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Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario compared future Chelsea star Estevao Willian to Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal.

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• Ronaldo praises Chelsea-bound 'Messinho'
• Draws comparison with Yamal
• Will join the Blues next summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues have secured an agreement for the young star in a deal reportedly worth £56 million ($73 million). He will join the London club in July 2025 from Palmeiras, shortly after he turns 18. In the 2024/25 season, Willian has performed consistently for the Brazilian giants. In October, he broke Neymar’s record for goal contributions by a 17-year-old in Brazil’s top flight, achieving 17 contributions compared to Neymar’s 16 in 2009 while at Santos.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As Chelsea wait to welcome the Brazilian wonderkid, former Real Madrid and Barcelona star and Brazil icon Ronaldo predicted that the 17-year-old has the potential to become a huge star in the future as he drew comparisons between the Palmeiras sensation and Blaugrana star Lamine Yamal.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  Speaking to journalist , the ex-Selecao star said: "He's a young player and very talented. He's kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football. He's very promising and at just 17. I think he'll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO WILLAIN?

  The teenager is currently in action for Palmeiras, who play their final game of the Brazilian Serie A season. Palmeiras will have to win the match by a margin of at least two goals and then hope Botafogo lose their final match against Sao Paulo in order to lift the league title.

Marc Guiu's first Chelsea hat-trick led to Joe Cole slamming Barcelona for selling the wonderkid for just £5m to the Blues.

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• Chelsea hammered Shamrock Rovers 5-1
• Guiu scored three on the night
• Cole labelled Barcelona's sale as a mistake

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guiu's sensational performance inspired Chelsea to a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca opted for a rotated lineup following a vital Premier League win over Brentford that brought the Blues within two points of leaders Liverpool. Given the chance to lead the line, Guiu capitalised on a defensive error in the 22nd minute to score his first of the night. Despite the visitors equalising through Markus Poom, Guiu struck twice more before half-time, cementing Chelsea’s commanding lead.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Guiu first made headlines at boyhood club Barcelona last season, scoring on his La Liga debut against Athletic Club after emerging from the prestigious La Masiaacademy. In July, Chelsea triggered his £5 million (€6m) release clause, signing him to a five-year deal with an optional extra year. The move raised eyebrows on Barca's part given his talent and potential, and Guiu’s performances since have only amplified those questions.

• WHAT COLE SAID

  Speaking on after the match, former Chelsea star Cole expressed amazement at the teenager’s potential and Barcelona’s apparent oversight to let him walk away without much of a fight.

  "My thought with Mark Guiu is, how did Barcelona let him go?" Cole questioned. "When I watch him play, and he's 18 years of age, this kid, in two years time could be an established, unbelievable No 9. I think he could go all the way because I watch him and and all the things that you can't teach he's already got. He knows when to go in the box, his instincts, his aggression, he's brave. He can brush up on all the other things in his game. And at 18, he's playing with a smile on his face, you know, I think Barcelona made a real, real mistake there."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite limited opportunities in domestic competitions, with just one substitute appearance in the Premier League against Manchester City, Guiu has flourished in Europe. His six goals in the Conference League demonstrate his potential to become a pivotal player for Chelsea.

With just five days left to welcome crucial incomings, Crystal Palace have reportedly set their sights on a Premier League defender in a move that could see the Eagles spend the money gained from the sale of Joachim Andersen to Fulham.

Crystal Palace transfer news

Amid two defeats in two games against Brentford and West Ham United, the last thing that Oliver Glasner and Palace needed was Andersen's exit. But Fulham came swooping in nonetheless and off the Dane went in a deal worth around a reported £30m. His exit could at least mean that Marc Guehi's future, for this season, remains at Selhurst Park despite a reported bid of £65m from Newcastle United.

Even with Guehi seemingly set to stay put, however, Palace may have plenty of work to do before the window slams shut, having been linked to the likes of Max Lacroix and Raheem Sterling in what could be one of the most surprising deals of the summer.

Before they potentially steal the headlines by landing the Premier League winner though, they've reportedly set their sights on another reinforcement. According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon via Molineux News, Crystal Palace are now eyeing a move to sign Rayn Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who value their defender at more than £30m.

The left-back was reportedly the subject of interest from Liverpool earlier in the window, but as we know, a move never materialised. Now, those at Selhurst Park could take full advantage to land competition for Tyrick Mitchell and perhaps even reportedly use Sam Johnstone in a player-plus-cash deal, given Wolves' interest in the goalkeeper.

Parish and Freedman submit Crystal Palace bid for 22 y/o to replace Andersen

Andersen is reportedly closing in on a departure…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 23, 2024

That said, a deal is likely to be a difficult one for Palace to seal ahead of deadline day, given that Wolves are direct rivals in the battle to avoid Premier League relegation and push towards the top half. What's more, the fact that the Midlands club already allowed left-back Hugo Bueno to leave on loan to Feyenoord this summer suggests that Ait-Nouri will not be up for sale.

"Incredible" Ait-Nouri would bring ideal versatility for Glasner

Of course, it's not just Mitchell that Ait-Nouri would compete with if Palace did manage to land his signature this summer. His ability to play left-midfield as well as in the number 10 role and on the right-hand side means that Glasner could yet get the chance to work with a player capable of making an impact all across his current side.

Alas, Wolves boss Gary O'Neil won't be too keen to lose his defender, having been full of praise for Ait-Nouri last season. O'Neil told the club's official website: “I’m enjoying working with Rayan, I think he’s an incredible talent, a great guy and he brings a real enthusiasm and life to the place. We can use him anywhere so, unfortunately, at the moment we have to because we don’t have many others.

“But he is talented enough when we roll him in and play him in midfield a few times and we played him as a right 10 in the second half today, and he’s come on loads – his work rate and everything about him."

Hansi Flick has admitted his Barcelona side are in need of some time off over the Christmas period as their slump in form continued.

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• Barca on terrible run of form
• Beaten late on by Atletico on Saturday
• Flick thankful for Christmas break

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona were stunned by a last-minute Alexander Sorloth winner on Saturday night that saw Atletico overhaul them at the top of La Liga. The two sides could not be on more contrasting patches of form with the victory meaning Diego Simeone's side have now won 12 consecutive games in all competitions, a record Flick's Barcelona can only dream of right now as they stumbled to one win in their last seven games to close out the first half of the season. The winter break comes at a good time for Barcelona who can regroup before they slide any further off the top.

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  WHAT FLICK SAID

  Speaking after the game, Flick said: "Now it's a break and I think everyone needs this break. After the break we will train and we will show how strong we are.

  "For us now, we are all disappointed about this defeat because we played fantastic. Now we will celebrate Christmas, start training on 29 December and focus on what we can do in the next half of the season."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There is work to be done in the second half of the season for Flick and his team with Atletico now three points clear at the top with a game in hand. Real Madrid also sit just one point behind them, with two games in hand – the first of which comes at home on Sunday against Sevilla. Barcelona could enter 2025 in third place knowing they will have to improve on their first half of the season if they are to win the title. They will also be hopeful to secure automatic qualification to the round of 16 in the Champions League to avoid playing two extra games in the competition.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  As Flick explained, Barcelona will take a week-long break over Christmas before returning to training on 29 December ahead of their first game back against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey. They then take on Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup before they finally return to La Liga action with a trip to Getafe on 18 January.

West Ham United have agreed a £20 million-plus deal to sign a striker, but the deal hinges on terms with the player being struck, according to a new report.

The Hammers have been extremely busy this summer with nine new arrivals and that has meant expectations are high on the club, as they try to compete for a place back in Europe.

West Ham advanced in deal for "great" star; Hammers happy to meet valuation

The Hammers have just four days to complete the deal…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 26, 2024

West Ham transfer news

Julen Lopetegui has been very much backed in his first transfer window at the club and with three days remaining, it appears as though the club’s business may be about to continue after the club picked up their first league win of the season on Saturday afternoon.

West Ham appear to be working on a few transfers before the close of the window on Friday, with it already being reported that the London side are “locked in negotiations” with French side PSG over a deal for midfielder Carlos Soler. The Hammers are said to have been leading the race to sign the player for some time now, but talks over the structure of the deal continue, as PSG want around £20 million for the midfielder, but are willing to sanction a loan deal.

As well as looking at Soler, West Ham are also said to be among the clubs potentially interested in signing Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier. This comes as a surprise as the Hammers have only just brought Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the club from Manchester United, but according to The Telegraph, West Ham are monitoring the situation.

The England international is said to be on a weekly wage of £120,000 at St James’ Park, so should he join West Ham, he could be on significantly more than new arrival Wan-Bissaka. But as well as West Ham looking to sign these two players, the Irons are also in the market to add to their forward line.

West Ham agree £20m+ deal for striker as talks over salary begin

According to Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have agreed a deal with Italian side AS Roma to sign striker Tammy Abraham. The report states that the Hammers have agreed to an initial loan deal worth €2 million and an obligation to buy at €22 million, which is over £20 million.

This comes after it was reported on Monday that West Ham had made a bid for Abraham, and it was close to the asking price that Roma wanted.

Abraham is said to be open to the idea of joining the Premier League side, but the concern is that West Ham cannot reach the forward’s current salary of €6 million (£5 million) per season. However, the report states that talks are ongoing over his salary, as Roma are keen for the player to join West Ham so they can bring in Danso.

Abraham has been with Roma since August 2021 and has been a prominent figure when fit and available, but last season he fell down the pecking order, playing just eight times in Serie A. Overall, the forward has played 120 times for the club, scoring 37 goals and chipping in with 13 assists.

Ruben Amorim claimed that "everyone is too comfortable" at Manchester United after seeing his team battle to a 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday.

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• Man Utd draw 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield
• Amorim claims he is 'upset' despite positive result
• Adds that everyone at United is 'too comfortable'

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez scored just his second goal for the Red Devils as he fired Amorim's struggling side into the lead against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield. However, Cody Gakpo soon brought the hosts back level and Mohamed Salah's spot-kick gave Arne Slot's men the lead. United did manage to salvage a 2-2 draw in the end, though, with Amad Diallo firing past Alisson Becker late on to level the scoreline. Amorim acknowledged that his team produced a much-improved display, but also warned that this has to be the start of a consistent run of form for United as they remain in the bottom half of the table.

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  WHAT AMORIM SAID

  Speaking to the media, Amorim said: "I am trying that every day to push, sometimes maybe is not the best way, because I am always challenging these players in everything I do. I feel we are, not just players, everybody at Manchester United is too comfortable, and sometimes we need a shock.

  "I want to see my team play so much better but the most important thing to address today is mentality – we were a different team today, not because of system, tactical, we faced competition the way we were supposed to. Doesn’t matter what opponent, we have to face like that."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester United have not seen the sort of turnaround they expected under Amorim following his appointment in November as the Red Devils have only won three of their 12 games across all competitions since the Portuguese coach's arrival.

  Amorim added on the situation: "We lost three games in a row at home, some of the games we suffered like two goals without doing nothing. Today I am really upset. Because I am pleased with the performance, but everybody is going to say to that team they did a good job."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  Amorim will hope that Manchester United can build on their positive result at Anfield when they take on Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup next Sunday. United are due back in Premier League action at home to Southampton four days later.

A high-earning Chelsea star is set for crunch talks with manager Enzo Maresca over his future this week, and he could still leave Stamford Bridge, despite the UK transfer window's closure last Friday.

Chelsea splash £271 million on 13 signings in busy transfer window

Once again, Todd Boehly and BlueCo showed they are definitely not afraid to splash cash, having spent around £271 million on 13 new additions, including a reported £51 million move for Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian.

Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea forward is expected to go after deadline day

The Blues could still see an exit for one of their senior attackers.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 1, 2024

Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho all put pen to paper on moves to Stamford Bridge, and there could've been one more.

Chelsea were in high-profile talks over a deadline day move for Napoli star Victor Osimhen as well, who waiting for the Blues despite agreeing terms on a lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

However, both the Nigerian and Chelsea couldn't agree terms themselves, which has left Osimhen in limbo at Napoli, so he now must wait until January to finally get his big move away from Antonio Conte's side.

"The Al-Ahli offer to Osimhen is a €30m salary on a four-year deal," wrote reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X.

"There are €40m in bonuses on top taking the total package to €160m. Al-Ahli also prepared to sanction a release clause. Osimhen has agreed to terms but is waiting to see whether Chelsea counter. Al-Ahli offer to Napoli has been accepted. It is €68m plus add-ons taking the total package close to €80m."

Despite the UK window being officially closed, with no more incomings possible, it is still possible that a few more Chelsea players depart in the coming days. The Belgian, Dutch, Saudi, Turkish and Portuguese windows are still open, meaning any interested sides from the aforementioned nations could still conduct business with the west Londoners.

David Datro Fofana is expected to leave Chelsea as one example, according to Fabrizio Romano, and uncertainty still surrounds the future of left-back Ben Chilwell.

Chilwell set for crunch talks with Maresca over Chelsea future

As per GiveMeSport, there is still a chance for the £200,000-per-week left-back to seal a departure in the coming days with a succession of windows still open across Europe.

The Englishman has been deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca lately, who seemingly prefers Marc Cucurella as his inverted left-back option for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

GMS writes that Chilwell is set for crunch talks with Maresca over his Chelsea future this week, and while he is not pushing to leave at this moment, we cannot definitely rule out the 27-year-old's exit either.

This summer has been a huge change for West Ham United, with numerous new signings at London Stadium alongside a new manager taking the reins.

Julen Lopetegui came into the club to take over from David Moyes, splashing over £100m on new transfers to try and push for another European finish in the Premier League this season.

However, the Spaniard has endured a tricky start to life as Hammers boss, winning just one of the opening three league outings with the club currently occupying 13th place.

As well as incomings, Lopetegui has also made some key departures, freeing up potential transfer funds whilst clearing some of the players who unfortunately are no longer at the level required in England’s top flight.

Despite the recent sales, there’s one player who’s often looked past his best. That man remains at the London Stadium a couple of years after his big-money transfer to East London.

Danny Ings’ time at West Ham United

After moving from Aston Villa in a £15m move during January 2023, striker Danny Ings arrived with huge expectations of bringing much-needed goals to the West Ham side.

However, his switch to the capital has been anything but that, failing to make a huge impact despite his big-money move and hefty wages. The 32-year-old, who earns £125k-per-week as per Capology, has made 53 appearances for the Hammers, scoring on just four occasions.

Ings has often been utilised as a bit part player during his time at the club, but after the arrival of Niclas Füllkrug, he could find himself as the third choice slotting in behind the German and Michail Antonio.

He’s only managed five minutes of first-team action so far this campaign, with his market value dropping as a result.

That said, he still boasts a higher price tag than former wonderkid Grady Diangana, a fact that illuminates the remarkable fall in stock of their academy graduate.

Grady Diangana’s market value in 2024

Winger Diangana had huge potential to be a success at West Ham after breaking through the academy and enjoying a successful spell out on loan at West Brom.

He registered 14 goal contributions during the 2019/20 campaign, prompting vast interest from the Baggies on a permanent basis – to the displeasure of many at the club.

Club legend Mark Noble expressed his disappointment with the transfer on social media, but Diangana swapped London for the West Midlands in a deal that reached £18m including add-ons.

However, his move to Albion has been anything but successful, only registering 14 goals over the last five seasons – with his market value taking a hit as a result of his poor form.

The 26-year-old is now only valued at just £3.3m as per Transfermarkt, with the aforementioned Ings still valued at £6.7m despite his own lack of goals for the Hammers.

Whilst at the time it may have been seen as a terrible decision to sell the forward, his recent lack of form in the Championship proves it was the right call to cash in on Diangana whilst his stock was at its highest.

As for Ings, his lack of goals will be a concern for the club – especially considering his hefty wages – with the club desperately needing to address his situation at the next available opportunity.

It’s safe to say that both players’ careers haven’t gone in the direction they were wishing for.

West Ham hit gold on "generational" talent who's now worth more than Rice

He could be the difference-maker above all others this season…

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By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 10, 2024

Liverpool have reportedly responded to a massive bid from Saudi outfit Al-Hilal for out-of-favour striker Darwin Nunez.

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• Liverpool rejected Al-Hilal's verbal offer for Nunez
• Have set a price tag on the striker
• Al-Hilal want Nunez to replace Neymar

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , Al-Hilal have come up with an initial verbal bid worth £70 million ($85m) for Nunez, however, the Reds have rejected it. Last week, it was reported that the Premier League giants have set a massive £85m ($103m) price tag on the Uruguay international. The latest report adds that Liverpool are determined to get at least £75m ($91m) for the Uruguay international.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Nunez has failed to establish himself as a regular starter under Arne Slot in the 2024-25 campaign, scoring just four goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. With Diogo Jota injured, Luis Diaz has taken the Uruguayan's position in the starting lineup at Liverpool as he forms one-third of their attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Al-Hilal have identified the Reds star as their top transfer target in the January window as they look to replace Neymar when his contract expires in the summer. Saudi rivals Al-Nassr are also looking for attacking options after Anderson Talisca left them to join Fenerbahce.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The Merseyside club will be back in action in the Premier League on Tuesday night as they take on an in-form Nottingham Forest side in an away fixture, with Nunez likely to feature among the substitutes once again.

Arsenal are on the hunt for a striker to improve their squad and Mikel Arteta has opened up on their search as he wants to sign 'the right player'.

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• Arsenal keen on signing a striker
• Arteta wants to sign 'the right player'
• Gunners linked with Leipzig's Sesko

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal have struggled to find a proper number nine for their side over the last couple of seasons and have stepped up their search for a goalscorer after losing Gabriel Jesus to a serious knee injury. The search for a striker continues to go on as the Gunners look to try and put up a challenge for the Premier League and the Champions League.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal are said to have made a major bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the January transfer window but face a battle to prise him away from the Bundesliga side. Arteta has now opened up on the search for a striker but has made it clear the Gunners will only move for the 'right player' who can improve the team.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “My opinion is clear. We lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. We lack goals, we lack people and we lack options. It’s clear.

  “If we can get the right player that’s why we are actively looking at it. We are working on it, yes. Any player? No. Someone who makes us better. We need some help.

  “Yeah (There is work going on now).”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  With less than a week remaining until the winter transfer window closes, Arsenal will have to move quickly and make their decision as soon as possible. If they do target Sesko, the Gunners will also have to look to match Leipzig's terms with the German side not keen on selling.