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      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League table in full with Chelsea to finish NINTH and Man City denied title

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      ALAN SHEARER has made a bold set of Premier League predictions as he names the table in FULL ahead of the new season starting on Friday.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth consecutive title with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Alan Shearer has made his Prem predictionsCredit: GettyHe backs Arsenal to overcome their demons and lift the titleCredit: RexBut his projections are bad news for Chelsea and Todd BoehlyCredit: GettyAnd Shearer backed the Gunners to do just that – and overcome their 21-year title drought to be crowned Prem champions for the fourth time.He did press that Arsenal need to land themselves a “statement” striker before the window slams shut to give them a real chance.The Newcastle icon expects Chelsea’s misery to continue, predicting the Blues to finish NINTH after they climbed up to sixth last season.Shearer can hardly be blamed though – Chelsea did come 12th two years ago and are onto their fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStamford Bridge chiefs have forked out £185m on ten new faces this summer to rank the American’s total bill up to £1.2billion.Shearer told Betfair: “I don’t see Chelsea getting into the top four at all. They’re not ready yet.”While the Match of the Day star also predicted Newcastle to pip Manchester United and Tottenham to a fourth place finish, while Liverpool will come third under new boss Arne Slot.The Red Devils finished eighth last season – their worst ever position- and have brought in some clever signings, but Erik ten Hag is forecasted to struggle to find a way for his side to gel again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlan Shearer’s full Premier League tableShearer added: “It’s a big season for Ten Hag and Man United because they’re going to have to improve massively in the league.”He is projecting a tight relegation battle but thinks the three who got promoted, also including Ipswich and Leicester, will go straight back to the Championship.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ storyThe ex-Southampton man is predicting the Saints to be relegated and former Premier League winners Leicester to finish rock bottom.Shearer believes Aston Villa will follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and drop from fourth to seven amid the constraints of playing Champions League football this season.As for the golden boot race, Shearer, who knows a thing or two about putting the ball in the back of the net, thinks Man City’s Erling Haaland will claim his third successive award.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Former England star, 41, hints Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had different plans for Kai Havertz after signing him last summer.The Gunners landed Havertz, 25, from rivals Chelsea in 2023 following a £65million deal.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a different role for Kai Havertz before his transformation as a false nineCredit: RexLescott praised Havertz’s performances at Arsenal and slammed the criticsCredit: GettyThe versatile German often led the Blues’ attack during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against City.Lescott, 41, expected the Germany international to play in a different position at Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have the same idea as he hinted he would use him in midfield.However, plans changed and Havertz quickly returned up front as a false nine and often led the North Londoners’ attack amid another round of injury hell for striker Gabriel Jesus.Lescott praised Havertz’s ability to successfully adjust after Arteta’s original ideas “didn’t go to plan”.Read More on ArsenalHavertz received plenty of criticism for some early performances but went on to amass an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.Lescott dismissed all the negativity and insists Havertz deserves more credit as he compared his style to Manchester United and Tottenham’s legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov.The ex-England international is adamant the former Chelsea star deserves more respect as he has also proven himself as a false nine in Germany’s national team.Lescott told SunSport: “Yeah, I think it [the criticism] was unfair. I believe when they signed him, I didn’t think he would have or play in the role that he played for them. Most read in Football”I believed he would be important to them. I think Arteta had a different role for him at the start. It didn’t go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust. “And yeah, I think because we want a profile of a striker – a number nine – to have a certain look and image, I think we’re not giving him the credit as a number nine. Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “But if you compare him to his style, like his attributes, are they much different to a Berbatov, really? He’s able to travel with the ball long distances, he is technically very, very good. He scores. He always looks comfortable in front of goal.”So yeah, I think because he’s played in the previous positions, that hinders the appeal of him looking like a number nine. “But you have to respect, you don’t play for Arsenal being a genuine title contender, playing in the Euros for one of the top nations as a number nine, and not be able to do it adequately.”Lescott is so impressed with Havertz’s “exceptional” performances that he even questions whether the striker’s position is the most important area in which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.Havertz was ‘exceptional’ last seasonThe former centre-back doubts there are many options available and also insists Arteta’s side didn’t lose the title to his beloved City because of a lack of goals last season.Lescott added: “I think it’s easy to suggest that [Arsenal need a striker], but are there many that are available and that guarantee you the goals they would need? “I do believe strikers get you a different type of goal, whether it gets you more goals than Havertz, who I thought was exceptional last season. “I do think strikers have a different knack of taking an opportunity that’s not really there. I think forwards in general want to see the goal and want to see a perfect position where forwards or strikers just go, ‘I’m just going to shoot’, and sometimes get lucky with the deflection.”I think a striker would bring that different element to it. But again, I think just strengthening your squad, strengthening your team is important. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[But to ] Be specific to a position is slightly harsh, because they didn’t lose the title based on just not having a striker . They did enough to win the games and scored a goal. So it’s just finding an alternative to the little bits that Arteta thinks he needs.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Arsenal boss Arteta hinted he was going to use Havertz in midfieldCredit: The Times More

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      Forgotten £50m star claims Chelsea are ‘building something amazing’ after playing just 32 minutes last season

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      CHELSEA have waited a long time to see the best of Romeo Lavia  — not least because of last season’s injury nightmare.The Blues were ready to splash out £50million for the Belgian midfielder just five games after he joined Southampton two years ago.Romeo Lavia is positive for Chelsea ahead of the new Premier League seasonCredit: GettyThat approach, which came after he had scored against Chelsea, was knocked back — but they got their man 12 months later.The wait to see Lavia make an impact has gone on another 12 months, however, because ankle and hamstring injuries restricted him to just 32 minutes of football last term.Speaking at the end of pre-season, during which he has arguably been Chelsea’s best player, 20-year-old Lavia said: “It will be my first proper season.“Last year was very frustrating because it was hard.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS“You’re young and you want to play. You’re getting to know your body as well, which is sometimes unfair because you feel like you’re doing everything right to get back but the nature sometimes decides in a different way.“It was just about understanding that and growing as  a person.“It was frustrating but it was more in the head and now it has helped me.”Chelsea chased Lavia for over a year before he moved to Stamford Bridge for £53m, though they had to steal him from under Liverpool’s noses.He said: “The interest from Liverpool was there but in my head I wanted to play for Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When I heard about Chelsea, and it was from a long time ago before everything started, it was a no-brainer.”Joining Chelsea does not seem a no-brainer right now, with over a billion spent and managers being burned through under their American ownership.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedEvery Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £47.5mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndre Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £54mBut despite the Blues managing just one win in six pre-season games — against Mexican side Club America — Lavia insists it was an obvious choice.He added: “If you look at all the teams, Chelsea is the one that is growing.“Even though the results are not going that well, you can see the bigger picture. When I saw a group of young and talented players, that at their previous clubs had been the best players, it can only go well.“Now I’m here, I realise it’s true. We are building something amazing.“Everyone at the club can feel it, not just the players but everyone.”There is some convincing to do on that front but Lavia does know a good set-up when he sees one having spent two years at Manchester City, training under Pep Guardiola at times.And the Belgium international is hoping for a first Premier League start for Chelsea against his old club on Sunday.Asked about working under the Spaniard, Lavia said: “Special. It is a massive experience because you get to know about all of the details in football that make a difference.“From the outside you probably don’t see it. You probably see it as players passing the ball around but there’s more than that. It is the details that make the difference.“He would definitely help me with putting my body shape in the side position to get the ball and make a whole difference.”If you look at all the teams, Chelsea is the one that is growingRomeo LaviaLavia joined the City set-up during the pandemic and his mum was never able to watch him play for the club.Add that to an injury-hit season in which he was relegated at Southampton before missing almost all of last year, there have been a few rough moments.He said: “A few hard times. But I take all the hard times in a positive way.“I left my home country to move to England during Covid. My mum never watched a game of me at Man City.“That’s to tell you how hard it was but I never really complained because I knew what I was getting into, the same in every decision I’ve made.“It’s never been a problem, even with the injuries last season. It was tough but what can you do? Turn it into a positive.”Lavia’s family have been able to see him play now, having supported him through the last year — alongside a Chelsea legend.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe spoke to fellow Belgian Eden Hazard before joining and kept in touch with him through the season.Lavia said: “He’s a great guy and like a big brother to me. Whenever I need advice, I go to him.” More

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      Chelsea offered Victor Osimhen as part of sensational transfer that would see Romelu Lukaku join Napoli

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      CHELSEA can kill two transfer birds with one stone.The Blues are set to be offered Victor Osimhen if Napoli can take out-of-favour Romelu Lukaku plus cash as part of a proposed deal.Victor Osimhen is eyeing a move to Chelsea – but a few conditions must be met firstCredit: GettyChelsea have been in talks with Napoli over signing Osimhen, who handed in a transfer request to accelerate his exit this summer.In order to a get deal through the Serie A side might be open to accepting Chelsea’s Lukaku heading the other way.Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the Blues could agree on a Osimhen deal with Napoli using both cash and Lukaku. But the two sides differ on their evaluation of Lukaku. READ MORE ON CHELSEAStamford Bridge chiefs are keen to receive at least £40m for the Belgian striker, who has two years left on his contract.But Napoli value Lukaku at around £30m and Osimhen at around £100m.The Blues don’t want to pay Osimhen’s £110m release clause, and launched a failed move to loan the striker.Lukaku, 31, is still on £325,000 a week at Chelsea but has made clear that he only wants to be reunited with Antonio Conte.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnder Conte, Lukaku scored 47 league goals across two seasons to help Inter Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2020-21. He returned to Chelsea for £97.5m in 2021 but, after one unhappy season caused by a public dispute, has spent two campaigns on loan in Serie A.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedMeanwhile Osimhen, 25, has been the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer. He scored 26 goals in 32 league games to help Napoli win Serie A two seasons ago.Osimhen has been left out of pre-season friendlies by Conte, who has taken a firm stance over his team’s star striker.Lukaku has been told to train with the under-21s at Cobham alongside Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, who have also been listed for transfer. More

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      How Chelsea can line up FOUR different ways and never use same player twice with swollen squad reaching bursting point

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      CHELSEA’S inflated squad continues to grow as they splash the cash in the transfer market.The Blues have now signed 35 players and spent well in excess of £1BILLION on new arrivals since Todd Boehly took over in 2022.Todd Boehly has bankrolled 35 players joining Chelsea since he took over in 2022Credit: APNew blues boss Enzo Maresca has plenty of options to choose fromCredit: GettyNew manager Enzo Maresca has already seen his squad boosted by nine stars this summer alone.Arrivals such as Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tosin Adarabioyo have come through the doors at Stamford Bridge ready to make their impact.But they’ll have to ensure they’re in tip top form to earn their spot in the starting XI given the mammoth numbers filling the seats in the dressing room as things stand.While there are also some more names being linked with a switch to West London, meaning there could be even more additions before the transfer deadline later this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn fact, The Mirror have discovered that the Blues have so many players on their books that they could field FOUR separate teams without using the same player twice.Here SunSport breaks down how Maresca could field those teams this season and which players would have to slot in where…LINE-UP No.1Enzo Maresca has been implementing an interesting 3-2-4-1 formation at Chelsea during their pre-season preparations, with his creative tactics seeing club captain Reece James playing in midfield.The Pep disciple is a big fan of the inverted full-back meaning James finds himself in the middle of the park more than he does at the back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt would be new £20.7m shot-stopper Filip Jorgensen in net for the Blues in this instance with Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwil and Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella sitting in front of him as a back three.James’ midfield partner would be Enzo Fernandez, while a four in front of them would be made up of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Christopher Nkunku and new boy Pedro Neto.Pedro Neto joins Chelsea for £54million in transfer from Wolves Last season’s go-to centre-forward Nicolas Jackson would lead the line.That’s an XI of incredible stars which could feasibly line up in some of the biggest game of the season, and it still leaves out hundreds of millions of pounds worth of assets. Pedro Neto has joined Chelsea this summer from WolvesCredit: GettyLINE-UP No.2You’d be forgiven for thinking the next XI is Chelsea’s full strength side given the sheer number of big names on display and the millions splashed on bringing them to Stamford Bridge.Last summer’s goalkeeping acquisition Robert Sanchez would start between the sticks with Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile joining new arrival Tosin Adarabioyo at the back.Malo Gusto would play the inverted full-back role and Romeo Lavia – who has made just one appearance for the Blues since his £58m move – would partner him in the middle of the park.Carney Chukwuemeka and new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall would operate just in front of the more defensive pair.The attacking trio would require Chelsea to follow through with their links to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, who they have been rumoured to buy after their deal for Samu Omorodion collapsed.Felix, who previously made 20 loan appearances for Chelsea, would occupy one flank with Mykhailo Mudryk on the other side.Teenage talent Marc Guiu would be the number nine in this line-up.Chelsea are exploring a permanent move for Joao FelixCredit: GettyLINE-UP No.3This is where Chelsea begin to look a little weaker when you stop being able to use players more than once.However, they still have strong enough depth to field an impressive XI that could do a job against a number of Premier League clubs.It’s Djordje Petrovic in net with a back three in front of him consisting of Ben Chilwell, a surplus to requirements Trevoh Chalobah and youngster Bashir Humpreys.In midfield Lesley Ugochukwu, Cesare Casadei and summer acquisition Renato Veiga would join Conor Gallagher, who’s proposed move to Atletico Madrid appears to be in doubt.Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke would play wide with Armando Broja through the middle completing a strong front three that would be the envy of many top teams.Conor Gallagher’s switch to Atletico Madrid appears to be in jeopardyCredit: GettyLINE-UP No.4Things get murky here as Maresca would have to dip heavily into his youth ranks to make up the numbers, but it’s still possible.Marcus Bettinelli would be the presence in goal, with an inexperienced and youthful back three of Zak Surge, Josh Acheampong and Harrison Murray-Campbell sitting in front of him.New £19m teenager Omari Kellyman would join Cobham graduates Tyrique George, Tino Anjorin and Leo Castledine in midfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would be an all South American party on the wings as Brazilian wizkids Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel would provide width to the team.While forgotten £97.5m man Romelu Lukaku is starting as striker with the Belgian, unbelievably, still on the books at Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku is still a Chelsea playerCredit: Getty More

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      Ben Chilwell’s Chelsea future ‘in doubt’ with England star, 28, assessing transfer options just days before new season

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      BEN CHILWELL is assessing his options at Chelsea ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer window.The Blues full-back’s Stamford Bridge future is reportedly in doubt just days before the start of the new season.Ben Chilwell is assessing his options ahead of a potential Chelsea exitCredit: GettyChelsea begin their campaign at home to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.However, Chilwell could be saying goodbye to supporters after four years in West London.According to talkSPORT, the 28-year-old would not be blocked from leaving the club as he assesses his options.Instead, Chelsea are prepared to let him leave if they receive a suitable offer before the window closes on August 30.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United were previously linked with a move for the defender earlier this summer.Chilwell had to settle for limited game time during pre-season as he struggled to force himself into Enzo Maresca’s plans.The new Chelsea boss has even admitted the former Leicester man does not fit his playing style.He currently faces competition at left-back from Marc Cucurella, who starred for Spain as they won Euro 2024.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChilwell will also be hoping to force his way back into the England squad this season under new interim boss Lee Carsley.Gareth Southgate left the defender out of his side for the Euros after including him for the March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeChilwell had to settle for limited game time during Chelsea’s pre-season campaignCredit: GettyAs a result, he remains with one goal in 21 caps for the Three Lions.Chilwell has also scored nine times for Chelsea in 106 appearances since signing from the Foxes in 2020.He also penned a new deal in April 2023, with three years remaining on the contract.However, he struggled with injuries last season which limited him to just 13 league appearances.Chilwell’s woes included a lengthy hamstring injury and multiple knee issues during the campaign. More

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      Chelsea’s outrageous transfer spending spree put into context as they are compared to Premier League rivals

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      PEDRO NETO became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly era last week.The winger completed a £54million transfer to Stamford Bridge last week.Pedro Neto became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly eraCredit: GettyRaheem Strerling was Boehly’s first signingCredit: GettyHe joins the likes of Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo in joining the Blues within the last year.Chelsea now boast a squad of 48 players – 35 of whom signed after Boehly took over in May 2022.Raheem Sterling was the American’s first addition just two years ago.Now SunSport have looked at every Premier League club and who they purchased 35 signings ago…Read More in FootballArsenal – Matteo GuendouziGuendouzi joined the Gunners from FC Lorient all the way back in 2017.He spent four years at the club, making 82 appearances, and went on two loan spells before moving to Marseille in 2022.The 25-year-old left the French side this summer to sign for Lazio.Matteo Guendouzi joined Arsenal in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyAston Villa – Tyrone MingsThe centre-back joined from Bournemouth in 2017 after an initial loan spell.Most read in FootballEvery Premier League team’s transfers 35 signings agoMings has since made 166 appearances but missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury.Bournemouth – Jack StaceyThe 28-year-old signed for Bournemouth in a £4m transfer from Luton in 2019.He went on to make 98 first team appearances before leaving for Norwich last summer.Brentford – Mads RoerslavRoerslav joined Brentford when they were still in the Championship back in 2019.He is still at the club and has since made 123 appearances across all competitions.Brighton – Adam LallanaA move that many fans might remember, Lallana joined Brighton from Liverpool in a free transfer in 2020.Following Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea in 2022 he stepped in as assistant interim manager to Andrew Crofts.Lallana left Brighton this summer to join Southampton in a free transfer.Adam Lallana joined Brighton in a free transfer from LiverpoolCredit: GettyCrystal Palace – Vicente GuaitaGoalkeeper Guaita joined Palace from Getafe in 2018 and spent five years at Selhurst Park, making 154 appearances.The 37-year-old left last summer to return to Spain and now plays for Celta Vigo.Everton – Lucas DigneDigne was a big signing for Everton when he first joined from Barcelona in 2018.He signed for the Toffees in an £18m move and quickly established himself as first-choice right-back.He played 127 times for Everton but left in January 2022 to join Aston Villa.Fulham – Frank AnguissaAnguissa joined Fulham in 2018 but was sent on loan to Villarreal the following year when the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League.He then spent a year on loan at Napoli before joining the Italian giants in a permanent transfer in 2022.Ipswich – Tete YengiAustralian striker Tete Yengi joined Ipswich from A-League side Newcastle Jets.Having signed for the Tractor Boys in 2021, he failed to make a single first team appearance before leaving for Livingston earlier this summer.During his time at Ipswich he was loaned out three times, to Vaasan Palloseura, Northampton Town and Kuopion Palloseura.Leicester City – Harry MaguireAnother high-profile transfer, Maguire joined Leicester from Hull in 2017 for just £12m.After two years at the King Power Stadium he then signed for Manchester United in a huge £80m transfer, making him the most expensive defender in Premier League history.Maguire has since made 207 appearances for the Red Devils and has 63 England caps and counting.Leicester made over £60m in profit from the sale of Harry Maguire, who joined from HullCredit: PA:Empics SportLiverpool – Roberto FirminoA fan-favourite among the Reds, Firmino spent eight years at Anfield after signing from Hoffenheim all the way back in 2015.He won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Liverpool and made 362 appearances.He now plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.Roberto Firmino was a fan favourite at LiverpoolCredit: GettyManchester City – Aymeric LaporteLaporte signed for City in a £57m transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad before leaving for Saudi Arabia last summer.Aymeric Laporte joined Man City in 2018Credit: GettyManchester United – Eric BaillyBailly completed a £30m switch from Villarreal to Man Utd back in 2016.He made 113 appearances but fell out of favour when Erik ten Hag took over two years ago.The defender is now a free agent having left United upon the expiry of his contract in July.Eric Bailly spent eight years at Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle – Federico FernandezThe 35-year-old joined Newcastle from Swansea in 2018 and went on to spend four years at St James’ Park.After leaving he joined Spanish side Elche and has since played for Al-Duhail and Estudiantes.Nottingham Forest – Brandon AguileraCosta Rican midfielder Aguilera joined Forest in 2022 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.He was loaned out twice by the club, to Estoril and Bristol Rovers, and made just three appearances for Forest before joining Rio Ave this year.Southampton – Theo WalcottWalcott became a Premier League icon during his time with Arsenal between 2006 and 2018.He eventually left the Gunners after falling down the pecking order and joined Everton.However, he returned to Southampton – his first club – in 2021.Walcott spent two years with the Saints before retiring from professional football last year.Theo Walcott retired after leaving SouthamptonCredit: APTottenham – Ryan SessegnonSessegnon was viewed as one of the most promising talents in England when Tottenham signed him from Fulham in 2019.However, he never quite established his spot in Spurs’ starting line-up.He suffered several injuries during his time at Spurs which hindered his time in the first team.Sessegnon rejoined Fulham this summer in a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.West Ham – Felipe AndersonThe winger spent three years with West Ham after joining from Lazio in a £36m transfer in 2018.He made 73 appearances for the Hammers and returned to Lazio three years later.Anderson now plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Wolves – Matija SarkicSarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23s in 2020 and spent three years at Molineux.He signed for Millwall last summer and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Sarkic tragically and unexpectedly passed away in June.The club paid tribute to him on the opening day of the Championship season at the weekend.Matija Sarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23sCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea make £56m Joao Felix bid as Atletico Madrid ace says ‘yes’ to transfer that could save Conor Gallagher deal

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      CHELSEA have made a £56million bid for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports.And the transfer could save Conor Gallagher’s transfer to Atletico as the English midfielder’s future remains in the balance.Joao Felix could be set for a return to ChelseaCredit: GettyConor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid remains in the balanceCredit: GettyFelix, 24, spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in 20 games.He returned to Diego Simeone’s side and then spent the last campaign on loan at Barcelona where he registered 10 goals and six assists in 44 appearances.Now, after four seasons, 131 appearances and 24 goals for Atletico, he could finally be set for a permanent switch.According to Ojogo, Chelsea have submitted an offer of £54m for the Portuguese international.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAn initial sum of £30m would be paid up front, with the remainder of the fee to be transferred at a later date.Fabrizio Romano understands Felix has said “yes” to a second stint at Chelsea as negotiations continue between the two clubs.It is also said to be a “crucial” factor in the completion of Gallagher’s move to Atletico.Chelsea looked set to offload academy product Gallagher in a £34m deal to ease the club’s concerns regarding Profit and Sustainability rules.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGallagher featured in all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games last seasonBut then a deal for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion to move the other way collapsed, putting the Gallagher deal in jeopardy.Now a bid for Felix has reignited hopes of the England international being offloaded.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedGallagher, 24, has been at Chelsea for 16 years and broke through into the first team in 2019.He has played 95 games for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists. More