Antoine Semenyo is the hottest name in the Premier League, and it’s approaching kitchen-sink time for Liverpool in the race to sign him from Bournemouth.

If it is a race, then Liverpool have lagged behind, but only because they decided to slow things down as Manchester City ramped up the gas. Senior sources at Sky Sports felt that Liverpool stood a strong chance of signing the Ghanaian had they only initiated formal talks.

There’s still time, and recent reports suggest Liverpool remain keen, but Pep Guardiola’s side are circling as the January transfer window looms large, and it looks like they will win the race.

Arne Slot could do with a direct wide forward, though.

Liverpool looking at Semenyo alternatives

Luis Diaz has been in fine fettle for Bayern Munich this season, having joined the Germans from Liverpool in a £65.5m deal in August.

The Colombian’s departure has only accentuated Cody Gakpo’s limitations. Gakpo knows how to score a goal and create a chance, but in spite of this, he has been one-dimensional and predictable down Liverpool’s left flank, struggling for connections with newbies Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

Semenyo would be the perfect addition, but perhaps Liverpool are holding out for another elite winger, such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Rodrygo’s name has been bandied about in transfer discussions for some time now, and Liverpool have been regularly linked. In fact, it was reported at the start of December that the £70m-rated Brazilian would be keen on the move to Merseyside.

Given his tenuous relationship with the powers that be at Los Blancos, Liverpool could get this one over the line if they push hard enough, and Rodrygo’s track record suggests they would get bang for their buck.

Why Rodrygo is better than Semenyo

Rodrygo has endured the roughest spell of his senior career over the past year, falling by the wayside under Carlo Ancelotti last season and failing to pick himself back up this year, with Xabi Alonso at the helm.

But the two-time Champions League winner has scored 70 goals and supplied 55 assists for Real across his career, clinching two goals and tw

Former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric even hailed him as a “world-class superstar”, with his physicality and dynamism underscoring his skill as one of the world’s finest.

Semenyo has been riding the crest of a wave in Andoni Iraola’s Cherries system, but Liverpool would land a star of a different calibre in Rodrygo, who is a tailor-made superstar with a two-footed quality to match Semenyo.

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It’s a no-brainer. After all, the players’ respective statistics over the past year work in Rodrygo’s favour, given he has been at his lowest ebb and yet is still maintaining respectable levels.

Rodrygo vs Semenyo (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Rodrygo

Semenyo

Goals scored

0.31

0.41

Assists

0.19

0.19

Shots taken

2.80

2.60

Shot-creating actions

4.94

3.57

Touches (att pen)

6.40

4.84

Pass completion (%)

85.4

72.9

Progressive passes

4.10

3.40

Progressive carries

5.79

3.65

Successful take-ons

2.34

1.60

Ball recoveries

4.02

4.20

Tackles + interceptions

2.07

1.82

Data via FBref

As Mohamed Salah’s potential Anfield exit looms in the background, the need to sign an out-and-out winger grows stronger for FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes.

Liverpool need to get this one over the line. Rodrygo has been there, done that – and he’s still got so much to give, two years Semenyo’s junior and having already conquered Europe’s tallest mountains.

Would Rodrygo be able to translate his finest form to the Premier League theatre? That’s anyone’s guess. However, he hasn’t exactly struggled against English opponents in the past, and this wealth of top-level experience could help him make the same kind of impact that Semenyo is touted to make when he completes his big move.

Related Wirtz will make him "world-class": Liverpool ready to push for £65m star

Liverpool are ready to react to opportunities during the January transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

As per Calciomercato, there has been a big update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn amid the drama surrounding manager Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn on the periphery?

Despite recently scoring twice in stoppage time to hand Spurs a memorable 3-2 win away to Leicester City in the Premier League, the Netherlands international has started just once since then.

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This lack of opportunities also comes after Conte labelled Bergwijn an ‘important player’ with ‘good fitness’, perhaps bringing into question why he hasn’t been selected more.

The 24-year-old has appeared off the bench for brief cameos in three out of Tottenham’s last four top-flight matches, but this may not be enough to keep him satisfied, with big news emerging from Italy.

The Latest: Bergwijn ‘could decide to pack his suitcase’…

According to Calciomercato, Bergwijn could now ‘decide to pack his suitcase’ and quit Spurs in the summer, as he looks ‘completely lost’ in north London.

Indeed, calling the attacker a Tottenham ‘diamond that has stopped shining’, the report went on to reveal the Lilywhites’ stance over a potential sale.

Spurs are apparently ‘ready to settle’ for around €18m-€20m (£15m-£16.6m) if any clubs wish to purchase Bergwijn later this year.

The Verdict: Right call?

We believe that selling Bergwijn would be a mistake by Spurs, given that he can play as a makeshift centre-forward and still has plenty of years ahead of him.

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If given an extended starting run in the team, something not yet offered to him by Conte, there is every chance that he could impress and become a useful player, with ex-Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo certainly a big fan.

The Portuguese hailed Bergwijn as a ‘very talented’ and ‘unique’ player inside Tottenham’s squad during his tenue at the club last autumn, and Conte should attempt to truly unearth the Lilywhites ‘diamond’ towards the end of this season.

In other news: Tottenham already at work to sign £177,000-per-week ‘beast’ for Conte, find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers scraped a narrow 1-0 away win in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night to keep up the pace at the top of the table.

An early goal from Glen Kamara was enough for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team in the end, but the overall performance was not entirely convincing, and some players may not have been the most pleased with their own individual efforts.

Indeed, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were on the night, with these men perhaps looking over their shoulders regarding their places in the XI.

John Lundstram

Admittedly joint with second place in terms of rating (6.9), Lundstram ranks in third here as a holding midfielder who helped keep a clean sheet.

The former Sheffield United man lost out on seven of his duels though – hardly ideal in the middle of the park – and failed to record a single shot on target, dribble or blocked shot.

He also gave the ball away on no fewer than 16 separate occasions in the match, which is another worrying feat from a midfield player.

Scott Arfield

Also with a 6.9 rating, Arfield ranks here as the Teddy Bears’ second-worst player on the night.

He was unsuccessful in three of his duels, and also never managed a shot on target, while he made no accurate crosses or long balls and lost possession eight times, proving to be mostly ineffective both in possession and out of it.

Ryan Kent

Kent was ranked as the Light Blues’ worst performer with a 6.8 rating.

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It was simply not his night, as he too never managed a shot on target, while he was unsuccessful with three of his dribbles and two of his crossing attempts.

The winger also lost eight duels, and lost the ball a total of 16 times, in what was a frustrating night for him personally.

In other news, find out what triple injury boost the Gers have now received here!

Roman Abramovich is now one step closer to agreeing a deal to sell Chelsea and the takeover could be announced very shortly according to reports.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Nicola Imfeld who has been reporting very closely Abramovich’s movements since officially putting the club up for sale towards the back end of this week.

The Russian oligarch is in danger of having his assets frozen by the British government and therefore, is keen to sell the Blues as soon as possible.

Fortunately for him, proceedings could be wrapped up as soon as Monday, with Imfeld tweeting a huge update on this developing story on Thursday evening.

He initially said: “I’m told that the American-Swiss consortium with Todd Boehly and Hansjörg Wyss have found other partners. The team is complete! Negotiations with Abramovich are already taking place. He still wants to sell Chelsea quickly.”

Imfeld concluded: “The American-Swiss consortium is confident that progress can be made over the weekend. Already on Monday a deal could be announced. That depends on the negotiations over the weekend. Swiss billionaire Wyss will now fly from Boston to California on Thursday afternoon.”

Fans will be surprised

This has been a roller-coaster story ever since it became apparent that Abramovich couldn’t realistically maintain his control of the team.

To put things simply, though, this is a football club that has been completely transformed by the Russian who has helped take them from the brink of extinction to a successful winning machine. Several league titles have been won during his ownership and they have also taken home Europe’s premier competition under the watchful eyes of some of the game’s very best managers.

Therefore, it will come as a shock to learn that the 55-year-old has to see the back of his beloved Chelsea but in the words of the aforementioned Imfeld, the party interested in purchasing the west London side is a ‘surprise’.

Further taking to Twitter to provide some background information on the consortium, he commented: “Some background on Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss for my British friends. He certainly likes sports but has not had a great affinity for football. The fact that he could now be involved in a takeover of Chelsea comes as something of a surprise.”

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He added: “Wyss is in this aspect a typical Swiss. Cautious, humble, acting with prudence. He won’t see Chelsea as his toy & open his wallet. It’s certainly not in the identity of Wyss to ‘buy’ the Champions League. Keep in mind though that it‘s not him alone bidding for Chelsea.”

With that in mind, the Stamford Bridge faithful may have to get used to a very different way of life while supporting their team; one where hundreds of millions aren’t likely to be spent on new playing staff in short periods of time.

Instead, a more pragmatic approach might be taken by the new ownership, something that will certainly surprise the fans who have been used to years of consistent spending to take them to the top.

Alasdair Gold has dropped a big claim about Tottenham Hotspur’s future after news emerged regarding Antonio Conte and Daniel Levy.

The Lowdown: Conte’s up-and-down tenure

Since the 52-year-old arrived at Hotspur Way, Spurs’ results have fluctuated dramatically, seemingly going from one extreme to another. For example, in the Italian’s last 14 games in charge, Spurs have won six and lost eight, with only two consecutive losses coming in a row – every other result has alternated between victory and defeat.

This isn’t the usual job spec for Conte, who most recently won the Serie A title with Inter Milan last year, and also the Premier League with Chelsea back in 2016/17.

Consequently, rumours have arisen about the Italian’s future in north London concerning whether or now he will remain as Tottenham manager next season.

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The Latest: Gold’s verdict

Taking to Twitter, Gold shared a corresponding article from football.london following Spurs’ 3-2 loss to Manchester United and claimed that Conte has now backed Levy into a corner by bluntly stating “I repeat I hope that we are in the same way” when discussing the club’s ambition.

The journalist tweeted: “My Tottenham talking points as there are aspects Conte is improving about this Spurs team but again it was an ‘every other’ game when his big players didn’t show. Conte has now backed Daniel Levy into a corner. How he reacts will define the coming years.”

The Verdict: Levy needs to back Conte

Gold revealed that Conte will be very clear where the blame lies if he leaves the club over the summer.

This follows the 52-year-old’s admission prior to Saturday’s clash with Man United when he stated that he wants to remain with the Lilywhites next year, but he will only do so if Levy and the club match his ambition in challenging for trophies.

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Considering the excitement among many Spurs fans when Conte was hired in November, if he were to depart this year, the supporters may feel that Levy would be to blame. Therefore, this seems a clever move by the manager, as the Spurs chief will be forced into making a huge decision either way.

In other news: Conte wants to reunite with this player by bringing him to Spurs

A big update has emerged over Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton’s injury situation…

What’s the latest?

Magpies coach Eddie Howe has revealed that the Brazilian powerhouse is a major doubt to face Everton in the Premier League tonight.

Joelinton has not played a competitive minute since the 2-1 win over Brighton on the 5th of March, missing the 2-1 win over Southampton and the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out at Stamford Bridge.

The club quotes Howe as saying: “He is touch and go for this game. We have a decision to make. Whether we look after him with the break we have afterwards or whether we push him back out there – we’ll have to make a late call on that one.”

Grave danger

Howe must avoid playing the midfielder against Everton as he is in grave danger of ruining the £80k-per-week machine’s resurgence at St. James’ Park.

On the one hand, you could argue that it is worth the risk because of the importance of the match. A win would send them 12 points clear of the bottom three as they equal 18th-placed Watford’s number of games played, whilst also condemning the Toffees to another defeat and knocking their confidence down another peg or two.

This would all but secure Newcastle’s safety as it seems unlikely that Watford and Everton will amass 12 points more than the Magpies in the final nine games of the campaign. Both teams would have 22 points after 29 and 27 matches respectively, which means that they would have to jump from less than a point per game to more than a point per game – with no evidence to suggest that they will do that as it stands.

On the other hand, Howe is risking further damage to Joelinton and ruining the end of the campaign for him, which would be a major blow. Whilst it may not have much of a bearing on this season, with the club on course to avoid the drop, it could have major repercussions heading into the next term.

The midfield monster, who journalist Mark Douglas dubbed a “student of the game”, has been in fine form since Howe took the job. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.9 or higher in each month from November through to the end of February, showing that he has been consistently impressive in the middle of the park.

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He has been riding the crest of a wave and ending his season prematurely for the sake of playing against Everton does not seem worth it, on paper.

Suffering such a killer blow after his recent highs could set him back and mean that he struggles to recapture his form in the following campaign because he would be back at square one instead of being full of confidence, which is why the benefits do not outweigh the negatives to starting him tonight.

AND in other news, Howe must unleash “breathtaking” £93k-pw NUFC gem today, he “will reach” a Ballon d’Or…

One of Sunderland’s pieces of January business failed miserably earlier this month as Jermain Defoe announced his retirement from football.

The striker joined the club to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the campaign and has now decided to hang up his boots earlier than expected.

Whilst this is disappointing for the Black Cats and means that he was a wasted signing, the club did pull off at least one brilliant acquisition in January…

Masterclass on Clarke

Kristjaan Speakman pulled off a masterclass as he sealed a dream deal to sign Jack Clarke on loan from Premier League giants Tottenham.

The winger, who Spurs signed for £10m from Leeds in 2019, arrived at the Stadium of Light on loan until the end of the season on the 26th of January.

Ex-Black Cats boss Lee Johnson explained the signing by saying: “The competition for places in our final third is strong and we want to be able to change games as we move into the back end of the season. Jack understands that this is a big club with a lot to play for, but he wants to be an influential player for us and help to ensure we have a successful end to the season.”

Clarke has lived up to the hype so far, albeit under Alex Neil now instead of Johnson, as he has been in impressive form in League One since his arrival. He has an uncanny ability to create space for himself out wide and his play on the ball has been a joy for fans to watch.

Former Premier League forward Noel Whelan previously showered the young forward with praise saying:

“He has got a great ability to glide past players. I don’t think I’ve seen a winger really as talented as that, where it looks effortless, just to take somebody on and he really does get you on the edge of your seat, he’s one of those exciting players.”

In 11 third-tier outings for the club, the ex-Leeds man has created 1.4 chances and completed 1.1 dribbles per game for the Black Cats. This proves that he has the quality, as Whelan explained, to take the ball past opposition players to excite fans and create opportunities in the final third, for both himself and his teammates.

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He has also chipped in with one goal to go along with his chance creation, whilst completing 79% of his attempted passes and making 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game. His average SofaScore rating of 6.98 also proves that he has been consistently delivering strong displays as he has maintained a high standard since coming through the door.

Therefore, Speakman pulled off a masterclass by being able to snatch up the winger on loan from a Premier League team in January and it is proving to be a dream deal for the club as it stands.

AND in other news,  Forget Defoe: Sunderland must now swoop for teen prodigy with 21 goals in 13 games…

West Ham boss David Moyes could be set to navigate a transfer window crisis this summer, as both Manuel Lanzini and Declan Rice have been linked with moves away from the London Stadium.

Former Hammers striker Carlton Cole has played down the idea of Rice leaving this summer though, telling the Daily Mail: “Where is he going? I just can’t see him going anywhere and [clubs] affording the price.”

The best-case scenario will be keeping the England international, and adding a top Premier League midfielder to play alongside him and Tomas Soucek in a midfield three – if that is the route Moyes will continue to go down, having operated with it on a number of occasions so far this season to successful results, including in the heroic 2-0 Europa League win at home to Sevilla.

What’s the news?

According to The Telegraph, Leicester City midfield maestro Youri Tielemans could be available for just £25m this summer – due to his contract expiring in just over a years time and with him showing an unwillingness to renew.

The fee quoted is a shockingly low figure – particularly with his valuation according to Transfermarkt sitting at £49.5m, and being a 49-time Belgium international at the age of 24-years-old.

West Ham are among a whole host of clubs in the race to sign the former Anderlecht and Monaco star, according to a report from 90min last month, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all also keen.

Absolute bargain – must sign

If Tielemans is indeed available for just £25m this summer, West Ham must act quickly and secure the signing because at that price as he will be most likely represent the bargain of the season.

In 22 Premier League appearances so far this campaign, the Foxes fan-favourite has averaged an impressive 7.18 match-rating according to SofaScore, the highest in the entire team – after scoring six goals and creating two more.

He also ranks among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions in the top 9% for key passes per 90 (1.66), top 6% for shot-creating actions (3.44), and top 10% for progressive passes per 90 (5.94), increasing the evidence that he is one of the top playmakers in world football at the moment.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see some suggest he has a “foot like a magic wand.”

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His performances have attracted praise from the likes of manager Brendan Rodgers too, who said about him earlier in the season: “He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.”

If Moyes can secure the transfer, he could complete a dream midfield trio of Rice, Soucek and Tielemans – a three which not many clubs in Europe will be able to beat.

In other news: Sold at £36.5m, now worth £68m: West Ham had a shocker on “exceptional” 21 y/o “beast”

According to Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino, as shared by Sport Witness, there has been a promising West Ham United transfer update involving Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: Moyes set sights on new defender…

The Irons, and by extension manager David Moyes, have allegedly earmarked the signing of a defender as a real transfer priority ahead of this summer window.

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Indeed, club insider Claret & Hugh back that the club and Moyes have a ‘desire’ to ‘strengthen the backline’ with links emerging to the likes of Joe Worrall (Nottingham Forest) and James Tarkowski (Burnley).

As Moyes’ transfer plan begins to take hold ahead of July 1, there has been a very promising twist out of Italy involving Milenkovic – a name Hammers will know all too well.

The Latest: West Ham enter pole…

Last summer, there were claims that the Serbia international was extremely close to a London Stadium move, with his bags even packed according to reports.

Now, as per Corriere Fiorentino (via SW), it appears West Ham are back in real contention to sign the 24-year-old.

According to the Italian source, Moyes’ side are ‘in first place’ for Milenkovic ahead of other suitors with his report also backing that Moyes wants to add a new defender.

The Verdict: Get it done?

This move could hinder on West Ham’s European status next season with the centre-back apparently eager to play on the biggest stage.

That being said, if Moyes’ men achieve the brilliant landmark yet again for 2022/2023, we believe Milenkovic could be a shrewd option.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse possesses a physicality tailor-made for the English top flight and has garnered real praise from some of the biggest footballing names on the continent.

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Ex-teammate Dusan Vlahovic, for example, didn’t hold back in his plaudits for Milenkovic – calling his international teammate a ‘sensational defender’ when speaking on Sky Italy in 2020 (via ACF Fiorentina).

His estimated market value of around £20.7 million is certainly reasonable, and given his contract at the Artemio Franchi Stadium expires in 2023, West Ham could be in a strong position to negotiate an even lower fee this summer.

In other news: Bigger and bigger: Insider now shares very promising off-field development at West Ham! Find out more here.

The race for Antoine Semenyo is seriously heating up ahead of the January transfer window, and Tottenham are firmly involved.

Spurs 'aggressively' pursuing Semenyo prior to January

Tottenham have significantly accelerated their pursuit of Semenyo, positioning themselves as the most aggressive suitors right now, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The north London club are also reportedly prepared to obliterate their existing wage structure by offering the 25-year-old a contract that would make him Tottenham’s highest-paid player – a dramatic financial commitment reflecting Thomas Frank’s desperation for attacking reinforcements.

Semenyo becomes available via a £65 million release clause, starting on January 1, though it’s only active during a limited early-window period before dropping to £50 million next summer.

Tottenham’s readiness to trigger the higher valuation immediately signals their intent, following a damp run of form that has left them languishing in mid-table.

Related Tottenham hold loose talks to sign "strong" Man City player amid worry over mainstay

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Frank’s side have collected only one victory from their last seven Premier League fixtures, with last Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest exposing severe attacking deficiencies.

The Ghanian would come as a dynamic, versatile forward option that Frank desperately needs, capable of operating across multiple attacking positions while providing the pace and directness currently absent from Tottenham’s struggling frontline.

However, Tottenham face formidable competition for his signature.

Man City, Liverpool and Man United are also believed to be contending for Semenyo next month, and City can guarantee both Champions League football and a title challenge.

If the Lilywhites are beaten to the punch for Semenyo, Spurs are being urged to consider another ‘magic’ forward behind-the-scenes.

Club scouts urging Tottenham to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche

As per TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, Monaco winger Maghnes Akilouche is that man.

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham have identified Monaco winger Akliouche as a compelling alternative to Semenyo should they fail to secure their top target next month.

Club scouts have recommended the 23-year-old to Tottenham as a January signing, having tracked him extensively, including his goalless Champions League appearance against Spurs earlier this season.

Sources indicate Akliouche remains firmly on Tottenham’s transfer shortlist as Frank continues searching for solutions to his glaring left-wing void.

The Monaco star represents a significantly cheaper option than Semenyo, with expectations he would cost approximately £40 million compared to Bournemouth’s £65 million release clause.

Akliouche’s profile ticks numerous boxes for Frank’s struggling attack. TT say he is renowned for possessing “magic skills,” and the versatile forward has impressed throughout 2025 with Monaco.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Semenyo transfer coverage Get deeper context on the Semenyo transfer race—subscribe to the newsletter for comprehensive coverage and detailed analysis of this pursuit and other major transfer targets, plus profiles of contenders, tactical fits, and market moves. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for Semenyo transfer coverage Get deeper context on the Semenyo transfer race—subscribe to the newsletter for comprehensive coverage and detailed analysis of this pursuit and other major transfer targets, plus profiles of contenders, tactical fits, and market moves.

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He’s attracted parallel interest from PSG too, who are also contemplating a pursuit after being left ‘impressed’ by Akliouche this year.

This isn’t the first time that Spurs have been linked with the player, either.

Before they struck a deal for Xavi Simons, Tottenham were considering a summer move for Akliouche after they missed out on a deal for Eberechi Eze, following Arsenal’s infamous hijack.

He can play in the number 10 role, on the left and on the right-hand side – so Frank would have a very versatile attacking option at his disposal.

Frank’s side appear to have kept a firm watch on the Frenchman since then, and he could now come back into play this winter.

Related Tottenham ready to bid up to £35m for PSG target after 'concrete' discussions

They’ve made a serious approach.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini