Chelsea Weighing Up Bid For £112.5m "Total Player"

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear he is after more players this summer, despite the Premier League heavyweights already spending close to £650m on new recruits in the past year.

Who are Chelsea looking to sign?

Speaking earlier this month, Pochettino stated that he intended to bring in more players who suited both his and Chelsea's philosophy. That came after the Blues had confirmed the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson for a combined £83.5m.

However, for all the money spent over the past three transfer windows under Todd Boehly, it must also be factored in that Chelsea have raised substantial cash through player sales – though not as much as they would have liked.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang became the latest big name to depart Stamford Bridge this week when joining Ligue 1 side Marseille, while the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and long-serving Cesar Azpilicueta have also left.

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo remains Chelsea's priority target with a little under six weeks of the window to go, but another attacking player also appears to be on Pochettino's radar.

According to a report from Spain, Real Madrid star Federico Valverde is one of those being eyed up by the Blues, who are supposedly weighing up an offer of up to €130m (£112.5m) to make the versatile player to most expensive signing in their history.

How many positions can Federico Valverde play?

It is almost easier to list the positions Valverde cannot do a job in, having been used pretty much all over the field by Carlo Ancelotti in recent seasons.

The Uruguay international's favoured position is in central midfield, with the majority of his appearances coming there last season, as per WhoScored, but he can also play anywhere down the right-hand side.

Valverde's numbers may be skewed somewhat due to the fact he has operated in numerous positions, but he shares plenty of similarities with teammate Luka Modric when it comes to their playing styles.

Indeed, FBref's player comparison model ranks Modric as the player fourth-most like Valverde among those from across Europe's top five leagues. That gives a good indication of what the Uruguayan is all about – and it could be particularly good news for new signing Nkunku.

Christopher-Nkunku

Valverde assisted four La Liga goals on top of the seven he scored last season. While that may not seem like a big amount of assists on the face of it, he is among the top 3% of midfielders when it comes to expected assisted goals.

That effectively means the quality of passes Asensio played should have resulted in more goals, which is something Nkunku could hugely benefit from next season and beyond.

Nkunku scored 16 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig last season from an expected goals return of 14.4, showing that the France international scored more goals than anticipated based on the quality of his chances.

Valverde is also in the top 20% of midfielders across Europe's elite leagues for shot-creating actions – which takes passes and take-ons leading up to a shot into consideration – meaning he likes to get involved high up the field.

As an all-rounder – or a "total player", as Uruguay boss Diego Alonso put it – Valverde would undoubtedly be a huge addition to Chelsea's squad, and would possibly be the ideal player to get the most out of Nkunku up top.

Leeds: Phil Hay issues positive Gnonto transfer update

Leeds United are determined to keep Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto at Elland Road this summer despite interest from Premier League sides according to Phil Hay.

The 19-year-old was one of the few bright sparks in an overall disappointing campaign for the club last time out.

How much did Gnonto cost?

The Italian was a real bargain buy for Leeds last summer.

The forward moved from Swiss side FC Zurich for a fee of just £3.8m on deadline day, with the club managing to pick up the player for a lot less than the £17m they were initially quoted by Zurich due to the player moving into the final year of his deal.

wilfried-gnonto-leeds-united-premier-league-everton-transfers

In his 28 appearances across all competitions for the Whites last season, the Italian international recorded four goals and four assists. He impressed many fans and pundits alike, with Gary Neville full of praise for the youngster after his bright display against Aston Villa in January, stating on Sky Sports: "To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position, sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly."

The 19-year-old is also a full Italian international despite his young age, having made 11 appearances for the current European Championship holders and registering 3 goal contributions.

Following Leeds' relegation, a number of clubs have registered an interest in Gnonto, with Everton and Villa being two of the clubs reportedly exploring a move. According to The Daily Mail, the Toffees have seen a £15m offer rejected by the Whites, with the club desperate to keep hold of their young star.

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast, Hay revealed that Leeds have the upper hand in negotiations, as Gnonto's contract doesn't contain a relegation release clause, unlike other stars: "Gnonto is due back this week and they’ve knocked back some interest from Everton in him and seem really intent on keeping Gnonto if they can. The advantage is that he doesn’t have a relegation release clause in his contract unlike just about everybody else in the squad."

Will Gnonto stay at Leeds this summer?

There is a good chance that the Italian will remain at Elland Road for next season.

As Hay stated, Gnonto is one of the Leeds players whose contract doesn't contain a relegation release clause, meaning that all the negotiating power lies in the club's hands, especially since up to this point the youngster hasn't tried to push for a move away from the Yorkshire club so far this window.

Question marks persist about whether a move to Everton is really the step-up the 19-year-old should be making after such a promising season last year, with the Toffees only surviving in the Premier League on the final day of the season. The forward would be in line for regular Premier League football at the Merseyside club due to the club's current striker dillemma, but it could only last a season should Sean Dyche's side fail to survive a relegation battle for the third season running.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

A potential move that could tempt Gnonto however is a move to current Premier League champions Manchester City, or a move to Premier League runners-up Arsenal. A report from Calciomercarto stated that the two sides were interested in the young forward following a promising opening campaign. Gnonto most likely would be a rotation option for both sides, however, the quality of teammates and staff would be a massive increase for the player and could really push forward his development.

Leeds will be hopeful that the reported interest doesn't amount to anything, and their young star can play a big part in their push for a return to the top flight on English football.

Leeds: Farke Can Find His Next Buendia In 5 ft 7 Magician

Daniel Farke's Leeds United kick off their Championship campaign with a clash against Cardiff City at Elland Road in less than two weeks.

Who have Leeds signed so far this summer?

Versatile ace Ethan Ampadu is the only official addition to the German head coach's squad to date after he joined on a permanent deal from Premier League outfit Chelsea.

However, Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is reportedly closing in on a £5m move to west Yorkshire and Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow could also arrive as a third signing ahead of the opening match against the Welsh team.

That may not be the end of their business, though, as they have recently been linked with interest in Coventry star Gustavo Hamer, who is a player with the potential to be Farke's next version of current Aston Villa magician Emiliano Buendia.

How many goals did Gustavo Hamer score last season?

The 26-year-old wizard scored 11 goals in 44 Championship appearances for the team that lost in the play-off final to Luton Town at Wembley.

Hamer, who was once lauded as "unbelievable" by former teammate Marko Marosi, proved himself to be capable of making a huge impact at the top end of the pitch from a midfield position with both his ability to score and create goals at that level.

The 5 foot 7 maestro racked up ten assists to go along with his strikes and created 16 'big chances' for his teammates in total, which shows that the talented gem was able to offer a significant goal threat whilst also being able to open up the opposition's defence on a regular basis.

Hamer averaged a superb Sofascore rating of 7.35, which is 0.35 higher than any Leeds player produced in the top-flight last season, and would arrive at Elland Road as a proven Championship performer with time on his side to get even better.

Former Norwich midfielder Emiliano Buendia.

He could, therefore, become Farke's next Buendia as the Argentine wizard, who stands at 5 foot 8, was a prominent figure in both of the manager's promotions to the Premier League during his time at Norwich City.

The 26-year-old sensation scored eight goals and assisted 12 in 35 matches throughout the 2018/19 campaign before he enjoyed a phenomenal 2020/21 season, which saw him plunder a staggering 15 goals and 16 assists from a wide midfield position.

Buendia was also a hard-working attacker who liked to win possession back for his team, with 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match during the second title win.

In the most recent term under Farke's management, the Argentina international created 18 'big chances' for his teammates and earned himself the Championship Player of the Season award for being the most impressive star within the division.

Hamer, who made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game last season, is a player with similar qualities to Buendia, albeit in a more central position in midfield, as they are both combative – despite being small in stature – workhorses who also provide immense quality in possession as scorers and creators.

Farke and Leeds must now push to win the race for the Dutch phenomenon's signature as he could slot straight into the team as a proven Championship star over the coming weeks and months.

Nottingham Forest Contact "Fun To Watch" £78k-p/w Striker

Nottingham Forest have made contact to enquire about a deal to bring Paris Saint-Germain star Hugo Ekitike to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

Who is Hugo Ekitike?

Ekitike is primarily a centre-forward who only made the permanent move to the Parc des Princes last month from Stade Reims following a successful loan spell the season before, as per Transfermarkt, with the Ligue 1 giants having agreed a deal to buy with his former club. During his temporary switch, he made a total of 32 appearances.

France’s former youth international still has another four years to run on his contract with Luis Enrique’s side, but it’s been reported that they are looking to sell him before the end of the ongoing window to collect a decent fee and put it towards funding new signings of their own, and this appears to have alerted Steve Cooper in the Midlands.

The City Ground outfit recently lost the services of Sam Surridge who departed to embark on a new adventure in America and the MLS with Nashville, so the boss will need to find a suitable replacement, and if the following update is to be believed, the 21-year-old could turn out to be the perfect candidate.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Hugo Ekitike?

According to French outlet RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest and West Ham are "both interested in the signing" of Ekitike this summer. PSG "would like" to move the striker on in the final weeks of the market, and the two top-flight clubs, alongside several unnamed teams in Europe, have all "expressed the interest" in having him on their books.

The Reds haven't been made aware of how much it would cost to prise their target away so it remains to be seen whether this is a deal that they could afford, but either way, it's certainly one to keep a close eye on in the near future.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike.

How many goals has Hugo Ekitike scored?

During his loan at PSG, Ekitike racked up eight goal contributions (four goals and the same number of assists) in 32 appearances and was dubbed “fun to watch” after finding his feet by journalist Josh Bunting, so should Cooper be successful in his attempt to sign the striker, it would be an exciting coup for Forest.

The Reims native, who pockets £78k-per-week, also ranked in the 96th percentile for pass completion, highlighting how strong his link-up play is with his fellow teammates in and around the opposition’s penalty area, therefore having the potential to produce moments of quality which could go on to become big, decisive moments in the game.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, who has the versatility to operate out wide on the left wing alongside through the middle, additionally has experience playing in the Champions League and was last season used to being surrounded by the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, showing the exact level of calibre he would add to the squad should he sign on the dotted line.

Nottingham Forest In Talks Over "Fantastic" £65k-p/w Star

Nottingham Forest are now in concrete negotiations over a shock move for OGC Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is open to a return to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

Who are Nottingham Forest signing this summer?

Back in June, it was reported that Forest were targeting Dean Henderson as a priority signing this summer, with the club pushing hard to bring him in on a permanent basis, but it has proven difficult to get a deal for the Manchester United goalkeeper over the line.

Football Insider reports that Henderson's move to the City Ground is now in jeopardy, with his injury being named as the latest reason for the hold-up, although discussions are still ongoing with United over an initial £15m fee, which could rise to £20m including add-ons.

In terms of goalkeepers, the Reds only have Wayne Hennessey and Ethan Horvath on the books ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal next weekend, with time now running out to bring in a first-choice 'keeper ahead of the new season.

With negotiations over Henderson proving to be difficult, Steve Cooper could now choose to turn his attentions elsewhere, and The Nottingham Post report Forest have now made offers for New England Revolution's Djorde Petrovic and Arsenal's Matt Turner.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that it is now a "matter of time" before Turner completes his move to the City Ground, but with Cooper weighing up whether to sign two goalkeepers, there could be another new arrival.

The Nottingham Post share a report from Denmark which states Forest are in "concrete negotiations" over a move for Schmeichel, with Sky Sports detailing he is open to a return to the Premier League this summer.

Last summer, the Danish shot-stopper unexpectedly left Leicester City, joining Nice in a £1m deal. However, he could now be on his way back to England, potentially joining the Tricky Trees, in what would surely be a shock move so soon after departing the Premier League.

How good is Kasper Schmeichel?

Upon leaving Leicester last summer, the Denmark international was lauded as "fantastic" by journalist Ben Jacobs, who also praised him for the influence he had in the dressing room at the King Power Stadium.

Pundit Micah Richards was left mystified by the Foxes' decision to sell their "leader" and "rock at the back" last summer, which could well have played a big part in their relegation from the Premier League.

Although he is now 36 years old, the Nice 'keeper could still be a solid acquisition for the Reds, given the level of some of his performances since completing his move to Ligue 1.

Over the past year, the veteran goalkeeper ranks in the 91st percentile for his save percentage per 90, when compared to players in the top five leagues, indicating that he still has a lot left to give.

Given the widespread praise he has received for his influence on and off the pitch, the £65k-per-week shot-stopper may be a worthwhile signing for Forest, but Henderson should remain their priority target.

At 26 years old, the Man United ace is ten years Schmeichel's junior, and so he is much more likely to make a long-term impact at the City Ground.

Reporter stunned after hearing who could transfer to Spurs after Kane

Tottenham Hotspur are targeting a surprise move for one of Europe's most clinical finishers this window, though Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor is finding it hard to wrap his 'head around' their latest swoop.

So, who is the genuine target for Tottenham Hotspur?

According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Harry Kane leaving Tottenham has led the Lilywhites to hedge their 'betting heavily' on bringing in Porto striker Mehdi Taremi to strengthen their frontline.

Superagent Jorge Mendes, who represents clients on behalf of Gestifute, is chairing talks over the deal and aided Spurs in submitting an initial €24 million bid for Taremi that was rejected, with Porto demanding a fee of €30 million (£26 million) to sanction the Iran international's departure.

Taremi is something of a late bloomer at the elite level and only joined Porto in 2020; however, he has become an extremely prolific figure for the Portuguese giants, registering 80 goals and 49 assists in 148 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, as per Transfermarkt.

Gent striker Gift Orban has been explored as another target in the forward areas that Ange Postecoglou could look to recruit in N17 and conversations have already occurred between the player and the club, as per 90min.

Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson has been identified as a prospective Kane successor and could cost up to £50 million, according to The Daily Mail. Conversely, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani has been billed as a 'priority' pursuit for Spurs to make advances towards.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express journalist Taylor is shocked that Porto ace Taremi is someone Tottenham are keen to acquire this summer.

Taylor stated: “But there’s a bit of a domino effect, really, because I don't see Tottenham moving for forwards if Kane stays. But if he goes, I think they're going to rip up the script.

“I don't see them bringing in one striker like Randal Kolo Muani to replace him.

“It seems like there's going to be multiple positions signed. Players like Brennan Johnson and Gift Orban are being targeted.

“Also players like Mehdi Taremi, which I find quite hard to wrap my head around really.”

What else could occur at Tottenham Hotspur between now and the close of play?

Tottenham could be set for some interesting developments between now and the end of the window as Postecoglou looks to bolster his squad in the final few weeks of market activity.

In what would be a sensational turn of events, Spurs could consider making a shock swoop to try and land Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku to help plug the void left by England international Kane, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Romelu Lukaku

Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze is being monitored by the Lilywhites and further emphasis has been placed on tracking the 25-year-old amid Bryan Gil's recent injury concerns, according to Football London.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba is in the sights of Tottenham this window; however, Newcastle United are ready to hijack their rivals to try and acquire the Burkina Faso international, who could cost in the region of £50 million, according to Football Insider.

Everton Set To Sign 26-Year-Old Attacker

Everton are closing in on the signing of Jack Harrison this summer, despite reports suggesting Aston Villa were looking to hijack a move.

Is Jack Harrison leaving Leeds?

Harrison has been an impressive performer for Leeds United for an extended period of time, helping them get back into the Premier League in 2020. Having initially joined on loan from Manchester City, he eventually sealed a permanent move at Elland Road, and he has scored 34 goals and registered 32 assists in 206 appearances overall.

With the Whites suffering relegation to the Championship back in May, the 26-year-old could be the next to leave Elland Road this summer, potentially making a speedy return to the Premier League in the process.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Everton are badly in need of attacking signings between now and the end of the summer transfer window, with fellow Leeds man Wilfried Gnonto continuing to look like a primary target.

It appeared as if Harrison is on course to make the move to Goodison Park, with reliable Leeds reporter Phil Hay stating that Harrison was undergoing a medical at Everton ahead of a season-long loan.

Leeds United's Jack Harrison

Will Everton sign Jack Harrison?

Hay has now stated that a medical has been completed and a deal has been agreed upon despite late interest from rivals Aston Villa.

"Everton agree deal to sign Jack Harrison on season-long loan from Leeds United. Medical complete. Aston Villa been keen on him too but Everton on the verge of finalising move."

Harrison could be a brilliant addition to Everton this summer, with the player someone who has now proven himself in the Premier League over an extended period of time.

While not necessarily the most flashy wide player, he possesses a strong work ethic, a steady flow of end product and the ability to play on either flank or in a central attacking role. Last season, he registered 12 goal contributions (five goals and seven assists) in the league, which was a good return for someone playing in a struggling team.

The former City man has been hailed as "fantastic" by YouTuber Conor McGilligan in the past, while Neil Redfearn also praised him recently, saying:

"He’s really evolved since he’s been at the club. He’s a proper goal threat now."

Everton could do with players who can come straight in and make an immediate impression, keeping them out of a third relegation battle in a row, and Harrison could tick that box, rather than a player who hasn't tasted English football before, potentially struggling with the pace and power of the top flight.

Sean Dyche may feel that he could get the best out of him, both in terms of his defence contribution and his attacking output, and with the player now on course to head to Merseyside, the Toffees may turn their focus back on a move for Gnonto in what could be a busy final few weeks of the window when it comes to additions in the final third.

Wolves: O’Neil Could Now Land "Bright" Adama Traore Replacement

After a challenging summer in the transfer window, Wolverhampton Wanderers could finally locate their light at the end of the tunnel with an exciting talent linked to Molineux.

Gary O’Neil could welcome the club’s third signing of the window, despite their immense struggles to accumulate funds due to tough restrictions relating to Financial Fair Play (FFP).

Despite not being able to spend lavishly during the summer, the Old Gold may still be able to acquire some dazzling talent as reports link the Midlands club to making a dip into the market.

Who could Wolves sign this summer?

There has been some speculation regarding Wolves’ potential interest in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who has been approached by the Midlands side, according to TEAMtalk.

Last week, news in South America suggested that the Premier League side could make a surprise move for Manchester United starlet Facundo Pellistri.

As reported by LR Uruguay (as relayed by Molineux News), O’Neil’s side have registered interest in the 21-year-old, who could make the switch to Molineux as part of a loan deal from Old Trafford.

Loaning the talent to a fellow side in the top-flight would be beneficial to the Red Devils in giving the player valuable experience, with AFC Bournemouth, Luton Town and Burnley also listed as interested parties.

What could Facundo Pellistri offer to Wolves?

After joining United in 2020 from Uruguayan side Penarol, the winger has endeavoured on two loan spells in the Spanish top-flight with Deportivo Alaves, as well as gaining spells of experience in the Premier League in six appearances so far.

Speaking on his progression, Erik ten Hag lauded the young gem for his work in training earlier this year, where he was described as being “the example by deserving his position by performance” by his manager.

Deployed on the right wing, the skilful starlet has been tipped to have a “bright future” in football by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who praised him for looking “at ease” when representing the Reds in the Europa League last season.

Man United's Facundo Pellistri

For Wolves, obtaining a right-sided threat could be the perfect acquisition for O’Neil, considering the departure of former winger Adama Traore earlier this summer.

The Spaniard was renowned at Molineux for his directness, pace and power on the flank, in a role that could be perfectly replicated by Pellistri should he make the move to the Midlands.

Having been hailed as being “dynamic” during his time at Alaves by scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old averaged 3.21 progressive carries and 1.47 successful take-ons per 90 in LaLiga during the 2021/22 campaign, via FBref, suggesting that he has the strengths to succeed Traore.

The 27-year-old excelled one-versus-one on the wing for Wolves last season, averaging a mammoth 2.95 successful take-ons per 90, however as a player with significant experience on Pellistri, the Uruguayan’s averages pose for impressive reading at such early stages of his career.

Wolves could be the perfect destination for the United talent, who could fit into the club’s direct style of play with ease, with the opportunity there for him to impress in the Premier League and take valuable playing time back to Old Trafford next summer.

Tottenham Could Sign "Complete" £100m Gem To Help Maddison Thrive

Tottenham Hotspur seem to be going from strength to strength under Ange Postecoglou, but they could be set to make their greatest step forward yet should they invest in one transfer swoop…

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing?

Saturday afternoon marked a second successive victory for the Lilywhites, who have continued their fine unbeaten start to the Premier League season in which the performances seem to grow with each showing.

Not only are the results going their way, but at last the football is exciting and free-flowing once again, leading fans to assume that they finally have their club back on track.

However, there remains one area of contempt that is slowing down the revolution, as their lack of striker is proving a burden. Especially given the continuing toothless displays of Richarlison, who despite leading the line well simply cannot find the back of the net.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

That could therefore explain their interest in Evan Ferguson, who despite being only 18 years old, has already announced himself as one of the division's most prolific forwards.

For the question marks his £100m price tag would raise, it would likely be a shrewd investment for the Australian boss, placing his trust in youth to fill the void that Harry Kane left, for a similar fee.

How good is Evan Ferguson?

Although his senior minutes are limited, it remains a slow and steady process for Brighton and Hove Albion to cultivate their young finisher into the superstar his early-career form has suggested he could be.

Standing at 6 foot 2 but with impressive speed off the mark, he boasts characteristics that a forward should learn way beyond his age. His movement in the box is electric, with his finishes prolific.

Richarlison could only dream of such proficiency, given he is yet to score this season, and found the net just once in the entire league campaign last year.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has already scored once in the new term, having recorded six goals across just ten starts during his breakout year – even when compared to other strikers across Europe he shines, with the Republic of Ireland international ranking in the top 12% for non-penalty goals per 90, and the top 6% for total shots per 90, via FBref.

Such form saw him unsurprisingly lauded, with talent scout Jacek Kulig suggesting he was a "complete forward", with a lengthy list of strengths to support earlier claims: "finishing, instinct, movement, athleticism, power, heading, link-up play".

So, by swapping out their struggling Brazilian for a clinical youngster, Postecoglou could actually see his entire team benefit.

evan-ferguson-1

Few would welcome the acquisition of a true focal point more than James Maddison, who has enjoyed a blistering start to life at Spurs even without such a striker to play off.

Scoring once and assisting twice in the league, his 8.03 average rating actually makes him the fourth-best outfield player in the entire division this season.

He is an uber-creative goal threat but still remains in the shadow of other stars such as Martin Odegaard due to his lack of time at the top.

This was even outlined by Kevin De Bruyne, who ranked the England international below the Arsenal star, as well as Bruno Fernandes in a recent interview with Sky Sports.

Whilst the Norway international remains one of the league's standout players, having scored 15 and assisted eight last campaign as he led his side to an impressive title charge, these are attainable figures given the start Maddison has enjoyed in north London too.

After all, he is already recording three key passes per game alongside 2.7 shots per game, both of which surpass the figures averaged by Odegaard in the league last season.

The former Leicester City maestro also posted ten goals and nine assists during that period for a side that fell to the drop, with the assumption being that his presence in a far greater side can elevate those figures further.

Combining his new favourable environment with the talent Ferguson offers could provide the perfect atmosphere for Maddison to truly reach new heights, surpassing their rivals' star man with ease and leading his new team to glory.

West Ham already have a bigger talent than Ekitike at London Stadium

West Ham United have carried on the momentum gained from the Europa Conference League victory into the current campaign as they remain unbeaten in the Premier League after four matches.

David Moyes is currently riding the crest of a wave result wise and coupled with the fact they have signed talents such as Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus, everything looks rosy at the London Stadium.

With European football guaranteed until Christmas, the Scot has the chance to enter into West Ham folklore with some more solid results.

It remains to be seen how far this group of players can go, but they did miss out on one exciting move during the summer.

Indeed, the club were reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike on deadline day, but a move ultimately didn't go through.

What is Hugo Ekitike good at?

The 21-year-old has made a splash across the Channel for PSG and Stade Reims, netting 15 goals combined for both clubs in only 61 senior appearances, chipping in with eight assists too. Clearly, his potential is limitless.

wilfried-gnonto-hugo-ekitike-everton-transfer-news-premier-league

Although having the great triumvirate of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar standing in his way for game time, the young Frenchman still managed to rank fourth across the squad for shots on target per game (0.5) and fifth for goals and assists (seven), suggesting that he impressed when given a chance.

He still has plenty of time to develop and a move to West Ham could have been ideal in the dying embers of the window, yet Moyes already has a wonderful talent waiting in the wings for more opportunities – Divin Mubama.

How good is Divin Mubama?

The 18-year-old has already tasted senior football for the club, making his debut against FCSB in the Europa Conference League group stage and marking it with an assist.

In their last 16 tie against AEK Larnaca, Mubama scored his first goal for the club, drawing praise from journalist Josh Bunting in the process, who said:

”Divin Mubama with his first West Ham senior goal. Has been flying for the youth teams this season but he has a massive future ahead of him. Is quick to adapt into different play styles. Not just a goal-scorer but has that link up play. Protects the ball very smartly for his age.”

Divin Mubama

Although three years younger than Ekitike, the West Ham gem could surpass his goal tally by the time he reaches 21, especially if he is given more chances by Moyes this term.

The Englishman knows where the goal is, having netted 54 goals across the youth teams in just 85 appearances, a stunning return rate and shows he has plenty of promise to shine on the senior stage.

Compared with the PSG youngster, that is a wonderful tally, as the Frenchman has only found the net 22 times across his elder youth and senior career.

Signing the PSG striker would likely have hindered his chances of success, but with a lack of centre-forward options at the London Stadium, Mubama has a clearer run at making a name for himself.

Mubama is clearly one of the best talents the club have had in years and if he continues on this upward trajectory, he could sparkle under Moyes, even surpassing Ekitike's talents.

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