أعلنت رابطة الأندية المحترفة المصرية، مواعيد مباريات النادي الأهلي، في مسابقة بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.
وأوقعت قرعة كأس الرابطة، الأهلي بالمجموعة الأولى، بجانب كل من سيراميكا كليوباترا وفاركو وطلائع الجيش وإنبي وغزل المحلة والمقاولون العرب.
ويشارك في بطولة كأس الرابطة هذا الموسم 21 فريقًا المتواجدين في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز على رأسها الأهلي والزمالك، وتم تقسيم الأندية على 3 مجموعات، كل مجموعة تضم 7 فرق.
طالع | نتائج قرعة كاس الرابطة المصرية 2025-2026
ويلعب كل فريق 6 مباريات في دور المجموعات من أجل حسم التأهل للدور ربع النهائي، على أن يتأهل أول وثاني كل مجموعة بالإضافة لأفضل فريقين احتلا المركز الثالث لربع النهائي.
وتقام بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية للمرة الخامسة، بعد أن أقيمت 4 نسخ من قبل، توج بها فيوتشر في المرة الأولى وسيراميكا كليوباترا حصل عليها 3 مرات متتالية. مواعيد مباريات الأهلي في كأس الرابطة المصرية
الجولة الأولى – الأهلي ضد إنبي، استاد القاهرة – يوم الخميس 11 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الثانية – الأهلي ضد سيراميكا كليوباترا، استاد السلام.، يوم الجمعة 19 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الثالثة – الأهلي ضد غزل المحلة، استاد المحلة، يوم الثلاثاء 23 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الرابعة – الأهلي ضد المقاولون العرب، ملعب استاد القاهرة، يوم الثلاثاء 30 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الخامسة – راحة للعدد الفردي في المجموعة المكونة من 7 أندية.
الجولة السادسة – الأهلي ضد فاركو، ملعب برج العرب، يوم السبت 10 يناير 2026، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة السابعة – الأهلي ضد طلائع الجيش، ملعب استاد القاهرة، يوم الخميس 15 يناير 2026، الساعة 8 مساءً.
Arsenal are extremely busy behind-the-scenes as they look to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad with proven quality, and it is believed yet another player has been given permission to join them by his club.
New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival has motivated plenty of excitement and anticipation among supporters for this summer window, with the Italian known to spin many plates at a time in pursuit of his preferred transfer targets.
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Berta’s track record at former club Atlético Madrid also makes him stand out as a proven replacement for ex-director Edu Gaspar, and the 53-year-old has already made a solid start to his tenure at the Emirates with a couple of completed deals.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
After months of talks, Berta has put the finishing touches on Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Gunners set to pay £56 million for him. This is slightly above his release clause, but the fee will be paid in installments, with Zubimendi recently finalising his move to N5.
Arsenal also triggered Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million release clause to make him Berta’s second summer arrival after Zubimendi (Fabrizio Romano), securing a solid and experienced back-up option for David Raya.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard was linked earlier this week, as claims started to emerge that Arsenal were considering a shock move for the 31-year-old to replace Thomas Partey, and that deal has seriously intensified in the last 24 hours.
Following accelerated talks with Brentford, they’ve now agreed a deal worth an initial £10 million, plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons (BBC), and the Denmark international is set to become Berta’s third signing of the window.
Christian Norgaard permitted for Arsenal medical after deal agreed
As per trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Norgaard has now been “authorized” to undergo his medical at Arsenal after a deal was agreed for the Scandinavian, so barring any physical complications, the midfielder will be Arsenal’s “next” completed deal.
With Partey set to leave as a free agent after June 30, Norgaard comes in as a like-for-like stand-in for the Ghanaian, and one who boasts similar attributes as a Premier League proven defensive midfield anchor.
Berta has moved swiftly to ensure that Arteta won’t be left short in the midfield department, and Norgaard has long been praised as a player who “goes under the radar” with his consistent performances.
“Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for,” said former top-level scout Mick Brown to Football Insider recently.
“So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them. He’s a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that’s what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.”
Kane Williamson led New Zealand in 166 white-ball matches and 40 Tests•Getty Images
Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s current T20I and ODI captain, has declined a central contract for 2024-25. He will also step down from white-ball captaincy to prolong his international career.”Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release. “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”New Zealand have very little cricket at home during this season, especially in January. They are slated to play eight WTC Tests, including a tour of India and then a three-match home series against England in November-December, before Christmas. Ahead of last season, Williamson, 33, had relinquished the Test captaincy with Tim Southee appointed as his successor.Despite forgoing a central contract, Williamson reiterated his commitment to New Zealand and remained open about accepting a contract in the future.Related
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“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished,” he said. “My life outside cricket has changed, however. Spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me.”The announcement comes on the heels of a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign for New Zealand, who missed out of at least a semi-final finish in a men’s World Cup for the first time since 2014. Williamson was coy about his T20I future saying “Oh, I don’t know. We’ll see where things land,” when asked whether he would be involved in New Zealand’s T20 setup in 2026.Williamson, who played his 100th Test earlier this year, also has 165 ODI caps and 93 T20I caps. He led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is – a stellar recorded decorated by their finals’ appearances in the World Test Championship 2021 (that they won), the ODI World Cup 2019 (which they lost via a Super Over) and T20 World Cup 2021 (lost to Australia).January 2025 will see a clash of T20 leagues, with UAE’s ILT20, South Africa’s SA20, Australia’s BBL and Bangladesh’s BPL set to overlap. While ILT20 is set to begin on January 11, it is understood that the BBL will run until January 26. The SA20 is set to run from January 9 to February 8. New Zealand’s Super Smash could also be on in the same time period. All of it will be followed by the ICC Champions Trophy – to be hosted by Pakistan – that is to start tentatively on February 19.Scott Weenink, the NZC CEO, said that New Zealand’s “greatest ever batter” has earned the right to pursue other goals, including family-oriented ones.”This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Blackcaps – both now and in the years to come,” he said. “We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he’s still available for the Blackcaps. NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Blackcaps.”However, we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter – especially as he remains so committed to the team. I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I’m very encouraged by this development.”Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, 33, who has played a Test, 65 ODIs and 42 T20Is, has also indicated that he won’t be accepting a central contract offer. He signed off from the T20 World Cup with figures of 4-4-0-3 against PNG, becoming only the second bowler – and the first in T20 World Cups – to bowl four maidens in a men’s T20I.
Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an “insane” £13m+ colossus, making contact with his representatives in recent days, according to a report.
Man Utd set sights on new goalkeeper
It would be fair to say that Andre Onana has flattered to deceive ever since arriving from Inter Milan, and Ruben Amorim even dropped the goalkeeper for Altay Bayindir at times during the 2024-25 season, with the Turk playing three of the final four Premier League games.
As such, it is no surprise that United are now looking to bring in a replacement for Onana, and they have set their sights on a number of ambitious targets, many of whom are vastly experienced at Champions League level.
Target
Current club
UCL appearances
Gianluigi Donnarumma
PSG
40
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona
85
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
14
Diogo Costa
FC Porto
23
That said, it could be difficult to attract some of Europe’s top goalkeepers after the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a perhaps more attainable target.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Man United have now opened talks with the entourage of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, although given that the two clubs are owned by INEOS, a deal may not be possible until January 2026.
United cannot do business with the French club until September, so they may wait until January before making a move for the goalkeeper, who is valued at over £13m, or failing that they could look to bring him in on a free transfer next summer.
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AC Milan and Galatasaray could provide competition for Bulka’s signature, with United yet to engage in formal club-to-club negotiations, indicating the potential move is not yet at an advanced stage.
"Insane" Bulka impressing in Ligue 1
Football scout Ben Mattinson has expressed his shock that the 25-year-old has remained at Nice for so long, given his impressive performances in France, saying: “Marcin Bułka was insane vs PSG. I’m surprised he’s still at Nice after being the best GK in Ligue 1 last season.
“The combination of his shot stopping prowess and quality both-footed distribution whilst being 6’6” makes him a great option for big teams.”
OGC Nice's Marcin Bulka.
Indeed, the Polish shot-stopper put in what could be a career-best performance against former club PSG back in April, achieving a 10 SofaScore rating after making nine saves from inside the box and preventing 2.53 goals.
Nice ran out 3-1 winners against the European champions, embarrassing them in their own backyard courtesy of their colossus between the sticks, who averaged the second-highest Ligue 1 rating in the squad last season.
As such, Bulka could be an excellent signing for Man United, and he may be a more attainable target than the likes of Donnarumma and Ter Stegen, although the fact they will have to wait until January is frustrating.
Manchester United are in the market to sign a new centre-forward to lead the line for Ruben Amorim in the 2025/26 campaign, and that could spell trouble for Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford.
The latest on Rasmus Hojlund's future at Man Utd
According to the print edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by FCInterNews, Italian giants Inter want to sign the Denmark international to replace Mehdi Taremi this summer.
The Serie A side, who finished second in the league and were finalists in the Champions League, have ‘accelerated’ a move to snap up the former Atalanta attacker from the Red Devils.
Rasmus Hojlund
La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Hojlund has made it clear that he likes the idea of playing for Inter next season, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will really push for the transfer.
The outlet claims that Inter are pushing to sign him on loan with an obligation to make it permanent next summer, whilst Manchester United would prefer an instant sale to boost their coffers.
Hojlund is said to be valued at around £38m by the Premier League giants, which is more than Inter are willing to spend on a new striker at this time, and the two clubs are in talks over a deal that would work for all parties.
His exit from Old Trafford would pave the way for a new centre-forward to arrive in Manchester, though, and the club are already reportedly eyeing his replacement.
Man Utd in positive talks to sign Bundesliga striker
According to Foot Mercato, Manchester United are interested in a deal to sign former France U21 international Hugo Ekitike from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
The report claims that the Red Devils are progressing in positive talks to bring the former PSG marksman over to England during the summer transfer window, as they look to improve their options at the top end of the pitch.
It states that the Premier League side are accelerating a deal for the 22-year-old centre-forward, after making positive contact with his representatives to discuss a move to Old Trafford.
Foot Mercato adds that United have also contacted Frankfurt to discuss a potential fee for Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, and that all parties are feeling positive at this moment in time.
The outlet, however, also reveals that Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in signing the French attacker and could provide competition for his signature.
This may be why the Red Devils are ‘accelerating’ a swoop for the young marksman, amid talks with the player and Frankfurt, as they look to win the race for his services.
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “one of the best strikers out there” in March, and his statistics in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he would be a big upgrade on what United currently have at their disposal.
24/25 season
Rasmus Hojlund (Premier League)
Hugo Ekitike (Bundesliga)
Appearances
32
33
Shots on target per game
0.4
1.5
Goals
4
15
Goals per game
0.1
0.5
Big chances created
4
12
Assists
0
8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Ekitike vastly outperformed Hojlund at league level as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the number nine position, producing 27 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined, in comparison to the Dane’s eight.
This is why this fresh report detailing United’s pursuit of the Frankfurt star should come as good news to Amorim, who could have a huge upgrade for his attack if the transfer goes through this summer.
Man Utd set to prioritise deal for £65m star if Tottenham sign Mbeumo
Despite winning the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool are incredibly active in the summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster their squad.
The window officially opened for business on Sunday and the club have already confirmed Netherlands international Jeremie Frimpong as their first signing of the year.
He has come through the door as the direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has completed a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup.
Liverpool are also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, as David Ornstein has claimed that the Germany international is keen to make the move to Anfield.
The 22-year-old star delivered 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Leverkusen during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that the Reds could be bringing in an influential figure at the top end of the pitch.
These new signings coming in could provide added competition for the existing stars at Anfield, and one player who may need to be on his toes is Ibrahima Konate.
Why Ibrahima Konate could be concerned this summer
The France international started 30 of his 31 appearances in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, as the main partner for Virgil van Dijk at the back.
However, it did not always look like that was going to be the case for the former RB Leipzig star. Last summer, Football Insider reported that Arne Slot was not convinced by the centre-back, due to his performances on the pitch and in training, as well as his injury record.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
That was seemingly backed up by the Dutch head coach’s decision to go with Jarrel Quansah next to van Dijk ahead of Konate on the opening day against Ipswich Town. However, the English youngster endured a difficult half against Liam Delap and was replaced by the French titan at half-time.
Konate then went on to be a regular starter in the Premier League, despite those early concerns about his place in the side, but there were still moments that could throw his long-term future into doubt.
24/25 Premier League
Ibrahima Konate
Appearances
31
Starts
30
Ground duel success rate
61%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
Error led to shot
2
Error led to goal
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the French colossus was largely dominant in duels on the deck and in the air, but was also no stranger to making a mistake at the back.
Errors crept into his performances, with three errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition, in the Premier League, and that is why the club’s reported interest in a new central defender could leave him concerned this summer.
Liverpool eyeing deal for new centre-back
According to Football Insider, the path has been cleared for Liverpool to pursue a deal to sign RB Leipzig central defender Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
The report claims that the German side’s seventh-placed finish in the Bundesliga, which means that they will not be playing European football next season, has cleared the path for the Reds to swoop in for the centre-back, making them one of the favourites to secure his signature.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that the French star has a release clause of £74m in his contract with Leipzig, and that Liverpool are on high alert after his team failed to qualify for Europe.
The report adds, however, that the Premier League giants will attempt to use the situation to negotiate a lower fee for the 22-year-old titan, which means that they could sign him for less than the £74m release clause.
Konate could, now, be concerned by this news because another centre-back arriving at Anfield this summer could create competition for his place that could see him drop out of the starting XI on a regular basis.
If Liverpool can get a deal over the line for Lukeba in the coming weeks or months, Slot could have a centre-back on his hands who has the potential to be an upgrade on his current partner for van Dijk.
Why Castello Lukeba could replace Ibrahima Konate
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as the “perfect” left centre-back slash left-back hybrid, which could mean that he could move over to the left side of the pairing with the captain on the right in order to replace Konate.
The Leipzig star’s reliability, first and foremost, is what may attract Slot to him. In 103 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga for Lyon and Leipzig combined, the 22-year-old star has not made a single error that has directly led to a goal for the opposition.
On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that Mattinson has also referred to him as “one of the best defensive prospects in world football” and one of “the best U21 centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.”
In comparison, Konate has made five errors leading to goals in just 82 appearances in the Premier League, which suggests that he is nowhere near as reliable as Lukeba in that sense.
This means that Slot could rely on the £74m-rated star more to deliver consistent performances without making critical mistakes that create chances for the opposition.
24/25 season
Konate (Premier League)
Lukeba (Bundesliga)
Appearances
31
23
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.8
2.0
Dribbled past per game
0.3x
0.3x
Ground duel success rate
61%
65%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
65%
Error led to shot
2
0
Error led to goal
1
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Lukeba also made slightly more tackles and interceptions per game on average at league level this season, whilst also winning a higher percentage of his ground duels.
Konate appears to have the edge over him when it comes to winning aerial duels, although the Leipzig star is not weak in that respect, but overall, the Liverpool defender comes out second-best.
These statistics indicate that the Reds number five should be concerned about his place in the starting XI if Lukeba walks through the door, because the young titan has the qualities to displace him next season.
Slot could improve his team by signing the French star to provide a more reliable presence at the heart of the defence in comparison to Konate, due to his lack of errors in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, which is why this could be an excellent addition for the club.
He's like Wirtz: Liverpool can axe Diaz by signing 'England's best winger'
Liverpool face the summer sale of one of their most important players.
The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month, and Leeds United are likely to be busy as they prepare for a season in the Premier League.
One player who is on the club’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Elland Road, and the forward is reportedly open to talks over a permanent switch to West Yorkshire.
The 25-year-old attacker ended the season with ten goals and 12 assists in the Championship, and Leeds are now eyeing a new target who could be amazing for Solomon in the Premier League.
Leeds eyeing Premier League defender
According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon (25/05/2025), Leeds United are eyeing a new target in the form of West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The reporter claims that Daniel Farke is lining up a move to snap up the experienced defender on a free transfer when his contract with the Hammers expires at the end of next month.
Nixon adds, however, that there is also interest from celebrity-owned Championship side Wrexham, who have just been promoted from League One, which means that there is competition for the 35-year-old star’s signature.
The journalist also reveals that Leeds would view the veteran full-back as a squad player, rather than a guaranteed starter, but that does not mean that he would not be an incredibly valuable addition, particularly for Solomon.
Why Leeds should sign Aaron Cresswell
Junior Firpo’s contract is set to expire this summer, and it still remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension, which means that there is a vacant spot at left-back to be filled as it stands.
Aaron-Cresswell
Cresswell, as Nixon’s report suggests, may not come in to start all 38 games in the Premier League next term, but he is a vastly-experienced top-flight performer who could be relied upon to deliver quality displays when called upon.
Capped three times by England, he played 312 Premier League matches for the Hammers, and 369 games in total, during his time at the London Stadium, which means that Farke would have a defender who has been there and done it at that level.
24/25 Premier League
Aaron Cresswell
Appearances
18
Starts
10
Pass accuracy
87%
Dribbled past
0.1x
Ground duel success rate
67%
Aerial duel success rate
50%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Cresswell, who played as a left-back or as a wide centre-back in a three, started ten Premier League games this season and delivered solid defensive displays.
The veteran full-back, whose ball-striking was described as “lovely” by teammate Ryan Fredericks when lauding his left foot, has shown that he still has the physicality and quality to dominate opposition defenders in duels, whilst rarely being dribbled past.
Leeds United'sManorSolomonin action with Harrogate Town's Toby Sims
This suggests that he could be amazing for Solomon, who is a direct winger who wants to constantly attack to score and assist goals, because he is not a defensively weak left-back who needs constant support and doubling up from his forward ahead of him.
This means that the Israel international, should he sign permanently at Elland Road this summer, could love to have Cresswell behind him because his defensively solidity could allow him more freedom to stay higher up the pitch to influence games in the final third.
Leeds could land their best winger since Raphinha by signing £25m "machine"
Leeds United could land their best winger since Raphinha by swooping for this star.
Liverpool are making some shrewd moves in the market as they look to build on winning the Premier League title and could now strike for a world-renowned star with talks having already taken place, per a report.
Jeremie Frimpong set for Liverpool medical
Arne Slot and his squad are still basking in the glory of becoming top-flight champions, but there has already been significant movement on the transfer front at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, which has pivoted focus to who could potentially replace the academy graduate’s phenomenal attacking output at right-back.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
Reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong is the answer and is set to undergo a Liverpool medical on Monday before he completes his £29.5 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Commenting on the Reds’ transfer plans this summer, Slot stated: “So, there’s always an ongoing process and we have to make sure that we are prepared if we can strengthen the squad.
“But it’s difficult to strengthen this squad. There’s a reason why we won the league – because we have so many great players.”
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The Dutchman may have a point. However, it would be naive not to expect Liverpool not to try and capitalise on their status as Premier League champions.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has become a known target at Anfield, giving an inkling towards the type of smart recruitment that is expected to occur at Anfield this summer.
Typically, Liverpool have a distinctive style of adding to their squad that is more in line with squad synchronisation as opposed to star appeal.
However, there can be room for both if the Reds’ latest pursuit under is anything to go by.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz hold discussions
According to The Mirror, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has held talks with Liverpool boss Slot to discuss his summer transfer plans as interest begins to mount in the Germany international.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also touched base to find out more about where he envisages landing and the Citizens are said to be plotting a double swoop for the 22-year-old and Tijjani Reijnders before the Club World Cup.
Labelled “world-class” by Gerhard Struber, Wirtz has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season, which may go some way to explaining why his valuation sits at a figure in excess of £100 million.
Becoming one of the most talked about stars in Europe, he has excelled as the foil for the main attacker and could now emerge as a source of creative inspiration for the likes of Mohamed Salah should he move to Anfield.
Having said that, Manchester City’s hunt to replace Kevin De Bruyne could be a roadblock as he deliberates before deciding on his next desitination.
Whilst Chelsea fans won’t fully be on board with Enzo Maresca all of the time, it has been evident this season in patches that the Stamford Bridge side are showing some signs of improvement under the ex-Leicester City manager.
Indeed, under the former guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues had to stomach a sixth-place finish come the end of the 2023/24 season, with Maresca steering his team to fifth in the overall rankings at the moment with an ambition to break into the top four.
Still, it’s fair to say the West London outfit are a work in progress when contrasted with their former Premier League title-winning glories, with one new face already being lined up to join the ranks this approaching summer to enhance the Blues.
Chelsea want to sign "one of the best players in Europe"
Much of the transfer chatter surrounding Chelsea in recent weeks has revolved around two of the Premier League’s finest young players.
Indeed, reports suggest that the Blues want to sign Ipswich forward Liam Delap and Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Not just content with raiding England for the best young talent, Todd Boehly and Co may also look towards Serie A.
Indeed, as per reports from Spain, a whole host of European giants are now looking to land Como star Nico Paz, with his ex-employers in Real Madrid holding a buy-back option of £7.7m if activated this year.
This won’t deter Maresca’s men, however, who are also named as another suitor looking at the explosive attacking midfielder, alongside further interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Paris St. Germain.
AC Milan's Theo Hernandez in action with Como'sNicoPaz
How Paz possesses shades of Lampard
Recently hailed as “one of the best young players in Europe” by football social media account SCOUTED, Chelsea will hope they can land the up-and-coming 20-year-old to boost their attacking options, away from over-relying on faces such as Cole Palmer in the number ten role.
Moreover, Paz even possesses shades of Frank Lampard’s terrifying attacking game, strutting his stuff for Cesc Fabregas’ Como, meaning the promising Spaniard could take to the Premier League well on his potential arrival.
Before going on further about Paz’s electric campaign in Italy to date, it’s worth reminding everyone how much of an attacking threat Lampard was during his celebrated Stamford Bridge stay.
The now-retired 46-year-old would go on to bag a startling 211 strikes for his much-loved Blues, adding in a further 147 assists along the way from 648 outings.
Paz will have to play out of his skin to ever reach this bumper total if a move to England came to fruition, but there are signs from his overall attacking game at Como now that he could take the Premier League by storm by picking up assists and goals aplenty.
Indeed, the slick 6 foot 1 attacker has certainly had a breakout season in the senior game after regularly showing off his quality in Madrid youth circles, leading to all this frenzied interest popping up from Chelsea and beyond.
Paz’s Serie A numbers for Como (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Paz
Games played
30
Games started
25
Goals scored
6
Assists
7
Shots*
3.1
Big chances missed
5
Big chances created
9
Total duels won*
5.4
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the table above, some similarities to Lampard already begin to stick out from Paz’s blistering numbers for the season, with both the 20-year-old and the current Coventry City manager in his prime content at testing the opposition goalkeeper with many efforts on goal during a contest.
Moreover, Paz also has the firepower to find the back of the net and assist teammates away from merely looking lively, with 13 goal contributions tallied up from 25 Serie A starts, more than piquing the interest of Maresca and Co.
It’s that ability to find the net with regularity from midfield that evokes the most memories of Lampard, with Paz notably scoring five of his league goals over a spread of nine matches throughout the middle stages of the campaign. If he’s doing that aged 20, just imagine the numbers he could generate in his prime.
The Italian occupying the Stamford Bridge dugout will hope Paz can come in and be an instant success with the 45-year-old already getting the best out of some of the youngsters at his disposal, as seen in academy product Tyrique George netting versus Fulham last match.
Further, Lampard himself was only a wide-eyed prospect when he entered the building back in 2001, with Paz hopeful he can be a top star in the years to follow if a switch takes place.
Top 2% for dribbling: Chelsea now keen on signing "monstrous" £80m PL star
The Blues have registered their interest in one of the Premier League’s standout players this season.
Even in a frustrating season, Rangers have still had their standout stars and Gers legend Ally McCoist took the time to have his say on two particular players he’d have loved to have played with.
Ally McCoist full of praise for Rangers stars
It’s been a nightmare campaign for the Gers in the Scottish Premiership. They have been a world away from runaway leaders Celtic and are heading into the summer transfer window with it all to do. Those at Ibrox will, however, be hoping that the pending arrival of the 49ers will help turn a new leaf and bridge the gap on their Old Firm rivals once and for all.
The first take that the 49ers will need to tick off their list of priorities will no doubt be hiring a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, but then their aim should be to keep hold of some of their stars – including two that Ally McCoist name-dropped.
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast in partnership with TalkSPORTBET, McCoist was asked which current Ibrox stars he’d like to have played with.
Rangers must go all-out to keep Raskin and Cerny
Many around Ibrox will certainly agree with McCoist’s praise and it’s something that the 49ers should instantly recognise before keeping hold of the two Rangers stars. In the case of Vaclav Cerny, things are slightly more complicated than they could be, however. It’s not just a case of keeping hold of the winger, the Gers must renegotiate their loan deal into a permanent arrival with parent club Wolfsburg.
Vaclav Cerny
Meanwhile, keeping hold of Raskin may also prove to be difficult amid reported interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United. As McCoist mentioned, the Belgian has recently become a full international and is a player who is making “steady improvement”. Whether that’s improvement Rangers can keep up with will certainly be interesting to see this summer.
What is certain though, is that both current stars would have thrived alongside McCoist – the type of player that the 49ers would love to have at their disposal upon their arrival.