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Chelsea made it five wins from five in the UEFA Conference League, despite the subzero temperatures in Kazakhstan. Enzo Maresca’s side won 3-1 against Astana, with two goals from Marc Guiu and a header from Renato Veiga in the first half.

The Blues held 69% possession, taking 23 shots in the game, creating five big chances and scoring three goals from their 1.19 xG generated. This dominant performance also allowed Maresca to hand out a few more Chelsea debuts, bringing the likes of Ato Ampah, Shumaira Mhueka and Kiano Dyer on from the bench.

Chelsea remain top of the UEFA Conference League, sitting on 15 points, scoring 21 goals in five games and only conceding four times. This leaves them with a goal difference of +17, the most in the competition.

Marc Guiu's performance vs Astana

Guiu has made nine appearances for Chelsea this season after joining the Blues this summer from Barcelona, for a fee of around £5m.

The striker has shown in his short time at the club that he is a hard-working forward, who will chase down balls, run the channels, and make the defenders’ lives a nightmare.

The 18-year-old Spanish forward had 22 touches in the game against Astana, taking three shots (two on target), making one key pass, winning one of his two ground duels, and, of course, scoring two of the Blues’ three goals.

But Guiu wasn’t the top performer, as there was another player who stole the limelight. In fact, it was a Cobham academy graduate who actually put in a man of the match display, stating his case for more senior team minutes this season.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Josh Acheampong's performance vs Astana

18-year-old defender, Josh Acheampong was outstanding in his full debut, securing a 7.9/10 match rating from 90MIN for his performance. This was Acheampong’s first appearance since he was “frozen out” of the first and U21 squads, as Chelsea attempted to agree terms of a new deal with the teenage sensation.

Acheampong featured against Barrow in the EFL Cup this season for the first team, playing 27 minutes in Chelsea’s 5-0 victory. His only other appearances prior to this Conference League game this season were four Premier League 2 games, where he provided one assist and totalled 273 minutes.

Minutes

90

Touches

101

Accurate Passes

76/81

Key Passes

1

Long Balls

4/6

Ground Duels Won

6/9

Interceptions

1

Tackles

4

Successful Dribble Attempts

2/2

Standing at 6 foot 3, Acheampong possesses an extremely athletic frame, is a powerful runner, and can win duels to the teams’ benefit, as shown against Astana, winning six of his nine ground duels, and making four tackles, helping the visitors to sustain pressure and keep the ball in the opposition half.

But the youngster also showed his class on the ball, full of confidence and poised with composure, making 94% of his passes, four out of his six long balls, and even playing a key pass for the team. His 100% dribble success is perhaps the most impressive stat line though, as his ability to carry the ball through central areas can often catch the opposition off guard.

The teenager’s performance was one that showed enough to challenge Maresca in the injury absence of Reece James, for Acheampong to feature in the Chelsea senior squad more frequently this season, deputising Malo Gusto as the right-back.

Chelsea want to re-sign "special" star who's shades of Cole & Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea looking to sign a player who has shades of both Hudson-Odoi and Joe Cole

ByConnor Holden Dec 11, 2024

نجح فريق صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي، في تسجيل هدف التعادل بشباك الأهلي، في المباراة الجارية بينهما حاليًا ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويحل صن داونز ضيفًا على الأهلي في استاد القاهرة، في إياب دور نصف نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وجاء هدف تعادل صن داونز في الدقيقة 90 عن طريق ياسر إبراهيم بالخطأ في مرماه أثناء محاولته تشتيت الكرة.

طالع أيضًا.. جراديشار يغادر مباراة الأهلي وصن داونز مصابًا

وكان الأهلي قد سجل الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 24 عن طريق طاهر محمد طاهر من تصويبة صاروخية بعد تلقيه تمريرة سحرية من إمام عاشور.

ويتأهل الفائز من مواجهة الأهلي وصن داونز، لملاقاة الصاعد من مباراة بيراميدز وأورلاندو الجنوب إفريقي، بالمباراة النهائية للبطولة. هدف تعادل صن داونز أمام الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ماميلودي صنداونز يدرك التعادل#دوري_أبطال_افريقيا #الاهلي_صن_داونز pic.twitter.com/lSvUZApQZm — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 25, 2025

Harry Kane urged Bayern Munich to "keep moving" as the striker is already thinking about "important" fixtures after England duty.

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Bayern held to a 1-1 draw by UnionKane drew a blank away from home Striker raring to get back to winning ways Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite dominating possession with 80 per cent control of the ball, Bayern struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Vincent Kompany’s side created several opportunities but lacked the finishing touch in a performance that exposed their recent inconsistency in front of goal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Leroy Sane capitalized on a low cross from Josip Stanisic to put Bayern ahead. However, their lead was short-lived as Union Berlin equalized just eight minutes later through Benedict Hollerbach, who slotted home after Jonas Urbig failed to clear a cross.

WHAT KANE SAID

Following the match, Kane took to social media to acknowledge the disappointment of dropping points but emphasized the need to stay focused. Writing on Instagram, the Bayern striker stated: "Not the win we wanted but we keep moving! Important block of games coming up after the international break 💪"

DID YOU KNOW?

Frustration has been growing around Kompany’s tenure at Allianz Arena, especially after the shocking defeat to relegation-battling Bochum last week. Nonetheless, Bayern remain nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, but the result allows Bayer Leverkusen a chance to reduce the gap to six points if they win their match later against Stuttgart.

West Ham United recorded yet another loss, their seventh of the season, as Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of Leicester for the first time, guiding them to a 3-1 thrashing over the Hammers.

Julen Lopetegui’s side had more of the ball (61% possession), took more shots (31) and generated more xG in the game (3.10).

However, despite the Foxes only having eight shots in the game, they managed to create seven big chances, more than West Ham’s five big chances, which starts to tell the story of how Lopetegui’s side are struggling this season.

West Ham's big pressing issue under Lopetegui

West Ham are conceding 15.8 shots per game this season, the fourth most in the division. Teams are able to carve through the Hammers press with relative ease, due to the spacing between their lines of pressure.

The front four look to press high, aiming to lock off one side of the pitch, and force play down one side. The issue here is the depth of their midfield pivot and back four during this phase of pressure.

Teams are able to easily find the spare man around the West Ham front four, then attack the big space left between the front four and back six (pivot and back four). This pressing scheme is extremely disconnected and is becoming a key issue for the side.

So much so that Lopetgui’s future looks in doubt, and West Ham already look to be assessing their options for his predecessor.

West Ham looking at Italian manager

According to reports from Calciomercato, former Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri, is on West Ham’s managerial shortlist should they sack Lopetegui.

Interestingly, the Italian was in London last week to watch Tottenham take on Roma, and he’s allegedly been taking English lessons too. Perhaps this mean he could be lining up a role in England?

The biggest issue with this appointment, however, would be the money involved, as the reports claim Allegri would demand around £6.6m per year, which is double the £3.3m of Lopetegui.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

That being said, he would be a great move for the Irons. The Italian coach was with Juventus from 2021-2024, with his side finishing third in Serie A last campaign.

Playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Allegri’s side conceded just 11.6 shots per game, the sixth lowest in the Serie A last season. This could be the extra defensive unity the Hammers need in order to start getting results.

One man who could benefit from this is winger Jarrod Bowen, who could play as the secondary striker in this 3-5-2 system. Bowen has averaged 2.84 shots per 90 this season, generating 0.19 xG, and scoring 0.31 goals per 90.

Last season, the England international was scoring 0.47 goals per 90 minutes, and generating 0.35 xG per 90, often playing as a striker for the Hammers.

By unleashing him in a front two, he would have the freedom to drift into wide channels, link play, and make runs in behind, working off of a more physical striker, such as Niclas Füllkrug, who scored his first goal for West Ham in their 3-1 loss against Leicester.

This new role could allow Bowen to thrive, getting the best out of him, and allowing his output to increase, which could go hand in hand with West Ham climbing the table. Other positional changes could see the likes of Mohammed Kudus playing as a wingback, and Edson Alvarez playing as a central centre-back in a back three.

One thing is for sure, change is needed for West Ham, as they drop ever closer to that dreaded relegation zone, and the owners will want to strike before it is too late, looking to get their season back on track.

West Ham dud may have cost Lopetegui his job after a 4/10 performance

West Ham fell to yet another defeat in the Premier League last night.

1 ByEthan Lamb Dec 4, 2024

Since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2022, Nottingham Forest have certainly splashed the cash to ensure they can remain in the top flight. So far, it has worked, with the men in Garibaldi Red surviving relegation for each of their first two seasons back in the division.

This campaign has gone even better so far for Forest. The Midlands side are flying high in the top flight, sitting fifth in the table with 19 points to their name. They are outside of the Champions League spots on goal difference, having lost just two games so far.

Although they have spent so much money already in the three summers since promotion, The 2023 summer was a really significant window for Forest.

Forest’s summer signings in 2023

The most expensive addition that summer for Forest was defensive midfielder Ibrahim Sangare. The Ivorian, who is a full international, made the move to the City Ground for a fee in the region of £30m.

He has become an important player for the club when available. In his first season, the midfielder missed a portion of the campaign due to an international call-up for AFCON and currently has a hamstring injury that has kept him out for much of 2024/25 so far. Sangare has made just 21 appearances for the club to date.

The other significant investments made that summer were Chris Wood, Callum-Hudson Odoi and Anthony Elanga. The trio have become Forest’s favoured front three this season under Nuno Espirito Santo, an investment that has proven to be a wise choice.

Wood has the most goals for the Tricky Trees this season, with eight to his name, and Sweden winger Elanga has two assists, bettered only by Elliot Anderson, who has three. Cobham academy graduate Hudson-Odoi has two goals to his name.

There is no doubt that the signings made by Forest in 2023 have paved the way for their successes so far this season. There is certainly a good chance for that group of players to help the club return to Europe.

However, as good as those signings were, there is one other addition that summer who has arguably been a cut above the rest. That man is Murillo, who has certainly been an excellent investment.

Murillo’s transfer value in 2024

The Midlands club signed young Brazilian defender Murillo from Corinthians towards the end of the 2023 window, costing them a rumoured £15m. He has since gone on to be a crucial player for the club, being described as “dominant” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

The 22-year-old has featured 47 times for Forest so far. He was a key figure for the club last term as they narrowly avoided relegation, featuring in 32 out of the 38 Premier League games, playing a total of 2793 minutes. Across his career at the City Ground, the young defender has even managed to score one goal and grab two assists.

He has been an ever-present this season, playing 90 minutes in every single Forest game in the top flight. He even got himself on the score sheet against Newcastle United in their most recent game, giving his side the lead in the eventual 3-1 defeat.

His impressive performances at the heart of Forest’s defence have grabbed the attention of one of England’s biggest clubs. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are thought to be ‘seriously considering’ a move for Murillo.

The report suggests the Reds would need to pay upwards of £70m, which would see Forest make an excellent profit from the £15m they originally paid. His value has increased massively, going up by an eye-watering 366% since they signed him last summer.

Date

Value

October 2023

£7.4m

December 2023

£18.3m

March 2024

£20.8m

May 2024

£29.1m

October 2024

£70m

It would not be good for the City Ground side to lose one of their most important defenders. With that being said, money such as the amount Liverpool may willing to pay for Murillo is hard to turn down.

Whether he stays or goes, the defender has certainly been an incredible investment for Forest.

Nottingham Forest eyeing January deal for in-demand £35k-p/w player

Nottingham Forest have their eye on adding a Premier League defender to their ranks this January.

1 ByBrett Worthington Nov 13, 2024

Arsenal are thinking about making a January bid to sign a £67 million “shooting star” player, who’s interestingly been compared to Man City colossus Rodri.

Arsenal's transfer plans after Edu departure

The departure of influential sporting director Edu Gaspar was announced on Monday, news which sent shock waves throughout the Arsenal fandom as manager Mikel Arteta also bids goodbye to a key ally at the club.

Sky Sports: Arsenal set sights on signing "exciting" player after Edu exit

He’s got a growing reputation.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 6, 2024

The Gunners will now be putting plans in place to succeed Edu, but that won’t be an easy task by any means. We believe Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes should be considered as Arsenal’s next transfer chief, while other reports suggest assistant director Jason Ayto is an obvious choice to replace Edu.

In the meantime, Arteta’s side are still believed to be assessing their options in the market without Edu’s leadership. Arsenal’s transfer groundwork is often done a year in advance, according to reliable reporter Simon Collings, who also writes that their remaining executives have experience conducting major deals.

Chelsea (away)

November 10

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claims that Arsenal remain in the race to sign Leroy Sane on a free transfer, so nothing has changed in that regard, as the north Londoners maintain their plans to upgrade Arteta’s squad in key areas.

Before Edu’s departure, it was claimed that Arsenal are eager to sign back-ups to key members of the squad.

“I’ve heard the Arsenal hierarchy have held discussions about what happens if certain players get injured, and that includes Saka,” said well-connected ex-recruitment chief Mick Brown, who’s worked at Tottenham, Man United and West Ham, to Football Insider.

“They want to get to a point where they have a solid backup for every player in their starting XI. Long-term, they’ll be planning to strengthen in every position.”

Arsenal also face losing both Jorginho and mainstay midfielder Thomas Partey when their contracts expire next year, so Arteta could be short in that department if they don’t consider alternative options or decide to offer them extensions.

Eintracht Frankfurt starlet Hugo Larsson is believed to be on Arsenal’s radar heading into January, and now CaughtOffside have shared a further update.

Arsenal are considering a £33 million bid for Larsson in January

The outlet reports that Arsenal are considering a £33 million bid for Larsson in January to test Eintracht’s resolve, but it is believed the Bundesliga side currently value their star midfielder at up to £67 million.

Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are very keen on the Sweden international as well, amid Larsson’s comparisons to Rodri due to his ‘expert’ breaking up of play, ‘technical ability to break lines and thread killer through balls’, as well as his 6’1″ frame.

The 20-year-old has started this season in excellent fashion, with Sky reporter Kerry Hau branding Larsson one of the most exciting players in German top flight football right now, and Eintracht’s “shooting star”.

“Right-footed, Larsson is an energetic, box-to-box midfielder,” said TEAMtalk’s Samuel Bannister in a profile on the player.

“Standing out for his spatial awareness, he is constantly looking to get on the ball and drive his team forward, even though he has also been used to playing from a deeper role. Strong and technical, he doesn’t have too many weaknesses – but time is on his side to add further elements to his game, which he already seems to be doing.”

After failing to sign a replacement for Max Kilman in the summer transfer window and paying the price ever since, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly made their first move in the race to sign a young central defender.

Wolves transfer news

Whilst they’ve been able to fall back on the excuse of the toughest set of fixtures to open the Premier League campaign, Wolves have more than enough quality to avoid the winless run that they found themselves in after eight games. It’s been the most frustrating start for Gary O’Neil, who has seen his side pushed aside by Brentford and Chelsea but narrowly beaten by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Their defensive struggle is something that those in the Midlands should have seen coming after sanctioning Kilman’s exit to West Ham United and then failing to replace their star centre-back. Left short on options ever since Yerson Mosquera’s long-term injury to compile their misery, Wolves simply must act in 2025 if they are to avoid shock Premier League relegation.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Wolves have sent scouts to watch Nathan Zeze ahead of joining the race to sign the Nantes centre-back in 2025. One for the future at just 19 years old, O’Neil could offer the defender the ultimate learning curve in England’s top flight with promise of game time Wolves’ only selling point ahead of clubs like Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Related O'Neil must sell Wolves dud who earns 400% more than Ait Nouri

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Oct 24, 2024

Standing at 6 foot 3, Zeze has enjoyed an excellent start to the Ligue 1 campaign despite his age, keeping three clean sheets in just six starts. Such interest in his signature should come as no surprise, especially given the success that William Saliba has enjoyed since swapping French football for the Premier League.

"Strong" Zeze can replace Kilman

In the long term, signing Zeze to replace Kilman would prove to be excellent business. Zeze is a far younger and cheaper option who may eventually make Wolves even more profit than the £40m fee they received for Kilman in the summer. The Frenchman wouldn’t be coming in to sit on the bench necessarily either, perhaps instead stepping in ahead of the ageing Craig Dawson.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Nathan Zeze

Max Kilman

Starts

6

8

Progressive Passes

19

38

Tackles Won

10

5

Ball Recoveries

23

39

Although the numbers show that Zeze has improvements to make on the ball, his defensive ability off the ball is there in abundance. Also described as “strong” in the air by analyst Ben Mattinson, the teenager certainly ticks plenty of boxes for Wolves.

By the time 2025 arrives of course, the hope from a Wolves perspective will be that their incredibly slow start has well and truly been forgotten and they’ve pushed back to the level that they showed under O’Neil in the last campaign. Whether that’s when they decide to target Zeze or they wait until the summer remains to be seen, however.

يفقد فريق نادي الزمالك، 7 لاعبين من صفوفه في مباراته أمام الأهلي، التي تقام اليوم الثلاثاء، في منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

يلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك، في إطار الجولة الأولى من عمر المرحلة الثانية (تحديد البطل) من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز للموسم الحالي.

ويغيب عن صفوف الزمالك أمام الأهلي، ناصر منسي ومصطفى شلبي ومحمود جهاد وأحمد الجفالي وأحمد حمدي وحمزة المثلوثي ومحمد عبد الشافي.

وأفاد مصدر لـ بطولات، بأن غياب ناصر منسي بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الضامة بجانب معاناته من وعكة صحية، ومصطفى شلبي بقرار انضباطي على خلفية اعتراضه على استبداله في مباراة الزمالك ومودرن سبورت.

طالع.. خاص | حقيقة تأجيل قمة الأهلي والزمالك بعد تعيين حكام مصريين للمباراة

وأضاف: “محمود جهاد يغيب بسبب عدم اكتمال جاهزيته الفنية، حيث يؤدي المراحل الأخيرة من البرنامج التأهيلي على خلفية معاناته من الإصابة في العضلة الخلفية، وأحمد الجفالي بسبب إصابته بتمزق في العضلة الخلفية، كذلك أحمد حمدي بسبب عدم جاهزيته الفنية، وحمزة المثلوثي بسبب الإصابة بقطع في الرباط الصليبي، ومحمد عبد الشافي ومهاب ياسر لوجهة نظر فنية”.

ويحتل الأهلي، المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 39 نقطة، بينما يدخل الزمالك المباراة وهو في المركز الثالث بـ 32 نقطة.

يذكر أن مباراة الدور الأول بين الأهلي والزمالك، انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق، سجل للمارد الأحمر المغربي أشرف بن شرقي، بينما سجل للفارس الأبيض المغربي محمود بنتايج.

Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson broke Middlesex’s record for the highest first-wicket partnership as they put Sussex’s toothless attack to the sword.Robson was unbeaten on 192 and Stoneman made 174 as Middlesex piled up 400 for 2 on the first day of the LV= Insurance County Championship Division Three match at Hove. They beat the 372 by Mike Gatting and Justin Langer against Essex at Southgate in 1998 and when Stoneman was eventually dismissed on 376, they had compiled the third-highest partnership for any wicket in Middlesex’s history.The second new ball brought Sussex a breakthrough when Stoneman was caught behind for 174 in the 86th over, his first hundred since his move from Surrey. But Robson ploughed on and by stumps had faced 285 balls and hit 23 fours. He walked off to a standing ovation and will have the third double-hundred of his career in his sights on Tuesday.It was a good toss to win with the sun out and the pitch offering little assistance but apart from one chance Robson offered on 61, when he was dropped by wicketkeeper Oli Carter, the Middlesex pair made untroubled progress.Sussex employed seven bowlers, although George Garton was not used, but their attack was neutered by a benign surface and the unfussy way Stoneman and Robson accumulated their runs. They had 134 on the board at lunch, the highlight of the morning session when Stoneman carved Dan Ibrahim through the off side for three successive boundaries.There was a feeling that Sussex would pay a heavy price when Carter reprieved Robson shortly after lunch off left-armer Sean Hunt and even a change of ball in the 40th over didn’t offer any respite for the hosts.Stoneman drove Delray Rawlins through the covers to reach his hundred first and Robson followed shortly afterwards with a boundary off Crocombe. They added 154 runs in the afternoon session and Robson needed only 55 more balls to move to 150.When the partnership went past 338 it was the highest Sussex have conceded against Middlesex, beating a record which had been set by Robert Lucas and Tim O’Brien back in 1895, 126 years ago.Eventually Stoneman played a tired shot at Crocombe, and this time Carter held on. The former Durham left-hander had faced 266 balls and hit 20 fours and two sixes. Hunt then picked up belated reward when Steve Eskinazi was caught behind pushing forward just before stumps, but it was a chastening day for Sussex’s young attack.

A high-profile Chelsea star is now battling for his long-term future at Stamford Bridge, despite head coach Enzo Maresca admitting his “love” for the player.

Chelsea players who could be sold or loaned in January

The Premier League side have offloaded a host of players over the last few months, including some pretty big names.

Free transfer: Chelsea in race to sign £48,000-p/w star over Bayern Munich

The Blues could land a bargain deal…

1 ByTom Cunningham Sep 22, 2024

Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Lewis Hall, Romelu Lukaku, Omari Hutchinson, Angelo Gabriel, Diego Moreira, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Tino Anjorin, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Djordje Petrovic, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana, Aflie Gilchrist and Basir Humphreys all sealed moves away from west London within the last few months, either on loan or permanently, but there are other players who could follow them out of the exit door.

Maresca is poised to hand left-back Ben Chilwell his first appearance of the season soon, when Chelsea play League Two frontrunners Barrow in the EFL Cup tonight, and the tactician admitted in his pre-match press conference that they’ve been actively looking to sell the Englishman.

Brighton (home)

September 28

Nottingham Forest (home)

October 6

Liverpool (away)

October 20

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

“I think so. Hopefully we can give him some minutes tomorrow,” said Maresca on Chilwell when asked if the 27-year-old would feature this evening.

“The idea for him was to leave. In the moment that he’s here, he’s one of the squad, he’s training. He will be in the squad tomorrow, and hopefully we can give him some minutes.”

Chelsea are also prepared to sell winger Mykahilo Mudryk, with the Ukrainian not exactly living up to his £89 million price tag (including add-ons) since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.

Todd Boehly and Blue Co, according to other reports, have other squad members in mind for the transfer list on top of Mudryk. Indeed, Chelsea are considering an exit for Axel Disasi, and fellow defender Benoit Badiashile could be allowed to leave as well.

It is unclear yet whether these transfers would be loans or permanent deals, as the winter window can often be tricky to navigate for most sides financially.

Christopher Nkunku battling for his future at Chelsea

According to The Boot Room, a more surprising name who could be shown the door at Cobham is winger Christopher Nkunku.

The £195,000-per-week forward, signed from RB Leipzig last summer, spent the whole of 2023/2024 out through injury but has returned to the fold under Maresca – scoring three goals in seven appearances across all competitions.

Due to their abundance of wide players, the club’s hierarchy feel having this many wingers could be unsustainable in the long run, meaning a few are set to battle for their long-term futures in the next few months.

It is believed Nkunku is among the Chelsea forwards fighting for his career at the club, despite his promising start to 24/25 and Maresca’s praise.

“I knew Nkunku before I joined and I love him,” said Maresca on Nkunku.

“He can play in the pocket, as a nine and winger. He’s a very good fit for this system.”