Transfers

Chelsea already looking to replace “stupid” £25m summer signing

Chelsea are one of the toughest teams to predict in the Premier League this season. Whilst they suffered defeats against Brentford and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, they ended Tottenham Hotspur’s unbeaten start and held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in a game that saw them squander a two-goal advantage.

As each weekend of action arrives, Mauricio Pochettino faces a guessing game as to which version of his side will turn up on the day. And that inconsistency has already left the Blues behind in the race for a Champions League spot.

Given their results, Chelsea have unsurprisingly already turned their attention towards the January transfer window, where they could reportedly look to replace one summer signing in ruthless fashion.

Chelsea transfer news
Chelsea were once again one of, if not the busiest clubs in Europe during the summer transfer window, as the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz made way for arrivals such as Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo. As the league’s top spenders, the pressure was on the Blues to instantly deliver.

It seemed impossible for their problems to continue. Yet, three months into the campaign and they remain on course to finish outside of the top four, leaving Pochettino to assess one particular summer signing.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Chelsea are looking to sign an undisputed number one goalkeeper in January to already replace Robert Sanchez, who has struggled to get going at Stamford Bridge.

Sanchez’s price-tag was reportedly a hefty £25m, but that doesn’t look set to stop those at the London club from splashing the cash even further and welcoming an upgrade.

robert-sanchez-chelsea-premier-league
It remains to be seen just who that upgrade will be in January, though it is certainly worrying news for Sanchez, who arrived in the summer with the hope of establishing his place as the number one at Chelsea.

Sanchez labelled “stupid” in Chelsea draw
It’s been a difficult start to life in a Chelsea shirt for Sanchez, whose mistakes against Arsenal ended up costing the Blues all three points in what would have been a statement victory. And whilst patience is the key, the London club’s ability to spend endless money puts any poor performers in doubt for Pochettino’s side, rightly or wrongly.

The new shot-stopper earned his fair share of criticism during the aforementioned Arsenal draw, including from TalkSport’s Andy Townsend, who said:

“I was very impressed with the Chelsea performance for 70 minutes until Sanchez made that silly decision for reasons only better known to him. When you’re 2-0 up against a very good team, you make a daft decision like that, and you hand Arsenal a lifeline.

“With 20 minutes to go, you’re thinking there is no way Chelsea aren’t going to win that match, but they let it slip through their fingers because of that daft decision by the goalkeeper. It was stupid.”

Sanchez will hope to see his fortunes chance at Chelsea, with reports suggesting that his place as Pochettino’s number one could already be in doubt as the January window approaches.

Transfers

Man Utd Ready To Hijack £90m Rated Arsenal Target

Under Ten Hag, Manchester United signed attacking players like Antony, Hojlund and Zirkzee, but the trio have not been productive in front of goal.

The Red Devils need a world class playmaker to light up Old Trafford and they are serious about signing a quality Georgian international

According to Sport MediaSet, Man Utd are ready to agree a contract with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that will make him earn nine million euros a year, 45 million euros (£37.4m) in the next five years.

The Italian news source have mentioned that Napoli have been trying to reach an agreement with the versatile winger, but so far, they have only offered six million euros a season. On the other hand, United have offered three million more.

The 23-year-old star’s current deal with the Serie A leaders will expire in 2027 and he is not going to come for cheap.

Earlier this month, Caught Offside revealed that Man Utd manager, Ruben Amorim, wants to lure Kvaratskhelia, who is valued at £90m and also on the wish-lists of Arsenal and Liverpool.

The youngster, who can effectively play on the left flank and even as a center forward, was a key member of the Naples based side that won the Scudetto in the 2022-23 campaign.

In the current season, so far, he has netted 5 goals and registered 2 assists in 12 league starts under the management of former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte.

Transfers

Van Nistelrooy Set For Leicester Job

Leicester Appoints Ruud Van Nistelrooy As Manager

Former Manchester United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks poised for a new job.

Following the sacking of Steve Cooper, Leicester City are hoping to appoint the Dutchman as his replacement.

The Telegraph explains: “Ruud van Nistelrooy is close to making a swift Premier League return as the manager of Leicester City.

“The Manchester United legend has held extensive talks with the Leicester hierarchy this week and is set to be confirmed as the replacement for Steve Cooper, who was sacked by the strugglers on Sunday afternoon.

“Van Nistelrooy is crucially available with no compensation after recently leaving United, following an interim spell of four matches in charge after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.

“Leicester have discussed the post with the 48-year-old and, while the club’s hierarchy has been determined to explore a number of options, could appoint the former Netherlands international before the trip to Brentford on Saturday.

“Other possible candidates, including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes, have both been ruled out by sources close to Leicester.”

Transfers

Meet Four Strikers Man United Shortlist For January Transfer

Victor Osimhen's Goal Rescues Impressive Galatasaray In Europa League

Manchester United have Victor Osimhen, Omar Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Boniface on their shortlist of January targets.

According to the The Mirror, Ruben Amorim wants a striker given the club’s woeful scoring record this season.

Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’

The paper states: “Manchester United are considering their options for the January transfer window after deciding that signing a striker is a priority.

“United have scored just 13 goals in 12 Premier League games so far this season – the joint fourth-worst tally in the division. They finished last season with 57 goals and a goal difference of -1 and strikers Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled for consistency.

“Victor Osimhen, who is on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, is one of the names on the list, having netted eight goals in 10 games this season. After being priced out of a permanent move over the summer, he has a £63 million release clause for 2025.

“Omar Marmoush has caught their attention by scoring 11 goals in as many games for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egypt international could cost around £50m after hitting a purple patch.

“Other options include Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface. Kolo Muani has struggled to get into the PSG team this season and would reportedly be available on loan, just a year after joining the French giants for £77m.”