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After a good spell of defensive solidity, Chelsea’s defence has absolutely crumbled in recent weeks. 

Humiliating 4-0 and 6-0 defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City have seen many eyebrows raised over Maurizio Sarri’s defence, and failure to improve could now see the Blues spend heavily in the summer to improve that area of the squad.

The Breakdown

Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) reports that Chelsea are keen on signing Ajax central defender Matthijs de Ligt in a move that makes perfect sense, though it could be a deal that proves extremely difficult to pull off.

The likes of Juventus, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in de Ligt, according to the Spanish outlet, leaving Chelsea with some serious competition if they do intend on making an offer for the 19-year-old.

The Blues, however, must do all they can to see off rival interest; de Ligt is exactly the kind of player they need at the back going forward.

David Luiz has been an absolute shambles in defence at times this season and, at 31 with his contract set to expire in the summer, his long-term future does not look to be anywhere near Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger, who started off the season well, has also been poor of late, constantly committing silly fouls and failing to win simple headers.

By no means will de Ligt solve all of the problems at Stamford Bridge, but signing a defender with his potential would definitely be a good start and a step in the right direction for the west London club.

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has only started one Premier League game and has been a spectator for most of this year, as his personal battle with manager Unai Emery has caused problems.

The former Germany international came off the bench on Sunday as Arsenal saw off Southampton at the Emirates, and he once again showed how good he can be.

Ozil’s 27-minute cameo suggested that Emery should put more trust in him, as he’s the ability to play a big part from here on in until the end of the season.

Arsenal moved ahead of Manchester United on Sunday following the Red Devils’ draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Gunners will now host Bournemouth at the Emirates on Wednesday before making the short trip to Wembley on Saturday for the North London derby.

Of course, having Ozil, who is valued at £31.5 million (by Transfermarkt), confident and ready to produce this week is something that could benefit the Gunners massively on the field, as he is the type of player who could produce a match-winning performance.

Indeed, this week could be season-defining for the German as he has the perfect opportunity to cement a place in the side by putting in a couple of dominant performances. But, things could also go horribly wrong if he returns to his old ways, with one bad performance possibly ruining his chances of securing regular minutes.

He couldn’t, could he? Gareth Bale back at Tottenham Hotspur?

According to Marca, via Sport Witness, Real Madrid are actually prepared to offer Bale back to Tottenham this summer in a bid to sign Christian Eriksen.

Bale netted his 13th goal of the season in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Levante on Sunday night.

However, the Wales international shrugged off the congratulations of his teammates, cutting a frustrated figure as he headed back to the centre circle.

The 29-year-old has struggled for starts in recent weeks and is expected to be on the bench for Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday night.

Bale – valued at £72m by Transfermarkt – has long been linked with a return to England, where he scored 56 times in 203 appearances for Tottenham and five goals in 44 games for Southampton.

The Tottenham fans have been discussing re-signing the attacker and many are desperate to see him return to the club in this summer’s transfer window:

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Loads of Rangers fans have been reflecting on the weekend’s action, and they’re not too happy with the recent form of Borna Barisic.

Rangers had to settle for a draw in their Scottish Cup quarter-final at Pittodrie, as a fiery contest between the two sides ended 1-1.

This was the fifth times the teams have met this season, meaning of course the replay at Ibrox will take it to six, so it is perhaps no surprise that such an intense rivalry is brewing amongst both players and fans.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

Alfredo Morelos was once again the centre of much conversation on Sunday as the Colombian was booked for a blatant dive, but Aberdeen goalscorer Sam Cosgrove was very lucky not to receive the same punishment.

Cosgrove scored from the spot after a foul by Connor Goldson, but took a tumble later in the first half, a tumble that actually led to a Rangers counter attack.

Joe Worrall levelled the scores for the Gers after the interval, but fans are crucifying the performance of Barisic, who was poor again.

The flying left-back felt like a huge upgrade on Jon Flanagan when he broke into the side due to his technical ability and excellent crossing, but if truth be told he looks dazed and confused out there at times.

The 26 year-old Croatian, who signed last summer on a four-year deal, implying Gerrard has long-term plans for him, does not currently look up for the physicality of Scottish football.

Check out the Twitter reactions down below, but they do not make pretty reading…

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According to De Telegraaf, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven attacker Steven Bergwijn in this summer’s transfer window.

Bergwijn is having a very, very good season at PSV – contributing 12 goals and 13 assists in 32 appearances.

Just 21 years of age, it is not too difficult to understand why there is a lot of excitement surrounding the three-time Netherlands international.

According to De Telegraaf, Tottenham are interested in a deal this summer, but will have to pay more than £30m to land the attacker.

To be honest, that seems more than a fair figure in the current market, but it remains to be seen whether chairman Daniel Levy is prepared to meet the asking price.

The Tottenham fans have been on social media offering their views on the transfer report.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

And it would be fair to say that the supporters are mixed when it comes to the Dutchman’s potential arrival at the end of the season:

[ad_pod ]Leeds United fans have voiced their opinion on Twitter following news that goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will miss the match against Millwall, after it was reportedÂthe club will not be appealing his red card.The former Real Madrid stopper was dismissed in Saturday’s feisty encounter versus Sheffield United, after bringing down Billy Sharp in injury time.Head Coach Marcelo Bielsa had suggested the club might lodge an appeal, indicating after the game that he thought a red card was harsh.

But the club have decided to accept the automatic one-match ban, which will almost certainly signal the return of Bailey Peacock-Farrell to the starting XI.

Casilla has been a mainstay in the team since his move from the Bernabeu in January, ahead of the Northern Ireland international who has made 27 Championship appearances this campaign.

Still only 22, Peacock-Farrell has divided the opinion of Leeds fans all season. Some argue he’s not good enough for a side chasing Premier League football, while moments such as his heroic penalty save versus Reading in November have persuaded many that he is up to the job.

After Phil Hay tweeted that the club will not appeal the red card, here’s how fans have reacted…

The number 10 is one of the most iconic shirts in the history of Arsenal.

Greats of the club such as Charlie George, Perry Groves and Dennis Bergkamp all donned the famous shirt, and in doing so became legends of Arsenal. But if you were to ask Arsenal fans to name the player who brought the shirt and number the most shame during their spell in north London, the same player will be said time and time again.

William Gallas is, without question, one of the most infamous players to ever play for Arsenal. The French defender, who joined the club as part of a swap-deal with academy product and Invincible Ashley Cole, had come to north London already with a poor reputation and his former club Chelsea.

Stories had circulated that the defender threatened to score own goals if he was not allowed to leave the club, and Gallas said Chelsea were “lacking class” when the accusations were brought forward.

Gallas’ prior reputation of being outspoken and rash might have gone down well with the Arsenal fans, however, the decision to give him the number 10 shirt, previously worn by club legend Bergkamp, was a sign of things to come.

A poor first season that saw the Gunners finish fourth in the league and dumped out from the Champions League Round of 16 by PSV a season after they made the final saw dramatic changes to the club the following campaign. Record goalscorer Thierry Henry moved to Barcelona and fellow members of the Invisible team left as well in the form of Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Antonio Reyes.

To make matters worse, Gallas was appointed captain by Arsene Wenger, a decision that angered the Arsenal fans as it was widely expected that Gilberto Silva was to take the captain’s armband following the departure of Henry and something the former Arsenal goalkeeper admitted was something that cost the club in the long-term, saying in the Telegraph “We had learned of his appointment in the papers and we all shook our heads.”

Gallas would captain Arsenal during some of the most unforgettable years in their history. As well as confronting Birmingham City fans following a 2-2 draw that saw striker Eduardo suffer a broken leg, something Gunners fans point to as the reason the club didn’t win the title that season, the Frenchman would go on to lose the captains armband in November 2008 following a verbal attack on teammates.

At the end of his four-year contract with the Gunners, Gallas made the move to north London rivals Tottenham on a free transfer.

It’s a testament to his reputation and time at Arsenal that the defender is despised by the fans for his actions with the Gunners, and not for his decision to move to Spurs.

Does any Manchester United fan like Ed Woodward? He’s a tier down from Mike Ashley in the football villan league tables, but he’s getting there. Indeed, he now needs to forget about his massive ego and invest in the back four he must have thought was good enough last summer.

Jose Mourinho wanted more defensive signings last summer, with Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld being mentioned. So, Woodward must have thought he knew better than the three-time Premier League winner to block (as per ESPN via the Daily Express) any move in a power play that ultimately led to Mourinho’s sacking.

Mourinho knew it, the fans knew it and now finally it seems Ed Woodward might know it. United’s back line is not good enough to play open, expansive football and not concede goals by the bucket load. Even now the excitement is back at Old Trafford, the team still look at sea facing their own goal.

Woodward’s ego must be huge. To be a businessman, be gifted a job on the football side of the club and then think he knows more than Mourinho is criminal. He was wrong and he must swallow his pride and rectify his mistake or risk United remaining in Premier League purgatory.

Not challenging, but not being mid-table.

United need a commanding voice at the back. Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling aren’t bad centre-backs at all, but they both need a leader like a Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic to organise them. Some players aren’t natural leaders, and that’s okay, but it’s down to the people like Woodward to identify who can be that leader and sign him up.

This isn’t good enough for Manchester United, and the problem runs right through the club. Woodward needs to be placed back on the commercial side and a director of football needs to be appointed. This is arguably the biggest club in the world and it’s run so poorly it’s hard to believe.

Whoever the manager is next season, he needs to be backed with cash for defenders. Left-backs, right-backs, centre-backs, the lot. They need a complete reshuffle and only Woodward can commission that.

Manchester United fans, what is your ideal back line for next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Neil Lennon’s return to Celtic’s been quite eventful, as he’s achieved quite a lot of success since taking on from Brendan Rodgers. However, in order to show ambition, the Hoops need to target better. 

Indeed, Peter Lawwell and the rest of the Hoops’ brain trust need to be ambitious here and think outside the box if the Scottish champions are going to hold off Rangers in the long-term.

So, as per reports (via the Daily Record), odds have suggested the club are keen on making Rafa Benitez their new manager from next season. Out of contract on Tyneside next season, no one is quite sure what will happen in regard to his future, considering the rather fraught relationship he’s had with Mike Ashley over the course of his three years in charge.

While looking for a new challenge, Parkhead could be an appealing option for him.

What the Magpies could lose would definitely Celtic’s gain. Not only will they be able to withhold their stronghold in the Premiership, but Benitez’s stature and experience can make them a force to be reckoned with. The Hoops have been disappointing in European competitions in recent seasons, but with Benitez’s arrival, that can change.

The Spaniard is a rare manager to have won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup during his celebrated managerial career. When it comes to European competition, he knows what ingredients are required to make the Hoops a commendable team outside their country.

With the correct signing and time to learn his philosophy, Rafa could weave his magic at Celtic. Not only would he drastically improve their style into a more attractive form of football, but he’ll also help the Hoops regain their reputation in pulling off surprises in European competitions.

Celtic fans, would you accept Benitez as your new permanent manager? Join the discussion by commenting bel0w…

Regardless of whether they are playing in the Premier League or they remain in the Championship next season, Leeds United are going to have to make some additions to their squad in order to strengthen and improve.

There is no doubt that Marcelo Bielsa has done a remarkable job at Elland Road with the players available to him, however, should they lack some vital experience which could end up costing them in the next campaign.

At the moment, when taking a look at the Leeds squad, there are not many men that can say that they have played at the top level either during their club or national careers. However, that should not mean the Whites go out in the summer and panic-buy players that could provide them with plenty.

A transfer rumour recently circulated when TEAMtalk revealed that Leeds were interested in signing Yannick Bolasie. This would have to be seen as a potential deal that would raise all the alarm bells possible and one that really should be considered against.

Yes, the 29-year-old has bundles of experience to offer Bielsa’s side, however, would he really fit into the Argentine’s squad? Would he truly make a difference to the team already at Elland Road?

It would be extremely unlikely if his short time at Aston Villa in the first part of the campaign is anything to go by. The Everton winger, who is out on loan with Anderlecht and thriving at the moment, failed to make an impact with the Villans and actually looked out of his depth at times with the performances he produced.

Bolasie, who is currently valued at £12.6 million (by Transfermarkt), was excellent at Crystal Palace and during the early stages of his Everton career, there is no denying that, however, since his lengthy spell on the sidelines with his devastating injury, he has simply failed to recapture any of that form.

He was once able to terrorise defenders with his pace, but his end product has since disappeared and whether he can make a difference in the Premier League still is something that will undoubtedly raise questions once again.

Also, his work-rate can leave plenty to be desired at times and can infuriate those watching with his lack of tracking back when his team is defending – something that you can guarantee Bielsa would not allow to happen under his management.

Leeds are better off avoiding a deal for Bolasie in the summer and should look to focus their attention on other transfer targets that are likely to become available over the summer instead.

Leeds fans haven’t been too keen on Jack Harrison at times but even he’s been more impressive than the Congo international in the current campaign, as he’s posed more of a threat and actually gets back to defend, as well as chipping in with a number of goals and assists.

Leeds fans, what do you think about Bolasie and the rumours linking him with a move to Elland Road in the summer? Do you think it is a deal the Whites should avoid? Join in with the discussion below by sharing your thoughts with us.