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Nordi Mukiele is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a move that seems almost guaranteed, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, though he’s not aware of fresh interest from Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano discussed Mukiele’s future, with talks set to take place soon to determine where he could end up, as nothing has been decided on his next destination just yet.
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Romano previously told CaughtOffside about Chelsea’s interest in Mukiele, but that was a while ago now and it seems the Blues have not taken any concrete steps to try again to sign the France international.
Capable of playing centre-back or right-back, Mukiele looks like he could do a good job for a number of top clubs out there, but it may be that Chelsea now have other priorities in the defensive department.
Mukiele transfer: Romano on the former Chelsea target’s future
“Finally on Chelsea, I’m not aware of contacts over Nordi Mukiele for now despite previous links. The price is not clear yet but Mukiele is expected to leave PSG this summer, this is the only guarantee so far. Talks will take place in June to understand the potential destination,” Romano said.
Mukiele has struggled to establish himself during his time at the Parc des Princes, but he looked impressive at former club RB Leipzig so surely has it in him to make a career for himself at the highest level.
The 26-year-old will most likely not be too short of suitors this summer, so it will be interesting to see how this saga ends up materialising when more concrete talks have taken place in the coming weeks.
The post Former Chelsea transfer target expected to leave current club, destination to be decided soon appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/mukiele-transfer-chelsea-not-trying-again-for-defender/
Following Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year tenure as manager of Liverpool coming to an end, Gary Lineker has hinted at the German manager’s future.
On Sunday, Klopp managed his final game for Liverpool which ended in a 2-0 win for the Reds.
There has been focus on Klopp’s future actions since he announced his exit from Anfield at the beginning of the year.
Having won eight trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League titles, he departed the team as one of their most successful managers ever.
He has promised to take a sabbatical from football, acknowledging that he will never again manage in the Premier League and that he is unsure of what position he would accept should he want to return.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, Lineker said:
“I will be interested to see what Jurgen Klopp does next. I think he will definitely take some time out because I think he’s genuine when he says he has run out of energy. You can see why that job is so demanding.
“There will be a battle for him in a year’s time. Or they’ll be lining up for a year or so’s time. I heard a little rumour that he might end up being president of Borussia Dortmund, which would be amazing.”
After leaving his position as manager of Dortmund in his native Germany, Klopp took a short break before joining Liverpool in 2015.
At Dortmund, he led the team to two Bundesliga titles and one German Cup.
Klopp will not be short of suitors following Liverpool exit
There is nothing certain about the future of the Liverpool legend apart from the fact that he will never manage a Premier League club.
Clubs across Europe will be keen to appoint him given his track record.
If Lineker’s rumour has substance in it, Klopp will be missed on the touchline where he made so many memories in his illustrious career.
The post Gary Lineker shares rumour about Jurgen Klopp’s next job after Liverpool exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/gary-lineker-rumour-klopp-job/
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Mauricio Pochettino situation at Chelsea and also provided us with exclusive insight into the Argentine’s role in bringing the best out of Cole Palmer this season.
Palmer has been a revelation since joining Chelsea from Manchester City, with the 22-year-old having barely played for Pep Guardiola’s side before leaving and making the step up to becoming a regular starter at Stamford Bridge.
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Few could have expected Palmer to make such an instant impact, but he finished the season with a remarkable 25 goals in all competitions, and Romano has spoken to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column about how important Pochettino’s trust has been for the player.
As well as Pochettino, though, Romano paid tribute to other key figures behind the scenes at Chelsea as they pulled off one of the best signings of last summer.
Palmer’s Chelsea success and Pochettino’s role in it
Palmer has been one of the big success stories of the Pochettino era so far, but will it be enough to help the Argentine keep his job?
“Mauricio Pochettino is waiting to have direct contacts with Chelsea over his future – it’s not easy, because unlike at some clubs where there is just one owner or one director, at Chelsea there are many people involved to make sure Pochettino is happy with the project at Stamford Bridge, and that they are happy with him,” Romano said.
“Of course, Pochettino wants to continue – he is really convinced by what he and his coaching team can offer, and by the skills of these players. Still, the meeting will be important to understand if they’re all on the same page.”
He added: “Pochettino is liked by the Chelsea players, and for example he trusted Cole Palmer since day zero and that was absolutely important for the player as he had an incredible first season at the club.
“But let me say, on Palmer the entire club deserves credit – Joe Shields wanted him strongly, all the other directors like Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart pushed for the Palmer deal to happen in silence, the support was incredible as they understood how special he was. Then Pochettino never doubted him and was always supporting him and we can see the results.”
The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano on Mauricio Pochettino’s role in Cole Palmer’s superb debut season for Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/palmer-chelsea-success-and-pochettinos-role-revealed/
Fabrizio Romano has made it clear that the likes of Arsenal or Manchester City would have to pay big to sign Wolves winger Pedro Neto this summer as he is not expected to come cheap at all.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest column for the Daily Briefing, Romano explained that he’s not currently aware of any clubs holding concrete talks to sign Neto, despite Arsenal previously being linked with the Portugal international, and now Man City as well.
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Neto has impressed during his time at Wolves, firmly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Europe, though his injury record isn’t the best, so it remains to be seen if top clubs would be that willing to splash the cash on him if there are other options also on the market.
Still, on pure talent alone one can easily imagine Neto having a positive impact at Arsenal or City, who are sure to be among the main challengers for the Premier League title again next season after contesting the last two title races.
Neto transfer: Will the Wolves star move to Arsenal or City?
Discussing Neto’s future, Romano said: “It remains the case that nothing is close or imminent for Pedro Neto. He has been linked with Arsenal in the past and there have also been new rumours about Manchester City and Newcastle, but Wolves will ask for a big, big package of money.
“It won’t come cheap at all. So many clubs are informed but no one has started concrete talks yet, as far as I’m aware.”
Neto could be ideal to add more depth to Mikel Arteta’s attacking options, and that could be crucial to keeping pace with Pep Guardiola’s side over the course of a long and gruelling season, with City so often seeming to have that little bit extra in the tank to allow them to go on long winning runs in the final stretches of the last two seasons.
The post Exclusive: Arsenal & Manchester City-linked star will cost big money, says transfer expert appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/neto-transfer-romano-on-arsenal-city-links/
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has responded to Arsenal links with Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, playing down talk that the talented young Dutchman is now the Gunners’ top target.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Arsenal are still exploring options up front, with no final decision made yet as we see plenty of names thrown about by various media outlets, including Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.
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Brobbey is the latest to be talked up as a priority for Arsenal, but it seems Romano isn’t too convinced just yet, and instead mentioned that the north London giants really like Newcastle star Isak, though it won’t be easy to prise him away from the Magpies.
Brobbey transfer update and what could it mean for Kai Havertz’s role at Arsenal?
Romano also mentioned Kai Havertz’s role at Arsenal, with the journalist stating his view that he was signed because of his versatility, meaning the search for a signing up front this summer won’t necessarily be bad news for the Germany international in terms of his standing in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
“Another striker making headlines at the moment is Brian Brobbey of Ajax, who is now being linked as the main candidate for Arsenal to strengthen up front this summer,” Romano said.
“Still, it seems like there are almost ten names per week being described as the favourite candidate for Arsenal right now – first it was Alexander Isak, then Viktor Gyokeres, then Benjamin Sesko, and now Brobbey.
“We may have to be patient on this before we really know what’s going on as Arsenal are already assessing options internally. There are several names being considered and Mikel Arteta will be involved in this process. I’m aware that Isak is really appreciated but it looks difficult as Newcastle want to keep him.
“Arsenal also do not view this as a problem for Kai Havertz, who started out playing in midfield for them when he joined last summer, but who ended the season in really strong form as a striker.
“Havertz can play as 9, but also in other positions and his versatility is one of the reasons why they decided to bring him in. When you want to be competitive on all fronts, these kinds of players are absolutely needed.”
The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to latest Arsenal transfer link with Eredivisie star appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/brobbey-transfer-arsenal-links-played-down/
After departing Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, former manager Roberto De Zerbi said that he would not be against the idea of going back to manage in the Premier League.
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Graham Potter was replaced by De Zerbi when he joined Brighton in September 2022.
After securing the team’s highest Premier League finish of sixth and helping them qualify for European competition for the first time, the 44-year-old made an immediate impression.
In conversation with the BBC, De Zerbi said he would want to stay in England and that he currently doesn’t have another position lined up.
“There isn’t any club – no-one offered [anything]. At the moment, nothing,” De Zerbi said.
“I hope to work in the Premier League again. I don’t know where or when. But it was an honour to work in the Premier League.”
The Italian manager is considered one of the best young managers in Europe at the moment.
His success with Brighton has attracted interest from a number of clubs.
Journalist Anil Kandola claims that De Zerbi is admired by Manchester United.
Kandola posted on his X account about Man United’s interest in the 44-year-old manager:
“In light of the news Roberto De Zerbi will be leaving Brighton, do NOT be surprised if he’s linked with the Man United job over the next couple of days.
I’m told he has big admirers within the INEOS structure and fits the mould of what the new ownership are looking for…”
In light of the news Roberto De Zerbi will be leaving Brighton, do NOT be surprised if he’s linked with the Man United job over the next couple of days.
I’m told he has big admirers within the INEOS structure and fits the mould of what the new ownership are looking for… pic.twitter.com/gUOvFuJoAf
— Anil Kandola (@AnilKandola) May 18, 2024
The Red Devils finished in eighth place in the Premier League, which is their lowest ever finish in the competition.
The Man United hierarchy are set to make a decision on the future of manager Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final.
As per Guardian, Chelsea have identified the former Brighton manager as one of the options to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine manager’s future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain after a sixth place finish in the league.
Should the Blues decide to part ways with the former Tottenham manager, they will target a move for De Zerbi or Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.
Man United and Chelsea hold interest in De Zerbi
The 44-year-old manager will not be short of offers this summer after his impressive work with the Premier League club and the fact that a number of clubs could be looking for a new manager.
De Zerbi’s style of football is based on high-pressing and intricate passing which is pleasing on the eye.
His ability to work within limited resources and bring the best out of players is something that is bound to attract interest from clubs.
The post Man United and Chelsea on alert as manager wants Premier League return appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/man-united-chelsea-alert-manager/
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready to splash the cash again in this transfer window in order to topple Manchester City’s dominance in English football.
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The Spaniard did not hesitate in spending money last summer after signing Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
The Gunners boss is keen to make additions to his squad with ‘genuine’ interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
According to journalist Dean Jones, who told GiveMeSport, Premier League runners-up Arsenal are exploring a move to sign the Brazilian midfielder.
Guimaraes has a £100million release clause in his contract and he has been contacted by both Arsenal and Man City, as reported by Ben Jacobs.
In conversation with GiveMeSport, Dean Jones has provided the latest update on the potential transfer of Newcastle midfielder away from St. James’ Park.
He said:
“Now that the Premier League season has ended, we will very quickly learn what the stance is to be over Bruno Guimaraes leaving Newcastle this summer.
“We know about the release clause and that Newcastle would ideally look to keep him, but the interest in him from Manchester City and Arsenal is genuine, in my eyes. I would not be surprised at all to see lots of talk around this in the coming weeks before the transfer window opens.
“I don’t think Guimaraes is desperate to leave Newcastle, but he is ambitious and, at a time when Newcastle have dropped off a level, he has got the chance to join the two best sides in the division.”
Before his move to the Premier League, the Gunners were interested in bringing the former Lyon midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.
His move did not materialise and now the North London club want another shot at signing the talented midfielder.
Arsenal need a central midfielder this summer
Arteta’s team has struggled in the middle of the park with Thomas Partey facing fitness issues throughout the season.
Jorginho has extended his contract at the club but the Italian midfielder is past his peak and making a move for Guimaraes makes sense for the Gunners.
Arsenal need an athletic and robust midfielder to partner Rice in the midfield and the 26-year-old could be the ideal signing.
It remains to be seen how the interest from Man City develops but Arteta needs this signing more than Guardiola.
The post Arsenal explore transfer move for “ambitious” star with release clause appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/arsenal-explore-premier-league-ace/
With David Moyes leaving West Ham this summer a new era is upon the club, with Julen Lopetegui expected to step into the Scot’s shoes officially on July 1.
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The Spaniard’s arrival is likely to herald a few changes in the first team too, with some players potentially not to Lopetegui’s liking.
Arguably, the East Londoners are not in a position for a ‘new broom’ to sweep clean, but a handful of new arrivals should help to encourage competition for places.
Ben Johnson will leave West Ham this summer
Of course, there will be some positions that have to be covered including in the full-back area as Ben Johnson is definitely leaving the club alongside his manager this summer.
According to Football Insider, the 24-year-old has refused all offers of a new deal from the club, and once his own contract expires on June 30, he’ll be a free man.
With no transfer fee to be paid for his services, he’ll surely become an attractive hire for a number of clubs.
Criminally underused by Moyes – he made 24 appearances in all competitions in 23/24 but played just 818 minutes per WhoScored – it’s no wonder that the player sees his future elsewhere.
The last time he was afforded 90 minutes by the Hammers was way back in February during the club’s infamous 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal, a match which was notable for thousands of West Ham fans leaving at half-time by which time the hosts were already 4-0 down.
It isn’t clear at this stage which clubs might be willing to sign the player, though he should be able to have his pick given his age and potential projection.
Were he to go on and fulfil his potential elsewhere, it’ll be another case of what might’ve been for West Ham, and the great shame is that Julen Lopetegui won’t get the chance to be able to mould him into a marauding full-back in an attack-based system.
The post Reliable West Ham ace with over 100 appearances will leave this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/west-ham-ace-will-leave/
When Graham Potter left Brighton and Hove Albion for Chelsea, Seagulls fans could’ve been forgiven for fretting over what came next, however, his replacement, Roberto De Zerbi, proved to be an inspired choice.
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The Italian took the baton from Potter and ran with it.
Brighton’s highest-ever top-flight finish, as well as a decent run in Europe are just two of many highlights from De Zerbi’s time at the club.
AC Milan want Roberto De Zerbi
A period which has now come to an end after a recent announcement from both the club and their former manager that they were parting via mutual consent.
It’s believed that the Italian had different ideas from Brighton owner, Tony Bloom, and to that end, it meant the end of De Zerbi’s association with the club.
For a coach that is clearly forward-thinking in his ideas and application, it seems an odd decision from the club to allow him to walk, thus losing out on a significant release clause fee in the process.
From De Zerbi’s point of view he can sit back and relax and wait for any clubs to come to him, however, it seems like he won’t be relaxing for long.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 44-year-old has become a confirmed target for AC Milan, who are looking for a replacement for Stefano Pioli.
The outlet have suggested that the Rossoneri have long been interested in De Zerbi but were previously put off by his release clause.
With that no longer an issue, he becomes an attractive proposition, and coaching at one of Italy’s most storied outfits would surely also appeal to De Zerbi himself.
There’s a way to go before any deal can be rubber stamped, though if both parties are equally willing, there’s no reason why something can’t be agreed quickly.
The post Roberto De Zerbi set for incredible opportunity after leaving Brighton appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/roberto-de-zerbi-opportunity/
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League and now they are making moves to bolster their squad.
The Midlands club finished in the top four, ahead of Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United in the league.
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Under the leadership of the Spanish manager, Villa have become a top team and they plan to keep going ahead.
According to HITC, they want to complete a deal for former midfielder Ross Barkley from Luton Town.
After Luton’s relegation was confirmed from the Premier League, it was expected that the former Everton and Chelsea midfielder would attract interest.
The report states that Man United, Newcastle and Tottenham are all keeping an eye on the midfielder.
Following Luton’s relegation, the 30-year-old is eager to continue his career in the Premier League after enjoying a successful loan stint with Villa in 2020–21.
The signing of Barkley will be clever business by the Premier League club as it would be a low risk transfer considering the fee involved will be nominal.
Barkley’s career has been revived during his 2023–24 season with Luton Town.
The midfielder has excelled even after the Hatters were relegated from the Premier League.
In 37 games, he totalled five goals and six assists for Rob Edwards’ attacking team.
After their qualification to the Champions League, Villa need to add more depth in their squad as they will be competing in one more competition next season.
Aston Villa will be active in the transfer window
Emery is looking strengthen a number of positions this summer with a central defender, full-back and a midfield signing being considered.
Barkley has another chance to play in the Premier League for Aston Villa, who will also offer him European football.
This could be the perfect opportunity for him to make a return to the Premier League and play under Emery, who has taken his players to the next level.
The post Aston Villa move ahead of Man United and Spurs to sign English midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/barkey-aston-villa-transfer/
