Chelsea brought in several attackers during the summer transfer window, but none were true out-and-out strikers. Despite this, the team is performing well and appears poised to challenge for a top-four finish.

A promising start under Enzo Maresca hasn’t stopped the Blues from exploring options for 2025, with Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran now linked to a move to Stamford Bridge.

According to Give Me Sport, Chelsea is “keeping a close eye” on Duran but will face competition from West Ham, with a potential deal in the works for either January 2025 or the summer transfer window next year.

Jhon Duran was also linked with a move away from Aston Villa during the recently concluded window, but Unai Emery opted to keep the Colombian international, viewing him as a reliable backup for Ollie Watkins.

Despite limited playing time, Duran has already scored five goals this season, highlighting his potential. However, consistent minutes remain elusive for the young forward.

While Chelsea can offer Duran the chance to play regularly in European competitions, possibly including the Champions League, it’s uncertain whether he would secure a starting position, especially with Nicolas Jackson currently established as the first-choice striker. West Ham may appeal to Duran more if they can promise him more regular playing time.

The former Villarreal striker is a key option for Enzo Maresca, making it uncertain whether Duran would get the minutes he desires at Chelsea, even if he seeks more playing time than at Aston Villa.

At West Ham, he could secure a long-term role as Michail Antonio’s replacement. With Niklas Füllkrug, who joined from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer, struggling in front of goal, the Hammers are considering bringing in another striker.

Valued at around £16 million on Transfermarkt, Duran may need to wait until next summer for a potential transfer, as Emery is likely reluctant to part with an important backup midway through the season.

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by News Time

Manchester United are monitoring Sunderland’s standout goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, but they’re up against competition from Liverpool, according to The Sun.

The 24-year-old has been a top performer in the EFL Championship, conceding just six goals in seven matches this season. With four clean sheets, he ranks among the best in the league, leading to heightened interest from Premier League clubs.

According to The Sun, former Manchester United goalkeeper and current scout Tony Cotton is closely monitoring England U21 international Anthony Patterson as the Red Devils consider a potential move. While Andre Onana is Erik ten Hag’s first-choice keeper, the link of Altay Bayındır with a departure from Old Trafford has prompted United to look at Patterson as a potential replacement.

However, the 6ft 2in goalkeeper is also attracting interest from Premier League rivals, including Liverpool, who see him as a possible successor to Caoimhín Kelleher, according to the report.

Patterson’s contract at the Stadium of Light runs until the summer of 2028, with Sunderland valuing the goalkeeper at around £20 million, according to The Sun.

Currently, Erik ten Hag has Andre Onana as his first-choice keeper, with Altay Bayındır and Tom Heaton also in the mix, though their futures at the club remain uncertain. As a result, Manchester United is eyeing Patterson not only as a backup option but also as a potential future replacement who could challenge the 28-year-old Onana for the starting role.

The 24-year-old has demonstrated remarkable shot-stopping ability in the Championship this season, making a strong case as the best goalkeeper in the division. His reflexes are exceptional, and he shows impressive composure with the ball at his feet.

Competition from Liverpool could pose a challenge for Manchester United in their pursuit of Patterson, who will likely weigh his chances for first-team opportunities at any new club.

United are already focused on bringing in young talent for other positions, particularly in midfield and attack, and Patterson could become the first young goalkeeper signed under the club’s new ownership if they manage to finalize a deal next summer.

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by News Time

AS Roma’s new head coach, Ivan Juric, aims for back-to-back Serie A wins as they host newly promoted Venezia at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Following a strong finish to the 2023-24 season, optimism has surged among Giallorossi fans for a top-four challenge this year. With a high-spending transfer window bolstering the squad through notable signings like Artem Dovbyk, Matías Soulé, and Mats Hummels, expectations are high for a strong start and potential title run.

However, the season started poorly for Roma, with an opening-day draw against Cagliari and a loss to Empoli, raising concerns about underperformance. Further draws against Juventus and Genoa left them in 16th place, leading to the sacking of Daniele de Rossi.

With only three points from four matches, the board appointed former Torino manager Ivan Juric. Despite some unrest among fans, the Giallorossi secured their first victory of the season, defeating an in-form Udinese 3-0, with goals from Artem Dovbyk, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Paulo Dybala.

After a strong start under difficult conditions, Juric aimed for a win in his team’s Europa League opener. Dovbyk scored in the first half against Athletic Bilbao, putting Roma in a promising position, but a late equalizer in the 85th minute meant they settled for a draw, slightly dimming an otherwise solid performance.

Now, they hope to secure back-to-back Serie A wins when hosting 18th-placed Venezia. After earning promotion from Serie B, Venezia has struggled this season, with only a 2-0 win over Genoa providing their sole points from five matches. They haven’t scored in either of their away games and have already conceded three penalties.

Venezia aims for their first away victory over Roma since 1947, having not won in their last eight visits to the capital. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco returns to his former club, looking to end this lengthy winless streak after recently achieving his milestone of 300 games and 100 victories in Serie A with a win against Genoa last week.

Venezia’s struggles at the start of the season took a turn as Joel Pohjanpalo, after a rocky performance including a missed penalty, found the back of the net to secure a much-needed victory. This win not only lifted them from the bottom of the table but also showcased a glimpse of their potential, with Gianluca Busio contributing with an earlier goal.

On the other hand, Di Francesco’s record against Roma adds a layer of intrigue to their matchup. Despite his success elsewhere, he has struggled to find victory against his former club, making this upcoming encounter a pivotal one for him. With a history of nine losses out of twelve matches against them, he’ll be looking to turn that around and finally claim a Serie A win. The stakes are high as both teams navigate their early-season challenges.

Last Updated on September 28, 2024 by News Time