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Chelsea are enduring another miserable season after a somewhat promising pre-season that was followed up by an even better opening day draw with now league leaders Liverpool.

However, with 16 games gone, the blue side of west London find themselves down in 12th place in the Premier League, and despite thumping Tottenham Hotspur, drawing with Manchester City, and almost beating Arsenal, they are now closer to relegation than Champions League qualification.

Mauricio Pochettino needs to figure out a way to get his young team firing, and as absurd as it sounds, he indicated that the club needed more attacking reinforcements this January, something Todd Boehly and co seem to agree on.

Chelsea could move on from injury-prone James with £35m "monster" in January

The Dutchman could solve Chelsea’s right-back problem.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 13, 2023

The latest player linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is already starting to make a name for himself and could be the club's next Eden Hazard – Roony Bardghji.

Chelsea transfer news – Roony Bardghji

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are looking for a new attacker in 2024 and have created a five-man shortlist, including the incredibly talented FC Copenhagen youngster.

According to Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion were quoted around £30m when they were showing interest in the 18-year-old dynamo last month, and while that is undoubtedly a lot of money for someone so young, his insanely high potential likely justifies it to the Danish side.

Often referred to as the 'Swedish Messi' by fans and described as a "10/10 " talent by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he has already scored ten goals in 15 starts for Copenhagen this season, and there is no reason to think he won't just keep getting better.

If Chelsea were to get their hands on the tricky winger, the comparisons to Hazard would be unavoidable, and with how highly thought of he is, likely justified.

Roony Bardghji could be Chelsea’s next Hazard

Being compared to a player such as Hazard at 18 years old can be both a blessing and a curse.

It can help you grow in prominence as fans are intrigued to see whether you can really live up to the moniker, but it can also drag you down as you fail to get out of the monumental shadow cast over you everywhere you go.

However, the "outrageous talent" that Bardghji is, as described by Jacek Kulig, means that he has a real chance of living up to the comparison and terrifying Premier League defences for the next decade should he move to Chelsea.

His performance against Manchester United in the Champions League this season has already proven he is unfazed by the big occasion, and the fact that he scored the winning goal before his 18th birthday should be all the convincing the Blues need.

Ultimately, while there is usually a considerable risk in signing younger players from leagues outside Europe's top five, the "world-class" Bardghji, as dubbed by Jacek Kulig, genuinely seems to match up to the hype.

The Blues did snap up Hazard as a relative youngster from Lille back in 2012 – the now-retired ace joining at the age of just 21 on a £32m deal – with such a gamble more than paying off, as the wing wizard went on to rack up 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 games in all competitions for the club.

Not that Bardghji will necessarily reach such heights, yet if the fee really is as low as £30m, Chelsea simply must sign the "crazy talent" – as hailed by Kulig – otherwise someone else will.

A “doomsday” scenario of expulsion from the Premier League or a 30-point deduction are among the threats reportedly hanging over Manchester City.

• Blues charged with historical financial breaches
• Case yet to be heard despite others being punished
• Date with destiny & potential penalties is approaching

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The record-breaking champions of English football, who have just captured a fourth consecutive crown, have known for some time that they have 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges hanging over their head. The Blues have seen top-flight rivals Everton and Nottingham Forest hit with Profit & Sustainability (PSR) penalties in 2023-24.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  No official date has been set for City’s case to be heard, as they refute and contest the charges against them, but their day of reckoning is approaching. A final ruling may be some way off – with it suggested that the summer of 2025 may be reached before a protracted saga comes to a close – but the Premier League are said to be pushing for a “severe punishment”.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  claims that City could be removed from the Premier League ranks entirely, forcing them to seek refuge in the Championship if EFL members vote them in, while the prospect of a points deduction at around the 30 mark has also been mooted.

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  WHAT LEGAL EXPERT SAID

  The club’s lawyers continue to fight the case with vigour, which is helping to delay proceedings, and all potential outcomes are still in the mix at this stage. Dan Chapman, head of employment and sports at Leathes Prior solicitors, is quoted as saying by Standard Sport: “Considerable uncertainty remains on the current status of the Premier League proceedings against Manchester City. It would appear that these charges are far more serious, if they are proven, than the charges which Everton and Nottingham Forest recently admitted. Those clubs were charged with a breach of spending rules that they admitted. This case is entirely different, 115 charges which relate, it would appear, to serious impropriety which Manchester City robustly deny. The number and complexity of the charges will present huge challenges to all involved and it is not unlikely that the hearing could be delayed in full or in part. The independent commission that will hear the case will have almost limitless powers, and sanctions could range from fines to points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League. Manchester City will of course be aiming to be cleared of all charges, and nothing should be ruled out in this quite extraordinary case.”

The January transfer window provides the perfect platform for West Ham United to build on what has been an incredible first half of their Premier League campaign, with a European place firmly within their grasp.

Striker on David Moyes' January wishlist

David Moyes currently has three striking options on the books at West Ham, in the form of Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama. The former is only just set to return from injury, whilst Ings and Mubama have been used sparingly off the substitutes' bench, with Jarrod Bowen often occupying a false nine sort of role at the pinnacle of the Hammers' attack.

And, with Mohammed Kudus now at the African Cup of Nations for the foreseeable future, there's even more of a need to bring in an attacker at some point this month.

West Ham could land £15m-rated Ward-Prowse partner who's the "next Mbappe"

West Ham are eyeing a move for another striker during the January transfer window

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 31, 2023

If the Ultimate Transfer Window Guide by the Daily Mail is anything to go by then a striker is definitely on the radar. Indeed, under the category of 'who they like' are players such as Serhou Girassy of Stuttgart, Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth and Marcos Leonardo of Santos over in Brazil.

Exciting striker target emerges for West Ham

One name purposely missed off above is Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna. The Daily Mail claim that Zirkzee is a player who West Ham United have also taken a liking to. Whilst it doesn't state how much a potential fee would be for the striker, he has established himself as a vital part of the Italian club's season so far, so it's unlikely that they'll accept a small sum, with European aspirations of their own.

Zirkzee came through the academy at Bayern Munich but moved to Bologna last summer, and the 22-year-old has had a bright start to the new campaign, netting eight times and laying on four assists in 20 games in all competitions.

At just 22 years of age, the Dutch striker still has his best years ahead of him, so to see him already racking up goals and assists in a tough league over in Italy is rather promising. However, West Ham fans will feel slightly cautious after Gianluca Scamacca's rather dismal time of things in the Premier League as he just couldn't get up to speed.

If Thiago Motta's praise is anything to go by then Zirkzee could be the perfect addition for David Moyes' side however, as the potent ending to an explosive West Ham United counter-attack.

He said: "It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it."

Arsenal appear much more likely to sign one club's high-earning midfielder over the heavily-linked Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, according to reports.

Edu eyeing new midfielder in January

As per widespread rumours in the English press and beyond, signing a new central midfielder in January appears a distinct possibility as sporting director Edu Gaspar makes winter transfer plans.

Arteta lining up Arsenal bid for their new Ozil in “wonderful” £34m talent

Mikel Arteta wants to add a future star to his side this January.

By
Tom Lever

Dec 28, 2023

Thomas Partey has been unreliable with injuries this season, and if fit by early next month, will travel to represent Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, both Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are set to leave when their contracts expire next summer.

These factors make the need for a new man in the middle of the park all the more important next month. Villa's Luiz is reported to be a dream target for Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), but Unai Emery's side have been on an upward trajectory this season and may not be willing to sell one of their key players.

Arsenal do have alternative options, with Monaco ace Youssouf Fofana attracting interest from Edu ahead of January. Another interesting name is Everton star Amadou Onana, who has made 15 Premier League appearances as a colossal presence in the Toffees engine room.

The Belgium international is apparently a target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, as he looks to provide midfield depth and strengthen his side's charge for a first league title in 20 years.

Arsenal more likely to sign Onana

According to a report by journalist Simon Collings of The Evening Standard, who detailed all of Arsenal's "possible" signings in January, Onana making a move to the Emirates is indeed plausible.

Indeed, it is believed Arsenal could have "more luck" signing Onana than Luiz next month, with Villa looking set to dig their heels in over the Brazilian.

Little else is added beyond that, but we believe the £100,000-per-week ace (SpotRac) would be a sure-fire fit for the Gunners. Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, Onana has been praised by former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, who hailed his leadership qualities and "unique" traits as a player.

“Really exciting footballer,” said Martinez to Sky Sports.

“I think it would be a shame if we speak only about his technical and tactical abilities. I think this footballer is quite unique in the way he is as a character; he is a leader, even as a young man, he is affecting others in the dressing room. He has got this incredibly maturity that is not normal to have at such a young age.”

Bruno Fernandes wants Manchester United to match his "expectations" but he insists he has no desire to leave Old Trafford.

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• Fernandes previously cast doubt on future
• Midfielder says he wants to stay at Man Utd
• But demands Red Devils match his ambitions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In April, the Portugal international said if United don't want to have him, he will go. However, following links with Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia, the 29-year-old now insists he wants to stay at Old Trafford, so long as his his ambitions are matched by the club.

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  WHAT BRUNO FERNANDES SAID

  He told : "After this difficult season, it is my responsibility to give more. It starts with me. And it starts tomorrow. We have to give everything in this last match against City, and we have to move forward. I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fernandes has been one of the few positives for United this season, scoring 15 goals and bagging 12 assists. His contract expires in 2026 so United may have to make a decision soon on whether to cash in on the midfielder or tie him down to a new deal.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Fernandes' United side – who finished eighth in the Premier League, suffered a Champions League group stage exit, and lost early in the Carabao Cup – will try to win some silverware this weekend when they take on rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Ligue 1 side Reims have shown interest in appointing Carlo Ancelotti's son Davide as their new manager.

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• Reims eyeing move for Ancelotti
• Has worked as father's assistant at four clubs
• French side looking for Will Still successor

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , the French are looking for a head coach ahead of the 2024-25 season after Will Still left the club on mutual consent earlier in May. They have identified Ancelotti's son as a primary managerial target and will accelerate their negotiations in the coming weeks.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 34-year-old has served as an assistant coach to his father since 2016 when the legendary manager joined Bayern Munich. He later worked at Napoli and Everton before joining Real Madrid in 2021. Davide has held managerial ambitions for long, but rejected an offer from the Saudi Pro League in January.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Los Blancos' assistant coach represented AC Milan at the youth level but never broke into their first team. He decided to hang up his boots in 2009 before taking up a career in coaching.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REIMS?

  The Red and Whites are expected to approach the Spanish champions after the Champions League final on June 1. However, Madrid may try to stop Ancelotti from leaving as they consider him an important part of their coaching setup.

Manchester United's season has been one step forward and two steps back ever since the 1-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend.

The Red Devils sit eighth in the Premier League after 20 games, winning ten matches while also losing nine.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

With that in mind, Erik ten Hag will look to improve his squad in January, particularly his attack, which has scored just 22 goals in the league.

Man Utd transfers latest – Michael Olise

According to The Mirror, Man United are interested in signing Michael Olise, who has been labelled as “one of the best wide playmakers in Europe” by renowned scout Jacek Kulig.

The Crystal Palace winger has a release clause of £60m, which can be activated in the summer, and it's thought Ten Hag's men are willing to pay that sum.

A move this January is highly unlikely, especially considering United’s current financial fair play situation.

How Michael Olise compares to Antony

Since joining Man United last summer for £82m, Antony has failed to live up to the high expectations, often leaving the fans frustrated.

To sum up his performances, the Brazilian has played 21 matches for the Red Devils this season and failed to register a goal contribution. He’s now gone 1,417 minutes and has taken 48 shots without scoring in the league.

On the other hand, despite overcoming injuries and only playing his first game of the season in November, Olise has scored five goals and registered one assist in just seven Premier League starts.

That alone proves he would be an Antony upgrade, but let's also look at the stats from the last year across the top European leagues that show it.

As you can see, Olise is a creative wizard who can cause havoc from open play and set pieces. He is particularly dangerous from crossing scenarios that he finds himself in frequently due to his ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot or go on the outside to produce quality on his right. This is highlighted by the fact that he’s in the top 1% for crosses per 90. It is clear that the 22-year-old wipes the floor with United’s number 21 in terms of chance creation.

Furthermore, one of the only attributes that Antony has been praised for is his work rate off the ball, but Olise even matches him defensively, as shown by the tackles won and tackles won in the defensive third, indicating the Palace winger is willing to track back and support his full-back.

The difference between Olise and Antony is night and day, with the former being one of the deadliest right-wingers in the Premier League and the latter being a passenger for the most part. Olise has the potential to transform United’s attack completely, and the Red Devils would also be acquiring a set-piece specialist.

The only downside to signing the Palace ace is his injuries as of late, but with Amad Diallo back from injury problems himself and Alejandro Garnacho showing he can play on the right, Ten Hag will be able to manage his minutes to get the best out of him.

Eberechi Eze is hoping to star for England at Euro 2024, with it revealed that the Crystal Palace playmaker has a £60m release clause in his contract.

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• Playmaker catching the eye for Eagles
• Seeing summer move speculated on
• International matters the priority for now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The talented 25-year-old has come a long way in a shot space of time, with League Two football being taken in during a loan spell at Wycombe as recently as 2017. He only arrived on a Premier League stage in 2020, when joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers, but has been on an upward curve since then.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 2023-24 campaign saw Eze post a personal-best return of 11 goals in the English top-flight, earning him senior international recognition and a place in Gareth Southgate’s plans for a major tournament in Germany – with competition from the likes of Manchester City star Jack Grealish being fended off in the process.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Eze’s stock will continue to soar if he shines at this summer’s European Championship, with the reporting that he is already attracting interest from Premier League heavyweights. Tottenham are considered to be one of several admirers.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Any deal for Eze will not come cheap, though, with it claimed that he has a £60 million ($76m) release clause – with those terms including a further £8m ($10m) in add-ons. Palace would be reluctant sellers, having tied a prized asset to a contract through to 2027, but will be well rewarded financially if their hand is forced in a ruthless transfer market.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be eyeing up a signing or two before the end of the January transfer window in just over two weeks, especially as they are currently thin on the ground with regard to attacking options.

Losing forwards Hwang Hee-Chan, Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva this month means Gary O’Neil is only able to call on Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto, for at least the next four weeks and this could prompt him into action.

With this in mind, who could O’Neil look to in order to bolster his attacking options this month?

Wolves’ search for a striker

According to Football Insider, Wolves have registered an interest in signing Che Adams from Southampton in the current transfer window, just months after failing with a bid to bring him to the window during the summer.

Hwang is their current top scorer with 11 goals so far this season, yet in reality, the Molineux side have yet to really replace Raul Jimenez, who left during the summer to join Fulham.

It is clear that the club need someone to fill the void left by the South Korean star while he is away representing his nation at the Asian Cup. Could Adams be the perfect candidate?

Che Adams’ record against Wolves

Jimenez scored 57 goals in 166 appearances for Wolves during a five-season spell in the Midlands and, during his first two seasons at the club, he was one of the most prolific strikers in the top flight, scoring 13 and 17 goals respectively.

Injuries and a lack of form meant he finally left last year, but O’Neil will be hoping the club can replace him by signing another out-and-out forward.

Adams has played against Wolves on 11 occasions during his career, yet has only scored once and grabbed one assist, hardly an outstanding record.

That said, the £30k-per-week frontman could be available for a knockdown price this month as his contract expires in June and this is perhaps what is tempting O’Neil into making a move for the Scotland international striker.

Why Adams is a good Jimenez replacement

Bizarrely hailed as a “ketchup bottle phenomenon” by his former coach, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Adams scored 39 goals in 170 appearances for the Saints, chipping in with 17 assists too.

He can also play on the wing if required and this type of versatility will be a big bonus for O’Neil, yet it is clear that Adams will operate through the middle should he join Wolves.

Pundit Ally McCoist has previously hailed Adams as “clever” and he has enjoyed some goalscoring exploits for Scotland over the previous few years.

The 5 foot 9 forward has netted six goals in 25 matches during his international career thus far, with the most notable effort coming against Denmark in a stunning 2-0 win three years ago.

Adams may not be the most prolific striker, yet his bustling style of play and physical strength could give O’Neil’s men something extra up top, and he could potentially work well alongside the likes of Hwang and Cunha in a bid to replace Jimenez's once wonderful output at Molineux.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be eying up a late transfer swoop for one of Antonio Nusa's Club Brugge teammates.

Spurs' January transfers

Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou have been busy so far this month, enjoying a productive January transfer window with time left to complete even more business.

Spurs and Postecoglou will be alert to the possibility of adding to his squad further before the February 1st deadline, amid reports Spurs want to sign a new central midfielder.

"In terms of the rest of the transfer window, I was really pleased that the initial objectives we had in our head, which were someone in at centre-half and someone in the forward positions, that we ticked those off pretty early," said Postecoglou on the final days of the window.

"And it’s not just been that we did them early, but they’re two guys who have really benefitted from having 10 days in the building with us, training, adjusting and all that. Both Timo and Radu are both in a really good place to help us going forward. As for what happens with the rest of it going forward, as I said last time, we’re always alert and doing work and if we can improve the squad we’ll look to do that. And if there are potentially any outgoings, we’re ready for that depending on what happens."

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

There have also been plenty of rumours regarding Nusa and a move to north London, with the Norway international’s camp believing he will eventually play for Tottenham. However, since then, it has been revealed that Brentford have reached an agreement to sign Nusa, with a move to Spurs appearing to be off the cards.

Spurs want Nusa and Andreas Skov Olsen

According to Tottenham News, Spurs are actually in a late January hunt to sign Andreas Skov Olsen from Club Brugge.

The report claims that Tottenham are keen on signing Skov Olsen, with those in Denmark speaking “very highly” of the 24-year-old.

Skov Olsen is left-footed but primarily plays from the right-hand side and has been with Club Brugge since 2022. He’s won two major honours with his current employers and is under contract until 2026.

The Denmark international has previously played in his native country and Italy, so if the opportunity arises, he may well be open to joining Spurs in the Premier League, making this one to watch.