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Tottenham Hotspur's decision to sign Guglielmo Vicario over Brentford's David Raya has "Daniel Levy all over", claims journalist Paul Brown.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – what's the latest on Guglielmo Vicario?

Before there were any developments regarding the 26-year-old Italian, Spurs were heavily linked to Brentford's Spanish shot-stopper David Raya, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting on June 17th that personal terms between the player and Spurs had been "agreed."

However, on June 22nd, Sky Sports reported that the North London club had verbally agreed a £17.2m fee with Serie A side Empoli for their highly-rated keeper, Vicario.

The Italian international's price is substantially lower than the Bee's asking price for Raya of £40m, which the Lilywhites were 'reluctant' to pay.

The 6 foot 4 titan has spent the last two seasons with Empoli, making 71 appearances for the club after initially joining on loan from Cagliari in 2021.

The West London club might've driven too hard of a bargain for their player, as with just a year left on his contract and no substantial interest from a side other than Tottenham, they risk losing him for free next year.

What has journalist Paul Brown said about Tottenham Hotspur signing Guglielmo Vicario over David Raya?

Brown was honest in his assessment that, for many Spurs fans, this is probably somewhat of a disappointment considering the heavy links to David Raya over the last few weeks.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "To go for someone a little bit more untested in terms of the Premier League and to go for someone who is not going to command such a high transfer fee is a little disappointing I guess, but it is Daniel levy all over."

Brown was quick to point, however, that it could be down to the club having plans to spend big elsewhere on the team, adding: "So I think wherever that ends up being a good thing will depend where else they spend their money this summer and if fans can see the club being ambitious, and if more importantly Harry Kane can see the club being ambitious in other areas. It might not matter so much so let's see."

Will Guglielmo Vicario be a good signing?

The 26-year-old has come off a good season for Empoli, playing 31 times for the side and averaging a match rating in Serie A of 6.85, just slightly lower than Raya's rating of 6.97, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers, however, don't make for great reading.

According to FBref, who compare players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the one area he stands out is touches, where he sits in the top 9% amongst keepers, which under Ange Postecoglou's attacking brand of football will be essential.

However, he is only in the top 31% of keepers for save percentage, top 41% for goals against and only the top 58% for crosses stopped, all per 90.

However, it can be hard to judge a goalkeeper using statistics alone, so what have people said about him in Italy?

Well, he has got perhaps the best endorsement a keeper could ask for in Italy, the approval of Gianluigi Buffon.

Italy's most famous and beloved shot-stopper of all time hailed Vicario as "extraordinary" in an interview with Radio Sport Anch'io (via Gianluca Dimarzio).

So if he has the backing of Buffon, maybe he'll prove to be an even better signing than Raya ever would've been.

Tottenham Hotspur target James Maddison wouldn't find it 'easy' to succeed in north London and may need to 'adapt' his game if he was to join the Lilywhites, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now 'strong favourites' to sign Maddison from Leicester City this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets to work in N17.

Newcastle United are also keen on the £110k-a-week ace; however, his preference is believed to be moving to London, which has put Spurs in pole position to wrap up a deal for the England international.

The Daily Mail report along similar lines and state that Maddison would be more open to joining Tottenham than their divisional rivals Newcastle United in the off-season.

Leicester City star Harvey Barnes is another name on their radar. At the same time, Arsenal and West Ham United also retain an attraction towards the 25-year-old amid news that Spurs submitted a joint bid of £50 million to try and acquire the Foxes' duo.

Football Insider detail that Leicester City want to recoup £50 million for Maddison, while Spurs want to secure his services on a 'cut-price deal', something which may drag their pursuit on for a while to come in the transfer window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Maddison could succeed at Hotspur Way; nevertheless, he doesn't believe it would be easy for him to transition from Leicester City to Tottenham.

Brown told FFC: "There's also the fact that Harry Kane, over the years, has gradually become a striker who likes to drop a lot deeper and occupy a lot of those areas on the pitch. I don't think it would be an easy transition for Maddison there, he can certainly do it and could be a success there if he finds a way to adapt, but I don't think it would be easy for him."

Would James Maddison be a success at Tottenham Hotspur?

Maddison absolutely has the ability to be a success at Spurs should he pitch up in north London this summer, though, as always, it remains to be seen with regards to how a player settles into a new environment.

In 2022/23, the England international featured 32 times for Leicester City across all competitions, registering ten goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Maddison was an inventive presence in midfield for Leicester City from the middle of the park and successfully completed 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League during the season.

Capable of providing a goal threat either directly or by supplying his teammates, Maddison also recorded around 2.8 shots and 2.3 key passes per match in the English top flight, according to WhoScored.

Getting used to new surroundings would present its own challenges; however, Maddison has the ability and conviction to take these factors into his stride and would be an excellent addition to Spurs' midfield if they manage to secure him this summer.

The Romelu Lukaku situation has become laughable. His £97.5m transfer to Stamford Bridge has evolved as arguably one of the worst signings in not just Chelsea history, but Premier League history.

The Belgian has reportedly ruled out a return to the Blues and has his heart set on another season at Inter Milan.

The Blues must find a way to navigate this deal and permanently free themselves from Lukaku.

The best possible outcome for Chelsea is they can secure an exchange deal involving Nicolo Barella.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?

According to Corriere dello Sport, the West Londoners have enquired about bringing Barella to the capital in a package deal that would see Lukaku move in the opposite direction.

Last month, it was revealed that Liverpool are also interested in the 26-year-old, who has been valued at around £61m by his parent club.

How can Chelsea line up next season?

The Italian has been in imperious form for the Nerazzurri this term, as he made 52 appearances and recorded 19 goal involvements in all competitions.

He was a crucial component of a side that made the Champions League, secured top four, and won the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.

The Euro 2020 winner has developed a formidable reputation for his impudent dribbling ability, intricate feet, close control and his athleticism to glide across the pitch.

This is showcased by the fact that he ranks within the highest 22% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the best 19% for progressive passes and carries per 90, according to FBref.

His addition could be especially crucial for Mauricio Pochettino, as Chelsea’s midfield only contributed a measly 12 goals between them in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Barella sits within the top 8% for non-penalty goals per 90, to emphatically display his threat in attack.

If Chelsea secured this outlandish coup, then Pochettino could potentially form a dream midfield, if the signing of Moises Caicedo was also completed, with the Londoners currently leading the race.

Brighton are set to demand £120m for the 21-year-old, who ranks within the best 13% for tackles and interceptions per 90.

His former manager Graham Potter described the Ecuadorian sensation as “fantastic” having “all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.”

The prospect of Caicedo’s wondrous defensive acumen, combined with Barella’s magnificent attacking class is frightening and instantly places Chelsea in a far superior position.

As the 2021 Champions League winners begin the long journey to return to Europe’s most elite competition, Barella, who has been labelled as “top-class” by Jurgen Klopp, could be a key addition to the club’s ambitions.

Liverpool have turned their attention to a range of midfield targets after completing the astute purchase of Alexis Mac Allister, with Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone said to be among the contenders.

What's the latest on Manu Kone to Liverpool?

That's according to The Athletic's James Pearce, who recently outlined Liverpool's projected plans heading into the summer transfer window and listed Kone on a shortlist of central options for the Merseyside outfit.

Valued at around £35m, the Frenchman has attracted Reds sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's attention since arriving from Wolfsburg in May, and it's no surprise that the German might delve back into the market he is so well versed in.

With Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers now joining the race for the 22-year-old, manager Jurgen Klopp must decide whether to forge ahead with a move, unlikely to acquiesce to a bidding war for the midfielder.

Should Liverpool sign Manu Kone?

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all leaving Anfield this summer after the culmination of their contracts, opening the door for exciting new talents such as Kone to enter the fold and impress.

And Kone, who made 30 appearances in the German Bundesliga this term and earned himself an average rating of 6.86, as per Sofascore, notably completing 87% of his passes, making 2.5 tackles per match and succeeding with 60% of his dribbles, could reinstate such exuberance.

Described as "majestic" by talent scout Antonio Mango, Kone is a tenacious midfielder and could instil some robustness on Merseyside following a campaign that has underscored the sapped vitality that was once an ever-present under Klopp's tutelage.

As per FBref, the ace ranks among the top 4% for successful take-ons, the top 25% for tackles and the top 20% for interceptions per 90, which illustrates his defensive acumen and aptitude at beating his man with the ball at his feet.

He is a fearsome and burgeoning force, hailed as a "one-man army" by Jacek Kulig, and he could yet flourish in the Premier League and forge a prominent role in Klopp's system, diligent and unflinching as he serves as the chugging engine, much like former phenom Gini Wijnaldum.

The Dutchman made 237 appearances for the Reds after signing from Newcastle United for £25m and was heralded as a "legend" and "sensational" by his former boss after his impact at Anfield, unrelenting and plying the trade beneath the front-page headlines to ensure the team worked at full throttle.

Now 32-years-old, Wijnaldum himself ranks among only in the top 28% of midfielders for successful take-ons and the top 9% for touches in the attacking area, indicating that he is reverting back to the more forward-thinking approach he plied prior to his Liverpool days, and also with his national team.

And given that he only averages 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions across the entirety of his career, as per WhoScored, Kone could actually transcend his role at Liverpool by implementing a semblance of energy while providing a more refined, high-octane approach with his tackling and recycling of possession.

Also said to be the "complete package" by Kulig, Kone appears to offer the dynamism and bouncing pitch personality to emulate Wijnaldum, embodying the relentless midfield work that is paramount to ensure Klopp's outfit steers towards success.

Manchester United are reportedly in talks to grant exclusivity to the consortium led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

What’s the latest Man United takeover news?

The takeover saga has continued to drag on into the summer transfer window, with Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe seemingly the frontrunners when it comes to a potential deal with the Glazers. Jassim made a fifth and final bid earlier this month but is still none the wiser to learn if it has been approved.

There was recent speculation from Qatar claiming that Jassim was going to be successful in his bid to take full control from the Glazers. Sky Sports clarified that it wasn’t true and that there were no further updates, but there seems to have been a new development since then.

According to Reuters on Friday morning, United are negotiating to grant exclusivity to Jassim’s consortium in a deal worth more than $6 billion, which would be a world-record figure for a football team.

The report adds that a deal remains uncertain, however, they describe the news as a "development" and a "major milestone". Jassim’s offer is thought to be seen as the more favourable offer than Ratcliffe’s at this moment in time.

Should United grant Jassim exclusivity, the club would not be allowed to talk with any other bidder.

What does Sheikh Jassim have planned for Man United?

Jassim seems to have big plans both on and off the pitch at Old Trafford, with his offer for 100% of the club and would see all of the club’s debt cleared.

He also plans to have separate funds for the club and local community, and when it comes to possible signings, his first could be one that gets supporters fully on board.

Reports have suggested that Jassim is planning a move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, with the potential new owner feeling the France forward “belongs at Man United”.

PSG value their star man at £170m and could cash in over the coming months, should Mbappe refuse to extend his stay with the club.

First though, Jassim will need to make a major breakthrough when it comes to a takeover, and with Mike Keegan claiming it could take eight to 12 weeks for an approval process, meaning that the Glazers may remain in control at the start of next season, so it still could prove to be a frustrating summer despite this latest positive development.

Journalist Paul Brown has been left thrilled by reports that Arsenal are targeting Man City captain and treble-chasing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.

Who are Arsenal looking to sign this summer?

The Premier League giants narrowly missed out on their first title in nearly 20 years last season, with Mikel Arteta being beaten to the punch by his mentor Pep Guardiola.

Despite Arsenal's position at the front of the queue for much of 2022/2023, they fell short at the final hurdle, and it's now the task of Arteta to shore up key positions of his squad for a fresh challenge next campaign.

The north Londoners are looking to sign central midfielders above all with reports suggesting they could make two key signings in that area of the pitch. West Ham's Declan Rice and Brighton star Moises Caicedo, among others, are apparently on their radar.

Sporting director Edu has also apparently earmarked the signing of a central defender to back up stars like William Saliba, with the Frenchman succumbing to injury at the back end of last season.

Going back to midfield, Man City star Gundogan is another target for Arsenal, according to reports, with the German really coming into a hot streak of form lately.

His latest heroics, a brace in the FA Cup final against Man United on Saturday, saw City clinch a domestic double with the Blues still well and truly on for an historic treble.

Journalist Paul Brown, speaking to GiveMeSport, says he could be a game-changing signing for Arsenal if they get it done.

"If Arsenal were to get Gundogan, I think that would be a great signing for them," said Brown in response to the links.

"He’s a really versatile player who can play in a number of different roles. He switches systems very easily in game and could be a game-changer for them really. And one that is quite fascinating to see.”

Who is Ilkay Gundogan?

The 32-year-old was Guardiola's first ever signing as City manager and hasn't looked back since – having played a key role over his seven-year stint.

This season, Gundogan has contributed with a number of important goals in sky blue, and he etched himself into club folklore with final day title-winning heroics against Aston Villa in 21/22.

However, City are in danger of losing him on a free at the end of this month, putting Arsenal and Arteta on serious alert.

His experience and quality could prove to be a major asset for the Gunners, especially at zero cost, and we believe he couild be an exceptional signing for them.

Chelsea could be set to replace an old favourite by swooping from a fellow Premier League rival.

What's the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update on the future of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

He wrote:

"Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi told Moises Caicedo in January to stay at the club until June despite huge bids… and then promised to sell him in the summer in case of good proposal.

#BHAFC Pact will be respected; Chelsea are still keen on Caicedo but it’s 3 clubs race."

There has been little indication that the £90m touted fee from March is wrong too, suggesting that this will be a huge first deal for Mauricio Pochettino should he push it through.

Could Moises Caicedo be as good as Nemanja Matic?

Stamford Bridge has been home to some famous holding midfielders, with Claude Makalele, Micheal Essien and more recently N'Golo Kante all shining in a blue shirt.

However, one of the more underappreciated alternatives for that role was Nemanja Matic, who quietly went about his work but was imperative in the success earned during his time in west London.

As a towering defensive option, the Serbian only spent three seasons during his second stint at Chelsea before joining Manchester United, yet won two league titles alongside a League Cup.

The 6 foot 4 maestro was the heartbeat of that side, breaking up the play but using his steady demeanour to always find the right pass. During the 2017/18 term, arguably his apex of that period, the 34-year-old maintained a 7.11 average rating upheld by an 88% pass accuracy, 1.8 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Without his calming presence Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte would have struggled to claim such emphatic title victories, with the former even telling The Times: "Matic, I cannot say that I had better guys than him in my career."

Pochettino will be seeking to secure his figure akin to the former Blues favourite, and in Caicedo they could achieve just that.

To first outline this comparison, FBref even notes Matic upon the Ecuador international's similar players list.

However, it is their shared statistics that showcase their true similarities, as a couple of ball-winning gems who are imperative in offering the foundation for success.

For the Seagulls this campaign, the 21-year-old has recorded a 7.08 average rating, with his 89% pass accuracy giving way to 1.2 key passes, 1.5 interceptions and 2.7 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

For what he lacks in height compared to the AS Roma star, he more than makes up for with an added element of energy and creativity that his potential predecessor missed.

To emphasise his defensive excellence, journalist Richie Mills even branded him an "immovable object" in the engine room just last year.

Whilst Pochettino has enjoyed players such as Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele operating in these roles over the years whilst at Tottenham Hotspur, Caicedo arguably represents a combination of them all, with poise on the ball and a decisive nature that feeds into his relentless defensive work rate.

Acquiring him would be a huge step towards taking the west London club back to the pinnacle of English football, where Matic previously led his Chelsea team.

According to a report from reputable German outlet SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Sebastian Rode. 

The lowdown: European glory

Having enjoyed somewhat of a journeyman career across Germany, the 31-year-old spent time at Kickers Offenbach, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund before arriving at newly crowed Europa League winners Frankfurt in 2019.

Rode has since made 228 appearances for the Bundesliga side and was named captain in June 2021 before playing a leading role in the victory over Rangers in Seville on Wednesday night.

The experienced defensive midfielder earned an impressive 7.20 Sofascore rating on Wednesday night, winning five duels, making four key passes and creating one big chance, all whilst suffering from a badly cut head early on in the match.

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Now a move out of his homeland may beckon…

The latest: Wolves make pre-summer approach

As per SportBILD, translated by SW, Wolves and Brentford have both ‘already approached’ Rode regarding the move.

It’s claimed that the Wanderers initiated the contract following performances in Europe that were ‘so good’ that Bruno Lage has acted upon the interest.

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), it’s not stated how much it would take to prise away the man who was once Pep Guardiola’s ‘favourite player’ during their time together at Bayern.

The verdict: Smart signing

Albeit the combative former Germany youth ace isn’t getting any younger, with doubts over the future of Leander Dendoncker, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves at Molineux, signing Rode would be a huge boost to Lage’s squad depth.

So far this season, the midfield warrior – who is a close stylistic match with Molineux stalwart Moutinho (Fbref) – has scored once in 28 appearances across all competitions.

Regardless of the aforementioned midfield trio’s status at the club beyond the summer, with five major honours to his name, Rode would be a smart capture as Wolves look to move onto the next step of their development in the Premier League.

In other news… Wanderers are now believed to be the ‘main favourites’ in the race for one of their summer transfer targets.

Junior Firpo’s struggles in the Premier League continued last weekend after Leeds United were thrashed by defending champions Manchester City.

During the encounter, the former Spain U21 international was lambasted as being “woeful” by commentator Andy Townsend, and his defending was dubbed “schoolboy” by BBC pundit Paul Robinson.

The summer signing has endured a tricky start to life in England and it shows no sign of easing up, particularly against the very best the top flight has to offer.

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Back in July, the 6 foot left-back signed a four-year deal following his £12.8m move from Barcelona as a replacement for both Gjanni Alioski and Barry Douglas.

Whilst the former was often erratic, he was a far greater and more consistent option.

Leeds are sitting precariously above the drop zone right now, just two points ahead of Everton, who hold a game in hand, and with tricky matches against Arsenal and Chelsea to come, manager Jesse Marsch cannot afford to persist with the 25-year-old.

However, the American head coach has a lack of alternative options, even more so now after the “devastating” injury blow to Stuart Dallas.

However, there could be a viable alternative in Leo Hjelde, a young centre-back by trade but one equally capable of playing on the left. A recent appearance against Arsenal’s U23 setup saw him in the role. ‘Raided forward well down the left at times,’ claimed LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross.

The 18-year-old, capped by Norway at U21 level, made his senior debut for the Yorkshire giants earlier this season, starting at left-back against West Ham – a performance which earned rave reviews from club legend Jermaine Beckford.

He gushed: “The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen. I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”

Indeed, shutting out both Antonio and Bowen is no mean feat, and Hjelde could repeat such exploits against the Gunners’ mean attack, whether that’s Bukayo Saka or Emile Smith Rowe on the day.

During his time on loan to Ross County, his former manager John Hughes likened him to Virgil van Dijk and dubbed him a “massive talent”, claiming:

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that. The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo. He’s got massive things in front of him.”

If Marsch wants to change the team’s defensive fortunes against some of the big dogs, in this desperate time of need, then he really ought to unleash Hjelde.

He can finally axe the struggling Firpo by doing so, a decision which will surely benefit the side heading into the final few games of the campaign.

AND in other news, Sources: Orta eyeing Leeds bid for £19.8m-rated ace, he’s like “Messi inside the area”…

Mohamed Salah’s head has been turned by a potential move away from Liverpool this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: The Salah soap opera

The future of the Reds’ Egyptian superstar has dominated the off-field headlines in recent months, with no new deal at Anfield agreed as of yet. Salah’s current Liverpool contract expires at the end of next season, and with an extension not signed, there is a fear that he might move on this summer before he could leave for free next year.

Over the last few weeks, various reports have wavered between him being likely to stay and set to leave Merseyside.

In the latest twist, a worrying update has now emerged regarding the 29-year-old’s next move.

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The Latest: Worrying Salah update emerges

According to The Telegraph, Salah could possibly be ‘tempted to move on for a new challenge’ at the end of the season.

A switch to one of Spain’s top clubs or Paris Saint-Germain is mooted in the report, in an update which will cause some concern from a Liverpool perspective.

The Verdict: Expect him to stay

Any rumour regarding Salah leaving is one to prompt worry, but given his status as one of the Reds’ greatest players of all time, it still feels likely that he will stay and sign a new deal.

Quite why any Liverpool player would want to leave in these times makes little sense, especially with Jurgen Klopp’s new deal keeping him at Anfield until 2026, and the Egyptian King should see it as the only place to play his football.

Granted, Salah will only sign if he feels truly wanted, but his career would risk going downhill if he leaves arguably Europe’s best and most exciting team right now when at the peak of his powers.

In other news, one Liverpool player has now been backed to stay at the club this summer. Find out who it is here.