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Chelsea chiefs are carrying on with their ambitious transfer plans off-the-field, amid their Club World Cup campaign, with Enzo Maresca’s side now holding conversations over signing a marquee sensation who’s starring at the tournament right now.

Champions League club fear Chelsea will hijack their deal for £70m striker

There’s genuine worry behind-the-scenes.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 18, 2025

The Blues opened their account with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday night, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández grabbing one goal in either half to set up what will be an interesting next clash against Flamengo on Friday.

Liam Delap also made his debut for Chelsea and notched his first assist for the club just minutes after coming off Maresca’s bench, setting up Fernandez with an excellent cross from the right-hand side for the Argentine to tap home from close range.

When it comes to how invested supporters are in the Club World Cup, that is highly debatable to say the least, considering Chelsea beat LAFC in front of a largely barren crowd in Georgia.

However, Stamford Bridge chiefs are believed to be taking the tournament very seriously indeed, with £97 million worth of prize money on offer to the victors. This hefty financial windfall would seriously boost Chelsea when it comes to avoiding the dreaded swinging axe of PSR regulations, and could allow them to invest in their summer recruitment drive with even more gusto.

Chelsea are reportedly prioritising a new winger for Maresca right now (The Guardian), with Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens at the very top of their wishlist after they saw three bids rejected before the CWC transfer deadline.

The Englishman isn’t their only wide target, though, with Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho still on Chelsea’s radar as well.

Chelsea hold discussions with Juventus over signing Kenan Yildiz

According to website Juve FC, Serie A starlet Kenan Yildiz is another transfer possibility for Maresca’s side, following his excellent 2024/2025 campaign.

The Turkey international finished 2024/2025 as Juventus’ best-performer by average match rating in the Italian top flight (WhoScored), racking up a total of 10 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions so far.

Yildiz is continuing his fine year in the CWC. He got on the Old Lady’s scoresheet and put in an impressive display as Juventus rounded off a routine 5-0 victory over Al Ain in their first group game, with the 20-year-old’s fine displays attracting attention from west London.

Chelsea are now said to have opened “discussions” with Juve over Yildiz, who value the Turk at around £86 million.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

While offers below this benchmark would be considered, Igor Tudor’s side are giving no consideration to selling as things stand, and there’s no indication that the player would push for this move either, despite contact being made with his close circle.

Juve are also planning to agree an extension with Yildiz that could tie him down in Turin until 2031, so Chelsea could have their work cut out for them here.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are working in tandem on the club’s summer recruitment drive ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign, where the Gunners are under real pressure to deliver silverware.

Arsenal hold talks over key targets ahead of "big" summer window

After this brief interlude, the summer window will reopen on June 16, and remain open until September 1.

Arsenal confirm "very popular" 22-year-old has now joined another club

He’s officially left north London.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 11, 2025

In the background, Arsenal continue working on their top summer targets before they’re officially allowed to register any new signings once again, and it is believed they’re closing in on a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (David Ornstein).

It’s long been reported that Berta and co are keen to add a capable second-choice keeper to their ranks with Neto returning to Bournemouth, and Arsenal recently missed out on a deal for long-term target Joan Garcia, who is set to join Barcelona instead.

Given how long it is taking for Arsenal to officially sign Martin Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano recently assuring supporters that everything is indeed agreed for the Spaniard to join, Arrizabalaga could end up being the club’s first signing announcement of the summer.

Further forward, Arsenal want to sign a new winger as well, but are resigned to losing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane after his agreement to join Galatasaray.

The Gunners will now need to turn to alternative wide targets, perhaps Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and there is also the matter of moving forward in negotiations for their top striker target – RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal hold London talks over signing Benjamin Sesko

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal held London talks to sign Sesko in the last few days, with discussions taking place in the English capital.

This follows an agreement on personal terms with the 6 foot 5 centre-forward, who bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, but both Leipzig and Arsenal remain in dispute over Sesko’s final price.

The Bundesliga side are holding out for around £67 million, the value of his release clause, while Arteta’s side are trying to negotitate a lower fee.

Arteta has apparently made it clear behind-the-scenes that Sesko must be their priority striker signing, and there is confidence on all sides that an agreement will eventually be struck.

Saudi sides have recently expressed an interest in the 22-year-old as well, but his focus is on remaining in Europe and competing at the very top level.

After confirming the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool have now reportedly joined the race to sign a La Liga defender who incoming goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili knows well.

Liverpool confirm Frimpong deal

On the same day that Trent Alexander-Arnold completed his move to Real Madrid a month earlier, with the Spaniards paying €10m (£8m) to do so, Liverpool officially welcomed his replacement in the form of Frimpong. The Dutchman has officially completed his summer switch to Anfield, arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported €35m (£30m) fee.

After completing his move, Frimpong told Liverpool’s media channels: “I think this is the best stadium I played in when I was with Leverkusen: the atmosphere, the fans, the team as well. The whole package is great.

“I don’t need to say too much about the quality [of Liverpool]. They won the league. For me, playing against Liverpool when I was in Leverkusen, really difficult. Really, really difficult. How can I say it? Obviously Leverkusen were still good but you can see that Liverpool is next level.”

“You always want to play for the top teams as a footballer, as a kid. Of course, when I was younger and Liverpool first came, that was a no-brainer as well, but due to transportation and all these sorts of things, I had to go a different way. And look at me now. So, it has worked really well.”

Alexander-Arnold is not an easy name to replace at Anfield, but Frimpong is more than familiar with playing at an elite level, having been part of Leverkusen’s invincible team under Xabi Alonso in the 2023/24 campaign.

In a busy summer for Liverpool, the Dutchman could just be the first of several arrives, which looks likely to include former Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz and perhaps even a La Liga defender.

Liverpool join race for Valencia defender Mosquera

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, who value their impressive centre-back at just €30m (£25m) this summer. The Reds aren’t alone in their quest to sign the 20-year-old, with RB Leipzig currently in pole position, but they could yet one advantage if they push on with their move.

After Wirtz: Liverpool join race for £30m star who can ‘reach Mane level’

Premier League champions Liverpool are looking to complete quite the summer of spending.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 30, 2025

Incoming goalkeeper Mamardashvili already knows Mosquera well during their time together in Valencia’s backline and could yet help to convince his former teammate to join him at Anfield this summer. Given how he has impressed in Spain, meanwhile, Anfield chiefs should certainly step up their chase to sign the defender.

Dubbed “one of the most talented U-21” defenders in Europe by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Mosquera looks like a player destined for the top, whether that comes courtesy of Liverpool or another club.

Arsenal have now joined the race for a “dangerous” £35m Premier League forward, who could go on to “reach Sadio Mane’s level”, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

There have been calls for the Gunners to sign a new winger this summer, amid concerns over some of Gabriel Martinelli’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign, with former defender Nigel Winterburn suggesting a replacement may be necessary,

Winterburn said: “That performance against Liverpool was better, but his form has been a bit erratic this season. He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we’ve seen in the past that we know he can produce.

“However, it wouldn’t surprise me, if I’m honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.”

Since then, Mikel Arteta’s side have identified a number of wingers as potential summer targets, including Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, who is now believed to be a prime target, and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

However, with Tottenham Hotspur considered the favourites to secure Sane’s signature, Arsenal could move on to alternative options, and a report from Spain has now revealed they have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh.

Minteh is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also closely monitoring his progress, and he could be allowed to leave Brighton for a fee of around £35m.

Arsenal now pull plug on £60m striker signing after Mikel Arteta decision

The Spaniard wants to withdraw.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 31, 2025

None of the aforementioned clubs have submitted a formal offer as things stand, but the Seagulls could find it difficult to retain the forward’s services if they receive a significant bid, and there is certainly no shortage of interest.

"Dangerous" Minteh "can reach Sadio Mane's level"

Prior to the 20-year-old’s move to Brighton last summer, a Serbian football scout suggested the youngster “can reach Sadio Mane’s level”, which is high acclaim, given how important the Senegalese winger was to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side for several years.

Since then, the Gambian has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, picking up six goals and four assists in 32 Premier League matches during his debut campaign in England.

Former Feyenoord striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has also lauded the young forward as “extremely dangerous”, which is underlined by his performance on some key attacking metrics over the past year, while some of his defensive showings indicate that he is a well-rounded player.

Minteh is yet to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers, but he is certainly exhibiting very promising signs at Brighton, and at £35m, he could be a savvy signing for Arsenal this summer.

Securing qualification for the Champions League is a great achievement for Enzo Maresca in his first campaign since taking the reins as Chelsea manager.

The Italian has overcome adversity and numerous spells of criticism in the media, leading the Blues back to the biggest club competition in world football ahead of 2025/26.

Levi Colwill’s second-half strike secured a place in the top five, after Aston Villa and Newcastle United both suffered defeats on the final day against Manchester United and Everton, respectively.

It was a superb display against Nottingham Forest, restricting the hosts to very few opportunities and taking advantage of the chances that fell their way in front of goal.

The showing perfectly sets up the Europa Conference League final next week, but one player failed to produce his best performance at the City Ground despite the win.

Cole Palmer’s stats for Chelsea against Forest

Cole Palmer was Chelsea’s shining light during the opening months of the campaign, but his performance levels have massively dipped despite the club’s Champions League qualification.

The England international has only registered one Premier League goal since the middle of January, subsequently scoring just once in his last 16 outings.

He once again failed to score against the Reds, with the 23-year-old only registering a single effort on goal and unable to complete any dribbles, showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.

Palmer also only completed 17% of his attempted crosses and came out on top of just 33% of duels – often being dominated in the middle of the park by the opposition.

Given his recent run of form, the side have been less reliant upon his talents, with one other first team member now becoming just as, if not more, important to Maresca.

The Chelsea star who’s becoming more important than Palmer

Moises Caicedo once again started for Chelsea in the win against Forest, becoming the first player since Cesar Azpilicueta to start every league game back in 2018/19.

The Ecuadorian may have cost an English record transfer fee, but he’s certainly been worth every penny, that’s if his importance to the side is anything to go by.

However, despite his showings, he’s not the player who’s become as important as Palmer, with teammate Marc Cucurella taking that crown given his turnaround at Stamford Bridge.

He struggled to make a real impact last campaign, being branded a waste of money, but he’s transformed his career under Maresca, with his display against Forest highlighting how impressive he’s been.

The Spaniard featured for the entirety of the contest, registering a total of 60 touches and completing 91% of the passes he attempted during the triumph.

He also won three tackles – the most of any player on the pitch – making seven clearances in the process, playing a huge part in the Blues’ clean sheet at the City Ground.

Cucurella’s excellent outing didn’t stop there, winning two fouls and coming out on top in five duels, certainly cementing the left-back role as his own.

As a result of his showing in Nottingham, the 26-year-old was handed a 7/10 match rating by the Daily Mail’s Kieran Gill – showcasing his excellent display in helping the side claim a top-five finish.

His progress this campaign has been nothing short of sensational, hopefully building on his showings going into what’s likely to be a massive year for the club in 2025/26.

As for Palmer, the off-season will be crucial if he is to regain his previous levels of performance, possibly holding the cards to any European success for the Blues next campaign.

Fewer touches than Sanchez: Chelsea dud must never play for the club again

Chelsea secured Champions League football after a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest this afternoon.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 25, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing an “amazing” defender, who is likely to be tempted by a move away from his current club in the summer, according to Graeme Bailey.

Tottenham eyeing defender amid Romero uncertainty

Tottenham have fallen way short of expectations in the Premier League this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side on course for a 17th-place finish, so it is little wonder that one of their key players has little interest in sticking around beyond the summer.

Back in April, it was revealed that Cristian Romero is now pushing to leave Spurs, with Daniel Levy cancelling talks over a new contract, which means the chairman could be tasked with bringing in a replacement at the end of the season.

AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is among the more ambitious targets, with the Lilywhites recently being linked with a £50m swoop for the Spaniard, who is also wanted by Real Madrid, while they remain keen on signing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi after making a £70m bid in January.

Huijsen and Guehi have established themselves among the Premier League’s best defenders with their performances this season, but there have also been suggestions that Spurs could make a move for more of an unproven quantity.

According to Bailey, in a report for EFL Analysis, Tottenham are now keen on signing Sutton United defender Jack Taylor, having conducted checks on the 20-year-old this season, alongside a whole host of other clubs.

Teams from across the EFL pyramid are interested in signing Taylor, including Bristol City, Millwall and Portsmouth, with West Ham United and Brentford likely to be the main rival suitors from within the Premier League.

The centre-back is set to enter the final year of his contract, and he is expected to be tempted by a move elsewhere this summer, despite Sutton’s eagerness to tie him down to a new deal.

Tottenham now frontrunners and pushing to sign "incredible" maestro for £0

Spurs are leading the race for a midfielder, despite interest from Manchester United.

By
Dominic Lund

May 11, 2025

"Amazing" Taylor impressing at Sutton

Given that the defender played in the fifth tier in the 2024-25 campaign, he is unlikely to be capable of making the step-up to the Premier League in the near future, but there are some signs he could be a solid long-term addition to the squad.

Sutton manager Steve Morison expressed his disappointment when the youngster suffered a season-ending injury back in March, saying: “That’s probably his season done. We’re at the backend of the season now so anything over a couple of weeks; you’re not going to get them back, but he’s pulled his groin and it’s gutting because he’s been amazing.”

That said, Tottenham should also look to bring in a ready-made replacement for Romero alongside Taylor, given his inexperience, and there are a number of potential options on the shortlist.

Big summer ahead for Everton, and no mistake. David Moyes transformed the Merseyside mood when replacing Sean Dyche in January, but results in the Premier League have lulled of late.

This is understandable, but it does shine a light on the urgent need for impactful first-team additions, especially with so many players approaching the end of their Toffees contracts.

While fans are hungry to see attacking additions, Everton aren’t restricted in their scope for signings, with one of the Championship’s finest midfielders recently added to The Friedkin Group’s shortlist.

Everton chasing EFL star

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have added Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer to their shortlist of summer targets as Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield.

Joining United from Coventry City for a reported £15m fee in 2023, the 27-year-old has showcased sustained quality as a playmaker and a combative midfield presence besides.

Striking a deal with the third-place Championship side will be more difficult if they are promoted to the Premier League, but if not, Everton will be sure to make their move.

What Gustavo Hamer would bring to Everton

Five days ago, Hamer was named the Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25, a worthy winner after a fantastic campaign as the centrepiece of the Blades’ promotion push.

Though a late-season dip has pulled Chris Wilder’s team away from the automatics, they are well placed to triumph through the play-offs, especially with Hamer pulling the strings, having scored nine goals and supplied seven assists in the second tier this term, playmaking from deep or out on the left.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” quality by former teammate Oli McBurnie, Hamer ranks among the top 1% of positional peers in the Championship this year for progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

He’s also Prem-proven, having held his own for United in the Premier League last season, posting four goals and six assists across 34 matches, averaging two key passes per game and creating ten big chances, as per Sofascore.

A dead-ball specialist but so much more, Hamer could even shape into Everton’s next version of Ross Barkley, blessed with the same kind of robustness and gifted ability that the former Toffees youth graduate produced in his early years as a senior star on Merseyside.

Barkley left Everton for Chelsea way back in January 2018 for a £15m fee and he’s since been on something of a rollercoaster, but the argument’s there for Goodison Park remaining his most prosperous ground to this date, with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claiming in 2014 the rising talent was “one of the best” he had ever seen.

Still having devoted more time to Everton than any other club – by far – Barkley carried the kind of X-factor that Hamer would restore to Moyes’ team, combining with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye to create something special.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, who is out of contract this summer, would likely need to leave to make way for Hamer, but this would be a trade-off worth committing to, with the Malian 32 years old and Everton’s highest earner at £130k per week.

Hamer’s capacity to play off the left, something Barkley has done at times throughout his career, only strengthens the case for his transfer to Bramley Moore.

Everton have some exciting attacking midfielders in their ranks, but Hamer might just take the cake if he’s welcomed to the fold this summer.

In talks to stay: Everton star is becoming more important than Branthwaite

Not all of Everton’s veterans are going to be part of the exodus this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 30, 2025

Ipswich Town have signed a versatile teenager in an out-of-window move, according to a new update.

Ipswich Town looking to summer with Premier League relegation on the cards

The Tractor Boys are on course for an immediate return to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League.

Kieran McKenna’s side are currently 14 points away from safety with just six games to go and look destined to drop back to the second tier alongside fellow promoted sides Southampton and Leicester City despite spending big across the 2024/25 season.

Relegation looks set to result in a busy summer of departures from Portman Road, with Liam Delap attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. Approaches have been made by both clubs for Delap, who will be available for £30m if Ipswich go down.

Talking about Delap’s future, McKenna said before the 2-2 draw at Chelsea: “It’s not something that’s been discussed loads internally at because everyone’s focus, honestly, has been on Bournemouth, on Wolves, now on Chelsea. But if you ask me, is that a possibility? I think it’s certainly a possibility. Liam’s a young striker. He’s developing really, really well at the football club.

“He’s happy and he’s improving every week and we’re enjoying working with him. I’m sure there’s lots of different possibilities. But Liam’s an Ipswich player. He enjoys being an Ipswich player and that’s where his full focus is.”

A replacement could soon be needed for the star striker, with both Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland and Sheffield United teenager Ryan One both mooted as transfer targets to come in for Delap.

Targeting youth with a move for One shows that Ipswich appear to be looking long-term at potential signings, and they have now agreed a deal to sign another teenage talent.

Ipswich Town sign versatile youngster Corbin Mthunzi

As reported by The East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Town have signed 17-year-old Corbin Mthunzi following a successful trial.

Previously of Brighton & Hove Albion, Mthunzi has penned a two-year professional contract at Portman Road after turning out twice for Ipswich’s U21s last month.

Ipswich Town "monster" open to Portman Road exit as big clubs make contact

New approaches have been made.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 15, 2025

Mthunzi played as a centre-back in the fixtures against QPR and Chelsea, however, the teenager can also turn out as a midfielder if required.

He’ll now be looking to break into McKenna’s first team plans over the coming years, so Mthunzi’s progress at Portman Road will be one to watch.

Arsenal have made contact with a potentially low-cost striker option who’s scored north of 170 career goals, with new sporting director Andrea Berta registering serious intent already ahead of his first summer at the club.

Andrea Berta's rumoured striker targets for Arsenal

One of Berta’s key items on the agenda is signing a prolific new striker.

Arsenal make "ambitious" offer for £170k-p/w forward after Arteta request

The Spaniard’s personally asked for him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 19, 2025

Their need for a proven goalscorer was evident before Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were sidelined with long-term injuries, but their absences have left it beyond all doubt, with Mikel Arteta even forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as an emergency makeshift striker over the last few weeks.

Truth be told, the Spain international has done very well – scoring four in his last eight Premier League games and helping to bury Real Madrid in Europe – but Merino is hardly a long-term solution going forward.

Instead, Arsenal are developing a serious interest in Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s bagged a pretty incredible 47 goals in his last 46 matches across all competitions, not to mention a further 11 assists.

These numbers, combined with the intense competition for his services from Arsenal’s rivals, mean Sporting will demand a package of up to £60 million with additional add-ons to let him leave (Fabrizio Romano).

Berta is said to be a fan of Gyokeres, while it is reported elsewhere that Newcastle star Alexander Isak is a “dream” signing for Arsenal, with a move for the Swede looking far too difficult to pull off in terms of price.

RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko is another striker on Arsenal’s target list, despite their failed bid to sign the Slovenian in 2024 (Fabrizio Romano), and they internally discussed the possibility of striking a deal in January.

All these names will come at a premium, especially when factoring in the overall costs, including wages, commission fees and signing bonuses.

Arsenal make contact with Lille star Jonathan David

Bearing this in mind, journalist Graeme Bailey is reporting for The Boot Room that Arsenal are throwing their hat in the race for out-of-contract Lille star Jonathan David.

It is quite surprising that no elite side has taken the plunge with David yet, considering just how incredible he’s been for Lille over the last few seasons, but it is now a matter of time before he seals his big move.

The Canada international is set to leave on a Bosman this summer, and Arsenal held initial talks with David’s representatives in their pursuit of a striker.

The 25-year-old, who’s racked up a grand total of 176 career goals for club and country combined, is also a big-game player. David boasts seven strikes from his 10 Champions League outings this term, scoring against the likes of Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, so notions he can only score in an inferior division have been put to bed.

Despite being a free agent, he could still set Arsenal back around £28 million, including his yearly demands, signing-on fee and additional commission fees (Sacha Tavolieri), but this is still far cheaper than some of Berta’s other striker targets.

Manchester City are now considering a move for a “sensational” £50m midfielder to replace Kevin De Bruyne this summer, according to a report from David Ornstein for The Athletic.

Pep pays tribute to De Bruyne

De Bruyne has played a pivotal role in Man City’s success during the Pep Guardiola era, and the manager has paid tribute to the Belgian for his contributions, saying: “We’ve always had a special relationship. Kevin is a special person and player.”

The attacking midfielder is the last player remaining from the squad Guardiola inherited in 2015-16, but the Spaniard will now have to bring in a replacement this summer, with the 33-year-old set to leave upon the expiration of his contract.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz has regularly been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, and there has now been a positive update on City’s pursuit of the German, with it being revealed they are now leading the race for his signature.

Pep loves him: Man City willing to pay £50m for "sensational" De Bruyne heir

The Sky Blues have identified a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 8, 2025

Bringing in a young attacking midfielder from the Bundesliga has shades of the Sky Blues’ original move for De Bruyne, who arrived from Wolfsburg, but they could also choose to bring in an established Premier League player.

That is according to a report from The Athletic, with Ornstein stating Man City are now considering a move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as a replacement for De Bruyne.

A number of targets are being considered, including Wirtz, with a move unlikely to be made until Hugo Viana is fully underway as director of football, although City could also select Phil Foden as a direct successor to the Belgium international.

Should Gibbs-White be chosen, however, there is a feeling the Nottingham Forest star could command a fee of around £50m.

"Sensational" Gibbs-White enjoying impressive campaign

The attacking midfielder made an instant impact for Forest in the Premier League, amassing five goals and eight assists in his debut campaign with the Tricky Trees, but the current campaign is on course to be his best to date.

With seven games left to play, the Englishman has 14 goal contributions to his name, playing an integral role for Nuno’s side, who are still on course to unexpectedly qualify for the Champions League.

Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, there are clear signs Gibbs-White could now be entering his prime, although there are doubts over whether he would be a suitable replacement for De Bruyne, given that he remains unproven at the very highest level.

Wirtz, on the other hand, experienced winning the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen last season, while he has also impressed in the Champions League this term, with six goals and one assist to his name in nine matches.