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Chelsea could have their sights set on a huge swoop to sign Marco Verratti from PSG, according to reliable journalist Kaveh Solhekol, via The Chelsea Chronicle.

What is the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues suffered a torrid Premier League campaign in 2022/23, disposing of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter before slumping down the division and out of the top ten entirely. Any hopes of European football, even the Europa Conference League, were dashed as the side struggled to pick up wins. It means that this summer will require an overhaul and the club have already got to work in sorting out transfer business to get them back on track.

One of the biggest transfer sagas for Chelsea this summer involves Moises Caicedo. With the English side keen on signing the midfielder, it seems as though this is one deal that will continue to drag on for weeks. The most recent update has seen the club launch an official bid to try and bring in the Ecuador star, but current club Brighton snubbed that approach – believed to be worth £70m – and it is now back to the drawing board for the Blues.

They have also been linked with a swoop for wonderkid Matheus Franca, who is currently playing for Flamengo in Brazil. He is seen as a real talent and would cost Chelsea £21m if they did wish to bring him to Stamford Bridge. The club's owner Todd Boehly appears to be prepared to stump up that amount to land the versatile attacker though, so a deal could potentially happen.

Are Chelsea signing Marco Verratti?

Now, according to reliable journalist Kaveh Solhekol, via The Chelsea Chronicle, there is yet another name on their transfer wishlist. It comes in the form of PSG's Marco Verratti, with the reporter stating that the midfielder could be available on a deal from the Ligue 1 side this summer.

It seems the French outfit may be prepared to sell him on if they can land a fee of around £70m for his services and Chelsea have been listed as one of the clubs considering a move for the Italian. No official bid has yet been tabled for the player though and they will also face competition for his signature from Liverpool.

Solhekol said: "PSG’s official position is that the player is not for sale, but I think, reading between the lines, they would listen to offers for him, offers that match their valuation. I think their valuation is about £70m. We have also been told that two Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. The names we were told were Liverpool and Chelsea."

The midfielder is a huge name who has long stood out with his quality on the big stage, with the Italian playing on both the World and European stages with PSG. It's led to him becoming one of the most notable players in his position and that remains the same even this season. Football journalist Josh Bunting stated that Verratti is "magnificent" in terms of his vision, most notably during a game for his country back in March.

It shows that, even though the international star is now 30-years-old, he is still playing at the highest level. If Chelsea want to improve their midfield then, the Ligue 1 based man might be a really good signing for the club.

Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun following an impressive loan spell in Ligue 1, according to Ryan Taylor.

Is Balogun leaving Arsenal?

It's truly amazing what just one season can do to a player's transfer value.

The evidence of this is plain for all to see in the case of Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, who has now been valued at £50m by the Gunners following a sparkling season on loan in France. This time last year, that figure would have been significantly lower.

Balogun has come through Arsenal's youth setup and has always stood out as a striker with great potential. Thierry Henry, a forward who knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in north London, had praised the youngster's decision to choose a loan to a foreign club rather than staying in England (via Evening Standard).

This move to Stade Reims proved hugely beneficial for both player and club; the USA international netted 22 goals in 39 games for the French outfit. Balogun's strikes helped a team expected to struggle in Ligue 1 to an 11th-placed finish.

Such a fruitful loan spell has naturally attracted attention from clubs around Europe, with Arsenal open to selling the 22-year-old for the right price given they cannot guarantee him the minutes he wants at first-team level.

One club who are keen to keep him in the Premier League, however, are Crystal Palace. With Jordan Ayew, Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard far from the most clinical forward line, Roy Hodgson may look to Balogun to help provide a more consistent source of goals next campaign.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Taylor stated: "They [Crystal Palace] are looking at him, from what I understand. I've had conversations about Balogun's future. There are a lot of clubs informed on his situation.

"Palace are one, Inter Milan, Monaco, Marseille, Leipzig, AC Milan, but I think ultimately, the price tag's going to prove complicated for a lot of these clubs because Arsenal know he's a really talented player."

If Arsenal refuse to budge on their high valuation of Balogun, a deal for any club may be beyond reach. £50m would make the starlet by far and away Palace's most expensive signing of all-time and may prove to be too risky for the Eagles given Balogun's lack of Premier League experience.

They will also have to fend off competition from some colossal forces, as Taylor states, with last year's Champions League finalists Inter among the clubs vying for his signature.

With Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and new signing Kai Havertz all available to Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, there is no natural opening for Balogun in the near future.

What kind of player is Balogun?

Someone who now knows Balogun better than most is English Reims manager Will Still. He has been effusive in his praise of the attacker in the past: "He is a super complete striker, he is able to play with his back to goal, in depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive."

His goal tally in Ligue 1 speaks for itself, but Arsenal fans have seen first-hand glimmers of the youngster's talent. He managed two Europa League goals in five games for the Gunners, despite only playing a total of 63 minutes.

Journalist Alex Barker (via CNN) has waxed lyrical about the forward's goalscoring instincts, with Balogun often scoring from close range with one-touch finishes or quickfire strikes.

At just 5ft8 and with a fairly slight build, Balogun will not bully defenders, instead using his pace and tactical awareness to find space in the penalty area, constantly keeping opposition centre-backs on their toes.

Even if his future lies away from Arsenal, he has all the tools to be a top striker in the Premier League and beyond.

Leeds United fans were finally handed the news they have craved for so long now, as it was announced just yesterday that Daniel Farke had agreed to take over the Elland Road vacancy.

With the Whites having taken their time over the appointment, which was largely halted through the 49ers' impending takeover, there is hope that this can kickstart what has been a sluggish start to the summer for a side with aspirations of an instant return to the Premier League.

Having fallen to relegation last term, it was managerial upheaval that contributed to their failings more than anything. Jesse Marsch was the first to struggle, and with Andrea Radrizzani taking his time to dismiss him, it gave Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce little chance to save the club.

A year in the Championship under new ownership could actually prove cathartic for the Yorkshire outfit, allowing them to recalibrate, stabilise, and build a foundation for long-term, sustainable success.

The first port of call is to formulate a plan to terrorise the division they are currently in, with transfer rumours swirling despite the lack of a head coach.

One such report emerged in late June to detail their interest in Swansea City marksman Joel Piroe, which would be a fine addition to their side.

Should they tempt this lethal finisher to join their revolution, he could prove to be the spearhead that fires them straight back to the top flight.

How good is Joel Piroe?

This consistent front-man has proven himself a reliable goalscorer at this level for two years now.

Having moved to Wales in 2021, the PSV Eindhoven academy graduate took no time at all to acclimatise to the physicality of English football.

His 6 foot 1 frame aided in this swift adaptation, which he paired with a fine turn of pace and quick feet.

This allowed the Dutchman to notch 22 league goals in his debut year, alongside a further six assists. He would then follow that up with 19 goals last term, to emphasise his consistency in front of goal.

Piroe's knack for finding the back of the net unsurprisingly drew praise from his former boss, with Russell Martin lauding the confidence he had in his in-form finisher.

He noted: "If you wanted it to fall to anyone, it is him, he is so clinical with both feet, and he is a great technician. But the most important thing he has is the right mentality when he gets around the goal. He shows composure, he is calm, and he just focuses on his technique, something that all top strikers possess."

It is this ability to dominate the Championship, plus his shocking availability for just £12m, that would make him a fine first coup for Farke to attain.

Immediately he would gain a top striker for this level, akin to Teemu Pukki who helped him achieve his two promotions with Norwich City.

The Finnish forward scored 29 and 26 goals in those league campaigns respectively, outlining just how important quality in this position can be.

If they are truly serious about securing an instant top-flight return, Piroe's capture is a must.

Nottingham Forest have tabled a proposal in the hope of bringing Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Alexander Djiku?

Djiku is a centre-back who currently plies his trade at Stade de la Meinau having moved there from SM Caen back in 2019, where he’s since gone on to become a regular feature of the first-team having started 31 out of the 38 Ligue 1 games last season.

However, the 28-year-old’s contract is set to expire this Friday, and despite the French outfit wanting to retain his services beyond that, he’s currently set to depart as a free agent having not yet committed himself to extending his stay.

Football Insider have recently reported that Steve Cooper is looking to bolster his defensive ranks to avoid another relegation battle next season, and having established himself as his side’s overall third best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 6.92, the Ghana international has made it onto the radar at The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Djiku?

According to French outlet L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest have sent Djiku a “proposal” and are “eyeing up” the opportunity to land him on a free transfer. Strasbourg are believed to be using “fresh money” to try and convince him to stay, but whether he will be tempted by improved wages or a new adventure elsewhere yet remains to be seen.

Could Djiku be a good addition for Cooper?

Nottingham Forest’s summer budget is currently unknown so it’s likely a safer option to be targeting the free agent market, and having been hailed a “wonderful” centre-back by journalist Ayishatu Zakaria Ali, Djiku would be an absolute bargain to land for quite literally nothing.

The AFCON participant averaged 4.8 clearances and three aerial wins per league game last season, via WhoScored, so was a real rock at the heart of the backline, not to mention that he also won 36 out of his 53 tackles made, which was the highest success rate throughout the whole of his squad.

Ghana’s 2022 Footballer of the Year, who provided two assists and scored one goal during the previous term, is additionally a versatile operator with his ability to play at left-back, right-back and higher up in defensive midfield alongside his usual role, so should a deal be able to get over the line, it would be a steal for Evangelos Marinakis.

Everton have been strongly linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Viktor Gyokeres?

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Everton have had a bid rejected for the Coventry City striker.

As per the report, the Toffees have made their first offer for Gyokeres and have seen it rejected by the Championship club which has now put Sporting CP ahead in the race to secure his signature this summer.

Will Viktor Gyokeres sign for Everton?

It is no secret that Everton should be focusing on strengthening their forward line this summer after struggling to pose a consistent attacking threat last season, which ultimately contributed to their struggles in the Premier League relegation battle.

Sean Dyche will be likely keen to make his own mark on the squad he inherited from Frank Lampard in late January by bolstering key positions that have been neglected or weakened over the last 12 months, with the striker role probably the most pressing concern.

Indeed, Lampard did acquire the services of former Brighton and Hove Albion centre-forward Neal Maupay last summer in a £15m deal, however, it is safe to say that the Frenchman has failed to deliver since his arrival at Goodison Park and is already in dire need of replacing.

As a result, the signing of Gyokeres – who has a reported £20m price tag – would be warmly welcomed this summer as he could not only add quality depth to the forward line but would also be a significant upgrade on Maupay, especially if he can emulate his outstanding form in the Championship last season.

The Swedish striker has been a revelation for Coventry City and a standout performer in the second tier, finishing his 46-campaign as the second-highest scoring player in the entire league with an impressive 21 goals, but it's not just his conversion in front of goal that makes him a special prospect for Everton.

Over 46 league appearances, Gyokeres – hailed "confident" by Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray – delivered ten assists and created nine big chances, as well as averaging three shots on goal, 1.3 shots on target, 1.8 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles per game, proving he offers a prolific and consistent attacking threat beyond scoring to improve his teammate's chances in the final third too.

In comparison, Maupay was a great deal less successful in his output, registering 0.3 key passes, 1.2 shots on goal, 0.6 shots on target and 0.3 successful dribbles per appearance over 27 Premier League performances.

To make matters worse, he only scored once and offered no assists or big chances, as per SofaScore.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Gyokeres would be a huge upgrade on Maupay this summer and if he could continue to dominate in front of goal would be a huge asset to Dyche next season.

West Ham United have "asked" about a deal to bring Juventus star Denis Zakaria back to the Premier League, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Denis Zakaria?

Zakaria is a defensive midfielder who first arrived at the Allianz Stadium back in January 2022 from Borussia Monchengladbach, but having made just 15 senior appearances, he was sent out on a season-long loan to Chelsea.

The Switzerland international’s spell didn’t go as well as hoped however, having made just five top-flight starts, and there were numerous occasions that he was either an unused substitute or wasn’t named in the matchday squad altogether.

The Irons will know that they are likely to lose captain Declan Rice this summer with Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all chasing him, so David Moyes could enter the market for replacements, and despite his unsuccessful period in England, the 26-year-old has been highlighted as a potential successor.

Are West Ham signing Zakaria?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that West Ham have enquired about Zakaria to discover his availability as they weigh up whether to make an official offer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

"Understand West Ham are among clubs interested in signing Denis Zakaria. He’s back to Juventus after Chelsea loan. #WHUFC West Ham asked for informations on conditions of the deal — but there are many clubs in the race. Zakaria is not in Juventus plan for next season."

Could Zakaria be a good addition for Moyes?

West Ham will not only know that Zakaria didn’t receive enough game time to prove himself at Chelsea but also that he’s much stronger in the defensive aspect of his play having scored just one goal in SW6, and whilst he’s not someone supporters will see romping forward and providing goals, he could be a risk worth taking.

Standing at 6 foot 3, the £52k-per-week colossus last season ranked in the 95th percentile for pass completion, which has seen him hailed “sharp” by journalist Josh Bunting, and the 89th percentile for most clearances, so his precision in possession and ability to get rid of the danger is hugely impressive.

Zakaria, who represented his nation at the 2022 World Cup, is a versatile operator having been deployed in four various positions since the start of his career, including at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his number six role, so he is an individual who could flourish more than you’d imagine under the leadership of Moyes.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be allowed to leave the club by Ange Postecoglou this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

According to SPORT BILD journalist Christian Falk, Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg has emerged as a target for his former club Bayern Munich this summer, as the journalist said on Twitter: "True. FC Bayern discussed a Transfer of Pierre Emile Hojbjerg."

As per Football London, Hojbjerg is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his future and spoke before his native Denmark's EURO 2024 qualifying match against Slovenia on Monday, stating:

"What's lucky is that we plan an international match tomorrow (Monday)," he said.

"So my focus is there. What comes next is fortunately not in my hands. "What I can focus on is what needs to be done tomorrow. I have spoken about before about my time in Munich, but right now I have nothing to say about it."

talkSPORT understand that Tottenham would be willing to listen to offers for the £100k-a-week ace this off-season as he is not guaranteed a starting berth under Postecoglou next term.

Hojbjerg has two years left on his present terms in north London and may well be set for a new challenge following three years at the Lilywhites.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has signalled that he thinks Hojbjerg will leave Tottenham this summer and he also has his doubts over the future of Eric Dier, who could also move on this summer.

Jones said: "In terms of Dier and Højbjerg, I don't know about Dier. I don't know enough about that, but Højbjerg, for sure, seems like his future is in doubt. And I think it's probably unlikely that he stays at Tottenham."

Should Tottenham Hotspur let go of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

All things considered, Hojbjerg is an experienced operator in the engine room, though he may be moved on this summer as Postecoglou looks to stamp his authority on his squad in the transfer market.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is being heavily courted by Tottenham this window, potentially indicating that a changing of the guard in the middle of the park may be a key part of Postecoglou's plans in north London.

In 2022/23, Hojbjerg made 44 appearances in all competitions during the campaign, registering five goals and seven assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

The 27-year-old was also a comfortable presence in possession across the season and maintained a pass success rate of 88.6% in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

In the next few weeks, Hojbjerg's future at Tottenham will become clearer; nevertheless, it does feel like now may be the right time for both parties to go their separate ways ahead of 2023/24.

Chelsea are going to "push very hard" for the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Caicedo leaving Brighton this summer?

The future of the 21-year-old has been a big talking point in recent weeks and months, with a move away from the Amex Stadium expected soon.

Caicedo's Brighton teammate Alexis Mac Allister has already sealed a switch to Liverpool and it would be a big surprise if he hadn't also completed a transfer sooner rather than later.

Chelsea are one of numerous top Premier League clubs who are reportedly in the mix to sign the £15,000-a-week Ecuadorian – Arsenal arguably appear to be the favourites to snap him up – but given the level of interest in him, it won't be easy for the west Londoners to get their man.

It certainly looks as though they are not going to give up without a fight, however, with a fresh update offering encouragement to Blues supporters.

Are Chelsea going to sign Caicedo?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Chelsea are going to really try to sign Caicedo before the start of the new season:

"We know that they tried for Ugarte before pulling out. Caicedo will be a high priority, as he was in January, and Chelsea bid £55million back then. I expect Chelsea to enter the race for Moises Caicedo and push very hard on that front because he has been a long-standing target.

"He is exactly what Chelsea need – a number six with strong defensive qualities and, on top of that, the ability to get box-to-box. But they will want one more, for sure."

Caicedo, who was called an "old school" player by Garth Crooks, could be an absolutely superb summer addition by Chelsea – he has been hailed as "fantastic" by former Brighton and Blues manager Graham Potter – at a time when N'Golo Kante has sealed a move to Saudi Arabia, and Mateo Kovacic could also move on.

The 30-cap Ecuador international clearly isn't going to be available on the cheap, but he could be worth every penny, having averaged 2.7 tackles in the league in 2022/23, which was a higher tally than any other Brighton player.

There is also the issue of Chelsea not having any European football to offer Caicedo, following a dire domestic campaign, which has the potential to work against them, considering some of their rivals than offer him playing time in the Champions League. They must do all they can to get him, though, in what would be such a significant piece of business.

West Ham United have made contact to enquire about a deal to bring Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Yuri Alberto?

Alberto is a Brazil international who currently plays his football at the Neo Quimica Arena having completed his permanent move there on a free transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg in January following a successful loan spell, as per Transfermarkt.

Across both periods, Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s forward has clocked up a total of 56 appearances to date and having only joined in the new year, his contract still has another four years to run.

The Brazilian Serie A star’s performances, however, have grabbed the attention of David Moyes, and it’s not the first time that he’s been identified as a target with UOL Esporte reporting last summer that the Irons had entered the running to sign the 22-year-old before he linked up with Corinthians.

Are West Ham signing Alberto?

Now, according to Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), West Ham are ready to take a second bite of the cherry and have “joined the race” to sign Alberto ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The London Stadium outfit have “shown interest” in striking a deal and have already “got in touch with his staff” to gain the necessary information and discover what it would take to get a move over the line.

The E20 side are “still to make a bid” for the striker, but it’s stated that “could be done” following the celebrations from the Europa Conference League final victory.

Where would Alberto fit in under Moyes?

Danny Ings has publicly admitted that he hasn’t fully settled into life yet at West Ham since joining from Aston Villa so he could be looking to secure a move elsewhere in the summer, and should he depart, Alberto would be the perfect replacement for Moyes.

The Nike-sponsored centre-forward, who earns £13k-per-week, has posted 11 goal contributions (six assists and five goals) in 28 appearances throughout all competitions this season, form which has previously seen him hailed a “clinical” finisher by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Alberto, who offers excellent versatility with his ability to operate in four different positions, including anywhere across the frontline, has also so far recorded the second-highest number of shots throughout the whole of his squad, as per FBRef, so he would be a prolific addition and one that would massively improve the boss’ attacking ranks.

The Mauricio Pochettino era is underway and Chelsea’s chaotic summer is set to commence.

The underperforming and bloated squad must be trimmed, but the arrivals are just as important as the former Tottenham Hotspur coach will need to pinpoint the right blend of experience and youth.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT that the Argentine has emphasised the importance of signing “Premier League proven quality” players at Stamford Bridge to try and reverse the club’s dismal slump into midtable mediocrity.

One player who fits this profile and has been recently linked with Chelsea is Wilfried Zaha, whose reputation and pedigree could massively benefit Pochettino.

What’s the latest on Wilfried Zaha to Chelsea?

According to football.london, the Blues and Arsenal are keeping tabs on the uncertain future of the Palace legend.

However, it's said that the respective parties are now in a battle to sign him, amid interest in his services from Atletico Madrid, per the Daily Mail.

The 30-year-old’s contract is due to expire on 30 June, and he’s been offered a new deal of £200k-per-week, an upgrade on his current terms of £130k-per-week. However, he is yet to put pen to paper in what would surely end the dream of ever playing Champions League football.

Although the West London outfit isn’t competing in European competitions in the upcoming season, the mind-boggling spending power of the new ownership and the plethora of youth talent available means that the club could forge a new bid to get back into the top six.

Would Zaha be a good fit at Chelsea?

The Ivorian has recorded 111 goal contributions in 305 Premier League appearances across his career and has established himself as a formidable asset of a consistently mid-table league outfit, who looks destined to make the step-up in his career.

The forward is a player brimming with effervescence and quality, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 13% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 and the highest 20% for successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

The 2021 Champions League winners have desperately lacked quality from wide areas this term and under Pochettino’s stewardship, the Eagles star could emerge as the 51-year-old’s next Son Heung-min.

Between 2016 and 2018, with Pochettino at the helm, the South Korean sensation notched 41 goal involvements in 71 outings – he was relentlessly efficient, tricky, and pacey – deploying the same wing play that Zaha uses to terrorise defenders.

This season, Zaha has averaged two dribbles per game, and last year, when Son finished as the division’s top scorer, he managed 1.9 dribbles per game, as both players possess a ruthless directness.

These figures are definitely something that the former Manchester United starlet could replicate, especially with Ben Chilwell consistently overlapping on the attack.

Hailed as “outstanding” by Ally McCoist and given the strategy that Pochettino is aiming to implement, Zaha would be a welcome addition to the squad.