Arsenal’s next obstacle on the path to a Premier League title is just months removed from considering itself a contender, as Liverpool hosts the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday (Watch live at 11:30am ET Sunday online via Premier League on Peacock).
The Gunners enter the weekend with an 8-point lead on two-time defending champions Manchester City, who hold a match-in-hand and play Southampton on Saturday.
STREAM LIVE LIVERPOOL v ARSENAL
Arsenal is just cruising right now, winners of seven-straight since their early February slump saw them claim just a point from nine. The Gunners scored less than three goals in just one of those wins, a 1-0 win at Leicester City.
Liverpool enters the match having been blasted by Man City at the weekend and being outplayed by Chelsea in a scoreless draw on Tuesday. The Reds lost to Bournemouth prior to that and hammered Manchester United before that, so who knows what you’ll get from one of the most inconsistent and talented sides in the Premier League.
Here’s what you need for Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Arsenal analysis, live score: 1-2
FIRST HALF: Well, well, well, what an affair this has been at Anfield.
The host Reds came out of the gates with vigor and the match very much looked like it could be tight and touchy (which it became over the time).
But Arsenal cut through Liverpool so easily for two goals that were arguably against the run of play or at least in defiance of appearance.
Gabriel Martinelli’s goal and set-up of Gabriel Jesus gave another look to the game, one of inevitability, but Mohamed Salah beat Gabriel Magalhaes to a ball in the six after Liverpool diced up Arsenal in a bit of turnabout being fair play.
And that’s how we’re sitting 2-1 at the break. Shots are 8-5 to Liverpool and xG is 1.20-1.14 to Arsenal, with the hosts holding 53 percent possession.
SECOND HALF: OH NO! Rob Holding’s taken down Diogo Jota in the boss.
Double OH NO! Mohamed Salah has missed the goal with his penalty, low and to the right of the right post.
Still 2-1 Arsenal, and barely.
Liverpool continue with the ball and keep pushing for an equalizer. Aaron Ramsdale denies Salah at the back post, and Liverpool’s players are furious when a rally is stopped before the hour mark due to Gabriel blocking a shot with his face and slumping to the turf.
Enter Thiago Alcantara for his first match since early February, and he’ll be joined by Darwin Nunez as Curtis Jones and Jota, respectively.
Gabriel Martinelli goal video: Arsenal counters to go in front
Gabriel Jesus goal video: Slick header of Martinelli cross
Mohamed Salah goal video: Reds cut into 18, 6
How to watch Liverpool vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 11:30am ET Sunday
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Key storylines & in-form players to watch
Liverpool’s three-match winless streak features exactly one goal, and that’s come from Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian King has to be wondering what’s become of his attack corps, one of the most electric in the world for so many years in a row. Who will help him turn things around as the midfield continues to struggle? Darwin Nunez? Cody Gakpo? Roberto Firmino? Bueller?
Arsenal’s getting the goals from everywhere, but Granit Xhaka’s scored in back-to-back games and seems to be having the time of his life. Bukayo Saka’s year-long run as one of the stars of the show continues, as Gabriel Jesus has joined Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard in asking opponents just where they fancy putting their focus when the Gunners have the ball.
Liverpool team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Calvin Ramsay (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (groin), Naby Keita (muscular), Luis Diaz (knee).
The Reds to take on Arsenal 👊#LIVARS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 9, 2023
Arsenal team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Eddie Nketiah (ankle), Mohamed Elneny (knee), William Saliba (lower back)
⚫️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚡️️
🧱 White at the back
🔙 Saka returns
💪 Jesus in attack
Let’s do this – together! pic.twitter.com/n7mlX1qjQC— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 9, 2023
Harry Kane scored a gorgeous winner for Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, giving him 23 on the season and a lead of five on the closest competitor behind him on the Premier League goals list this season.
Key words: behind him.
A couple of hours of later it was the first name on the list, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, bagging two goals to move seven clear of Kane! The second was an emphatic and acrobatic overhead kick that reminded the Premier League that its Golden Boot race remains in fait accompli territory even as Kane continues to finish at a world-class rate.
[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
There is something somewhat dull about knowing the identity of the 2022 Golden Boot winner, the lone curiosity being the final number of his final tally, we get it, but most of what Haaland is doing this season is simply marvelous and to be admired without much fear.
Haaland’s Premier League-leading 30 goals have him seven goals clear of the next closest challenger: Tottenham’s fantastic and firing Kane.
The Norwegian star piled up 20 goals in a single Premier League season faster than any player in history… by seven games (Kevin Phillips of Sunderland did it in 21). Now he’s within five goals of equalling Kevin Phillips’ record for most goals in a debut Premier League season.
And the later this season goes with him projected so far over the current record, the less chucking is accompanied by marking out the pace (especially considering Haaland was not beaten up by the World Cup, as Norway was not in the tournament). And even though Haaland is currently overperforming his expected goals total, it’s clear that projecting him for the Premier League record is rather realistic.
Which records can Haaland break?
Haaland may not be likely to hit 50 goals given the schedule congestion to come for Man City, but the Premier League record is very well under assault and that figure isn’t entirely absurd. He’s played in 23 of Man City’s 24 games, scoring 26 goals.
Mohamed Salah holds the 38-game season record with his 32 goals scored for Liverpool during the 2017-18 season, while Newcastle’s Andy Cole and Blackburn’s Alan Shearer bagged 34 during 42-game seasons in the 20th century’s final decade.
Haaland also could topple the record for goal involvements (goals plus assists) in a single season, including beating the 42-game record. Alan Shearer put up 47 over 42, while Thierry Henry holds the 38-game record with 44.
Other records that Haaland could legitimately tie or topple:
- 30 goals in a first Premier League season (Kevin Phillips, Sunderland, 1999-2000) *tied April 8
- Goals in 24 different Premier League matches (Salah, Liverpool, 2017-18)
- Most goals in a Premier League match (Five tied with five)
- 11-straight Premier League games with a goal (Jamie Vardy, Leicester, 2014-15)
Read on to see the latest Premier League goal totals for the 2022-23 season, as Haaland looks to claim a Golden Boot in his first PL season.
Premier League 2022-23 Golden Boot race
-
- Erling Haaland, Man City — 30
- Harry Kane, Tottenham — 23
- Ivan Toney, Brentford — 18
- Marcus Rashford, Manchester United — 15
- Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal — 14
- Mohamed Salah, Liverpool — 13
- Bukayo Saka, Arsenal — 12
- Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa — 12
- Miguel Almiron, Newcastle — 11
- Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham — 11
- Rodrigo, Leeds United — 11
- Martin Odegaard, Arsenal — 10
- Harvey Barnes, Leicester City — 10
- Callum Wilson, Newcastle — 10
- James Maddison, Leicester City — 9
- Phil Foden, Man City — 9
- Leandro Trossard — Brighton/Arsenal — 8
- Danny Ings, Aston Villa/West Ham — 8
- Darwin Nunez, Liverpool — 8
- Roberto Firmino, Liverpool — 8
- Brennan Johnson, Nottingham Forest — 8
- Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton — 8
- Alexander Isak, Newcastle — 8
- Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal — 8
- James Ward-Prowse, Southampton — 7
- Kai Havertz, Chelsea — 7
- Solly March, Brighton — 7
- Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton — 7
- Heung-min Son, Tottenham — 7
- Phillip Billing, Bournemouth — 7
- Julian Alvarez, Man City — 7
Kevin De Bruyne’s gaudy assist numbers give rise to any number of considerations, and we have to wonder if the Manchester City star has ever wondered if the Premier League record would be his in a world in which Jose Mourinho found better use for him at Chelsea.
De Bruyne’s 14 assists this Premier League season are four more than his nearest competitor — Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka — and give him 100 for his career. That’s fifth all-time, two more than Dennis Bergkamp and 64 (?!) behind record holder Ryan Giggs.
[ MORE: Premier League Golden Boot race ]
The Belgian star, 31, arrived at Chelsea from Werder Bremen at the age of 22 and managed only 425 in a half-season before being offloaded to Wolfsburg. Back in the Bundesliga, De Bruyne got six assists the rest of the way before setting up 21 goals the next season to set up a move to Man City.
He’s since won the nascent Premier League Playmaker of the Season Award twice, including a 20-assist 2019-20 season, and he’s on pace to make it three of six. Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, and Eden Hazard have also won the award, which is only five years old.
De Bruyne also led the Premier League in assists in 2016-17, the year before the league but a name on the honor.
His stats hint that there’s more to come, as ‘KDB’ is creating a gaudy 3.67 chances per 90 minutes. After a season in which he scored 15 times with eight assists, De Bruyne is back taunting those who’d dare chase him in terms of setting up goals (Some guy named Erling Haaland is helping…).
Premier League 2022-23 assist leaders
- Kevin De Bruyne, Man City — 14
- Bukayo Saka, Arsenal — 10
- Leandro Trossard, Arsenal/Brighton — 9
- Michael Olise, Crystal Palace — 8
- Christian Eriksen, Manchester United — 7
- Mohamed Salah, Liverpool — 7
- Martin Odegaard, Arsenal — 7
- Andreas Pereira, Fulham — 6
- Alex Iwobi, Everton — 6
- Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United — 6
- Andy Robertson, Liverpool — 6
- Jack Harrison, Leeds — 6
- Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham Hotspur — 6
- James Maddison, Leicester City — 6
- Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United — 6
- Solly March, Brighton — 6
- Ivan Perisic, Tottenham Hotspur — 6
- Jack Grealish, Man City — 6
- Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal — 5
- Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest — 5
- Bernardo Silva, Man City — 5
- Granit Xhaka, Arsenal — 5
- Douglas Luiz, Aston Villa — 5
- Erling Haaland, Man City — 5
- Rodri, Manchester City — 5
- Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa — 5
- Riyad Mahrez, Man City — 5
- Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford — 5
- Mathias Jensen, Brentford — 5
- Pascal Gross, Brighton — 5
- Allan Saint-Maximin, Newcastle — 5
Crystal Palace smashed five past Leeds as they surged to a second-straight victory thanks to a sensational second half at Elland Road. FULL MATCH REPLAY
Leeds took the lead through Patrick Bamford and were excellent in the first half but the game swung in Palace’s favor just before the break as Marc Guehi equalized.
Jordan Ayew scored twice, plus Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard each added a goal as Michael Olise grabbed three assists and ripped a stunned Leeds to shreds.
[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
With the win Palace move on to 33 points and after going 12 games without a win before Roy Hodgson’s return, they have won his first two games in charge. Leeds are just two points above the relegation zone with eight games of the season to go.
Clinical Palace could have huge impact on Leeds’ survival hopes
With Leeds 1-0 up against Crystal Palace and half time approaching (and following their midweek win against Nottingham Forest) it seemed like they were basically out of relegation trouble. Javi Gracia’s side had dominated the first half against Palace and should have been two or three up. Then Guehi equalized right on half time and Leeds’ brittle confidence was clear for all to see. Palace’s clinical finishing was incredible to witness in the second half as the brilliant Michael Olise bamboozled Leeds’ midfield and defense and the hosts reverted to their haphazard defending of the last few seasons.
There had been a solidity about Leeds under Gracia but this hammering could undo all of the good work the Spaniard has done to steady the ship, and their play, since arriving in late February. Leeds have a tough run of games to finish the season and it looks like relegation six-pointers against Bournemouth and Leicester will decide their fate. As the first half against Palace proved, they probably have enough to stay up. But just like last season they’re determined to make it harder than it needs to be.
Leeds boss Javi Gracia stunned after Palace surge back; Bamford: ‘Freak result’
“It’s unbelievable after that first half we had to finish like that. We dominated the first half and created many chances. We could have finished the game. After we conceded before half-time everything changed. We started very bad in the second half and didn’t perform as well,” Javi Gracia said to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports.
“We have to be really disappointed because the second half was very bad, the result as well is difficult to accept. It’s only a game. We try to keep a positive mentality for the next game. There’s only one way, to work hard and try to understand why we conceded this result today and to try to come back as soon as possible to all the things we’ve been doing well. We try to work hard this week to prepare for the next game. I’d like to give the fans a better performance and result.”
Patrick Bamford to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports: “It was one of those where the first half was really good, we should have been more goals ahead. The second half, we fell apart a bit. It was a freak result and one we will move on from… It was one of those games where every mistake we made literally got punished. In there the boys were, I don’t want to say upbeat because we lost 5-1, but they understood that one game like that will not decide our season.”
Stars of the show; Leeds vs Crystal Palace player ratings
Michael Olise: Three assists and tore Leeds apart in the second half. What a special talent the youngster is.
Eberechi Eze: Lovely goal and involved in everything good Palace did in the second half.
What’s next?
Leeds head to Liverpool on Monday, April 17. Crystal Palace head to Southampton on Saturday, April 15.
How to watch Leeds vs Crystal Palace live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 9am ET, Sunday
TV channel: USA Network
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com
This has been absolutely incredible. Leeds were brilliant for most of the first half but Palace have been ruthless in the second half.
GOALLL! Leeds 1-5 Crystal Palace – Jordan Ayew finishes after Will Hughes sees his shot deflected into his path. It was ruled out for offside but VAR checked and he was clearly on. Leeds have absolutely collapsed.
GOALLL! Leeds 1-4 Crystal Palace – Odsonne Edouard with a great finish on the counter as Elland Road is stunned. Olise picked the right pass and Edouard smashes across goal. Who needs Wilfried Zaha, huh?
GOALLL! Leeds 1-3 Crystal Palace – Eberechi Eze scores a beauty as he starts the move, gives it to Olise and then latches onto a lovely pass before dinking home. Leeds cannot believe it.
Crystal Palace suddenly lead 3-1 now at Elland Road! 😱
📺: @USANetwork | #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/96umZz19Pd
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
GOALLLL! Leeds 1-2 Crystal Palace – The Eagles have turned it around with two goals either side of half time. What a comeback. And what a cross from Michael Olise as Jordan Ayew scores with a fabulous header.
Crystal Palace with their second goal within 10 minutes to take the lead!
📺: @USANetwork | #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/M1Oc32YZ8O
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
We are back underway in the second half and Palace are pushing for a second. Leeds have to regain control here.
HALF TIME: Leeds 1-1 Crystal Palace – The Eagles have pinned Leeds back just before the break and Javi Gracia will be concerned with the way his side have defended set pieces. Leeds were very good for most of that first half and should be ahead by a couple. But they’re not. Big first 15 minutes coming up after the break as Palace could well have the momentum now. Entertaining start to Sunday.
GOALLLL! Leeds 1-1 Crystal Palace – Right on half time Marc Guehi equalizes. A free kick comes in and Schlupp flicks it on off his shoulder, then Guehi reacts first to prod it home. His first Premier League goal of the season. Leeds will be kicking themselves. They have dominated this game but Palace have had chances from set pieces.
Marc Guehi with a CRUCIAL goal right before the half!
📺: @USANetwork | #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/b0zZ6zBBb3
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
SAVE! Another really good stop from Johnstone as a free kick is whipped in and Pascal Struijk flicks a good header towards goal. Leeds looking really dangerous from the set piece opportunities.
CLOSE! Jordan Ayew heads a corner just wide. Palace have had a few good chances.
SAVE! Johnstone with a fine stop to his right to push Jack Harrison’s free kick around the corner.
POST! Jeffrey Schlupp hits the post with a header from a corner. So close to an equalizer from Palace.
GOALLLL! Leeds 1-0 Crystal Palace – A deserved lead for Leeds as Patrick Bamford flicks home a superb header. What a corner from USMNT winger Brenden Aaronson and a lovely decoy run from Weston McKennie to help Bamford get a free run in the box.
A wonderful ball by Brenden Aaronson leads to Patrick Bamford's 50th Leeds United goal!
📺: @USANetwork | #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/eVZ06WyGvA
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
SAVE! Sam Johnstones gets down low to deny USMNT playmaker Brendan Aaronson as his lovely flick towards goal looked like it would sneak in. Leeds have started superbly.
CHANCE! Should be 1-0 to Leeds. A horrible shanked clearance from Marc Guehi falls straight to Luis Sinisterra but he drags his shot wide of the far post. Brilliant opportunity for the hosts.
Brenden Aaronson almost scored this NASTY flick. 👀
📺: @USANetwork | #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/ixMUudY8cs
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
KICK OFF! We are underway at a sun-bathed Elland Road. Can Leeds take another huge step towards safety? Can Palace make it two wins from two under Roy Hodgson?
Key storylines & star players
Roy Hodgson made his return as Crystal Palace’s interim manager in the come-from-behind win over Leicester, replacing recently departed Patrick Vieira, and the Eagles scored multiple goals in a PL game for the first time since — you guessed it — their last win, over Bournemouth on Dec. 31. To add injury to insult, Wilfried Zaha will miss Sunday’s game after picking up a groin injury last weekend.
As for Leeds, it’s been nine games since Jesse Marsch was fired and the results are finally starting to turn in their favor. After taking just one point from the first three games of the post-Marsch era, it’s been 3W-1D-2L in the last six games. Jack Harrison is in the midst of a purple patch with three goals and an assist in the last four games — so purple, in fact, that the 26-year-old winger signed a new five-year contract this week.
Leeds team news, injuries, lineup
OUT: Tyler Adams (hamstring – out for season), Stuart Dallas (thigh), Adam Forshaw (groin), Maximillian Wober (hamstring)
📋 Your #LUFC Starting XI… pic.twitter.com/t2OvqeQPJl
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 9, 2023
Crystal Palace team news, injuries, lineup
OUT: Wilfried Zaha (groin), Vicente Guaita (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Chris Richards (undisclosed), Nathan Ferguson (undisclosed)
To take on Leeds 👊
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 9, 2023
Chelsea transfer news has been in overdrive for many months as the takeover of the west London club saw their big-money spending continue, and Graham Potter has overseen a massive overhaul.
[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
What’s next? More big signings in the next transfer windows as Todd Boehly and Co. continue to splash the cash.
Chelsea are eager to refresh and strengthen their expensively assembled squad and they have spent big to do so.
[ TRANSFER NEWS: Liverpool | Tottenham | Man United | Man City | Arsenal ]
Below we roundup the latest done deals, reports and rumors and give our analysis on Chelsea transfer news as Joe Prince-Wright (JPW), Nicholas Mendola (NM) and Andy Edwards (AE) will guide you through a hectic next few months.
Chelsea transfer news today, live!
April 9 – Chelsea to duel with Liverpool for Brighton’s World Cup winner
Spanish site Revelo claiming that Chelsea is ready to duel with Liverpool to land Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
Mac Allister’s shown his Premier League mettle, though the World Cup winner won’t be an inexpensive purchase and might he want to stick around Brighton if the Seagulls and Liverpool are in the same European competition or, perhaps, if Brighton’s in the superior competition.
Mac Allister could be lured without competition given Chelsea already has his World Cup-winning midfield mate Enzo Fernandez. The corresponding wage bump could be enough to convince the Argentine to focus on a domestic run in England. (NM)
March 20 – More GK smoke as Blues linked with Onana
It sure sounds like someone different will join the Chelsea goalkeeper competition next season.
After the below reports that Chelsea was eyeballing Leeds’ youngster Illan Meslier, there’s more talk that the Blues wants fresh blood between the posts.
Andre Onana, 26, has been a shining star at Inter Milan and would be of interest to a great deal of teams should he hit the transfer market. Fichajes says Chelsea loves the idea of Onana in London.
And will Chelsea’s possible (probable?) failure to make the UEFA Champions League stop prospects from seeing Stamford Bridge as a 2023-24 possibility? (NM)
March 19 – Goalkeeper moves to see Mendy out, Meslier in?
Kepa Arrizabalaga has taken the proverbial No. 1 shirt from Edouard Mendy, and could that mean an exit for the Senegalese goalkeeper as multiple reports say Chelsea’s informed Mendy he can find a new home this summer.
The 31-year-old Mendy, of course, won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 but they’re apparently happy to let him move on in the summer despite a contract settled through the 2024-25 season.
That much time left on a deal — and status as Senegal’s No. 1 goalkeeper — should net Chelsea some money and the Blues may be ready to spend it right back on Leeds United keeper Illan Meslier.
Meslier is just 23 years old and made a huge impression on the Premier League last season with Leeds, though this season has seen ups-and-down for the club, Kepa leads the league in save percentage but Meslier is well off that pace. And only Leicester’s Danny Ward and Southampton’s (also young) Gavin Bazunu rate worse in goals prevented according to FotMob.
Football Insider says $35 million is Leeds’ asking price for Meslier. (NM)
March 15 – Alexis Mac Allister linked with Brighton exit
World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is “ready” to leave Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, and a host of Premier League big boys want to secure his services.
Mac Allister, 24, has been absolutely massive at Brighton and his work as a feature player in Argentina’s World Cup win only served to elevate his standing.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Spurs are linked with the most interest and each carries a reasonable link to Mac Allister but would any make more sense than a reunion with 22-year-old international teammate Enzo Fernandez?
At some point Chelsea is going to have to rein in the spending but the midfield still holds plenty of potential transfer energy with Mateo Kovacic linked with Man City, N’Golo Kante injured and not getting any younger, and Mason Mount still yet to agree a new deal.
Mac Allister is a hungry, complete, and forward-thinking midfielder who doesn’t shy away from a tackle. He’s a huge part of why the Seagulls have been able to navigate so many sales and does seem likely, along with Moises Caicedo, to be the next to leave the Amex Stadium… especially if the Brighton can’t get European football. (NM
March 12 – Teenager Dujuan Richards set for Chelsea move
This is an intriguing report as Jamaican youngster Dujuan Richards seems to be heading to Chelsea. The Blues are very good at signing up young talent and it appears they have beaten Newcastle to this one. Remember this name for the future in CONCACAF.
Official. Chelsea sign Jamaican talent Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards — born in 2005, wonderkid joining from Phoenix All Stars 🔵🇯🇲 #CFC
Newcastle were close to signing him but Chelsea have now completed the deal, director Joe Shields was crucial in the negotiations. pic.twitter.com/YW3Ron6raT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2023
(JPW)
Chelsea completed transfers – January 2023 window
Ins
Benoit Badiashile – Monaco ($39 million)
David Datro Fofana – Molde ($13 million)
Andrey Santos – Vasco da Gama ($22 million)
Mykhailo Mudryk – Shakhtar Donetsk ($108 million)
Noni Madueke – PSV Eindhoven ($38 million)
Malo Gusto – Lyon ($32.6 million)
Enzo Fernandez – Benfica ($129 miillion release clause)
Gaga Slonina – Chicago Fire (end of loan)
Joao Felix – Atletico Madrid (loan)
Out
Jorginho – Arsenal ($14.8 million)
Bashir Humphreys (Paderborn) Loan
Malo Gusto (Lyon) Loan
Chelsea archived transfer news
February 6 – LAFC, Chelsea discussing Aubameyang deal
Chelsea’s left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off its UEFA Champions League squad, and the Gabonese striker is considering Major League Soccer as an available outlet for his services.
Spanish site Revelo claims that LAFC and Chelsea are discussing a deal for the ex-Arsenal star, who had been linked with Barcelona prior to the end of the January transfer window.
LAFC already has a Gabonese Designated Player in 28-year-old Denis Bouanga as well as ex-Arsenal prospect Carlos Vela. With Gareth Bale gone, another North London derby-experienced forward may be headed for MLS. (NM)
January 31 – Chelsea seals Enzo Fernandez deal
It’s finally happened! Chelsea believed they’ve come close to finishing their squad revolution by triggering the massive, British record release clause on Enzo Fernandez. (NM)
January 31 – Arsenal confirm Jorginho signing
Jorginho has joined Arsenal on an 18-month contract, for a reported fee of $14.8 million. The 31-year-old Italian, who started 15 of 20 Premier League games for Chelsea this season, should be an incredibly useful (and experienced) figure for Mikel Arteta, as the Gunners try to lift the PL trophy for the first time since 2004.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Jorginho 👊 pic.twitter.com/jHXqAUBKKQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2023
January 31 – Gallagher, Ziyech, Jorginho set for Deadline Day moves?
While Chelsea’s move for Enzo Fernandez will be the most-watched story of Deadline Day, the Blues could send three players away.
Hakim Ziyech is in talks with Paris Saint-Germain, Jorginho is reportedly moving to London rivals Arsenal, and Conor Gallagher could make a second loan move to Crystal Palace in as many years. (NM)
January 30 – Chelsea make $130-million offer for Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea will make (at least) one final run at signing Enzo Fernandez this month, with reports claiming a new bid of $130 million has been made to Benfica. The 22-year-old midfielder was a star for 2022 World Cup winners Argentina, but has only been playing his club ball in Europe for six months after joining from River Plate last summer. (AE)
January 28 – Malo Gusto arrives
Chelsea have signed French right back Malo Gusto from Lyon and have loaned him back to the Ligue 1 side for the rest of this season. Chelsea have agreed to pay $32.6 million (plus add ons) for Gusto as the 19-year-old right defender is touted as one of the best young full backs in Europe. Malo Gusto will add extra competition for Reece James down Chelsea’s right side and is a very similar player as he loves to get forward. He becomes their sixth signing of the January window as the expensive rebuild continues. (JPW)
‘I’m a fast player, a crosser and box-to-box.’
Getting to know Malo Gusto! 💬 pic.twitter.com/YE1p0LPahH
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 29, 2023
January 26 – Amadou Onana now an option, but does he want to join?
It has been reported by The Times that Chelsea have stepped up interest in Everton’s Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana. The 21-year-old has been one of the only bright spots in Everton’s dreadful campaign and the Belgian international is seen as a player Chelsea can sign this month to bolster their midfield and is easier (and much cheaper) to acquire than Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Onana arrived at Goodison from Lille last summer for a deal worth up to $40 million. It is believed Chelsea have offered $62 million initially for Onana, who can drive forward from midfield, is tidy on the ball and just always seems to make things happen. One problem: does Onana want to sign for Chelsea? A report from Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad states that Onana has rejected a move to Chelsea and wants to stay at Everton and keep them in the Premier League. There same report also says that a move to Arsenal could be a more realistic option for Onana. Are Arsenal and Chelsea settle to battle it out for yet another player? Keep a close eye on Onana late in this window. (JPW)
January 24 – AC Milan in talks about Christian Pulisic?
Is this the end for the USMNT star at Chelsea? According to a report in Marca, the agents of Christian Pulisic have said that AC Milan have opened talks with Chelsea about signing the winger. Pulisic, 24, is out injured for at least another month and after Chelsea signed Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke so far in January, they have loaded up on new attacking midfielders and wingers. Pulisic’s time at Stamford Bridge appears to be up as he has just 18 months left on his current contract. This move to Milan seems like it would be a very good one for Pulisic. They are the reigning Italian champs, have the likes of Olivier Giroud, Sergino Dest and Fikayo Tomori in their squad who know Pulisic well, and he will get regular minutes in a team which competes in the UEFA Champions League. On top of that, Serie A will suit his playing style better than the Premier League. (JPW)
January 23 – Chelsea to conduct dual raid on Everton?
There’s going to be change around Everton, and Chelsea may be taking advantage of it.
The Blues are said to be moving for Amadou Onana and Anthony Gordon, with the former coming on an immediate permanent move and the latter signing for Chelsea before a loan back to Everton for the rest of the season.
This is all according to Metro. At some point Chelsea won’t be able to spend more money but Everton needs it and seemingly Gordon’s figure has dropped a little given his drop down the Toffees’ pecking order.
It all seems wild, but this is Chelsea in 2022-23. (NM)
January 23 – Enzo Fernandez back on? Moises Caicedo still an option too
A report from the Guardian says that Chelsea are going back in for Enzo Fernandez. Are failing to sign the Young Player of the 2022 World Cup earlier in January, the report says Chelsea are due to restart talks this week with Benfica about signing the Argentine star. The central midfielder is exactly what Graham Potter needs and his aggression, skill and drive from central areas was a huge reason for Argentina’s success at the World Cup. Fernandez was very keen on joining Chelsea but after talks stalled with Benfica he has refocused and has been playing well for the Portuguese giants. Still, Fernandez has made it clear he wants the move and Chelsea may try to pay less than his $131 million release clause.
Another report from Football.London says that Chelsea still want to sign Brighton’s 21-year-old midfielder Moises Caicedo. They say Chelsea have had a $68 million bid rejected by Brighton but the Blues are willing to go back in and will up their offer for their Ecuador star. Roberto De Zerbi has admitted it will be tough for Brighton to keep Caicedo but he would prefer if he left in the summer rather than January. Let’s see what offer Chelsea make next. (JPW)
January 20 – Madueke to Chelsea complete
When will Chelsea stop sig