'It is an honour' – Agent of Tottenham defender responds to Juventus & Napoli interest with summer transfer mooted

Radu Dragusin's agent has talked about Juventus and Napoli's interest in the Tottenham defender with a summer transfer on the cards.

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  • Dragusin could be on the move in 2025
  • Has been linked with a transfer back to Serie A
  • Struggling for minutes at Tottenham
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Dragusin, who joined Spurs from Genoa last January for a reported €31 million (£25.8m/$32.8m), has struggled for consistent playing time. Though he has had limited appearances in the Premier League and Europa League this season, he has seen increased action recently due to Micky van de Ven’s injury. Performances have been mixed, but they have led to reignited interest from Serie A giants Juventus, where Dragusin began his professional career, as well as league leaders Napoli.

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    WHAT DRAGUSIN'S AGENT SAID

    Dragusin's agent, Florin Manea, expressed pride in being associated with renowned Serie A teams but was quick to point out that such discussions remain speculative for now.

    "It’s an honour for Radu to be wanted by teams like Napoli and Juve, but at the moment they are just rumours," Manea said in an interview with . "We are focused on Tottenham, where he still has five years left on his contract. It’s not easy to go to a top club and make an impact right away, he’s still 22 years old."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    While Manea praised Dragusin’s potential and dedication to Spurs, he acknowledged that the lack of consistent playing time could lead to future considerations.

    "It’s normal that evaluations will be made if he never plays, but he won’t move in January. We’ll re-evaluate in June," he said.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR DRAGUSIN?

    Dragusin will hope that Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou will hand him a start against Manchester City on Saturday. A fine display against the English champions could further boost his stock in the transfer market while also earning some brownie points from his current boss.

In talks: Chelsea could sign their answer to Yamal in £50m sensation

One of Chelsea's stars came away from the 2024 European Championship with a smile on his face as Marc Cucurella helped Spain to win the tournament, beating England in the final.

The Spanish full-back enjoyed a superb time in the competition, assisting the winning goal in the final, and will now be looking to carry that form over to the Premier League next term.

One of his country's main stars in Germany, though, was 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who produced one goal and four assists in six starts.

The Barcelona star caught the eye with his terrific performances down the right wing, cutting in on his left foot, and Enzo Maresca could now land his own version of the Spaniard.

Chelsea's chance to sign Brazilian wizard

It was recently reported by journalist Graeme Bailey that the Blues are one of the teams who have been spoken to about a potential deal to sign Raphinha from Barcelona.

The outlet claimed that Arsenal and Newcastle United are also in the mix to land the Brazil international, as all three clubs are in the market to secure a right-sided attacker before the end of the summer transfer window.

Barcelona winger Raphinha.

It added that a fee of around £50m could be needed to land the former Leeds United star but it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are prepared to pay that, as of yet.

Maresca could now unearth his own version of Yamal by signing Raphinha, who is currently the teenage sensation's teammate, this summer.

Raphinha-Leeds-Stats

Why Raphinha could be Maresca's own Yamal

The Brazilian wizard may be on his way out of the Camp Nou due to the Euros winner's emergence but that does not mean that he is not good enough to be a star for Chelsea.

In fact, Raphinha already has pedigree in the Premier League as a star for Leeds – with 17 goals and 12 assists in 65 appearances in the English top-flight.

Like Yamal, the 27-year-old star, who was described as "extraordinary" by Xavi, is a left-footed maestro who likes to cut in on his favoured foot from the right wing.

23/24 LaLiga

Raphinha

Lamine Yamal

Appearances

28

37

Starts

17

22

Goals

6

5

Assists

9

5

Big chances created

11

13

Key passes per game

1.5

1.0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, both players are wingers who can provide goals and assists whilst creating 'big chances' at an impressive rate.

Interestingly, Raphinha provided more goals and assists in fewer appearances and starts than Yamal, yet could be the one moved on by Hansi Flick.

Of course, it is worth factoring in that the Spanish ace is a whopping ten years younger and is already producing similar levels of quality, which is why Barcelona are justified in wanting to focus on his development – particularly after such an impressive Euros showing.

But that does not mean that Chelsea should not be encouraged by Raphinha's excellent form in LaLiga, and his previous displays in the Premier League, as his statistics suggest that Maresca could land his own, more refined and experienced, version of Yamal by landing the £50m star.

Chelsea offered chance to sign incredible £75m Isak & Osimhen alternative

The Blues are still looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 18, 2024

A helping of Emma Hayes, a side of Mauricio Pochettino, a dash of Christian Pulisic and a Triple Espresso: What American fans can be thankful for this Thanksgiving

With a sport-altering 2026 World Cup on the horizon, soccer in America – in all phases and all levels – is on the rise

There's no time of year quite like Thanksgiving, nothing quite like that sumptuous meal. gathered with friends and family, as the holiday season truly begins. In that spirit, then, it's time to reflect on the good things in life, treasures that are not to be taken for granted.

And on this Thanksgiving, American soccer has plenty for which to be thankful.

Less than two years away from a groundbreaking, sport-altering, nation-rejoicing World Cup arriving on U.S. soil, the American game is clearly on the rise. On both the men's and women's side, 2024 seemed to be a genuine turning point, a year in which everything – well, eventually – pointed toward growth.

Some of those steps were easy to see. The U.S. women's national team, with a new coach, rolled to an Olympic gold medal. Some steps, though, remain in progress. The U.S. men's national team has kicked off a new era, also led by a new coach, with new ideas and a stronger resume than any of his predecessors. The USMNT isn't where it wants to be right now, but it's making discernible progress torward 2026.

With that in mind, GOAL looks at the people, moments and developments that American soccer fans can be thankful for on this holiday.

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    Two refreshingly new coaches

    It was a year of massive change for both the USMNT and USWNT, with both introducing world-class coaches to the mix. The USWNT, of course, saw their investment pay immediate dividends – those that the men's team hope to emulate on their own path.

    Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes stepped in and immediately sent shockwaves through the women's game, winning an Olympic gold medal just weeks – and 10 games – after stepping into the job. Now, with that medal on her resume, she has three years to prepare her next major tournament – the 2027 World Cup – as she looks to rebuild and reshape the USWNT into something even better than it was before. And all signs show that Hayes is capable of doing just that.

    Another former Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino, was hired to replace Gregg Berhalter for the USMNT this summer. Pochettino joined U.S. Soccer with a resume unlike any of his men's team predecessors, one that gives him a legitimate world-class reputation. Pochettino led the U.S. to a pair of wins over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nation's League quarterfinals this month, inspiring hope into 2025.

    That's what both of these coaches bring: hope. Both are legitimate top-level managers, and both have approaches and methods to push the American game forward. The country's soccer fans are fortunate to have two coaches with that type of vision – although there's still plenty of hard work to be done.

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    Christian Pulisic's phenomenal form

    Christian Pulisic has already spent years being the transcendent American in Europe. This year, he's taken it to an entirely new level. Thriving at Milan, Pulisic is currently making the leap from good to great, scoring goal after goal for one of the world's most historic teams.

    His form has carried over to the USMNT, too, where he's been fantastic over the last few months. Yes, the Copa America still feels like a wasted opportunity, for Pulisic and the USMNT as a whole, but there's no doubt that the winger is in a tremendous place right now.

    It's only getting better, too. Pulisic is scoring in big games in Europe, striking against both Real Madrid and Liverpool in the Champions League. As a result, Milan are relying on him more than ever before and, given what he went through at Chelsea, being relied on must be satisfying.

    Pulisic, now 26, is still improving. He's still stepping into a leadership role that, personality-wise, isn't one he always wants to assume. Pulisic is usually content to let his game do the talking, and it's talking very loudly right now as he continues to reach new heights.

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    The rise of Triple Espresso

    This was the summer of Triple Espresso, the rise of three young American stars that should be wowing American soccer fans for years to come. Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson were stars in their own right heading into the Olympics this summer, but it was by coming together that those three reached higher than ever before.

    That trio ran rampant in France, solidifying their place as the faces of the USWNT, not just alone but as a group. They leaned on each other, assisted each other and, ultimately, made each other better en route to an Olympic gold.

    This isn't the end of their story, though, but rather the beginning. Swanson is 26 years old. Smith is 24. Rodman? Just 22. These three will be dominating defenses for years to come, even as they will be pushed by competition from another rising group of USWNT newcomers.

    Right now, though, Triple Espresso are giving the USWNT a shot of energy that was very much needed.

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    Growth of domestic leagues

    Yes, Lionel Messi-mania took over MLS last season, and that hype carried over into this season, too. His arrival at Inter Miami made a global talking point of American soccer but, Messi aside, the domestic leagues in the U.S. continue to thrive.

    Starting with MLS, which is obviously in a new era thanks to Messi's arrival. The playoffs proved that defining an era doesn't always mean winning, as Inter Miami fell in the first round to Atlanta. The Herons will reload and return motivated in 2025, but this season showed that winning an MLS Cup is easier said than done. Outside of Miami, a number of teams in the league are in a good place and, just as importantly, there are some heavy-hitters ready to spend this offseason.

    The NWSL, meanwhile, just wrapped a highly-successful season, one in which the league spent more than ever before on international signings. Like MLS, NWSL set an attendance record in 2024, with escalating ratings. Superstars such as Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji show a new level of ambition, while the investments of owners such as Michelle Kang in Washington prove that the league is on the rise. Women's soccer is growing worldwide, and the American game is, in many ways, leading the way.

    Finally, the USL is making waves on both the men's and women's side, offering more opportunities than ever before. The U.S. is vast and there's room for more than one league – and the USL is filling its role perfectly as a strong talent developer for both young rising stars and late bloomers.

    The American game feels healthy, which wasn't the case a decade or so ago, particularly outside of MLS. The foundations have been laid, domestic leagues are building, and ambitions have never been greater.

Will Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney be ‘surprise guests’ at Wrexham game? Red Dragons emulate Premier League giants by getting Cosm LA treatment – and Hollywood owners could show up

Wrexham are emulating Premier League giants by getting the Cosm LA treatment, but will Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney be “surprise guests”?

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  • Interest building around the world
  • Hollywood co-owners made that possible
  • Barnsley game shown on giant immersive screen
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Red Dragons have seen their stock soar since welcoming Hollywood co-owners to SToK Racecourse, with interest piqued in North America. The award-winning ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series has opened up a window to the world, making Phil Parkinson’s side a big draw a long way outside of North Wales.

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  • THE GOSSIP

    That standing is being recognised as Wrexham prepare to join Premier League heavyweights in having a game shown live on a giant immersive screen at Cosm LA. The Red Dragons will be in League One action against Barnsley on Tuesday, with fans in California set to be joined by some famous faces.

  • WHAT COSM LA SAID

    A promotional video for the event states: “We’ve all been hearing about this soccer club and now you can see them closer than ever, because on December 3rd Cosm LA is bringing the magic of Wrexham vs Barnsley straight to you with an immersive stadium-like experience. Feel like you’re part of the action and an 180 degree dome that puts you right on the pitch. I wonder if you can smell the players? And here’s the best part, there may be some special surprise guests. Keep an eye out and don’t miss it!”

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

    Wrexham have dropped just two points on home soil this season, winning eight of their nine third tier fixtures at the Racecourse. Fans of the general public and celebrity variety will be hoping to have more to cheer when facing the Tykes, with Parkinson’s men looking to close in on league leaders Wycombe.

Man City set to loan out "impressive" ace who could be Gvardiol 2.0

Manchester City played their final match of pre-season over the weekend as they ran out 4-2 winners over Chelsea in America, taking a 2-0 lead inside just five minutes.

Pep Guardiola's side will now prepare for their Community Shield clash with Manchester United at Wembley next weekend, which means that the fringe players included in the friendlies will now move further away from the first-team.

However, the Spanish boss has confirmed that academy graduates Nico O'Reilly and James McAtee will make the step up to be part of the senior group for the 2024/25 campaign.

The other young talents will either go back down to the youth sides or find loan moves away from The Etihad, with the latter set to be the case for one of the club's defensive prospects.

Man City starlet set for loan

According to The Pink'Un's Connor Southwell, Manchester City defender Callum Doyle is set to undergo a medical with Norwich City on Monday.

The Canaries have agreed a deal to sign the 20-year-old full-back on a season-long loan for the 2024/25 campaign, to ensure that he is playing regular football at senior level.

Norwich City target Callum Doyle in action for England Under 19s.

Guardiola used the England youth international during pre-season but has decided that it will be best for the left-footed ace to spend another year out on loan, after his spell with Leicester City last term.

He could yet be a future star for the Cityzens, though, as Doyle has a unique profile and could develop into Josko Gvardiol 2.0 for the manager.

Why Doyle could be Gvardiol 2.0

Firstly, the 20-year-old star is a left-footed defender who is adept at playing as either a centre-back or a left-back, which makes him the ideal fit for a hybrid role that sees him start as a left-back but with the instruction to move into a left-centre-back role in possession.

This shows that he is similar in profile to Gvardiol, who plays a similar role for club and country, and could operate in that position for Guardiola in City's first-team in the future.

For now, Doyle must continue to showcase his quality and improve his consistency in the second tier with Norwich this term before making the step up to the Premier League.

23/24 season per 90

Callum Doyle (Championship)

Josko Gvardiol (Premier League)

Passes attempted

79.18

74.19

Progressive passes

7.84

5.26

Shot-creating actions

2.46

2.09

Successful take-ons

0.75

1.01

Tackles

3.06

2.13

Interceptions

1.12

1.04

Stats via FBRef

As you can see in the table above, the City youngster caught the eye with his performances in the Championship on loan with Leicester City last season.

Doyle made more progressive passes and shot-creating actions than Gvardiol, which speaks to his forward-thinking nature and incisive passing from a left-back or centre-back role.

The academy graduate, who was hailed as "impressive" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also offers a strong defensive presence, as shown by his 4.18 tackles and interceptions per 90 last term – more than the Croatia international managed.

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These statistics suggest that there is potential for him to emerge as Gvardiol 2.0 for City in the future if he can eventually translate those performances over to the Premier League and the Champions League, due to his quality in and out of possession in a hybrid defensive role.

Better than Gnonto: Leeds could use Rutter money to sign exciting EFL star

Leeds United fans would have walked away from the Hawthorns disappointed with their side's attacking display, but potentially happy that at least a point was picked up against a tough West Bromwich Albion side.

The 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns wasn't exactly a thrilling watch – with just two shots on target all afternoon from both Championship sides – as Daniel Farke continues to beg the powers above at Elland Road to add in new players between now and the close of the month.

Daniel Farke

Georginio Rutter's absence was sorely felt in the West Midlands, as was Crysencio Summerville's, with an electric winger now a potential target to bring back the free-flowing football Leeds supporters are craving.

Leeds searching for a new winger

As per football journalist Mike McGrath, via social media, Leeds are 'well aware' of Sunderland star man Jack Clarke this summer, as one potential new attacking addition.

Previously a youth player for the West Yorkshire titans, Clarke's time with the club in the senior fold was ultimately premature, leaving as a wide-eyed talent to join Premier League Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.

Former Leeds winger Jack Clarke.

There could well be a feeling of unfinished business on the end of the Black Cats winger, therefore, who is now reportedly not keen on penning a new deal at the Stadium of Light, according to football journalist Alan Nixon.

This might swing open the door for Farke's Whites to swoop in and win a top performer at Championship level, softening the immense double blow of Summerville and Rutter exiting in the process, subsequently using the money gained from those sales to land an exciting new attacker.

What Clarke can offer Leeds

Wilfried Gnonto could also be pushed back over to the right-hand side to accommodate for this bumper move, as Mateo Joseph also licks his lips at the prospect of linking up with the dynamite Sunderland ace.

As much as Gnonto did dazzle for Farke's men last campaign, with eight goals registered overall, Clarke feels like the more natural successor to Summerville's throne.

The Italian attacker very rarely played in Summerville's fixed spot last season, often competing with Daniel James on the right flank instead, whilst Clarke tore second-tier defences to shreds operating solely down the left channel.

Clarke's Championship numbers vs Gnonto (23/24)

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

Clarke

Gnonto

Games played

40

36

Goals scored

15

8

Assists

4

2

Shots*

2.8

1.3

Big chances missed

5

3

Big chances created

12

5

Total duels won*

8.0

3.4

Stats by Sofascore

Glancing at their comparative numbers from the last regular Championship season, Clarke blows the ex-FC Zurich winger out of the water in many different areas, with a tenacity in his game very apparent that will instantly make him a favourite if he returns to Elland Road again, tallying up eight total duels won on average per clash last campaign when rampaging forward.

Importantly, Clarke's 15 goals will also allow Leeds to regain that much-needed firepower that has gone missing in their last two games where they've fired blanks against Middlesbrough and West Brom, which is a new low for a side that netted 81 strikes from 46 second tier clashes last season.

Joseph could get up and running as Farke's preferred main man up top, if Clarke also enters the building, with the Sunderland hero creating 12 big chances last campaign, on top of his much talked-about clinical nature in front of goal.

The young Spanish centre-forward was desperately unlucky on the opening day not to fire home, with four shots registered at the busy Portsmouth net.

The "devastating" attacker – as he was once labelled by his former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray – would also get Leeds fans back on side that have felt let down by the firesale nature of their departures recently.

Leeds would end up poaching a top talent, who Sunderland value in and around the £25m ballpark, to increase their chances of putting this dire early season form firmly behind them.

It's been nothing short of turbulent in Leeds quarters of late in the transfer window, but there is still time for the Whites to recruit well, starting with Clarke joining.

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Philadelphia Union wonderkid Cavan Sullivan visits Manchester City training ground ahead of highly-touted move to Pep Guardiola's side

The Philadelphia Union academy product, who will move to England in 2027, was pictured at the Man City training ground

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  • Cavan Sullivan visits Man City ahead of big money move
  • Youngest debutant in American sports history
  • Agreed to join Premier League champions in 2027
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Philadelphia Union star Cavan Sullivan spent the weekend in Manchester, nine months after agreeing a high profile move to the reigning Premier League champions. The Union product, who made his MLS debut in July, will complete his deal to England's top flight when he turns 18.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sullivan is one of the most highly rated prospects in American soccer history. The attacking midfielder starred for the Union's MLS Next Pro side this season, and signed a homegrown contract with Philadelphia in the spring. Then-head coach Jim Curtin admitted that Sullivan is ready for top flight action.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Sullivan became the youngest debutant in American sports history when he came off the bench for the Union against New England in July. He was 14 years and 293 days old at the time.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR SULLIVAN?

    The teenager figures to be part of the Union setup next month when they start preseason. Philadelphia parted ways with Curtin after failing to make the playoffs at the end of the 2024 campaign.

'He's an example' – Ruben Amorim defends Man Utd defender Harry Maguire as he hints defender could take captaincy amid Bruno Fernandes suspension

Ruben Amorim says Harry Maguire is an "example" to follow and hinted he could take the Manchester United captaincy in Bruno Fernandes' absence.

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  • Bruno suspended after Wolves dismissal
  • Amorim defenders Man Utd's Maguire
  • Hints he could take over captaincy
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bruno has been United's captain for the past year or so but he will not be available against Newcastle United next week after being sent off at Wolves last time out. Despite many criticising the performances of defender Maguire, head coach Amorim has defended the 31-year-old and may have suggested the England man could skipper the team in their upcoming fixture.

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    WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID

    He told reporters: "You will have to wait and see about the captain. He's working really well. He's focused on the job, not what people say. He has no excuses – even if he's had some tough moments. In that respect, he's an example. He's there to play to help the team and he's trying to do that."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Amorim has heaped praise on Maguire since he took over at United in November and even described him as "perfect" in a back three. But he will need the ex-Leicester City man to be at his very best as the Red Devils, who are 14th in the Premier League, try to arrest a run of form that includes just one win in five games.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    United round off their 2024, which has been eventful to say the least, at home to in-form Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday night.

£10m midfielder tells his club he has agreed personal terms to join Celtic

Celtic have agreed personal terms with a £10m-rated ace ahead of a likely summer move to Parkhead, according to an update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Celtic pushing for late signings

Plenty of transfer rumours are still swirling when it comes to the Hoops, with a potential reunion with former hero Jota mooted over the weekend. The Portuguese could return to the Scottish Premiership champions on loan, as he looks to come back to British football after leaving for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in 2023.

Celtic are also reportedly in talks to sign FC Augsburg youngster Arne Engels, with the 20-year-old considered an exciting young option who can come in and bolster the midfield options at Brendan Rodgers' disposal. He is keen on sealing a move to Parkhead, which can only bode well regarding a switch there.

Then there's Sheffield United centre-back Auston Trusty, who continues to stand out as a leading defensive target for the Hoops, potentially coming in as an ideal partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers, while Barcelona youngster Alex Valle looks set to join on loan to strengthen the full back ranks.

Another player who is in talks with Celtic is Los Angeles FC star Mateusz Bogusz, who has experience of the British game after playing for Leeds in the past, admittedly only making three appearances.

Celtic agree personal terms with new midfielder

According to Plettenberg on X, Celtic have now agreed personal terms with the £10m-rated Engels, as a summer move edges closer towards being completed. The versatile youngster has even informed his current club of his decision, although a fee has not been agreed between the sides yet.

It would now be a surprise if Engels wasn't a Celtic player come the end of this week. The Belgian has the potential to be a really effective signing for the Hoops in the coming years, having picked up 30 caps for Belgium's youth sides across four different age groups. That outlines his pedigree as a gifted young footballer who could mature into a real force in the years to come, and Rodgers could believe he can improve him significantly with his coaching expertise.

Engels is also versatile, which is a priceless attribute for a player to have in the modern game, with the youngster capable of thriving at right-back, on the right wing and especially in his preferred central midfield role, which is an added bonus.

Rodgers must brutally drop Celtic man who had fewer touches than Schmeichel

The Hoops attacker did not enjoy a successful afternoon against St Mirren on Sunday.

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By
Dan Emery

Aug 25, 2024

If a deal for the Augsburg man is the final piece of business that Celtic do this summer, it would be the end of a successful summer window – one that has brought in the likes of Adam Idah, Paul Bernardo and Kasper Schmeichel.

Dream Trossard rival: Arsenal in the race to sign "world-class" attacker

Two games down and two wins in the bag; the performances haven't been perfect, but Arsenal have started their Premier League campaign in the best way possible.

Mikel Arteta's side were made to fight for them, but they left Villa Park on Saturday evening with all three points in hand, in no small part thanks to the incredible display of David Raya in goal and the decisive decisions of Leandro Trossard off the left.

The Belgian started on the bench for the second game running, although based on his performance and that of Gabriel Martinelli, it seems almost certain that against his old side on Saturday, the 29-year-old will make his first start of the campaign.

Leandro Trossard scores for Arsenal

However, this development begs the question. Does Trossard need a new rival on the wing? The answer may well be yes, and fortunately, recent reports have touted a brilliant international with a move to the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal are still in the race for Federico Chiesa's signature this summer.

The report claims that while the winger is leaning towards a move to Barcelona at present, the Gunners are still interested in his services, and should something prevent his move to Spain, his agent will consider the North Londoners as an option once more.

Now, while the report claims that cross-city rivals Chelsea are in the same boat as the Premier League runners-up, the good news is that signing the Italian international shouldn't cost very much. A recent report from The Athletic claims that Juventus value him at just €15m, which converts to about £13m, due to his contract expiring next summer.

federico-chiesa-transfer-news-newcastle-premier-league

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given the bargain price and Chiesa's undeniable ability, it's one well worth pursuing, especially as he could be the dream rival for Trossard this season.

How Chiesa compares to Trossard

Okay, so one of the first things to point out, and one of the main benefits to signing Chiesa as well, is that while right-wing is his most played position, he's made plenty of appearances all over the pitch, including 69 as a second striker, 61 at left-wing, 37 in right midfield, 17 at centre-forward, 11 in left midfield and even two in attacking midfield.

Federico Chiesa in Italy training

However, while this ability to play in plenty of areas of the pitch is undoubtedly something Arteta will appreciate, it's on the left where he'd probably have his best chance of playing more regular football, as we aren't sure there is a player on earth that the manager would start over Saka now.

With that said, if his best chance at first-team football is off the left, how does he stack up against Trossard, as it appears the Belgian would be his main rival at the moment?

Well, when it comes to their raw output from last season, the Arsenal man comes out ahead, but it is perhaps closer than some may have imagined.

For example, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace scored 17 goals and provided two assists in 46 appearances, equating to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games.

In contrast, the Juventus ace scored ten goals and provided three assists in 37 matches, meaning he maintained a slightly worse but nonetheless impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.84 games.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Is it another slim victory for the 29-year-old when we examine what's happening under the hood?

federico-chiesa-premier-league-liverpool-transfers

Interestingly, the tables turn with their underlying numbers, and while it's still a closely fought thing, it's the "world-class" Italian, as described by journalist Zach Lowy, who just about comes out on top.

For example, the 26-year-old dynamo comes out ahead in several relevant metrics, including, but not limited to progressive carries, key passes, passes and crosses into the penalty area, passes into the final third, shot and goal-creating actions and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Chiesa vs Trossard

Stats (per 90)

Chiesa

Trossard

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.49

0.58

Progressive Passes

2.87

4.15

Progressive Carries

4.55

3.61

Shots

3.03

3.27

Shots on Target

1.02

1.20

Passing Accuracy

69.9%

73.4%

Key Passes

2.21

1.31

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.84

1.58

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.74

0.22

Passes into the Final Third

1.72

1.53

Shot-Creating Actions

4.79

3.55

Goal-Creating Actions

0.37

0.33

Successful Take-Ons

1.43

1.37

Carries

26.4

32.3

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season

Ultimately, while it might take some real effort to displace Trossard from the Gunners' starting lineup going forward, it looks like Chiesa could give him a run for his money while also providing cover in other positions across the pitch.

Therefore, Edu and Co must do what they can to bring the Juve ace to the Emirates this summer, as he could be the perfect winger to rival the Belgian this summer, and at the reported price, this feels like a no-brainer.

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By
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Aug 27, 2024

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