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There was a time not long ago when seeing a Newcastle United player in an England shirt felt like a rarity.

Yet on Tuesday night, as Anthony Gordon completed 90 minutes against Wales, fans on Tyneside had reason to smile.

For a club once seen as an outsider to international recognition, Newcastle’s growing representation in the England setup marks a remarkable transformation.

Now, barring injuries, almost half a dozen Newcastle players could find themselves in the national fold.

Dan Burn appears to have established himself as England’s third-choice centre-back behind Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are widely expected to receive future call-ups once they recover from their respective injuries.

Yet for all the current excitement, there’s one player Newcastle fans are forced to admire from afar.

A midfielder who came through their academy, left reluctantly, and is now flourishing in the England squad.

Anderson’s successes with England

Elliot Anderson’s story is one that continues to sting for many Newcastle supporters.

The 22-year-old, born in the Northeast and developed through the club’s academy, was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer as part of Newcastle’s desperate effort to stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

The deal, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, was described at the time as purely financial – neither the player nor the club wanted to part ways.

Since moving to Forest, Anderson has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring two goals and registering six assists.

Minutes Played

2,728

Goals

2

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

52

Progressive Passes

143

His mix of energy and tactical awareness quickly made him one of Thomas Tuchel’s most reliable players.

His rise has continued on the international stage.

After switching allegiances from Scotland to England, Anderson has earned three senior caps, picking up two man-of-the-match awards in his first two games.

In England’s recent 1–0 win over Wales, he played 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Henderson, completing 77 passes (an impressive 96% accuracy) from 92 touches.

He also produced two key passes, won four of six ground duels, and made one interception.

Tuchel’s use of Anderson as Rice’s midfield partner for Declan Rice has proven to be a masterstroke.

The former Newcastle man’s ability to retain possession, play progressively, and read danger makes him an ideal modern central midfielder.

He thrives in tight spaces, dictates rhythm, and has a sharpness that’s elevated both Forest and England’s midfield balance.

For Newcastle, it’s hard not to imagine how Anderson might have looked alongside Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali at St James’ Park.

But while they lost a gem in the short term, the club might just have the next one already developing in their ranks.

The England player of the future at Newcastle

At just 19 years old, Lewis Miley is being tipped as Newcastle’s next homegrown star.

Standing at 1.89m with a market value already approaching £20m, as per Transfermarkt, the central midfielder combines intelligence, technique, and maturity well beyond his years.

Last season, Miley made 14 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and has now featured 49 times across all competitions for Newcastle, including in the Champions League.

His calmness in possession and range of passing have drawn comparisons to some of England’s finest midfielders. BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin has gone as far as to describe him as “the next young English superstar.”

Despite his age, Miley already plays with the control of a seasoned professional.

He averages 48 completed passes per 90 minutes with an 88% pass accuracy, ranking among the best in his age group.

His defensive contribution is equally strong – 4.00 tackles per 90 and 1.43 blocks per 90 show a midfielder unafraid to do the dirty work.

Statistically, he even matches up well against Anderson.

While Anderson edges him in attacking metrics – 4.72 progressive passes, 1.72 progressive carries, and 2.87 shot-creating actions per 90 – Miley’s efficiency and composure are exceptional for a teenager.

His higher passing accuracy and greater defensive output underline why Eddie Howe sees him as central to Newcastle’s long-term plans.

There have been signs of growing pains this season, as he’s occasionally struggled to influence matches from deep.

Yet Howe and senior teammates like Joelinton have been quick to defend him, pointing to the experience he’s gaining as invaluable for his development.

A summer loan to Crystal Palace or Ipswich was considered but ultimately rejected.

Miley’s ability to combine tidy passing with defensive resilience makes him the archetype of the modern English midfielder.

Like Anderson, he’s comfortable playing between the lines, but he offers more control and balance in possession – something England’s midfield may need in the years to come.

For Howe, the lesson is clear: when you nurture talent properly, the next generation might already be waiting in your own backyard.

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It’s been a fairly positive international break for Newcastle United and one player has now been the subject of high praise from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

Newcastle stars shine on international duty

To no surprise, Nick Woltemade has been the main Newcastle name in the headlines. The German continued his good form from club level by scoring for his nation as they edged past Northern Ireland. It’s now five goals in all competitions for Newcastle’s record signing since arriving at St James’ Park and he looks unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

It’s also been a strong international break for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian started both games for his nation as they smashed South Korea 5-0 before falling to an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Japan. However, the fact that he kept hold of his starting place as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign commenced, is a positive sign ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There was one player that certainly didn’t enjoy his time away from Tyneside, though, and that’s Anthony Elanga. The winger has been part of a struggling Sweden side yet to win a game in World Cup qualifying and only saw his nation’s misery continue in defeats against Kosovo and Switzerland.

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Given that the former Nottingham Forest winger is also yet to score for Newcastle, the last thing he needed was more frustration with his country. He, as well as Eddie Howe, will be hoping for an upturn in form when the Magpies return to action.

That said, the same doesn’t apply to one of his teammates, who is beginning to rediscover his best form and earn deserved praise as a result.

Micah Richards: Gordon "next level" compared to Rashford

Left in awe of the Newcastle winger after he scored his second goal for England in a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia, Richards claimed that Gordon is the “next level” above Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United after putting pen to paper on a £12m-a-year deal.

Heaping praise on Gordon, Richards said: “I think Gordon. I think Gordon. And that’s why I was talking about Rashford, because Rashford’s doing well at Barcelona, as I’ve mentioned, but Gordon, I think he’s took his game to the next level.

“I think he’s always been a confident boy. He’s always been able to go both ways. He’s played a little bit up front in that number nine role.

“He’s definitely best out, out wide, but I think his final ball’s getting a lot better. Don’t forget, when he goes down that side, he’s coming on to his left foot, but some of the balls he put in tonight, they were a lot better than I’ve seen previously. So I think he did well tonight.”

Prasidh was economical but the rest of GT’s bowlers travelled

ESPNcricinfo staff25-May-20254:42

‘The zip has been missing in Rashid’s bowling’

Chennai Super Kings’ mid-season replacements – Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis – played bright knocks in their last game of IPL 2025, offering hope that the future could be just as bright.After 17-year-old Mhatre, CSK’s youngest player ever, and local boy Urvil set the platform with thirty-somethings, Dewald Brevis launched from there, cracking a 19-ball half-century on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad. The upshot was CSK finishing with 230 for 5, their highest total in IPL 2025 and a “great score,” according to Brevis.If GT fail to chase this, they could end up playing the Eliminator and missing the chance to have two cracks at the final.The carnage started when Mhatre took left-arm seamer Arshad Khan for a sequence of 6,6,4,4,6 in the second over, which cost GT 28 runs. Prasidh Krishna cut Mhatre’s innings short on 34 off 17 in the fourth over, but CSK went onto score 68 for 1, their joint-highest powerplay score this season.Much like Mhatre, Urvil dashed out of the blocks, flicking Mohammed Siraj for six and then picking Gerald Coetzee, who had replaced Kagiso Rabada, for back-to-back fours. He also showed his attacking enterprise against the spin of R Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan. Sai Kishore, however, had the last laugh when he switched to over the wicket and had Urvil holing out to extra-cover for 37 off 19 balls.Devon Conway, becalmed in the early exchanges, attacked Rashid in the middle overs, smashing him for 21 off ten balls before the legspinner bowled him for 52 off 35 balls.Brevis then took charge at the death with a rare combination of explosive power and T20 innovation. He faced 23 balls and crashed nine of those to or over the boundary. It even helped CSK offset Ravindra Jadeja’s slow going. By the time Brevis was dismissed off the last ball of the innings for 57, CSK had already touched 230.Jadeja stayed unbeaten on 21 off 18 balls. Prasidh was the pick of the bowlers for GT, coming away with 2 for 22 in his four overs.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has shot down claims regarding himself and Wayne Rooney, comparing themselves during their teenage years.

Owen unrivalled at 18 years of age

Owen burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old back in 1997, scoring on his Liverpool debut at Wimbledon, before becoming a superstar for both the Reds and England.

The ex-striker’s career fell away as the years passed, mainly due to injuries, but speaking to Rio Ferdinand, he claimed that no English player has reached the level he did at that age.

“People can look at how I played at 26 and say, ‘these players are much better than him.’ Yes, I know. By then, my hamstring muscles were torn in half. I was ashamed to wear a shirt with my name on it at 26 and beyond. I was already in decline. I won the Ballon d’Or when I was already on the downturn. It was a serious decline. At 19, my muscles tore in half.

“But if we talk about the period from 7 to 19 years old, I’m not sure anyone was better than me. There were very few players like that. What Ronaldo was doing at 17, 18 – my God! I played against Thierry Henry; there was a one- or two-year gap between us, and he wasn’t doing what I was doing.

“At 17, I became the Premier League top scorer – that will never happen again! And at 18, twice. But everyone remembers only how I played at 31, 32. By then, I couldn’t do anything anymore.”

It is clearly a topic that has irked Owen, with some remembering his latter days rather than his remarkable early years, and he isn’t letting the debate go away.

Owen shoots down Rooney with new remarks

Writing on X on Friday, Owen further went on to compare himself to Rooney at 17, saying there is no debate as to who was better at that age, comparing his Liverpool exploits to that of the ex-Everton sensation.

In fairness to Owen, time hasn’t been kind to him, with so many thinking about his injuries, and the players who have potentially surpassed him since, including Rooney.

That said, he has a genuinely valid point in saying that nobody was better at 17 or 18, in England at least, with the former Three Lions international a stunning talent – one who scored 23 goals in both 1997/98 and 1998/99, before he had even turned 20.

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While Rooney went on to have a better career, and was a superior all-round footballer overall, Owen was better as a teenager, and was arguably only below Brazil legend Ronaldo at the same age.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed details of his conversation with referee Anthony Taylor in the moments after Chelsea secured a late, drastic victory over the champions in west London. Van Dijk says he was surprised the referee appeared to end the match prematurely after The Blues' lengthy celebrations.

Getty Images SportLate, late show at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Estevao’s late winning goal. The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with the game seemingly heading for a draw after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Moises Caicedo's stunning early strike. However, Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian substitute, latched onto a cross from Marc Cucurella and slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Chelsea players and fans, and even led to boss Enzo Maresca being sent off for his exuberant reaction. This late win provided a crucial boost for the Blues after two consecutive Premier League defeats, but condemned Arne Slot's side to their third consecutive loss.  

AdvertisementVan Dijk wanted answers from ref Taylor

After the 2-1 defeat, Van Dijk said: "I saw the celebrations, and rightly so. But I thought the celebrations went over two minutes, so I looked at the clock when he blew his whistle – it was 98. I was thinking: 'How is that possible? I was just asking a very polite question at that point – I'm not angry or aggressive. I was just asking where the logic behind it is. But that is not where the main focus should be. We should improve. That should be the main focus. We know even more than ever and the good thing is we have opportunities to do so when we come back." 

Another chapter in the heated rivalry

While events at Stamford Bridge were thrilling, the rivalry between the two clubs is a relatively modern phenomenon, largely sparked by their frequent, high-stakes encounters in the mid-2000s. The arrival of Roman Abramovich, and his seemingly endless wealth, at Chelsea in 2003 propelled them into direct competition with established giants like Liverpool. The appointments of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Rafael Benítez at Liverpool in 2004 intensified this rivalry, as their personal feud and contrasting football philosophies fueled animosity between the clubs. In the 2005 League Cup final, won by Chelsea, Mourinho famously ‘shushed’ Liverpool fans, and there was Luis Garcia's "ghost goal" in the 2005 Champions League semi-final that sent the Reds to the final. Steven Gerrard's near transfer to Chelsea in 2005 and his infamous slip in 2014, which arguably cost Liverpool the Premier League title, are other key events that deepened the animosity between the clubs' fanbases.  

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AFPTime to ponder for Slot

The Liverpool boss may be glad for the time to pause and consider his next move as we head into the international break. It has been a tricky couple of weeks with the three defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and now Chelsea, and he’s watched Arsenal move above them at the top of the Premier League table, but he won't panic just yet. His in-tray will be overflowing, including how to get the best out of Florian Wirtz, what his best system is and the question marks remain over his defence. And what a match Liverpool face when the domestic season resumes, as they host fierce rivals Manchester United on October 19th.   

Tottenham Hotspur are now determined to sign a “fantastic” defender in January, with manager Thomas Frank personally keen on the move.

Tottenham decide against summer move for new defender

There were some late suggestions that Tottenham could make a late move for a new centre-back, with Manuel Akanji being named among the potential targets, but they ultimately decided against bringing in a new defender.

Frank has previously made it clear he is happy with the current options at the back, saying: “We have right now three centre backs: Micky, Romero, Danso and Ben (Davies) can play there if necessary,”

“We have Kota the young central defender we bought this summer and is running now and training with the team next week. There’s not many left behind. And then Dragusin is coming back in a couple of months (to playing games) so that should be enough.”

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Spurs have shipped just one goal in the Premier League up to this point, having looked far more solid defensively than they did under Ange Postecoglou, with newly-appointed captain Cristian Romero continuing to impress despite the defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

Statistic

Number completed

Duels won

5/6

Clearances

3

Tackles

2

Last man tackles

1

That said, according to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham remain determined to bring in Brentford’s Nathan Collins during the January transfer window, and they are hoping to make concrete progress in their pursuit of the defender.

Frank is clearly a fan of his former player, with the report stating the Dane is personally eager to sign Collins, as Spurs are keen to bring in a proven Premier League leader.

However, the Bees are in a strong negotiating position, given that their captain is contracted until the summer of 2029, and it may take an offer of €50m (£43m) to tempt them into a sale.

Collins would provide "fantastic" depth for Tottenham

As previously mentioned, Frank isn’t exactly short on options at the back, but it could be worth Tottenham revisiting a move for their summer target in the January window if they suffer a major injury setback before then.

Losing Romero or Micky van de Ven would be a real blow, given the way in which the centre-back duo have started the season, keeping clean sheets in two of the opening three Premier League games.

However, the Irishman has proven he could be capable of stepping in as a replacement, with compatriot John O’Shea lauding him as a “fantastic player” back in March.

Not only that, but Collins would also be a dependable option at the back for Frank, given that he very rarely sustains injuries, appearing in all 38 of Brentford’s Premier League games last season.

Arsenal will get their 2025/26 Premier League campaign underway on Sunday afternoon when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The clash will see the battle of the big spenders in the summer transfer window, with both clubs splashing over £200m on new additions during the off-season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have added the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi to the squad, addressing issues within key areas of the side early into the summer.

However, with just a couple of weeks left of the window, further additions could still be expected at the Emirates to further bolster the club’s ambitions of ending the year at the top of the table.

Other positions are still set to be subject to investment, handing Arteta the tools to go one better and finally end their two-decade wait for a top-division triumph.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

After a long-standing pursuit, Arsenal have once again stepped up their attempts to complete a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this window.

It’s been reported that the Gunners are in talks to land the 27-year-old, who managed a total of 25 goal contributions across all competitions for the Eagles in 2024/25 – helping them win the FA Cup.

However, he’s not the only forward-minded player currently in their sights, with Real Madrid talent Rodrygo another player they are considering, according to TBR Football.

They claim that Arteta’s side have already held talks with the player’s representatives over a move to the Emirates after being told he’s free to leave Xabi Alonso’s men.

It also states Manchester City are interested in a move for the 24-year-old, with the Brazilian keen on a switch to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Any deal could cost in the region of £78m.

Why Arsenal’s latest target would be an upgrade on Eze

Given Eze’s success at Selhurst Park under Oliver Glasner last season, it’s no surprise to see the player touted with a move to join one of England’s leading sides.

The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in their FA Cup triumph, but their recent demotion to the Europa Conference League could see the player want to take the leap and further his career.

His tally of 25 goals and assists is no mean feat, evidently able to produce the spectacular on a consistent basis – as seen by his strike against the Gunners throughout the recent campaign.

However, a move may not be as straightforward as it seems, with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also entering talks to land the Englishman ahead of the September 1st deadline.

However, missing out on Eze may not be a huge issue, especially if they land the signature of Rodrygo, who could prove to be worth his current £87m asking price.

When comparing his stats to those of the Palace star in 2024/25, he managed to better him in various areas, subsequently offering Arteta’s side a more potent attacking option.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, whilst notching a better goal per shot on target rate – undoubtedly handing Arteta the added threat he craves.

How Rodrygo & Eze compare throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Rodrygo	Eze
Games played	30	34
Goals & assists	11	16
Shot-on-target accuracy	37%	26%
Pass accuracy	86%	74%
Key passes made	2.3	2.1
Passes into final third	3.1	1.7
Progressive carries	5.3	2.4
Carries into opposition box	2.4	0.7
Progressive passes	5.1	3.3
Stats via FBref

He also completed more key passes per 90, with more of which going into the final third, subsequently handing Gyokeres the chances he needs to be a success in North London throughout 2025/26.

Rodrygo’s ability to take the ball into dangerous areas is sensational, completing nearly double the amount of progressive carries per 90 and carries into the opposition box – having the end product to top off his mazy runs – as seen by his tally of 11 goal contributions.

There’s no doubt that the Madrid star would cost slightly more this summer, but it’s a move that would allow the side to land a better talent in the process.

His versatility within the final third would also provide needed depth in multiple positions, with the hierarchy needing to push hard to avoid missing out on his signature.

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Disgraced former Premier League David Coote has pleaded not guilty on the charge of making an indecent video of a child.

Appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' CourtGranted conditional bailCurrently banned by the Premier League & UEFAFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 43-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on September 11, confirming his full name and address, as reported by the Mirror. After entering a not guilty plea, he was granted conditional bail. He was told: "You will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on October 9 for a plea and case management hearing.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Coote stands accused of having made one indecent video of a child of category A on January 2, 2020 – which is the most serious category as it typically relates to young children being sexually abused by adults.

District Judge Gilliam Young handed Coote bail conditions that stipulate he must have no contact with any child under the age of 18 or reside at an address where a person under the age of 18 is present.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Prosecutor Ben Payne stated that police became involved in the case after an independent company examined two mobile phones and allegedly found "two conversations of concern". A laptop is also said to have been seized from the address where Coote was arrested – with the category A image being discovered on that device.

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WHAT NEXT?

Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) in December 2024 after a video emerged online showing him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. He was charged by the FA in June 2025 over those comments.

In February 2025, Coote was banned by UEFA following the release of a video that appeared to show him snorting a white powder at Euro 2024. He had come out as gay a month earlier.

Aston Villa could make a move for a “superstar” striker to replace Ollie Watkins this summer, amid doubts over the England international’s future at Villa Park, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.

Watkins' Villa future up in the air

It is well-known that Watkins has been a long-term target for Arsenal, but the Gunners are not the only Premier League club that admire the striker, with Liverpool and Manchester United recently expressing an interest.

However, with Mikel Arteta closing in on Viktor Gyokeres, and the Reds looking to sign Hugo Ekitike, a move to Old Trafford may be the more likely outcome, and there is a feeling the 29-year-old would be keen on signing for the Red Devils.

The Villa star leaving would, of course, be a blow for Unai Emery, given that he has been a regular source of goals and assists ever since his arrival in the top flight, picking up 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

However, it is important that Emery has a replacement lined up just in case, and Tavolieri has now revealed that a Paris Saint-Germain forward has entered the frame as a potential option.

Taking to X, the Sky Sports reporter revealed Aston Villa could make a move for Randal Kolo Muani if Watkins is sold, having recently held talks about selling the Englishman to Man United.

Amid links to Newcastle United back in June, it was revealed that PSG could look to hold out for a fee of £50m, meaning the Villans will need to spend big if they are to get a deal over the line.

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While the 26-year-old found it difficult to cement his place in a star-studded PSG side, he impressed on loan at Juventus after joining the Italian club in the January transfer window, netting eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

The former Juventus loanee also caught the eye at the Club World Cup, collecting three goal contributions in as many games, and he has received high praise from German legend Lothar Matthäus in the past, who dubbed the Frenchman a “superstar”.

That said, while Kolo-Muani clearly has the talent to be a success at Villa Park, Emery’s number one priority should be to keep hold of Watkins, given that the centre-forward’s influence cannot be understated.

The former Brentford man has scored a minimum of 10 Premier League goals per season ever since arriving at Villa Park, and he featured in every single league game last season.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

37

14

5

2021-22

35

11

2

2022-23

37

15

6

2023-24

37

19

15

2024-25

38

16

8

An emphasis on investment remains at BlueCo’s Chelsea, but several learning curves have been passed and there’s a feeling that things are not so scattergun anymore.

With Enzo Maresca’s side preparing to take on the Paris Saint-Germain super-team in the Club World Cup final, the club will be permitted to take only the briefest sojourn before a reduced pre-season commences ahead of 2025/26.

There has already been a deluge of new arrivals for the west Londoners, who secured their place back in the Champions League and won the Conference League across Maresca’s first season at the helm.

Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have been poached from domestic rivals, while Jamie Gittens, 20, has finally completed his £51.5m transfer from Borussia Dortmund, having been hailed by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley as “England’s best left winger in 2024/25” before he plateaued over the closing months of the term.

The talented Estevao, Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo are all bound for Stamford Bridge too, but Chelsea still have a few more tricks up their sleeve.

The latest on Chelsea's summer transfer window

Noni Madueke has been granted permission to engage in the personal technicalities of his proposed transfer to Arsenal, with the Gunners having seen a £52m offer accepted.

The right winger is a talented player but hardly indispensable. And he’s not the only one the Blues are willing to offload in order to reshape in a superior fashion. Indeed, Nicolas Jackson may be sold, with Todd Boehly reportedly pricing the Senegalese striker at an eye-watering £100m amid interest from AC Milan.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have been mooted to make their move for Aston Villa’s dynamic attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, something which Madueke’s departure would facilitate.

But Maresca seemingly wants some more competition out on the left, too, with Mykhaylo Mudryk in interminable purgatory and the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix all likely to leave this summer.

And that’s why Chelsea could make an approach for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma, who, aged 28, is settled as one of the most underrated wingers in the Premier League.

That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who has confirmed that Chelsea (and Arsenal) have considered making a move to sign the Japan international this summer.

Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabian suitors are also looking to get a deal done, and while there’s a sense that Mitoma’s entourage are drumming up interest to get a bumper new contract at the AMEX, the door is ajar for a summer switch, though Brighton would certainly need to lower their £80m asking price.

Why Chelsea want to sign Kaoru Mitoma

Mitoma joined Brighton from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale and was instantly loaned out to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Pro League, something which proved instrumental for his development as he polished his physical properties before being unleashed in the Premier League.

Now, he’s a seasoned veteran, having completed 108 appearances for the Seagulls across all competitions, scoring 24 goals and assisting 20 more.

His 37-goal involvement return in the Premier League, across 88 matches, is also nothing to be sniffed at. Mitoma isn’t the most prolific player, but he is immensely talented and endowed with the pace and intelligence to make a real difference.

In fact, the 28-year-old ranked among the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the English top flight last term for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, which highlights the impact he could have in Chelsea’s first team.

Is there any proof that Gittens, so young and untested, could bring such an instant effect to Maresca’s squad? Indeed, cast your mind back to Jadon Sancho’s days at Dortmund, and you will find all the substance needed to form such a compelling argument.

League Stats 24/25 – Kaoru Mitoma vs Jamie Gittens

Stats (* per game)

Mitoma

Gittens

Matches (starts)

36 (28)

32 (21)

Goals

10

8

Assists

4

3

Shots (on target)*

1.6 (0.8)

1.6 (0.8)

Big chances missed

12

4

Pass completion

81%

82%

Big chances created

8

6

Key passes*

1.0

0.7

Dribbles*

1.4

2.4

Ball recoveries*

2.8

2.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.3

Duels won*

4.1

4.9

Stats via Sofascore

While Gittens is maybe a bit more active in the duel, and certainly has the makings of a clinical wideman, Mitoma is more complete in his performances, with BBC pundit Shay Given even claiming he’s “at the heart of everything positive” Brighton do in the Premier League.

There is also the pretty significant factor that Mitoma plies his trade in the Premier League, whereas Gittens has been cutting his teeth these past few years in the Bundesliga, a division of ostensibly lower quality.

The aforementioned Bailey has regarded Mitoma as “one of the Premier League’s best”, and it’s clear to see why. Though consistency might not be the Japanese’s strong suit, he has shown quality on England’s biggest stage that most wingers could only dream of, and even then, such ambitions would be hazy, ill-defined things.

While Gittens has the makings of something special, Chelsea would be wise to ease him into a position of seniority at Stamford Bridge. Signing Mitoma and allowing the pair to jockey for starting roles could prove a move that bears dividends for the success of Maresca’s project.

Chelsea will be raising the bar in the months to come. European nights will be freighted with the added expectation and intensity that the Champions League theatre brings. Mitoma is exactly the kind of player who could help the club tackle this issue and come up with a solution.

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Posts 1 ByRoss Kilvington Jul 13, 2025