Chelsea have had a nightmare of a season, with just four games remaining of the Premier League season, the Blues sit in 11th, 21 points below the top four.

It couldn’t have gone worse for Frank Lampard’s side this year, who have suffered the consequences of change, whether it be through ownership, managers or players.

One thing the club have done this season is spend, breaking the winter transfer window spending record, bringing in £291m worth of players – to no avail.

This summer will be one of reflection and an opportunity to de-clutter the club behind the scenes in an attempt to change outcomes on the field.

There is an outstanding amount of talent in Chelsea’s ranks, however, it’s speculated that the club could introduce more flair to their squad – and who in world football has more of that than Neymar.

What’s the latest on Neymar to Chelsea?

Sources at ESPN have reported that the Brazilian hopes to leave PSG this summer, despite his contract running until the summer of 2025, with the option to stay a further year.

French journalist Julien Laurens reported on ESPN FC that Todd Boehly has “had meetings” with Nasser Al-Khelaifi regarding the “possibility” of bringing the player to Chelsea in the summer.

The Blues aren’t afraid to spend, which theoretically makes them one of the most likely Premier League club for the £51m-rated forward to sign for.

What can Neymar bring to Chelsea?

Neymar could be the missing piece to Chelsea’s puzzle, and could reignite the power the club had in attack when Eden Hazard was at the centre of everything at Stamford Bridge.

The two forwards were compared frequently during their primes and the Blues have never found a replacement for the Belgian, who was called “spectacular” by Zinedine Zidane during his time at Chelsea.

Despite being past his best at Real Madrid, Hazard was the catalyst to Chelsea’s success during his time in England, which could be replicated to an extent by the potential signing of Neymar.

Although not in the limelight as he was at Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the 31-year-old Brazilian has contributed to 24 goals in 23 games this season in Ligue 1 (13 goals and 11 assists), showing that his time is far from up in terms of being past his best.

In Hazard’s final season at Chelsea, the Belgian was operating at outstanding levels, being one of the best on the ball and averaging 4.22 successful take-ons every game, as well as 0.37 goals per 90 – as per FBref.

Neymar is still hitting numbers close to those recorded in Hazard’s prime, with 2.25 successful take-ons per game as well as a huge 0.58 goals every 90 minutes.

The two are most comparable for their movement on the ball and flair on the flanks, in the 2018/19 season, Hazard averaged 6.90 shot-creating actions per 90, and the Brazilian has recorded 6.24 this season in Ligue 1, showing that he continues to perform as one of the best in his position.

Indeed, the Brazilian really is an "out of this world" talent – as he has been dubbed his fellow professionals, and would be an outstanding first signing under potentially incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino.

With a huge wage bill and uncertainty regarding his status at PSG, only time will tell if Chelsea can pull off another monumental signing.

Arsenal are reportedly plotting moves ahead of the summer transfer window, with just one game remaining of an eventful 2022/23 campaign for the Gunners.

Everything looked on course for Mikel Arteta to deliver the club their first Premier League title since 2004, however poor form over the final two months of the season dealt the north Londoners a resounding blow to their hopes.

Squad depth has undoubtedly been a contributing factor to Arsenal’s inability to secure the title, with defensive injuries back in March proving that some members of the squad are irreplaceable.

A host of players have been linked with a potential move to the Emirates this summer, as Arteta’s side aim to recharge and refuel ahead of next season with essential additions.

The latest report links a Premier League ace to the club, who is soon to be out of contract at his current club.

What’s the latest on Ilkay Gundogan to Arsenal?

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein earlier this week, Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is a player wanted by Arsenal.

The report suggests the club are “trying to sign” the German, stating that Arteta wants the midfielder should Granit Xhaka depart this summer.

Speculation remains that the 32-year-old could still stay at City, or even venture to sign for Spanish champions Barcelona, with contract talks being the deciding factor.

What could Ilkay Gundogan bring to Arsenal?

The five-time Premier League champion has had a decorated career in European football and has shown this season that his time is far from nearing an end, leading City to a potential treble-winning campaign.

Speaking to the media at the end of last month following City’s decisive win over Arsenal, Pep Guardiola lauded the £140k-per-week midfielder as being “exceptional in all senses” – as per the Daily Mail.

The midfielder could act as significant competition or even an upgrade on Thomas Partey, who has lacked in the areas that the Gelsenkirchen-born player has excelled in that could take Arteta’s midfield to the next level.

Scoring eight goals and registering four assists, as per Sofascore, the 32-year-old contributes going forward far more than the Ghanaian, who has been inconsistent for Arsenal as of late as highlighted by the fact that Arteat dropped him for the clashes with Newcastle, Chelsea and Brighton.

Strong competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield would only raise performance and could benefit the likes of Partey to induce consistency therefore positively impacting the squad.

Despite the former Atletico star being a more defensively skilled deep-midfielder – as shown through his season average of 2.1 tackles per game – City’s skipper could arguably suit Arteta’s set-up more, especially if further rumours to capture the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo in the summer prevail.

Depth in all areas is essential for a side battling at the summit of the Premier League and the Champions League, as the Gunners will be next season.

Welcoming a player that has made over 500 career appearances in Europe and competed amongst the best, would only add to the young squad’s missing attributes in the experience department.

An experienced player still operating at his prime is a filter that not many can deliver, however, the prospect of capturing a figure with exactly that is something Arsenal could not pass on.

Uncapped Barbados fast bowler Miguel Cummins has been included in West Indies’ squad for the first Test against India in Antigua from July 21

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2016Uncapped Barbados fast bowler Miguel Cummins has been included in West Indies’ squad for the first Test against India in Antigua from July 21. He was a replacement for Jerome Taylor, who retired from Test cricket earlier this week.Cummins, 25, had been left out of the original 12-man squad for the first Test, after having made the trip to Australia for the last two Tests in 2015-16 as a replacement for Shannon Gabriel. He did not play, though.Cummins has played 41 first-class matches and taken 116 wickets at an average of 22.56. His only international for West Indies was an ODI against Ireland in Jamaica in February 2014 – he took 1 for 42 in six overs.West Indies squad for first Test Jason Holder (capt), Kraigg Brathwaite (vc), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajendra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Leon Johnson, Marlon Samuels

Ireland have been boosted ahead of their one-day series against Pakistan next month by being able to name Niall O’Brien, Craig Young and Boyd Rankin in their squad for the two ODIs.O’Brien (calf) and Young (elbow) missed the recent series against Afghanistan due to injuries while Rankin was unavailable because of Warwickshire commitments.The return of Rankin and Young will add depth to the pace-bowling department when they take on Pakistan in Dublin on August 18 and 20 but there is no place for left-arm spinner George Dockrell.O’Brien’s presence will bring experience to the top order which continues to rely heavily on Ed Joyce who scored 339 runs at 169.50 in four innings against Afghanistan. The next highest scorer was Kevin O’Brien with 145 runs in four innings.Dockrell, meanwhile, had initially been left out of the squad to face Afghanistan before being recalled as a replacement for the injured Mark Adair. He played one match in the series taking 1 for 52. Andy McBrine and Paul Stirling will provide the spin options in this squad.

Ireland squad v Pakistan

William Porterfield (capt), John Anderson, Peter Chase, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson, Craig Young

“It’s great to have an almost full strength squad to choose from,” John Bracewell, Ireland’s head coach, said. “The bowling unit performed superbly against Afghanistan with the younger seamers in particular putting their hands up. The return of Boyd and Craig adds to that department and gives us plenty of options which is exactly what a coach wants.”The return of Niall adds experience to the top order. We tried a few different permutations with the batting order last week – some of which worked and some which didn’t. Ed Joyce was obviously the stand-out performer in his new role as opener, and it was great to see Gary Wilson return to form.”The last time Ireland faced Pakistan was at the 2015 World Cup where William Porterfield hit a century but Sarfraz Ahmed’s unbeaten 101 led Pakistan to victory. In 2013, Pakistan visited for a two-match series with Ireland securing a tie in the first game of the series.Their most famous meeting remains the 2007 World Cup clash in Jamaica which Ireland won by three wickets.

أفادت تقارير صحفية أن وكلاء إيرلينج هالاند مهاجم مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، مقتنعون بخطوة انضمامه إلى ريال مدريد الإسباني.

وارتبط هالاند في وقت سابق بالانتقال إلى ريال مدريد، ووفقًا للتقارير الواردة، ساهم نجم برشلونة السابق ومهاجم إنتر ميامي الحالي، ليونيل ميسي في تلك الخطوة.

وبحسب ما أفادت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، أن ممثلي هالاند يعتقدون أنه يجب عليه الذهاب إلى نادٍ مثل ريال مدريد للحصول على التركيز والتقدير الذي يستحقه.

ويضيف التقرير أن موقفهم يأتي بعد فوز ميسي بجائزة الفيفا للأفضل في وقت سابق من هذا الشهر، متفوقًا على هالاند.

وتعادل ميسي وهالاند في التصويت برصيد 48 نقطة، لكن توج الأرجنتيني بسبب حصوله على عدد أكبر من أصوات قادة المنتخب الوطني في المركز الأول.

اقرأ أيضًا | صاحب طرد شهير.. الاتحاد الإسباني يعلن حكم مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد

ميسي تفوق أيضًا على هالاند في جائزة الكرة الذهبية في أكتوبر، وسجل مهاجم مانشستر سيتي 52 هدفًا في موسمه الأول مع الفريق، ليحقق النادي ثلاثية تاريخية.

ويشير التقرير إلى أن فشل هالاند في الفوز بجائزة الأفضل أو الكرة الذهبية يمكن أن يؤدي الآن إلى خطوة انتقاله لريال مدريد.

وأفادت تقارير أن ريال مدريد يأمل في استغلال نجمه الشاب جود بيلينجهام لحث هالاند على مزاملته للفريق، حيث تجمعهما صداقة منذ تواجدهما سويًا في صفوف بوروسيا دورتموند، فريقهما السابق.

ويرتبط هالاند حاليًا بعقد مع مانشستر سيتي حتى صيف عام 2027، وسجل 19 هدفًا في جميع المسابقات هذا الموسم.

Liverpool have tabled an offer to bring Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Gravenberch to Anfield?

The Netherlands international still has four years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena, but having made just two starts this season in the Bundesliga, is significantly out of favour under Thomas Tuchel and could therefore be looking for a new home this summer.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed in April that the Reds have the 20-year-old on their “shortlist” of central options, and 90min soon after further backed this up by reporting that FSG and Jurgen Klopp had asked to be given updates on his transfer situation.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf have also since claimed that the Merseyside outfit’s chiefs held talks with the player’s representatives, including his father, with the star keen to join after a positive round of discussions.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Liverpool, alongside top-flight rivals Newcastle United, have “already made proposals" for Gravenberch, with the pair both ready to “shell out” €50m (£43m) to bring him to England during the upcoming window. Manchester United are also in the picture and interested in completing a deal, though they are yet to make any kind of official contact or offer, unlike the two suitors named above.

Would Gravenberch be a good signing for Liverpool?

Gravenberch is naturally a central midfielder but is much stronger in the attacking aspect of his game, and having been lauded a “saviour” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool would be recruiting a hugely exciting player.

The 6 foot 2 titan, who has experience in both the Champions and Europa League, has clocked up 69 goal involvements (36 goals and 33 assists) in 218 appearances since the start of his career, not to mention that he ranks in the 96th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 by midfielders in the top five leagues.

The Adidas-sponsored athlete also has an 89.5% pass success rate in the Bundesliga which would rank him the third-highest among the rest of the regular squad at Anfield, so the fact that he’s cool, calm and collected on the ball in possession will be yet another attractive attribute to Klopp.

Finally, Gravenberch would add wonderful versatility to Liverpool’s ranks having operated in five different positions since first emerging onto the scene, including three in the midfield, out wide on the left flank and even at centre-forward, so the hierarchy shouldn’t even have to think twice about getting this star in the making in the building.

Everton have been touted as a leading potential suitor to sign Real Betis striker Raul Garcia this summer, according to reports.

Who is Raul Garcia?

Garcia is a Spanish forward and academy graduate at the Benito Villamarin Stadium but currently plays his football at CD Mirandes who he joined on a season-long loan in July 2022, as per Transfermarkt. During his 37 appearances to date on the road, he’s grabbed the attention of Sean Dyche in the Premier League.

Last week, Estadio Deportivo reported that the Toffees had sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action and are closely monitoring him as a result of believing that he would be a strong signing and be able to perform well in the top flight, and they have been handed an apparent transfer boost after learning that his parent club are willing to listen to any kind of respectable offer put on the table.

Who is signing Garcia?

Now, according to ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness), Everton have been given the green light because Real Betis don’t have Garcia in their long-term “plans” and have therefore “decided to sell” him during the upcoming window.

The La Liga side have already “communicated” their conclusion to the striker and his representatives in “recent days”, and whilst he has a €30m (£26m) release clause, it’s stated that €10m (£8m) is the “initial figure” needed to start negotiations.

The Blues, alongside Brighton and Hove Albion, are the only two suitors name-checked, and whilst the pair are yet to submit any formal bids, there is a “lot of interest”.

Everton have been missing an out-and-out centre-forward this season with the injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, not to mention that both Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms haven't been firing in front of goal, but having been hailed a “composed” finisher by journalist Josh Bunting, Garcia could be the perfect candidate to change their fortunes at Goodison Park.

The 2021/22 Spanish Cup winner has a mightily impressive record in the final third at CD Mirandes this term, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 37 La Liga 2 appearances, whilst recording a total of 93 shots which is more than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef.

Garcia doesn’t have any previous experience of playing in England, so on tat basis, it could well take him a bit of time to adjust, but considering how threatening he can be and the prolific edge that he may bring to Dyche’s squad, whether that be in the Premier League or Championship, the hierarchy should definitely test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached this summer.

Chelsea are reportedly readying an offer for Sporting Lisbon's defensive machine Manuel Ugarte, with the player thought to be keen on a move to England.

The Blues have been extremely active in the transfer market in recent windows but appear to be getting ready to invest in their squad once again after a lacklustre Premier League campaign that will see them end the season in the bottom half of the table.

However, things seem to be looking up for the London outfit with Mauricio Pochettino set to join the club as its next manager. Frank Lampard will receive his second farewell as the Blues' manager on Sunday when they face Newcastle at home.

What's the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?

According to reports in Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain have made a proposal to Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte while Chelsea are getting ready to make an offer of their own.

PSG have made an offer of €60m (£52m) which matches the player's release clause, however, Chelsea are ready to match the offer which they want to pay in "several installments."

Todd Boehly recently sent his right-hand man, Alvalade Behdad Eghbali, to watch Ugarte, and Chelsea have been given a boost with the player reportedly preferring a move to Stamford Bridge over the Parc des Princes.

Why is Manuel Ugarte rated so highly?

Talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the midfielder a "machine" earlier in the season, backing that up with some remarkable stats at that time. At the end of September, Ugarte won the most tackles and duels in the Champions League this season and had the second-highest in both categories in the Primeira Liga.

Every top side needs a midfielder that is able to consistently interrupt and break down opposition teams, and you could say that Chelsea have been too easy to score against this season, conceding 46 goals in the Premier League.

Signing Ugarte may not magically solve all their problems but playing alongside Enzo Fernandez, he could greatly increase Chelsea's ability to win the ball back in dangerous areas.

According to Fbref, not only does he rank in the 99th percentile of all midfielders for tackles, averaging 4.63 per 90, he also ranks in the 97th percentile for interceptions, cutting out 2.18 passes per 90. In addition to that, he ranks in the 99th percentile for passes completed per game with an average success rate of 91.6%.

Ugarte's numbers are solid and he's proven in the Champions League that he is ready for the next step in his career, so this could be one to watch.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Aston Villa now have a "big chance" of signing Marco Asensio this summer with Unai Emery in love with the player.

What are the latest Marco Asensio transfer rumours?

As reported by The Athletic, the Spanish midfielder will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season for free when his contract expires.

The article claims that the 27-year-old had been negotiating a new deal with the club since the start of the year but has ultimately decided to reject what was on the table as he wants a "more prominent role in the team."

In the aftermath, it's no shock to learn that some big clubs may be keen on picking up Asensio and ESPN state he is now in "advanced talks" to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

Despite that, while talking about all the rumours on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Emery wants the player and so he could yet end up in the Premier League.

He said (2:22): “Then Premier League clubs, Aston Villa, Emery is in love with Marco Asensio so a big chance now for them to go for it on a free transfer, but also other clubs interested in Marco Asensio.

"For example, last summer, it was last August, Manchester United were in contact with Jorge Mendes about Marco Asensio. Then the player decided to continue at Real Madrid also because [Carlo] Ancelotti wanted him to stay at the club.

"Now the market is open for Asensio, and so a very big opportunity for the Spanish player. So let's keep an eye on Asensio in the next days and in the next weeks."

Can Aston Villa afford Marco Asensio?

It's not hard to see why plenty of clubs around Europe are keen on Asensio. After all, he's won nearly everything club football can offer in Spain having lifted the likes of the Champions League, La Liga, and the Club World Cup (all on multiple occasions).

He won't come cheap, however, as he is currently on around £165k-p/w at Madrid, but as he can be signed without a transfer fee, this could be an affordable deal for Aston Villa.

With all that in mind though, there will obviously be major competition for his signature and with PSG already in advanced talks, Emery and co will have to move swiftly in the next few days potentially if they are to pull off this exciting summer transfer.

Members of the media praised midfielder Granit Xhaka for his brilliant final day contribution on what could be his final game for Arsenal.

Arsenal stroll to victory

The Premier League side missed out on their first league title in nearly 20 years, with Man City beating them to the punch, but that didn’t stop Mikel Arteta’s side from putting on a show as they thrashed Wolves this afternoon.

Arsenal didn’t take long to open the scoring, with Xhaka scoring inside the first 12 minutes and netting another one just a few moments later.

The Switzerland international’s multiple final day goals come as a fairytale, specifically because he could well be leaving this summer for Bayer Leverkusen according to multiple reliable sources.

The Bundesliga side are pushing to secure a deal for Xhaka and today’s comfortable victory over Wolves may be his last ever appearance for Arsenal.

Supporters were filmed singing his name during and before kick off, with the 30-year-old’s strikes today putting the cherry on top of a sweet potential farewell for him.

Members of the media fittingly paid tribute, with journalists Sam Dean (The Telegraph) and Buchi Laba (Wazobia FM, Kenya) saying this on the Swiss:

Weighing in on the praise for Xhaka, other reporters had this to say, with Simon Collings of The Evening Standard drawing attention to the fact Arsenal paid just £13 million to originally sign the player – a figure some would consider a steal.

Who is Granit Xhaka?

Signed from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, Xhaka has gone on to amass nearly 300 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.

Xhaka is also a hero at international level, becoming a centurion with Switzerland, yet reports suggest he has now played his last game in north London.

If Leverkusen secure a summer deal for him, they could be getting a player of both real quality and experience.