds over a four or five-year period.
Newcastle United are starting to click into gear in the summer transfer market, launching a triple bid for some top targets: Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper James Trafford.
Frustratingly, all three offers have been rejected. The Telegraph have actually reported that the total package, put aside to reel in the targets, came in at £125m. What comes next is uncertain, but all three players are interested in making the move to St. James’ Park.
In particular, the Magpies could do with some more strength across the frontline. Eddie Howe worked wonders in guiding United back into the Champions League and picking up a Carabao Cup title last season, but Newcastle cannot afford to suffer another frustrating summer transfer window.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match
While efforts in the aforementioned will be redoubled, Newcastle have also covered their six, earmarking one of the Premier League’s most prominent forwards as a backup.
Newcastle chasing Premier League star
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle continue to monitor Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with sources even claiming the Toon are putting serious consideration into making a concrete move.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Valued at £40m, the England international returned from a promising loan spell with Aston Villa last month but is not expected to remain at Old Trafford after falling out with Ruben Amorim.
Rashford’s preference is to sign for Barcelona, but with the La Liga champions prioritising the signing of Nico Williams, Newcastle are primed to complete their swoop.
Howe would like a loan move, so it remains to be seen how this one will pan out.
What Marcus Rashford would bring to Newcastle
Rashford is one of the most talented footballers to have emerged from the English production line in modern times, though he’s fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years and could do with a career change away from Man United.
The 27-year-old hasn’t reached the last-chance saloon yet, but he’s riding through his ostensible best years and won’t want to see them go to waste.
At his rip-roaring best, the wide forward – who can also play centrally – is a robust and dangerous player indeed, with his proven ability to score significant hauls across any given campaign even suggesting he could be a better signing than the likes of Pedro and Elanga.
24/25
25
6
4
23/24
33
7
3
22/23
35
17
6
21/22
25
4
2
20/21
37
11
13
19/20
31
17
9
There’s definitely an ebb and flow to Rashford’s top-flight career, but who can dispute the forward’s prowess when he’s on his A-game? Indeed, only two years ago, journalist Mazola Molefe declared him a “goal machine” for the Red Devils.
Pedro, who is 23, hasn’t yet demonstrated quite the same clinical aptitude. Indeed, the versatile forward has fired home 30 goals from 70 matches for Brighton, also laying on ten assists, but 16 of his strikes have come from the penalty spot, and with Alexander Isak assigned the spot-kick role for Howe’s outfit, there’s no guarantee that the Brazilian will hit the ground running.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
As far as Elanga’s concerned, a deal for either Pedro or Rashford wouldn’t directly affect him, for the Sweden international plies his trade on the right flank, and thus would contest Jacob Murphy for a starting berth.
The Nottingham Forest star has been fantastic since leaving Man United, notching six goals and 12 assists for a high-flying team last year.
But even still, Rashford’s arrival would signify something more exciting than either deal, for if Howe can manage to get a tune from the fallen superstar, he would have a most invaluable attacking asset indeed as the club step back into Europe’s elite sphere.
Ultimately, Newcastle’s above-mentioned transfer offers suggest that Rashford is not at the top of the shopping list right now. Perhaps that’s because a loan move is indeed preferred for the £300k-per-week winger.
However, if Newcastle do end up signing him, Howe’s tactical grasp might just see Rashford return to his finest form and spearhead the next chapter in his thrilling Tyneside journey.
Better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "unstoppable" £43m winger
Newcastle are looking for a new right-winger this summer
It is clear that Manchester United have identified the top end of the pitch as the area of the team that needs improving during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m, and there are set to be further attacking reinforcements to arrive at Old Trafford.
Man Utd's attempts to bolster their attack
The Brazil international is a strong start to the window for Ruben Amorim, because he produced 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign.
Cunha is a proven performer in the top-flight, as evidenced by his goal contributions over the past nine months, and the former Atletico Madrid star is set to compete for one of the number ten spots behind the striker.
After signing the Brazilian star, Manchester United are also in the market to bring a new number nine to Old Trafford, with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic reportedly one of the players on their radar.
The Red Devils have also reportedly made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt number nine Hugo Ekitike to bolster their options up front, after the French youngster international plundered 22 goals and 12 assists for the German side in the 2024/25 campaign.
As well as a new striker, Amorim is also in the market to add another number ten option alongside Cunha, with a Premier League star in his crosshairs.
Man Utd have verbal agreement with Premier League star
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have a “verbal agreement” in place with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
The reporter claims that the Premier League giants are already in talks with the Bees over a deal to sign the Cameroon international, and that he has given his blessing for the clubs to discuss a move.
Plettenberg adds that the Red Devils, who will not be competing in any European competition next season, remain “optimistic” that a deal will go through during the summer transfer window.
The journalist states, however, that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign the left-footed star, because they have appointed the attacker’s former manager, Thomas Frank.
Spurs are hoping that their new head coach will be able to convince the 25-year-old whiz to make the move to North London to reunite with him, but Manchester United remain optimistic in spite of the fresh competition for his signature.
Appearances
33
38
xG
8.63
12.26
Goals
15
20
Big chances created
13
17
Assists
6
7
Dribbles completed per game
1.8
1.3
As you can see in the table above, Amorim would have two Premier League-proven attackers to deploy as the two number tens behind his new striker in the top-flight next season if the club sign the Brentford star alongside Cunha.
Mbeumo, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by Frank, created a whopping 17 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that he would be the perfect signing for any new number nine, as he can consistently put opportunities on a plate for them.
After Cunha: Man Utd join race for "red-hot" £47m Bryan Mbeumo clone
Man United need new forwards to improve Ruben Amorim’s team.
ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025
It is now down to the club to ensure that they do not lose to Spurs in the race to sign the Brentford star in the coming weeks, as he could be a terrific addition to their attacking arsenal.
Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are getting busy behind-the-scenes, and supporters are very eager to see them strengthen with key new signings after a lacklustre Premier League title challenge.
Mikel Arteta has already expressed the need for Gunners officials to bolster his squad in certain areas, with the Spaniard publicly predicting a “big” next few months in the transfer window.
Their answer to Mbeumo: Arsenal bidding hard to sign £53m "level-raiser"
The dynamic winger would be an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025
The arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has already been agreed after months of talks dating back to January, and despite some concerns over his cryptic comments recently, the move apparently remains on track with Arsenal regarding the Spaniard as “done and signed” (David Ornstein).
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Arsenal are still believed to be closing in on a deal for Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga too (BBC), despite the wait for an official confirmation from north London, but a lot of the noise is centered around their pursuit of a striker.
Last week, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres was reportedly subject to a failed bid from Arsenal, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, with Berta appearing to simultaneously work on deals for both the 27-year-old and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
As reported by Romano there, talks remain ongoing over the latter despite the Gyokeres noise, coming after the Slovenia international rounded off a career-best Bundesliga campaign with 21 goals in all competitions last season.
However, there are some discrepancies over his price tag, and he could end up being a costly operation, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg saying that Sesko’s final price could be up to £85 million despite reports of a release clause below that figure.
Arsenal could sign Benjamin Sesko in the next two weeks
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, speaking on a call with the broadcast giant this week, an Arsenal move for Sesko remains alive, and they could still strike a deal for the 22-year-old before the end of June.
“Well, I think it also comes down to the player. If they agree a fee for Sesko, I think that one could actually be done when the window opens on the 16th of June,” said Jacobs.
“I’m not saying day one of when the window reopens, but certainly in the last two weeks of this month.”
Sesko is a player who Arsenal wanted last summer and attempted to sign in January (Ben Jacobs), so he’s long been on Arteta’s radar, but the negotiations appear to be dragging on somewhat – indicating some potential issues behind-closed-doors.
News of Gyokeres being very keen on a move to N5 in his stead comes as a welcome boost for Arsenal, though, with their striker search shaping up to be one of the major stories of the summer.
Whilst Daniel Farke will want to keep the main ingredients of his Leeds United camp together, which just sealed a fantastic Championship title success, he will be very aware that some stars from that promotion journey might not be able to cut it in the intense environment of the Premier League.
After all, despite Ipswich Town cruising to automatic promotion alongside Leicester City during the 2023/24 campaign, both of those previously high-flying outfits have now been hit over the head with the reality of relegation, alongside an equally dire Southampton side.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
Therefore, if there is an upgrade available to Farke, he should bring them into the building with open arms.
Leeds could consider loan swoop for Aaronson upgrade
As per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds have been ‘looking at’ signing long-term target £15m-rated Emiliano Buendia, with Aston Villa preparing to loan him out again this summer.
The report states that Unai Emery’s Villans are seeking out a fresh loan destination for Farke’s former Norwich City wizard, and this availability will surely pique the interest of the German situated in the Whites dug-out after promotion.
Nixon further elaborates that the Whites will wait it out, however, considering they are only allowed two Premier League loan arrivals. But, the silky South American has starred under Farke before, so the temptation will surely be palpable for a reunion.
Adding Buendia will also gift the former Canaries boss more freedom in the number ten spot in his starting lineups to come, with a worry that Brenden Aaronson just isn’t well-equipped to be a dangerous attacking midfield force up a level, having struggled in the elite league before.
How Buendia could be a huge upgrade on Aaronson
When Buendia has been injury-free at Villa Park, he has more than shown off his suitable nature for the testing division.
Indeed, minus picking up eight goal contributions for Norwich during his debut season at that level under Farke, a further 17 of the Argentine attacker’s goal and assist tally in the Premier League have come about when donning Villa claret and blue.
Unfortunately for Aaronson, away from just helping Leeds seal the title with a respectable nine goals and two assists, he can only boast one goal and three assists next to his name in the deep-end of the Premier League, with his spell so dismal that he was chucked out on loan to Union Berlin.
Therefore, if there is an opportunity to bring in one of Farke’s former Carrow Road favourites, Leeds should persist, with Buendia not just comfortable playing in a number ten spot to potentially usurp Aaronson, meaning he could also offer the Whites plenty of versatility ahead of the gruelling 38-game marathon to come.
RW
129
25
43
AM
88
13
10
LW
44
9
7
RM
8
0
1
SS
4
0
0
CF
3
0
0
RB
3
0
0
LM
2
1
0
CM
1
0
0
Judging by the numbers, Buendia is actually more adept playing as a right winger than an out-and-out number ten.
Former Norwich midfielder Emi Buendia.
As a result, the “outstanding” South American – as Farke once waxed called him – could give the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto a run for their money, away from stealing the American’s starting space.
Having also played in the Champions League last season with Bayer Leverkusen, this could be just one temporary signing, alongside other new recruits entering Elland Road, that allows Leeds to compete in the big time, knowing he has what it takes to dazzle some tough defenders.
Former Norwich attacker Emi Buendia.
Whilst Aaronson didn’t miss a single game in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, as plans begin to be put in place to ensure Leeds upgrade all over the park.
Big upgrade on Piroe: Leeds in the race to sign £34m "monster"
Leeds United would land themselves a Joel Piroe upgrade if they successfully signed this goalscoring monster.
Chelsea may have secured Champions League qualification courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday but they won’t get very far in the competition unless they significantly improve their centre-forward options.
Nicolas Jackson managed a grand total of 12 goals across 33 matches this term. Injury issues have limited his impact, but the general feeling is that Jackson isn’t of the required quality to help steer the Blues back to winning trophies.
When Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, the Stamford Bridge side enjoyed its finest era, winning two Champions League titles and five Premier League crowns.
Despite the success, Chelsea have had their fair share of centre-forwards who have flopped under the weight of expectation in London.
Indeed, Fernando Torres (45 goals in 172 matches), Andriy Shevchenko (22 goals in 77 matches) and Mateja Kezman (seven goals in 41 matches) all arrived at the club with plenty of hype, yet failed to deliver.
Add in the likes of Alvaro Morata, Timo Werner and Michy Batshuayi, and it soon becomes clear that Chelsea have a major problem with getting the best out of the strikers they have bought since 2003.
Some are exceptions to the norm though. With one name standing out among the rest like a beacon of hope – Didier Drogba.
How Didier Drogba destroyed the Premier League
Drogba came to José Mourinho’s attention way before he became the manager of Chelsea in 2004. During a game between Mourinho’s Porto and Drogba’s Marseille in the 2003/04 Champions League, the enigmatic Portuguese manager was enamoured by the striker’s performance.
He scored during that game and when Mourinho ended up at Chelsea a few months later, Drogba was one of his first signings, costing a staggering £24m, which at the time was a massive fee for a player who had spent just one season with Marseille.
Didier Drogba
In the end, it turned out to be a bargain. His first campaign didn’t quite go to plan, but from 2005/06 onwards, Drogba scored 13 or more goals in every season until he departed in the summer of 2012.
The Ivorian won four FA Cups, three Premier League trophies and the Champions League during his first spell with the Blues. Add in a handful of other domestic cups, and it is clear Drogba is a Chelsea legend.
Who can forget his performance in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich in their backyard? If scoring an equaliser with minutes to go wasn’t enough, the forward joined the pantheon of icons at the club by netting the winner in the penalty shootout.
He returned for a second spell during 2014/15, winning a Premier League and League Cup double, a fitting way for him to depart.
Others have come and gone trying to replicate Drogba’s eye for goal and match-winning performances in major finals, but no one has come close, yet.
Could this all change during the summer transfer window? As Enzo Maresca is eyeing a move for a striker that might change the club’ fortunes.
Chelsea keen on signing Drogba 2.0
The Stamford Bridge side have been linked with their fair share of strikers, and the window isn’t even open yet.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Joao Pedro is the latest name to be touted for a move to London. While Liam Delap is available for just £30m after Ipswich Town were relegated. Victor Osimhen is still a reported target for the Blues, who missed out on him last summer.
Journalist Miguel Delaney of the Independent has now stated that the Blues are keen on signing Hugo Ekitike this summer, saying: “Chelsea now strongly considering Ekitike, as they hone striker pursuit after Champions League qualification.” In a follow up report, he noted that the Blues are now ‘extensively discussing a move’ for the forward.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Now that a seat at the top table of European football has been secured, Chelsea are keen on improving their squad.
They will have to splash money in bringing Ekitike to London, however, as he would likely cost around £85m.
Given the financial rewards on offer for playing in Europe’s premier competition next season, this fee might be something Maresca could pay, especially as he is in dire need of a new striker.
Could he replicate the feats of a certain Drogba? Ekitike has all the required tools to do so, that’s for sure.
Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike
Respected analyst Ben Mattinson ensured plenty of European heavyweights were on standby this summer by lauding the striker in March.
“A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode,” he said.
Across 48 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman scored 22 goals while registering 12 assists in all competitions. Not just a typical number nine, but also a player who is keen to link up well with others and generate chances for his teammates.
Metric
Europa League
Bundesliga
Goals
4
15
Assists
3
8
Big chances created
6
12
Sots per 90
2.2
3.5
Goal conversion percentage
15%
13%
Drogba was also a well-rounded centre-forward, recording 82 assists over his 381 games for the Blues.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the former PSG centre-forward has been a standout performer.
Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 6% for total shots (3.74) and shot-creating actions (3.5) per 90 over the previous 12 months, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists (0.29) per 90.
Additionally, Ekitike also ranks in the top 6% for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area. It is evident that he possesses the skills which could make him a big success in the Premier League.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Notably described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, like Drogba, he would be making a move from a respected team in a top-five European league following a successful campaign.
With an insatiable eye for goal and a selfless nature in the final third, Ekitike exudes many of the qualities that endeared Drogba to the Chelsea faithful during his two spells in London.
Should the French sensation move to Chelsea, he might have a lot of living up to do. Given his displays for Frankfurt, this might not be a problem.
£60m CB among Chelsea's top targets; he's "one of the best" in England
The Blues have identified a centre-back as a key target for the summer, but there could be competition for his signature.
Chelsea are now plotting an offer to rival Liverpool and PSG for the signing of a star centre-back, after they missed out on a deal for widely reported Dean Huijsen, who’s joining Real Madrid.
Real Madrid seal Dean Huijsen agreement in blow for Chelsea
Before the 20-year-old agreed his dream move to the Bernabeu, Chelsea were believed to be top contenders in the race for Huijsen.
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Reliable reports from the start of May indicated that Chelsea made Huijsen a “strong” offer to join them after holding productive talks with the defender’s representatives (Simon Phillips), and they were apparently ready to hand him a “lucrative” seven-year contract (TEAMtalk).
2. Arsenal
71
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Chelsea
66
5. Aston Villa
66
6. Man City
65
7. Nottingham Forest
65
At one point, Chelsea were convinced that Huijsen would make the move to Stamford Bridge, but that dream has now been quashed by Real’s advances for the ex-Juventus starlet.
Los Blancos have agreed to pay Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, and this season will officially be his last in the Premier League as he nears a return to his homeland, despite eagerness from the division’s top sides to keep him in England.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, commenting on Huijsen’s impending move to the Spanish capital, expressed his delight for the centre-half.
“Obviously, from my point of view, you never want to lose this type of player because he’s been so good for us,” said Iraola.
“But there’s also a part where you feel happy for him, because he’s going to Real Madrid. I think that’s what he really wanted to do. And obviously, we hope everything goes well for him.”
For Chelsea, it is back to the drawing board for BlueCo, who remain keen on strengthening Enzo Maresca’s back line with a key addition at the heart of his defence.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
It’s long been reported that Chelsea want a new centre-back as one of their main transfer priorities. Defensive trio Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah have all been linked with summer departures from Cobham, and some reports in France even state that Chelsea could consider selling Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea plot £46m bid for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo
Taking this into account, Maresca’s side are still firmly in the market for another defender, with Benfica star Tomas Araujo now climbing up the shortlist after Huijsen’s switch to Madrid.
According to Chelsea News, they were in for the Portugal international last summer, but Chelsea ultimately didn’t come close enough to his £67 million release clause.
However, that interest remains, and Chelsea are considering a bid worth up to £46 million for Araujo. That being said, both Liverpool and PSG are also keen on signing the 23-year-old, so they’ll face stiff competition akin to the race for Huijsen.
It is little surprise that is the case, either, with Araujo drawing comparisons to Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.
“Tomas Araujo is a modern defender, with solid build-up play and the ability to defend the area, while also possessing good anticipation and ball control,” wrote Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
“Tomas Araujo is like a Portuguese Gerard Pique. Therefore, it’s no surprise that several Premier League teams have picked up the phone to inquire about his services.”