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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

The Guardian reports that Napoli star Fabian Ruiz is wanted by Manchester City and the club are set to battle for his signature with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

What’s the word?

Ruiz has been making a lot of headlines in recent seasons with some excellent performances in the Champions League and in Italy. The 23-year-old has one goal and one assist so far and has averaged a rating of 7.42 in Serie A this season.

The Spaniard has five caps for his country now and appears to be establishing himself as one of Europe’s most coveted talents. In the report, it states that City sent scouts out to watch Ruiz in their 3-2 win over Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.

In 2018, Napoli paid the buyout clause for the then-Real Betis man, which The Guardian states was worth €30m (£25.5m). However, in the report, it is explained that Napoli’s chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis said last week: “I paid €30m for Fabián and he’s a fantastic player. If some of the European top clubs were to offer €180m we can start talking about selling him.”

As City and two La Liga giants circle it’s easy to see why Laurentiis thinks he has a treasure chest in his possession, but it’s not only Europe’s super clubs who can see the potential of Ruiz.

Sergio Busquets is one of the most revered midfield anchors of his generation, and if anyone was in a position to analyse the potential of emerging central midfield players then it’s certainly him.

While speaking about Ruiz in the same breath as Frenkie de Jong, the Barcelona icon said, per Daily Mail: “Both Fabian and De Jong have a great deal of quality,” said Busquets.

“Perhaps Frenkie still needs to adapt fully to the Barcelona style of play, but both represent the present and the future.

“I am sure they will become the best in the world in their respective roles.”

Pep must consider Foden

It has been known for a few months now that David Silva will be departing the Etihad at the end of the season, and Pep Guardiola may be looking for a replacement as a result.

With the Spaniard leaving huge boots to fill, Phil Foden might not come into the playmaker role on a permanent basis right away, as Guardiola bleeds him in slowly. However, signing Ruiz could prove to be a big problem for Foden and directly impact the speed at which he stamps his mark on the starting XI.

There is no doubt that the City boss adores the teenager and wants to see him at the Etihad for years to come. After all, Guardiola has labelled him the “most talented player he has ever seen”, which is unparalleled praise to receive from a man who has managed dozens of superstars in his illustrious career.

But the signing of Ruiz may mean that the 19-year-old finds even less game time, with his arrival providing Guardiola with a more experienced option to trust in centre midfield.

The Napoli man is known for his nimble nature, while he is also left-footed and possesses similar playmaking qualities to Foden. He is more of a deep-lying player by nature, but he also possesses the tendency to burst forward and influence the game in the final third, as his return of five goals and four assists in Serie A last season proves.

Should City sign the ex-Betis man, Foden will be left facing a similar scenario to the one he is currently in, one that renders him on the fringes of the first team squad and struggling for regular opportunities.

Chelsea have approached three clubs as they try to offload a "really talented" player in Enzo Maresca's squad, with out-of-window transfers still possible as some European sides remain able to conduct business.

Maresca axes host of players as he rebuilds Chelsea team

The UK summer window saw many players either sold or loaned out by Chelsea, as Maresca seeks to build his own new-look Blues side.

£45 million Chelsea star considering exit with out-of-window talks held

He’s been approached so soon after the UK summer window’s closure.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 5, 2024

Maresca has been blunt with his out-of-favour Chelsea players, even making public media statements in regard to the men who are not in his long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.

"I prefer to be honest with players," said Maresca on his exit-bound players at Chelsea last week, and how he's dealt with them.

"The ones who are not involved are not going to be involved and they won't get any minutes if they stay. I don't know what happens when the window closes if they are still here. The ones who will get minutes are the ones I think can help us.

Player

Match Rating

Cole Palmer

7.6

Nicolas Jackson

7.2

Moises Caicedo

7.2

Eberechi Eze

7.2

Dean Henderson

7.1

"Raheem [Sterling] is a fantastic guy who has trained very well. Every manager has a different idea, and he is the kind of winger that is not one that I like. History and numbers speak for Raheem. He knows exactly what he needs to do.

"The rest are training apart, they are not going to get minutes. I have been clear and honest with them."

Sterling, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djordje Petrovic and Tino Anjorin all sealed late-window moves elsewhere, either on loan or permanently, while Brazilian starlet Angelo Gabriel agreed to join Al-Nassr earlier this week and just before the Saudi window deadline.

With the Greek and Turkish transfer windows open until the end of next week, there is still time for Maresca and BlueCo to offload more unwanted squad members. AEK Athens have registered a firm interest in Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, who is looking to secure more senior minutes away from west London.

However, the most high-profile potential exit which could materialise in the coming week is that of left-back Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea offer Ben Chilwell to three clubs in bid to offload

The 27-year-old is out-of-favour, with Maresca making it clear that Chilwell is not in his long-term plans moving forward.

"I prefer to be honest with the player. The ones who are not involved, they are all players who are not going to be involved and they don’t get any minutes in case they stay," said Maresca on Chilwell last month.

"With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position. He is going to struggle. If you define this as brutal, it's up to you to decide. For me, it's not brutal, it's just honest."

Called "really talented" by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, it would've once been pretty surprising to think the England international could end up in Greece or Turkey.

Now, as per Turkish reporter Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (via Sports Digitale), it is believed Chelsea have offered Chilwell out to Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Istanbul Başakşehir – but none of the Super Lig trio have even responded.

This is despite some reports that Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is planning an ambitious move for Chilwell, so perhaps the former Leicester City star's £200,000-per-week wages and the potential cost of a transfer is putting them off.

Everton have reportedly asked for information about the availability of £22,000-a-week international star who produced a stunning moment at the 2022 World Cup.

Everton under-fire and in need of signings

It has been a miserable start to the new Premier League season for the Blues, having gone into the 2024/25 hoping that another relegation battle would not be on the cards. Instead, they have lost their opening two matches, 3-0 at home to Brighton and 4-0 away to Tottenham, leading to plenty of frustration among the fanbase.

With footage emerging of some Everton fans confronting the players on their way back north on the train over the weekend, and Neal Maupay angrily responding to their antics on social media. Sean Dyche finds himself under huge pressure, and more signings could be key to helping his side's chances of enjoying a change in fortunes.

Attacking reinforcements are needed before the end of the current transfer window, and Armando Broja has been linked with a summer move to Goodison Park before Friday's transfer cutoff. They have been boosted in their efforts to snap him up, due to Ipswich Town's move for him potentially falling through.

Meanwhile, Everton have also been backed to complete the loan signing of Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar, although the Slovakian has plenty of options and is on massive wages.

Everton asked for information about World Cup hero

According to ABC Diallo, Everton are believed to have asked for information about Sevilla defender Gonzalo Montiel, as they look to seal a summer move for the 32-cap Argentine.

The report states that Nottingham Forest are also keen – he spent a spell on loan there last season – but they "are not the only team in the English league interested in the Sevilla player", with the Blues being the other suitor.

Montiel could be a big upgrade on Everton's current right-back options, with the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman both ageing figures whose best days are firmly behind them. The 27-year-old has Premier League experience after his stint at Forest, making 14 appearances in the competition last season, registering two assists in that time.

Montiel also etched his name into football history when he scored the winning penalty for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, firing home the decisive spot-kick after a thrilling shootout triumph over France in the final. That highlights his mental fortitude, standing tall in one of the biggest moments imaginable for a footballer.

Everton boost as rivals' talks over £40k-per-week attacker in jeopardy

The Toffees could be poised to pounce if negotiations fall through.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 24, 2024

At 27 years of age, the £22,000-a-week Sevilla ace is still young enough to improve further, but is also a hugely experienced player, and he brings both attacking and defensive quality from right-back, averaging 2.1 clearances and 1.6 tackles per game in the league last term.

Chelsea have made contact with a £34 million defender as BlueCo continue to scour the market, this time seeking new options for Enzo Maresca's backline.

Chelsea sporadically tipped to sign another centre-back

Rumours of a potential new centre-back signing after Tosin Adarabioyo have died down in the last two months, but it was something which couldn't be ruled out towards the beginning of the summer window.

Chelsea expected to sign £17 million player alongside Joao Felix

The Blues could announce it shortly.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 21, 2024

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking in May, shared his belief that Chelsea could sign two centre-backs this summer, including Tosin, as current defender Trevoh Chalobah will need to be sold for FFP reasons.

Chalobah was left out of Chelsea's pre-season tour of the USA, sparking outrage among sections of the fanbase and speculation that the 24-year-old is very much on Maresca's list of players to be sold before summer deadline day.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

"He was probably our best defender in the last 10-15 games last season," said Chelsea season ticket holder Bert Barrett to GOAL.

"It's a joke they have signed Tosin to replace Chalobah, who is a better player and has been at Chelsea since a kid."

Chelsea are apparently ready to sell Chalobah for around £25-30 million, despite his impressive performances under Mauricio Pochettino last season. While the versatile Cobham academy graduate is a boyhood supporter, his treatment by the club lately has prompted reports that Chalobah is now ready to leave Chelsea and open talks with other clubs.

Crystal Palace have been credited with an interest in Chalobah, as Newcastle United lodge repeated bids to sign their star centre-back Marc Guehi. If the latter departs Selhurst Park for St. James', Chelsea's outcasted defender could be an ideal replacement. However, the question still remains, who could replace the exit-bound Chalobah at Chelsea?

Chelsea make contact with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez

According to respected Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, writing on his Substack, it is believed that Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has been on the radar of Stamford Bridge chiefs for a while.

The Englishman, who is said to command a price tag of around £34 million, could come in to succeed Chalobah if he does seal a move away. Indeed, Chelsea have already made contact with Gomez over joining from Liverpool, and the fact he shares Maresca's agency makes a deal "pretty straightforward".

“A Liverpool source has confirmed that Chelsea have now recently made contact with defender Joe Gomez about a potential move this summer,” Phillips said (via CaughtOffside).

“Chelsea have also reached out to the agents of the player to see if there would be any interest in the move, and there would be. At this point, it is Chelsea finding out the full financial conditions of any deal and whether they can make it happen or not. Nothing has yet advanced past that at the time of writing this, but we know how fast things can move.

“SPTC sources expect this would be a move dependent on Trevoh Chalobah and another centre back leaving. As you know, Chelsea have been looking at new centre backs for THIS window and as we exclusively reported on this site in July last year, Gomez has been on the Chelsea radar under the new ownership for quite some time now.

“He is also under the same agency as both Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, so any deal if Chelsea wanted to do it, is expected to be pretty straightforward.”

One of the biggest story lines of the summer transfer will be what club can secure the services of West Ham captain Declan Rice.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are all reportedly chasing the signature of the England midfielder, and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has dropped more information on Arsenal’s chances of landing what would be a signature signing.

Arsenal transfer news – Declan Rice

Manchester City have entered the race for Rice, according to The Guardian.

The English and European champions submitted their first bid for the West Ham man on Thursday, a day after Arsenal submitted their second bid for the 24-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted that Manchester United are currently aware the midfielder's situation, but have yet to make a bid for the recent Europa Conference League winner.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Declan Rice and Arsenal?

Romano spoke to GIVEMESPORT, informing that Arsenal are still confident in their pursuit of the player.

The North London side are still convinced they will land their target this summer despite the interest of Man City and Man Utd.

Romano did stress that Arsenal must not waste time in their pursuit however, especially after losing out on Mudryk to Chelsea in January.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "Arsenal remain confident because they know the player wants to move, but it's also true that, in some moments, you have to be fast in the market.

"We saw the same kind of situation with Mykhailo Mudryk, who wanted the move. It was kind of public on social media in January, remember? But then if you don't close the deal, other things can happen."

Should Arsenal sign Declan Rice?

Rice will not be a cheap option for any side chasing him this summer, as a bidding war seems set to begin due to the interest of three separate Premier League teams.

Talksport’s Tony Cascarino pundit was full of praise for the West Ham skipper following another excellent season at the East London club.

Cascarino stated: “Declan Rice has played every game as if it’s his first and I think that’s admirable for someone so young to want to be as good as he can be and West Ham fans will tell you Declan drives that team."

Fellow Talksport pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Rice’s time at West Ham has come to an end, saying:

“If I’m Declan Rice, I’m seeing my England teammates playing Champions League finals, playing Champions League games at the highest level, that’s exactly what he wants to do.”

Arsenal will have a battle on their hands to secure this signing, and they surely must follow the advice of Romano and attempt to get the deal over the line as quick as possible to avoid a bidding war breaking out.

However, you do have to fear for the Gunners if the treble winners are seriously looking to bring Rice to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The task for West Ham, David Moyes, and his conquering squad is to keep going.

The Europa Conference League title is a ceremonial moment in the history of the club that will forever be revered and cherished.

However, the Irons cannot rest on their laurels, another year of European football beckons and the team must be moulded to keep up with this demanding ask.

Players of sufficient pedigree and experience must be landed with Joaquin Correa touted as a possible addition to the London Stadium.

What’s the latest on Joaquin Correa to West Ham?

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the East London outfit and Everton have opened 'tentative' talks to sign the Inter Milan man.

In a previous report, it has been suggested that the 28-year-old could be available on the market for as little as €15 (£13m).

David Moyes supposedly tried to sign the Argentine in the summer of 2021, before he joined the Nerazzurri, and the Hammers look set to reignite their interest in the forward.

Would Joaquin Correa be a good signing for West Ham?

The 6 foot 2 star has played in Italy since 2018 and has developed a solid reputation as a dependable and productive player. He has recorded 51 goal contributions in 175 Serie A outings.

However, the 19-cap international has endured a rather frustrating campaign, managing just 15 starts in all competitions and was an unused substitution in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester City.

Therefore, the former Sevilla star is seeking a new challenge, which could come in the form of the Irons.

Despite his lack of game time, the statistics still make for impressive reading – in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, Correa ranks within the top 13% for assists per 90, progressive passes per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

Furthermore, his chameleonic nature to appear in various positions across the frontline demonstrates a fascinating versatility that could make him crucial for Moyes next season.

Indeed, according to FBref, he possesses a similar profile to that of World Cup winner Angel Di Maria.

Not only do the two attackers share nationality but they also have a nimble frame, an effortless first touch, a venomous strike, and a hypnotic dribbling technique.

Described as “sensational” by Matteo Bonetti, Correa performs relatively closely to his compatriot in various metrics, such as goals and assists per 90 (0.38 vs 0.53), % shots on target per 90 (36.4 vs 32.4), pass completion (79.2% vs 72.1%), and shot creating actions per 90 (3.51 vs 5.48).

This signing would provide depth in various positions, whilst adding quality and attacking thrust hoping to regain a position in the top half of the Premier League and win a European competition for a consecutive season.

Aston Villa reportedly remain in the race to sign one of Unai Emery’s former players in the chase for a La Liga gem.

With Monchi recruited as resident of football operations, the Spanish duo could present Villa Park with a marquee signing in his first bit of business at the club.

What’s the latest on Pau Torres to Aston Villa?

The saga surrounding Villarreal defender Pau Torres’ potential move to Aston Villa has been ongoing since January, with news coming this week confirming the club's desire to sign the Spaniard remains.

Reported by 90min in the winter transfer window, Torres was mentioned as a name that was on Emery’s radar to bring to Villa Park following his decision to trade La Liga for the Premier League at the start of last season.

This week, Fabrizio Romano stated on his Here We Go podcast that Villa were now “pushing” to sign the centre-back.

“They [Tottenham] always appreciated Pau Torres, but at the moment it is Aston Villa, the club pushing for Pau.”

As relayed by 90min, the Spaniard is said to have a €50m (£43m) release clause in his contract with the Yellow Submarine.

What could Pau Torres offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as an “extraordinary talent” by former player and youth coach Javi Calleja, Torres could undoubtedly take Villa’s defence to new heights.

Such claims require support and the Villarreal-born star has recorded numbers that rank him amongst the best-performing centre-backs in Europe over the past year.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in terms of his rate of progressive carries, averaging 2.24 per 90 to showcase his advanced competency of being a ball-carrying defender.

Such traits are lauded in the Premier League, allowing play to build from the back in a quick burst from defence to attack, with Torres possessing attributes in a variety of areas in progressive play including making 5.81 progressive passes per 90.

Emery could sign himself one of the most assured centre-backs on the ball in Europe in signing his former player, having previously stated that he'd “never seen” a central defender like him, via football.london.

While Tyrone Mings was a regular presence for Villa in the 2022/23 campaign, the 30-year-old – who made 35 league appearances – could find himself as part of a positive transition at Villa Park seeing younger stars take centre stage in Emery’s reign.

While the Spaniard’s abilities in progressive play blow the Englishman’s resources in that area out of the water, his defensive attributes show to be stronger also, as highlighted by him averaging 1.27 tackles per 90 to the Villa man’s 0.43.

With Monchi on board in the Midlands, it could finally be time for Emery to be reunited with his former player whom he has been rumoured to have wanted to bring to Villa Park for months.

West Ham United finally ended their 43-year trophy drought on Wednesday night with a thrilling victory against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.

However, in the game's aftermath, chairman David Sullivan confirmed that Declan Rice has the club's blessing to leave in the summer.

The likely destination at this point is Arsenal, who have been linked with the England international for months now.

The Hammers will look to use the windfall from that deal to fund a series of summer transfers, with Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez one of their priorities, per the Telegraph's reliable journalist, Matt Law.

What's the latest on Edson Alvarez?

The versatile machine has shot to the top of the Irons' wishlist this summer, but bringing him to the London Stadium might prove challenging.

The 6 foot 2 colossus was close to completing a move to Chelsea last summer, but the Dutch club refused to budge, leaving the player to spend another season in Amsterdam.

West Ham will have to act quickly if they're keen on the player as, according to 90min, Borussia Dortmund are 'confident' that they will sign the player this summer.

With no official bids yet, we can only speculate that the money needed to secure Alvarez's signature will be close to the £43m offered by Chelsea last September, whilst FootballTransfers currently estimates his worth to be around £25m.

Would Edson Alvarez be a good signing for West Ham?

By all metrics, the Tlalnepantla-born "monster", as dubbed by The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas, looks like he would be an excellent signing for the Hammers.

According to WhoScored, Alvarez has averaged a seriously impressive rating of 7.34 across 31 Eredivisie appearances this season.

The underlying numbers also paint the picture of an all-action defensive midfielder.

As per FBref, who have compared players in a similar position across their 'next 8 competitions', he sits in the top 1% for passes attempted, clearances, and aerials duals won per 90. Alvarez also ranks in the top 5% for pass completion, 6% for shots, progressive carries, no. of touches in the opposition's penalty area, and 9% for progressive passes per 90.

Another facet of the Mexican's game that could prove invaluable to the Hammers is his positional versatility.

Across the last 50 matches, the Ajax man has played as a central midfielder 23 times, a defensive midfielder 15 times and a central defender 12 times. This ability to fulfil several roles across the pitch and fulfil them capably would be a huge benefit to David Moyes' team.

Whoever the club sign in the summer, it is unlikely that they will be able to replace Rice on their own, but Alvarez certainly looks like he could get close.

Arsenal battled well with Manchester City for the Premier League title, but in the end, their quality in depth ultimately told.

Mikel Arteta was left wounded at the failure to secure silverware, but well aware of the progress made in just one year. Despite that, they remain so far away from their rivals.

Manchester United were shown this too at Wembley yesterday, with Pep Guardiola's side winning 2-1 without really getting out of third gear. It marked the second of three trophies they are set to claim this term, with next week's Champions League final the only thing that stands in the way of their infamous treble.

When the pressure has ramped up, whilst some of the Gunners' squad arguably went into hiding, there have been a few key players at the Etihad that have instead stepped up.

Arguably few have done so as dramatically as yesterday's FA Cup final hero; Ilkay Gundogan added another two goals to his phenomenal goalscoring campaign to win them the trophy.

The German has announced himself as one of the best all-around midfielders in the Premier League of late, leading every team to question how they could emulate his success.

Fortunately for Edu, an opportunity to purchase their own version of the 32-year-old has arisen, with reports linking them with a potential €30m (£26m) move for PSV Eindhoven's Xavi Simons.

Could Xavi Simons emulate Ilkay Gundogan?

As a classy yet combative goalscoring maestro, the Netherlands international has all the qualities to emulate City's ageing superstar but at just 20 years old.

Having notched 11 goals and assisted a further seven in all competitions, Gundogan has shown up in key moments with vital strikes of late.

His brace at Goodison Park saw them cruise through a tricky fixture against Everton, just a week after he had done the same to relegation-threatened Leeds United. He even assisted Kevin De Bruyne's strike in their first-leg draw against Real Madrid, to emphasise his creativity before reaching the apex yesterday.

Guardiola noted after that triumph: "The player is exceptional. This season what he has done is just exceptional. Not just being part of the important moments and I don't forget the two goals he scored against Aston Villa [in 2022] and this season many times he’s scored important goals. It’s for the fact how important he is in many, many reasons."

Whilst Simons has enjoyed a far greater year in front of goal, with 22 goals and 12 assists to his name, the youngster has been deployed in a far more advanced midfield role to allow him to shine creatively. However, having recorded 1.4 tackles per game too, he showcases a defensive grit that could allow him to occupy a similar role to Gundogan, just beside a figure like Thomas Partey.

After all, the former Borussia Dortmund gem only manages one tackle per game himself in the league, but his intelligence allows him to add to their unstoppable system at both ends of the pitch.

The youth of Simons would likely attract Arteta too, given how malleable he remains. His former boss Ruud van Nistelrooy could not speak highly enough on his potential, claiming: "He’s doing everything he can to get to the top, his top. And where that will be, that’s the beautiful challenge. His mentality, his mindset, it’s unprecedented."

In acquiring him now, it would allow them to immediately begin his transformation into a player as decisive as this Guardiola favourite, who has played such a key role in the success they have already achieved.

Aston Villa could be set for a massive summer as they prepare to compete in the Europa Conference League next season, and now it has been reported that the club are preparing an ambitious move in the transfer window.

What's the latest on Aston Villa's interest in Kalvin Phillips?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are keen to secure the signing of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips should he become available this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that the Midlands club are not put off by Phillips' comments about wanting to stay with the Premier League champions and have no intentions of giving up hope that they could snap up his services as they believe that City will be open to offers for the out of favour player in the summer transfer window.

This comes amid claims that Premier League rivals Liverpool are also eyeing a £35m move for the Englishman.

Would Kalvin Phillips be a good signing for Aston Villa?

Despite winning his first Premier League title and remaining in contention to complete the treble, Phillips has made no secret about his struggles over his first season with the Sky Blues.

The former Leeds star spoke out last weekend to Sky Sports (via Manchester Evening News) about his lack of confidence and concerns about game time since joining in a £45m deal last summer:

"It’s been unbelievably tough."

"It’s probably been one of the lowest moments in myself confidence-wise in my career, but with the guys around me like Kyle [Walker], they’ve kept me going, told me I’ll get my chance and it’ll come."

Amid the depth of midfield talent at Man City – with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne all in the mix for a starting berth – Phillips has been unable to compete comfortably for a spot in the super team, making just his first start at home to Chelsea last week.

As a result, Villa could offer the England star – hailed an "absolute beast" by Nigel de Jong – an opportunity to move to a club where he can earn much more game time and play a more key role in the success the club will be striving for in Emery's first full season in charge.

In fact, the former Villarreal boss could form an incredible partnership between Phillips and Boubacar Kamara as the pair together could dominate the centre of the pitch and cause non-stop problems for opponents.

The two men could well thrive due to their ball-winning prowess, with Phillips having notably averaged 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game for Leeds last term in the league, while young Kamara has averaged a solid 2.4 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game this season.

Both Phillips and Kamara also boast an incredible passing range and unrivalled accuracy in their positions, with the City man having an average pass completion rate of 92% in the top-flight this term, while the latter man is only slightly lower at 85% for the same metric.

That is something that could be a huge asset for Emery in his pursuit to transform and improve the team's overall ball possession next season to align with one of the key components of his footballing philosophy.

With that being said, the signing of Phillips would be a major coup for Villa if they could pull it off this summer and the Man City star is certainly the perfect profile of player to help Emery achieve his goals for the team.