Man Utd Could Land Mount Alternative In £17m Rock

Aside from landing a new centre-forward this summer, a major priority for Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag appears to be the signing of a quality midfield upgrade, ahead of next season's Champions League campaign.

Amid that search, all the talk at present appears to be centred on Chelsea playmaker, Mason Mount, with Sky Sports reporting that United are set to make a 'formal bid' for the England international.

With previous claims suggesting that personal terms have already been agreed with the 24-year-old, the only issue now appears to be the difference in valuation between the two clubs, with the Blues said to be demanding around £70m if they are to sanction a sale.

With the one-time Derby County loanee currently having just a year left to run on his existing deal at Stamford Bridge, that price tag may appear rather steep as far as Ten Hag and co are concerned, particularly amid the club's fear surrounding Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Chelsea's Mason Mount

As such, the Carabao Cup winners may wish to consider a cheaper alternative in the form of another reported target – Sofyan Amrabat – with speculation in Spain suggesting that the 26-year-old, who also has just 12 months to run on his current contract at Fiorentina, could be available for a fee of just €20m (£17m).

Who is Sofyan Amrabat?

The Moroccan international notably caught the eye following his standout displays during his nation's surge to the World Cup semi-final during the winter, having been something of a "monster" at the tournament, according to journalist Carlo Garganese.

The Netherlands-born ace also came into wider focus more recently after starring in his side's eventual, Europa Conference League showpiece defeat to West Ham United, having seemingly taken Mount's friend and Three Lions teammate, Declan Rice "to school", according to journalist Muhammad Butt, such was his midfield dominance.

As writer Zach Lowy stated on the night, Amrabat had put on an "absolute clinic" in the centre of the park, having proven himself to be "criminally underrated" in contrast to the aforementioned Rice – who has himself been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Not only has the former Club Brugge already shown his class against English opposition – having won nine duels against the Hammers last week – but he could also prove a more natural fit for United in a central midfield berth, with Mount typically lining up in a number ten role or on the flanks in west London.

While perhaps more of a deep-lying option than the Chelsea ace, Amrabat can still offer a creative, proactive asset as he ranks in the top 8% for progressive passes among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues at an average of 7.93 per 90, while the Englishman, by contrast, has averaged 5.95 for the same metric.

Equally, it is also the Fiorentina rock who can offer a more composed presence alongside the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as he ranks in the top 5% for pass completion at an average of 88.8%, while Mount has a pass completion rate of only 76.4% – albeit while operating in a more advanced role.

With Amrabat also possessing the benefit of having played under Ten Hag previously at Utrecht – registering 11 goal involvements in 50 outings while working with the Dutchman – the 48-cap ace could truly be a quality, affordable alternative to Chelsea's contract rebel.

Aston Villa Preparing Offer For "Frightening" 27 y/o

Aston Villa are thought to be preparing a €30m transfer offer to sign Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news on Hirving Lozano?

Unai Emery looks set to be backed by owners NSWE this summer with a “huge” transfer budget. The Villa manager sealed a brilliant turnaround in the Midlands last season after taking over back in November, with the club finishing seventh in the Premier League to guarantee Europa Conference League football next season.

As a result, new signings appear to be on the agenda, with an agreement already reached with Youri Tielemans. A new attacker appears to be next on the wishlist, with transfer rumours of a move for Lozano circling in recent days, and it looks as if Villa are ready to take the next step.

One Spanish outlet shared an Aston Villa transfer update on Friday regarding Lozano. The report stated that Villa Park is viewed as one of the most attractive options for the player, with Emery’s side ready to make their move after missing out on Marco Asensio to Paris Saint-Germain.

An offer worth €30m (£25.6m) is being prepared by Aston Villa, with the story saying that ‘Lozano would be a huge boost for Aston Villa as he would add speed, skill and goal to their attack’.

hirving-lozano-napoli-championship-leeds-transfers

Who is Hirving Lozano?

Lozano, sponsored by Nike, is primarily a right-winger but can also turn out on the left if needed. The Mexico international actually shares the same agency as Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey and has been with Napoli since 2019.

During that time, the 27-year-old has made 155 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 30 goals and registering 17 assists, helping the side to the Italian title last season. Journalist Derek Clark described Lozano as "frightening" earlier this season, and he could be a player that fits the bill for Emery’s side.

As per FBref, Lozano ranks in the 99th percentile for crosses into the penalty area, something star striker Ollie Watkins could thrive from, and he also contributes defensively for an attacking player. He ranks in the 97th percentile for blocks and the 92nd percentile for tackles made in the attacking third.

Emery tended to play either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system last season, so Lozano could occupy a role on the right-hand side next season as the Villa boss looks to take the club to the next level, and with a bid being readied, it looks as if a deal is one to keep an eye on.

Man United Are Interested In "Special" Teen Starlet

Manchester United enjoyed a steady debut season under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, winning the League Cup and qualifying for the Champions League, yet it may arguably be the rejuvenation of Marcus Rashford which is perhaps the best thing to come from 2022/2023.

By the end of the 2021/2022 campaign, Rashford had scored a paltry five goals and grabbed just two assists in what was a season of uncertainty and a clear lack of any ruthlessness in front of goal.

Fast forward a year later and the 25-year-old had upped these numbers to 30 goals and 13 assists, a remarkable turnaround and it was clearly the Ten Hag effect which allowed Rashford to flourish yet again, having been the golden boy of English football for so long.

With the Dutchman on the lookout for new talent that could make an impression in the United first team over the next few years, could he sign United’s next Rashford with a move for Arsenal teen starlet Ethan Nwaneri this summer?

Could Manchester United sign Ethan Nwaneri?

According to The Athletic, Man United are in the hunt for Nwaneri as they look to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.

He made headlines back in September for becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player after appearing against Brentford, albeit only gaining a minute of action, however his undoubted talent could see him emerge properly over the coming years.

Rashford broke into the United first team aged just 18 during a Europa League clash against FC Midtjylland, scoring a double and although Nwaneri is still a couple of years younger, he has impressed in Arsenal’s Hale End academy.

The 16-year-old scored nine goals and registered five assists for the U18 side, while the 5 foot 10 ace has even made appearances for the U21 team, playing nine games in the Premier League 2, clearly showing how highly rated he is at the Gunners.

Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him as a “wonderkid” while fellow Arsenal teammate Granit Xhaka has lauded the teen starlet as “special” although also declaring that the club must “protect” the player not long after he made his first team debut.

It may be a few years until he makes a Rashford-like impact on the first team should he actually make the move to United, however, the boy is talented, absolutely no doubt about it and Ten Hag should be doing all he can to lure him to Manchester.

Arsenal Could Sign Martinelli Rival In £30m Attacker

Arsenal have been linked to a host of talent early on in the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta and Edu prepare for a busy summer in north London.

From Kai Havertz to Declan Rice, the Gunners have been the subject of a potential destination for fellow Premier League stars, with the latest link following that narrative.

What’s the latest on Harvey Barnes' future?

As reported by the Daily Mail, Arsenal have emerged as a club interested in Leicester City sensation Harvey Barnes.

The Englishman suffered relegation with the Foxes and is almost certainly due to depart this summer, favouring against playing in the Championship next term.

The report relates to Tottenham’s chase for Barnes, however, states that the 25-year-old could wait until further into the window to decide his future, with Arsenal and West Ham also interested.

A separate report from the Leicester Mercury that surfaced earlier this month revealed that the Foxes value the winger at £30m.

What could Harvey Barnes offer to Arsenal?

Despite suffering demotion to the Championship, the Burnley-born gem imposed himself on the Premier League, scoring 13 goals in a testing campaign at the King Power.

Lauded as “incredible” by former manager Brendan Rodgers, the 25-year-old would be a worthy introduction for most sides in the league due to his dynamic approach from the wing.

In terms of what he could bring to Arsenal, the Englishman operates almost identically to Brazilian sensation Gabriel Martinelli, deployed as a left-winger that enjoys cutting in on his favoured right foot to cause havoc in the final third.

While the 22-year-old prevails as a higher performer than the Arsenal target this season, their statistics mirror in terms of their strengths and the levels the Foxes star could hit if playing in a better side.

As per FBref, Barnes averaged 3.32 progressive carries to Martinelli’s 4.00 per 90, as well as recording 8.53 progressive passes received per 90 to the Brazilian's 11.29, showing the similarities in their strengths and desire to cause havoc in dangerous areas.

Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second

A similar pattern is identified in their scoring frequency this campaign, with the Leicester star averaging a 0.43 goals per 90 to the Arsenal gem’s 0.48 once again conveying the fuel the winger could add to the Gunners’ attack, via FBref.

As highlighted last season, the north Londoners were stretched for depth in terms of having sufficient quality to allow for consistent results during absences.

In introducing Barnes, Arteta would add significant quality to Arsenal’s ranks in a player that could rival Martinelli to push his game to another level to ensure his spot in the starting XI is maintained.

With Champions League involvement coming next campaign too, it’s imperative that the Gunners have considerable depth to rotate between in order to challenge at the top level.

Leeds Could Ditch Bamford For "Important" £15k-p/w Gem

Leeds United's transfer policy for this summer window has already been well-documented, with interim sporting director Nick Hammond seeking to hone his focus on domestic markets.

Already the Whites have largely been linked with lower-Premier League or upper-Championship talents, in an effort to escape the latter at the first time of asking.

However, the 49ers must first choose the new manager who will hopefully spearhead this venture before they can truly delve into the market.

That is not to suggest that they will not still gather options, as one report from early June suggests that Sory Kaba is an anomaly within their list of targets.

Despite spending half of last term on loan at Cardiff City, the hulking striker has now returned to his parent club FC Midtjylland, fresh off some blistering form in the English second division.

Should the Yorkshire outfit make a move to bring him back to the league, it could mark the acquisition of a man already well-versed in finding the net at this level as well as the end of the line for Patrick Bamford.

Who is Sory Kaba?

The 29-year-old forward endured arguably his toughest year since moving to Elland Road, having struggled with injuries and then failing to recapture any semblance of form when it mattered.

Many would look to his high-profile misses as a huge factor in their relegation, given the forward failed to score a whopping 13 big chances across the league campaign.

This understandably fed into his 6.60 average Sofascore rating, given the nearest tally within the squad for such a miserable metric sat at just four.

patrick-bamford-leeds-united

Whilst the England dud was squandering sitters, the 27-year-old Bluebirds ace was finding the back of the net with some regularity. As such, he could well be the striker that finally sends Bamford packing.

Eight goals and one assist in 17 Championship appearances marked an admirable return, and across all competitions including his initial spell in Denmark, he would notch 18 goal contributions.

Blending this lethal nature with a 6 foot 3 frame too, he clearly boasts the physicality to compete within English football, with manager Sabri Lamouchi praising the in-form front man in March:

"This is the challenge for him, to be the best scorer for this team. He can do that. He's scored important goals, he's given us important points and is doing a job. I'm happy for him and happy for the team."

Leeds will be desperate to secure a consistent source of goals for the coming season regardless of who ends up in charge, and this £15k-per-week finisher offers a perfect option to provide just that.

Arsenal Lodge Bid To Sign ‘Sensational’ £77m Star

Arsenal are seemingly far from finished spending big this window, with another huge target having now emerged…

What's the latest on Aurelien Tchouameni to Arsenal?

Reports coming out of Spain are the latest to suggest that the Gunners are now bidding for another midfield general.

Despite slowly progressing over a £105m deal to sign Declan Rice, Mikel Arteta is wasting no time in securing the perfect man to partner the West Ham United captain.

It is noted that an astronomical €90m (£77m) bid has been lodged for Aurelien Tchouameni, although Real Madrid still view the French international as untouchable.

Such a mouth-watering fee though has caught the attention of Carlo Ancelotti, but it will likely take an even more sizable offer to tempt them to sell and him to leave the Spanish capital after just one year.

How good is Aurelien Tchouameni?

Whilst many might have assumed that the acquisition of Rice would inject some added defensive impetus into the engine room, it now could be argued that this fresh update suggests the England international will instead be relied on to create more than was first imagined.

That comes at a good time, considering he is coming off the back of a term where he notched six goal contributions and maintained one key pass per game in the Premier League for the Irons, via Sofascore.

Tchouameni boasts a plethora of starring qualities himself, but has earned particular fame for his work breaking up the play and setting away counterattacks.

If he was to be likened to anyone in world football, his calmness and ability to both dictate and break up play do draw comparisons with Manchester City's Rodri. FBref supplements this with his inclusion on the former AS Monaco star's 'similar players' list.

Arteta has not been afraid of mimicking Pep Guardiola's tactical ideals or personnel decisions in the past either, lending to this theory.

Last year the Spain international was instrumental in their treble-winning success, even scoring the winner in their Champions League final victory over Inter Milan. His presence at the base of their midfield was imperative in the control they exerted in almost every game they played.

rodri-manchester-city

Meanwhile, in the league he maintained an average rating of 7.32, buoyed by his 91% pass accuracy, 1.2 clearances and 1.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore. The foremost figure actually saw him rated as the ninth-best player in the whole division.

Although playtime has been hard to come by for Tchouameni in Madrid, he still has showcased the class which has led to a great deal of praise. Presenter Joe Flemons even noted: "A future Real Madrid midfield of Aurelién Tchouaméni & Eduardo Camavinga is a frightening prospect. Two sensational talents, already proving their worth at a top level and only getting better."

In La Liga, the 23-year-old would record a 7.13 average rating, also posting a 94% pass accuracy, 1.5 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per game all whilst only averaging 65 minutes per game, via Sofascore.

Despite being four years Rodri's junior, it could be argued that the World Cup finalist has already showcased a level that surpasses the 27-year-old, with room to grow exponentially.

Should Arteta tempt him to join his revolution, it could provide that finishing touch that truly takes them to a level where they can topple the unrelenting Citizens.

Harry Kane: Another £102k-p/w Spurs Star Could Also Join Bayern

Tottenham may lose more than just Harry Kane to Bayern Munich this summer, with reliable reporter Alasdair Gold revealing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is also a target for the Bundesliga champions.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Ange Postecoglou has got straight to work reshaping the squad left behind by Antonio Conte and Ryan Mason this summer. Having secured the permanent captures of loan stars Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs have since signed James Maddison from Leicester City in a deal worth roughly £40m as well as new shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario for a fee in the region £17m, while there have been plenty of outgoings too (Transfermarkt).

Harry Winks has left to aid Leicester’s promotion efforts while Lucas Moura is departing as a free agent, and it remains to be seen if Clement Lenglet will return permanently after his loan deal last season.

Perhaps the biggest saga of all however is that surrounding Harry Kane’s future, with the club legend and talisman once again the centre of tiresome and seemingly never-ending exit links.

Tottenham's Harry Kane

In previous summers it was Manchester City and Manchester United strongly linked with landing the record goalscorer and skipper, and this time around it’s Bayern Munich, with reports even going so far as to say Kane wants to play for the German champions.

However, he may not be the only Spurs star making his way to Bavaria based on recent reports…

Is Hojbjerg leaving Spurs?

According to the reliable Gold, writing an update on Postecoglou’s midfield options for football.london, Hojbjerg could also go to Bayern.

That is because the 27 year-old is “open to a move to play for a club in the Champions League” and is drawing interest from both Munich and also Atletico Madrid in Spain.

Gold writes that the £102k-per-week Denmark international “does not fit as well into the Postecoglou system” and that “this feels like a time when a parting of the ways might suit all parties”.

Indeed, the tough-tackling former Southampton enforcer has just two years remaining on his contract in north London, so the club are running out of time to cash in if they want to receive a decent fee for his services, assuming they do not plan to offer him an extension on his current deal.

It almost feels like a shame too, as despite the shortcomings of the team in general last season, Hojbjerg was certainly one of the more consistent performers, ranking highly for a number of midfield metrics and dubbed "invaluable" to the side by members of the media.

Indeed, compared with other players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the Spurs number five ranked in the 92nd percentile for pass completion, the 80th percentile for interceptions and even in the 70th percentile for non-penalty goals, providing impact on both sides of the ball.

The capture of Maddison will of course do plenty to offset any loss of end product that would result from selling one of the current midfielders, but there aren’t many in the squad who can provide the same sort of cover in front of the defence, as the Dane led the current midfield ranks in both clearances and interceptions across the 2022/23 campaign.

It seems a move to Bayern will be difficult for the player to turn down on a personal note, but it would feel like a risk to allow Hojbjerg to leave this summer.

Postecoglou Makes Positive Impression on Spurs Players

Tottenham's players have "really enjoyed" their first week of training under new boss Ange Postecoglou, according to Sky Sports' Michael Bridge.

When did Tottenham players return?

It's all change at Hotspur Way training ground this summer, the most drastic of which being a new manager to help guide the players through this year's pre-season.

That manager is Postecoglou who made the move to north London following a successful trophy-laden period at Celtic in Scotland, and now the Australian has the difficult task of transforming a Spurs team who floundered last season.

He will have to get to work on the training ground as quickly as possible if he is going to shape this Tottenham team into a competitive one next season and he has already had a first glance at some of those he'll be working with.

July 1 was the players' first official day back at Hotspur Way, or at least those who were not extended a longer break due to international commitments.

Those who were on international duty will return between July 9 and July 12, and they will be evidently hearing positive words from their teammates about Postecoglou.

According to journalist Bridge, the Spurs players in training over the last week or so have "really enjoyed" their time under the new coach, creating a more harmonious atmosphere around the club than there has been previously.

Bridge told Sky Sports (via Football Daily): "So, Spurs returned to training not last Saturday but the Saturday before and the majority of players were players not on international duty, and a lot of the players returning from loan spells like Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele, Djed Spence and a number of players maybe on the fringes of the first-team squad.

He added: "What I'm hearing out of the squad is they really enjoyed their first week under Postecoglou and the new refreshed coaching staff as well. So, it's been a good week for the players but of course it's still very, very early days.

"Postecoglou will be keeping a close eye on the players, but it is a big squad, Alex, and with no European football this season, he will have to trim that squad. A number of players will be moved on, but it's sort of starting again, a bit of a trial here as well.

"People keep telling me about Tanguy Ndombele, what about his future? Well, he's just won Serie A with Napoli. You know, is he a player that can be rejuvenated under Postecoglou?

"But what's key as well is that next week Spurs will fly out to Australia to face West Ham United. I think we'll get a better indication there who has got a future and who hasn't because I don't expect the whole squad to travel out, and I expect maybe a few to stay at Hotspur Way and in north London for the players there to maybe negotiate deals with other clubs."

Postecoglou has started well in earning the players' trust during pre-season and the manager will be able to evaluate his squad more completely when the rest of his players return.

After assessing his options, the former Celtic coach will have to make some quick decisions on the futures of some of his players, with a number of them expected to be moved on this summer.

Who are Tottenham signing?

While there is going to be a large proportion of outgoings this window, Spurs will still be eager to add to their squad in the remaining weeks of the summer too.

Having already signed James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario from Leicester and Empoli respectively, as well as permanently bringing Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro on board, Spurs have made a brilliant start to the window and are setting themselves up well to right the wrongs of last season.

Manor Solomon is expected to be announced as a Tottenham player imminently off the back of a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk and is another clever and cost-effective piece of business from the Lilywhites.

However, their next priority simply must be a centre-back, an area of the pitch which needs significant strengthening. Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven have been linked, with the former supposedly the club's number one target.

Leeds In "Advanced Talks" Over £37k-p/w Perfect Wober Partner

Leeds United could finally be set to kickstart their significant summer spending, as they close in on a man capable of ushering in Daniel Farke's new era.

Is Ethan Ampadu still a Chelsea player?

That's according to journalist Phil Hay, who took to Twitter to confirm Nizaar Kinsella's earlier claim that they will make Ethan Ampadu their first senior signing of the summer.

He would write:

"Leeds United and Chelsea reach agreement over a deal for Ethan Ampadu. Initial fee of around £7m with add-ons attached. Clears the way for a medical and for Ampadu to become the club's first signing of the summer."

With the 22-year-old having failed to establish himself as a first-team member since joining the Blues in 2017, this move could finally mark an opportunity for the defender to reignite a career that once promised much.

The 6 foot 1 ace has just one year left on his £37k-per-week deal.

What position is Ethan Ampadu?

One of the outstanding qualities of the Wales international is his impeccable versatility, given his ability to star in a number of roles.

Across a tumultuous career, where he has ventured out on four separate loan moves since moving to Stamford Bridge, he has featured at right-back, defensive midfield and his preferred centre-back.

Of those spells, whilst the two in Italy did allow him to impress, his year at Sheffield United will likely be of most interest to fans seeking to get a taste of his qualities within English football.

Featuring 25 times in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, in which the Blades finished rock bottom, he would maintain a 6.95 average rating massively boosted through his two interceptions, 2.3 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. This made him their highest-rated player that year.

Even before this, Ryan Giggs had sought to praise him by claiming: "He’s a future leader and it’s great to see him get minutes on the pitch. It’s my hope that he’ll get more games and he’ll get better."

max-wober

To pair such imperious solidity with the equally staunch Max Wober, it could pose a frightening prospect for the rest of the Championship.

Few strikers would relish facing a pairing boasting this much quality.

After all, the Austria international, who only moved to Elland Road in January, took no time at all to acclimatise to the physicality of English football.

His 6.84 average rating made him the club's third-best performer of those who started five or more games, as he too would record 1.7 interceptions and four clearances per game, via Sofascore.

From conceding the most goals in the division last term, such a signing would go a long way towards rectifying the fragility that has plagued the club for some time.

With Ampadu yet to realise the immense potential that he commanded when bursting onto the Premier League scene as a 17-year-old, perhaps the alleviated pressure that a permanent move down the football pyramid would bring could prove vital in revitalising a career still very much in its infancy.

After all, former professional football Paul McVeigh had noted back in 2016: "Footballing world, take note of this young player. Ethan Ampadu. He's going to be very special."

His experience is vast compared to most others of his age, and under the stewardship of promotion-specialist Farke and alongside Wober, all the facets are in place for him to finally start playing the way many know he can at a consistent level.

Chelsea: Pochettino has had "talks" with "big-name striker"

Chelsea are "tempted" to bring in another number nine this summer and have discussed the possibility of making a move for Dusan Vlahovic, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Vlahovic joining Chelsea?

Since Todd Boehly's arrival as Chelsea's new owner, the Blues' approach to the transfer market has been fairly disastrous.

Having spent enormously on a mass of players, Chelsea have been preoccupied this summer with trimming their ridiculously large squad, and it is still impossible to predict what new boss Mauricio Pochettino's line-up will look like on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Chelsea's scattergun approach to signing talented young players on huge contracts has backfired significantly and Pochettino is the man tasked with picking up the pieces.

Despite having spent a vast fortune on players in recent windows, Chelsea still mysteriously ended up without an orthodox striker last season, one of the reasons they slumped to a 12th-placed league finish.

However, Pochettino is hoping to remedy that situation in the market and, despite having already signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer, journalist Jones believes that the Blues could target Juventus' Vlahovic to ease their goalscoring woes.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: "I know some people are ruling out of Vlahovic and they say that nothing is happening there. But Vlahovic has definitely been explored by Chelsea and conversations have definitely happened in terms of that.

"The fact that they are even contemplating that, tells you they're tempted to go and sign another striker by the end of this transfer window."

Nkunku can play as a striker but is not a typical number nine, despite his prowess in front of goal. Meanwhile, Jackson is just 22-years-old and may need significant time to adjust to life in a new league at such a young age.

Therefore, Vlahovic, who has been called a "big-name striker", could be an astute piece of business and is a player with a wealth of experience despite being just 23-years-old.

The Serbian international has managed 72 goals in 171 matches for Juventus and Fiorentina in Italy but has struggled to fully settle at the Allianz Stadium in Turin since arriving halfway through the 2021/22 season.

A fee of around €80m would potentially be enough to sign Vlahovic, a figure which is unlikely to put off free-spending Chelsea. The striker would offer Pochettino a more traditional number nine than what the Blues currently have at their disposal and the forward's physicality and clinical edge would make him a great fit in the Premier League.

How good is Vlahovic?

Based on his performances last season in a Juventus side that struggled on and off the pitch, there isn't an enormous amount to get excited about with Vlahovic.

He scored just 14 goals and provided four assists in 42 matches, also suffering from injuries at times throughout the campaign, and only managed the same amount of Serie A strikes as wantaway Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.

However, looking at his statistics during the 2020/21 season – his last full campaign with Fiorentina – it is clear to see that Vlahovic is a top-quality centre-forward.

Compared to other strikers that season in Serie A per 90 minutes, he ranked in the top eight percent for goals (netting 21 in 37 games) and top 12% for aerials won, highlighting his physical presence up top and eye for goal.

Signing Vlahovic could be a risk given his lack of consistency in the black and white of Juventus, but if the forward can recreate the form he has exhibited in the past with Fiorentina and Serbia, then Pochettino would be foolish not to consider the young striker.

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