All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United face a tough assignment on Sunday afternoon, with Arsenal coming to Old Trafford in the Premier League. The Red Devils will be hoping they can pick up their first win in a couple of games.

United have drawn their last two games 1-1, firstly against Fulham in the FA Cup, who promptly knocked them out on penalties. In midweek, Ruben Amorim’s side drew away from home against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, with a goal from Joshua Zirkzee giving them the lead before the La Liga side equalised with a penalty.

Bouncing back with a win against Mikel Arteta’s side would be timely, to say the least. Amorim could well select a couple of former Gunners players at Old Trafford, too.

The former Arsenal players United could unleash

In the summer, United brought in highly-rated young striker Chido Obi from the Gunners. His contract at the Emirates Stadium expired almost one year ago now, and United pounced. After impressing in the academy, he has since gone on to play in the first team.

Obi has played three games for Amorim’s side so far, impressing in the FA Cup recently against Fulham. Across normal time and extra time, he had three big chances, and showed real initiative to fashion opportunities for himself.

The other ex-Arsenal star United could unleash on Sunday is Ayden Heaven. The defender joined the Red Devils in January, as one of Amorim’s first signings. His contract was set to expire in the summer, but United paid a £1.5m compensation fee to bring him to the club sooner.

Heaven made his first appearance in the FA Cup penalty loss to Fulham last weekend. He played the entirety of extra time and made a big impression at left centre-back.

He received a 7/10 from Goal journalist Richard Martin, who said the United number 26 was ‘excellent’.

Former Arsenal talents Obi and Heaven might not be the only youngsters United to start against the Gunners, however.

Man Utd could have unearthed their own Nwaneri

One of the most exciting talents in the Premier League this season is Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri. He has been excellent this term for his boyhood club, scoring eight times and grabbing an assist in 27 appearances.

Well, United can’t unleash Nwaneri this weekend, but they could start someone very similar, Jack Fletcher. Like the Arsenal wonderkid, the England under-18 international is a 17-year-old left-footer, who typically operates in an attacking midfield berth.

The youngster has made a big impression for United’s academy sides this season. Across all competitions, he has played 15 games, scoring six goals and registering six assists, mainly operating as a number ten.

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

6

2

3

UEFA Youth League

3

0

1

FA Youth Cup

3

2

2

EFL Trophy

2

2

0

Under-18s Premier League

1

0

0

It is not too far-fetched to think that the “marvellous” youngster, as he was described by the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt, will be involved against the Gunners.

Fletcher, who is the son of United legend Darren, has been on the bench five times this season, including once under Amorim against Tottenham Hotspur.

Chalkboard

In United under-18’s recent FA Youth Cup triumph against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, Fletcher actually got himself on the scoresheet.

The youngster’s goal was described as “stunning” by Laurie Whitwell, journalist for The Athletic. Impressively, it was taken on his weak foot, his right foot.

Playing Fletcher against Arsenal would be a bold call from Amorim. He is yet to make his first-team debut, and this would certainly be throwing him in at the deep end. However, his quality is clear to see.

If Amorim was to bring Fletcher into the side, he would certainly hope he can replicate Nwaneri’s impact in the Gunners’ first team, and have a positive impact for United.

Forget Garnacho: Amorim can unleash Man Utd teen who's the next Rooney

Man Utd might have another academy star on their hands

1 ByJoe Nuttall Mar 8, 2025

Regardless of what Ipswich Town’s situation entails come the end of the gruelling Premier League campaign, there are a number of key players who could soon be heading for the exit door in search of glamorous pastures away from Suffolk.

Liam Delap is the obvious name that springs to mind, with the ex-Manchester City striker being tipped to move away from Portman Road for a high £40m amidst interest from the likes of Newcastle United, having bagged a superb ten top-flight strikes this season.

This would make Ipswich some significant profit, considering he was only picked up for £20m last summer, with Delap’s name potentially topping the most expensive departures in the club’s history list consequently.

The Tractor Boys have been here before when it comes to selling on a promising asset for big bucks, with Kieran McKenna and Co initially hurting from the potential departure, but then will bounce back as the club have done in the past.

The most notable sales in Ipswich's recent history

Of course, a lot of Ipswich’s notable sales in recent years have come about when they were languishing in the EFL, with £40m an unheard-of figure competing in the lower depths of the Championship and League One.

But, the Suffolk side would have still been pleased with themselves when they let centre-back star Tyrone Mings join AFC Bournemouth for £8m back in 2015.

After all, Ipswich had acquired the services of Mings for just £10k in December of 2012, having seen lots of promise from the young defender when he was previously on the books of non-league Chippenham Town.

This isn’t the only time Ipswich have sold on a promising youngster for a hefty amount, with former youth product Connor Wickham leaving Suffolk behind for Sunderland for a fee around the £8.1m mark in 2012, after scoring 15 goals for the Tractor Boys from 72 appearances.

Delap might well eclipse that amount before he then heads on a new mission, but he isn’t the only star in McKenna’s current camp that could make his club a fortune.

Ipswich star could be their next big sale

McKenna has been loyal to a number of stalwarts that have been with the club since their days in League One, with Sam Morsy still gaining first-team minutes here and there this season, alongside the likes of Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin.

But, the one who has oozed the most class since making the step-up has been Leif Davis, with the deal to pick up the ex-Leeds United man for just £1m continuing to look like a masterstroke of a decision.

The left-sided “animal” – as he was labelled in the past by ex-boss Scott Parker – has picked up a breathtaking 48 goals and assists from 117 total games, with four of those contributions coming as Davis took the leap up to the daunting top flight.

Off the back of his continued excellence, the 25-year-old’s transfer value has soared way above the price the Whites let him leave for, with his valuation now currently standing at a bumper £21m as per Transfermarkt. Amazingly, that is a gigantic 2000% increase from his previous £1m price tag.

1. Leif Davis

£21m

2. Omari Hutchinson

£18m

3. Jacob Greaves

£17m

4. = Jaden Philogene

£12.5m

4. = Jack Clarke

£12.5m

That ever-rising amount – with Davis worth a lesser £12.5m just last November – means he is the club’s current biggest asset away from Delap, with the sale of both of these stars this summer a disaster in the making.

Ipswich will be boosted by the fact the ex-Leeds man did sign a new deal in October of 2024 but will feel they could be ultimately powerless, especially if a higher-up suitor waves around lots of cash for Davis.

His value has soared 100%: Ipswich have struck gold on the new Darren Bent

Ipswich Town could soon sell their new Darren Bent on for some mega bucks.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 6, 2025

As Newcastle United prepare to spend this summer, those at St James’ Park have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League winger who’s free to leave his current club.

Newcastle eyeing Premier League ace

The Magpies could yet enjoy the perfect end to the season if they manage to secure Champions League qualification off the back of already winning the Carabao Cup to end 70 years of hurt. And that Champions League qualification would likely go a long way towards a summer of spending at long last for Eddie Howe and his side.

Those at St James’ Park have been forced to sit back and watch others spend big in recent years due to PSR concerns. Champions League qualification would certainly help put an end to those concerns, however, and likely allow PIF to flex their significant spending power once again.

Newcastle now eye Nick Pope replacement who's been called "Guardiola style"

He’s already an international at just 22 years old.

ByBarney Lane Mar 24, 2025

With that said, names such as Dean Huijsen are already threatening to steal the headlines ahead of the summer transfer window. The Bournemouth defender has enjoyed an excellent debut season in the Premier League and may yet find himself on the move to Tyneside.

The Spaniard isn’t the only Premier League rival that the Magpies have set their sights on, however. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle are now plotting a move to sign Noni Madueke just one summer after they held talks with Chelsea over securing his signature.

Whilst talks failed to result in a move last summer, Newcastle could have far greater luck this time around with Chelsea ready to show their winger the exit door in the coming months.

As Howe looks to complete his frontline and add key depth, Madueke could yet rediscover his best form by completing a move to St James’ Park this summer following a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge.

"Crazy" Madueke needs move

With Geovany Quenda on his way to Chelsea this summer, a move away would certainly do Madueke no harm – particularly if it is to Newcastle following their potential Champions League qualification. The winger, although enduring his struggles at times, has kept up with the output of players such as Anthony Gordon this season.

Starts

19

25

Goals

7

6

Assists

3

5

Take-ons per 90

1.68

1.5

Outscoring Gordon in the Premier League and completing more take-ons per-90 than the Newcastle star, Madueke has more than enough talent to form a deadly front three alongside Alexander Isak and the former Everton man.

Dubbed “crazy” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2021, Madueke must rediscover his most dangerous form next season whether it’s at Chelsea or, indeed, Newcastle.

At his best, his take-on success proves just how impressive the England international can be. And with the World Cup coming up next year, Madueke cannot afford to watch on from the Chelsea bench as the likes of Quenda thrive next season. When the summer arrives, the winger may well be one of several Chelsea stars to watch.

Chelsea are involved in a three-way transfer race for a “sensational” forward who is now set to cost £75m this summer, according to a report.

Blues set for attacking reshuffle

With Noni Madueke looking increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer window, amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United, some additional reinforcements may be needed in wide areas, and a new target has entered the frame.

The Blues have now submitted a £29m offer for Atletico Madrid winger Giuliano Simeone, who has been a “revelation” in La Liga this season, which means the Spanish are taking their time to assess the bid.

A dream target for Enzo Maresca is Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, with the west Londoners now beginning to lay the groundwork for a potential deal, having recently made fresh contact over a summer move.

Chelsea now set to bid to sign Barcelona star with £837m release clause

The Blues could make a big offer for a defender, who is protected by an astronomical release clause.

ByDominic Lund Mar 30, 2025

Maresca has set his sights on a number of targets from Spain, but there have also been suggestions a player from much closer to home could be on his way to Stamford Bridge.

According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea are now eyeing a move for AFC Bournemouth Antoine Semenyo, but they are not the only Premier League club in the race for the forward’s signature, with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also in the picture.

Semenyo has emerged as a key player for Bournemouth this season, and given that he has played a major role in the Cherries’ push for Europe, they are hesitant to green light a sale this summer, although they would be willing to listen to big offers.

Bournemouth have now set an asking price of £75m in a bid to ward off the interest from elsewhere, which they believe is fair given the vast sums of money that have been spent on players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Antony.

Chelsea fans will know all about "sensational" Semenyo

The Ghanaian is enjoying an impressive campaign, picking up nine goals and six assists in 33 matches in all competitions, and perhaps his finest moment came at Stamford Bridge, netting a wonder goal in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in January.

Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, the Bournemouth star has managed to kick on in his second full season in the Premier League, having already eclipsed the number of goal contributions he managed to record in the 2023-24 campaign.

That said, a £75m asking price seems far too high for a player who hasn’t long proven themselves at the top level, with the 25-year-old yet to make an appearance in a European competition.

If Bournemouth are willing to drop their asking price, there is every indication Semenyo could be a worthwhile signing, but a fee of £75m should be reserved for players in the world-class category, and the Ghana international is not there just yet,

As is often the case in high-stakes contests involving two sworn enemies, the football on display can be edgy and tense.

That was definitely clear for all to see during the latest installment of the fierce Manchester Derby, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United played out a laboured 0-0 draw in the Premier League.

Not even the added spice of the Derby being Kevin De Bruyne’s final ever one could raise the excitement levels, as the aforementioned Belgian struggled throughout to give his team that needed spark in attack.

De Bruyne's performance in numbers

It was confirmed prior to the clash with Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils that De Bruyne would be departing the Citizens come the end of the campaign, bringing his ten-year association with the reigning top-flight champions to an expected halt.

Whilst he will go down as a certain legend at the Etihad having accumulated a sizeable 106 goals and 176 assists from 414 games, his performances this campaign in isolation have left a lot to be desired.

Indeed, the ageing Belgian struggled to ever get going at the Theatre of Dreams, with the declining 33-year-old failing to pick up a single key pass for his troubles, on top of failing to complete a single successful dribble from three attempts.

Haphazardly losing possession 20 times too, it’s evident that the serial trophy winner at City is way past his best now, leading to him hanging up his boots in Manchester come the close of the season.

But, Guardiola will know he has a number of underperformers to deal with ahead of the next campaign at the Etihad, with one City stalwart putting in an even worse performance than De Bruyne on Sunday evening.

The 4/10 City dud who must now be axed

Not even the deadly Omar Marmoush could come away from the stale draw with something to shout about, with four efforts unfortunately passing him by.

Whilst the Egyptian at least looked lively in patches, one of his partners in attack in Phil Foden cut a lacklustre figure throughout, culminating in Guardiola hooking off the England international just before the hour mark.

It was largely an abject showing from the out-of-form 24-year-old, with only 11 accurate passes tallied up from his meagre 27 touches. Even Man City shot-stopper Ederson would tally up more touches at 30, with Foden constantly finding himself out of the contest, away from attempting to create openings galore.

Minutes played

58

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

27

Accurate passes

11/18 (61%)

Possession lost

14x

Shots on target

0

Successful dribbles

0/2

Total duels won

0/5

Failing to register a single successful dribble too, alongside being unable to win any of his duels from five attempted, Foden could find his spot in the starting XI is taken up by a fresher body moving forward, with faces such as Savinho and Jeremy Doku exciting attackers on their day.

Handed a low 4/10 rating by GOAL journalist Adam Drury post-match – who stated that his usual ‘twinkle toes’ constantly sent him down ‘blind alleys’ – this looks to be a decisive point for Foden in his unfolding Citizens career, with next season having to be far better for the Stockport-born talent.

Whilst this campaign might still end with an FA Cup triumph and a Champions League spot to boot, this dour performance against a fragile United shows off how rusty Guardiola’s men have truly become, with Foden needing to shake off these poor displays quick, whilst De Bruyne reaches for the exit door.

Pep loves him: Man City now hold serious hopes over signing "superb" star

He could become their Kevin de Bruyne heir.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 6, 2025

Newcastle United advanced to third place in the Premier League when they thrashed Crystal Palace at St. James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

Now, Jason Tindall will lead the Magpies out at Villa Park as Eddie Howe continues to recover from pneumonia. Aston Villa fought valiantly but failed to stage a comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek, thus heightening what will be billed as a six-pointer of sorts.

19/04/25

Aston Villa (A)

7th

26/04/25

Ipswich Town (H)

18th

04/05/25

Brighton (A)

10th

10/05/25

Chelsea (H)

6th

18/05/25

Arsenal (A)

2nd

25/05/25

Everton (H)

13th

Unai Emery’s side sit in seventh place, five points behind Newcastle. Therefore, it’s paramount that United avoid defeat in the Midlands, reinforcing their strong position as they look to return to Europe’s elite stage after lifting the Carabao Cup in March.

Newcastle team news

Howe isn’t the only one who will be absent on Saturday evening, with Sven Botman, Jamal Lascelles and Lewis Hall all still sidelined. A weakened backline, yes, but Newcastle have proved their resourcefulness when faced with depletion.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Tindall spoke in his pre-match press conference of the importance of keeping a winning formula intact, but having played only three days ago, several players will be eyeing a starting berth. Anthony Gordon, for one.

However, the frontline is firing on all cylinders right now and the Three Lions star may have to wait a little longer to return from the outset.

The stand-in Toon boss may want to make a small tweak to his midfield, though.

Why Newcastle should make a change in midfield

Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are playing with such brio at the moment that to replace either of them would be a foolish notion. However, Joelinton could start this one from the bench without disrupting the overall fluency of Newcastle’s engine room.

Joelinton is a force of a player, a raging bull, and while he laid on an assist for Alexander Isak against the Eagles, the Brazilian was somewhat anonymous by his usual standards, winning three duels and taking just 33 touches before being hooked just after the hour mark.

Newcastle do have options to step in, should Tindall opt to freshen things up a tad. And who better to unleash than Lewis Miley, who has had to bide his time for minutes this term after an injury-disrupted start and the overall fluidity of Newcastle’s tried-and-tested starters.

Miley, 20, has been a breath of fresh air over the past few years, breaking from the Tyneside academy and making his name as a prospect of genuine potential, already praised for his “unbelievable” technical ability by fellow youth graduate Sean Longstaff.

Though he hasn’t featured all that often this term, the rangy midfielder could make a real impression here, stepping in due to Newcastle’s short turnaround.

His sole Premier League start of the season so far sparked a goal, and a rounded performance besides. As per Sofascore, Miley complemented his crisp, driven strike against Nottingham Forest by taking 63 touches, winning six duels and making two tackles and interceptions apiece.

Now, that dynamism could be utilised against Aston Villa. Miley’s technical, ball-playing quality will be well served against Emery’s hybrid style, looking to spark rapid transitions that could be countered by a midfield three including Miley, blending coolness with creativity.

Newcastle now eyeing £26m defender who played a full season with Tonali

Newcastle have not given up on signing another rising star from Milan.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 17, 2025

Celtic are through to the final of the SFA Cup after they cruised their way to a 5-0 win over Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone at Hampden Park on Sunday.

The Hoops scored four times in the first half to blow their opponents away and seal their spot in the final with ease, thanks to two goals from Daizen Maeda and strikes from Callum McGregor, Adam Idah, and Jota.

There were a number of impressive performers on the pitch for Brendan Rodgers in this comfortable win, including Japanese forward Maeda.

Daizen Maeda's performance against St. Johnstone

The Japan international started the game on the left flank, with Idah through the middle as the centre-forward, and extended his tally to 33 goals in all competitions this season.

St. Johnstone (SFA Cup)

2

0

Kilmarnock (Premiership)

1

0

St. Johnstone (Premiership)

0

0

Hearts (Premiership)

2

0

Rangers (Premiership)

1

0

Hibernian (SFA Cup)

1

0

St Mirren (Premiership)

1

0

Aberdeen (Premiership)

2

0

Hibernian (Premiership)

1

0

Bayern Munich (Champions League)

0

0

As you can see in the table above, Maeda has been in exceptional form, particularly recently, with 11 goals in his last ten games in all competitions.

Both of his goals in this clash with St. Johnstone came in similar circumstances. The first was a pass from McGregor that provided him with a chance to roll the ball into the bottom right corner, before he faced up a defender and rolled the ball into the same corner for his second goal, just inside the box on the left side.

Maeda was not the only top performer at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops in this semi-final clash, though, as Reo Hatate was even better than him and proved why he is even more important than Engels.

Why Reo Hatate is more important than Arne Engels

The Japan international delivered a sensational performance in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants, particularly in the opening 45 minutes, and was even better than Maeda, as he was involved in three of the goals.

He was directly involved in the opening goal from Callum McGregor with a clever, inventive, backheel to the skipper on the edge of the box, teeing him up to find the back of the net.

Hatate, who earned a player rating of 8/10 from 67HailHail, then made a brilliant run down the left and delivered a perfect cross for Adam Idah for the third goal, putting the ball on a plate for the striker to convert.

The Japanese midfielder completed his hat-trick of assists with his play in the clip above, dribbling into the box to tee up Maeda for his second of the game. These three assists show that he was even better than his international teammate because he was at the heart of everything for the Hoops, whilst the winger provided the final action for just two of the goals and did not register any assists.

Hatate has now hit ten goals and nine assists in all competitions in the current campaign, and all of those goals came from open play. Whereas, Engels has scored two goals and provided 12 assists, excluding the eight penalties he has scored, which means that the Japan international has provided more at the top end of the pitch from open play.

Engels, who earned a player rating of 6/10 from 67HailHail against St. Johnstone, has not been as consistent as his midfield teammate as a goalscoring threat, as is to be expected of a young player in his first season in Scotland.

Value soared £9.5m: Celtic hit gold with star sold for more than Kyogo

Celtic hit the jackpot with this star who was sold for more than Kyogo Furuhashi was.

ByDan Emery Apr 17, 2025

In the here and now, though, Hatate is even more important than Engels on current form with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, after another stunning display on Sunday.

Celtic clinched their 55th top-flight title when they won the Scottish Premiership with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Saturday.

An own goal from Ryan Strain put the Hoops ahead before Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah both netted braces to secure a comprehensive victory for the away side, and one that wrapped up the title.

One player who was not involved in the matchday squad for the crowning moment, however, was Maik Nawrocki, who has fallen out of favour despite a couple of impressive outings recently.

Why Maik Nawrocki's time at Celtic might be over

The Polish defender, signed from Legia Warsaw, has only played two games in the Premiership this season, despite being available for every match, and they both came in March in back-to-back games against Rangers and Hearts.

Minutes

90

90

Clearances

7

9

Blocks

0

3

Tackles + interceptions

5

1

Duels won

7/10

8/9

Dribbled past

0x

0x

Pass accuracy

93%

98%

Error led to shot/goal

0

0

The rarely-seen star stepped up in those matches, as shown in the table above, with dominant defensive displays, whilst also being reliable in possession.

However, he was then an unused substitute in the next two games and was not named on the bench against Dundee United, with Liam Scales preferred as a starter and Auston Trusty preferred on the bench.

Nawrocki has only played 12 Premiership matches in almost two seasons at Parkhead and that may be why his time at the club could be over heading into the summer window, as the defender may want to go and play regular football.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 24-year-old ace may not be the only centre-back to move on from Parkhead this year, though, as Celtic must ruthlessly bin Stephen Welsh as well.

Why Celtic should sell Stephen Welsh

Once dubbed “excellent” by Brendan Rodgers, the 25-year-old flop was sent out on loan to Mechelen in Belgium during the January transfer window but he’s done very little to suggest he deserves a future at Parkhead, something the player clearly wants.

Welsh has started 11 matches in the Pro League during the second half of the campaign, and his team are yet to keep a single clean sheet – conceding 25 goals in the process.

Those statistics do not suggest that the Scottish dud is likely to return to Parkhead to challenge for a starting berth next season, given how poor his current team’s defence has been with him in the side as a starter.

His disappointing form is reflected in his current market value of £700k, as per Transfermarkt, which is even lower than Nawrocki’s valuation of £1.7m, despite him having only played two league games this season.

Welsh’s current contract at Celtic does not expire until the summer of 2027. However, the decision to send him out on loan, coupled with his market valuation and his dismal defensive numbers with Mechelen, suggests that he does not have much of a future at Parkhead.

Therefore, the club must ruthlessly bin the central defender by cashing in on him in the upcoming summer transfer window, and Nawrocki may follow him out of the door if he wants to play regularly next term.

Celtic can bin Idah by signing "absolutely sensational" £10m star

Brendan Rodgers could land an instant upgrade on Adam Idah by signing this star for Celtic.

ByDan Emery Apr 28, 2025

No club has been as active in the transfer market as Chelsea in recent years.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed the takeover of the club three years ago, the Blues have signed over 40 first-team players costing in excess of £1bn.

Some of these signings have proved to be major successes, some have come and gone without a trace, while others have proved to be a massive waste of money, with one current squad member, who arrived just last summer, proving to be very reminiscent of, arguably, Chelsea’s worst-ever signing; Danny Drinkwate.

Danny Drinkwater's Chelsea career

Drinkwater will always be remembered in history as a key figure in Leicester City’s momentous Premier League title triumph of 2015/16.

He started 35 league games that season, forming a partnership alongside N’Golo Kanté that many, including Bleacher Report labelled ‘formidable’.

A year later, Drinkwater was reunited with Kanté at Chelsea, the Blues paying a reported £35m to secure his services, but it’s safe to say this move did not pay off, and the table below helps support this assertion.

Appearances

23

Starts

12

Minutes

1,181

Goals

1

Matches an unused sub

12

Matches not in the squad

118

The England international’s final appearance for Chelsea came in the 2018 Community Shield, never seen again in blue after that, spending brief loan spells with Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa and Reading, before retiring back in October 2023.

Four Four Two Magazine believes Drinkwater to be Chelsea’s worst-ever signing, noting that few players have ever endured such a career ‘nosedive’, but is a current member of the Blues’ squad in danger of repeating this miserable drop-off?

Chelsea's latest big-money flop

Last summer, Chelsea signed the lesser-spotted Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City for a reported fee of £30m, thereby reuniting with manager Enzo Maresca who, according to Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, viewed him as an ‘ideal fit for Chelsea’s style of play’, forecasting he would be a ‘key player’.

Maresca also described the midfielder as “fantastic”, backing him to become an “important” figure.

Well, fair to say, this has not transpired, as the table below outlines.

Appearances

28

14th

Total minutes

1,564

15th

Total starts

17

15th

PL minutes

254

22nd

PL starts

2

2nd

UECL minutes

1,105

1st

UECL starts

12

1st

Total goals

3

12th

Total assists

3

16th

As the table outlines, Dewsbury-Hall has been nothing more than a bit part player in the Premier League this season, starting just two matches, while seeing a miserly 254 minutes on the field, which is fewer than João Félix and Axel Disasi, both of whom were allowed to leave on loan in January.

In the Conference League however, it’s been a completely different story, considering he has started 12 of the Blues’ 13 fixtures to date, introduced at half time of the other, scoring three times, on target during home wins over Gent, Shamrock Rovers and København.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old surely cannot be happy with this limited role, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider has reported that he will be ‘available for transfer​​​​​​​’, while Ciaran McCarthy of TEAMtalk adds that the Blues, rather optimistically, will ‘demand’ to recoup the £30m paid for him last summer.

Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian believes Dewsbury-Hall​​​​​​​ will simply never get enough opportunities at Chelsea, so must therefore leave to avoid further stunted development, and the Blues should look to cash in on their depreciating second version of Dewsbury-Hall as soon as possible.

​​​​​​​

Big Colwill upgrade: Chelsea ready to move for "immense" £40m star

Chelsea love signing young players don’t they? The Blues are “seriously considering” making a move to sign an “immense” defender as Colwill upgrade.

May 4, 2025

Heading into their contest at the Emirates Stadium, Newcastle United were still riding high off beating Chelsea 2-0 in the ongoing race to finish inside the Premier League’s Champions League spots.

However, the Magpies swiftly returned to reality after losing 1-0 to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, meaning only point now separates Eddie Howe’s Toon from seventh placed Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, only the top five are allowed a seat around Europe’s elite table.

Therefore, Newcastle will have to get back to winning ways at home to David Moyes’ Everton to cement a spot, with a number of underperformers very much at risk of being dropped from this crucial tie.

37

19

14

4

71

37

20

6

11

66

37

19

9

9

66

37

19

9

9

66

36

19

8

9

65

37

19

8

10

65

Newcastle's biggest underperformers vs Arsenal

Newcastle just didn’t enter into this contest away from home with the same clinical edge they showed against Enzo Maresca’s Blues, as wasteful finishing ruined their day throughout. In short, it was obvious they missed Alexander Isak who was ruled out through injury,

Come the end of the finely poised clash, Newcastle actually bettered the hosts in terms of shots, but Arsenal just displayed more self-control in crunch moments, particularly when Declan Rice’s latest stunner proved to be the difference-maker between the two teams.

The visitors just didn’t have this same composure in their locker, with Anthony Gordon a real letdown throughout in the attacking areas, leading to the ex-Everton winger finishing the game with no efforts attempted on David Raya’s net. On top of this, a misjudged dribble from the Liverpool-born attacker would culminate in Rice firing home.

Moreover, Harvey Barnes would only muster up 14 touches of the ball down the opposing left channel on a quiet day at the office from the former Leicester City man, whilst Jacob Murphy would also fail to provide a spark down the wings when failed to register an accurate cross.

But, the most anonymous body perhaps just started for the final time donning the famous black and white stripes.

4/10 dud must never start for Newcastle again

Newcastle were, of course, hindered on their travels by 27-goal machine Isak being injured, but Howe would have hoped those in reserve would step up to the mark in the Swede’s costly absence.

Instead, Callum Wilson really struggled leading the line for the Magpies throughout, resulting in the 33-year-old being hooked by his manager just after the hour mark.

Minutes played

64

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

17

Shots

0

Accurate passes

8/8 (100%)

Successful dribbles

0/2

Total duels won

0/7

It hasn’t exactly been a standout season for Wilson away from his struggles in North London – with only one goal coming the former AFC Bournemouth striker’s way – but even this dire showing on the big stage against Arteta’s men felt like a low, especially as his St. James’ Park future hangs in the balance.

Across his forgettable 64-minute stint, Wilson failed to register a single shot on the Arsenal goal, failed to complete a single dribble to test the Gunners defence and further failed to win a solitary duel from seven attempts.

Just off this showing alone, Wilson is unlikely to be kept around past this season, particularly when there are promising young talents such as William Osula at Howe’s disposal in the striker department.

Osula came on in place of the 33-year-old veteran actually, and whilst he too didn’t test Raya, he did valiantly win two duels for the cause.

Therefore, the future may well lie with Osula now over persisting with a waning Wilson, with Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder equally displeased with the ageing forward’s performance when dishing out a low 4/10 rating his way.

Cursing his team’s careless finishing at the full-time whistle, Howe will pray he has Isak available again for the vital final day contest.

If he isn’t though, you would anticipate that Osula will be thrown into the deep-end, with Wilson now potentially exiting St James’ Park on a whimper.

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