All posts by z3u9t.icu

So far this summer, the most well-documented and controversial transfer has been Mason Mount’s unceremonious move from Chelsea to Manchester United. The Englishman has been criticised for the supposed betrayal of his boyhood club for a more promising and fruitful environment.

In January, an almost identical situation occurred with Anthony Gordon and Everton.

With the Toffees in an intense relegation battle, the winger secured a mid-season transfer to the far brighter surroundings of Newcastle.

Although Everton received a healthy £45m fee for Gordon, it generated an extremely hostile reaction from the Goodison Park faithful.

Speaking after this turn of events, Gordon said: “This is an opportunity that I couldn't really miss out on. I didn't mean to disrespect or offend anyone at Everton.

"And I'm hoping they know that and hopefully they can reinvest the money now and stay in the Premier League.”

Ironically, due to the chaotic regime of the current Everton ownership, they failed to make a signing and only survived on the final day of the season thanks to a narrow victory over Bournemouth.

Therefore, Gordon is yet to be replaced, but with a whole summer to fill his void, the Merseyside outfit has been linked to Anthony Elanga.

What’s the latest on Anthony Elanga to Everton?

According to Foot Mercato, the Manchester United gem is 'in the sights' of Everton.

This outlet also revealed that the Toffees previously enquired about Elanga last winter and they're set to reignite their interest this summer.

Should Everton sign Anthony Elanga?

It has been a difficult year for Elanga.

Whilst Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford has revived the club with a trophy and top-four finish, the Swede has brutally fallen down the pecking order.

Last season, the 21-year-old only managed a measly seven starts in all competitions, without scoring, to massively derail his development and progress.

The £18m-rated gem has described this period as “frustrating” and it appears that Everton can offer the youngster a lifeline to restart his stuttering career.

Prior to the ten Hag era, when United endured a hugely difficult season under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick, Elanga was a shining light, recording 13 goal contributions for the youth and senior side.

The £5k-per-week talent has received praise for his energy and attitude from Dwight Yorke, who said:

“I think he has a really good chance of making it. I was impressed by his attitude when I spent time with him. He was trying to be the best, he was willing to listen properly and he has plenty of speed.”

His dynamism and pace mean he possesses the profile to replace Gordon, who was recently named the player of the tournament in England’s U21 European Championship victory.

The Liverpool-born star featured in every game, scoring twice, creating one assist, and was an indispensable figure as the Three Lions won the tournament for the first time in 39 years.

With Gordon flourishing elsewhere, Everton should accelerate their attempts to land Elanga.

The forward has been described as “outstanding” by Rangnick and has an overarching point to prove after a disappointing season, so Sean Dyche must push to get this deal over the line before it's too late.

Following the recent capture of Mason Mount, Manchester United's focus appears to have shifted toward the signing of a new striker and a new goalkeeper, with Erik ten Hag seemingly intent on strengthening the spine of his time this summer.

With a £50m bid for Atalanta marksman, Rasmus Hojlund believed to be in the works, United are also currently in negotiations with Inter Milan to try and strike a deal for Cameroonian stopper, Andre Onana, having seemingly made an offer of around €50m (£43m) for the 27-year-old.

With doubts remaining over the future of long-serving number one, David De Gea, it would appear that Onana is being lined up to replace the experienced Spaniard in the sticks, having previously worked under Ten Hag at Ajax.

Having been part of the Inter side that reached the Champions League final last season, the 6 foot 3 ace has particularly impressed due to his quality on the ball, having been branded "exceptional" in that regard by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola ahead of that European showpiece.

That ball-playing brilliance is evidenced by the fact that the towering gem ranks in the top 11% among his European peers for touches made as a sign of just how comfortable he is in possession, with De Gea, by contrast, ranking in just the bottom 30% in that regard.

The introduction of the Serie A star to Ten Hag's side would then allow the Red Devils to begin to properly play out from the back next term, with club legend Paul Scholes previously stating that De Gea "makes the whole team nervous" when attempting to use his feet.

Onana will, however, need players ahead of him who are also comfortable in possession, hence why the signing of Monaco's Axel Disasi – who is a reported target for the Premier League outfit this summer – could prove to be a perfect fit at the heart of the defence.

How good is Axel Disasi?

The 6 foot 3 centre-back could represent a big upgrade on club captain, Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's defensive ranks, with the latter man having been branded "a walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst in recent times, having also been restricted to just eight league starts last term.

The 30-year-old Englishman – who has been linked with a move away from the Theatre of Dreams – has looked rather uncomfortable when attempting to play out of late, notably turning into trouble in the grim Europa League defeat to Sevilla earlier this year.

Disasi, however, should have no such trouble in that regard, with the impressive "hidden gem" – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranking in the top 4% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for both progressive passes and progressive carries, showcasing his willingness to initiate attacks from deep.

That is in stark contrast to Maguire's record across the last 365 days, as per FBref, with the former Leicester City man ranking in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only in the top 19% for progressive carries, having looked ill-suited at times to a more progressive style of play.

Disasi would also offer a benefit to both Onana and United as a whole due to his ability to sniff out danger, showcased by the fact that the Frenchman ranks in the top 14% for interceptions made, while Maguire ranks in just the top 38% for that same metric.

That would suggest that the signing of the 25-year-old – who has been valued at around €50m (£43m) – could be a perfect solution for Ten Hag ahead of next season, helping to hasten the transition towards a more free-flowing style of play.

Some players just can't catch a break sometimes, whether it be injury after injury, ruled-out goals, or transfer moves that collapse.

For Hakim Ziyech, it is the latter that has occurred with a second proposed move away in the last six months reportedly collapsing in the final stages. Despite always seemingly on the verge of leaving Chelsea, the way things are going, it wouldn't shock us if the former Ajax man reached retirement age at Stamford Bridge.

The winger must not have been best pleased following the latest news and he certainly made that clear with a sarcastic social media post this week.

What's the latest on Hakim Ziyech?

Ziyech's move to Al Nassr reportedly collapsed after the Moroccan failed his medical when a knee problem was found. Chelsea would have received £8m and the winger was set to earn £9m, according to Sam Mokbel of The Daily Mail.

In a new post about the situation, he took to his official Instagram account to suggest that he doesn't have any major fitness issues, saying: "Knee problems right" with two laughing emojis.

This comes just months after Ziyech's proposed loan move to Paris Saint-Germain reportedly collapsed in January due to an unforeseen technical issue.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea sent the wrong paperwork, before sending the right documents without a signature twice. By the time, the correct, signed, paperwork was sent through, the deadline had passed.

Speaking on the failed transfer, PSG boss Christophe Galtier said, via Sky Sports: "For various reasons, we could not make it work with the player we targeted.

"I'm satisfied with the squad we had at the start of the season.

"Unfortunately, we could have reinforced it following the departure of Pablo [Sarabia]. We could not do it. I believe that the responsibility does not lie with our club. That's how it is, that's life, we look ahead."

What next for Hakim Ziyech?

Having had two moves collapse, it seems clear that Ziyech doesn't want to stay at Chelsea, and Chelsea don't want to keep him either.

We've already seen a number of departures away from Stamford Bridge this summer, and there's still plenty of time left for the winger to get his move, depending on how serious his discovered knee issue is.

So far, the Blues have shipped out Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, N'Golo Kante, and Edouard Mendy, while a deal for Mason Mount to join Manchester United looks set to reach completion.

As Mauricio Pochettino arrives, a summer clear-out is well underway at the club. The new manager will be hoping to walk into a squad primed and ready to return to the Champions League next season. His team will certainly look much different in a few months' time, once all the incomings and outgoings are complete.

Whether that squad includes Ziyech or not remains to be seen.

There’s often several signs that we are in that awkward space between the end of the Premier League campaign and the start of pre-season. It’s only comparable to the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. No football fan truly knows what day it is. We’re simply just waiting to be guided by the football calendar.In this awkward period, however, fans begin to show an underrated talent of somehow designing a nicer kit than some of the biggest sports manufacturers in the world manage to come up with.Some of the concept designs are outrageously good – almost too good to never find their way into the club shop.Along that line of thinking, Arsenal supporters have been the latest to be left in awe of a concept kit created by a fan, which many believe is better than the leaked away shirt of the 2023/24 season.

Arsenal’s 2023/24 kits

Credit where credit is due, Arsenal haven’t had more hits than misses when it comes to kits in the last few years. Adidas very rarely fail to leave fans of the North London club disappointed. And the same can be said for their new home shirt.

With a gold trim and classic red combination, it is the look of potential champions. Meanwhile, the added detail of the Invincibles’ results embroidered on the sleeve adds that extra touch of class.

Of course, Adidas do have some amending to do with that version, however, after including just 32 of the 38 results. Once that mistake is corrected, the Gunners will have themselves a kit to remember.

We wish the same could be said about the leaked away kit, which could be the worst that Adidas have released for the club so far. The shirt is almost tennis ball-like with the bright yellow primary colour mixed with the swerving black stripes in a bizarre design.

While they touted third kit isn’t much prettier either…

If the Gunners wanted to stand out, then Adidas have ensured exactly that. But, if they wanted to sell shirts, then they might be in big trouble next season.

Perhaps they’d be better off hiring the designer who created the concept kit below…

Arsenal fan creates concept away kit

This is far better, isn’t it? The kit screams Champions League football with the gold badge combined with the golden trim. Given the gold trim on the home shirt, too, this concept version of the 23/24 away shirt would match up well.

Arsenal fans are certainly admirers of the design, taking to Twitter to voice their opinions. Here are the best reactions…

Newcastle United are interested in bringing a new centre-back to the club this summer, with rumours circulating over a £50m transfer.

Are Newcastle going to sign a centre-back?

Given their newfound wealth, the Magpies are expected to spend big again this summer, bolstering a squad that finished in the Champions League positions last season and reached the Carabao Cup final.

According to journalist Dean Jones, Newcastle are keen to sign a central defender and are already looking at a host of names at different price points.

Speaking on The Football Terrace YouTube Channel, Jones claimed: "The profile of the centre-back is going to be interesting to see who they actually go for. I'm hearing some of the centre-backs they're linked with and were briefed about are like £10m-£15m. Then I'm suddenly told about another centre-back that's like £50m. So I don't know where they're going to land on that one."

Despite stating that Newcastle are in the hunt for a new defender, and a potentially expensive one at that, Jones didn't give the name of the mystery £50m centre-back.

However, the fact that Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his defensive unit is unsurprising given that Ciaran Clark has already left the club and Jamaal Lascelles is on the radar of Premier League newcomers Luton Town.

Newcastle did boast the equal-best defensive record (level with champions Manchester City) in the league last season, conceding just 33 goals in 38 games, but the extra workload that comes with European football means that regulars Fabian Schar and Sven Botman will need support.

Which defenders might Newcastle sign?

One defender that is set to make a move this summer is Napoli star Kim Min-jae and Newcastle have been linked with the South Korea international in recent weeks. The reported price of a transfer is roughly £42m which would approximately correspond with Jones's £50m statement.

However, it is thought that Bayern Munich are streets ahead in the race for the 26-year-old and have almost snapped up the defender's signature.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire has been touted with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with the Magpies keen on making a move for the England international according to some sources. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also been linked with the 30-year-old who remains the most expensive defender in world football.

Someone who will help out the defence next season is holding midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Italian is set to sign from AC Milan after talks have quickly accelerated over recent days.

Watch more of The Football Terrace HERE!

Newcastle have had some iconic kits over the years, notwithstanding some shockers too, but that's for another time, because Football FanCast has decided to rank some of their best, most fashionable kits since their first Premier League campaign in 1993.

The Toon have recently unveiled their latest jersey, complete with a new shirt sponsor as they prepare for a first Champions League campaign in two decades. What they will achieve in that strip remains to be seen, but there is much more than that to a fine first-team shirt, as these designs show…

10 Away kit 2010/11

Kicking off the list, Football FanCast has selected this Puma-made all-blue strip, modelled by former defender Steven Taylor in the image above.

It's just a really clean design. Pretty simplistic, but the touches of white throughout break up the blue nicely. The Northern Rock shirt sponsor was a smart and fitting partnership for the north-east club.

9 Away kit 2018/19

Another Puma-made jersey enters the top 10. Seemingly paying tribute to the iconic away strip in the 90s, this strip was a beauty, only let down by the betting shirt sponsor.

Ayoze Perez, pictured in the strip here, ended the 2018/19 season as Newcastle's top scorer after netting 12 times in the Premier League. Rafael Benítez worked his magic and steered the club to a 13th-placed finish despite limited resources, and subsequently left the club that summer.

8 Away kit 1999/00

Kevin Gallacher, the 52-cap Scotland international shown in the image above, was among those to sport this white Adidas away strip displaying the cherished Newcastle Brown Ale shirt sponsor.

The distinctive black collar adds a touch of class to the jersey, whilst the renowned three stripes running down the kit makes for a collector's item.

7 Home kit 2001-03

The first home shirt of the list, and it is a rather simplistic, yet trendy effort by Adidas. A timeless strip for Newcastle fans from the period Sir Bobby Robson's men challenged at the top end of the table, which has been evoked by the current crop amid their return to Premier League prominence and Europe's top table.

Indeed, Robson's men secured successive top-four finishes in this kit – something Eddie Howe's side will now look to emulate in the forthcoming campaign.

6 Home kit 2016/17

A sleek jersey produced by Puma. This kit was worn during Newcastle's title-winning Championship campaign after suffering relegation from the Premier League the season prior. The gold detailing on the strip is a particular highlight.

The kit may be associated with a season played outside of the top flight, but the Magpies sealed an immediate return in fine style, amassing 94 points and pipping Brighton & Hove Albion to Championship glory. Newcastle look a long, long way away from another season out of the big time, but the quality of their kits has remained throughout their recent history.

5 Home kit 2005-07

Joining the list in fifth is the Toon's home strip, worn most notably under manager Graeme Souness. The Magpies finished seventh under the stewardship of the former Blackburn Rovers boss, sporting this classy Adidas number with gold lettering and numbering complimenting the black and white stripes pleasantly.

It strikes the eye as a true classic of its time, and was worn by Alan Shearer when we broke the Newcastle goalscoring record, as well as his 260th and final Premier League goal.

As mentioned previously, the Northern Rock sponsor really does elevate this up a level.

4 Away kit 1998/99

Adidas-made kits have and will feature predominantly in these rankings. After all, they did manufacture Newcastle's strips from 1995 to 2010, producing some of their best looks to this day. And their away effort for the 1998/99 campaign is up there with the very best.

The Brown Ale sponsor, the three gold stripes and the V-neck hybrid collar – wow. A footballing shirt masterpiece. Certainly one for the football fanatics, who quite often spend hundreds of pounds collecting some of the swankiest and most stylish jerseys from across the globe.

Not to mention the gorgeous tone of blue. Unlucky to miss out on the top three, really…

3 Home kit 1998/99

Making the podium is another Adidas and Newcastle Brown Ale shirt… shock. The 1990s produced some tremendous shirts that have now developed into streetwear fashion, worn during today's trend-setting era.

Newcastle finished 13th that season, and after a poor start to the campaign, manager Kenny Dalglish received the sack with former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit joining the club, leading the club to an FA Cup final.

Not the most memorable season for the Magpies, but fans won't be in a hurry to forget this gorgeous kit…

2 Away kit 1995/96

During a golden era for the Magpies, Kevin Keegan led his side, branded 'The Entertainers', to a second-placed finish. Of course, it could have been so much more given the lead Newcastle boasted at one stage, but they didn't half look good all year round.

Manchester United went on to win the Premier League, four points clear of Newcastle, but despite missing out on the title, the Toon rocked a magnificent away strip, that is still a highly sought-after item today.

You know you have an iconic kit on your hands when it influences future designs, as this one appeared to a couple of decades later. The fortunes of those respective sides may have been contrasting, but here's hoping another title challenge from the Tynesiders isn't too far away. Maybe it's time for another maroon-navy combo?

1 Home kit 1995-97

Football FanCast thinks Newcastle United's 1995-97 home strip is their best during the Premier League era. A classy, iconic, timeless, trendy, fashionable and gorgeous kit all rolled into one. The aforementioned 'Entertainers' paid tribute to this fabulous kit by playing some of the most attractive football in the division.

Those seasons may not have ended in silverware, but that would surely have been a climax to a promising period befitting of the kits they played in during this mini-golden age.

Hats off to Adidas!

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Khephren Thuram this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Khephren Thuram?

According to French newspaper L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are prioritising a deal for the OGC Nice midfielder.

As per the report, contact with Thuram has multiplied in recents week, with the talented player keen on the move to Merseyside and the project under Jurgen Klopp.

What kind of midfielder is Khephren Thuram?

Following the exit of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool are in definite need of a midfield rebuild this summer and with Alexis Mac Allister already confirmed, it is looking to be a transformative summer for the Reds.

Indeed, the signing of the World Cup winner is a major coup, however, it will take more than one talent to revive the midfield presence at Anfield and acquiring Thuram's services this summer could be the key component to bringing both high energy and quality to the centre of the pitch.

The 22-year-old whiz – hailed "dangerous" by teammate Aaron Ramsey – can operate as either a number eight or in a deeper defensive role, with clear strengths that would be a huge asset to Klopp next season.

As per FBref, Thuram ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries and successful take-ons, as well as ranking in the top 30% for shot-creating actions, pass completion, touches and interceptions.

The Frenchman's versatility in positioning and ability to get around the pitch consistently would make him the perfect profile of player to unlock Mac Allister's full potential at Anfield next season.

The Argentine was renowned for his all-action partnership with midfielder Moises Caicedo at Brighton and Hove Albion and Roberto De Zerbi's arrival at the AMEX Stadium only enhanced the duo's threat pushing the Argentine into a more attacking role, where he thrived scoring ten league goals in total from his position.

Now Klopp could work on forming a very similar partnership between Thuram and the new Liverpool number ten to make the 24-year-old unplayable in his attacking role next season.

It is reported that it will cost £55m for the Reds to complete a deal for the Nice star this summer and if he could continue to develop his strengths under Klopp's guidance would be worth every penny.

With that being said, providing Mac Allister with a young and energetic partner in the centre of the pitch could make Liverpool's midfield a force to be reckoned with for many years to come and completely transform the uninspiring displays seen this season.

Celtic former manager Brendan Rodgers has been lined up for a sensational return to Parkhead and it would be 'interesting' to see if the 50-year-old could 'get things back on track' at the club following his controversial exit in 2019 to Leicester City, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Celtic and Brendan Rodgers?

According to The Daily Mail, Celtic chiefs Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay flew to Majorca by private jet to hold 'face-to-face' discussions with Rodgers over a sensational return to Parkhead as the Scottish giants hunt for a new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

The report states that the 50-year-old has 'reservations' about taking on the role for a second spell in charge; however, Celtic's major shareholder Dermot Desmond has thrown his support behind Rodgers and the former Leicester City coach is now said to be weighing up a move with further talks expected later this week.

As per The Daily Record, Rodgers has not dismissed the possibility of coming back to Glasgow despite initially planning to take a break from football before returning to either a Premier League club or a stint abroad.

Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca, out-of-work manager Daniel Farke, Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen and former Alanyaspor boss Francesco Farioli have also been linked with the managerial vacancy at Celtic.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that despite the sour ending when Rodgers left Celtic for Leicester City back in 2019, the Hoops may look to 'rekindle' their relationship with their ex-manager ahead of 2023/24.

Jones told FFC: "Rodgers himself has always said he would be open-minded to this, but you think about the way it played out after he left. It wasn't pretty the way it ended and it wasn't that long ago. It'd be interesting to see how open he really was to a situation like this and if he's the man they want. He's obviously at the moment getting his head around the fact that things went sour at Leicester and he's got to find his feet again and get back into a challenge. I'm not sure, to be honest, that it's a great idea to go back and I think that if Brendan Rodgers bides his time, there are going to be some other really exciting opportunities for him, but if they can put their little trouble behind them that they did have at the end there, then, who knows? Celtic and Rodgers could look to rekindle and see if they can get things back on track again."

Would Brendan Rodgers be the right fit for Celtic?

When he was at Celtic last time, Rodgers, who was hailed as a "genius", had an unblemished domestic record and won seven domestic trophies from seven available and established himself as a serial winner in Scotland, as per Transfermarkt.

His European achievements at the Hoops can be quantified in different ways depending on what the general public deem as successful. However, he did manage to achieve qualification to the Champions League group phase twice from the qualifying route and took Celtic to a third-place finish in 2017/18 at the expense of Anderlecht on goal difference and a subsequent passage to the knockout rounds of the Europa League.

In terms of recruitment, Rodgers did make some excellent signings at Celtic, especially the likes of Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair in his first season at the club, who both went on to be major players in the Scottish giants' invincible treble in 2016/17.

To summarise, Rodgers being appointed as Celtic boss probably wouldn't yield the same fanfare as he did in 2016; however, he is about as safe a bet as you can get to continue delivering domestic dominance in Glasgow's east end.

While an FA Cup final triumph could well be the icing on the cake for Manchester United, even without a Wembley win it has already been a rather remarkable campaign for the Red Devils, with Erik ten Hag guiding the club to a third-place finish and securing Carabao Cup glory during his debut season at the helm.

Such a positive year hardly looked possible amid the early season defeats to the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, with that latter, 4-0 thrashing having no doubt had supporters fearing the worst at the time.

One key factor in the turnaround in fortunes from that grim day in west London was the subsequent £70m signing of Brazilian maestro, Casemiro from Real Madrid, with the experienced ace having reportedly stated his desire to "fix" United's problems after witnessing that defeat to the Bees.

The 31-year-old has seemingly gone on to do more than just that after emerging as a "massive player" for the club, according to Ten Hag, with the former Ajax boss also hailing his marquee summer signing as the "cement" in the side earlier in the campaign.

As club legend Gary Neville stated, one issue that has come about as a result of the midfielder's standout form is the drop in standards or quality when he has been rested or suspended this season, with the treble-winner stating that the "jump in Manchester United’s quality of performance is enormous" if the £350k-per-week titan is available for selection.

With there no suitable understudy for the five-time Champions League winner in Ten Hag's squad, it is no surprise that Ten Hag is believed to be eyeing a 'younger' midfield recruit ahead of next season, in order to provide increased depth and longevity.

Amid that need to find an ideal heir to Casemiro, the Old Trafford outfit could well have already identified a dream candidate in the form of Leeds United's, Tyler Adams.

Should Man United sign Tyler Adams?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are interested in prising the United States international from Elland Road, with a fee of around £35m having been suggested amid the Whites' recent return to the Championship.

As per 90min, the former RB Leipzig man – who only arrived in Yorkshire on a £20m deal last summer – is all but certain to be moving elsewhere ahead of next season following that drop into the second tier, with United believed to be among those ready to pounce.

While Adams did miss the final 12 games of the season through injury, prior to that the one-time Red Bull Salzburg ace had been a colossal presence at the base of the midfield for Leeds, having been described as a "tackling machine" by pundit, Kevin Campbell.

That ball-winning quality ensured that despite the American's lengthy absence, the £55k-per-week warrior still ended the season with the joint-fourth most tackles in the division (89), equalling the tally that was achieved by Casemiro.

That likeness between the pair is also showcased by the fact that while the current Old Trafford star averaged 3.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game from his 28 league appearances, Adams enjoyed a remarkably similar record after averaging 3.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions from his 24 league outings.

The pair also seem to share the ability to make an impact in an attacking sense too, as the Leeds "monster" – as described by analyst Alexi Lalas – averaged one key pass per game as a marker of his creative talent, while Casemiro also averaged one key pass per game.

Of course, Ten Hag won't be contemplating replacing the latter man any time soon, although it would undoubtedly be wise to secure some quality competition and cover in the form of his heir-apparent, Adams.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has decided he does not want to keep Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Which Chelsea players are leaving?

Pochettino is planning a huge overhaul of his squad this summer, with The Daily Mail reporting up to 15 out-of-favour players are set to head for the exit, including Joao Felix, who is poised to return to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell.

With six players set to return from loans elsewhere, Pochettino's squad is set to become even more bloated this summer, and the new manager will have to create some space in the squad by allowing a number of players to leave.

The aforementioned report names Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Edoaurd Mendy and Callum Hudson-Odoi as the main players expected to move on, while the situation surrounding a number of other first-team players remains unclear.

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now clarified that Zakaria will move on in the summer, with Pochettino coming to the conclusion that he is surplus to requirements. The transfer guru said:

"Mauricio Pochettino has decided also on Denis Zakaria: Swiss midfielder’s set to leave Chelsea in June, he’s not part of the plans."

"Chelsea will not trigger the buy option clause, Zakaria will return at Juventus and then will assess his options."

Should Chelsea let Denis Zakaria leave?

Chelsea bolstered their midfield options during the January transfer window, bringing in Enzo Fernandez for a British-record £106.8m fee, and they have since been linked with a number of other players, including Romeo Lavia and Manuel Ugarte.

As such, the Blues have no real need to keep hold of Zakaria, particularly considering he failed to hold down a consistent place in the starting XI, often being utilised as a substitute or benched.

The Switzerland international did manage to impress at times, being lauded as "fantastic" by members of the media for his performance against Manchester City back in January, but too often he failed to make an impact on the game.

In his most recent outing, the 26-year-old was ranked as the worst-performing player on the pitch by SofaScore, failing to win any of the four duels that he contested, and that display meant he did not make another appearance during the remainder of the campaign.

It appears to be the right call from Pochettino to let Zakaria leave, and the manager's focus should now be on bringing in a top-quality replacement.