HLs: The Open Championship 2025, Late Round 3
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Chelsea Are In Advanced Talks To Land This Bundesliga Playmaker: Good Signing For Maresca?
In a recent newsletter with Give Me Sport, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Chelsea are in advanced talks to land Red Bull Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons this summer. Romano said, 'Yes, but Eze is higher on their list and Simons is currently in advanced talks with Chelsea.' Simons' Impressive Form In The Bundesliga Simons enjoyed a decent run of form at the German club after he put in a series of impressive performances for them on the offensive end of the pitch. The 22-year-old netted 11 goals and earned eight assists in 33 matches for RB Leipzig last season across multiple competitions. The Dutch playmaker deserves some credit for averaging 2.09 shots per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. He kept 46% of his attempts on target. Simons was even tidy when distributing the ball in the opponent's half, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 78.6% in the top tier of German football (stats via His current contract at the German club will run out in the summer of 2027. Therefore, Chelsea would have to make a big offer if they want to bring him to Stamford Bridge this off-season. WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig at the Volkswagen Arena on April 11, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by) Is Simons A Good Signing For Chelsea? Simons is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the vision to engineer a few inviting chances for his teammates in the final third. He usually generates a lot of power with his shot attempts from long range and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. The Dutch talent is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also play as a winger on either flank if needed. However, he might need some time to settle into life in the Premier League if the West London club manage to sign him this summer. Still, we can expect Simons to bring more firepower to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca's attack. He is good enough to fight for regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge next season. At 22, the future looks quite bright for Simons as long as he continues to improve with each year. He will also help the Blues compete across all fronts in the coming years. Hence, Simons would be an excellent signing for Chelsea to pull off in this summer transfer period.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Powerhouse Gyokeres can give Arsenal missing edge
Dynamic striker Viktor Gyokeres' arrival at Arsenal could be the perfect fix for their attacking needs ahead of the new Premier League campaign as the Gunners bid to end their lengthy title drought. The Swedish centre-forward signed from Sporting Lisbon on Saturday in a deal worth up to 76 million euros ($89 million) as Arsenal seek the key to unlock a first league crown since 2004. While Mikel Arteta's side are defensively durable, at times they lacked offensive thrust as they came second in the top flight behind Liverpool and reached the Champions League semi-finals. The Spanish coach often deployed midfielders Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino up front last season, particularly after Gabriel Jesus was sidelined through injury in January. The imposing Gyokeres, strong, fast and a constant surging threat, is a new type of tool for a side eager for more cutting edge going forward. After a move to Brighton fell flat, failing to make a Premier League appearance, Gyokeres shone at Coventry City in the English Championship. He earned a move to Sporting in 2023, and his game has continued to grow rapidly. "I'm definitely there... at the same table (as the world's top strikers)," the forward told L'Equipe earlier this month, comparing himself to Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski. The 27-year-old striker netted 97 goals in 102 matches across all competitions for the Portuguese giants, helping Sporting win the league title in both of his seasons at the club. Gyokeres rarely lets defenders rest, with his movement a problem for opponents, who get dragged around and struggle to keep up as he breaks in behind. The forward celebrates his goals by making a mask with his hands, which he has indicated is in reference to brutish Batman villain Bane, representing his physical prowess and lethal finishing. Gyokeres' presence should lighten the load on winger Bukayo Saka, who is often targeted as Arsenal's man to stop, and could give the England international more space to operate in. Given his superb form over the past two seasons it feels the right moment for the striker to make the jump to one of Europe's top sides. - 'The best players' - Sporting president Frederico Varandas threatened the forward with a fine as he refused to turn up at pre-season training, trying to force through his transfer. Eventually Gyokeres got what he wanted and at long last Arsenal have as well, after failing with moves for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in January and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig earlier this summer, among other reported operations. "In the Premier League we've gone a step backwards... it's clear that we haven't done as good as last season, that's obvious," said Arteta in May, making his case for signing attacking stars. "I want the best team, the best players. If we have three goalscorers over 25 (goals each), bring them in, and we're going to be a much better team. "I think if you score over 90 goals, you have a high, high probability of winning the Premier League." Gyokeres hit 54 last season in 52 matches for Sporting, finishing only behind Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe in the European Golden Shoe standings, and beating Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. The striker netted more top-flight goals than Mbappe but because of the weighting-based system depending on the strength of their respective leagues, he finished behind the Frenchman. "The Portuguese league is a very good league, with a lot of technical players -- it may not be as physical as in England, but the level is really good," Gyokeres said, confident he will adapt to the Premier League. A hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League last season as Sporting thrashed Pep Guardiola's side 4-1 in November suggests he might be right. Two of those goals were penalties, however, and he scored 19 spot-kicks in total across all competitions, with some questioning if he really does belong in the top bracket of attackers. Both Gyokeres and Arsenal have Premier League points to prove in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. rbs/nf/mw
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool to Build Memorial for Late Star Diogo Jota and Brother
Anfield to host permanent tribute after tragic car accident claims Portuguese forward's life Liverpool to Build Memorial for Late Star Diogo Jota and Brother Liverpool FC've confirmed plans to build permanent memorial at Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva following their tragic passing earlier this month. Tragedy Strikes Portuguese Star The 28 year old Diogo Jota and his younger brother died in car crash on 3 Jul when their Lamborghini overturned near the northwest Spanish border. The Portuguese forward'd been heading to Santander port to sail to the UK after doctors advised him not to fly due to recent lung surgery. Fans poured in tributes around Anfield scarves, shirts, flowers and cards which the club's now collected. Liverpool announced that: Flowers'll be composted and used in Anfield's gardens. All other items will be recycled into lasting memorial installation. The memorial'll serve as dedicated remembrance space at the stadium. "Forever 20" Armband & Shirt Retirement Liverpool also confirmed that players will wear "Forever 20" badge on matchday kits all season honouring Jota's shirt number which the club has now retired. A temporary reflection area has already been set up at Anfield for fans to continue paying their respects.
