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Wolves are now expressing an interest in signing a Man City player, with one of their squad members potentially set to leave in January.

Wolves nailed on for relegation barring Rob Edwards miracle

The Old Gold face the most perilous situation in the Premier League, rooted firmly to the bottom of the table with just two points from 14 games.

Wolves appear destined for Championship football unless Rob Edwards can orchestrate an almighty turnaround during the second half of the campaign.

Edwards arrived from Middlesbrough in mid-November, leaving a promotion-chasing outfit second in the Championship to tackle one of football’s most daunting rescue missions.

Wolves still remain winless, sitting 12 points adrift of safety – a margin that already carries significant historical weight.

No team has ever survived relegation after collecting merely two points from their opening 14 games, and at their current rate, they would finish the season with just seven points — threatening to eclipse Derby County’s infamous 11-point record from the 2007-08 campaign.

Lowest points totals in Premier League history
Huddersfield Town (18/19)	16
Sheffield United (23/24)	16
Sunderland (05/06)	15
Southampton (24/25)	12
Derby County	11

The appointment of Edwards represents a desperate gamble by chairman Jeff Shi, who acknowledged the club needs a complete philosophical refresh.

Edwards’ deep connections to Molineux — having made over 100 appearances as a player before serving in various coaching capacities — offer hope that he understands the DNA required to navigate this crisis.

Wolves plotting January bid for "prolific" £17.5m striker with 29 G/A last season

The Old Gold are looking to bring in a centre-forward this winter, in order to bolster their survival hopes.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 27, 2025

However, his task is monumental. Vitor Pereira managed just a 36.8 per cent win rate before his sacking in early November, inheriting a squad stripped of its best talent through successive transfer windows.

The pattern has become devastatingly familiar.

After selling Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes in 2023, then Pedro Neto and Max Kilman in 2024, Wolves lost Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri last summer without securing adequate replacements.

Cunha’s departure to Man United for £62.5 million removed their most reliable goalscorer, 17 goals in all competitions last season, while Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City for £31 million.

The club’s attacking output has obviously collapsed as a result, with just seven goals scored so far — the division’s worst record and only team failing to reach double figures.

However, according to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, Shi and Fosun do have a succession plan for goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Wolves express James Trafford interest with Jose Sa set to leave

Indeed, it is believed that Wolves have expressed interest in signing Man City’s James Trafford on loan in January as Edwards searches for solutions.

The 23-year-old England youth international finds himself behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order after the Italian’s summer arrival, which is bad timing ahead of the World Cup next year.

After starting the campaign as City’s number one following Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahçe, Trafford has managed just three appearances since August and is eager to continue his development elsewhere.

Wolves face mounting concerns between the posts, with current number one Sam Johnstone enduring a difficult spell.

His error against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday proved costly, failing to connect properly with Omari Hutchinson’s cross and allowing the winning goal.

Meanwhile, second-choice Sa is ‘potentially set to leave’ next month, with West Ham monitoring the Portuguese ahead of a potential winter swoop.

Trafford enjoyed an outstanding 2024-25 Championship campaign with Burnley before returning to City, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances with an impressive 84.6 per cent save percentage.

His promotion-winning pedigree under Scott Parker could prove invaluable as Edwards desperately seeks reinforcements capable of mounting an unlikely survival bid during the second half of the season.

However, they’ll have to contend with competition for Trafford’s services, with Tottenham also believed to be exploring a move for the ‘top talent’.

Chelsea have now reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign a rising Ligue 1 talent, who’s been billed as the second coming of William Saliba.

Maresca: Chelsea must "switch off" before Arsenal clash

Chelsea couldn’t have asked for a better warm-up before their crucial clash against Arsenal this weekend. The Blues brushed Barcelona aside as Estevao Willian stole the show in front of Lamine Yamal. Two of the world’s best teenagers commenced battle at Stamford Bridge and it was the Brazilian who came out on top.

Now, Enzo Maresca’s side have the small matter of playing host to the Premier League leaders. Victory would see Chelsea move to within three points of Arsenal and lay down a marker in the title race. Defeat, meanwhile, would leave them nine points adrift of their London rivals.

Maresca will be well aware of the importance of Sunday’s game, but has told his players to “switch off” in the build-up – telling reporters: “I’ve told the players, next 48 hours, completely switch off,” he said. “Have a rest. Recover the energy.

“Because next Sunday we have Arsenal. My message after the game was just: recover the energy. That, in this moment, is the most important thing.

“Then, on Friday, we start to think about Arsenal. We need to keep the momentum because it’s very nice — and it’s much easier to recover energy when you win games.”

23-year-old wants to leave Chelsea in January as clubs start to make contact

He’s eyeing the exit door.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2025

It’s also worth noting that it’s not just on the pitch that Chelsea and Arsenal are set to do battle. In the transfer market, the two clubs are also reportedly set to go head-to-head to welcome a defensive reinforcement.

Recent reports have claimed that the Blues have now joined the race to sign Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet in an attempt to deal Arsenal a frustrating blow.

Chelsea join race to sign Jeremy Jacquet

As reported by Caught Offside, Chelsea have joined the race to sign Jacquet alongside Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig.

The 20-year-old defender will reportedly be available for as little as €30m (£27m) in 2026, handing those at Stamford Bridge a crucial opportunity to reinforce their backline at a bargain price.

Dubbed the next Saliba by The Standard when Arsenal’s interest emerged in August, Jacquet’s rise has been coming for a few years. His old development coach at Rennes, Pierre-Emmanuel Bordeau, even went as far to describe the defender as the “technical leader of his generation”.

Minutes

1,170

814

Progressive Passes

3

4.44

Tackles Won

0.92

0.56

Ball Recoveries

4.46

3.89

It’s easy to see why comparisons have been made with Saliba. Statistically speaking, Jacquet has even outperformed the Arsenal star out of possession so far this season, whilst also impressing on the ball.

It would be quite the move from Chelsea if they didn’t just land the next Saliba, but a player capable of exceeding Mikel Arteta’s top defender in years to come. Amid so much competition for Jacquet’s signature, though, the Blues will have to act quick.

Shades of Estevao: Chelsea have another "left-footed magician" out on loan

Matt Strahm was scheduled to appear Monday in the Philadelphia Phillies' spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays but was unable to give it a go due to fingernail irritation on his throwing hand. The good news is that it's not considered anything serious. The bad news is that this is becoming a pattern for the reliever, who seems to run into problems whenever he needs to do any packing.

This is the second time Strahm has hurt himself boxing things up. This time he was attempting to fit all of his daughter's toys in a box and rammed his nail right into a sharp edge. It's a frustrating situation and it may inspire Strahm to make some serious real estate reconsiderations.

The lefthander has been a valuable weapon out of the Phillies bullpen during his two years with the team, compiling a 15-7 record and 2.69 ERA over 122 games. He should remain one as long as some sort of unexpected packing-up situation arises before October.

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Arsenal keeping a clean sheet.

Mikel Arteta’s side matched a 122-year club record on Tuesday night by doing so for the eighth game on the bounce in their Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

To their credit, the Czech side came out of the blocks like a house on fire, but after the 20-minute mark, the Gunners established control over the game that remained until the final whistle.

However, while most of the team impressed, there was one player who looked off the pace and was far less effective than Mikel Merino.

Merino's night vs Slavia

With Viktor Gyokeres joining Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the injury list over the weekend, Merino was once again drafted in to start up top.

Given the fact that the Czech giants hadn’t lost a home game since December, it was always going to be a challenging evening for the makeshift number nine, and early on, it looked it.

However, just 35 seconds into the second half, the Spanish international once again found himself in the right place at the right time and buried a brilliant cross from Leandro Trossard.

It wasn’t a lucky or scrappy goal, though; it was a well-timed run and a proper centre-forward’s finish on the half volley.

With his name on the scoreboard, the 29-year-old seemed to grow in confidence and just 22 minutes later headed home his second from a Declan Rice delivery.

He did more than bag a brace, though, as in his 95 minutes of action, he played one key pass, took 52 touches, covered 10.2km, made three interceptions, two clearances and three recoveries.

It really was a man-of-the-match display from Merino and one that should fill Arteta with confidence ahead of a tricky game away to Sunderland on Saturday.

However, there was another starter who more than likely played himself out of the team.

Arsenal's underwhelming star

Unfortunately, while the likes of Merino, Trossard and Rice were looking brilliant against Slavia, Ethan Nwaneri was not.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Now, there is no denying that the 18-year-old is an extraordinarily talented prospect and someone who still seems destined for big things.

However, it is also true that he was the most underwhelming player for the Gunners on Tuesday night and looked like an inexperienced youngster.

For example, while he did get himself into promising areas on several occasions, he’d then either lose the ball, play the wrong pass or hold on to it for too long.

As content creator Alex Moneypenny points out, the Hale Ender will have to “prioritise retention” more if he “wants to go to the next level.”

It might sound harsh, but the Sun’s Chisanga Malata was also unimpressed, awarding the teen a 5/10 match rating and writing that he “was anonymous in the first half and struggled to get into the game.”

Unfortunately, his statistics more than back up such an appraisal, as in 65 minutes he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.04, failed to complete a single cross, took 30 touches – 18 fewer than David Raya – completed just 18 passes, lost possession six times and won two of seven duels.

Minutes

65′

Expected Goals

0.03

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.01

Assists

0

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Accurate Passes

18/19

Touches

30

Lost Possession

6

Tackles (Won)

1 (0)

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (2)

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (0)

Fouls

2

Ultimately, Nwaneri is an incredible talent and will surely get back to his best this season, but due to his poor performance against Slavia, he should be dropped for the Sunderland game.

Arsenal "warrior" who won 100% duels is looking like Arteta's new Gabriel

Arsenal may have unearthed another Gabriel during their 3-0 win over Slavia Prague.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 5, 2025

Hannah Baker leads defence with 3 for 32 as hosts suffer ninth loss of campaign

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Jul-2025Birmingham 149 for 8 (Kalis 51, Robbins 4-29) beat Somerset 127 for 9 (Wellington 33, Baker 3-32) by 22 runsSterre Kalis registered an assured half-century as Birmingham beat Somerset by 22 runs at Taunton’s Cooper Associates Ground to improve their prospects of qualifying for the knockout stages of the women’s Vitality Blast competition.The Dutch international top-scored with 51 from 41 balls, struck six fours and dominated a profitable stand of 63 in 9.1 overs with Katie George for the fourth wicket as the visitors raised 149 for 8. George contributed 28 and Laura Harris made a brisk 29, while Mollie Robbins returned career-best figures of 4 for 29 to keep Somerset in the hunt.But west country ambition unraveled in the face of incisive bowling from Warwickshire’s spinners, Hannah Baker, Phoebe Brett and Millie Taylor sharing seven wickets as the home side came up short on 127 for 8. Amanda-Jade Wellington mustered middle-order resistance in a defiant innings of 33, but Somerset never looked like recovering from the wreckage of 62 for 6 at halfway.Victory moved Warwickshire above The Blaze and into second place behind leaders Surrey, while Somerset remain rooted to the foot of the table after suffering a ninth defeat in 11 matches in the short format.Robbins gave Somerset the best possible start, claiming two wickets in the opening over, Meg Austin falling lbw to the first delivery and Amu Surenkumar playing on four balls later as Warwickshire listed to 4 for 2 after winning the toss.Davina Perrin responded to adversity by plundering a quartet of fours at the expense of Olivia Barnes, while Kalis also played positively in a progressive third wicket stand of 38 from 25 balls. But Robbins switched ends and promptly terminated the partnership, Perrin driving to mid-off and departing for a 13-ball 20 with the score 42 for 3 in the sixth.Despite the loss of early wickets, Warwickshire continued to score at better than seven an over as new batter George adopted the role of chief support to Kalis, who proved adept at putting away the bad ball. Wellington and Alex Griffiths restricted the flow of boundaries during the middle overs, but Kalis overcame any frustration to raise an assured half century from 38 balls. The 50 partnership occupied 47 deliveries and the stand was worth 63 when Kalis gave Chloe Skelton the charge and was stumped by Jess Hazell.Having contributed a useful 28 from 29 balls, George fell to the returning Robbins, sending a top edge to short fine leg as the visitors slipped to 115 for 5 in the 16th. When Wellington had Nat Wraith held at point in the next over, Warwickshire had lost three wickets in 12 balls and were in danger of falling short. Thereafter, the visitors were indebted to Harris, whose forthright approach yielded four fours and a six in a quickfire innings of 29 from 13 balls, which served to carry them to a competitive total.Requiring the reassurance of a decent start, Somerset instead lost skipper Niamh Holland and Ruby Davis to Brett’s offbreaks in the first and fourth overs respectively. Bex Odgers had scored 21 off 25 balls when she offered a sharp return catch to Baker, at which point the home side were 43 for 3 in the seventh and already under pressure.Somerset were heavily dependent upon experienced campaigner Fran Wilson, but the former England batter was needlessly run out for 17 by Perrin’s superb pick-up-and-throw from cover with the score 44 for 4. That soon became 49 for 5, Jess Hazell chipping to mid-on as Baker made further inroads.Taylor produced a startling delivery to bowl Griffiths as spin continued to pay handsome dividends for Warwickshire. Wellington led a revival of sorts, accruing five boundaries in a stand of 35 for the seventh wicket with Skelton, but when the Australian was stumped off the bowling of Baker with 53 still needed from 26 balls, the game was effectively up for Somerset.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Leeds United are keen on signing a “sensational” Champions League player in the January transfer window.

Mixed Leeds injury news ahead of Burnley clash

The Whites make the trip to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, in an important Premier League clash between two of last season’s promoted sides.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has provided an injury update ahead of the game, admitting that there is both good and bad news to report.

“Good news was Lucas Perri, so he was able to train the last two weeks together with us, so he was able to use also this international break to build up a bit his fitness level. Of course, after being out so long, he can’t be there at 100 percent, but you see him going more or less from day to day, which is good news.

“With Willy Gnonto, he won’t be available for this game because his calf problems are sorted but sadly he had to use the international break for a little minor hernia surgery, so not a major thing but he needed to do this. He will be just back in team training next week so I expect then to have him available, perhaps already for Friday evening for the next home game but definitely not for this away trip.

“Very positive and good news was Daniel James because he is a bit ahead of schedule in his rehab, so a compliment also to our medical department, our rehab coaches. He was even involved already, I would say, in major parts of team training during this week but he is definitely not in contention for the starting line-up. Noah Okafor is also struggling a little bit with some adductor problems, he could be perhaps even in contention to be picked for the squad, so I didn’t expect this.”

Away from injury news, Leeds continue to look at potential new signings, and an exciting attacking player has been mentioned as an option.

Leeds have Champions League ace on their "radar"

Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Bailey claimed that Leeds are eyeing a potential move for Bodo/Glimt winger Jens Petter Hauge in January.

Hauge stands out as such an exciting option for Leeds, with scout Jacek Kulig once calling him a “sensational” player who always stood out as a youngster with huge potential.

Now 26, the 13-cap Norway international is a proven top-level player, scoring twice in as many Champions League appearances, as well as netting six times in the Europa League.

Farke could unleash Leeds' best English talent since Rio Ferdinand

Leeds fans can get excited about another rising English starlet at Elland Road.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 17, 2025

Hauge is capable of flourishing on both wings and as an attacking midfielder, but is predominantly a left-sided player, and he could add so much quality to Leeds’ attacking midway through the season.

Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update

The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.

Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn’t believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.

He stated via The Athletic’s Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:

Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.

Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.

With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.

Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.

Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are ‘ready to accept’ a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.

BlueCo ready second approach for "fantastic player" after rejected £61m Chelsea offer

The west Londoners have already had a bid knocked back.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 10, 2025

Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.

In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who’s been called a “very unique” defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.

Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca’s high-octane style of play.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.

يواصل برشلونة استعداده لمواجهة إلتشي ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم بداية الأسبوع المقبل، وكان الفريق قد تلقى خبراً محزناً بإصابة بيدري وغيابه لأكثر من شهر.

واستأنف كل من روبرت ليفاندوفسكي وداني أولمو لاعبا برشلونة تدريباتهما الجماعية، وقد يحصلان على التصريح الطبي قبل مباراة يوم الأحد المقبل.

وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فقد أجرى الألماني مارك تير شتيجن تدريبات خفيفة على أرض الملعب حيث يواصل تعافيه من جراحة الظهر التي خضع لها في 25 يوليو في بوردو.

أقرأ أيضاً.. هانز فليك يقترب من استعادة لاعب رئيسي قبل فترة التوقف الدولي

ويغيب قائد برشلونة صاحب الـ33 عاماً عن الملاعب بسبب إصابة طويلة الأمد تتطلب أربعة أشهر للتعافي، ولا يزال من المتوقع أنه يحتاج لشهر آخر قبل أن يصبح جاهزاً للمدرب هانز فليك.

ويتقدم تير شتيجن بشكل جيد ولكن بحذر ودون تسرع في عودته، ويمثل قيامه بالتدريبات الخفيفة خطوة تحفيزية مهمة للحارس الألماني المخضرم.

Chelsea have now held talks to sign a “1v1 specialist” forward, and they are tempted to trigger the €40m (£35m) release clause in his contract.

Maresca keen on new attacker after Simons blow

After missing out on Xavi Simons to Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues have now been forced to move on to alternative options in attacking midfield, and Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez is rapidly emerging as a major target.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that contact has now been made with the La Liga club over a deal, with an opening offer already being submitted.

However, reports from elsewhere have detailed that Lopez is unlikely to be sold unless the Spaniard makes it clear he wants to leave Barcelona this summer, so it could be difficult for the west Londoners to get a deal over the line.

That said, Enzo Marezca clearly remains keen on adding another forward to his ranks before the transfer deadline, with talks now being held over a deal for SC Braga star Roger Fernandes.

That is according to a report from A Bola, which states Chelsea have now initiated contact over a deal, with the Premier League club now weighing up whether to trigger the €40m (£35m) release clause in Fernandes’ Braga contract.

Better than Buonanotte: Chelsea hold talks to sign £86m gem after Garnacho

Chelsea look set to delve back into the transfer market after deals for Facundo Buonanotte and Alejandro Garnacho.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 31, 2025

Braga would not be willing to settle for anything less, with the Blues planning to sign the 19-year-old now, before immediately loaning him out to sister club Strasbourg, where game time would perhaps be more of a guarantee.

"1v1 specialist" Fernandes is one for the future

Scout Ben Mattinson lauded the youngster when he first burst onto the scene, saying: “Roger Fernandes is another player I love at Braga. 1v1 specialist with great whipped cross on him. A creative, unselfish winger. Also his maturity for only 17 is crazy, you can tell why he’s played so much already.”

Despite still being a teenager, the Braga starlet has amassed an impressive number of goals and assists in his opening two full Liga Portugal campaigns.

Season	Liga Portugal appearances	Goal contributions
2023-24	14	9
2024-25	28	7

That said, the right-winger is still very young, and Chelsea are already well-stocked out wide, most recently confirming the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

As such, while Fernandes could be a fantastic long-term addition to Maresca’s squad, the main focus should be to bring in a new attacking midfielder to provide competition for Cole Palmer, while a new striker may also be needed to replace Nicolas Jackson and the injured Liam Delap.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic delivered another outstanding performance for AC Milan, this time against Napoli as he assisted the Rossoneri's opener and then doubled the team's lead within 31 minutes. The American winger's goal and assist continued his exceptional start to the campaign that has seen him contribute eight goal involvements in his first six Serie A matches.

• AFP
  

  Incredible assist

  After cutting inside the box and reaching the six-yard area, Pulisic looked up and delivered a pinpoint low cross that evaded goalkeeper Alex Meret and found Alexis Saelemaekers unmarked at the back post for a simple tap-in.

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• Spectacular individual effort

  After a lung bursting run from Strahinja Pavlović, he cut the ball back into Youssouf Fofana, who tapped a first time pass into Pulisic’s path. With Napoli's defense momentarily disorganized, Pulisic fired a first time shot beyond the outstretched hand of Alex Meret into the net.

• AFP
  

  Exceptional form

  Pulisic's brilliant assist and then his goal against Napoli continues what has become a career-best start to the season for the Hershey, Pa. native. Having already notched five goals in his previous six appearances across all competitions, including a brace in Milan's 3-0 victory at Udinese last weekend, Pulisic has elevated his game to new heights in his third season with

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• AFP
  

  Title race implications loom large

  Prior to Sunday's match Napoli arrived at the San Siro having conceded just four goals in their opening five league matches under  manager Antonio Conte. With Milan securing a 2-1 win, they now sit at top of the Serie A table on a three-way tie with Napoli and Roma.