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Chelsea are hoping to continue the momentum that they have built in the early part of the season, despite their midweek stumble against Fulham. The Blues have faltered slightly, falling to third after the 2-1 loss to their West London rivals.

Enzo Maresca’s side were leading with ten minutes to go thanks to a first-half goal from Cole Palmer. However, the Cottagers managed to turn it around at the death. Harry Wilson equalised in the 82nd minute and moments later Rodrigo Muniz scored a winner in stoppage time to win the game.

In many ways, this game highlighted the Blues’ need for a striker, given they had three big chances, as per Sofascore. It is an issue that they have had for many years.

Chelsea’s striker struggles

The West Londoners have had their fair share of impressive strikers. Didier Drogba is perhaps their most prominent, and he scored 164 goals in 381 games for Chelsea.

Nowadays, Nicolas Jackson is first choice, and he too is having a strong season, having scored nine times in the Premier League.

However, there have also been some big names who disappointed at Stamford Bridge. Gonzalo Higuain and Alvaro Morata were two players who joined on loan.

The Argentine came from Juventus, and scored just five goals for the club, with the Spanish striker scoring 24 goals in 72 games. Morata joined permanently from Real Madrid on a £60m deal, before later returning to La Liga to join Atletico Madrid.

Another player who Blues fans expected so much from was Fernando Torres. The Spanish striker joined from Liverpool for a British record of £50m in January 2011. However, he scored just 45 goals in 172 appearances for the Blues.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Andriy Shevchenko was also a player with so many expectations on him when he joined Chelsea from AC Milan. The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner was fantastic for the Rossoneri, with 175 goals, but he managed just 22 goals at Stamford Bridge.

None of those strikers managed to supplement or replace Drogba, and they are seeing a similar issue with Jackson today. However, they have been linked with another big move for a striker from Milan, with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez a target.

Chelsea's search for a striker

A report from Christmas Day by Calcio Mercato referenced the fact the Blues are chasing Martinez, as reported by Argentine news outlet El Grafico. Chelsea are reportedly conducting a ‘search for a true number nine’.

Although it will be ‘a very difficult negotiation’ if they want to sign Martinez, they are believed to be willing to do a player plus cash deal. The players who could be offered to Inter are reportedly Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Martinez, who earns £260k-per-week, as per Capology, would certainly bring goals to the Blues side. He has 135 goals in 303 games for I Nerazzurri, with his best season coming in 2023/24. The Argentine scored 24 goals in 33 Serie A games as Inter won the Scudetto.

This season, the 27-year-old has not fired to the same level yet. He has five goals and three assists in 14 top-flight games.

However, his underlying numbers from last season, and the fact that he scored so many goals, suggest he is ready to explode. As football scout Antonio Mango described him, Martinez is a “beast”.

As per FBref, the 2022 World Cup Winner averaged 0.81 goals per game and 0.5 goals per shot on target in last season’s Serie A. That ranks him in the top 1% and the top 7% of strikers in the top flight of Italy.

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Goals

0.81

99th

Shots on target

1.49

96th

Goals per shot on target

0.5

93rd

Expected goals

0.6

93rd

Goal-creating actions

0.54

86th

Impressively, Martinez finished seventh in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, a testament to his impressive form over the past 12 months or so. That saw him finish above Palmer, who is the jewel in Chelsea’s crown, suggesting he has even been better than the Englishman in recent months.

That is an impressive feat given the 22-year-old’s record in that famous Blue shirt so far. He has played 65 games, scoring an outrageous 37 goals and grabbing 21 assists in that time. For Martinez to finish above him is commendable work.

Signing the 27-year-old could be a smart move for Chelsea. He is a ready-made striker, full of experience and quality to compete with Jackson.

While the Blues may be concerned over enduring a Shevchenko repeat – with regard to signing a ‘proven’ striker after huge success in Serie A – the hope will be that he can fare better than the legendary Ukrainian.

It might be an expensive deal, but one that could suit the Blues down to the ground.

Jackson upgrade: Chelsea target £94m ace who's "the best 9 in the world"

The sensational striker would make Chelsea far more dangerous.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 27, 2024

Newell’s Old Boys have invited Lionel Messi to seal a shock homecoming transfer, with a “four-month” contract being lined up for the Inter Miami star.

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All-time great is a Rosario nativeHas option in Inter Miami contract for 2026May return to his roots before retiringFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Rosario native Messi spent time in Newell’s youth system before heading to Barcelona in 2000 and starting out on a path to superstardom. He is now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the most decorated player of all-time.

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Messi is currently plying his trade in MLS for Inter Miami, with there an extension option in his contract with the Herons for 2026. At 37 years of age, it remains to be seen how many more seasons the Argentine GOAT has left in him.

DID YOU KNOW?

Newell’s are hoping that a prodigal son can be convinced to return to his roots before hanging up record-breaking boots, with the South American outfit rightly proud of helping to put Messi and Diego Maradona on the road to greatness.

GOALWHAT NEWELL'S OLD BOYS COACH SAID

Quizzed on a potential deal with Messi, Newell’s manager Cristian Fabbiani told : "I hope Messi comes to play for just four months, whenever he wants. A tournament lasts that long, four months. He could make a good duo with Ever [Banega]."

Six-wicket victory at Canterbury in South Group basement battle

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2022The Sussex Sharks’ slim chances of qualifying for the Vitality Blast quarter-finals are over, after they were beaten by six wickets by the Kent Spitfires at Canterbury.Joe Denly hit 58 and Sam Billings was unbeaten on 33 as Kent eventually coasted home with seven balls remaining, to finish on 159 for four.Grant Stewart earlier took 3 for 38 and George Linde two for 14 as Kent restricted Sussex to 158 for seven. Ali Orr made 36 and Harrison Ward 33, but the Sharks failed to kick on after racing to 76 for 1 at the end of eight overs.In a derby billed as “The War of the Wealds”, Kent made an early breakthrough when, having won the toss and chose to bowl, Fred Klaassen had Mohammad Rizwan caught at gully for four with the fourth ball of the innings, but Orr and Ward responded with a rapid partnership of 73.Having endured a brutal debut at home to Gloucestershire on Tuesday night, when his only over went for 26, Jas Singh looked like getting a deserved wicket when Ward skied him to mid on, but Klaassen dropped the catch. and the run rate was threatening to get out of hand until the Spitfires took two wickets in the ninth over. Ward was run out by Ahmad, chasing a non-existent single to point and Qais then caught Tom Alsop for one off George Linde.Orr fell in Linde’s next over, caught at deep backward square by Jack Leaning for 33, and the same fielder caught Ravi Bopara off Qais Ahmad for seven at cow corner.A nonplussed Delray Rawlins was given caught behind off Qais for 28 and Rashid Khan had made just three when he chipped Stewart to Tawanda Muyeye at mid off, before George Garton gave Sussex something to defend with 31 from 15 balls, before he edged the final ball of the innings to Klaassen to hand Stewart his third wicket.Rawlins had Muyeye plumb in front for a duck in the first over of the chase but Henry Crocombe then dropped Cox off Steven Finn when he was on four.Crocombe took his revenge when he tempted Cox into a miscue that was caught by Orr at short fine leg, dismissing him for 18, but Denly batted Kent into a winning position with another explosive innings that included a six off Will Beer that cleared the Frank Woolley stand – for for only the third time in its history. He moved to 50 with a single off Rawlins and then hit Bopara for another six, but edged the next delivery to Brocombe.With Denly gone Billings was left to anchor the chase. He lost Alex Blake was lbw to Khan for six and the boundaries dried up, but managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over with George Linde at the other end, chipping away at the target with ones and twos.Bopara and Khan kept Sussex in it with some tight bowling and Kent still needed 24 from 18 when Finn came on at the Pavilion End, but the former England man was pummelled for 18 runs, including successive fours off the final two balls from Linde.Linde hit the winning run when he edged Beer and Orr couldn’t pull in a difficult, diving catch. The result means Sussex cannot now qualify for the last eight, while the already eliminated champions Kent recorded their third Blast win of the season.

Several members of the USMNT were honored at a Los Angeles Lakers game, ahead of their match vs Brazil

USWNT honored on court at Lakers gameTeam joins star-studded crowd at NBA clashRecognition precedes match vs Brazil at SoFi StadiumGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED

The USWNT was hailed on the court a Los Angeles Lakers NBA game at Crypto.com Arena this week. The team joined a host of celebrities in attendance for the high-profile match.

The squad was in Los Angeles for their first game of the international break, as they faced Brazil on Saturday.

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The USWNT squad weren’t the only celebrities watching the big game as they were joined by a catalogue of others in attendance for the high-profile basketball match. That included David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, LAFC star Olivier Giroud and many others.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

The USWNT have a pair of matches against Brazil this week, the second of which will be held Tuesday night in San Jose. The side then come together again at the end of May to face China twice, first on May 30 and then on June 3.

Yorkshire to secure automatic progression ahead of previous winner-takes-all clash

David Hopps03-Jul-2022Yorkshire have essentially been given a free pass into the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast after Leicestershire were docked two points for ill discipline during their home match against Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Friday.The sanction makes what was a winner-takes-all tie between Leicestershire and Yorkshire at Grace Road on Sunday meaningless in terms of the North Group table. Leicestershire had previously been only a point behind Yorkshire and had the chance to overhaul them with a victory.Leicestershire were on a final warning with the ECB disciplinary panel following an avalanche of fixed penalty notices and had been informed on August 2 last year that any further fixed penalty in the next 12 months could lead to a two-point penalty in whichever competition the incident took place.They incurred two fixed penalty notices against Northants – both of the incidents occurring in an impassioned finale.Northants needed four to win from two balls when Jimmy Neesham, the New Zealand allrounder, whose 22-ball half-century had taken them to the brink of victory, was run out after being forced into an impossible second run to mid-off by Tom Taylor to try to keep him on strike.As Neesham walked off, Arron Lilley ran up from the leg-side to remonstrate with him and had to be pushed away by Taylor with the umpire, Russell Warren, also intervening. The umpires, Warren and Richard Illingworth, then had further words with Leicestershire’s captain, Colin Ackermann. Leicestershire won the match by one run.Naveen-ul-Haq, the Afghanistan fast bowler, also fell foul of the disciplinary board. He was removed from the attack with one ball of his spell remaining after bowling full-tosses above waist high in the penultimate over.The playing conditions in the Blast rule that two beamers in a spell must not just bring automatic removal from the attack, but also an automatic disciplinary offence with the umpires having no discretion as to whether they are either dangerous or deliberate. There was no show of dissent after the decision. Footage of the match suggests that Leicestershire accepted the decision with good grace. With bowlers heavily reliant upon slower balls of various types to combat a batter-dominated game, the double punishment is far from universally poular.A Foxes statement said: “Leicestershire has worked tirelessly to improve on-field discipline following two previous hearings in 2021 and did not incur any fixed penalties during the first half of the current season.”It was therefore requested for the improvement in behaviour to be considered in mitigation, but based on previous stipulations the CDC has decided to apply the sanction immediately, with no right to appeal the decision.”Leicestershire appealed for the ECB to impose the points penalty deduction next season, but the ECB disciplinary committee felt that previous decisions did not allow such a leeway. Sean Jarvis, Leicestershire’s chief executive, who has worked unflaggingly to attract crowds back to the Uptonsteel ground this summer, now finds what was the most significant match of the season rendered meaningless.Harry Brook’s availability for Yorkshire’s quarter-final is in serious doubt given his England involvement•Getty ImagesFor Yorkshire, a place in the quarter-finals is a relief. A reconstituted club, still seriously understaffed in places, must contend with the fallout of racism allegations by Azeem Rafiq, a former player, against the previous regime. Yorkshire have been charged by an ECB investigatory panel, and are expected to accept most of the charges, and also face action by their former coach, Andrew Gale, which is due to come before an employment tribunal in Leeds at the end of October.Although the bigger picture is a long-term commitment to diversity, Yorkshire’s chances of pushing through long-term changes will be helped if they can find success on the field – and that will not be easy with several players still mulling over their future and contractual negotiations at a delicate stage.Yorkshire will also be severely weakened in their last-eight tie. David Willey, Dawid Malan and Harry Brook have all been called up for white-ball duties by England and Finn Allen is expected to join New Zealand in Ireland. It would be quite a surprise – although, in theory perfectly possible – if Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow made themselves available after the India Test.Other counties will also face a similar draining of resources, if not to Yorkshire’s extent, and with England’s T20Is against India scheduled for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and the Blast last-eight ties taking place on Wednesday, Thursday (probably) and Friday, it remains to be seen if the ECB will show any flexibility on player availability. That representations will be happening behind the scenes can be taken for granted.Leicestershire had received six fixed penalties for breaches of ECB Directive 3.6 from the period August 2, 2020 and to July 1, 2021 and, after the August 2 warning, they had been called to a subsequent hearing a month later after incurring a further fixed penalty point.The disciplinary committee reiterated the warnings that had been made. “On 2 August 2021 the CDC imposed the sanction on the club as follows: Subject to the over-riding discretion of the panel, should there be one or more fixed penalty issued to a Leicestershire player within 12 months of this hearing, the Club will be deducted either 12 LV= County Championship points (or equivalent), 2 Royal London Cup points (or equivalent) or 2 Vitality Blast points (or equivalent). The more serious the breach or breaches, the more likely it is that points will be deducted.”On 3 September following the further fixed penalty the CDC decision stated ‘if there are any further breaches at any Level on or before 1 August 2022, a points deduction will almost certainly be an inevitable consequence’.”

Sheffield United are reportedly favourites to land an “intelligent” new striker on loan this month to help boost their chances of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Sheffield United news and updates

Sheffield United are currently enduring a difficult spell, with Chris Wilder’s side having won just one of their last five games in all competitions. Losses to promotion rivals Sunderland and Burnley in the Championship have put a dent in their automatic promotion chances, while most recently, a defeat to struggling Cardiff City in the FA Cup saw them dumped out in the tournament’s third round.

A solitary goal from Bluebirds striker Cian Ashford was enough to beat United, who just two seasons ago made it to the semifinals.

Sheffield United and Wilder in advanced talks to sign Arblaster replacement

A loan move is on the cards.

ByCharlie Smith Jan 8, 2025

Speaking to the press after his side’s exit from the FA Cup, Wilder said he was “disappointed with some of the boys because they should have been better”.

“There was an opportunity for those that haven’t played a lot of football to impress, but it is where we are at the moment,” he explained: “I’d have liked it to look a lot better from those who have had the opportunity, we gave the ball away in poor areas, but we were chucking a team together and expecting it to flow, they arguably did the same and did better than us to progress.”

Blades now in pole position to sign Brereton Diaz

To try and get their season back on track, United are reportedly favourites to re-sign Ben Brereton Diaz on-loan from Southampton in January due to the player’s preference. Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Bramall Lane, scoring six goals in 16 games before completing a permanent move to St. Mary’s in the summer.

The Chile international, however, has since struggled for minutes with the Saints, starting just four Premier League games.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton are now keen to offload Diaz, and although Sunderland and Blackburn have both made approaches for him, the 25-year-old would only consider a return to United.

Sky report that Diaz’s partner is due to give birth to their baby soon, so he will only consider a move that is suitable for his family. If he can’t return to United, the striker is “happy to stay at St Mary’s and fight for his place”.

Ben Brereton Diaz Sheffield United Stats (2023/24)

Games

16

Goals

6

Assists

1

Bookings

3

Minutes

1,191

Minutes-per-goal

198.5

(Transfermarkt)

The former Blackburn sensation has been capped 35 times by Chile, scoring seven times. In 2022, he was named the Chilean Footballer of the Year. Speaking about the striker about a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in June of that year, former Chile boss Eduardo Berizzo said: “Brereton is very intelligent in his movement and found himself behind rival defenders several times.

“He was not given the goal, but he is a footballer with many qualities, he did a great performance despite the fact that his league in England stopped a long time ago. He is a player of interesting movements. He will be an important reference for us.”

The 2030 tournament will be hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with three opening games in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina

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CONMEBOL wants more countries to participateThe 2026 World Cup expanded from 32 to 48 teamsThe Asian Football Confederation also opposed itFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani rejected the concept of a 64-team World Cup in 2030, proposed by CONMEBOL, calling it unrealistic and unnecessary. The 2026 World Cup will expand to 48 teams, and Montagliani emphasized that adding more teams would dilute quality and strain logistics.

"There's no need to go beyond 48. We've already achieved expansion, and that brings enough inclusion while maintaining competitiveness," he told ESPN.

CONMEBOL had floated the idea earlier this year, suggesting that a larger tournament would provide more opportunities to smaller nations, but the proposal has faced skepticism from other confederations.

Similarly, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), led by Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, rejected the idea, calling it a "bad move" and warning that it could cause "chaos."

Despite the criticism, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez defended the idea, saying that the 100-year anniversary of the World Cup deserves a special edition that includes more teams and more global representation. FIFA has not made any official comments on the matter yet, but the proposal is expected to be reviewed during the FIFA Congress scheduled for May 15 in Paraguay.

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In recent days, CONMEBOL submitted an official proposal to FIFA requesting an expansion of the number of national teams participating in the World Cup, aiming to increase the total to 64. The South American confederation argued that such an expansion would allow more countries to take part in the historic celebration of the tournament's 100th anniversary.

As the global football community awaits FIFA’s verdict, the debate over the structure and future of the World Cup continues to intensify.

AFPWHAT UEFA PRESIDENT SAID

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin also dismissed CONMEBOL’s proposal, pointing out that a potential expansion to 64 teams would create complications for the qualification process.

"I think it's a bad idea – it’s not good for the World Cup or for our qualifiers," he said. "So I do not support that idea."

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Getty Images NewsDID YOU KNOW?

The 2026 World Cup will mark the first time the tournament is played with 48 national teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format that had been in place since the 1998 edition in France. This change represents a significant shift in the tournament’s structure, allowing more nations from around the world to participate on football’s biggest stage.

Says he took the “difficult decision” to spend more time with his young family

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-2022David Hemp, the head coach of Pakistan Women, will not extend his two-year contract in October, the PCB confirmed on Tuesday. Hemp, who was the second overseas coach for the women’s team, said he took the “difficult decision” to spend more time with his young family.”I have enjoyed living in Pakistan and working with the women cricketers, but it has also been difficult on me and my young family as I have been unable to spend enough time with them like any other father,” Hemp said in a statement issued by PCB. “After consulting my family, I have conveyed this difficult decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board, which has very graciously understood my situation and accepted my decision.”It has been incredibly enjoyable and satisfying working with the girls. Although results in international arena may not truly reflect the hard work and effort that went into the planning and preparations, I am satisfied that I gave my very best and the girls equally responded.”Hemp had taken charge from Iqbal Imam, who was appointed in an interim capacity after Mark Coles’ exit in October 2019. He oversaw Pakistan’s progress in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier last year, the Women’s World Cup earlier this year and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last month.While Pakistan failed to get past the league stages at the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, they managed to end their streak of 18 losses in the competition in New Zealand, when they beat West Indies by eight wickets. Moreover, the rise of young Fatima Sana has been one of the positives from Hemp’s tenure.”I was especially pleased with the emergence of Fatima Sana, who won the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2021 award and became the first Pakistan women cricketer to win the ICC Cricketer of the Month award and displayed her excellent talent in the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games,” he said. “I am optimistic we will see many more young women cricketers from domestic competitions and talent hunt programmes to enter the Pakistan framework and contribute in the teams’ future achievements.”I want to thank everyone at the Pakistan Cricket Board, women’s wing and the entire side who not only backed and supported me but also made my stay memorable and comfortable. I will remain a big fan of Pakistan women’s cricket, will continue to follow their progress with excitement and remain confident that better results and successes await them down the road.”More recently, ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Pakistan blanked Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20I series at home before taking the ODI series 2-1. Their next assignment is the ODI series at home against Ireland in November, which will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship.Tania Mallick, PCB head of women’s wing, paid tribute to Hemp by saying, “It is sad to lose someone of David’s caliber, enthusiasm and strong work ethics, but at the same we also understand and accept that family has to come first. The PCB thanks David for all his efforts and contributions, and wishes him best of luck in his future endeavours.”

Tottenham Hotspur have made a serious approach over signing an ambitious new forward target, as manager Ange Postecoglou attempts to reinforce his attack with real quality during the business end of January.

Spurs lose Randal Kolo Muani transfer race with new options identified

Postecoglou’s side were involved in a high-profile transfer race for the signature of PSG outcast Randal Kolo Muani, but the France international has made his preference crystal clear.

Postecoglou really wants Tottenham to sign "versatile" £13m international

The Australian is “very keen” on him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 15, 2025

Tottenham attempted to sway Kolo Muani until the dying seconds, as reported by reliable media sources like Fabrice Hawkins, but Juventus proved a more tempting option for the 26-year-old – who’s put pen to paper on a loan move to Serie A with no buy option.

Everton (away)

January 19

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22

Spurs were in discussions with PSG on Monday over Kolo Muani. However, their efforts fell short, as Juve eventually beat both the north Londoners and Man United in pursuit of the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Attention now turns to whom technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s recruitment team could identify as an alternative to the versatile forward, and there are a few credible options.

RMC Sport’s Hawkins reports that Tottenham could advance on a move for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo before deadline day, even if Thomas Frank has attempted to pour cold water over the possibility of his exit this winter.

In the face of an irresistible January offer, especially considering Mbeumo’s contract expires in 18 months, you could make a case that Frank could be overruled by Brentford officials when it comes to letting the Cameroonian star depart – so this could still be one to watch.

In the event a deal for Mbeumo proves impossible, another Premier League star facing an uncertain future is Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The 20-year-old Red Devils sensation is believed to be attracting serious interest from Serie A as a top target for Antonio Conte, with reports in Italy claiming Napoli have offered Garnacho a contract to join them.

Tottenham prepared to make £60m bid for Alejandro Garnacho

While Conte’s side appear seriously keen, he has admirers closer to home as well, and Spurs are believed to be well in the mix for his signature.

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham have made a “concrete” enquiry over a deal for Garnacho, and they’re prepared to test United’s resolve with a £60 million bid for the forward’s services.

The outlet adds that this could even be enough to tempt Ruben Amorim’s side into selling. Due to rumoured PSR concerns, United are apparently prioritising “pure profit” sales, opening the door for interested sides to hold talks over Garnacho.

Called a “real deal” player by pundit Rio Ferdinand, the Argentine boasts eight goals and five assists from 30 appearances in all competitions already this season.

Chelsea have yet to sign anyone during the current January transfer window, yet Enzo Maresca is desperate to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.

His maiden season at the Blues has perhaps gone better than anticipated. At the time of writing, the club are sitting fifth in the Premier League table, through to the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League, while they secured their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend.

Overall, it hasn’t been a bad start. Qualifying for the Champions League will be his priority, however, and this means a few new recruits may be eyed before the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a shock target, while according to Sky in Germany (via Sky Sports), Chelsea have contacted Bayern Munich to ask about the availability of Mathys Tel, but it looks as though he wants to stay and fight for his place in the Bavarian side.

Tel isn’t the only player Maresca is eyeing from Germany, as a current Borussia Dortmund talent has caught the eye of late, which could lead to the Stamford Bridge side making a move this month.

Chelsea lining up swoop for Borussia Dortmund starlet

Garnacho was mentioned by Sky Sports News as one target Chelsea had in mind this month, but the other player named could be a far better option.

Jamie Gittens is also wanted by the Blues, according to the same report, as Maresca looks set to try and bolster his attacking options, despite having a plethora of talent to choose from already.

According to the Athletic, Chelsea have started conversations regarding a move for Gittens before the window closes, but these are only at an early stage, with an enquiry having been made.

There is no word on what kind of transfer fee it might cost to bring the 20-year-old to London, but considering his market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €50m (£42m), plus a contract running until 2028, he could cost a fortune.

If they did manage to secure his signature, the club would be signing one of the finest young talents in Europe, no doubt about that.

Jamie Gitten’s statistics at Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund has proven to be a wonderful place for English youngsters to go and develop away from the pressures of life in the Premier League.

Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham are the two finest examples. Both players shone at Signal Iduna Park during their respective spells there, securing moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Gittens is the next big thing at the club. He made his debut during the 2021/22 campaign aged just 18, and it soon became clear that the club had a natural heir to Sancho in their midst.

Over the previous two and a half years, Gittens has played 80 times for the club, registering 30 goal contributions – 16 goals and 14 assists – to emerge as one of their prized assets.

He knows how to perform on the biggest stages, especially in the Champions League. In the competition this term, the youngster has scored four times, grabbed an assist, created two big chances, and succeeded with 2.3 dribbles per game. It is no wonder Dortmund have a wonderful chance of finishing in the top eight, which secures progress to the last 16.

Last year, one analyst heaped plenty of praise on his abilities, saying: “Kobbie Mainoo, Xavi Simons, and Musiala all receive well-deserved hype as they are top players. However, just wait until Jamie Bynoe-Gittens starts playing week in and week out.

“He is one of a kind. It’s just a matter of time until he also achieves superstar status.”

He might not be at superstar status quite yet, but if a move to Chelsea materialises in the coming weeks, this platform could see the winger take his game to the next level.

Metric

Champions League

Bundesliga

Goals

4

7

Assists

1

3

Big chances created

2

5

Successful dribbles per game

2.3

3.1

Key passes per game

1

0.8

Not only that, but Gittens is also a similar type of player to a former Chelsea transfer target who has just secured a move to Paris Saint-Germain during the current window.

The Blues were looking to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this month before PSG stepped in, but in Gittens, they have someone who is eerily similar in playing style.

Jamie Gittens could be Maresca’s own Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Missing out on the Georgian winger is a blow, but Maresca shouldn’t be too concerned, considering a move for Gittens might cost slightly less.

According to FBref, the former Napoli wideman is currently the third-most comparable player to Gittens in terms of style of play and statistical profiles, which could see Chelsea land an exceptional talent.

Both players are naturally right-footed but tend to operate on the left flank, cutting inside on a regular basis to score the majority of their goals.

The pair have registered similar statistics across a range of metrics this season, including goals and assists (ten vs eight), shots on target per 90 (1.18 vs 1.22), shot-creating actions (42 vs 57), touches in the attacking penalty area (77 vs 74) and carries into the opposition penalty area (43 vs 37) for their respective teams.

These statistics show just how effective the pair are when it comes to creating chances for their teammates, while they both love to get the ball into the penalty area as often as possible, utilising their excellent dribbling abilities.

Gittens still has plenty of development to do over the next few years, yet his spell at Dortmund has allowed him to showcase his talents on a regular basis.

He was bound to attract attention sooner rather than later given his performances for the German side over the previous few years, and it looks as though they won’t be able to keep him for long.

If Chelsea are serious about signing him, they had best try and get a deal over the line as the Englishman will have plenty of other suitors, given his impressive form in Germany this term.

Exit talks held: Chelsea could face Morata 2.0 over £130k-p/w sensation

Chelsea could be about to offload one of their big-money investments this month.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 17, 2025

Therefore, it is now down to the board to ensure that they do everything in their power to win the race for his signature before the end of the January transfer window.