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Pakistan will turn up with just one fast bowling option in Aamer Jamal

Danyal Rasool14-Oct-2024

Kamran Ghulam will make his Test debut on Tuesday•PCB

Pakistan have ripped up their home template ahead of the second Test starting Tuesday, naming three specialist spinners in their starting XI alongside seam bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, legspinner Zahid Mahmood and offspinner Sajid Khan have all been called up in a radical shift away from the green-top seaming tracks Pakistan have recently said they aspire to produce at home.Part of this has been borne of necessity, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have both been released from the squad for fitness or form reasons, and England’s batters, at any rate, appeared supremely untroubled against Pakistan’s pace battery for large parts.However, with Pakistan going through a dearth of quality spin bowling of late combined with their frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed ending up in hospital during the first Test, the decision to double down on spin remains a remarkable turnaround. Just two months earlier in Rawalpindi, against Bangladesh, Pakistan had contentiously fielded an all-seam attack, pointing at least in part to sort of pitches they had asked for at home.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

With Pakistan’s first class-season yet to begin, none of the three incoming spinners has the sort of recent red-ball experience that would be useful with a challenge as formidable as this England side. Noman last played a first-class game in October 2023, while Mahmood and Sajid have not played one since January this yearKamran Ghulam will make his debut to replace Babar Azam, who was released from the squad after an extended run of poor form. The batting line-up is otherwise unchanged, with Jamal at eight continuing to give them the security of batting depth Pakistan have desired. However, it also means he is the only seam bowler in the side, potentially placing a huge bowling responsibility on his shoulders should conditions appear partial to seam at any stages in this Test.If captain Shan Masood (or Mohammad Rizwan) doesn’t roll his arm over in Multan, it will be the first time that Pakistan will have only one pace-bowling option in a men’s Test.ESPNcricinfo has learnt there was a spirited debate among the selection committee members about the final composition of the squad, which had not been announced when assistant coach Azhar Mahmood came out for the pre-match press conference. He even acknowledged the reason for the delay in the squad announcement was discussion on the “11th” name in the squad; the selectors had considered fielding one more pace bowler. Ultimately, though confidence that the pitch would take excessive turn won out giving Pakistan’s bowling attack a drastically different look to the one that started the season three Tests earlier.Pakistan XI for second Test vs EnglandAbdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.

Three-wicket burst gives Middlesex boost but rain and resistance keeps Gloucs afloat

ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024Ollie Price and the weather combined to frustrate promotion-chasing Middlesex on the second day of their Vitality County Championship Division Two clash at Lord’s.Right-hander Price showed guts a-plenty to post 56 not out, his fifth score of 50 or more in the first-class game this season, as the visitors battled to 154 for 5, 223 in arrears of their hosts, on a day when only 41.4 overs were bowled due to bad light and rain.Not many of the Durham University graduate’s seven fours came off the middle of the bat as the home bowlers found plenty of movement through the air and off the pitch, the inside edge past leg-stump being a profitable source of runs.However, Price’s grit came in the wake of Middlesex skipper Toby Roland-Jones’ burst of 3 for 12 in 16 balls either side of lunch and served to take Gloucestershire from 74 for 4 to calmer waters, albeit needing a further 74 to save the follow-on. Roland-Jones had taken 3 for 56 and Ryan Higgins 2 for 47 when bad light, followed by rain, drove the players off for the second and final time at 3:15pm.The bad light, accompanied by some light rain delayed the start by 40 minutes before under still largely leaden skies with the lights on batting proved a hazardous occupation from the off. The first ball of the day from Roland-Jones to Cameron Bancroft was edged between third slip and gully for three, so setting the tone.Roland-Jones and Higgins constantly challenged both edges of the bat in ideal seam conditions, Ben Charlesworth edging the former just short of wicket-keeper Jack Davies when he’d made eight. He wouldn’t prosper for long, soon nicking a beauty from Higgins to Sam Robson at first slip.For a while Bancroft rode his luck, the majority of his 25 coming behind the wicket, before he was undone by one from Roland-Jones which jagged back between bat and pad to trim the bails.Bad light soon intervened again to drive the players off for an early lunch and when they returned Roland-Jones made whatever new batter Miles Hammond had consumed all-but indigestible by hitting him mid-ships first ball.The batter continued after treatment, crashing one sumptuous four through cover only to then edge another snorter from Roland-Jones to Tom Helm at third slip.When the veteran seamer, whose contract was extended for another year only yesterday, removed James Bracey caught behind two balls later, Gloucestershire were 74 for 4 and in peril.Price dug in using all parts of the bat to survive, an authoritative on-drive off Helm the pick of his shots.Graeme Van Buren joined him in a stand of 50 from 67 balls broken by Higgins who trapped his man on the crease.Price’s older brother Tom then joined him in the middle, surviving a blow on the head from a short one from Helm to keep vigil until the weather had the final word.

Will Arsenal’s spending spree continue?

So far this summer, the Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, with the latter unveiled on Thursday.

Meantime, a £52m move for Noni Madueke appears to be close, while the Gunners continue the chase for both Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres.

It was clear that Mikel Arteta needed to add plenty of attacking firepower to his squad, but do they now have a new defender in their sights?

Arsenal's pursuit of a new centre-back

Earlier in the window, as noted by Stuart James and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Arsenal, amongst many other clubs, held a genuine interest in signing Dean Huijsen, before the Spain international chose to move to Real Madrid instead.

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Thus, despite having William Saliba and Gabriel, who Oliver Hopkins of Opta’s the Analyst notes is arguably the best duo in the Premier League, the Gunners recognise they require greater depth in that position.

Thus, as reported by Football London, Arsenal remain interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, adding that the Spanish youth international is ‘keen to sign’ for the Gunners, so much so that he has rejected a new contract with los Murciélagos.

Ed Aarons of the Guardian has previously reported that the “monster” defender would cost around £16m, so could he swap Mestalla for North London?

How Cristhian Mosquera would improve Arsenal

Mosquera has been with Valencia since the age of 12, his senior debut coming against Atlético Baleares in the Copa del Rey in January 2022, accumulating 90 appearances for los Che’s first team, scoring his first-ever senior goal against Leganés in February.

He was also part of the Spain squad at this summer’s under-21 European Championships, starting three of their four matches in Slovakia, having also helped la Rojita win Olympic Gold in Paris 12 months ago.

Analyst Spencer Mossman praises Mosquera’s ‘tenacious tackling’ and ‘impressive’ improvement when it comes to his ‘ball playing’ ability, while also left impressed by his versatility.

Meantime, Jonas Bartsch of Total Football Analysis adds that the youngster has an ‘outstanding footballing IQ’ and ‘exceptional situational awareness’, so let’s assess his statistics from La Liga last season.

Cristhian Mosquera 2024/25 La Liga statistics

Statistics

Mosquera

La Liga rank

Minutes

3,319

5th

Tackles

56

42nd

% of dribblers tackled

77.5%

3rd

Blocks

37

33rd

Interceptions

35

26th

Clearances

128

26th

Ball recoveries

190

2nd

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, Mosquera ranked generally very highly for all defensive metrics in La Liga last season, especially when it comes to the percentage of dribblers tackled and ball recoveries, made all the more impressive by the fact that Valencia spent the campaign battling against relegation.

Now though, let’s assess how he compares to Arsenal’s first-choice target – and Mosquera’s compatriot – Huijsen.

Mosquera vs Huijsen 2024/25 comparison

Statistics (per 90)

Mosquera

Huijsen

Passes attempted

54.2

59.5

Passing accuracy %

91.2%

84.2%

Duels contested

5.9

7.7

Ground duel success %

70.5%

51.5%

Aerial duel success %

45.2%

60.7%

Clearances

3.4

7.3

Interceptions

1

1.9

Touches

66

76

All statistics courtesy of Squawka

As the table outlines, Huijsen’s statistics are pretty much all more impressive than Mosquera’s, but this is to be expected considering the former Bournemouth man is a full-Spain international, and is the one of the two who has just joined Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, Mosquera’s statistics are still impressive, ranking higher for passing and ground duels, ensuring he is an exciting, high-potential Spanish defender in his own right.

Thus, it is clear that the 21-year-old would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad, joining Madueke and co in bolstering Arteta’s already talented ranks.

Related Fabrizio Romano: Player set for imminent Arsenal medical after deal agreed

The Gunners are closing in on another signing.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 12, 2025

Sunderland are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of returning to the Premier League and could now be close to completing another impressive capture, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Sunderland look to add more faces after Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra

Enzo Le Fee became Sunderland’s first permanent signing of the window following his successful loan spell from Roma, and the Black Cats have also brought in Habib Diarra from Strasbourg to solidify their engine room.

Speaking after his arrival, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman stated: “Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC. At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he’s been a captain in one of Europe’s elite leagues.

“This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre.”

Free agent left-back Reinildo is also set to join Sunderland following three years at Atletico Madrid, providing experience at left-back as they also pursue a deal for Chelsea youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith.

Charlie Cresswell has been lined up to bolster the Black Cats’ defensive spine, lending credence to the fact Regis Le Bris wants to make sure the centre of his side is watertight enough to secure Premier League survival.

Biggest talent since Le Fee: Sunderland plotting to sign £21m “phenomenon”

Sunderland could soon seal a deal that’s even bigger than Enzo Le Fee’s statement addition.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 2, 2025

Plenty of optimism is starting to emanate on Wearside due to the high calibre of individuals being linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland’s pedigree in the top-flight an attractive draw for potential recruits.

With that in mind, Le Bris and company are now reportedly closing in on a major signing between the sticks ahead of the new season.

Sunderland close in on Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic

Taking to social media platform X, Sky journalist Tavolieri has confirmed Sunderland are closing in on Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for a fee in the region of £21.5 million.

Rumoured to be coming in on a five-year contract, it is expected that the Serbia international will now compete with Anthony Patterson for the number one jersey at the Stadium of Light.

Labelled a “great goalkeeper” by Liam Rosenior, the 25-year-old spent last campaign on loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg and kept ten clean sheets in 31 appearances across all competitions, conceding 38 times in total.

Petrovic was left out of the Blues’ Club World Cup squad to seek a move elsewhere, and Sunderland may well be the ideal platform for the Požarevac-born man to gain regular first-team football after spending two years on the periphery at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United are now trying to get ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign a “fantastic” forward on loan for the 2025/26 season, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing multiple targets after rejected Elanga bid

Earlier this week, the Magpies saw a bid in the region of £45 million turned down straight away by Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga. Forest have made it clear they have no intention of selling the Sweden international, and now Newcastle are said to be weighing up whether to make another move.

As they decide what to do next in their pursuit of Elanga, Newcastle are already working on other potential arrivals in the meantime. The Premier League side are already in advanced talks to sign James Trafford from Burnley in a deal that is worth £30 million, and the transfer news doesn’t stop there, as the Magpies have agreed personal terms with forward Joao Pedro.

Newcastle are now said to be preparing a bid to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion attacker, but Chelsea’s interest has made the player think about where he would like to play his football from next season and beyond.

Newcastle now contact representatives of imposing 6 ft 4 Spanish defender

The Magpies have emerged as a new contender.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 25, 2025

A move for Pedro may depend on several factors, as a continued pursuit of Elanga could cool their interest in the Brighton man, but there is also another player who is firmly on their radar, and he could be seen as an alternative to both attackers.

Newcastle trying to beat Barça to Rashford

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are making “serious moves” to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.

The Magpies are laying the groundwork to sign the Englishman, though with Rashford fully expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, there is set to be a race for his signature. The winger’s preference is to join Barcelona, but it remains unclear if the Spanish side are going to make him a priority despite Hansi Flick’s public interest.

Rashford, who earns £300,000 a week at Man United, spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have already brought Matheus Cunha to the club this summer and are now closing in on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, which makes the case stronger that Rashford doesn’t have a future at the club.

Apps

25

Starts

16

Goals

6

xG

4.77

Total shots

1.4

Chance conversion

17%

Assists

3

xAG

3.45

Big chances created

8

United would ideally like to sell Rashford, as they have placed a £40 million price tag on his head. But given his wages and the transfer fee, the Red Devils may have to accept what Newcastle are willing to offer, and that is a loan deal.

A move to St James’ Park would see Rashford, who was dubbed “fantastic” by Unai Emery and even “world class” by teammate Rasmus Hojlund, come up against the likes of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak for a starting spot in Eddie Howe’s team.

The Women’s FA Cup has just as much magic as its male equivalent, with the finale’s place at the end of the domestic calendar handing two teams the opportunity to finish the campaign on a high in front of a large capacity crowd.

That has only been heightened by the welcome rise in prominence within the women’s game of late, with the FA Cup final being held at Wembley Stadium since 2015.

While the national stadium has typically only been half full for such occasions in the past, the 2023 final between Chelsea and Manchester United saw over 77,000 witness the Blues secure a third straight triumph through Sam Kerr’s winner.

Large crowds like these are now the norm for showpiece women’s events, particularly at Wembley, with the FA Cup final and England internationals well in the habit of bringing in spectators en masse.

The 2024 final was further evidence of this, with United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur again drawing in over 75,000 supporters.

But who are the most successful clubs in the FA Cup’s history? Here is a look at the history of the competition and a detailed look at the most recent finals.

Women's FA Cup history timeline

1970: Following the lifting of a ban on women’s football, which had stood for nearly 50 years, the first FA Cup tournament is held by the Women’s Football Association (WFA). The National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace hosts the first final in 1971, won by Southampton Women’s FC.

1993: The Football Association takes administrative control of the competition, along with the rest of women’s football in England.

2015: The final is held at Wembley Stadium for the first time, as 30,000 spectators see Chelsea defeat Notts County 1-0.

2023: A world-record crowd attends a domestic cup final, nearly 12 months on from the Euro 2022 final at a sold-out Wembley.

2024/25 Women's FA Cup

The 2024/25 FA Cup takes place on Sunday, 18th May, one day after the men’s event. This year’s women’s final is between Chelsea and Manchester United, in what is a repeat of the 2023 final.

Chelsea are going for a treble after being crowned as unbeaten champions and having won the League Cup back in March, while holders United are defending their FA Cup crown, which was won through their 4-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in May 2024.

It has been an exceptional first year in charge for Sonia Bompastor since replacing Emma Hayes, with the Blues’ only defeats this term coming in the Champions League to Manchester City and Barcelona.

Manchester United are looking to end the season on a high after having to settle for third following their 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on the final day of the WSL season.

Women’s FA Cup past winners

18 different clubs have won the Women’s FA Cup, with Arsenal being the record winners, having won it 14 times.

Southampton Women’s FC is the next-most successful club, winning eight times, most recently in 1981.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s record is only bettered by Doncaster Belles, who appeared in 11 out of 12 finals between 1983 and 1994, winning six times. However, the Blues can draw level with them in 2025.

Club

Times won

Last won

Arsenal

14

2016

Southampton Women’s FC

8

1981

Doncaster Belles

6

1994

Chelsea

5

2023

Manchester City

3

2020

Charlton Athletic

3

2005

Everton

2

2010

Fulham

2

2003

Millwall Lionesses

2

1997

Manchester United

1

2024

Birmingham City

1

2012

Norwich City

1

1986

AFC Wimbledon Women

1

1985 (as Friends of Fulham)

Howbury Grange

1

1984

Lowestoft Ladies

1

1982

St Helens

1

1980

Queen’s Park Rangers

1

1977

Fodens

1

1974

Previous FA Cup finals 12th May 2024: Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United sealed their first FA Cup triumph against first-time finalists Tottenham Hotspur in 2024 in a comprehensive victory at Wembley.

Ella Toone got the ball rolling just before the end of the first period, with her long-range rocket adding to her catalogue of big-game goals.

The second half saw Spurs tire and crumble under the wave of United attacks, with Rachel Williams’ header and Lucia Garcia’s double seeing the Red Devils run out deserved winners.

Beth England came closest for the runners-up when her header smashed the bar, but there could be no complaints about the final result as United claimed their first major trophy.

14th May 2023: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

Chelsea secured a league and cup double in 2023 after battling to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. Marc Skinner’s side had most of the better chances, particularly in the first half when they had a goal ruled out for offside in the opening minute and forced Ann-Katrin Berger into a number of important saves.

Sam Kerr turned home Pernille Harder’s pinpoint cross in the second half, to which the Red Devils had no reply.

15th May 2022: Chelsea 3-2 Manchester City (aet)

The Blues edged a five-goal thriller against United’s closest rivals in 2022. Sam Kerr nodded Chelsea ahead before Lauren Hemp equalised just before half-time.

Erin Cuthbert’s screamer restored the Blues’ lead and had looked set to be the match-winner until Hayley Raso’s fine finish forced extra time.

Both sides had chances in the extra period, but Kerr took the crucial one in the 99th minute, with her deflected strike handing Chelsea another FA Cup.

5th December 2021: Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Postponed due to the pandemic, the 2021 finale took place nearly seven months later than usual. The date chosen for the final came a century after the FA’s ban on women’s football in 1921.

It was Chelsea who once again emerged victorious, as opponents Arsenal came up against an inspired Kerr, who scored twice after Fran Kirby’s early opener to seal a comfortable victory.

1st November 2020: Everton 1-3 Manchester City (aet)

Played in front of no fans during the pandemic-affected 2020/21 campaign, Man City won their third FA Cup in four seasons with an extra-time victory over Everton, who were in the first final in six years.

The 50th Women’s FA Cup final saw Sam Mewis’ header put Gareth Taylor’s team in front, before Valerie Gauvin’s equaliser from a corner took the sides to extra time.

Georgia Stanway’s poked finish left City with one hand on the cup, and she laid the ball on a plate for Janine Beckie to finally put the game to bed and secure a second successive cup triumph.

Going into the final day, it is very much all to play for if you’re an Aston Villa supporter.

Last Friday night, the Villans beat Tottenham 2-0 at Villa Park, thanks to second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and then Boubacar Kamara.

This means, having won eight of their last nine Premier League games, Unai Emery’s team sit sixth, outside the coveted Champions League spots by virtue of goal difference.

Nevertheless, they could still gatecrash the top five with victory over Manchester United on Sunday, if just one of Chelsea fail to win at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle fail to beat Everton or Manchester City lose at Fulham comes to pass simultaneously.

Those bedecked in claret and blue heading to Old Trafford on Sunday will need their transistor radios at the ready, but could this turn out to be a final Villa appearance for one of the club’s most beloved figures?

The latest on Emi Martínez's Villa future

According to widespread reports, including from Mick Brown of Football Insider, goalkeeper Emi Martínez is expected to leave Aston Villa this summer.

Speaking on the Guardian Football Weekly podcast, Dan Bardell says “it looks like he’s going to go”, which he believes will be a “huge loss”, describing the Argentine World Cup winner as “irreplaceable”, while acknowledging that Villa have to sell a key player before 30 June to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Numerous clubs are interested in his services.

Jacob Tanswell and Gregg Evans of the Athletic note Saudi Pro League ‘interest’, reports in Argentina note that Manchester United have ‘made an offer’, while Eduardo Burgos Rodríguez of AS claims that Atlético Madrid have begun ‘informal inquiries’.

Since arriving from Arsenal for £20m in 2020, Martínez has made 211 appearances for the Claret and Blue Army, becoming an undisputed fans’ favourite, also picking up back-to-back Yashin Trophies at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, being named the best goalkeeper in the world.

However, with the 32-year-old seemingly set to depart, could Villa actually recruit an upgrade?

Aston Villa's target to replace Martínez

According to a report by Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are ‘interested’ in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

James McNicholas and David Ornstein of The Athletic document that Arsenal are also in the running to sign the 24-year-old Spaniard, who has a €25m (around £21m) release clause.

According to a report in Spain, this will plummet down to just £12.6m, if Blanquiazules are relegated on the final day of the La Liga season come Saturday evening.

How García could actually improve Aston Villa

Given this interest, could García actually be an upgrade on Martínez? Well, let’s assess the numbers to find out.

Emi Martínez vs Joan García 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

Martínez

García

Appearances

52

37

Minutes

4,590

3,330

Clean sheets

15

7

Goals conceded

61

51

Saves

146

136

Save %

71.6%

75%

Penalty saved %

33.3%

33.3%

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

+4

+7.1

Opposition crosses faced

605

655

% of crosses stopped

11.2%

9.3%

Pass completion %

79.3%

71.5%

Errors leading to an opposition shot

8

4

Average Sofascore Rating

7.25

7.37

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, Martínez and García’s statistics are broadly very similar this season, which is certainly impressive from the Spaniard’s point-of-view, considering his team are hovering just above the La Liga relegation zone.

García’s save percentage is impressive, but the statistic that stands out the most is his post-shot xG – goals allowed figure of +7.1, which means he ranks tenth across all of Europe’s top five leagues, or fourth if you remove Ligue 1 from the equation, behind only Nikola Vasilj (St. Pauli), Mile Svilar (Roma) and Finn Dahmen (Augsburg).

For context, Martínez is down in 104th when it comes to the same metric.

Analyst Ben Mattinson labels García “one of the highest potential goalkeepers in the world right now”, elsewhere praising his “cross claiming” and “composure on the ball”, assertions that are supported by the data.

Meantime, Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines backs him to become ‘one of the best goalkeepers’ of his generation, while Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis believes García has been the ‘all-round best performing young goalkeeper’ across Europe this season.

So, as much as Villa supporters adore Martínez, if they’re able to replace him with a highly-rated shot-stopper, who is six years his junior, for a bargain fee, from a business point of view, this does make sense doesn’t it?

Related Aston Villa in pole position after talks to sign "powerful" 18 y/o sensation

He’s a rising star.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Cole Palmer will go down as one of Chelsea’s best signings in the modern day, impressing beyond all imagination after his £40m move from fellow Premier League side Manchester City in 2023.

Not many people knew what to expect from the young attacker, but it’s safe to say he’s demonstrated his quality at the top level over the last couple of seasons.

The 22-year-old has registered 62 combined goals and assists in his 84 appearances for the Blues, with one of his best showings coming against Brighton earlier this campaign, notching four goals in the first 45 minutes.

Whilst the England international has gone 16 games without a goal, his early-season form has put Enzo Maresca’s side in a great position to secure Champions League football – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he’s been.

However, if he is to return to the heights he’s previously showcased, the hierarchy may look to delve into the market to strengthen the side in key areas of the pitch.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new additions this summer

There’s no denying that a striker has been at the top of Maresca’s shopping list since his appointment in the summer of 2024, but as of yet, he’s been unable to land the talisman he craves.

In recent days, Liam Delap has once again been mentioned as a possible target this summer, potentially linking back up with the Italian after their time together at the Etihad.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times for relegation-threatened Ipswich Town this campaign, looking set to depart at the end of the season regardless, with his £30m relegation release clause in his contract.

However, despite their ambition to strengthen in forward areas, moves have also been made in the defensive area with a deal for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who currently has a £50m clause in his own deal.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Blues have made a huge financial offer to the player to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge – now leading the race for his signature this summer.

Why Huijsen would be Chelsea’s best signing since Palmer

There’s no denying that Palmer has been a sensational addition to the football club, undoubtedly now worth millions more than the figure forked out for his signature.

If they are to secure a place in the Champions League ahead of next season, Maresca will need his star player to recapture his best form in the coming weeks to help get the side over the line.

Regardless of the situation they find themselves in 2025/26, additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch, none more so than the backline, to bolster their chances of going one step further.

Huijsen could provide just that should he move to West London in the coming months, being the young star to lead the backline for many years to come – something which has been desperately needed in recent seasons.

At just 19, he has the potential to be a leading star for the club for at least the next decade, but his immediate impact could be one that could catapult the side to success next campaign.

When delving into his stats from 2024/25, he’s showcased how impressive he’s been for the Cherries, undoubtedly being the key player and one of the missing pieces in Maresca’s puzzle.

Huijsen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has won 70% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 2.7 aerials won per 90 – highlighting his ability in defensive areas, something which the side have lacked given their tally of 40 goals conceded.

Dean Huijsen’s PL stats for Bournemouth (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	27
Goals & assists	3
Pass accuracy	85%
Tackles won	70%
Aerials won	2.7
Long balls completed	4.9
Interceptions made	2.2
Stats via FotMob

He’s also starred in possession, completing 85% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 4.9 long balls per 90, potentially handing Palmer the opportunity to recapture his best form.

Such impressive young talents like the Spaniard don’t come around very often, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly if they are to secure his signature.

Any move for him would massively bolster the backline, potentially being one of the most important additions they can make this summer to give themselves the platform to succeed in 2025/26.

He can revive Palmer: Chelsea ready move for "the best player in the world"

Chelsea could look to revive Cole Palmer’s form by making a big-money signing.

By
Connor Holden

Apr 25, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s Blues started the season in red-hot form, dispatching teams and finding themselves second in the Premier League just before Christmas.

However, since then, Chelsea have struggled, dropping points to bottom-half sides and now finding themselves sixth and on the fringes of Champions League qualification.

Cole Palmer has struggled for form in recent months, playing in the middle of the park behind the striker, often dropping deep to receive the ball and aid Chelsea’s progression through the lines.

Whilst his goal-scoring numbers have dropped off, his creativity remains effective, having the joint highest xA (expected assists) in the Premier League this season with 7.9 xA.

With six games to go, it remains in the balance whether the Blues can obtain a precious top five spot, securing Champions League football for next season, in their ability to do so may well impact their ability to sign players this upcoming summer.

Chelsea favourites to sign Bundesliga sensation

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now leading the race and are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar, Jamie Gittens this summer.

Other Premier League clubs such as Liverpool have shown interest and scouted the 20-year-old winger, but it looks like the Blues may be ahead in the race.

With Jadon Sancho’s future currently in question, the Blues could opt to send the winger back to Manchester United, freeing up funds to acquire Gittens – who has been touted at around £85m – from Dortmund and reinvent the left side of their attacking unit.

Gittens has made 44 appearances for the German outfit this campaign, netting 12 goals, providing five assists and totalling 2,648 minutes played. The English winger came through Manchester City’s academy, much like another one of Chelsea’s superstars.

Gittens vs Palmer comparison

Palmer was, of course, signed from Manchester City back in 2023, joining the Blues for a fee of around £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons. That signing has proven to be well worth the investment made, with the 22-year-old already making 82 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 39 goals and providing 24 assists in 6,575 minutes played.

Jamie Gittens vs Cole Palmer comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Gittens	Palmer
Goals	0.41	0.41
Assists	0.10	0.24
xG	0.19	0.54
xAG	0.13	0.31
Progressive Carries	5.58	3.25
Progressive Passes	2.07	6.24
Shots Total	2.56	3.65
Goals/Shot	0.16	0.09
Key Passes	1.09	2.54
Shot-Creating Actions	3.66	5.93
Successful Take-Ons	3.73	1.46
Carries into Pen Area	3.08	1.15
Stats taken from FBref

When comparing the underlying metrics of both young England stars, you can see how each of their games differ. Gittens clearly excels at carrying, looking to be direct with the ball at his feet, beating players 1v1 and attacking the box. Meanwhile, Palmer looks to express himself through creative passing, creating for himself and others, whilst also not being afraid to pull the trigger.

The 20-year-old has already been described as the “next English diamond” by Saul Morris, via Football Talent Scout, back in 2023. Since then, we have seen Gittens go on to produce some excellent form with Borussia Dortmund, thus earning him recognition from clubs back in England.

If Gittens does join Chelsea, the ex-Manchester City academy duo could be a lethal combination in attack, with Palmer dropping deep and finding those incisive passes in behind opposition defences, allowing Gittens to attack the box and get those shots off.

All the signs then point to this exciting deal proving to be the Blues’ best since snapping up Palmer in 2023.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea plotting move to sign £39m-rated "entertainer"

Chelsea are looking to add to their depth in attack

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 16, 2025

All the stats highlights from the two high-scoring matches at the BBL

Namooh Shah11-Jan-20251 For the first time in the history of the BBL, two players scored a hundred on the same day: 121* by Steven Smith and 109 by Matthew Short.251 for 5 by Adelaide Strikers is the second-highest team total in the BBL after 273 for 2 by Melbourne Stars in 2022. It was only the second time a team crossed the 250-run mark in men’s T20s in Australia.3 Hundreds by Smith is the joint most by any player in BBL, equaling Ben McDermott’s record.ESPNcricinfo Ltd446 Runs scored in the match between Strikers and Heat, is the second most in a BBL game, bettered only by 459 runs in the game between Strikers and Hurricanes in 2023. The 426 runs by Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers earlier on Saturday is the sixth highest.220 for 3 by Sixers is their highest total in the BBL, going past 213 for 4 they scored against Stars in 2021.49 Balls taken by Short to complete his hundred is the fastest by a Strikers player, bettering Travis Head’s 53-ball hundred on New Year’s Eve against Sixers in 2015.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6.4 Overs taken by Strikers to score the team 100 is the third fastest by any team in the BBL, with the top two spots with Heat: in six overs against Thunder in 2020 and 6.3 overs against Stars in 2019.134 Runs scored by Strikers in the first 10 overs is the second most by a team in a BBL innings, behind 158 runs by Heat against Stars in 2019.26 Number of sixes in the match between Strikers and Heat, is the joint most in a BBL match, equaling the sixes scored during the match between Sixers and Stars in 2020.The 60 boundaries in the match between Strikers and Heat is also the second most behind the 61 by Strikers and Stars in 2023.