Latest Premier League News and Transfer Rumours

Here is our transfers and news round-up from today’s papers.

Chelsea Appoint Head Coach

After parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino just 2 days after the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Chelsea have appointed his successor: Enzo Maresca.

The Italian had won the Championship title with Leicester in May and now moves to Stamford Bridge on a 5-year contract, with the option for an additional year.

In his first interview with Chelsea’s official website, Maresca said: “To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.

“I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”

Apart from Leicester City, the 44-year-old has been in charge of Parma and the Manchester City Elite Development Squad in his budding managerial career.

Fans’ Match of the Season

The Premier League website has announced the results of its fan poll for Match of the Season.

The winner is the November clash at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Manchester City, which ended in a 4-4 draw.

You can watch the extended highlights here:

Chelsea 4-4 Man City | Highlights – EXTENDED | Premier League 2023/24

Arsenal and Newcastle United Departures

Arsenal have announced the names of the players who are leaving the club this summer at the end of their contracts, for both the men’s and women’s teams.

There are 22 players on the list, with the most notable ones being Mohamed Elneny, Vivianne Miedema and Cedric Soares. You can see the full list here.

Newcastle have also published the identities of players departing St. James’ Park at the end of their contracts. The most important names are Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie. Both of them have had long tenures with Newcastle, but Dummett’s 23-year association with the club really stands out.

You can check out the official announcement here.

VAR Motion Vote

Premier League clubs are set to vote at this week’s Annual General Meeting  on whether to scrap the use of VAR, as a motion has been tabled last month by Wolves.

Wolverhampton had been at the wrong end of some contentious VAR decisions in recent times, so they took the initiative to submit a formal request to get rid of the system, earning praise from some sections of the public for taking this step.

However, The Telegraph is reporting that Premier League are set to vote against the motion, as it seems that Wolves have failed to get enough support from other clubs – 14 out of the 20 EPL clubs would need to vote in favour for a motion to be adopted.

We believe that, although VAR seems to be sticking around, it is definitely high time for improvements. The semi-automated offside technology coming this summer will most likely help, but there are other areas which need addressing as well in order to avoid similar controversies in the future.

EPL Transfers

A report from the Daily Telegraph says that Fulham are looking to strengthen their attack this summer and are keen on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe. The Cottagers might lose Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid this summer, while the Gunners are aiming to raise transfer funds by selling some fringe players.

Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr want to have Portuguese stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes playing together at club level as well. They are prepared to make Manchester United a whopping £128 million offer for their captain. (CaughtOffside)

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, new Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca wants to convince the club to abandon their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Manchester City will be chasing the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer, along with Barcelona. (Bild)

Arsenal have 2 midfield targets this summer, according to The Athletic. Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Benfica’s Joao Neves are both on their radar, but neither deal will be easy to seal. This is also because Portuguese outlet Record is claiming that Benfica have already set a price of at least £85 million for Neves, and have rejected a £51 million bid from Manchester United.

Tottenham might be the biggest name among the many teams looking to bring Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland to the Premier League, according to a report in The Guardian.

Meanwhile talks are continuing between Aston Villa and Juventus about a swap deal involving Douglas Luiz and Weston McKennie. However, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is telling us that the negotiations are complicated due to the difference in valuations of the players.