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Arsenal have been linked with a Serie A gem as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The transfer window officially opened on Wednesday to commence a busy summer for Edu and Arteta to introduce reinforcements to push on from last season's success.

The latest player linked to the Gunners could prove to be a significant upgrade in adding depth to the squad, in a talent likened to a Premier League ace.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Arsenal?

As reported by Italian outlet La Repubblica, Arsenal are interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The report claims that the Gunners have taken the ‘first step’ in contacting the Italian giants for information on the winger.

It’s suggested that Juventus have set an asking price of €60m (£51m) for the 25-year-old, who is contracted to the club until 2025.

What could Federico Chiesa offer to Arsenal?

Hailed as “magic” by members of the media, the Italian international could add a host of attributes to Arteta’s attack.

Deployed primarily on the left-wing, the Genova-born gem could add competition to areas in the Spaniard’s squad that are notably strong, to entice competition and further performances as players battle for starting spots.

The versatile ace is capable of playing in a variety of areas in the front line with the ability to play centrally as well as on either flank, making him a strong option for Arteta to snatch in a player that possesses attributes to suggest he could thrive in the Premier League.

As noted by WhoScored, the Italian is typically strong in skills expected from a wide player such as dribbling as well as being able to get stuck in and assist defensively, an element treasure in the Spaniard’s system at Arsenal.

Playing ahead of progressive overlapping full-backs is a dynamic approach to play going forward but can leave side’s defensively stretched on the counter, which is an area Chiesa could assist in as supported by his average of 2.8 duels won per game, via Sofascore.

As per FBref, the winger is likened to Manchester City whiz Riyad Mahrez, who is a prime example of how to exploit talent in depth in a player that in rotation is always up to par to perform when called upon.

The likeness between the pair is particularly showcased by the fact that the two men can both provide a creative spark from the flanks, with the City ace ranking in the top 3% among his European peers for assists, while the Euro 2020 winner ranks in the top 4% in that regard.

With Martinelli’s position cemented in the starting 11 following a delightful individual campaign that saw him produce 20 G/A in the Premier League, Chiesa could be deployed in a similar fashion to Mahrez at the Etihad with hopefully a similar effect.

The winger displayed traits that could see him thrive in Arteta’s side, averaging 4.52 prog carries per 90 as well as 2.26 successful take-ons per 90 to showcase his abilities on the ball, via FBref.

In signing a backup that possesses quality enough to be in the starting lineup, Arsenal could begin to close the gap between themselves and City by increasing in quality rather than just numbers.

Liverpool are in pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves, and are now believed to have made their move to tie up a deal for the Portuguese ace.

What's the latest on Ruben Neves to Liverpool?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that the Old Gold are set to accept a £50m bid for their most coveted asset with just one year remaining on his current deal and no resolution in sight.

The report continues to claim that the Reds have requested to be kept informed about potential developments in the situation, and with the 26-year-old completing an emotional lap of honour after his final home game of the term against Everton it appears that a departure is forthcoming.

Barcelona are also interested, with Spanish sources previously indicating that La Blaugrana had the lead in the race, but Ansu Fati's refusal to be included as a makeweight in a prospective transfer has left Liverpool ready to pounce.

How good is Ruben Neves?

Liverpool will target several midfielders capable of making a marked improvement on Jurgen Klopp's squad this summer, with Europa League football the destination after failing to qualify for the top four.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all departing at the end of their contracts, while captain Jordan Henderson and pass master Thiago Alcantara are both 32, with the captain 33 in one month's time.

The "incredible" Neves – as lauded by former teammate Hugo Bueno – is at the peak of his powers right now and has been the centrepiece of Wolves' success since rising from the Championship and reaching a Europa League quarter-final, forging 252 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists.

The 39-cap machine has been robust and dynamic from his conducting role this term, which is evidenced by his average Sofascore rating of 7.26, scoring six goals from 34 outings, completing 83% of his passes, averaging 0.9 key passes per game and making 2.3 tackles, 2.4 clearances and 1.5 interceptions each match.

Having been a "hero" for his side during his time at Molineux, as lauded by journalist Matt Maher, the midfield titan would provide composure and steel to the Liverpool centre, bolstering the ranks with his tenacious, unflinching demeanour on the pitch.

His arrival would only serve to enhance the endeavours of centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who has been criticised for some of his performances this season amid Liverpool's strife.

The club's issues this season have largely been a product of negligence on the transfer market over the past several years, with Thiago the only senior midfield signing since 2018, and for all the Spaniard's prowess with the ball, there is a belief that he has "slowed" the Reds down with his distinctive style of play – as per club legend John Barnes – with his injury record also less than admirable.

Van Djik has consequently suffered from the absence of control and energy in the midfield this term, with one journalist branding him "nonchalant".

While the Dutch titan is not the most tackle-happy centre-back in the Premier League – he ranks among the bottom 4% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles per 90 – this is largely a product of his commanding style of play and efficacy in timing his defensive movements to inhibit opposing attacks.

Equally, the former Southampton man is also adept at sweeping away the danger when it presents itself, as he has made 4.2 clearances on average per game in the Premier League this term and won 70% of his contested duels.

A sturdy conductor would not only reignite the Reds midfield but serve as a buffer for the back four, and with Van Dijk not quite so imperious anymore, renewed vitality in the mould of Neves would only serve to enhance his side's prospects of success next season and beyond.

Leeds United are interested in making Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson their next manager this summer, according to a new update.

Who is in the running for Leeds job?

The Whites are experiencing a busy time of things at the moment, with so much happening both on and off the pitch, including 49 Enterprises' potential takeover of the club.

The search is also on to find a new manager before the start of next season, with Sam Allardyce departing earlier this week after a short stint in charge, in which he failed to keep them n the Premier League.

A number of individuals are believed to be in with a chance of landing the job, with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Brendan Rodgers and Carlos Corberan all thought to be in the running. A new name has now been thrown into the hat, though, as Leeds look to ensure that they nail their next appointment and seal a quickfire return to the Premier League.

Is Tomasson a target for the Whites?

According to Football Insider, the Whites "have shortlisted Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson in the search for their next manager", with the Dane "on their shortlist of targets". The report goes on to add that "Blackburn are braced for an approach from the recently-relegated giants and are already drawing up a list of potential replacements for the 46-year-old", with those inside Elland Road viewing Tomasson as "the next Bielsa".

Tomasson, who plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, has been in charge of Blackburn since last year, arriving in June, having previously been in charge of Swedish side Malmo, and he guided the former to a seventh-place finish in the Championship and within touching distance of finishing in the playoff positions.

He could be an interesting appointment by Leeds, not necessarily being as big a name as Gerrard and Rodgers, for example, but showing in a short space of time that he knows how to get positive results in the Championship, averaging 1.6 points per game in the competition. Tomasson also has experience at international level, albeit in an assistant manager role with Denmark between 2016 and 2019, meaning he knows how to work around big personalities and help get the best out of them.

It could be argued that a more proven manager could be needed at Leeds, such is the importance of this appointment, but the former striker did win two Swedish league titles in charge of Malmo, further highlighting his pedigree and why he is a contender to head to Elland Road.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo: Mohammad Shahzad, who top scored for Afghanistan, hit eight fours and a six in his 79-ball 66•Peter Della Penna/ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Half-centuries from Mohammad Shahzad and Najibullah Zadran set the base for Afghanistan’s 39-run win in the second ODI against Ireland in Belfast on Tuesday.Afghanistan, who were bowled out for 250 after being sent in to bat, overcame Ireland’s solid start to the chase – openers William Porterfield and Ed Joyce added 71 – to spin the hosts out. Rashid Khan, the legspinner, finished with 3 for 28, while offspinner Mohammad Nabi claimed 3 for 45 as Ireland were bowled out for 211 in 48.2 overs. That meant Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series which started with a washout.As many as seven Afghanistan batsmen got into double digits but most could not kick on. Shahzad, the opener, top scored with 66. The visitors, who were cruising at 76 without loss, slipped to 125 for 4, before being rescued by 70-run stand between Najibullah Zadran and Samiullah Shenwari. Zadran smashed six fours and two sixes in his 61-ball knock, before Barry McCarthy, the medium pacer, polished off the tail to finish with 4 for 59 – his best figures so far in his fledgling ODI career. Kevin O’Brien also chipped in with four wickets.Ireland were on course as Joyce brought up a half-century. Then, medium pacer Mirwais Ashraf’s two wickets in the space of four deliveries in the 27th over stalled the chase. O’Brien kept Ireland in the game with a 27-ball 35, but the escalating asking rate meant escalated pressure too, which the hosts could not withstand. O’Brien was fifth man out, before Ireland’s last five wickets fell for 22.The third ODI will also be played at the same venue on Thursday.

While Todd Boehly will undoubtedly have to move on some of Chelsea's bloated squad if he wants to sign new players this summer, it seems clear that attacking additions are necessary.

The Blues are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the division, having mustered just a goal a game in the Premier League so far this season, with the 3-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend just the third time they've managed to score more than twice in a top-flight fixture.

Therefore, it is perhaps no surprise to see Chelsea linked with some of the best strikers across European football, with Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen one man who Boehly could look to bring to Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Victor Osimhen this summer?

According to reports last month from 90min, the west London outfit are confident that they can win the race to sign the 24-year-old sensation this summer, despite not being able to offer Champions League football.

They claim that the Blues are prepared to blow other sides out of the water as they prepare what would likely be a club-record bid for the €150m (£133m-rated) forward, who has been at the forefront of Luciano Spalletti's Scudetto-winning side this season.

The Nigeria international boasts a phenomenal record of 23 goals and four assists in just 28 Serie A appearances, earning an incredible 7.47 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Previously described as "phenomenal" by former Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri, Osimhen has naturally been afforded a lot of chances in Napoli's run to the title, but it is his overachievement in terms of expected goals which suggests that he could be the man to solve Chelsea's woes in front of goal.

As per Fotmob, the fine-finishing forward has scored 23 goals from just 18.9 xG this season, which suggests that he is more than capable of putting the difficult chances away.

As such, it marks him out as an ideal replacement for the struggling Kai Havertz, who once again has underperformed on expected goals as Chelsea's main man in the attack.

Could Osimhen replace Havertz at Chelsea?

As per Understat, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has failed to turn his xG into results throughout his time at Chelsea, but this season has been the worst by far, as he has scored 5.15 fewer goals than expected.

He has also averaged far fewer shots (2.1 vs 4.2) and dribbles (0.5 vs 0.8) per game than Osimhen, while the 6 foot 4 striker's 6.81 average rating from WhoScored simply puts the Napoli forward in a different league.

If Boehly is serious about turning Chelsea into title challengers, he must consider ditching the "hopeless" Havertz, as he has been dubbed by Chris Sutton, and bringing in the exciting Osimhen instead.

Chelsea had previously considered bringing Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as he closes in on being officially unveiled as the Blues' new manager, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

As per 90min, Chelsea are said to be 'inching closer' to appointing Pochettino as their new manager and the two parties only have 'minor details' to iron out before the Argentinian is announced as Graham Potter's permanent successor.

The report also states that Pochettino will be given the freedom to shape his squad appropriately and will have a major say in who is allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Sky Sports revealed last week that Chelsea have been 'admirers' of the 51-year-old manager in the past and 'enquired about his availability' following their decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in 2022.

Pochettino has been out of work since the end of the 2021/22 season after he left Paris Saint-Germain despite leading them to the Ligue 1 title.

Football Insider claims that the former Spurs boss is already getting to work scoping out potential additions for the Blues, with Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane thought to be one of his transfer targets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth thinks that Pochettino will have been given 'reassurances' by the Chelsea hierarchy that will have given him encouragement as he closes in on returning to management at Stamford Bridge.

Sheth said: “I think he was considered a couple of times before by Chelsea, particularly when they appointed Graham Potter. At the time, it wasn't right for Pochettino.

“Something has changed, and in the discussions that he will have had with the Chelsea owners, he would have probably got the reassurances that he wanted, not only about issues like his backroom staff but also about how he's going to need to trim the squad.

“We know that Pochettino likes to work with a squad that's not inflated.”

What happens now for Chelsea?

In all honestly, Chelsea could do with some positive news in the near future, especially given their current woeful run of form in recent weeks.

Caretaker boss Frank Lampard hasn't been able to get a tune out of his squad, losing six from six since being brought in to steady the ship in west London.

Incredibly, despite their enormous spending power, the Blues lie 12th in the Premier League table with five games left to play and sit nine points above the relegation zone, signifying that they are still not mathematically safe from the drop.

Of course, it is extremely unlikely that Chelsea will suffer such a fate come the end of this term; however, it's an indication of how underwhelming this season has been at Stamford Bridge for all involved.

Pochettino will be keen to establish his vision early on in pre-season at the club to avoid a repeat scenario in 2023/24.

Leicester City could still appeal to Graham Potter, however, he is looking to sit out until the end of the campaign having been sacked by Chelsea over the weekend.

Could Potter sign in the summer?

It is believed the Foxes made an immediate approach to the now-former Chelsea manager after parting ways with Brendan Rodgers over the weekend.

However, it is also believed the 47-year-old rejected the approach as he looks to enjoy a short break from the game on the back of the disappointment of being sacked by the Londoners.

The Foxes sit in a seriously concerning spot in the table with just nine games remaining as they find themselves slumped down in 19th spot.

Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell are the caretaker coaches in charge of the relegation battlers but they did not get off to the best of starts on Tuesday night.

A big point against an in-form Aston Villa was lost in the dying minutes of the game as their relegation worries were only compounded.

But speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed the club could still appeal for Potter in the summer if they are able to survive:

(19:35) "I still think he has an interest there and I think if there was an interim manager at Leicester which I think they're considering, someone short term, I think Potter then again in the summer. I wouldn't completely rule him out going to Leicester but in the summer."

"But yeah, they don't know who they want yet, but I think they may go short-term, from what we're hearing."

Is Potter perfect for Leicester?

There may be some fans who may hold the rejection against Potter, however, on the back of what was a seriously underwhelming spell at Stamford Bridge, perhaps it was best for all.

Potter's time at Chelsea was undeniably a failure with the Blues slumped in 11th spot upon his sacking and perhaps he was not in the right frame of mind to take on a job straight away.

However, there are a lot of potential positives to suggest he could do at Leicester from his time at Brighton & Hove Albion where he developed a number of players.

The likes of Lewis Dunk, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard all developed under Potter during his time on the south coast (via Transfermarkt).

And with the Leicester squad full of young talents like Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, perhaps Potter is the man to extract the best out of their potential.

However, there surely has to be a massive caveat on his reported intrigue in the job at Leicester as relegation to the Championship could prove a major issue.

Not only could it see Potter look elsewhere, but it could see a number of their exciting prospects look to leave in search of Premier League football.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that those within the West Ham United hierarchy do not rate Graham Potter particularly highly as he enters the market of possible future managers.

What's the latest on Graham Potter and West Ham?

With the Hammers struggling down towards the bottom end of the Premier League table, the future of David Moyes has looked uncertain for some time.

Indeed, as per The Guardian, there has been "growing dressing-room discontent" over the 59-year-old's tactics this season and it feels as though he could soon be sacked.

Elsewhere in London, another manager did depart his club this weekend. Yes, Chelsea fired Potter on Sunday and with the 47-year-old now a free agent, he may well be considered as a future Moyes replacement.

With that in mind, Ex went to his sources to enquire about the possibility but it doesn't sound as though the Englishman has a lot of fans at West Ham.

In an update on The West Ham Way Patreon, the club insider explained: "The feedback was not so good on Potter with the top source within the club stating the general feeling is he was massively helped with his recruitment at the club (Brighton) by his backroom staff and that his time at Brighton may have given people an inaccurate perception of the manager."

Was Potter that bad at Chelsea?

The former Chelsea boss certainly didn't do a very good job with the Blues. He leaves them 11th in the table having managed to lose nine, draw eight and win just 11 of his 28 Premier League games in charge.

However, the criticism that suggests recruitment at Brighton was the only thing that made him an initial success in English football seems a little harsh.

After all, he did pretty well to rise from relative obscurity with Swedish team Ostersund – where he once masterminded a Europa League win over Arsenal at the Emirates – all the way to the Champions League, via spells with Swansea and Brighton before Chelsea.

Even so, he does remain unproven at the very top of the game and after his most recent job ended so badly, it's not hard to see why West Ham and other clubs may have doubts before appointing Potter.

Anyway, after a win over Southampton on the weekend, Moyes remains very much in charge. However, at the end of the season, if the club are on the lookout for a new manager, perhaps the hierarchy will take more time to carefully consider Potter as a serious candidate.

Leeds fans may have lost faith in Georginio Rutter to keep their side in the Premier League this season but Javi Gracia could possess the ideal replacement in Sonny Perkins.

Could Sonny Perkins keep Leeds in the Premier League?

After failing to score or assist in three starts and five substitute appearances at Elland Road, rumours are quickly beginning to swirl about Rutter’s morale.

The 20-year-old joined the Whites in a club-record £35.5m deal in January, joining on a five-and-a-half-year deal having starred in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim.

Despite his age and Hoffenheim’s struggles this season, the Frenchman had managed an impressive 11 goals and eight assists in 64 Bundesliga appearances, so it was easy to see why Leeds wanted to take a chance on his potential.

However, he is clearly struggling to adapt to the Premier League and reports have suggested that he is already regretting his move to Yorkshire, with Kicker claiming that he misses his former teammates and shed tears when he was told by his agent that he would be joining Leeds.

Although he was handed his first league start for the club in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea last weekend, it is claimed that he isn’t happy with his game time at Elland Road.

Gracia needs players who are willing to fight and give everything for the shirt, and Rutter’s reported reaction suggests that he may not be up for a relegation battle.

In the absence of Rodrigo, the Spaniard has very few attacking options to choose from at Elland Road, especially as Patrick Bamford has just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances so far this term.

Leeds are not afraid to put their faith in youth, with Wilfried Gnonto, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville all featuring on a regular basis this season, which perhaps makes it more surprising that Perkins is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Whites.

The teenage forward, who joined from West Ham last summer, has nine goals in 17 appearances for the U21s and scored an important equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City in the FA Cup in January.

His rampant form has drawn considerable praise, none more so than from Leeds U21 boss Michael Skubala, who noted after a brace against Aston Villa:

“Yeah he’s a goal machine, he loves scoring goals. He’s working on other parts of his game that he still needs to improve, but Sonny’s not had the best pre-season so he’s slowly becoming stronger and faster but two great finishes and that’s what Sonny’s all about.”

Leeds need goals if they are going to avoid dropping back to the Championship and if Rutter isn’t up to the task, surely Perkins should be given his opportunity to keep the club in the Premier League.

Everton could reportedly make a €44m (£38.7m) bid to try and sign Udinese duo Beto and Rodrigo Becao.

The Lowdown: January interest

Everton reportedly had a late offer for Beto rejected in the January transfer window, with Udinese feeling that they could sell in July instead.

They were also linked with a late move for Becao, under the condition that Michael Keane would leave, but the Englishman ended up staying put at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Summer swoop?

As per local outlet Udinese Blog, the Merseyside club could make a £38.7m offer to sign both players this summer, which could take shape ‘in the coming weeks’.

Sean Dyche has ‘suggested’ Beto’s name in particular, and is preparing to return for him in the next window after receiving a ‘no’ from Udinese in January.

The Verdict: Reinforcements needed

Of course, there are no guarantees that the Toffees will stay up this season, but if they do, reinforcements will be needed in order to make sure that they are not in the same situation next term.

They have struggled for goals all season, being the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League with 17, and Beto would certainly help in that regard, having achieved double figures for goals in each of his last three league campaigns, and seven so far in the Serie A with Udinese this term (Transfermarkt).

Becao would improve the team defensively, with the centre-back ranking in the 97th percentile for touches, 96th for tackles and 89th for non-penalty goals of all his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, among other metrics that makes him a complete defender (FBRef).

Nonetheless, both players have the potential to break into the starting line-up under Dyche, and so this is a double deal that the Blues should be seriously considering.