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Folarin Balogun to Chelsea wouldn't be a smart deal for the Blues according to transfer insider Dean Jones

The USA international enjoyed a strong loan spell in Ligue 1 last season and has reportedly attracted the interest of the London side this summer.

What is the market value of Folarin Balogun?

Balogun won't be cheap for Chelsea, especially when you consider the selling club are London rivals Arsenal.

The 22-year-old spent last season out on loan at Stade Reims, where he made 39 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and recording three assists as the side finished 11th in the league.

The forward received plenty of praise from pundits and his manager alike, with manager Will Still saying: "He’s unbelievable, he has real talent, but he is also just a top person, He’s trying to learn the language – we have a bit of banter because his French is terrible (but) I think he realises: being good here will allow him to get the spotlight and attention he needs.”

The player's representatives reportedly held a meeting with manager Mikel Arteta, however with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already at the club as well as the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, first-team opportunities for the forward may not be as forthcoming as he would hope for following his performances last season.

According to reports, a number of sides are interested in signing the forward, with RB Leipzig pushing to bring in the striker following their failed pursuit of RC Lens forward Lois Openda. Another report states that Chelsea have held talks with Balogun's representatives ahead of a potential move, with Arsenal valuing the forward at £50m.

Jones, however, doesn't think the move is a smart one for Chelsea.

What did Dean Jones say about this transfer?

Speaking to FootballFanCast, Jones revealed that due to the lack of guaranteed quality in the Chelsea squad ahead of next season and the price tag the Gunners have put on the forward, he doesn't believe the Blues should make the move.

The journalist stated: "Chelsea have already got enough players that they aren't sure are going to deliver immediately next season. And they shouldn't really be going near this one, I mean Balogun is a good player, just no detriment to the player itself. But he's not cheap and He's not guaranteed to score goals in the Premier League."

Should Balogun sign for Chelsea?

A move to Chelsea probably wouldn't be the right move for the forward.

The Blues have already made two moves in the market for players in the position that Balogun plays, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson arriving from Leipzig and Villarreal respectively. First-team football could once again be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, especially if reports that Ivan Toney is wanted by the club once his ban has concluded are true, Balogun could fall further down the pecking order.

A move to Leipzig seems to be a better fit, with the opportunity to come straight into the first team and replace Nkunku. The German side also offer Champions League football next season, which Chelsea do not due to their incredibly disappointing season last time around.

Balogun has to decide his next move very carefully if he wants to build on the form and success he had in Ligue 1, and Chelsea just might not be the best club to do that at compared to RB Leipzig

Wolves are thought to be interested in signing Uruguayan midfielder Emiliano Martinez in the summer transfer window, according to a recent rumour.

Who is Emiliano Martinez?

The 23-year-old, who isn't to be confused with his namesake who plays in goal for Aston Villa and Argentina, is currently at FC Midtjylland, one of Denmark's biggest clubs, and he has grown into an important player for them.

Having arrived from Red Bull Bragantino in 2022, Martinez has made 33 appearances for his current club, seven of which came in the Europa League last season, with six starts coming his way. He has also won two caps for Uruguay in a star-studded side that has featured the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Darwin Nunez and Fede Valverde.

The midfielder is currently contracted to Midtjylland until the summer of 2027, meaning it may not be easy for clubs to sign him on the cheap, but there could still be interest in him during the summer transfer window.

Wolves are on the lookout for new signings, as they aim to improve on a fairly underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, and it looks as though Martinez has emerged as a target to come in and make up for the loss of Ruben Neves.

Are Wolves signing Emiliano Martinez?

According to Football Insider, Wolves are "among a number of English clubs" interested in signing Martinez this summer, with West Ham also mentioned in the report. He has been receiving "rave reviews" for his performances for Midtjylland, highlighting why Wanderers are seemingly in the mix to acquire his signature.

The player's father and agent, Luis Ferrer, is thought to have been "instrumental" in Kylian Mbappe's move to Paris Saint-Germain and is looking to seal a big move for his son and client somewhere across Europe, amid plenty of intrigue in him.

Martinez may be an unknown to many, with all due respect to Midtjylland, who aren't necessarily Europe's most closely-followed team by fans of other clubs. It seems clear that he is a standout figure in Denmark, however, so it is exciting to Wolves in the mix to sign him before the new campaign kicks into gear.

The fact that he has forced his way into Uruguay's plans from a weaker league says a lot about his ability, given some of the midfield quality at their disposal, from Valverde to Manuel Ugarte, and he is still a young footballer who should only develop over time.

It is essential that Wolves fill the void left by the influential Neves this summer, and while Martinez may not be able to do that alone, given his lack of experience in an elite league, he could still make a noticeable difference in the middle of the park.

Last season, he averaged an eye-catching three tackles per game in the Europa League – no Wolves player matched or had a higher tally in the Premier League – so he could be a real force out of possession, but he also enjoyed an 81.4% pass completion rate, showing that he is also perfectly good on the ball.

Nottingham Forest are in “advanced talks” to bring AS Monaco defender Ismail Jakobs to the Premier League, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Ismail Jakobs?

Jakobs is naturally a left-back who has played his football at the Stade Louis-II for the past two years having moved there from FC Koln back in 2021, but having fallen significantly out of favour under Adi Hutter, it’s highly likely that he will be heading for the exit door before transfer deadline day on September 1.

The Senegal international, who represented his nation at the 2022 World Cup, was only handed nine starts last season in Ligue 1 and was forced to sit on the bench for the majority of the campaign having been introduced as a substitute on 23 occasions, highlighting how far down he is in his manager’s pecking order.

Despite his contract still having another three years remaining, the 23-year-old is therefore expected to want to move onto new pastures and join a club where he knows that he’s wanted and will get regular minutes under his belt, a potential destination being The City Ground.

Steve Cooper will have to enter the market for a player in his target’s position with Renan Lodi returning to Atletico Madrid to join Marseille on a permanent deal following his temporary spell in the top-flight, and if the following update is to be believed, it sounds like the boss is close to securing the services of the overseas starlet.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Ismail Jakobs?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Nottingham Forest are in positive ongoing discussions with AS Monaco regarding a permanent deal for Jakobs who is excited by the project being presented to him in the Midlands. He wrote:

“Understand Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Ismail Jakobs as new left back. Player keen on the move, negotiations advancing on clubs side with AS Monaco to reach an agreement soon.”

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Jakobs is a “joy to watch” at AS Monaco and whilst he’s naturally a left-back in the heart of the defence, he’s much more of a threat in attack when bursting down the flank, so should he put pen to paper, he would be a hugely exciting addition at Nottingham Forest.

The Cologne native, who pockets £10k-per-week, last season ranked in the 99th percentile amongst full-backs for attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and whipped a total of 61 crosses into the box which was the fourth-highest tally throughout his squad, via FBRef, highlighting his desire to create chances for his teammates and get involved with the action in the final third.

The French outfit’s left-footed gem, who has provided 15 assists and scored ten goals throughout his career, would also provide the boss with excellent versatility with his ability to operate in five different positions on both the left and right flanks, so it would be a massive coup for the club if they are successfully able to land Jakobs’ signature in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur have "come forward" for Torino defender Perr Schuurs and are willing to outbid Premier League rivals, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign?

Following the signings of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfielder James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon, exciting reports in the last few days indicate there will soon be more.

Indeed, Spurs have apparently closed a deal for Rosario Central striker Alejo Veliz, with reliable transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano giving his famous "here we go" to the move.

Meanwhile, new manager Ange Postecoglou is finally nearing his first centre-back signing of the summer, with Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven closing in on a move to north London.

However, despite van de Ven's transfer nearing, it has been reliably reported that Spurs haven't ruled out making two senior central defensive signings – not counting their alleged deal for Blackburn Rovers starlet Ashley Phillips.

As we near deadline day and enter the final phase of this transfer window, it looks to be a very busy month at Spurs, with DAZN journalist Orazio Accomando now saying they've entered the bidding for Schuurs of Torino.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The centre-back, who has apparently has a verbal agreement in place with Crystal Palace for some time, is being targeted by Spurs as they "come forward" for his signature.

It's added that Tottenham are "willing to raise the offer" to both Schuurs and Torino, presumably meaning they could outbid Palace, but Schuurs is apparently in no hurry to leave.

"Update Schuurs," wrote Accomando on Twitter.

"In addition to Crystal Palace, with which he has had a verbal agreement for some time, Tottenham has come forward again, willing to raise the offer both to Torino and to the player.

"Schuurs has not asked for the transfer and is focused on the season in the grenade, waiting for new developments."

How good is Perr Schuurs?

The 23-year-old made 30 appearances for Torino last season, becoming a mainstay under Ivan Juric, with Schuurs even managing two assists in the Italian top flight (WhoScored).

Still young and with plenty of potential to improve, it is unclear how much Torino value their defender at from this update, but reports suggest he could cost around £34m to prise away from the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Bearing that in mind, if Spurs do have the funds for such a transfer after van de Ven, there is reason to believe he could be worth the investment.

Schuurs tops Torino's charts for some crucial defensive stats, having made more successful tackles and clearances per 90 than any of his teammates in Serie A last season (WhoScored).

The Dutchman also completed 88.2% of his passes out from the back, making him a potentially astute fit for Postecoglou's fluid, attacking system (WhoScored).

Journalist Josh Bunting, commenting on Schuurs late last year, also called him a "mountain" of a defender.

He wrote during a match:

"First Empoli goal in Serie A for Mattia Destro as they lead at Torino. Stunning goal,the touch and the bicycle finish superb however the cross from Tyronne Ebuehi was so well weighted. Should give Destro the confidence to kick on in his season. Perr Schuurs a mountain for Torino."

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in making a swoop for Sevilla defender Gonzalo Montiel, as Unai Emery seeks further summer reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard alongside Monchi has welcomed the signings of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby to Villa Park, in three moves that pose as significant upgrades to the squad.

The four-time Europa League winner could now delve back into the market to once again steal some talent from LaLiga, just as he did with Torres.

Could Aston Villa sign Gonzalo Montiel?

As reported in Spain (as relayed by Sport Witness), Villa have made ‘simple contacts’ over Argentine full-back Montiel.

The report claims that the 26-year-old is unhappy at Sevilla, making a potential reunion with Monchi a possibility this summer.

After just two years in LaLiga, the right-back could be on the move again, with his value currently sitting close to €12m (£10m), as per FootballTransfers.

How good is Gonzalo Montiel?

Most notable for his World Cup-winning penalty in Qatar back in December, the defender lived out his dream to secure his country the greatest prize of them all at a moment where room for error was incredibly slim.

Aside from his World Cup heroics, the former River Plate full-back has been a solid presence at the back in Spain, making 28 league appearances for Sevilla last season, and becoming an integral member of the squad.

Deployed exclusively on the right side of the defence, the Argentine has been lauded as an “animal” by a figure well known in the Midlands, former boss and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.

A combative player, Montiel has been identified as a player known to be ‘active in transition’ by scouting site Target Scouting, who pinpointed such attributes when analysing the full-back’s performances at River Plate.

Such claims have been supported by his numbers last season in LaLiga, suggesting that he could be the perfect acquisition for Monchi to chase this summer.

As per FBref, the Argentine averaged 3.37 progressive passes and 2.01 progressive carries per 90 for Sevilla, showcasing his abilities going forward in support of offensive patterns of play.

Lining up as a defender, the former River Plate favourite made his defensive strengths clear through his averages in LaLiga last season, recording an average of 1.54 tackles and 1.12 interceptions per 90.

The potential arrival of Montiel could represent another reshuffle at the back from Emery, in a player whose arrival should be feared by some in his position.

While Matty Cash has been a reasonably solid signing for Villa since arriving at Villa Park from Nottingham Forest back in 2020, the Poland international could see his place taken if the opportunity arises for the Argentine target to occupy the area.

Last campaign, the former Forest defender had his place in the squad covered by veteran Ashley Young whilst he spent time on the sidelines nursing a calf injury.

Young was a valued yet ageing member of the squad in the Midlands for his duties representing the club over the years, but now missing additional game time with a backup of the calibre of Montiel could leave Cash with the problem of being usurped in the pecking order.

While contact is rumoured to have been made, no official bid has been reported yet, however with the start of the 2023/24 season around the corner, Emery should act quickly to get his squad into shape ready for the new calendar.

West Bromwich Albion have made contact over a potential loan move to sign a versatile midfielder.

What’s the latest West Brom transfer news?

The Baggies and Carlos Corebran are looking to bolster their squad even further with weeks remaining before the transfer market slams shut on September 1.

Things didn’t get off to the best of starts on the pitch in their Championship opener, falling to a 2-1 defeat at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers. New loan signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, attacking midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento, made his debut from the bench last weekend, and the club have also brought in centre-forward Josh Maja on a free transfer after leaving Bordeaux.

Another midfield addition appears to be of interest to the Baggies, though, with an update emerging on Borussia Monchengladbach teenager Oscar Fraulo.

Journalist Dominik Schneider took to X to share what he’s heard about Fraulo’s future. He stated that Borussia Monchengladbach are looking to loan the player out, with West Brom one of five clubs credited with an interest after the Baggies made contact over a possible transfer.

“Borussia Monchengladbach is looking for loan options for Oscar Fraulo. According to my information there are already some initial inquiries. Hannover96 + SV Darmstadt are interested. Also West Brom + Brondby + Vitesse have been in contact.”

Who is Oscar Fraulo?

Fraulo is just 19 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play as a holding or attacking midfielder, showing how he could offer plenty of versatility at The Hawthorns.

Already sponsored by Nike, Fraulo holds citizenship in both Italy and Denmark but has represented the latter of the two countries at youth level up to U20s.

The midfielder came through the youth system at FC Midtjylland and made just four senior appearances for the club before leaving for Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal worth around €2m back in 2020.

Since then, Fraulo has once again had to mainly make do with featuring at youth level and has turned out on just two occasions for Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga.

It appears as if the German side now want the player to get senior football out on loan to continue his development, though, with West Brom viewed as a possible destination.

The midfielder was named among the top 50 players to feature in the UEFA Youth League with those in the media describing him as a hard-working player.

“Fraulo is highly rated by Borussia Monchengladbach and is expected to play a key role in the club's future. Fraulo is a hard-working midfielder who is constantly looking to improve his game.”

West Brom and Corberan currently have five holding or central midfield options in Okay Yokuslu, Nathaniel Chalobah, John Swift, Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby, so a move for Fraulo could make sense, and by the looks of things, a deal could be one to watch.

The Baggies may need to beat a number of sides to his services, so may have to guarantee the prospect of first-team football ahead of the likes of Hannover 96, SV Darmstadt, Brondby and Vitesse.

Tottenham Hotspur will need to replace Harry Kane after the Premier League outfit's most coveted asset completed a £100m transfer to Bayern Munich last week, and one prodigious talent has been earmarked.

Who is replacing Harry Kane at Spurs?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that Spurs scouts have been left in awe at a 21-year-old striker's ability after observing him in action this year.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Ange Postecoglou is now expected to make a swoop for a new talisman after Kane's sale, and Gift Orban of Belgian club Gent is one name touted by the publication.

He could be the long-term heir to his throne at the helm of the Tottenham attack, though he would cost a ballpark fee of €30m (£26m) according to other reports.

There might be reservations about entrusting a young star yet to dip their toes into a top-five European league with the daunting task of replacing a world-class striker in Kane, but Orban is as prolific as they come and could be the dream, long-term heir.

How many goals has Gift Orban scored?

Heralded as a player "born to score" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Orban has only made 26 appearances for Gent but has scored 25 times, following from his maiden days with Norwegian outfit Stabæk Fotball, where he plundered 19 goals from just 24 matches.

This season, he has already opened his account with five strikes from just four outings, including a hat-trick in Europa Conference League qualifiers.

There will indeed be caution over placing too heavy a burden on such a young and relatively untested forward's shoulders, but Orban could thrive as the centrepiece of the Spurs attack under Postecoglou's stewardship, with the Australian manager's tactical approach of possession-based and progressive football playing to the sharpshooter's strengths.

Indeed, Orban recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.42 in the Belgium Pro League last season, scoring 15 times from just 16 games and complementing his direct return with a remarkable 3.7 shots per game.

With the creativity of Son Heung-min behind him, Orban could thrive in north London, with the newly-appointed Tottenham captain scoring 145 goals and supplying 80 assists from 373 matches since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in 2015.

The 111-cap South Korea skipper scored ten goals and supplied six assists in the English top-flight last year, earning an average rating of 7.08, also averaging 1.8 key passes per game and exhibiting his crispness by completing 82% of his passes, which is impressive given that he was discernibly out of sorts for much of the campaign – criticised for being "so far off the pace" by pundit Tam McManus.

Pundit Noel Whelan once suggested that Son's dynamic role alongside Kane was "the best partnership in world football", and while Orban offers a very different skill set to that of the all-encompassing England international, his prolific prowess could reignite Son and rekindle Tottenham's verve and fluidity.

Kulig also hailed Orban for being "the gift from Gods", and his prospective arrival at Tottenham this summer might just spark the fire back into the club's belly, softening the poignancy of Kane's departure and ensuring the new chapter promises a renaissance after a testing period.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on their fifth summer signing, as Steve Cooper looks to bolster his squad with the 2023/24 Premier League campaign underway.

The Reds claimed their first three points of the season on match week two, beating Sheffield United at the City Ground thanks to a last-gasp winner from Chris Wood, who made his move to Nottingham permanent.

After the first taste of success this term, Cooper looks set to delve back into the market to add further reinforcements to his side, as they hope to move away from the shackles of being on the fence between the top-flight and the Championship.

Who could Nottingham Forest sign this summer?

After capturing Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner in their most recent market swoop, the Tricky Trees could be close to welcoming another new addition, if latest reports are to be believed.

As reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have “confirmed” a deal for Sevilla full-back Gonzalo Montiel, with the Italian transfer guru relaying that a medical has been completed.

The structure of the deal is said to be an initial loan with a buy clause of €11m (£9m), in a move that would undoubtedly strengthen the depth of the squad on show at the City Ground.

What is Gonzalo Montiel’s style of play?

Deployed exclusively at right-back, the 26-year-old could be the perfect acquisition for Cooper to integrate into his team, with the player having the ability to compete with and match the style demographic of Serge Aurier.

Once described as a defender ‘active in transition’ by scouting site Target Scouting, the Argentine could be the ideal figure to chop and change with the Ivorian, who is similarly dynamic on the flank.

The former Tottenham Hotspur ace showcased just how effective he can be in the advanced positions on the right side against the Blades, assisting both goals and putting in an impressive defensive display.

In Montiel, Cooper could have strong competition for the 30-year-old, in a talent that could one day succeed him at his role in the side, as supported by his numbers relative to progressive play last season.

As per FBref, the World Cup winner averaged 3.37 progressive passes and 2.01 progressive carries per 90 in La Liga, as well as delivering an average of 1.18 key passes per 90 to reinforce just how dangerous his presence can be in the final third.

Such numbers were not met by Aurier in the Premier League last campaign, however, they were close in proximity to highlight the calibre of talent Forest could capture.

The Ivorian recorded an average of 3.29 progressive passes and 1.71 progressive carries per 90, making far less of an impact with his distribution by recording 0.46 key passes per 90 for the Reds, via FBref.

While being competent on the overlap and in the final third is a must for full-backs in today’s game, the 26-year-old is just as impressive defensively, seeing him once lauded as an “animal” by former coach Julen Lopetegui.

Averaging 1.54 tackles and 1.12 interceptions per 90 for Sevilla last season, the right-back brings assurance at the back as well as a threat going forward.

Identified as being a potentially “tremendous” asset to Forest’s squad by journalist Nathan Joyes, Cooper could land a valuable and cost-effective acquisition this window, in a move that could take the club to further success.

Arsenal are expected to have a busy week as deadline day approaches, with significant change anticipated according to new revelations.

Mikel Arteta and Edu have welcomed four new players this summer, including the club record-breaking deal to bring Declan Rice to the club for a fee in the region of £105m.

Following the injury blow to Jurrien Timber and the departure of Kieran Tierney on loan, it will be interesting to see how the squad at the Emirates shapes up for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, with some players suspected to depart.

Who could Arsenal sell this summer?

After Tierney’s departure on loan to Real Sociedad, Rob Holding is the next suspect expected to leave Arsenal, with the Englishman receiving interest from a host of clubs, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

While Holding’s exit was somewhat anticipated, worrying news has emerged regarding the future of one of the club’s cherished academy graduates.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Gunners are ‘willing’ to sanction a sale for Emile Smith-Rowe, who has reportedly been approached by London rivals Chelsea.

Valued around £12m by FootballTransfers, the 23-year-old gem is of interest to the west Londoners, whom he had a trial with at a young age.

Should Arsenal sell Emile Smith-Rowe?

Selling a talent as prominent as Smith-Rowe should not be considered, especially when taking into the consideration of the club interested in his services.

Allowing a youth product to depart to a direct rival could be detrimental to Arsenal’s academy, with added reference of the pending sale of fellow Hale End graduate Folarin Balogun.

In the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, Smith-Rowe’s emergence became the forefront of success at the Emirates, as the dazzling midfielder netted 10 goals and registered two assists in a season that earned him 33 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Since then, the Croydon-born whiz has made 12 appearances in the league due to injury and falling down the pecking order in Arteta’s plans.

Once lauded as being the “difference-maker” by former Gunners attacking maestro Mesut Ozil, the no.10 has the ability to repeat history in north London, and not in a positive way for Arsenal.

When Cesc Fabregas was sold to Barcelona in 2011, no one would have expected to see the midfielder arrive back in the capital three years later.

Having seen the Spaniard's talent nurtured in north London, only for him to represent but also succeed at Chelsea was a series of events that shouldn’t be replicated, however, could be if Arsenal sanctioned the sale of Smith-Rowe to the Blues.

When revising the rise to fame of Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka, the motive is there for Arteta to reintegrate the reported Chelsea target back into his side, with those at the Emirates seeing first-hand the quality he can provide.

Representing his boyhood club since the age of 10, Smith-Rowe could follow in the footsteps of Saka’s north London fairytale, which was projected when he was handed the no.10 shirt and penned an extended deal.

On the other hand, Arsenal could deal the Englishman a blow in accepting an offer from their rivals, which would repeat the lows and dismay of the Fabregas transfer in seeing a player raised with the Gunners prevail in west London.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has been left baffled by some of Manchester United's summer transfer deals.

Who have Man United signed?

Man United brought in seven new players during the summer transfer window, shelling out €206.7m (£177.3m) in fees, with Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana accounting for the vast majority of that figure.

On deadline day, the Red Devils were fairly busy, managing to get a loan deal for Sofyan Amrabat over the line, with the central midfielder joining from Fiorentina on a loan deal until 2024, while they also managed to strengthen at left-back.

Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon was brought in on a season-long loan deal, and the 26-year-old was delighted to get the move over the line, saying: “In life, you have to be ready for everything, and the chance to represent this great club with such an illustrious history is one that I could not turn down.

“Having spoken to the manager, I know what he needs from me, and I am ready to play my part in helping the team to achieve success.

“I know that I can contribute to Manchester United this season; I am ready to fight for this group and show everyone my qualities.”

However, Merson was not quite as enthusiastic about Reguilon's arrival at Old Trafford, and the Sky Sports pundit has also been critical of some of United's other transfer dealings, hinting at a lack of funds.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (via United in Focus), the former Arsenal man said: "Reguilon? If you're a Man Utd fan, you're a bit worried. Cucurella – Chelsea wanted £7m and they couldn't put up the £7m to take a good player on loan. And Liverpool are turning down £150m fees. What is happening here? Where are Man Utd going at the moment?"

How good is Sergio Reguilon?

Merson is right to be a little sceptical about the signing of the Spaniard, given that he has clearly failed to make the grade as a Tottenham player, with Spurs willing to send him out on loan for the second season on the bounce.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the left-back was shipped out to Atletico Madrid on loan, but he did not make the impact he would have been hoping for at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, making just 11 La Liga appearances, totalling 303 minutes.

However, Erik ten Hag was sold on the Tottenham man because he has experience playing at the highest level, and the manager has faced fitness issues with some of his current options at left-back, saying:

"He [Reguilon] is a very experienced player, [he has played at] big clubs, La Liga, Premier League, he has a very good background, he can play intense football. We had a problem with Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia injured, we coped well in an emergency situation."

Reguilon is not exactly an inspiring signing for Man United, but the chances are he will only play a bit-part role at the club this season, and it was important to bring in additional depth at left-back before the end of the summer transfer window.