Everton eyeing swoop for Conor Gallagher

Everton are eyeing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in the summer transfer window as Frank Lampard looks to utilise his connections at the west London club.

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the Toffees are looking at signing the 22-year-old ahead of next season, having excelled whilst on loan at Crystal Palace during the 2021/22 campaign.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, Thomas Tuchel will reportedly look to include Gallagher in his pre-season plans at Chelsea, although this might not translate to a first-team berth, with Lampard remaining on red alert for news of any opportunity to bring the midfielder to Everton.

Lampard could love to sign Gallagher

Everton retained their Premier League status with a stunning comeback win over Gallagher’s Palace on Thursday night, but this still won’t be enough to satiate the frustration of supporters after a dreadful campaign.

Lampard will seriously need to re-evaluate the playing squad and look to improve the spine of the team ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Signing Gallagher would be a bold but wise move, as Lampard could build the Everton side around the England international given his tender years and burgeoning talent.

In all competitions this term, the 22-year-old has scored eight times (including a wonder strike against the Toffees in December) and provided five assists as Palace have had a solid start to life under Patrick Vieira.

Gallagher’s stats for this season on loan at Selhurst Park are excellent. Compared with positional peers in the big five European leagues, he ranks in the 96th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.06 per 90), the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.25), and the 91st percentile for pressures (24.51).

These figures clearly show that, despite his young age, he is performing at an incredible level across several aspects of his game, and his presence in the Everton midfield could only be a good thing for the Toffees.

Having been dubbed “outrageous” earlier in the season, it’s no wonder the midfielder has gone on to make his England debut over the past six months.

With only Richarlison at Everton scoring more goals this season (10) than Gallagher, Lampard should be planning to make the Chelsea man his first signing of the summer.

Indeed, with the 22-year-old citing the current Toffees manager as his boyhood idol, and with the 43-year-old knowing what the youngster can do from his own time in charge at Stamford Bridge, Lampard might love to reunite with Gallagher at Goodison Park if at all possible.

AND in other news, Forget Richarlison: Everton “nightmare” with 17 duels won was their real star against Palace

Wolves: Chiquinho must play vs Man City

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ enthralling draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday was important for a number of reasons.

Whilst the point attained was integral to meeting their ambition of making the European places in the Premier League, the way in which they ended their three game losing streak – that saw them fail to score a single goal in that period – was important in terms of their form going into next season.

As we’ve seen in the Premier League quite recently, momentum is extremely important, as Leicester City fans will tell you after witnessing their side transition a strong end to the season into a strong start to the next, eventually leading them to Premier League glory.

So Lage will want his side to continue in that vein against Manchester City and put up the same amount of fight that they showed against Tuchel’s Chelsea, who did not know what hit them when Wolves’ secret weapon Chiquinho entered the pitch.

By deploying the starlet, he could well cause problems for Pep and Co. with Chiquinho’s “explosiveness”, something noted by his former manager, Vasco Botelho da Costa.

On the chalkboard

In what was a 20-minute cameo at Stamford Bridge, he completely changed the game on its head. When he came on, his side were losing 2-0 and when the game ended, it finished 2-2.

His impact was nothing short of mesmeric and having set up both goals, he has surely earned his chance for regular minutes in Lage’s side.

The 22-year-old’s game against the Blues was reminiscent of Adama Traore’s play style. His direct approach was integral to the Old Gold’s comeback, with his 3/3 successful dribbles evidence of this.

His effort level defensively was also impressive, having won 4/5 ground duels at a success rate of 80%.

In his six Premier League appearances for Wolves, the Sporting CP youth graduate, who has been dubbed a “ridiculous talent” by Tim Spiers, now has three assists after Saturday’s game.

His performance was noted by scorer of the last-minute equaliser Conor Coady, who gave the starlet all the plaudits: “I went into the box, hoping Chiquinho would get it. I thought he was outstanding when he came on.”

As a result, there must be no other choice but for the Wolves boss to unleash his pocket rocket on City this week. What do they have to lose in doing so?

In other news: Lage can unearth Wolves’ new Jota in “magic” £2m-rated talent who has “explosiveness”

Everton: Bilic could be Lampard successor

Frank Lampard was brought in at Everton to steady the ship following a tumultuous six months with Rafa Benitez, however, it hasn’t gone quite to plan and now insider Dean Jones has made a huge claim on the manager’s future.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer expert and journalist Jones has given his thoughts on Lampard’s future at Goodison Park come the end of the season.

He commented: “I don’t think he’ll stay if Everton go down. I’m not even sure he’ll stay if they stay up. To be honest with you. I think this is really up in the air.

“I think if they stay up, I could see Bilić getting a chance at it if they go down, I’m not sure so sure.”

Supporters will be gutted

The last thing that Everton needs right now is further upheaval in one of the most vulnerable periods of their club’s history, and if they were to suffer their first-ever Premier League relegation this season, stability at the club is essential for them to bounce back up, so supporters will surely be gutted if Lampard was to leave.

There are many areas of improvement that are needed at Goodison Park, but sacking managers hasn’t got the Toffees in a better position over the years since Farhad Moshiri arrived, with the owner sacking five permanent managers in six years so far.

Therefore, it doesn’t seem like a path the club needs to necessarily go down to turn things around no matter the situation they find themselves in at the end of the season.

Since his arrival, the 43-year-old manager has won four, drawn one and lost eight which isn’t the record the supporters would have hoped for when he was appointed. Yet, given the squad he has inherited that has been plagued with the worst injury record in the Premier League this season, if he manages the great escape from relegation it’s a huge achievement.

With that being said, it seems premature to sack a manager who has had a limited amount of time to coach the team, no opportunities to rebuild or acquire players over a full transfer window and has a squad riddled with injuries, however, it will be interesting to see where Lampard’s fate will lie should the side drop into the Championship next season.

AND in other news: Forget Holgate: Everton must unleash “composed” 18y/o tank with “plenty of potential”

Spurs: Paratici interested in Ebiowei

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Malcolm Ebiowei to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that Spurs are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Derby County winger, whose contract at Pride Park is set to expire at the end of the season.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

The report goes on to state that the likes of Crystal Palace, Leeds United and RB Leipzig are also interested in the 18-year-old, who looks certain to leave the League One-bound club this summer.

The next Kane

Considering just how exciting a prospect Ebiowei quite clearly is, it is unsurprising to learn of Fabio Paratici’s interest in a deal to bring the Rams starlet to north London in the off-season.

Indeed, over his 15 Championship outings in the current campaign, the £140-per-week prodigy has been in electric form, bagging one goal, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 3.2 dribbles – the most of any player in the division – per game.

These metrics have seen the player who Justin Walker claimed “gets people out of their seats” and Wayne Rooney suggested has an “enormous amount of ability” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as Derby’s tenth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

Furthermore, considering the fact that Ebiowei was formerly a part of the Arsenal youth setup, should Spurs go on to land the teenager this summer, and he subsequently goes on to fulfil his undoubted potential at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Paratici could well have discovered the club’s next Harry Kane.

Indeed, the England captain also played for the Gunners academy back in 2001/02, before linking up with Spurs in 2004 and developing into one of the most deadly centre-forwards in world football – not to mention being a player who boasts a £150m asking price.

As such, should Ebiowei go on to achieve even a quarter of the success Kane has enjoyed since making his switch across north London, the youngster’s signing would certainly prove a masterstroke by the Italian sporting director, as well as something that would delight the Spurs faithful.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream deal as Spurs eye “aggressive” £49k-pw “elite presser”

Sunderland make contact with Real Madrid over signing in-demand £17m+ ace

Sunderland are believed to have contacted Real Madrid over the potential signing of one Spanish ace, as they look to seal an audacious piece of business.

It has been a dream start to life back in the Premier League for the Black Cats, with Regis Le Bris defying all expectations and silencing those who predicted them to be relegated straight back to the Championship this season.

New signings have excelled for Sunderland, helping them sit fourth in the table, but Le Bris will know that his side cannot afford to rest on their laurels, potentially even eyeing further new additions in the January transfer window.

They have been linked with plenty of players of late, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez emerging as a stunning option, in a possible transfer record move to the Stadium of Light. Talks are believed to have opened regarding a mammoth £70m transfer.

It looks as though Lopez isn’t the only big-name target for Sunderland in La Liga, however, with another hugely gifted Spanish player now being mentioned as a target, too.

Sunderland make contact over Gonzalo Garcia signing

According to a report from Spain, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Gonzalo Garcia from Madrid, having made contact with the Spanish giants over a move to the Stadium of Light.

Fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Wolves are also mentioned in the update, with all three clubs willing to offer £17.6m for his services.

The fact that Garcia is a rumoured target for Sunderland sums up the incredible strides they have made under Le Bris, with the idea of signing a Real Madrid player unthinkable in the past.

The Black Cats are a genuinely enticing project currently, though, and the 21-year-old may well love the idea of a move there, having only managed one league start this season.

Garcia has scored five goals for Madrid, though, which is no mean feat in a team littered with world-class players, and scout Jacek Kulig has called him “incredible” in the recent past.

He has also represented Spain across three age groups, including the Under-21s, so there is so much for Sunderland to admire about him, not least the fact that most of his career is still ahead of him.

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Garcia’s versatility could also appeal to Le Bris, with the Spaniard a centre forward by trade, but also capable of excelling on either the left or right flank.

Talks open: Sunderland willing to make record £70m offer for Barcelona star

Ex-Daniel Levy employee says Tottenham could sign England star for £45m

The Lewis family have been tipped to pump more money into Tottenham, following the shock departure of ex-chairman Daniel Levy last week, and these funds could be put towards their recruitment plans.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who shared news on a live broadcast that ENIC are planning a cash injection.

Levy helped to transform the Lilywhites into one of world football’s highest-revenue generating clubs over his 24-year tenure running the club, with Tottenham also moving to their state-of-the-art new stadium to seriously bolster their commercial appeal off the field.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

However, Levy attracted criticism for a perceived lack of transfer spending compared to Spurs’ Premier League rivals, and this was undoubtedly a factor in them winning just two major trophies since 2001.

Thomas Frank could now be backed by the ENIC and the Lewis family as CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, who is set for a more hands-on role after Levy’s departure, aims to deliver more success.

Tottenham signed an array of star players during the last window under Levy, with Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani chief among them.

The latter two are poised to make their Premier League debuts against West Ham in a crunch London derby clash this weekend, and according to ex-Levy employee Bryan King, ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could be a target to watch out for in this post-Levy era.

Tottenham tipped to sign Conor Gallagher in £45 million deal

They’ll have to wait until January, but King believes that Tottenham signing Gallagher from Atlético Madrid is a very realistic proposition.

As uncertainty continues to surround Yves Bissouma’s future, Gallagher could come as an excellent replacement for the Mali international who has fallen out of favour with Frank.

The England international can play as an attacking midfielder when required, known for his excellent ball-winning ability, energy and tenacity in the middle of the park, and would help to fill Tottenham’s ‘locally trained’ quota for European competitions.

The only caveat is whether Gallagher, given his Chelsea roots, would want to swap Diego Simeone’s side for an ex-rival.

If he decides that is worth the move back to London, Frank would undoubtedly be securing a real asset, and one who Moises Caicedo has called a “machine”.

Yamal & Saka hybrid: Chelsea frontrunners to sign "spectacular" £78m star

After a long summer full of twists and turns, we’ve made it to deadline day, and Chelsea look set to complete some last-minute business.

The Blues have already backed Enzo Maresca and his squad in a big way this window with eye-catching additions like Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.

Yet, with the club set to compete in the Champions League for the first time in years this season, there is a sense that the West Londoners could do with a little more quality in the side.

Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, Chelsea are eyeing a late move for an international gem who has been compared to Lamine Yamal and Bukayo Saka.

Chelsea eye late swoop for Yamal & Saka hybrid

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are still very interested in Fermin Lopez.

Transfer Focus

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

Interestingly, there are several other sides also keen on landing the Barcelona gem, but the West Londoners appear to have the most concrete interest at this point.

The report has revealed that the Catalan giants would be willing to part ways with the 22-year-old for a fee of up to €90m, which is approximately £78m.

While that is a substantial amount, it might well be worth it for a player compared to those of Yamal and Saka.

How Lopez compares to Saka & Yamal

Now, there are several surface-level similarities you can point to between Saka, Yamal, and Lopez, such as all three being young attackers who play for one of the biggest teams in their league – alongside one another in the Spaniards’ case.

However, thanks to FBref, we know that there are also some undeniable statistical similarities between them, as according to them, the Englishman has been the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Barça gem over the last 365 days, and his teammate was the fourth most similar in La Liga last season.

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which Lopez ranked closely to the two international monsters.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.69

0.71

Non-Penalty G+As

0.79

0.78

Tackles

1.37

1.51

Successful Take-On %

45.5%

45.6%

Carries into the Final Third

1.58

1.67

Aerial Duels Won

0.65

0.52

Interestingly, when it comes to the Gunners’ mercurial number seven, the El Campillo-born dynamo ranks closely in things like expected and actual non-penalty goals, tackles, aerial duels won, carries into the final third and more, all per 90.

Yet, when it comes to his club teammate and compatriot, the “spectacular” midfielder, as dubbed by former manager Xavi, ranks similarly in metrics such as key passes, crosses, progressive passes, and other key creative statistics, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.69

0.75

Progressive Passes

5.68

5.05

Key Passes

2.09

2.02

Live Passes

44.9

47.2

Crosses

3.38

3.41

Tackles

1.37

1.32

In other words, it looks like the La Masia product could be as much of a goal threat as the North Londoners’ talisman, while being as creative and intuitive as the Catalan’s Ballon d’Or winner in waiting.

While he still has plenty of developing to do, that sounds like a pretty sensational combination, and when you factor in that he scored eight goals and provided ten assists in 46 appearances, totalling just 2,039 minutes, last season, it becomes clear why Chelsea are so keen to sign him.

Therefore, while it won’t be cheap, the Blues should do all they can to bring Lopez to Stamford Bridge before the window slams shut at 7pm this evening.

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Their answer to Wirtz: Arsenal favourites to sign "world-class" £126m star

The domestic season may have only ended a couple of days ago, but there’s no rest for the wicked, and the powers that be at Arsenal will already be hard at work ahead of the summer transfer window.

New Sporting Director Andrea Berta will be keen to prove his worth as soon as possible by making the right additions to get the club over the line in the Premier League and maybe even the Champions League next year.

However, the Italian will need to get his skates on, as the last few weeks have seen Liverpool making significant moves in the market, with the seemingly imminent signing of Florian Wirtz being the most impressive signal of intent.

Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, the Gunners are now looking at another high-profile international who could be their answer to the German star.

Arsenal looking at former Premier League forward

With this summer feeling like the most important since Arteta’s appointment in 2019, there have unsurprisingly been a slew of incredible players linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens.

Transfer Focus

The former has been a target for the Gunners for over a year now and has a release clause worth around £50m in his current contract, which may well prove to be value for money, as in 45 games for Athletic Bilbao this season, he has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists.

Likewise, Gittens has enjoyed a pretty impressive season with Borussia Dortmund this year, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 48 games and could be available for about £46m.

Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite

However, for a player to be Arteta and Co’s answer to Wirtz, they’ve got to be seriously special and capable of changing games for the team, someone like Julian Alvarez.

According to a recent report from Spanish outlet Marca, Arsenal are among a number of clubs keen on the Atlético Madrid star.

In fact, while the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona are credited with an interest in the Argentine, the report makes it clear that the Gunners are currently leading the pack and are ‘are now the strongest bidder for his services.’

While no price is mentioned in the report, he reportedly has a £126m release clause, but this might prove a tad steep.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Alvarez’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s answer to Wirtz.

Alvarez could be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz

The first thing to clear up is that, yes, both players primarily play in different positions, with Alvarez generally starting up top and Wirtz in midfield, but both players have proven themselves to be quite versatile.

Atletico Madrid'sJulianAlvarezscores a penalty during the penalty shootout wich is later disallowed after a VAR review

The former Manchester City star has played off the right and left, as a second striker and even in midfield a number of times in his career.

Likewise, the soon-to-be Liverpool star has made appearances as a second striker, striker and winger before.

On top of this, even though the Atleti star is more of a goalscorer than the German, he has also proven himself to be a creative outlet.

For example, according to FBref, the 25-year-old, who has “the ability to change games out of nowhere,” per analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 2% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions from live passes, the top 5% for passes completed, the top 6% for passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Appearances

54

Minutes

3705′

Goals

29

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.66

Minutes per Goal Involvement

102.91′

Finally, and this is perhaps the most crucial similarity of them all, the Calchín-born superstar has proven he is capable of becoming a team’s most important and talismanic attacker.

In his first season with Atleti, with the pressure of a big price tag hanging over him, the “world-class” forward, as dubbed by City content creator It’s LB, has scored 29 goals and provided seven assists in 54 games, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games.

Ultimately, if Liverpool are going to sign Wirtz this summer, Arsenal need to make their own statement addition to their attack, and Alvarez looks to be the perfect candidate.

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The Gunners end 2024/2025 with no silverware, despite being tipped to win this year’s Premier League title and mount serious challenges across other competitions as well.

Since Arteta’s appointment, there hasn’t exactly been a lack of investment in the squad, and some critics are beginning to wonder whether he is really the right man to end Arsenal’s two-decade-long-plus wait for a domestic league crown.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, 24/25 hasn’t been without major obstacles for Arteta either, with the 43-year-old lacking major firepower upfront for the majority of this term. Injuries to Kai Havertz – who has since returned to action – and Gabriel Jesus meant that Arsenal had been forced to deploy Mikel Merino as an emergency striker for months.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were also unavailable for extended periods at points during the campaign as well, proving very unfortunate, and it highlights the need for Arsenal to reinforce their squad with further attacking quality.

Speaking in his pre-Southampton press conference, Arteta expressed his desire for Berta to bring in more “firepower” this summer, all while sharing his high expectations for the ex-Atletico Madrid chief, who officially joined in late March.

“I think he’s going to be a big contributor with his experience, and the fact that he’s already won in very difficult contexts and the way he’s built teams, he is exceptional,” said Arteta about Berta.

“I think we have to share that responsibility and Andrea is going to be a key part to driving the plans and the ideas we have and try to execute them, and we are here to support him.”

Andrea Berta handed £63m Rodrygo discoCunt after Arsenal open talks

A key target who has emerged this week comes in the form of versatile Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who England star Jude Bellingham thinks is “underrated” and the “most gifted” player in their squad.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stated earlier this week that Arsenal have opened talks over signing Rodrygo, and the Brazilian has shot to the “very top” of Berta’s transfer wishlist for the wide area.

Reports last year claimed Real president Florentino Perez was demanding around £130 million to sell the 24-year-old to Man City, but according to journalist Anton Meana, this price has dropped by nearly half.

Meana, speaking on Cadena SER show El Larguero this week, shared news that Real’s asking price for Rodrygo is now £67 million – meaning Arsenal can sign the South American star for £63 million less than previously believed.

£67m for a player of Rodrygo’s quality seems extremely tempting, and this potential deal has been made all the more doable by this latest financial update on an increasingly developing story.

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Mikel Arteta’s side trail 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé’s early winner at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, and they go into a testing clash at the Parc des Princes off the back of a shock defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

However, Arteta has vowed to use the frustration and upset from that loss to Andoni Iraola’s side as fuel to overcome PSG in the French capital.

“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said in a post-match press conference.

“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”

One player who has been unable to contribute recently is 2024 summer signing and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori.

The £42 million arrival has spent the last month out with a knee injury, and despite some excellent performances, injury absences have been the story of his first season.

Arsenal set for "big decision" over selling Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori has been called a “difference-maker” for Arteta when fit and available, but reports from Italy are now claiming that Arsenal are prepared to sell the defender this summer as a result of his fitness issues.

Speaking to Football Insider, former chief Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the beautiful game, says that Arsenal have a “big decision” to make over letting Calafiori return to Serie A.

“It’s a decision Arsenal and Arteta have got to make,” he told Football Insider.

“They will know the extent of his injury issues and whether it’s going to keep cropping up. Then, they’ll weigh that up against what they know he can do when he’s fit and they’ll decide whether it’s worth keeping him on.

“There is interest in a move back to Italy and AC Milan have been mentioned as one of those teams. If Arsenal can make back the money they spent on him last year, they might think it’s the best thing to do given how many games he’s missed.

“His injuries are a major concern because if he can only play in 15-20 games a season, he’s not going to be somebody they want to keep on the books. But at the same time, there are a few players who look like they’ll leave Arsenal this year.

“They can’t let too many of them go because their depth is already an issue. So it’s a big decision for them to make and one they’ll sit down and discuss soon.”

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