All posts by z3u9t.icu

Derby County are reportedly battling with five other EFL clubs to complete the signing of an "accomplished" new defender in the summer transfer window.

Derby planning for Championship return

The Rams enjoyed a triumphant 2023/24 season, sealing promotion from League One and ensuring they returned to the Championship for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign. It was a tremendous effort from Paul Warne and his players, but the key now is to kick on in the second tier, ensuring that they don't suffer a quickfire relegation back to where they were last term.

In order for that to happen, Derby will need to make a number of important signings in the summer transfer window, and they have been linked with plenty of individuals of late.

Versatile Sheffield United ace Ben Osborn has been touted as a standout addition for the Rams in the coming weeks and months, and it now even looks as though a move is all but done, with a medical reportedly booked in.

On the flip side, some current Rams players could move on before next season gets underway, with veteran striker James Collins backed to be moved on, as was the case with highest-earner Conor Hourihane.

Derby want in-demand new defender

According to a fresh claim from HITC, Derby are one of six EFL clubs interested in signing Gateshead defender Kenton Richardson in the summer window.

A reunion with Sunderland is mooted in the report, having left the Black Cats back in 2022, while Oxford United, Peterborough United, Barnsley and Notts County are all mentioned as potential suitors, too.

Richardson may not be the renowned type of player that many Derby fans will want to see come in this summer, but he could be an interesting signing who is coming into the peak years of his career. The 25-year-old has proven to be a rock at the heart of Gateshead's defence, and his performances helped them secure FA Trophy glory at Wembley back in May, following a penalty shootout win over Solihull Moors.

Meanwhile, he was once lauded by former Hartlepool manager Dave Jones during his stint there during his teenage years, with his ex-boss saying of him: "He’s only 17 but he looked accomplished too. What great experience that will have been for him."

Admittedly, Richardson isn't exactly experienced when it comes to the Championship, never featuring in the competition to date, but he has played once for England's C team and also made 20 appearances in League Two and the FA Cup combined, showing that he has some pedigree.

EFL Championship done deals: Every summer 2024 transfer

Who has made the biggest moves so far in the Championship? Every in and out this summer is listed here.

ByStephan Georgiou Sep 18, 2024

Perhaps most significant is the fact that the centre-back will be available on a free transfer at the end of this month, so even if he does join Derby and struggles to cut the mustard, the Rams won't have splashed out a huge sum of money on him. Essentially, it feels like a relatively cheap risk worth taking, giving Warne more defensive options in the process.

In a frantic start to the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly made their first move to sign a future star for Unai Emery having just confirmed the arrival of Ian Maatsen.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans were among the clubs who needed to sell players before the end of June to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. As a result, academy prospects Tim Iroegbunam and Omari Kellyman completed moves away to Everton and Chelsea respectively, whilst Emery's squad is set to suffer its biggest blow yet through the pending exit of Douglas Luiz to Juventus.

However, their focus on sales has not stopped Aston Villa from welcoming incomings, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea included in the reported Luiz deal and the arrival of Maatsen officially announced in a deal reportedly worth £35m.

Continuing their frantic start to the summer, those in the Midlands have wasted no time admiring their new arrival. Instead, reports suggest that they've turned their attention towards another fresh face before the start of next season.

According to Abdel Hamad (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have now made a €5m (£4m) offer to sign Mathis Lambourde from Rennes this summer. The 18-year-old reportedly attracted interest from the Villans at the end of last month and is now at the centre of a first offer in a swift development. Given his potential and current talent, it remains to be seen whether Rennes accept such an offer, but there's no doubt that Lambourde would be an ideal arrival at Villa Park.

Aston Villa could land "great" £27m international in swap deal for 23 y/o

The Villans have been presented with an offer.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 28, 2024

Setting their sights on the future, Villa would be wise to invest in a player considered to be one of Rennes' best young prospects.

"Fantastic" Lambourde is one for the future

Still just 18 years old, Lambourde is certainly one for the future and is unlikely to be in Emery's immediate plans if he completes a move to Villa Park this summer.

That said, the young forward, who can also play on either wing, may well follow the same path as the likes of Jacob Ramsey and even Jack Grealish in years to come with patience. If the praise of Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig is anything to go by, where they dubbed the forward a "fantastic prospect", he's certainly capable of following in such footsteps.

Scoring four goals for Rennes' youth side last season whilst also featuring for the first team, Lambourde could make his biggest career step yet this summer in a move that would see him work alongside one of the best forwards that the Premier League has to offer in Ollie Watkins. Perhaps a future partner for the England international, the teenager would only improve under his tutelage.

The Community Shield is a common staple of the English football calendar, with the traditional curtain-raiser whetting the appetite ahead of the upcoming season.

The latest clash will see Manchester City and Manchester United prepare for battle once again at Wembley Stadium after the Red Devils' FA Cup victory back in May. The Citizens were on the verge of successive domestic doubles, before Erik ten Hag's side secured a derby victory as well as revenge for the previous season's final defeat. Here are all the details you need to know ahead of the clash in early August.

The Community Shield explained

Once known as the Charity Shield, the Community Shield was first played between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers in 1908. It evolved from the Sheriff of London Shield fixture that had been introduced in 1898 as a cup contested by professionals against amateurs.

As a result of leading amateur clubs falling out with the Football Association, the Community Shield was designed to replace the London Shield.

The original format saw the First Division champions play the Southern League champions, and the competition format continued to vary over the years until it was first played between the league and FA Cup winners in 1921.

The competition is organised by the FA, with all proceeds from the annual fixture sent to charities and community-based initiatives around the country, as well as teams in the lower divisions of the English football pyramid.

Funds are usually raised mostly through ticket sales, match programmes, sponsorships and TV deals. Each team competing in the first round of the FA Cup also receives a lump sum for onward distribution to up to three local charities or community projects of their choice.

For example, in 2006, the FA confirmed the Community Shield that was sponsored by McDonald’s raised £880,000, and each of the 124 clubs in the FA Cup that season received £5,000.

Clubs with the most Community Shield wins

Manchester United have the most wins in the Community Shield, with 21 victories in the 30 finals they have played in – including the very first Community Shield win in 1908.

Reigning champions Arsenal have 17 wins following their 2023 triumph on penalties over Man City, while Liverpool are one behind with 16. Everton have nine Community Shield wins, while Tottenham Hotspur have seven.

Man City, Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Burnley, Leeds United and Leicester City are the only other teams to have more than one Community Shield win.

Manchester United

21

30

2016

Arsenal

17

24

2023

Liverpool

16

24

2022

Everton

9

11

1995

Tottenham Hotspur

7

9

1991

Manchester City

6

15

2019

Chelsea

4

13

2009

Wolverhampton Wanderers

4

5

1960

West Bromwich Albion

2

4

1954

Burnley

2

3

1973

Leeds United

2

3

1992

Leicester City

2

3

2021

How to qualify for the Community Shield

The Community Shield is essentially England’s own version of a Super Cup, contested between the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup of the previous season.

If one team wins both competitions, the Premier League runners-up automatically qualify for the Community Shield, This most recently occurred last year, when top-flight runners-up Arsenal contested treble winners Manchester City in the 2023 final.

Germany’s DFL-Supercup, Italy’s Suppercoppa Italiana, Spain’s Supercopa de Espana and France’s Trophee des Champions are all equivalents of the Community Shield in Europe. Although, unlike the English version, more recent instalments of the Italian and Spanish tournament have featured four teams, including runners-up from the league and cup.

Community Shield match rules

If the match is all square after normal time, the game will go straight to penalties. Four out of the last seven Community Shield matches have ended level after 90 minutes of play, so it is not unusual for this fixture to go the distance.

Arsenal have won all of their last three penalty shootouts in the Community Shield – in 2023, 2020 and 2017 – though lost on penalties in 2003 before embarking on their unbeaten Premier League season.

2024 Community Shield fixture and date

Saturday 10th August

Man City vs Man Utd

3pm

Deemed as the curtain-raiser of the English football season, Man United will face Man City in this year’s Community Shield. It will be the 194th Manchester derby in all competitions and only the third in Community Shield history.

Man United secured their spot in the 2024 Community Shield following their triumph over Man City in the 2024 FA Cup final. Youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored to deny Man City a second successive domestic double.

Man City secured their spot in the 2024 Community Shield when they lifted the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive year in May 2024.

Pep Guardiola’s side finished on 91 points, having won 28 of their Premier League games while scoring 96 goals. Erling Haaland won his second successive Golden Boot in the top flight after bagging 27 goals in 31 league appearances.

Both Manchester clubs will kick off their competitive season a week earlier compared to their fellow Premier League clubs to contest the 2024 Community Shield.

The fixture will be played on Saturday, 10th August 2024, with kick-off expected to be at 3pm.

How to get Community Shield 2024 tickets

Both clubs will be selling tickets through their respective club channels for the 2024 Community Shield. It is always recommended to buy tickets through official club websites to avoid falling victim to a scam.

Manchester City

City have an allocation of 31,500 tickets for the final, with prices ranging from £30-75. Tickets have been sold on a points-based system to season ticket holders and Cityzens members.

Manchester United

Manchester United have now sold out their 31,500 allocation, meaning any United supporters wishing to attend the game will have to obtain tickets from a third party. As ever, fans in this position are advised to proceed with caution to avoid paying over the odds.

Last year, Arsenal and Manchester City each received north of 30,000 tickets. Prices ranged from £10 to £65 depending on seating area and ticket types such as age-specific bands and those who required accessibility arrangements.

Where to watch the Community Shield final on UK TV

The 2023 Community Shield between Arsenal and Man City was shown live on ITV and ITVX, so it is expected to be the same in 2024. It will cap off a busy summer for the station, which is currently broadcasting Euro 2024 matches alongside the BBC.

Glasgow Rangers may have begun their summer rebuilding job at Ibrox, but it is far from finished. With just three weeks to go until the season opener, Philippe Clement will be keen on signing at least another three or four players to speed this process up.

The oldest player that has signed is Liam Kelly, who is 28, as it appears the Belgian is building for the future. While this policy may pay dividends in the next few years, the Ibrox faithful are a hard bunch to satiate at the best of times, which means some experience is needed.

One of the newest links is to a midfielder who is currently playing in the Swiss top flight, but he could perhaps turn into Steven Davis 2.0 for Rangers.

Rangers showing interest in Senegalese midfielder

According to reports, Rangers have reportedly made contact with BSC Young Boys midfielder Cheikh Niasse to try and lure the player to Scotland this summer.

Nothing has been said about the potential transfer fee that the 24-year-old could cost the Glasgow side, and it remains to be seen whether Young Boys will want to cash in on one of their prized assets ahead of the new season.

If Clement is successful, he could be signing a player similar in style to Davis, whose presence has been missed in the heart of the Gers midfield recently.

How Cheikh Niasse compares to Davis

Davis, particularly during his second spell at the Light Blues, dictated games on a regular basis for the club, and he was incredible during the title-winning 2020/21 campaign.

Indeed, across 35 games that season, the midfielder finished with an 89% pass success rate, along with averaging 81.7 touches and being dribbled past on just 0.7 occasions per game, showing how imperative he was to their success.

For Young Boys, Niasse finished the season with an 83% pass success rate while averaging 48.7 touches in just 22 starts, showing his talents in the heart of the midfield.

Accurate passes per game

31.1

Big chances created

2

Key passes per game

0.5

Touches per game

48.7

Total duels won per game

4.1

Tackles per game

1.7

Possession lost per game

8.8

Interceptions per game

1.4

Defensively, he is also excellent, as evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 4% for blocks per 90 (2.02) and in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 (2.69) when compared to his positional peers in leagues similar to the Swiss top-flight, proving that he isn’t just impressing among his own teammates, but also when likened to other players from different leagues.

Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson lavished praise on the African talent amid the recent links, taking to X to say: “A strong, ball winning midfielder who’s capable going forward. A good ball carrier and passer of the ball, Cheikh Niasse is the perfect profile for what we’re needing in the middle of the pitch.”

That ability to pass and progress the play certainly sounds like Davis and thus, he could be exactly what Clement needs in order to establish some control during matches next season, something that let the club down towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Just imagine that partnership alongside fellow summer arrival, Mohamed Diomande.

The Ivorian boasts similar qualities, surging forward to provide 1.5 key passes per match in Rangers colours last term but also making 1.5 tackles a game.

If Rangers sign Niasse and partner him with Diomande, it could turn into a wonderful piece of transfer business.

Imagine him & Barron: Rangers make contact to sign £9.4k-p/w star

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a potential deal to sign the midfielder.

ByDan Emery Jul 14, 2024

This transfer window has been a quiet one up to now for Arsenal, with David Raya the only addition, making his loan spell permanent at the Emirates ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

However, defender Riccardo Calafiori could be about to be the club’s second addition this summer, as journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he’s passed his medical and is set to join the squad in the US.

Mikel Arteta finally looks as though he’s won the race for the Italian, but the Spaniard still wants reinforcements in midfield to bolster his squad’s chances of winning the Premier League this season.

Mikel Merino is the latest name to be linked with a move to the Emirates, looking to take advantage of his contract situation, entering talks with Real Sociedad over a potential deal for the Euro 2024 winner.

Despite the progression in talks, Arteta’s side should be all over a move for Merino’s international teammate, who’s potentially available for a bargain price this summer.

Arsenal should move to sign £51m talent this summer

In recent weeks, Arsenal have been touted with a potential move for RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo after his impressive form for Spain at Euro 2024.

The Spaniard, who has registered three goals and two assists at this summer’s European Championships, also has admirers from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea, with the Gunners needing to act quickly if they are to secure his services.

His displays at Euro 2024 have springboarded him into the limelight, with the Spanish talent finally getting the recognition that he deserves.

It has previously been reported that he has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his current deal with the Bundesliga side, a bargain for a player of his quality.

Whilst he enjoyed a successful tournament this summer, his stats from the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign are just as impressive, with Olmo ranking very similarly to a talent who has burst onto the scene in recent years.

Why Olmo is a similar player to Musiala and perfect for Odegaard

Jamal Musiala has cemented himself as one of the best youngsters in world football over the last couple of years, starring for German giants Bayern Munich.

Since his first-team debut back in 2020, the 21-year-old has featured 163 times for the club, scoring 43 goals and providing the same amount of assists – an average of one goal contribution every 0.5 games for Bayern.

However, despite his excellent stats, Olmo has matched or even better some of his stats per 90 in 2023/24, with FBref ranking the Spaniard as a similar player to the German star.

In the Bundesliga, the “world-class” Olmo, as described by journalist Victor Catalina, registered fewer combined goals or assists than Musiala, but managed to contribute with more assists per 90 than the German.

Games

21

24

Goals + assists

9

15

Assists per 90

0.31

0.25

Passes completed

32

32

Recoveries

4.7

4.7

Progressive carries into final third

3

3

He also registered the same number of passes per 90, whilst matching the Bayern ace for progressive carries into the final third – making him the perfect partner for current Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, with the pair both liking to get on the ball and play forward and at any given opportunity.

The Norwegian excelled in a box-to-box role last season, regaining possession before playing forward, with Olmo fitting perfectly into the mold, as demonstrated by his tally of 4.7 recoveries per 90 – crucial figures to break up the play, before allowing him to demonstrate his creative side.

Merino may be a cheaper alternative for the Gunners this season, but Olmo possesses a lot of qualities that would benefit Arteta’s side. He can play in a number of roles across the midfield, making him a versatile option who can have an effect at both ends of the pitch.

£51m in today’s market for a player of his quality is a bargain, with the Gunners needing to act quickly to secure his services, amid strong interest from various other English sides.

Leeds United have submitted a verbal bid to sign a new attacker this summer, according to a new report.

Leeds eyeing new winger to replace Summerville

The Whites are preparing for their Championship opener this weekend against Portsmouth at Elland Road, but one player who won’t be there is last season’s Player of the Year, Crysencio Summerville.

The Dutch winger has now left for Leeds for West Ham, with Daniel Farke admitting after Leeds’ final pre-season game against Valencia that the club would like to bring in a new wide player but still need to comply with financial fair play rules.

Leeds United's summer sales

New club

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Archie Gray

Tottenham

£34.7m

Crysencio Summerville

West Ham

£25.1m

Glen Kamara

Rennes

£8.4m

Marc Roca

Real Betis

£3.8m

Charlie Cresswell

Toulouse

£3.8m

Diego Llorente

Real Betis

£2.7m

Robin Koch

Eintracht Frankfurt

Free transfer

Jamie Shackleton

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Kristoffer Klaesson

Rakow Czestochowa

Free transfer

Luke Ayling

Middlesbrough

Free transfer

Ian Poveda

Sunderland

Free transfer

Cody Drameh

Hull City

Free transfer

Darko Gyabi

Plymouth Argyle

Loan

Sam Greenwood

Preston North End

Loan

Sonny Perkins

Leyton Oreint

Loan

"Our situation is also quite clear, obviously after selling a winger, an offensive player like Cree everyone knows we'd like to add a player in a similar position, there's no doubt.

"It's not like right now we receive a full player like Archie Gray or Cree Summerville also lots of money and right now we can spend it. At the moment we still have to pay for a few sins in the past and make sure we're in line with all the financial rules and this is also the reason why sometimes a club has to take a decision also to sell a player.

"Obviously when you ask me as a manager you always want to keep your best players and even add a few more top players but we still have the situation that we've done something not in the perfect way in former years and right now have to pay the price.

"In the last season we were pretty disciplined and careful with what we spent. We have to be careful and it's an open secret, it's not like we take all the money from a transfer like Cree and can spend it right now. We have pretty limited resources.”

The top target to replace Summerville currently appears to be Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe, with talks recently held over a deal for the England Under-21 international. Now, it appears as if Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises have gone one step further and have made an offer.

Leeds make verbal bid for Jonathan Rowe

According to Football Insider, Leeds have submitted a verbal bid worth £7m for Rowe, however, that is “nowhere near” Norwich’s valuation. The Canaries have swiftly responded to that proposal from Yorkshire, so it will be interesting to see if Leeds go back in with an improved offer.

Rowe enjoyed a solid campaign at Carrow Road when fully fit, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 34 Championship appearances.

He was also hailed by Norwich teammate Shane Duffy, who called Rowe a player who can produce “magic” and win games. "Give him a ball like that in that position, and he will do the rest – he's shown that since the start of the season when he picked up the ball on the halfway line and found the top corner. Jonny has got that bit of magic for us. He can win us games, and that's what you need at this level to be successful."

The Premier League is back, and Manchester United got their campaign underway with a hard-fought win over Fulham, who caused them some real trouble last season.

Erik ten Hag's side may have only won the game 1-0, but they looked pretty good throughout the 90 minutes and gave the fans a reason to be hopeful ahead of a long ten months that'll hopefully end in Champions League qualification.

One of the best players in the first half was Casemiro, who showed why he could still be helpful for the team. Likewise, while he could be sold in the coming weeks, Scott McTominay came on for a late cameo and looked okay.

However, while they both looked perfectly fine in their time on the pitch, another starter has seen his valuation skyrocket past theirs'.

Casemiro and McTominay's valuation in 2024

So, based on recent reports, it does look as if McTominay's time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end, with Fulham particularly keen on bringing him to Craven Cottage this summer.

The West Londoners had a second offer rejected for the Scottish international earlier this month worth around £20m, but now it looks like they could come in with a third, improved offer.

However, Marco Silva's side are unwilling to match United's £30m valuation of the player, instead looking to seal the deal at around £25m, although whether the Red Devils are willing to accept that remains to be seen.

Some out there may question such a valuation on the 27-year-old's head, but given that he scored ten goals and provided three assists from 43 appearances last season, it seems more than fair.

Now, while the Lancaster-born ace has seen his stock rise slightly over the last year, his midfield partner, Casemiro, has seen his value plummet.

For example, he joined the three-time European champions for a whopping £70m in the summer of 2022, and while he enjoyed a stellar first season at the club, he struggled last year and, as a result, his valuation from Transfermarkt has plunged to just €20m, which converts to just £17m.

That might seem egregious for such a decorated player, but his fall from grace in the back half of last year was dramatic, with Jamie Carragher claiming that his "legs have gone", which was reportedly also the opinion of the club's coaching staff earlier this summer.

However, with all of that said, while Casemiro's value has plunged and McTominay's has risen, neither player is worth anywhere near as much as one of their young teammates.

Kobbie Mainoo's valuation in 2024

Of course, who else was it going to be? The young midfielder who has seen his valuation explode in the last year or so is 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.

According to Transfermarkt, the Stockport-born gem is now worth €55m, which converts to around £47m, meaning he is currently worth at least £17m more than McTominay and a massive £30m more than Casemiro.

There may be some people out there who believe this valuation is just too much for a player his age, but based on his performances over the last year or so and his importance to United and England, it's entirely justified.

For example, despite being so young, he made 32 first-team appearances for the Red Devils last season, in which he scored five goals and provided one assist, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 5.33 despite playing all of his games in central and defensive midfield.

Moreover, following his impressive showing at the Euros this summer, the "absolute baller", as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, already has nine senior England caps to his name, which is a glowing endorsement of his immense talent and sky-high potential.

Appearances

37

9

Goals

5

0

Assists

1

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.16

0.00

Ultimately, while some may be surprised to see that Mainoo is already worth substantially more than some of his more senior teammates, they shouldn't be, especially as his valuation will keep soaring if he keeps performing at this level.

Deal now close: Man Utd pushing to sign £59m "machine" who's like Rodri

This will complete Ten Hag’s summer spending with a flourish…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 19, 2024

Rangers are said to have been close to selling one of their players this week, however, there's been a twist at Ibrox.

The Scottish side, under Philippe Clement, are now a few weeks into their season, and it has been a relatively good start for the club, as they have collected four points out of a possible six in the Scottish Premiership. They have also secured their spot in the next round of the League Cup. The one big disappointment has been the fact they failed to qualify for the Champions League, as they were knocked out by Dynamo Kyiv last week.

Rangers could brilliantly replace Yilmaz with swoop for £4.2m star

The Light Blues could dip into the market to find a replacement for the injured defender.

ByDan Emery Aug 21, 2024 Rangers transfer news

It has been a rather productive summer for Rangers, as the club has been busy making changes to their playing squad. So far, the Scottish side has made eight new signings in this transfer window as Clement looks to close the gap to arch-rivals Celtic.

The Gers have brought in players such as Robin Propper and Jefte to improve their defensive options, but they have also added Mohamed Diomande and Vaclav Cerny to improve the team going forward.

Mohamed Diomande

Nordsjaelland

Robin Propper

Twente FC

Hamza Igamane

FAR Rabat

Vaclav Cerny

VfL Wolfsburg

Jefte

Fluminense

Connor Barron

Aberdeen

Liam Kelly

Motherwell

Clinton Nsiala

AC Milan U20

Despite there already being a high turnover of players at the club, as Rangers have also seen 10 players leave Ibrox in recent months, Rangers’ transfer business may not be stopping there.

It was reported last week that Rangers are interested in signing WSG Tirol player Mahamadou Diarra in what remains of this transfer window and have held talks with the player’s agent over a potential deal.

That phone call is said to have discussed the player’s potential contract at Ibrox, as well as his playing time, his transfer bonuses, and what the project is that is on offer at Rangers. It remains to be seen if Rangers remain interested in the player, but adding a forward to their squad may become even more important after the recent news.

Cyriel Dessers was close to leaving Rangers

According to reporter Luca Bendoni, Rangers had been in negotiations with MLS side Atalanta United over a potential deal for striker Cyriel Dessers. Bendoni states that talks over a deal were worth $6 million (£4.6 million) for Dessers.

He goes on to add that an agreement between the American side and the Scottish side was close, however, the move has broken down, as Dessers himself didn’t agree on the move to the MLS.

Dessers joined Rangers in July 2023 from Italian side Cremonese, where he had been since August 2022. The 29-year-old had a very productive campaign in his first season in Scotland, as the striker scored 16 goals in 35 Scottish Premiership games.

He also played a further 19 games for Rangers that season, as he was their leading man in their Europa League campaign, as well as their success in reaching the Scottish Cup final. The striker has continued that form from last season into the new campaign, as he’s netted once in two league games, as well as scoring in the cup and the Champions League qualifiers. Dessers remains contracted to the club until 2027.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared an update on rumours of a potential surprise Arsenal bid to sign one Premier League striker before the deadline strikes tonight at 11pm this evening.

Arsenal linked with "last minute" move to sign forward

Having already confirmed deals for David Raya on a permanent from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori in a move from Bologna and midfielder Mikel Merino for £32 million from Real Sociedad, it is believed Edu Gaspar and the Arsenal recruitment team may not be finished.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal looking at "last-minute" chance to sign forward

The Gunners are not done after Mikel Merino.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 29, 2024

Fabrizio Romano is among the media sources to claim Arsenal are looking at "last-minute" opportunities to sign a new forward and one who can perhaps be an alternative to star winger Bukayo Saka out wide.

Their latest official signing in Merino has already excited both Edu and manager Mikel Arteta, who are under the impression that his arrival seriously strengthens Arsenal and heightens their chances of beating Man City to the Premier League title.

“We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino," said Edu to Arsenal's official website.

Appearances

247

Goals

27

Assists

30

Yellow cards

56

Red cards

2

Minutes played

19,449

via Transfermarkt

"This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead. We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”

Following Merino's arrival, and their attempts to sign second-choice keeper Joan Garcia to replace the departed Aaron Ramsdale (BBC), a very surprising claim emerged from Spain this week about a possible pursuit of Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.

Indeed, one report claimed Arsenal could table a "significant" offer for Nunez, who would cost over £73 million, but reporter Crook has quickly moved to pour cold water over this rumour.

Update on potential Arsenal bid for Darwin Nunez

Taking to X, via GiveMeSport, the talkSPORT correspondent claims news of a potential Arsenal bid to sign Nunez before the deadline is "wide of the mark" – which will hardly come as surprising for supporters.

Nunez, who has played just 18 league minutes so far this season, has been subject to speculation over his future at Anfield recently, but it looks like he won't be heading down south to London.

Since joining the Reds from Benfica for an initial £64 million in 2022, the £140,000-per-week attacker has gone on to make 97 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring 33 goals and bagging a further 17 assists.

Chelsea’s academy has been known over the years to develop some elite talents, either starring in the first team or moving to another side and making the Blues a decent profit.

Conor Gallagher is the latest example of a player who has done both of the aforementioned things, making 127 appearances for his boyhood club, before joining Spanish side Atlético Madrid in a £38m deal.

Whilst there was some sadness over his departure given his long-term affiliation with the club, the transfer has helped the club potentially avoid a PSR punishment from the Premier League, whilst enabling them to re-sign João Félix from the LaLiga side.

As well as the club’s academy, Stamford Bridge is the home to numerous elite-level talents, with the club demonstrating their excellent recruitment in the transfer market.

Two of those are Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer.

Caicedo & Palmer’s time at Chelsea so far

After costing the club a combined £155m, there was a real expectation placed on the shoulders of Caicedo and Palmer, with the club needing added quality in the club’s first-team.

The Ecuadorian moved in a British record £115m deal from Brighton and has since made 53 appearances in all competitions, often making himself one of the first names on the teamsheet.

He’s only scored one goal during his time at Stamford Bridge, coming on the final day of last season in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth – but it was worth the wait, with his effort winning the club’s goal of the season.

Forward Palmer has been a roaring success during his first 12 months at Chelsea, registering 40 combined goals and assists in all competitions after his £40m move from Manchester City last summer.

The 22-year-old was rewarded with a call-up to the England national side for Euro 2024, scoring the vital equaliser in the final defeat against Spain.

Palmer has continued his excellent form into the new campaign, registering one goal and four assists in the opening three fixtures – currently sitting third in the division for most goal contributions.

However, despite the duo’s excellent form in West London, they are valued less than one player who was once on the books of the Blues.

This is certainly a poor one from a Chelsea perspective.

Declan Rice's rise after leaving Chelsea

Declan Rice has gone on to enjoy a phenomenal career in England, from winning the Europa Conference League to securing a big-money move to Arsenal and becoming a regular England international.

However, he could have been achieving all of these things in a Chelsea shirt, after being a part of the club’s academy – before being released at the age of 14 and joining West Ham.

To this day, it's a decision that the midfielder still doesn't truly understand.

His departure is just one of multiple mistakes made by the club in recent times, with his market value soaring as a result of his form under Mikel Arteta.

As per Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old is now valued at a staggering £102m, with his subsequent value higher than that of both Caicedo and Palmer, who are worth £63.2m and £67.4m respectively.

That's even despite Caicedo's initial fee last summer being worth than Rice, with both players breaking the Premier League transfer record in the same window.

Erling Haaland

£151m

Phil Foden

£126m

Bukayo Saka

£118m

Rodri

£110m

Declan Rice

£102m

Whilst the club have undoubtedly recruited well over the last couple of years with Caicedo and Palmer just two examples of their transfer business but, they could’ve saved themselves a fortune had they kept hold of Rice.

The England international has thrived after the decision to allow him to leave Stamford Bridge as a youngster, with the 25-year-old showcasing what the club could’ve had if they kept hold of talent.

Chelsea will regret selling a superstar who's "similar to Cole Palmer"

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1 ByJoe Nuttall Sep 7, 2024