Chelsea Still Keen On Signing £67k-A-Week Player

Chelsea are still "lurking" for the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Is Onana a target for Chelsea?

The Blues have struggled in various facets of their game this season, with both results and performances simply nowhere near good enough.

While much has been made of their attacking struggles, with a lack of an elite striker hurting them, they have also been disappointing between the sticks. Both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy has found themselves under scrutiny and there is an increasing feeling that a big upgrade is required in that area of the pitch end of the season.

One player who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Onana, who has helped Inter reach the Champions League semi-finals this season. The £67,000-a-week 'keeper has started all ten games in Europe's biggest club competition in 2022/23, as well as 22 in Serie A. Despite this, the Italian giants could be happy to see him leave in the summer, which is where Chelsea may be ready to pounce.

Andre-Onana-Inter-Milan

What's happening with Onana currently?

According to Tuttosport [via Sport Witness], Onana's displays for Inter "have not gone unnoticed" by Chelsea, who "continue to monitor" him. A €60m (£52m) offer for him "could not be refused" by Inter, so the Blues know exactly how much money would be required to prise him away.

That being said, the report doesn't confirm that the west Londoners are willing to pay that amount for the 34-cap Cameroon international's services, after a report from TuttoMercatoWeb said Todd Boehly is only ready to offer €40m (£35m).

Onana could be an ideal goalkeeping addition by Chelsea at the end of the season, coming in as an upgrade both Kepa and Mendy, at least one of whom should leave the club. At 27, he still has many years ahead of him at the top level, especially for a player in his position, and he has been hailed as both "excellent" and "brilliant" by Serbia stopper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

He has the experience to come in and make an immediate impression, having been part of the superb Ajax team that reached the Champions League semis in 2019, but he could also become an even more impressive player given 'keepers typically mature late, which could only bode well for Chelsea. It is a now a case stumping up the cash if the Blues really think he is worth it, hopefully snapping up a top-quality signing in the process.

Pochettino Could Ditch "Crazy" Chelsea Dud For £45m "Hero"

Chelsea's vast expenditure has seen almost every area of the first team bolstered, yet startlingly there remain two key positions left untouched.

The need for a starting striker is clear for all to see, whilst between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, it seems neither are particularly keen on stamping their claim for the no.1 shirt long-term.

With the Spaniard having been the preferred option this campaign, and reports swirling surrounding an uncertain future of the Senegalese shot-stopper, perhaps this summer could mark a clearout in the goalkeeper department in order to make way for a truly outstanding alternative.

Given their free-spending attitude of late, the reported price tag might prove a minor stumbling block, but one Todd Boehly should not deliberate on for too long given the previous regime saw fit to unload £71.6m to sign the 28-year-old from Athletic Bilbao.

What's the latest with Andre Onana to Chelsea?

As per The Telegraph's Matt Law earlier this month, Inter Milan's Andre Onana is a rumoured target of the west London outfit, who see this summer as an opportunity to plug those aforementioned vacancies.

Then, when speaking to GIVEMESPORT, fellow journalist Rudy Galetti offered his own verdict on the rumours and the likelihood of a deal being struck.

"Onana could leave Inter in the summer if a suitable offer arrives. Chelsea are seriously interested in the Cameroonian goalkeeper. However, the current price at the request of the Italian club is €50 million (£45 million) and is considered too high by the Blues," he claimed.

Although it was under Graham Potter's tenure, Mendy had reportedly been told that he had no future at the club, which now coincides with this newfound interest in Onana and the fact that he has only made one league appearance since mid-December.

Perhaps the exit of one goalkeeper could provide the requisite room for another to be welcomed in.

How has Andre Onana played this season?

Having been brought up through Barcelona's esteemed academy, immediately his footballing education has seen him brought up on ball-playing principles and the notion of beautiful football. Given Mauricio Pochettino's imminent arrival, he would be delighted to have someone of Onana's quality in between his sticks.

Especially given the African alternative in Mendy has fallen wildly out of favour at Stamford Bridge, despite his role in leading the Blues to the most unlikely of Champions League victories back in 2021.

His debut season saw the 31-year-old record a 7.35 average rating in Europe's elite competition, but as his time at the club has gone on he has become more culpable of foolish errors. Just last season in the league he would make three errors leading to a shot, one that led to a goal and also committed a penalty, via Sofascore.

edouard-mendy-chelsea-transfer

This led Sky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman to suggest he was "beyond crazy" after one major gaffe handed Leeds United their opener earlier in the season, which has resulted in him earning just eight further league starts this season. If Frank Lampard has deemed him not good enough, Pochettino too will likely maintain that stance.

Meanwhile, Onana has been ever-present at the back for the Nerazzurri, maintaining a 7.01 average rating in a league campaign where he concedes just 0.9 goals per game whilst making 2.5 saves and maintaining a 74% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

In the Champions League too, in which the Italian outfit have somehow clambered their way to the final, his 7.45 average rating has already surpassed Mendy's best run in a Chelsea shirt. It is therefore no surprise to see the Cameroon international branded a "hero" by writer Mike Piellucci, who could further endorse this claim on June 10th.

With the 6 foot 4 dud on the way out and Onana now a viable option for Pochettino to build his perfect team around, perhaps this could provide the ideal foundation for a brighter future at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal Urged To Sign £80k-p/w Rival Player

Presenter Terry Flewers has said on The Football Terrace that Arsenal could land Mason Mount as their next Martin Odegaard even if he's not wanted by all supporters.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Mason Mount?

It appears the Gunners are in line for a busy summer with Bayer Leverkusen hoping to land Granit Xhaka while West Ham United captain Declan Rice could be signed for big money.

Another name to add to the mix is Chelsea midfielder Mount. Indeed, the player has rejected contract offers from the Blues and so could depart soon with Arsenal discussing the Englishman as a potential target.

As a player who stars for a rival London club – and even divides his own fans – many Gooners might not be keen on this deal for the £80k-p/w man.

Flewers seems to think that but he believes this could be a good deal to get done regardless of what the fanbase may feel.

He told The Football Terrace (1:14:06): “The way I'm seeing Gooners going "no" to Mason Mount, there's a part of me that just thinks will history repeat itself and him be like an Odegaard.

"He was someone that Gooners didn't want, as an example."

He continued: "In the summer, most Arsenal fans online picked Richarlison over Gabriel Jesus. Now I'm not saying you don't need more than Gabriel Jesus, but out of the two, one has been a resounding success – comparatively to a guy that's been booked more times for taking his shirt off than he's scored goals."

Did Arsenal fans slam the signing of Odegaard?

Flewers is certainly right in claiming that some Arsenal supporters haven't always been right with their opinions on new incomings.

For instance, there was a major backlash online when the club announced the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, with the player saying: "I saw the backlash.

Aaron Ramsdale and Mikel Arteta

"That’s when I made the decision to turn comments off, notifications off for people I don’t follow on Instagram and Twitter."

But seeing as Odegaard, Jesus, and Ramsdale have all been regulars for Mikel Arteta this season as they pushed for a Premier League title, it's safe to say those deals have come good even if there may have been doubt regarding those deals initially in some sections of the fanbase.

With that in mind, if the club do decide to chase and sign the £80k-per-week Mount from Chelsea this summer, the fanbase certainly shouldn’t jump to any damning conclusions before at least seeing him turn up in an Arsenal shirt first.

Watch more of The Football Terrace on YouTube now!

Leeds Must Unleash "Tenacious" £20K-P/W Talent vs Spurs

Leeds United will host Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road this afternoon in the highly-anticipated climax to the Premier League relegation battle.

Sam Allardyce will need to lead his team to nothing short of three points if the Whites are to have any chance to retain Premier League football next season.

Indeed, as the Elland Road faithful will be aware, a victory will not automatically save their beloved club on the final day as they will need Bournemouth to perform a miracle at Goodison Park by beating Everton.

In terms of team selection, the former England boss will have Junior Firpo back in contention to start following a one-match suspension, whilst both Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo will be subjected to late fitness tests following knocks sustained last weekend.

As a result, the final game of the season could present an opportunity for Allardyce to switch up his attacking threat, taking into consideration the uncertainty in Bamford and Rodrigo’s fitness and the poor display seen against the Hammers.

One player who could come back into the team to make an explosive impact on Leeds’ last-ditch attempt at safety is Italian talent Wilfried Gnonto.

Will Wilfried Gnonto start vs Spurs?

The 19-year-old starlet has been one of the most talked about young players in the top flight this season, despite seemingly falling out of favour in the Leeds squad in the second half of the campaign.

Indeed, the Italy international has only managed to find the back of the net four times in all competitions so far but his talent is undeniable when he has the ball at his feet.

Over 23 Premier League appearances, the £20k-per-week ace – hailed "tenacious" by Gary Neville – has registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging one key pass, one shot on goal, 1.2 tackles and 4.5 duels won per game, suggesting that he is perfectly capable of causing chaos for defenders in dangerous areas of the pitch.

wilfried-gnonto-leeds-united-premier-league-everton

It has been a hot topic of conversation for many on Gnonto’s absence in the starting lineup, and last week, Ian Wright took to his podcast 'The Kelly and Wrighty Show' (via Leeds United News) to make a case for the Italian to start:

"You need someone to step up. Whether it’s Harrison or Gnonto. Why not start Gnonto and the exciting players so it gets you going? They need some brilliance to stay up."

With that being said, making some subtle tweaks could be the key to finishing the season strong no matter the outcome and Gnonto could inject a fresh energetic perspective in the forward line.

David Moyes Has West Ham Transfer Plan After Prior Error

ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United will target domestic players in the summer transfer window if David Moyes is in charge.

What are the latest West Ham transfer rumours?

It's been a funny old season for the Hammers. What started out very slowly and looked potentially as though it could end its relegation, could now finish with sheer joy.

Indeed, the Irons have secured Premier League safety with ease, finishing 14th in the division, and have the Europa Conference League final to enjoy next month.

It's crazy how much the mood has changed in East London but maybe it's because their star signings have taken some time to adjust to life in England but have now hit their stride.

After all, the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Nayef Aguerd, and Thilo Kehrer arrived from overseas in the summer so it would make sense if they've taken time to find their best form in a new environment.

While discussing this on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex suggested that Moyes will look to sign players from England in the summer to help avoid similar issues occurring next term.

He explained (2:58): “I have been told if David Moyes remains the manager, the main focus is going to be on players with domestic experience over foreign signings.

"Although he has made it clear that if he feels that there's better value in the foreign signing than the domestic signing, then he will do whatever the best value is.

"Often people say you have to add British tax on to British signings or domestic-based signings because they tend to be more expensive than the foreign signings, when you're getting pretty much a like-for-like player.

“But they do want to sort of balance out that between the value and having domestic experience because I think they've pinpointed a lot of the reason a couple of players took their time to adjust to the league this year [is] because they hadn't played the league before."

How much could West Ham spend this summer?

With Declan Rice expected to leave this summer, the Irons could have somewhere in the region of £120m to spend on new signings.

This means, the club could potentially shop from any side in the world but if they do look closer to home, they can afford to sign players with a potential premium due to the "English tax" Ex refers to.

West Ham United'sDeclanRiceapplauds the fans during the lap of appreciation

Of course, though, it remains unclear if Moyes will even still be their manager. If he loses the final against Fiorentina, he could be sacked – having been under the threat of losing his job earlier on in the season – and a new manager could have completely different transfer ambitions.

Only time will tell.

Arsenal Deal For 24-y/o Far From Complete As Caution Urged

Arsenal may be the favourites for his signature but Declan Rice's future is still wide open, Fabrizo Romano has claimed.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Declan Rice?

The midfielder is Arsenal's top target, and recent reports have indicated that the Gunners are the favourites to land the West Ham captain this summer.

Rice is seemingly keen on a move to Arsenal, but Romano has urged caution, claiming that his situation is still open, amidst interest from Bayern Munich.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano claimed that Arsenal are currently ahead in what could be a record-breaking deal, but the deal is far from secure for Mikel Arteta.

"The priority of Arsenal is Declan Rice. They are speaking to the player's side, they are speaking to West Ham," he stated.

"They will make a bid after the Conference League final, they want to respect West Ham of course, but right after, Arsenal are prepared to make a bid.

"It's true that there is also Bayern interest, but at the moment that is not that advanced. So Arsenal still feel they are the favourites to sign Declan Rice. But this is not something guaranteed yet. From what I understand, we heard some reports in England in the last two or three days that Declan Rice already made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal.

"I'm told this is not clear yet. I was speaking to some sources, and they told me be careful, because Declan Rice is keeping all of the options open.

"Of course, Arsenal is a concrete option, but this is not 100% guaranteed yet. So I think this is still an open race."

Should Rice join Arsenal?

Given that there are a number of top clubs interested in the 24-year-old, the decision he has to make this summer is a huge one.

Although West Ham may prefer to sell Rice abroad rather than within the Premier League, his desire may be to stay in England, or even in London, and Arsenal are the best option if this is the case.

Mikel Arteta's side are the only London team who qualified for European competition this season, and with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur having disastrous campaigns, they are in the best position on the pitch.

With Granit Xhaka set to depart, there is a spot in the team ready for Rice to fill. Chelsea meanwhile, are pursuing Manuel Ugarte to partner January signing Enzo Fernandez. Their chaos both on and off the pitch may make them a less attractive destination for Rice.

Unless the England international is keen to move abroad to Bayern Munich, staying in his hometown and joining Arsenal, who could challenge for the title again next season, may be the best option for Rice.

Aston Villa Eyeing Move For £76k-A-Week Attacker

Aston Villa are rivalling Tottenham in showing an interest in Galatasaray attacker Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, according to a new report from Italy.

Is Zaniolo on the move this summer?

The 23-year-old has has a curious career to date, in many ways, with horrendous bad luck with injuries coming his way and limiting his progress hugely. He has had a string of fitness issues down the years, including a cruciate ligament rupture, but he is still battling hard to reach his potential.

Zaniolo is currently plying his trade at Galatasarary, having joined from Roma in the January transfer window, and he has shone there, scoring five goals in 10 Turkish Super Lig appearances.

While the Italian signed a deal with the Turkish giants until the summer of 2027, a potential move to the Premier League in the upcoming window is being mooted.

That's where Villa come into play, as they look to do some massive business between now and the start of the season, in what feels like one of the most pivotal summers at the club in years.

Could Villa seal signing of Zaniolo?

According to TuttoJuve [via Sport Witness], Zaniolo is going to be "one of the key players" in the summer transfer window, when it comes to potential outgoings. Juventus are interested in making a move for him, but Villa and Spurs are also believed to be in the mix.

He has a "bigger offer on the table" from an English club, compared to Juve, and the Villans reportedly "dream of signing him" in the coming weeks and months. The £76,000-a-week winger has a €35m (£29.9m) release clause in his Galatasaray contract, so it's a case of whether clubs want to trigger it or not.

Zaniolo could be a really exciting signing by Villa this summer, having racked up 11 caps for Italy to date, scoring twice along the way. A tally of 24 goals and 18 assists for Roma also shows that he can shine in one of Europe's top leagues, and while there would be concerns about his injury problems down the years, the hope is that he is now beyond those woes.

At 23, he is still such a young player who could develop into even more of a force – Claudio Ranieri has hailed him as "decisive" – and Villa signing him would feel like a big statement of intent, as they prepare to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season.

Tottenham Could Form "Frightening" Duo With £60m Whiz

With Tottenham Hotspur now plotting to strengthen following the appointment of Ange Postecoglou, one transfer rumour that has particularly caught the eye is the links to Manchester United winger, Jadon Sancho.

According to a recent report from the Daily Star, the Lilywhites are said to be interested in making a £50m move for the England international this summer, with the 23-year-old having initially made the switch to Old Trafford on a £73m deal back in 2021.

The former Borussia Dortmund ace looks likely to be moved on by the Red Devils this summer amid claims that Erik ten Hag is willing to cash in on the 5 foot 11 trickster, with an asking price of around £60m having been suggested.

The one-time Manchester City youth product is currently facing such uncertainty at the Theatre of Dreams having provided just 18 goals and assists in 79 games across all fronts over the last two seasons, although those at N17 may well be hoping that they can revive the £350k-per-week forward's fortunes if he is to make the move to the capital over the coming weeks and months.

Should Tottenham sign Jadon Sancho?

There is no denying that Sancho is not looking like the player who previously burst onto the scene at Dortmund, having notably racked up 114 goals and assists in just 137 games for the Bundesliga side, prior to making his return to England.

That stellar form had unsurprisingly earned the wide man rave reviews, with his compatriot and former teammate Jude Bellingham having dubbed him "frightening" and "scary" back in 2021 due to the sheer scale of his talent.

Tottenham's Harry Kane

That version of the London-born whiz would no doubt be a real bonus for Spurs if they could wrap up a deal, with there a potential for Sancho to form a devastating attacking partnership with his England colleague, Harry Kane, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With it looking as if Kane will not be sold by chairman Daniel Levy this summer, the club's record scorer is set to lead the line yet again next term, having only recently ended the 2022/23 campaign with a staggering haul of 30 league goals to his name.

As Sancho's assist record in Germany would illustrate – a total of 64 assists in all competitions – the playmaker could well help to provide quality service to the 29-year-old in attack, while the current United man has also shown a willingness to try and make things happen at the top end of the in recent times, as he ranks in the top 8% among his European peers for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Even amid his current woes, the fleet-footed ace still ranks in the top 20% for shot-creating actions as a further marker of his creative ability in the final third, again suggesting that he could be the man to deliver the goods to Kane on a regular basis.

Of course – as the most recent campaign has shown – the latter man is almost able to make the difference on his own, yet having a fit and firing Sancho alongside him in the attack could be a truly mouthwatering proposition.

Newcastle Eyeing Move For £50m ‘Monster’

Newcastle United are interested in signing Khephren Thuram from OGC Nice this summer despite considerable speculation over Liverpool's interest in the France international.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram to Newcastle?

That's according to Football Insider, who have produced a report outlining Magpies manager Eddie Howe's desire to beat the club's Premier League rivals to the signing of the 22-year-old, who has burst into prominence this season.

Previous claims indicate that Jurgen Klopp's outfit are edging towards a deal for Thuram, with his Ligue 1 side demanding around £50m for his services.

But Newcastle could now swoop to complete their midfield after qualifying for the Champions League this season, something Liverpool have failed to do.

How good is Khephren Thuram?

Despite still only being 22, Thuram has just completed his third campaign with Nice as a starring member of the senior squad, playing 48 times over a mammoth season, scoring twice and supplying eight assists across all competitions.

Hailed for his "significant upper-body strength", his "excellent technique" and impressive "ball control" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Thuram is swiftly asserting himself as an enticing option, and standing at an imposing 6 foot 4, he could blossom into one of the most fearsome forces in Europe.

A dynamic midfielder, the £14k-per-week gem boasts the whole gamut of attributes required for success as a box-to-box star on the biggest stage – also lauded for his "tenacious" approach by Kulig.

Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.

According to FBref, Thuram ranks among the top 25% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 6% for progressive carries, the top 9% for successful take-ons and the top 26% for interceptions per 90, illuminating the all-encompassing nature of his trade.

For such a thriving force, only set to get better and edge towards a stature as an "elite" footballing figure – as stated by Zach Lowy – Thuram would enrich a Newcastle team heralded for its cohesive togetherness and slick, almost innate collective understanding with his multi-faceted game, and given that he favours a role on the left side of the central midfield, it could spell danger for Joe Willock.

Signing for the Toon from Arsenal for £25m in August 2021 after impressing on a fruitful initial loan, Willock has played an important part in the stunning resurgence over the past 18 months, escaping the sable shadow of relegation danger and now awaiting a Champions League competition that Howe and co will be cautiously optimistic of reaching the latter stages.

Willock ranks among the top 9% of midfielders for rate of assists, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90, which is certainly impressive, but given Thuram's meteoric rise and dynamism, he could well surpass the feats of the 23-year-old Englishman.

Frankly, the Nice phenom is a "monster" – as called by Sam McGuire – and deployed into a superlative crop at St. James' Park, he might just make the increments to his game to cement a starting berth and wreak havoc on opposition across Europe.

Tottenham: £26m-rated "Workaholic" Is On Postecoglou’s Transfer Shortlist

Tottenham Hotspur are one of two teams interested in a move for Lyon star Maxence Caqueret this summer…

Tottenham transfer news – Maxence Caqueret

That's according to French outlet Foot Mercato, who claim that the Premier League outfit have put the 23-year-old midfielder on a shortlist, as have Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund.

It's thought that Spurs have other pressing priorities to deal with first but the young Frenchman is a player that Ange Postecoglou and his staff could look to sign before the end of the transfer window.

However, Caqueret renewed his contract through to 2027 last year, so he won't come cheap, with CIES Football Observatory currently valuing him in the region of €30m (£26m), nor will the Ligue 1 outfit be forced into a sale this summer, especially with a handful of other young talents catching the eye, such as Rayan Cherki and Castello Lukeba.

Who is Maxence Caqueret?

Following the departure of Lucas Paqueta to West Ham United, the France U21 international stepped up to the plate and delivered four goals and seven assists from a deep midfield position, a feat that saw him rank second to only Alexandre Lacazette for average match rating (7.04) in Ligue 1 last season, via WhoScored.

As a box-to-box animal, Caqueret also sat second in the Lyon squad for both tackles (2.4) and key passes (1.7) per game, which merely highlights how much of a lethal threat he is in the engine room as a machine capable of influencing a match at either end of the pitch.

It's perhaps little surprise to have seen talent scout Antonio Mango hail the 5 foot 9 "workaholic" as an "absolute delight to watch" earlier this year.

He isn't the only one to have waxed lyrical about Caqueret's undoubted ability and potential either, The Athletic contributor Alex Barker – also known as the 'Euro Expert' – suggested he was an "all-rounded midfielder", whilst BBC sports writer and Arsenal podcaster Oli Price-Bates claimed in 2021 that he had "huge potential".

There is no denying that the Venissieux-born sensation would really elevate Postecoglou's engine room at Hotspur Way, especially as one of the two no.8s – perhaps alongside Yves Bissouma – and whilst he may not be a pressing need right now, Spurs would be foolish to not swoop for him before deadline day.

With Caqueret clearly on the Aussie's shortlist, the Tottenham hierarchy must look to win the race for his signature or risk losing out on another top talent.

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