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The arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea for a combined £83m will go a long way to getting supporters excited for the new campaign, but the Blues have also made a couple of smart signings with a view to the long term.

Who have Chelsea signed this summer?

Nkunku was officially announced as a Chelsea player two weeks ago, with a deal having been in place with RB Leipzig for a number of months, while Jackson joined from Villarreal on Friday.

Two more recruits were added to the Blues' squad on Saturday, meanwhile, as Diego Moreira was signed from Benfica and Alex Matos came in from Championship side Norwich City.

Neither player is expected to feature regularly next season, if at all, but both players have already caught the eye at the age of just 18 and clearly have bright futures ahead of them.

Who is Alex Matos?

Matos is an attack-minded midfielder who can also play further up the field, having done so for Norwich at U18 and U21 levels last season, and has been labelled "a talent" by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

With the U16s, he averaged one goal involvement per game, scoring five and assisting six in 11 outings, before then making an impact at the next two age-grade levels up.

The talented teenager assisted a couple of goals across his 13 appearances in Premier League 2 last season, suggesting the goal involvement will not come quite as freely as his game matures.

Interestingly, there is a comparison to be made with former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who announced his retirement from playing on Saturday after an illustrious career.

Fabregas was himself an attack-minded midfielder in his early days at Barcelona and even scored 30 goals in a season for the club's youth teams, before becoming more of a rounded player who could still chip in with key involvements.

The Spaniard swapped Barcelona for Arsenal and was just 16 when he made his debut for the Gunners, showing age is just a number when you have the talent.

Matos clearly shares a similar ambition to make it at the top, having decided against signing a contract at Norwich – or any other Championship team – to instead test himself alongside a midfielder like Enzo Fernandez. Combine that with a creative and goal-scoring nous and it's easy to see why there are comparisons to the now-retired Spaniard.

Mauricio Pochettino's short-term plan for Matos is unclear, but both the youngster and Chelsea will no doubt be quietly confident he can successfully take the next step in his career at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is "really close" to signing a new contract, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Which Man United players are leaving?

Erik ten Hag is planning a revamp of his squad this summer, with six players set to leave, including club captain Harry Maguire, as well as Donny Van de Beek, who are both searching for more game time after only playing limited roles last season.

David De Gea's future hangs in the balance, with the goalkeeper's contract set to expire at the end of the month, amid Man United running the rule over a number of potential replacements, including Diogo Costa, David Raya and Andre Onana.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Rashford is set to replace De Gea as the club's top earner, with a £375k-per-week contract on the table, and Romano has now provided an update on the progress that has been made.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the transfer expert said: "It's really, really close to being signed. Everything is verbally almost agreed. It's about the final points, but Rashford has decided to stay. This is also thanks to Erik ten Hag."

Is Marcus Rashford staying at Man United?

All the signs indicate the England international is set to commit his long-term future to Man United, and while it is a bold decision to make him the club's top earner, it is still exciting news that he is set to remain at Old Trafford for his peak years.

Hailed as "incredible" by Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old bounced back from a subpar 2021-22 campaign by recording 30 goals in all competitions last season, while also amassing nine assists, by far the highest combined total of any player in the squad.

Considering his age, the United academy graduate is only likely to get better in the coming years, and the aim should now be to bring in some additional attacking options, in order to bolster the frontline even further.

Given the number of top strikers the Red Devils have been linked with in recent weeks, Rashford may continue to predominantly feature at left-wing, as he did last season.

A meeting is pencilled in with the entourage of Victor Osimhen, who could be set to depart Napoli this summer, while Harry Kane reportedly wants to move to Old Trafford, although it may be a difficult transfer to orchestrate, given Daniel Levy's unwillingness to sell.

Everton are still keeping tabs on Boulaye Dia and there could be an opportunity for the Toffees to sign the player, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness.

How many goals has Boulaye Dia scored?

The 26-year-old spent the 2022/23 season on loan in Italy with Salernitana and despite never having been exposed to Serie A football previously, the forward was able to take on the league with ease. In 33 outings for, he bagged a total of 16 goals for the club and managed six assists to boot.

When you consider the amount of games he actually started, it means his record ended with 22 goal contributions in just 27 starts. It's his best totals since a spell back in France with Reims, when he produced 14 goals in 36 games.

The attacker has also put himself on the map as one of the best in his position in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. His non-penalty goal rate of 0.54 per 90 ranks him in the top 15% of forwards for that stat and he also had a rate of 0.21 assists per 90, so comes into the 86th percentile for that too. Dia then is clearly a prolific forward who not only knows where the back of the net is but can pick out his teammates too.

What is Dia's release clause?

These displays could now have bagged him a move to England. According to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the striker is on the radar of a number of Premier League sides, including Everton.

And there has been a fresh update on the player this week, with 25 million Euro release clause revealed in his contract (or £21.5m). No club has made an offer yet or matched that amount to start negotiationsk but it appears there is plenty of time to do it, with clubs having until July 25 to hit that clause. The Toffees certainly appear to be one of the sides eyeing a move and they could perhaps be one of the ones to match that fee then.

Despite being new to Italian football, the striker has already received plenty of praise for his performances. Football journalist Josh Bunting for example called the forward "incredible" for his time with Salernitana. If he is poached by Everton – and can repeat the same feats in England – then he could be a real bargain addition for the Toffees this window.

Chelsea are holding “contact and talks” regarding a deal to bring Gabri Veiga to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga is a central midfielder who currently plays his football for Celta Vigo in La Liga, having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from their academy. He’s now become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 55 senior appearances to date.

The Spaniard still has another three years to run on his contract at the Balaidos Stadium, but after establishing himself as his homeland outfit’s second top-performing offensive player last season, has been highlighted as an ideal transfer target by Mauricio Pochettino.

Reliable reporter Rudy Galetti revealed earlier this month that the Blues are one of several clubs to have “shown interest” in the 21-year-old, whilst Jacob Steinberg later claimed that a bid "could arrive soon”, and if the following update is to be believed, the two parties may already be discussing a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Are Chelsea signing Veiga?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Celta Vigo and Veiga regarding a move ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Gabri Veiga is ready for the next step now. He will leave Celta Vigo. His management is considering many options as he could become a future top player in central midfield. Contact and talks with CFC and others. Release clause of around €40m [£34m] – confirmed. Bayern is not involved.”

Should Boehly make a bid for Veiga?

Chelsea will know that Veiga only being 21 means he would be more of an investment for the long-term future of the club, but having already started to show what he’s capable of on the main stage, Todd Boehly should certainly consider tabling an offer to secure his services.

The Gol International client – the same agency used by Christopher Nkunku – posted 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, form which saw him collect three man-of-the-match awards, but the central midfielder was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.

The Spain U21s starlet was averaging 3.14 shot-creating actions per league game which was the second-highest number in his squad, via FBRef, so he’s always looking to produce moments of quality for his fellow teammates.

Veiga has been lauded an “electric” player by journalist Fabrizio Romano for his youthful pace and energetic nature, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino.

There has been an update regarding Manchester United's pursuit of Chelsea contract rebel, Mason Mount…

What's the latest on Mount to Man United?

As per various sources, the Red Devils are believed to have had a £40m bid knocked back by the Blues in their attempts to land the 24-year-old this summer, although CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has now revealed that United are expected to return with an improved offer, with the player himself open to the move.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Manchester United will be back for a second bid for Mason Mount. #CFC rejected the initial £40m offer near-instantly. There remains a high probability Mount will leave and he's keen on the #MUFC move. Chelsea sticking to their valuation for now and #MUFC won't go above £60m."

As Jacobs stated above, the sticking point at present does appear to be the difference in valuation between the two Premier League clubs, with the Stamford Bridge outfit said to be demanding around £70m despite the Englishman having just 12 months left to run on his existing deal.

Would Mount be a good signing for Man United?

The addition of the Three Lions ace could no doubt help to offer a more youthful, quality alternative to the likes of Christian Eriksen and Fred in that number eight role at Old Trafford, with the one-time Derby County loanee also offering the flexibility to feature on the flanks or in a number ten role if required.

While Mount was part of a Chelsea side that finished 12th last season after contributing just three goals and two assists in 24 league games, the 36-cap ace does boast an impressive haul of 70 goal contributions in 195 games in total for the west Londoners, proving himself a real weapon in the final third.

The Portsmouth-born maestro would also benefit Erik ten Hag as he is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with reported Newcastle United target, Nicolo Barella, according to FBref, with the Italian ace believed to be closing in on a £50m switch to St James' Park.

The Euro 2020 winner has been described as "one of the best players in Serie A" by journalist Dean Jones, while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has also lauded the 26-year-old as a "top class player" with that a marker of the midfielder's talents.

To then find their own version of the Inter Milan ace with the signing of Mount could be a real masterstroke for United, with the pair no doubt alike due to their relentless and energetic presence in the centre of the park, with the Englishman hailed as a "perpetual motion machine" by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, while Klopp has hailed Barella as a player who can "run for ages".

The pair both have the creative quality to match their seemingly endless engine, with the latter man notably ranking in the top 11% among his European peers for progressive carries and the top 8% for progressive passes received, while Mount ranks in the top 15% and the top 4% for those same two metrics, respectively.

As such, with it looking like rivals Newcastle are already set to strengthen their ranks ahead of next season by acquiring the Inter star, Ten Hag and co could hit back by landing their own version of the 5 foot 9 ace with the addition of Mount.

Despite making 92 points in the league this year, Rangers ended their campaign in second place, seven points behind their bitter city rivals.The club also failed to pick up any silverware in the country’s domestic competitions and suffered a pretty miserable Champions League campaign to boot.In a bid to improve their fortunes next year and challenge the Hoops for league glory, Micheal Beale’s side are interested in bringing Swansea City’s Morgan Whittaker north of the border, per Football Insider.

What’s the latest on Morgan Whittaker?

According to the report, the 6 foot 3 winger had already been the subject of ‘multiple’ failed bids from Rangers, reaching up to £1.5m.

It was around that time that Beale made his feelings towards the player crystal clear, labelling the wide-man “excellent” in an interview with Sky Sports Scotland.

Those comments came just after Whittaker had been recalled from a supremely successful loan spell with then League One side Plymouth Argyle, where he had been “quality”, per manager Steven Schumacher.

It was during his time with the Pilgrims that the Derby-born player burst onto the scene, scoring nine times and creating seven assists in just 25 league appearances, per Transfermarkt.

Despite his return to South Wales not going to plan, starting just two games since January, he is still a wanted man.

Unsurprisingly, Argyle are linked to the player, but their comparatively restricted finances make any deal unlikely.

The primary rivals for the players’ signature are Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland and Coventry City.

Having just lost the services of Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo, the Black Cats are on the lookout for an explosive winger and have the financial muscle to compete with the Gers.

Would Morgan Whittaker be a good signing for Rangers?

With the way the Rangers boss has been talking about Whittaker, it doesn’t sound like his miserable second half of the season with the Swans has put him off the player, nor should it.

His primary body of work came from his time in the Southwest, so it would make sense to judge him based on that.

According to WhoScored, the tricky winger averaged an impressive rating of 7.02 and earned four Man-of-the-Match awards in just 19 starts in the league.

He clearly made an impact on former boss Schumacher, who lauded the player back in December, saying: “He has a left foot to die for.”

The expected departures of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morales this summer should also make it easier for the player to play his way into Beale’s starting lineup.

The Teddy Bears also need some attacking reinforcements, as their top goalscorer in the league this season is defender James Tavernier with 15 in 33 games, just six more than Whittaker achieved at Argyle in eight fewer games.

The signing would also give the Scottish giants some much-needed flexibility as the England youth international has frequently played across the wings and in attacking midfield.

Celtic's outstanding 2022/23 campaign draws to a close this evening as they take on Inverness at Hampden in the final of the Scottish FA Cup.

The Hoops can secure the domestic treble, after winning the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup earlier this term, with a victory today.

Ange Postecoglou is tasked with picking the side to go out and achieve their aim and the head coach could make one key change to his team from the one that faced Aberdeen last weekend.

Will Daizen Maeda start against Inverness?

Celtic winger Daizen Maeda should come back in from the start after serving his suspension – from a red card in the loss to Hibernian – against the Dons and replace Israel international Liel Abada out wide.

The youngster started in place of the 25-year-old last time out and was hooked at half-time after he created one chance and failed to register an effort on goal.

Maeda must now return to the XI as the Japanese dynamo has proven that he has what it takes to step up and perform in the big matches in the cup.

In the semi-finals of this competition, the forward was selected from the start in the Old Firm clash and registered an assist for the winning goal from Jota.

He also started the semi-final and final of the League Cup earlier this season and chipped in with a goal against Kilmarnock and an assist against Rangers to win the trophy.

Abada, meanwhile, has not started a match in the FA Cup since the round of 16 against St Mirren and did not start the last two matches of League Cup run.

This suggests that Postecoglou trusts the Japan international more than the 21-year-old when it comes to the high-pressure games in cup competitions as the boss has consistently selected him ahead of the young talent in the latter stages.

The £18k-per-week whiz has repaid the manager's faith in him by being directly involved in three goals in three semi-finals and finals combined this season in the domestic cup outings.

Maeda, who has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 25 Premiership starts, is a player who works his socks off for the team and can provide endless running out wide.

Postecglou has described him as a "selfless" player with "outstanding" effort on two different occasions and this, along with his inclusion in the team's big games, shows how highly the head coach rates him.

Therefore, the wing wizard should be unleashed from the start against Inverness this evening ahead of Abada, who has not been trusted in the latter stages of the cup competitions this season.

There has been an update with regard to Manchester United's pursuit of Chelsea star, Mason Mount…

What's the latest on Mount to Man United?

According to journalist Alex Shaw – writing on Twitter – United boss Erik ten Hag is seemingly "making a big push" for the England international, with recent reports suggesting that the Red Devils are set to launch a £55m bid for the 24-year-old.

In the attached piece for the Daily Telegraph, Jason Burt suggests that the former Ajax head coach is 'confident' that he can tempt the 36-cap gem to make the move to Old Trafford this summer, with the midfield maestro facing an uncertain future in west London with just 12 months left to run on his existing deal.

As per The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Portsmouth-born ace is said to be 'leaning towards' a move to the Theatre of Dreams at present, with Ten Hag believed to have been tracking the player's progress since his days on loan at Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem back in 2017/18.

Where would Mount fit in at Man United?

As Burt's recent report outlined, Ten Hag is said to be prioritising the signing of a 'dynamic number eight' this summer, with that a role that Mount could well comfortably slot into – albeit despite typically lining up as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks.

The midfield "machine" – as hailed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – seemingly possesses the willing work ethic and defensive quality needed to be able to thrive in that deeper role, showcased by the fact that he ranks among the top 12% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for tackles made.

The major benefit of utilising the £80k-per-week man as a box-to-box option would be his creative prowess, however, as he notably ranks in the top 7% for progressive passes, at an average of 5.93 per 90, across the last 365 days.

Although the contract rebel endured a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge after contributing just three goals and two assists in the league this season, prior to that the coveted dynamo registered double figures for each of those two metrics in the top flight in the 2021/22 season.

That ability to make an impact in the final third could well help to ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes, with the Portugal international ending the campaign having created 32 'big chances' in the league – the most of any player in the division.

Much like Mount, the 28-year-old – who has 28 goal contributions in 58 appearances across all fronts this season – is also a real master a providing incisive, forward passes, showcased by the fact that the former Sporting CP ace has averaged 7.04 progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

The part-time United skipper would seemingly relish the prospect of lining up alongside the Chelsea man next season, having stated back in 2021:

"I really like Mason Mount – he’s been consistent from the beginning of the season but, if people will watch numbers, he’s not had so many goals as other players or assists as other players but, for me, as a performance he’s been really, really top.”

That glowing praise is a further indication of just what a talent Mount is, with Ten Hag having the makings of a truly exciting duo involving the 5 foot 11 ace and Fernandes.

Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing defender Archie Brown this summer as Michael Beale aims to continue his rebuild at the Ibrox side.

What’s the latest on Archie Brown to Rangers?

According to the Scottish Daily Mail (page 79, May 26), Rangers are interested in making a move for the Lausanne left-back this summer, and he could cost the Gers a fee in the excess of £2m in order to prise him away from the Swiss club.

The report also goes on to state that Celtic have also run 'checks' on the Englishman ahead of the summer transfer window, and there could be a battle over the coming weeks.

Who is Archie Brown?

The 20-year-old graduated from Derby County’s academy before making the move to the continent in 2021 for a fresh challenge, and Beale could potentially uncover an ideal Borna Barisic heir.

The Croatian defender is entering the final year of his current contract and will turn 31 a few months into the forthcoming campaign, suggesting that the future lies with someone younger – and it looks as though Beale is planning ahead.

Across 29 Premiership matches this term, the 30-year-old has demonstrated his attacking qualities, registering nine assists, creating 12 big chances and playing 2.4 key passes per game as he clearly loves to get forward as much as possible and create plenty of chances from the left wing.

Defensively, he isn’t quite as effective, losing possession 19.4 times per game and keeping nine clean sheets. Beale may therefore be willing to sacrifice attacking intent for someone who is slightly more stable defensively.

Brown does still offer an attacking threat for the Swiss side, registering nine goal contributions – five goals and four assists – across 33 games in the Swiss Challenge League.

He also shone during his spell in the youth academy at Derby, recording 18 goals and 14 assists throughout the various age groups, and his positional versatility could also be a major bonus for Beale heading into next season, as the youngster is equally adept at playing further up the field at left-midfield or even at the heart of the defence, which could be beneficial if there are any injury problems.

The 42-year-old will need to start thinking about a future without Barisic sooner rather than later, and with Ridvan Yilmaz not exactly setting Ibrox alight so far following his £5m move due to various injury and form issues, Brown could be an interesting signing that may get a chance in the first team if he signs.

Chelsea face the unenviable task of battling recently crowned Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

The hosts are in ruthless form, having won their last 11 domestic fixtures, whilst the Blues have only triumphed in one of their last nine games.

Today’s clash represents two sides are vastly different ends of the scale and the west Londoner’s defence will need to be faultless if they stand any chance.

Pep Guardiola’s men have netted an incredible 92 league goals this term and Frank Lampard may need to consider dropping Trevoh Chalobah, who has struggled against superior opposition throughout the season.

Should Chelsea drop Trevoh Chalobah vs Manchester City?

As the incoming Mauricio Pochettino attempts to shape a hideously bloated squad, there any many question marks surrounding the 23-year-old, who has struggled for consistency and minutes.

The £50k-per-week man has failed to nail down a consistent starting spot and has only begun 15 top-flight games this term.

As a defender he lacks tenacity, physicality and power – this is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the bottom 34% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for tackles per 90, as well as the lowest 35% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

Chalobah's reading of the game can also be questioned, as he has only registered 0.79 blocks per 90, which means he resides in the bottom 8%.

His lack of defensive acumen was recently ruthlessly exposed by Rodrygo in the second leg of Chelsea’s Champions League game against Real Madrid, when he stupidly lunged in on the winger, who eventually finished the move to open the scoring.

This view has been echoed by talkSPORT Alan Brazil, who has previously labelled the Blues academy graduate and some of his backline peers as "diabolical" back in January of this year.

Furthermore, despite his massive 6 foot 4 frame, the homegrown star dismally resides in the lowest 42% for aerials won per 90, to underline his faltering capabilities as a commanding and dominant defender.

The thought of the irrepressible Jack Grealish running at Chalobah with his immense pace, trickery, and technique is a frightening prospect, as the attacker has forged a formidable reputation for pinning back his marker.

Indeed, only Crystal Palace stalwart Wilfried Zaha (2.9) has been fouled more times per game than Grealish (2.8) in the Premier League this season, according to WhoScored.

Looking ahead to next season, in terms of quality and potential, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill may well be ahead of the Englishman, who in two full seasons in the first team, has failed to fill anyone associated with Chelsea with any concrete confidence.