All posts by hc12369.com

Chelsea have already turned their attention to recruitment matters ahead of 2026, and could be set to change their transfer strategy to complete an intriguing move.

Chelsea look to Cole Palmer alternatives after injury confirmation

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea will be relieved to see Premier League football return after the international break.

However, it isn’t all good news, with Maresca confirming that Cole Palmer faces six more weeks on the sidelines. The forward’s niggling groin injury has limited his ability to make an impact this term, and he now won’t be back until around December.

Addressing his situation, the Italian boss made it clear that despite the nature of his issue, surgery will remain off the table for now as he aims to recover before the festive period.

Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto also suffered fitness issues in the build up to their clash with Nottingham Forest earlier today, continuing a theme of injury concerns at Stamford Bridge that will force Maresca to shuffle his pack amid a busy fixture schedule.

Related Forget Gittens & George: Cobham teen is the "future of Chelsea & England"

Chelsea may have found the latest superstar to emerge from Cobham academy.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

While not on their immediate radar, incoming transfers will become an important part of their long-term planning over the coming weeks, albeit it remains to be seen where Maresca feels his squad needs reinforcements most.

Reports suggest Chelsea are prioritising a centre-back in January, coming after Maresca publicly requested one in the summer window, and links continue to surround a potential new goalkeeper as well.

Interestingly, a new midfielder could be on the agenda too, and Chelsea could now be set to deviate from their transfer philosophy in an attempt to sign an experienced playmaker.

Dean Jones on Chelsea's potential move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Previously, FootballFanCast relayed news from Italy that Chelsea are pushing to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Al-Hilal in what could be a deviation from their usual transfer strategy of recruiting young players with potential.

Deemed to be earning around £418,000 per week in the Middle East, the Serbia international has regularly been linked with Premier League clubs over the last decade, and he may be available to return to Europe on a free transfer next summer.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s record at Al-Hilal

Appearances

102

Goals

30

Assists

26

Contract expires

30/06/2026

Delivering some clarity on his situation, Dean Jones suggests Chelsea could value Milinkovic-Savic’s leadership qualities, and this may lead the West Londoners to pursuing a deal that would be classed as out of the ordinary compared with their usual transfer activity.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Chelsea are renowned for going for players below a certain age, but Jones says more senior options “will be considered” moving forward.

Successful Chelsea teams of the past have been littered with experienced professionals capable of conjuring important moments, and it appears Maresca wants to lean into that long-held tradition should he get the chance next summer, which could be beneficial for everyone.

Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce feared he had missed his chance to play at Wembley and says Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final is a “dream come true”

The 33-year-old is preparing to step out at Wembley on Saturday for the first time in his career as Latics take on Millwall for a place in the FA Cup final.

The Barbados international, who is the club’s longest-serving player having signed from Crystal Palace in 2006, admits he thought he had missed his chance to play at the famous stadium.

The story may even get better for Boyce as he is in line to captain the side after having led the team out in their previous four games.

The former Luton Town youngster is not taking anything for granted though and is simply revelling in an opportunity he thought he would never have.

“You always have a dream of playing at Wembley,” he said. “I thought that moment had passed but always hold onto your dreams and sooner or later they may come true. Thankfully mine’s come true.

“We always seem to be avoiding relegation every year but to be going to Wembley is going to be a proud moment for me as well as the club. I’m just happy to be part of it.”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Regarding the captaincy, Boyce added: “If it is the case then it will be a proud moment for me. My family will be in the crowd and to lead the team out would be a special honour.”

[cat_link cat=”wigan-athletic” type=”grid”]

It’s hardly controversial to claim that Arsenal boast the strongest defence in the Premier League.

The Gunners’ iron-clad backline have formed the bedrock of Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging outfit, runners-up three years in a row. This season feels different, though, and Arsenal have climbed six points free of Manchester City and Aston Villa behind them after the term’s midpoint, with a hunger and squad depth that hasn’t quite been matched by their divisional rivals.

Arteta hankers for more, and understandably so. The London club’s injury list is starting to stretch, and a spate of fitness setbacks hamstrung Arsenal in their title chase last year.

Perhaps that’s why the likes of David Ornstein have confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Why Arsenal want Marc Guehi

Manchester City and Liverpool have been the clear frontrunners in the race for Guehi, 25, who is set to leave Palace on a free transfer this summer, or depart for a fee this month.

But Arsenal have now registered their interest, with The Athletic confirming technical director Andrea Berta has been in contact with the player’s representatives after the Emirates side’s bagful of injuries.

However, any deal would likely be struck during the summer, and by then, the storm should have passed. While the Three Lions talent would be a brilliant addition, is it the most pressing need, given the strength of Arteta’s first-choice options?

Chelsea know a thing or two about letting top talents leave prematurely. Guehi, after all, left Stamford Bridge for Palace in 2021.

With this in mind – and the fact Arsenal boast two of the finest centre-halves in the world in Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba – Arteta might feel that missing out on Guehi wouldn’t be the be-all and end-all, given the calibre of academy prospect waiting to break through.

Arsenal already have a homegrown Guehi

Arsenal’s Hale End academy is one of the strongest and most prolific throughout Europe. Bukayo Saka, who has just signed a new five-year contract at the club, is the poster boy, but he is trailed by Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman in north London, among others.

Now, Marli Salmon could be the next in line, having gone from strength to strength as Arsenal’s star defensive prospect in the academy scene.

The 16-year-old came off the bench during the club’s 3-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League, and he has been an unused substitute across two Premier League matches.

It’s worth noting that Salmon is very young and still has so much development to go through. Even so, his quality is indisputable, and there’s every chance that he could grow into a defender every bit as talented and lauded as his much-older compatriot Guehi.

Youngest Arsenal Debutants under Mikel Arteta

Player

Competition

Age

Ethan Nwaneri

Premier League

15 yrs, 05 mths

Max Dowman

Premier League

15 yrs, 07 mths

Marli Salmon

Champions League

16 yrs, 03 mths

Andre Harriman-Annous

Champions League

17 yrs, 10 mths

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Premier League

17 yrs, 11 mths

Data via Transfermarkt

He keeps good company with that one. Salmon, in fact, has already been singled out for the “amazing” progress he has made while training and learning with the first team by club captain Martin Odegaard, who knows a thing or two about development as a precocious teenager.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Arsenal transfer insight Want deeper context? Subscribe to the newsletter for expert takes on Arsenal’s defensive plans, from potential signings to academy gems like Marli Salmon, with clear analysis that connects transfers and squad strategy.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He’s already been given a number of opportunities to impress during pre-season, and he took them. Now, Salmon is but a step away from gripping onto a seat in Arteta’s senior set-up and beginning to demonstrate his talent on the major stage.

Hailed by analyst and scout Ben Mattinson as being “the best centre-back Hale End has produced”, it’s safe to say Salmon has the world at his feet, and his emergence might just preclude what could become a messy and taxing battle for England’s current defensive star.

Arsenal may well have an even better one.

Related Arsenal's "future captain" is becoming a bigger liability than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been a problem for Arsenal this season.

Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson

Everton have now reportedly launched their first move to sign a Premier League striker, whose price-tag has just plummeted.

Moyes has "no complaints" about Brentford thrashing

It was about as bad as it could get for Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when Brentford raced into a 3-0 lead, before eventually sealing a 4-2 victory.

The Toffees felt the full impact of their absentees, with Iliman Ndiaye a particular miss once again, and David Moyes admitted that he could have “no complaints” about the result against the Bees.

The veteran manager told reporters: “I’m disappointed we didn’t play better. We were just a bit short in some areas. We were disappointing defensively today and not as strong as we have been.

“We are short on a lot of cour creative players which showed at times. [But] we didn’t do our defensive duties as well as we could have done.

“When your centre forwards score goals that’s what we want. Today they didn’t have the support and back-up. If we’d kept a clean sheet we could have won. But no complaints, Brentford deserved the victory.”

Looking at any potential silver lining, the defeat at least exposed the problems that the Friedkin Group still have to solve in Merseyside. This is still a squad lacking in depth, especially going forward, and one which also need a reinforcement at right-back.

With that said, Friedkin have plenty of time to act in the January transfer window and a number of potential targets have recently emerged as a result.

Related Everton now keen on signing £4m AFCON star who Victor Osimhen called "exceptional"

The Toffees could land a January addition.

Posts ByTom Cunningham

This includes the likes of Ivan Toney, who is reportedly a dream signing for Everton, and now Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.

According to TeamTalk, Everton have made contact to sign Strand Larsen, who is now available for just £40m just months since Newcastle were told to pay around £60m to secure his signature.

Everton make contact to sign Strand Larsen

The Wolves striker has struggled ever since failing to get his move in the summer and has far from helped his side’s attempt to avoid the drop. As things stand, after picking up their first victory of the season over West Ham United last time out, the Midlands club are 12 points adrift of safety.

It’s times like these that sides near the bottom so often turn towards their best players, but Strand Larsen has scored just one Premier League goal all season and looks a shadow of the player who netted 14 times in his debut campaign.

Subscribe to our newsletter for transfer-market insight Want deeper context on Everton’s transfer options? Subscribe to the newsletter for clear, analyst-driven coverage of transfer targets, squad needs and how signings like Strand Larsen fit club strategy.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Whilst Wolves desperately need him to get back to his best form, the Norwegian desperately needs a move away that Everton could offer him this month.

Despite his current form, the context of Wolves’ season should be considered before Strand Larsen is judged too harshly and this wouldn’t be the first time that Moyes has got players back to their best form.

For just £40m, Everton could land an instant upgrade on Beto and Thierno Barry, especially if they find a way past his £95,000-a-week wage demands.

Chelsea are exploring a number of forward options ahead of the January transfer window, as BlueCo continue to pursue stars of the future.

Blues welcome back two forwards ahead of Villa clash

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be boosted by the return of Liam Delap and Estevao when Aston Villa visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Unai Emery’s side are in red hot form, winning ten matches on the bounce in all competitions after their 2-1 win against Manchester United.

Delap’s recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained during the draw with Bournemouth on December 6 is reason to be particularly cheerful as it had looked like being a lengthier lay-off for the £30million striker.

The 22-year-old is yet to score his first Premier League goal since moving from Ipswich in the summer, having missed around ten weeks of the season, mostly with a groin problem picked up on his first home start in August.

The return of Estevao, who has not played since coming on as a late substitute in the December 13 win over Everton, also reinforces Maresca’s options.

“Estevao is available for Saturday and also Liam Delap,” the Italian said. “We didn’t know exactly how long (Delap) needed to be out. Very happy for both.”

Related Chelsea have already agreed to sign their answer to Semenyo in 2026

The incredible youngster could be even better for Chelsea than Semenyo would have ever been.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

The Blues will look to reinforce their squad in January as they push for a spot in the top five, but their latest transfer target is one for the future.

Chelsea scouting Saint-Étienne teenager N'Guessan

According to Simon Johnson, writing for The Athletic, Chelsea are scouting ‘many young talents’ in France, including some at sister club Strasbourg.

Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and Saint-Etienne forward Djylian N’Guessan are both being monitored, with the latter an extremely raw and inexperienced talent.

The Blues have made a habit of recruiting stars of the future before loaning them out in recent years, and N’Guessan could be a perfect candidate for that model having made just ten appearances for Saint-Étienne’s first team, scoring once.

N’Guessan’s career so far

Apps (goals)

Saint-Étienne

10 (1)

Saint-Étienne B

9 (2)

Saint-Étienne U19

13 (8)

Youth football channel Eyeball Football calls the 17 year-old an “extremely talented forward, using his tall and agile frame to create goal-scoring opportunities”.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Chelsea transfer insight Dive deeper into Chelsea’s transfer moves and youth scouting by subscribing to the newsletter. Receive focused coverage and analysis of recruitment targets, academy standouts and emerging prospects shaping the club’s future.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The teenager has been spectacular at youth level for France, scoring 23 times in 25 games for France’s U16 and U17 sides.

Jacquet meanwhile is attracting interest from a number of top sides, with the 20 year-old defender being monitored by the Blues, Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have often served up some classic, goal-filled contests in Premier League seasons gone by.

Last season saw the Reds trounce Spurs 5-1 on the way to lifting the top-flight title, while those of a North London persuasion will hold an encounter way back in 2017 close to their hearts, as a Harry Kane and Heung Min Son-led effort clinched a 4-1 win over their Saturday evening opponents.

On this occasion, it was a memorable one for Spurs for all the wrong reasons, as two red cards were picked up, and two goals beat Guglielmo Vicario, which resulted in Arne Slot’s mini-resurgence continuing on in a 2-1 defeat.

Thomas Frank will have been livid at the full-time whistle with the actions of Xavi Simons, as the underwhelming summer signing picked up an early first-half red card, which helped Liverpool on their way to a confidence-boosting three points. Still, there were other underperformers who let the side down severely.

Main Spurs underperformers vs Liverpool

Indeed, although Simons’ rash moment of madness with Virgil Van Dijk did undoubtedly help the visiting Reds, it’s not always straightforward playing against ten men.

Unfortunately, though, Spurs did roll over and allow Liverpool to collect the win, as Frank’s men in attack consistently lacked any cutting edge, away from Richarlison powering home a consolation strike late on.

In particular, Mohamed Kudus failed to spark into life during his unmemorable 58-minute spell, with just one effort registered at Alisson’s goal by the former West Ham United attacker. Moreover, despite only amassing 31 touches of the ball, the hit-and-miss number 20 would still give away possession a high 11 times.

Randal Kolo Muani would have also frustrated Frank when failing to find the back of the net from his four efforts. On top of that, the ex-Brentford boss will have also been left seething by Cristian Romero’s dismissal late on, after the South American defender was also caught out for Alexander Isak’s opener, after a poor attempted pass forward.

TalkSPORT pundit Alex Crook would even label Romero as an “absolute liability” at the end, with the 27-year-old no doubt fearful he would have been axed by his manager, anyway, if the red card never happened.

But, there is one underperformer that hasn’t been mentioned yet, who really dropped their performance levels against Slot’s visitors, with it going down as his worst game of the season, so far, under Frank.

The Spurs star who had his worst game under Frank

Nobody donning Spurs white come the end of the 2-1 loss could trudge off with their heads held high, away from Richarlison, potentially, who injected some energy into proceedings late on.

Lucas Bergvall certainly wouldn’t have been proud of his efforts, as the midfielder – who was hailed as a “class above the rest” earlier in the month against Newcastle United by one Spurs podcast host – faded into the background the more the game went on, with his situation on the pitch not helped whatsoever by Simons’ rash dismissal.

Bergvall’s performance in numbers

Stat

Bergvall

Minutes played

71

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

25

Shots

0

Accurate passes

15/18 (83%)

Key passes

1

Possession lost

7x

Successful dribbles

0

Tackles won

0

Total duels won

1/4

Stats by Sofascore

Having amassed two shots at the Newcastle goal, alongside completing all 100% of his dribbles, Bergvall managed to be a driving force through the middle that helped Spurs on their way to a share of the points on Tyneside.

Subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth Spurs analysis Want detailed Spurs coverage? Subscribe to the newsletter for data-led player ratings, tactical takeaways and match breakdowns focused on Tottenham performances—perfect for following player form, key stats and managerial selection debates.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In stark contrast, up against Slot’s rejuvenated men, the young Swede largely receded into his shell when the going got tough, with zero tackles won, zero successful dribbles completed, and only 15 accurate passes registered. To make matters worse, he also failed to hit a single effort at Alisson’s goal, leading to his manager substituting him off on the 71st minute mark.

It’s an alarming drop off for a star once hailed as being “like Modric” by The Athletic’s JJ Bull for his classy calmness on the ball, with it looking unlikely throughout that Bergvall was going to add to his promising three-goal contributions in the Premier League this season so far.

This off-performance could well see the 19-year-old be dropped for some of the matches to follow in the congested winter fixture list, as it was his worst performance of the campaign in comparison to the rest of his performances that led to him earning the aforementioned praise.

It will be intriguing to see what the next Spurs lineup looks like ahead of tricky contests to follow against Crystal Palace and Brentford, with the already under-pressure Frank needing to get his team selections spot on to save his skin.

Related Best talent since Kane: Spurs ready bumper salary for "world-class" target

Tottenham are getting ready to pounce on their number one transfer target this January.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for a “sensational” £50m striker, with Unai Emery looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins' slow start

Watkins isn’t having the season he would’ve wanted ahead of the World Cup next summer, having scored just one goal in the Premier League thus far, and Donyell Malen has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Villa going forward as of late.

Indeed, Malen is in a rich vein of form at the moment, having scored a brace to secure a 2-1 victory against Young Boys in the Europa League, following on from an impressive cameo against Leeds United, assisting Morgan Rogers’ equalising goal.

However, given that Malen isn’t an out-and-out striker, Emery wants to bring in a more traditional centre-forward in the January transfer window, with one of the Premier League’s breakout stars recently being identified as a target.

That is according to a report from The Mirror, which states Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago, although it could be a costly operation, with a £50m fee being touted.

Emery is a big fan of the striker, having been keen to bring in a new forward since last summer, while Villa may also need to refresh their forward line due to concerns over Watkins’ form.

Thiago could be "sensational" Watkins heir

It is perhaps a little early to lose faith in the England international, as he is still only 29, but it is important to plan for the future, and the Brentford star has emerged as one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals in 13 outings.

Most recently, the Brazilian bagged a brace to ensure his side overcame Burnley in a 3-1 victory, and he is now behind only Manchester City star Erling Haaland in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews has been left impressed by the 24-year-old’s performances too, saying: “He has been pretty good, hasn’t he? He is growing in stature and confidence and he has been pretty sensational this season,”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Thiago is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and having proven himself in the Premier League, Aston Villa should undoubtedly launch a January move.

Related Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for "tremendous" defender, Martinez is a big fan

The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Posts ByDominic Lund

Emery has never really managed to replace Jhon Duran since the striker signed for Al-Nassr back in January, and with the Villans looking to compete in both the Premier League and Europe, it would certainly be beneficial to bring in another striker this winter.

Pep Guardiola has not been afraid to be ruthless when it comes to selling players at Manchester City. One of the best examples would have to be Joe Hart.

The former Citizens number one left the Etihad on loan for Torino in 2016, before exiting the club on loan for West Ham United the year after and leaving on a free in 2018.

More recently, you might look at Raheem Sterling as an example of this ruthlessness. After years of exceptional service for the club, City’s Spanish boss was happy for him to join Chelsea, a move which proved to be a good decision.

It could well be the case that Jack Grealish was on the receiving end of this ruthlessness from Guardiola this summer.

Why Grealish left Man City

City spent a huge fee on Grealish back in 2021, paying his boyhood side, Aston Villa, then-British record of £100m. There is a perception that things didn’t work out for the attacker, but his Champions League medal suggests otherwise.

Nonetheless, Grealish did fall out of favour under Guardiola. He played 157 games for City, but last term only managed 32 appearances across all competitions. However, from Boxing Day and beyond, the attacker only played seven times in the top flight.

After being snubbed in the FA Cup semi-final, with Guardiola opting to bring on youngster Claudio Echeverri for his debut, it seemed like the England star’s time at City was done. Alan Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast afterwards that he “has to leave.”

Leave, he did. Everton swooped in to sign Grealish on loan with an option to buy him for £50m. It has been a hugely successful move for the winger, too. He is thriving under David Moyes and has five goals and assists to his name in 13 games.

Unfortunately, there is a City star who finds himself in a similar predicament this season, who could be the next to face Guardiola’s ruthless nature.

Man City's next big departure

Looking at this season, it hasn’t been easy to break into the City side. They have a settled 11, especially in attack, with the likes of Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden locking down spots in the lineup and Guardiola sticking with them week in, week out.

This has meant there are fewer opportunities for some players to get into the side. This can certainly be said for Savinho, who has found there have been limited chances this season in a City side performing well on the whole.

The 21-year-old has played 62 times for City now, and did impress last term. He scored and assisted 14 goals across all competitions, but has struggled for that form in 2025/26.

He’s bagged once in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town, and has only assisted twice, in 14 appearances.

Indeed, his performances in 2025/26 have received criticism from fans and pundits alike. Sports writer Amos Murphy said he has been “awful” this term and that his efforts in the 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle United last weekend were “unacceptable.”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Last season, a campaign where City failed to win a trophy, Savinho’s underlying numbers were impressive. For example, he created an average of 2.3 chances each game, down this term to 1.8 per 90 minutes.

Savinho key stats in last 2 seasons

Stat (per 90)

2024/25

2025/26

Key passes

2.3

1.8

Dribbles completed

2.8

2

Big chances created

0.5

0.4

Expected goal involvements

0.46xG

0.28xG

Tackles and interceptions

1.4

1.3

Stats from Sofascore

Savinho’s performances certainly need to improve soon. As the season goes on, Guardiola will need the entirety of his squad to be at their top level in order to push for titles in the Premier League and Champions League.

However, at the rate of his performances, it is easy to see Savinho becoming another Grealish, and really falling out of favour under the Spaniard. Perhaps the Brazilian will be the next player to face the ruthless side of City’s boss.

Related New Foden: Man City star who will "surprise everybody" is one of PL's best

Manchester City need their stars to step up as Erling Haaland continues to dominate the centre stage.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Chelsea picked up their second Premier League win in a row after a 3-0 home thrashing against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Blues put in a clinical second-half display to pick up another three points and propel them up to second in the top flight.

The first 45 minutes went by without anything of note happening, although it was a half dominated by Enzo Maresca’s side. It took them just six minutes of the second half for them to break the deadlock.

Malo Gusto scored his first goal for the club, heading home a cross after finding himself unmarked in the penalty box.

14 minutes after the Frenchman’s goal, Chelsea found the back of the net again. This time, it was Joao Pedro who scored, firing home a loose ball from 12 yards out. It was brilliant play from substitute Estevao just seconds after coming on, who took the ball on the outside and sent a low cross into the box.

Chelsea made it 3-0 with 17 minutes to go. It was former Wolves attacker Pedro Neto who scored, coming back to haunt his former club. He finished off an incisive counter-attack to secure the points for his side.

It was a strong performance from the Blues, with a couple of players really standing out.

Chelsea’s best players vs. Wolves

One of the standout players in Blue was summer signing Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine set up two of the three goals at Stamford Bridge, and has now scored or assisted three goals in his last two games across all competitions.

His work for both assists was impressive. For Gusto’s goal, Garnacho stood a cross up to the back post, making it easy for him to head home.

He perfectly executed the counter-attack for the Blues’ second goal, putting an inch-perfect cross on a plate for Neto to score.

The other man who stood out for Maresca’s side was Garnacho’s fellow Argentine international, Enzo Fernandez. He controlled the midfield once again, just as he did in the Blues’ last Premier League game away to Tottenham Hotspur.

It was, in many ways, effortless from the Chelsea midfielder, who took the captain’s armband with Reece James on the bench. He created two chances, completed 97% of his passes and completed four out of four long balls.

As well as the likes of Garnacho and Fernandez played against Wolves, there was one Chelsea star who didn’t look at his best.

The Chelsea player who struggled vs. Wolves

This was certainly a game that you would have expected Chelsea to win. The Old Gold are in dire straits at the moment, currently without a manager and with just two points to their name in the Premier League.

However, one player who could not capitalise on that poor form was striker Liam Delap. The former Ipswich Town star was starting his first top-flight game since the 30th of August, but looked far from his best.

It was a game that Delap simply couldn’t get into. He played just over an hour before being replaced by Estavao.

In that time, the 22-year-old managed just 15 touches, fewer than goalkeeper Robert Sanchez (30), completed six from seven attempted passes, and had two shots.

Delap stats vs. Wolves

Stat

Number

Touches

16

Passes completed

6/7

Ground duels won

2/3

Touches in Wolves box

2

Shots

2

Expected goals

0.12xG

Stats from Fotmob

Dom Smith of The Standard, noted how lacklustre Delap’s performance was against Wolves. He gave him a 5/10 for his efforts, explaining that he ‘struggled with the physicality’ of the Old Gold backline.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It will be interesting to see if Maresca keeps faith in Delap or decides to rotate him out of the side after the international break. The Blues have options up front, with Marc Guiu and Joao Pedro capable of leading the line, and Neto operating there late in the game.

It may well take the Englishman a few games to get back up to speed. After such a long lay-off with injury, perhaps there was too much expectation for him to hit the ground running.

However, against what is a Wolves team in disarray, this felt like a good opportunity to make a nuisance of himself and even bag a goal.

Chalkboard

Expand Collapse

Maresca has some alternative options if he does decide to switch things up at centre-forward. Delap certainly left a lot to be desired with his showing against the Old Gold.

Related Big-money Chelsea flop is fast becoming their new Danny Drinkwater

Chelsea have a new Danny Drinkwater on their books.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

A mixed start – and recent injury – for Benjamin Sesko may have put a dampener on things, although it’s hard not to be impressed by Manchester United’s summer recruitment, with it finally looking as if the Red Devils have invested wisely in the transfer market.

It is also worth pondering just how Ruben Amorim’s side might have looked if things had panned out differently at the start of the window, with United notably chasing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, after wrapping up a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

The England striker – fresh off scoring 12 times at Portman Road in the Premier League – was an attractive target due to his £30m release clause, although despite lengthy negotiations, he ultimately opted for Chelsea and Champions League football instead.

There is a sense that perhaps United have had the last laugh with regard to the ex-Manchester City man, with Delap yet to score for the Blues this season, although frustration might still linger over the failure to prise Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Ahead of ultimately forking out for Sesko, there were suggestions that the Old Trafford side were leading the race for the Ghanaian, amid the prospect of a potential £70m switch.

Frustratingly, the 25-year-old stayed put on the south coast, and is now flourishing again under Andoni Iraola, sparking hope that a renewed approach from Amorim and co could be in store in the New Year.

Latest on Antoine Semenyo's future

There was a sense over the summer that Amorim and co could put together a completely new-look, Premier League-proven forward line, with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo potentially set to be joined by Semenyo as the attacking spearhead.

Sesko, ultimately, was recruited instead, although with the Slovenian scoring just twice since his arrival from RB Leipzig, a further forward still appears a necessity, hence potentially turning to Semenyo again in 2026.

The former Bristol City man – who can operate all across the frontline, as well as at wing-back – remains a worthy option amid what has been a stunning season so far in 2025/26, having registered nine goals and assists in just 11 league games.

Arguably the “best winger in the country”, in the view of pundit Chris Waddle, Semenyo is again likely to turn heads in January, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing on Monday that there will be a release clause to activate in the player’s contract in that winter window.

Previously valued at £70m, the in-demand speedster will now cost ‘just’ £65m in January for a specific time period, with that figure then set to reduce again next summer.

As per the report, both United and Tottenham Hotspur are named as the clubs who ‘coveted’ him in the most recent window, although the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool are now also in the equation.

As already suggested, Semenyo’s red-hot form has certainly warranted such admiring glances, although back at Old Trafford, Amorim already has a similar figure to shout about.

Man Utd's own version of Semenyo

It has been remarkable to witness Semenyo’s rise under Iraola in recent times, having previously scored just 21 times in 125 games during his stint at Ashton Gate, as well as enduring a goalless seven-game spell at Sunderland in League One.

In 90 games working with the Basque boss, however, the £65m man has already chalked up 40 goals and assists, as per Transfermarkt, with his devastating brilliance best seen on the opening weekend against Liverpool, having run almost the full length of Anfield before lashing home in that 4-2 defeat.

He does look unstoppable right now, although the same can be said of the aforementioned Mbeumo, with Amorim and INEOS perhaps thanking their lucky stars that the Cameroonian decided to join them over the summer, after initially missing out on Delap.

Protracted negotiations with Brentford did ensure it was something of a waiting game to see if the 26-year-old would actually make the switch from west London, although since arriving in the door, the clinical left-footer has hardly put a foot wrong.

Indeed, since netting his first goal for the club away at Grimsby Town, Mbeumo has gone on to score five times in just 11 Premier League games – just one shy of Semenyo’s record – while also chipping in with a solitary assist thus far.

Fresh off the back of a standout 20-goal season with the Bees, the one-time Troyes starlet has already cemented himself as arguably United’s “best player”, in the words of Wayne Rooney, amid his rampant start to 2025/26.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Like Semenyo, the £71m man can operate on either flank or in a false nine role, having even interchanged nicely with Amad at wing-back of late, with the pair striking up a fruitful partnership down that right-hand side.

Semenyo vs Mbeumo – 25/26

PL Stat

Semenyo

Mbeumo

Games (starts)

11 (11)

11(11)

Goals

6

5

Big chances missed

5

3

Goal conversion

26%

19%

Assists

3

1

Big chances created

0

3

Key passes*

1.0

1.7

Pass accuracy*

77%

80%

Successful dribbles*

1.9

0.8

Stats via Sofascore

That likeness to the Bournemouth talisman in a positional sense is also backed up by their likeness in a statistical and stylistic sense, with the pair deemed to be similar players among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Two of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League right now, you would be splitting hairs to decide who is the better player between Semenyo and Mbeumo, with the two men so decisive for their respective sides.

In an ideal world, they might even be lining up together at some stage in 2026, although even if Semenyo doesn’t end up in Manchester, at least United have Mbeumo to hang their hat on these days.

Related The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

Manchester United are looking to make further attacking investments after this summer’s spending.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair