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Chelsea have a good relationship with Lyon amid their attempts to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki this window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Rayan Cherki and Christian Pulisic?

As per Football London, Cherki is a target for Chelsea this summer and the Blues sent scouts to watch the Frenchman on several occasions last season.

The report states that Chelsea are in the hunt to replace the departed Kai Havertz and Mason Mount and Cherki could represent a second arrival from Lyon in the past six months following the purchase of Malo Gusto.

One outlet in France claim that both Newcastle United and Paris Saint-German are also keen on Cherki, who Lyon will demand around £43 million for before sanctioning his departure.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has also revealed in recent times that Lyon have made advances to try and sign Chelsea winger Pulisic this window, stating on Twitter: "EXCL: Chelsea have received written offer from Lyon for Christian Pulisic. €25m (+ meaningful sell-on still being negotiated): a level CFC would find acceptable. Good relations with Textor & Olympique Lyonnais via Malo Gusto deal."

AC Milan are also keen to strike a deal for Pulisic and have submitted a bid for the USA international and hold internal belief that he would choose to move to the San Siro over a switch to Ligue 1 giants Lyon, according to 90min.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Chelsea and Lyon hold an agreeable relationship as the Blues try to sign Cherki this summer.

Jones stated: "He’s right on the money when it comes to fitting Chelsea’s profiling and he is a great player, but what makes this one more interesting is that Lyon are open-minded about offers.

"And a plot twist to the Cherki interest now is that Lyon are currently making a play for Christian Pulisic, and their offer was pretty decent for him, so the conversations between the clubs are already open and the relations seem good so far."

Would Rayan Cherki fit the Chelsea project under Mauricio Pochettino?

Cherki is a creative rising star that would add some further polish to Chelsea's midfield and would fit into their philosophy of signing young stars with the potential to grow into elite stars.

Last term, the £59k-a-week ace made 39 appearances in all competitions for Lyon, registering five goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored take into account that Cherki completed an average of two key passes and 2.3 dribbles per match during the campaign, making him a dangerous presence for Ligue 1 backlines to tame.

Capable of scoring and fashioning chances for others, the Frenchman also successfully performed 128 shot-creating actions in the French top flight, as per FBRef.

Chelsea have lost a lot of experience in the middle of the part this window, letting go Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mount and Havertz.

Acting to acquire Cherki would not only help them to gain another body in midfield, but it would also excite supporters of the Blues as he has the ability to evolve into a Premier League star in the coming seasons.

Fulham are currently in talks to sign Roma defender Roger Ibanez this summer, who is now their "first choice" to strengthen in defence.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

Marco Silva's side enjoyed an exceptional first full campaign back in the big time following their Championship promotion last year.

Fulham chased Europe for a good portion of the 22/23 season, eventually missing out to Brentford, Liverpool and Aston Villa, whilst also finishing above west London rivals Chelsea.

Major clubs across England, as a result, have taken a liking to some of Silva's star players – with left-back Antonee Robinson and Joao Palhinha attracting real interest.

Fulham, though, could charge as much as £90 million for Palhinha and don't seem likely to be bullied around in this summer transfer market.

In terms of incomings, there has been no shortage of names linked with moves to Craven Cottage in the last two weeks, including Southampton star James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Ibanez.

Sharing an update on Fulham's links to the latter player, a report out of Italy has some news for supporters.

Vocegiallorossa.it, in collaboration with Firenzeviola.it, claims Ibanez is now Fulham's "first choice" to strengthen their backline. It is believed the Whites are already negotiating to sign him, and with Roma eager to sell him for profit, they're looking to English clubs.

The report claims only Premier League sides can pay Ibanez's price tag, which is said to be around £26 million, and barring any last-minute surprises, he is set to be sold this summer.

It's added that Fulham are the team most interested in the South American centre-back.

What's been said about Roger Ibanez?

The 24-year-old totalled Roma's highest rate of interceptions per 90 in the Italian top flight last season, with only Bryan Cristante averaging more successful challenges per match (WhoScored).

Ibanez stood out as one of their best defenders, at least going by the numbers, with manager Jose Mourinho calling him an "untouchable" at one point.

"When we went to Seville to face Real Betis earlier this season, the morning of the game I saw him and thought it was going to be impossible for him to play. And yet he played," said Mourinho.

"He’s one who always fronts up. When we win, we all win together. When we lose, we all lose together. For me, he is untouchable."

West Ham United are still basking in their recent Europa Conference League triumph, but they cannot afford to sit still when it comes to adding new players to their squad this summer.

Declan Rice appears certain to leave, while David Moyes could do with freshening up other areas after what was a disappointing domestic campaign, albeit one that ended on the highest of notes thanks to their continental success.

What is the latest West Ham United transfer news?

West Ham could ideally do with bringing in a new central midfielder to offset Rice's departure for a fee of potentially £100m, but that is not to say other players will not be heading to the London Stadium in the coming weeks.

According to Fussball Transfers, West Ham are working hard to bring in Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is available on a free transfer after being released by Arsenal.

Maitland-Niles is a player who has top-flight experience in the Premier League and also in Serie A with Roma during an albeit forgettable loan spell, while his previous wages of £35k-per-week, according to Capology, should not be too much of a problem when it comes to negotiations.

What could be more troublesome is that teams from the Championship – and therefore more of a guarantee of regular action – plus Germany and Turkey are circling.

What could Ainsley Maitland-Niles bring to West Ham?

First and foremost, Maitland-Niles is a very versatile player, as he showed last season when effectively playing in six different positions during his time on loan with Southampton.

The 25-year-old was used all across the back four, at wing-back, holding midfield and attacking midfield. It is at right-back he was predominantly used, as per WhoScored, and that is likely where Moyes would utilise him at West Ham.

Vladimir Coufal would be the fall guy should that be the case, with the Czech midfielder coming off the back of a rather mixed 2022-23 campaign. After a really tough first half to the season, Coufal improved and helped write his name in club folklore by playing his part in their European triumph.

However, the soon-to-be 31-year-old, who was described as an "old timer" by The Guardian reporter Jacob Steinberg last season, could be one of those in which Moyes is targeting an upgrade.

Maitland-Niles is stronger defensively than Coufal, highlighted by the fact he won more tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season (1.54 v 1.31) and blocked the ball more often (1.79 v 1.01).

While Coufal did come out on top for percentage of aerial duels won (64.5 v 57.7), Maitland-Niles was far superior in terms of successful take-ons (1.09 per 90 v 0.13) and pass-completion rate (79.2% v 62.2%).

Indeed, Maitland-Niles is ranked in the top 17% of all defenders across Europe's top five leagues for defensive actions, as per The Analyst, whereas Coufal is in the bottom 31%.

That is not to say Coufal does not have his own qualities, some of which have already been highlighted, but the former Saints loanees can bring defensive stability while also having the ability to attack and play in multiple positions.

As Arsenal writer Pedro from Le Grove told Hammers News, Maitland-Niles is an "immense" player who was "one of the best athletes at Arsenal".

The England international's two-decade association with the Gunners may have now come to an end, but an exciting new chapter could well await across London at West Ham.

Chelsea could line up with a completely new central defence under Mauricio Pochettino.

Kalidou Koulibaly is on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabia, Trevoh Chalobah is repeatedly linked with Inter Milan, Thiago Silva will turn 39 in September and Benoit Badiashile has picked up a hamstring injury that could rule him out for an “extended period.”

This leaves the starting centre-back spots at Stamford Bridge up for grabs.

Levi Colwill, who has enjoyed a fabulous loan stint at Brighton has been tipped for a huge future in West London, and Axel Disasi has been linked to partner him.

What’s the latest on Axel Disasi to Chelsea?

According to RMC Sport in France, the AS Monaco man is being “courted” by several clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

It is understood that his club value the Frenchman at around €40 (£34m), and the Red Devils are “in the lead” for his signature after Bayern Munich are accelerating their efforts to sign Kim Min-Jae from Napoli.

However, the Blues remain “tempted” by the Disasi option and are waiting in the wings to pounce upon the 25-year-old.

How would Axel Disasi fit in Chelsea?

The four-cap international played in every game for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season to establish himself as one of the league’s most consistent players.

During his impressive run, the £12k-per-week star ranks within the best 19% of defenders in Europe’s top five leagues throughout 2022/23 for aerials won per 90 and possession won per 90, according to Opta.

As well as this physicality, the titan is also tremendously competent on the ball and has an eye for building attacks from the back – this is shown as Disasi appears within the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, progressive carries per 90, and progressive carries per 90 when compared to his positional peers in the continent.

Similarly, Colwill has also demonstrated himself to be an adept and comfortable possession magnet, who under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, has flourished into a beautifully well-rounded player.

The Englishman wins 3.32 aerials per 90 and sits within the best 1% for passes attempted per 90 as his ability to confidently bring the ball forward and beat the opposition press has seen him skyrocket to national prominence.

Against Arsenal at the Emirates back in May, the former Huddersfield loanee recorded 12 accurate long balls and his manager heaped praise upon the 20-year-old who said: “I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years because it’s difficult to find another left centre-back with his qualities.

“He’s a good guy, he’s improving a lot. This year his improvement has been fantastic.”

Described as “complete” by scout Jacek Kulig, Disasi, with Colwill, could form a formidable pairing in the capital that could catapult Chelsea back to where they belong.

Arsenal are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window as Kai Havertz is nearing a switch to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports…

Arsenal transfer news – Kai Havertz

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has provided a fresh update on the Gunners' pursuit of the Chelsea star as he took to Twitter on Sunday morning:

"News #Havertz: He‘s very close to join @Arsenal now! All depends on the final offer from Arsenal.

"Havertz, keen to join #Arsenal now as personal terms are almost agreed. Arteta loves to see him in addition to Jesus.

"Bayern inquired about conditions in the last days but the negotiations with Arsenal are too advanced – Bayern informed. Therefore no offer/hijack from Bayern yet.

"Transfer fee package expected: at least around €80m [£68m] all in."

How good is Kai Havertz?

The north Londoners have endured a mixed bag when it comes to signing players from their capital city rivals over the years.

Petr Cech has perhaps been the most successful arrival, whilst the likes of Willian, David Luiz and William Gallas have certainly divided opinion amongst the Gunners' faithful.

Havertz is more than likely to fall into the latter category.

The German international has been something of an enigma since his £72m arrival in English football back in August 2020.

At Bayer Leverkusen, the 24-year-old was utilised largely as an attacking midfielder or false nine, with his 46 goals and 31 assists from 150 appearances being the very reason behind the Blues stumping up such a hefty sum, but he hasn't really been able to replicate that since.

Just 11 games shy of the aforementioned appearance total, Havertz has managed 14 fewer goals and 16 fewer assists, largely being deployed as a sole striker under an array of different managers, as per Transfermarkt.

It seems likely that Havertz would be deployed in a similar role at the Emirates, given Mikel Arteta's 'love' for him to be an alternative to current no.9, Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian is actually a comparable player when using FBref's player comparison model and what the Chelsea star lacks in terms of goal threat, he more than makes up for in and out of possession – in some ways similar to Jesus.

When compared to other forwards across Europe's top five divisions over the past year, the £150k-per-week talent ranks inside the top 6% for pass completion, the top 9% for progressive passes, and the top 10% for tackles, all per 90 via FBref.

It's perhaps why Gunners legend Thierry Henry made a glowing comparison to another former Arsenal forward – speaking on CBS Sports' Champions League coverage earlier in the year, he said:

"He reminds me sometimes, a little, of Robin [van Persie] – back to goal the way he can hold the ball. Now he needs to make sure he can transform that into more goals because you can play off him."

The 6 foot 4 "machine" – as once lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would certainly be a bold risk for Arsenal to take during the offseason but if anyone can get him back to his brilliant best, it's Arteta.

There will also be plenty of question marks over the £68m price tag, especially after the failings of club-record signing Nicolas Pepe, but the Arsenal boss has proven that he must be trusted – if he wants the player, then sporting director Edu Gaspar should do all he can to secure him.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in bringing in Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The 23-year-old has failed to hit the heights many expected he would following his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, and with other top European sides interested, it could be a chance to reset for the Englishman.

What is the latest transfer news regarding Sancho?

According to a report from FootballTransfers.com, United are willing to sell Sancho this summer with the player keen on a move away from Manchester after just two seasons, with Aston Villa heavily interested in bringing the former Manchester City youth product to Villa Park.

The report states that the Red Devils are demanding a fee of £60 million to sell the player this summer, and Villa are not prepared to meet that asking price, with them hoping that negotiations can take place and a compromise can be reached.

There are other top European sides interested in the attacker, with a report stating that Serie A champions Napoli are interested, and with United's interest in their centre-back Kim Min-jae well known, a potential swap deal could be on the cards.

Tottenham are interested as well, according to Ben Jacobs, however, he stated that Erik ten Hag remains a fan of the player and as such a potential move this summer isn't as likely as other reports have suggested, with the club more focused on other departures.

What did Ben Jacobs say?

Speaking on the Done Deal show on The Football Terrace Youtube channel, the journalist revealed that both Harry Maguire and David de Gea are higher up on the list of potential outgoings compared to Sancho.

Jacobs stated: "Well Erik ten Hag still really likes the player, that’s the first thing to say. I certainly wouldn’t say Sancho is top of the list in terms of outgoings, there are other players that need resolving first.

"Harry Maguire, for example, is going to be one of them and there is lots of speculation about David de Gea and whether the current number one at Manchester United stays or goes, Manchester United are looking for a number one they need a succession plan.

"The Tottenham interest is real in the sense that they like the player, it’s the same with PSG and also Napoli have sent scouts to watch him as well."

Is Tottenham the right move for Sancho?

Sancho has had a very stop-start career in Manchester, with injury problems and mental issues preventing the forward from having a real extended run in the side. This has resulted in a return of just 12 goals and six assists in 79 appearances for the club.

Despite this, Sancho showed real quality at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 50 and assisting 64 across his five years at the club.

Former teammate Jude Bellingham called the winger "frightening", saying that "Some of the stuff I’ve seen him do is scary, and I’ve only been here a few months. It’s massive."

Spurs look set for a rebuild under new coach Ange Postecoglu, and Sancho could provide the Spurs forward line with an injection of creativity and flair, which would only grow in need should Harry Kane decide to call time on his career in north London, and a move to a new club with new surroundings could be the perfect thing to reignite Sancho's rapidly fading career.

Chelsea are one of three top clubs interested in signing Inter striker Lautaro Martinez this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Is Martinez leaving Inter this summer?

The £184,000-a-week attacker has enjoyed a memorable season, winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and appearing in six of their matches in the competition.

At club level, Martinez has been more of a key man, however, helping Inter reach the Champions League final and scoring 27 goals in all competitions, prior to the meeting in Istanbul.

But the 25-year-old moves on to pastures new at the end of the season, though only a huge offer would likely be able to prise him away, with his current deal not expiring until 2026.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Martinez and a new update has now emerged regarding his future, suggesting that their interest isn't going away.

Could Chelsea snap up Martinez?

According to 90min, the Blues are battling with both Real Madrid and Manchester United for the signing of the Argentinian in the summer transfer window:

"Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have all registered an interest in Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, who is expected to leave Italy after Saturday's Champions League final, 90min understands.

"Chelsea and United, who have been following Martinez's career for years now, have registered their interest in a summer deal but they will have to fend off interest from Real Madrid if they are to bring him to the Premier League."

Martinez could be a brilliant signing by Chelsea at a time when it is essential that they sign an elite striker before the beginning of next season. Lionel Messi has hailed him as "spectacular" in the past, which speaks volumes about the quality he possesses, while a tally of 102 goals in 237 appearances outlines his pedigree in front of goal.

At 25, there is every chance that his best years could still be ahead of him, and assuming Mauricio Pochettino rates him as highly, he could be considered an ideal figure to lead the line at Stamford Bridge, linking effectively with those around him.

Chelsea's complete lack of European football could be a problem, though, which could make Manchester United and Real Madrid more attractive moves, but the money is available to spend in west London – so they should at least test the waters with a big bid.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer in a move which would create some tough competition for the No. 1 spot at St. James' Park.

Manager Eddie Howe has cultivated a winning mentality on Tyneside and has sensationally qualified for the Champions League following his first full season in charge, finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Shrewd signings and astute tactical awareness has contributed to the remarkable resurgence, with goalkeeper Nick Pope, signed from relegated Burnley for just £10m last summer, playing a central role in the triumph.

Despite this, Costa has indeed found his name attached to rumours that United may swoop, with Portuguese outlet A Bola stating that, while Manchester United are leading the race, Chelsea and Howe's outfit are firmly in contention.

With a €75m (£65m) release clause, Newcastle would have to pay more than sixfold the price to clinch Pope's services for the Portugal international, but would boast one of football's most imperious shot-stopping departments should they succeed.

Should Newcastle sign Diogo Costa?

It certainly presents something of a conundrum. The 6 foot 2 Costa is one of the most promising goalkeepers on the European stage, having been a centrepiece for Porto over the past few years and winning the league and Portuguese Cup on two occasions respectively.

The 23-year-old has averaged a rating of 6.95 in the Primeira Liga this season, as per Sofascore, having kept 16 clean sheets from 35 matches, making 63 saves and making 0.8 clearances per outing.

As per FBref, the 11-cap international ranks among the top 2% of goalkeepers across Men's Next 8 divisions for goals conceded per 90, the top 18% for save percentage and the top 5% for clean sheet percentage, evidently an elite 'keeper despite his tender age.

Speaking of his compatriot, Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot said: "I grew up with him and he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us.

‘I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be one of the best in the world."

While some may scoff at the notion of replacing Pope after such a stellar season, injecting healthy competition might be a prudent move, especially considering the clinching of European competition after two decades away from the Champions League.

Costa is indeed young and has ample time to grow into his skin, and he certainly boasts the acumen to rival his senior positional confer in Pope, who, at 31-years-old, still has a lot of gas left in the tank but could be displaced by such a flourishing talent in Costa who is already proving himself to be among the best.

Arsenal's fine season came to a triumphant end on Sunday, as they blew away Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 in front of a gracious Emirates crowd. Many had turned out to deliver their thanks to Mikel Arteta and his playing staff, for staging the most unlikely title charge that fell just short.

Regardless of how it ended, it makes for a bright future in north London, where a few key additions could help them take that final step in the battle with Manchester City. Not only that, but they also now have Champions League football to look forward to once again.

This was particularly important given the pulling power such an attraction draws in the transfer market, affording them a head start over any club without European football, or in a lesser version of their competition.

It could also prove decisive in luring other talent from lower down the Premier League, with the promise of minutes in that elite competition sure to tempt many.

One such name that could be intrigued by such a prospect is Michael Olise, who reports are now linking with a €40m (£35m) Emirates switch.

How good is Michael Olise?

Although it might seem questionable to sign someone with such a similar profile to Bukayo Saka, as a tricky, dazzling and elegant right winger with a wicked left foot, the extent to which their England international has been worked is ludicrous.

Featuring in all 38 of their league games this season for the second term running, Arteta must be worrying about when his young superstar will burn out.

In an attempt to avoid such an occurrence, the acquisition of Olise could provide suitable competition without altering the makeup of the team much.

After all, Crystal Palace's mesmeric maestro has too enjoyed a fine campaign, scoring two goals and assisting a further 11 in the league.

Although a far cry from Saka's levels, who recorded 25 goal contributions this season, the gulf is not so big as to suggest that they could not battle for the spot. Additionally, a move up the table would surely see Olise's numbers improve too whilst supplying the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.

During that run of form in 2023 which rocketed the Eagles to comfortable safety, the 21-year-old was instrumental in such a turnaround. Statman Dave first branded the winger a "stunner" in January before pundit Clinton Morrison suggested he had been "outstanding" and a "joy to watch" in April.

Ironically enough, the two would come up against one another often at youth level, with Michael Richards, Olise's youth coach, emphasising their similarities and ability above everyone else: "It was basically the Michael and Bukayo show. You could see that both of them were exceptional, far above everyone else."

OneVersusOne serve to compliment this notion further, as the two are also similar in their crosses made per 90 (3.18 v 3.29), dribble success percentage (78.66% v 73.39%) and assists (0.24 v 0.31). Their shared creativity is arguably unparalleled.

If Edu is serious about affording Saka some much-needed rest midway through the season, there are arguably few better value-for-money signings on the market than Olise, who would allow the switch to be made with minimal fuss and maximum quality in the starter and the substitute.

Fulham are in contact regarding a summer deal to bring Lyon star Romain Faivre to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Romain Faivre?

The Frenchman is a midfielder who first joined Laurent Blanc’s side back in January 2022, but at the start of this year, he was sent out on loan to join FC Lorient until the end of the current campaign, and during his 15 appearances at the Stade du Moustoir, he’s hugely impressed after establishing himself as their side’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.22.

The Ligue 1 gem still has another three years remaining on his contract with his parent club, so it could be difficult to prise him away during the upcoming window, but with Marco Silva looking to invest in new players that can bolster his ranks, the 24-year-old has been identified as a potential ideal target at Craven Cottage.

Who is signing Faivre?

According to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), Fulham, alongside top-flight rivals Bournemouth, are both “very interested” in Faivre and have “already started talks” with his representatives regarding a move to England.

The Whites and the Cherries are seriously “exploring” a deal for the midfielder, with his level of performances on the road having not gone “unnoticed” by the pair of potential suitors named above. Lyon’s ace is “interested in the idea” of completing a switch to the top-flight and is “open to offers”, with his outfit “happy to sell” should they receive a bid worth €15m (£13m).

Fulham will know that Lyon’s price tag of £13m for Faivre is more than reasonable considering how well he’s performing at FC Lorient, and having been hailed a “joy to watch” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Shahid Khan should certainly consider splashing the cash to bring him to SW6 during the upcoming window.

The France U21s former international, who has experience competing in the Europa League which is where Silva may be aiming to take his side next term, has posted six goal contributions (three goals and the same number of assists) in 15 appearances on loan, with this form having even seen him pick up a man-of-the-match award.

As per FBRef, the left-footed wizard is also always looking to produce moments of quality in the final third, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons and the 95th percentile for pass completion, so loves to take on his marker and is strong in his link-up play with his fellow teammates.