All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United are interested in completing the signing of a “magic” player in the summer transfer window, in a deal that could be worth under £5m.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies could revamp their squad once a disappointing campaign reaches its conclusion in May, with reinforcements arguably needed all over the pitch. Long-term injuries to centre-back pair Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles mean that defensive additions are essential, not only centrally but also at full-back, considering Kieran Tripper and Dan Burn are now 33 and 31 years of age respectively.

According to a fresh report, Newcastle are interested in acquiring the signature of Real Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand, but face stiff competition from Napoli, who could snap him up by offering as little as £1.7m more than the Magpies.

Rumours continue to link them with Sporting CP duo Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, too, with the Portuguese giants already thought to be planning for life without at least one of their young defensive gems.

Away from the back-line, Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra has been lined up as a target for Newcastle this summer, with the Spaniard likened to his legendary compatriot Xabi Alonso. In goal, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale could head to St James' Park, too, coming in and providing great competition for Nick Pope. Eddie Howe knows him well from their time together at Bournemouth.

Newcastle want to sign "magic" shot-stopper

According to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath and John Percy, Newcastle are keen on signing Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng this summer, with the report stating that Boro want to sell him for double the £2m they paid for him in 2023.

The 29-year-old is believed to have caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, while Championship leaders Ipswich Town are also interested.

Assuming Newcastle don't go and buy Ramsdale this summer, Dieng may represent a really shrewd backup option to Pope, but having all three in Howe's squad could feel needless.

Queen Park Rangers

121

162

30

Doncaster Rovers

32

32

10

Middlesbrough

29

38

9

Dundee

18

33

1

Stevenage

16

21

5

The Middlesbrough man is now a hugely experienced player who has made 145 appearances in the Championship, not to mention winning five caps at international level for Senegal. Former manager Michael Beale once hailed a brilliant moment in which he scored a late equaliser for QPR against Sunderland in 2022/23, saying: "Seny is a modest young man, says a few words.

"What a magic moment for him. He is the first goalkeeper to score for QPR and the 900 or so fans who have made the round trip with the train strike, they get to say I was there. He has made a couple of great saves as well."

Newcastle now leading race to sign “orchestrator” likened to Xabi Alonso

An approach has been made.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 4, 2024

Dieng would surely jump at the opportunity to move to Newcastle, given their status as one of the biggest teams in the Premier League, and he would also likely be content with playing second fiddle to Pope, pushing him for playing time but accepting that he isn't first choice straight away.

Wolverhampton Wanderers saw yet another Premier League game go by without securing all three points as they drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest.

The only real positive for Gary O’Neil was the return to the starting XI of Matheus Cunha, who was making his first start since February 10th, grabbing two goals in the process.

This could give the Old Gold a boost heading into the final few games, while it looks like the manager is eyeing up a potential partner for the Brazilian next season…

Wolves transfer news

Last season, the Molineux side scored the fewest goals in the Premier League, registering just 31. Although they have improved massively this term, it is clear O’Neil is aiming to add some more attacking prowess to his squad during the summer transfer window.

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Wolves are currently keeping an eye on striker Mohamed Amoura ahead of making a potential swoop when the season comes to an end.

They face some competition from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, however, and if Spurs qualify for the Champions League next season, they will likely be the frontrunners for his signature.

O’Neil may have to move a few players out of the club in the transfer window in order to make a deal happen, especially considering Amoura has a contract at his current side, Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) until 2027.

Adding someone with his talent to the manager's attacking lineup could certainly give the club a major boost, while also being a dream signing for Cunha in the process, who could link up well with the Algerian.

Why Mohamed Amoura would benefit Cunha

Cunha is currently the top scorer at the club this season, netting 13 goals across all competitions. The former Atlético Madrid forward has been deployed as a number ten throughout the campaign to devastating effect and this could see him work well with Amoura.

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

Goals

2

11

Assists

0

6

Key passes per game

0.4

1

Shots on target per game

0.4

1.2

Big chances created

1

7

Not only does Cunha have three assists from this position, but he also created seven big chances, and averaged one key pass per game while succeeding with two dribbles per match, showcasing his selfless nature.

Amoura has been on fire for USG throughout 2023/24, scoring a total of 22 goals across 40 matches, while also showing his selfless side by chipping in with six assists.

It is no wonder that the Algeria international was hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for being “incredibly prolific” just before Christmas.

Among his teammates in the Belgian top flight, the 23-year-old currently ranks second for goals and assists (19), first for shots on target per game (1.4), second for big chances created (six) and fourth for successful dribbles per match (1.2), offering the same sort of qualities as Cunha.

This could allow O’Neil to form a deadly partnership which could help Wolves secure a top-half finish in the Premier League next season.

While a current price for the player is unknown, it looks as though the Old Gold will have to splash out a significant fee, but judging by his statistics this season, Amoura could be well worth it.

Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League in Jurgen Klopp's final season are bordering on minute – despite trailing league leaders Arsenal by just three points with four fixtures to play.

Manchester City's resounding victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday saw the defending champions reclaim second place with a game still in hand, and Pep Guardiola's track record in title run-ins hardly sparks optimism that the Reds can forge a late fightback.

Still, there's much to be proud of, and much to look forward to following last summer's sweeping changes to the midfield, reviving the outfit after last year's staggering decline.

Arne Slot is all but confirmed to be succeeding Klopp as the Liverpool helmsman and while this is a nervously exciting time for the Reds, he will require reinforcements across various areas of the field, with recent news suggesting a star has already been identified.

Liverpool eyeing Serie A star

According to yesterday's edition of Italian paper La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Liverpool are above all in the race to sign Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta, with the Netherlands international still fresh from dumping Liverpool out of the Europa League.

The report claims that La Dea would listen to offers totalling a ballpark €60m (£51m) figure, though whether FSBG are willing to facilitate such an outlay after focusing on a midfield rebuild last summer remains to be seen – additions are needed in other areas too.

While it's a boost that Koopmeiners seeks a route away from Atalanta, his high-quality style has already attracted a host of rival suitors and Liverpool will need to work quickly to ensure they net their target.

Teun Koopmeiners' season in numbers

Koopmeiners is a dynamic player with strengths across different areas, having played in every area of the midfield this term and even featured on the right wing on several occasions.

Atalanta plucked Koopmeiners from his homeland in 2021, signing him from AZ Alkmaar, and he has since completed 120 appearances, racking up 41 goal contributions and cementing himself at the core of the outfit's style.

In Serie A this season, as per Sofascore, the 26-year-old has scored 11 goals and supplied four assists across 29 appearances, completing 81% of his passes, averaging 1.8 key passes, 1.2 tackles and 4.4 ball recoveries per game, with his performances establishing him as an "elite" presence in Italy, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

He's also featured heavily on the continent, starting seven times in the Europa League and playing every minute as Gian Piero Gasperini's side triumphed over lacklustre Liverpool in this month's quarter-finals, winning 12 duels and making seven tackles across the two contests, highlighting his defensive qualities.

Given that he has previously established himself under Slot, at AZ, it would seem that there's weight to these developing rumours, with Koopmeiners actually playing 58 matches under his fellow Dutchman's management.

Why Teun Koopmeiners is perfect for Liverpool

Considering Koopmeiners' myriad strengths discussed above, there's little reason why Liverpool should not forge ahead with a move for his signature this summer – especially when considering his desire to leave and his multi-functionality in midfield.

As per FBref, Koopmeiners ranks among the top 21% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 5% for clearances per 90.

His playing style is not too dissimilar to that of West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, who is endowed with athleticism and creativity but doesn't shirk away from his defensive duties and is willing to contribute across different phases of play.

With a stylistic semblance to that of Jude Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne too, there is every reason to forge ahead with a move, opening up another dimension to the Reds' midfield and ensuring that Klopp's departure does not spark a nosedive.

#

Player

Club

1.

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

2.

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

3.

James Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur

4.

Lucas Paqueta

West Ham United

5.

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

But, perhaps more aptly, Koopmeiners offers many attributes of his compatriot Gini Wijnaldum, and could actually be shaped into that kind of metronomic presence in the centre of the park for Slot's soon-arriving system on Merseyside.

The £32k-per-week Atalanta star might even be "10x the player Wijnaldum" was, according to Dutch writer Kees van Hemmen, perhaps equipped to emulate such a role in a new, reformed Liverpool side.

Wijnaldum was one of the most underrated cogs in Klopp's Liverpool system at its apex, rarely getting in amongst the goals but playing an invaluable part in the gleaning of a range of major honours such as the Premier League and Champions League, among others.

Signed from relegated Newcastle United in a £25m transfer back in 2016, the Netherlands gem would go on to complete 237 matches for Liverpool, scoring 22 times – he was even described as "irreplaceable" by Richard Jolly.

And having never fallen below an 87% passing average during his years at Liverpool, Wijnaldum's prowess as a crisp and cultured midfielder is truly underscored.

Koopmeiners is certainly not a carbon copy but he would offer technical skill on a similar level to that of his countryman, hailed for his "complete" skill set by Dutch legend Ruud Krol – and he's intelligent to boot.

Liverpool could turn 3/10 flop into a 'generational star' by hiring Slot

It’s not just Darwin Nunez who could find a window of opportunity arise from the shifting cogs at Anfield this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 25, 2024

Liverpool must now weigh up their options, discuss specifics with Slot, when the time comes. For certain, though, Koopmeiners has quality in abundance and he would be a brilliant addition to a reshaped Liverpool side, having won over Slot's trust long ago.

Glasgow Rangers overcame an early shock on Sunday afternoon as they trailed 1-0 at Ibrox, but the second half saw a slightly better performance as the Gers overcame Kilmarnock 4-1.

It wasn’t vintage by any stretch of the imagination, but the win means the Light Blues are still in contention for the Premiership title, although they must secure a win against their old rivals at Parkhead on Saturday.

Philippe Clement will spend the week giving his players plenty of confidence as they seek to do something for just the third time in the previous 14 years – win on enemy territory.

With just four matches of the season left, it is clear that the Belgian will be turning his eye towards the transfer market in order to potentially secure an early bargain or two, especially as this is around the time when players announce they are departing their current clubs.

With this in mind, it looks as though the Light Blues are showing interest in a defender who will be a free agent soon…

Rangers transfer news

According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Gers are one of the teams who are keen on signing boyhood fan Paddy McNair this summer.

The centre-back took to Instagram to announce that he was leaving Middlesbrough after six years on Tyneside as he seeks new pastures.

Rangers are not the only club looking to sign him on a free transfer, however, as Italian outfit Como – led by Cesc Fabregas – and Maccabi Tel Aviv are two other teams who are fighting it out to sign the 29-year-old.

He cost Boro £5m when joining them from Sunderland during the summer of 2018, but with Clement’s budget unknown at this moment in time, he may need to make a few bargain moves to begin with.

The Light Blues lured Leon Balogun from the Championship last summer on a free transfer, and it turned out to be a fairly reliable piece of business which could indicate that bringing McNair to the club may replicate this.

Leon Balogun’s statistics at Rangers

The Nigerian defender played for the Ibrox side between 2020/2022, winning both the Premiership and Scottish Cup in successive seasons while playing a part in the Gers reaching the 2022 Europa League final.

He was released by Giovanni van Bronckhorst that summer, but Michael Beale resigned him ahead of the current season as defensive cover.

Accurate passes

41.1

Total duels won

7.3

Possession lost

9.8

Interceptions

1.2

Tackles

1.4

Via Sofascore

The veteran only played twice under Beale as Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and John Souttar were preferred at the heart of the defence, but things changed when Clement took charge in mid-October.

Since then, Balogun has played 16 times across all competitions, adding the League Cup to his list of honours won while playing for the Glasgow side.

Among his teammates, the 35-year-old currently ranks highly in the squad for a number of metrics per game, including sitting sixth for accurate passes (41.1) and accurate long balls (2.6), ranking seventh for tackles (1.4) and first for interceptions (1.2), showcasing his class despite starting only 13 league matches this term.

McNair might not be the most exciting signing, but he could add some depth to the first-team squad and the acquisition of Balogun proves that free transfers from the English second tier can work out fairly well.

Paddy McNair’s stats for Boro this season

The former Manchester United defender has enjoyed his longest stay with one club during his time with Boro, making 219 appearances altogether since joining in 2018.

In three of his six campaigns, McNair has played in 41 or more Championship matches, but his appearances across the previous two seasons have dwindled slightly. Indeed, during 2022/23, he featured on 30 occasions, while this time around, the Northern Irishman has played just 21 league matches.

A few injuries have not helped his cause throughout 2023/24 and this could pose a potential problem for Clement, especially with how many of his current side are injury-prone.

After moving the 29-year-old to centre-back during the 2022/23 season, Michael Carrick lauded the defender during a friendly win over Hibs, saying:

"I thought he was terrific, probably the best player throughout the game with his passing from the back and composure on the ball. He played right side, left side and looked confident and composed on the ball which was good.”

Although he started only 20 Championship matches during the 2023/24 season, McNair won an impressive 3.7 total duels per game – a success rate of 68% – while losing possession just 8.8 times per game.

Furthermore, when compared to his teammates, the Northern Irishman has demonstrated his class, ranking fifth in the squad for accurate passes per game (51.5) in the second tier along with ranking first for accurate long balls (3.5) and fifth for clearances (1.9) per match, once again, showing how vital he was during his limited appearances on the field.

Not just content with exuding his excellent defensive abilities, McNair also proved that he could be a useful addition to the team with his forward-thinking capabilities.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in leagues similar to the English second tier, McNair ranks in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90 (1.51), the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.58) and in the top 11% for shot-creating actions per 90 (1.22), indicating that he is able to progress the ball up the field from the heart of the defence, something which Clement likes in his defenders.

Putting the recent injury woes to one side, could the former Old Trafford starlet be a useful addition at Ibrox ahead of next season?

With Ben Davies looking like he has no future at the club combined with Balogun’s contract expiring at the end of the season, there is certainly a requirement for another centre-back or two during the summer.

With plenty of areas to bolster across the whole squad, money that Clement does have might be used to strengthen those, meaning free transfers would be welcome.

The 6 foot 2 defender would certainly be able to add some depth into the defensive area and could prove to be a decent piece of transfer business by the Gers.

Ipswich Town's promotion up to the Premier League is arguably the stuff of fairytale, with the Tractor Boys facing off against Forest Green just last season in League One to now be faced with the surreal prospect of playing against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Only finishing a point shy of the top spot in the final Championship standings after Leicester City lost 2-0 on the final day to Blackburn Rovers, Kieran McKenna's men will now have to traverse the tricky step-up and hope they can tough it with the top dogs, unlike a leaky Sheffield United.

The powers that be at Portman Road have, no doubt, already drafted up an extensive list of players that could soon join the ranks in Suffolk to help make the jump up to the top-flight less of a daunting proposition, with this £10m-rated midfielder already in their sights according to reports.

Ipswich going after top Championship star

According to a report in the Sun, McKenna's unbelievable Tractor Boys want to strengthen even more with the midfield addition of Ben Sheaf in the off-season.

There could well be an almighty transfer tussle for the Coventry City star-man brewing, however, with Luton Town also interested again after Sheaf allegedly turned down a move to Kenilworth Road in January.

Formerly on the books at Arsenal as a youngster, it will be intriguing to see who the 26-year-old picks as his next club after missing out on promotion glory with Mark Robins' men this campaign with a London reunion potentially on the cards as Fulham have also thrown their hat into the ring for Sheaf's services.

Ipswich will hope they can gain an upper hand in this battle by convincing the 26-year-old that he will get adequate game-time making the switch to Portman Road, with Sam Morsy potentially sacrificed for the fresher midfielder to shine in the Premier League.

Morsy has been a key cog for McKenna in the centre of the park this blistering Championship season, but with his 33rd birthday coming this September, it could be deemed the correct time to bolster the midfield ranks away from the Egypt international especially if Sheaf is available.

How Sheaf compares to Morsy

Controlling games centrally this season for the FA Cup semi-finalists, Sheaf – who is “a ready-made Premier League player” in the words of Ryan Dilks from the Second Tier Podcast – certainly warrants being given a crack at the very top of the English football pyramid.

In what could be his final ever display for the Sky Blues, Sheaf dictated proceedings at the CBS Arena versus Queens Park Rangers – even if Robins' men did lose 2-1 – with a staggering 114 touches amassed.

Managing to register three key passes as well in the slick display, with a mean streak evident in his game too by winning nine duels and four tackles, this well-rounded approach has even been boldly compared to that of Declan Rice's with football analyst Raj Chohan describing the former Gunner's game as being "Rice-esque."

This is high praise indeed, with this level of adoration worrying Morsy back at Ipswich in the present who will fear his solid spot in McKenna's XI will be taken up by Sheaf soon.

Sheaf does also better Morsy when you compare their numbers over the last year per 90 minutes, according to FBRef, with the heavily praised Coventry midfielder trumping his Tractor Boys counterpart in terms of progressive passes, shot-creating actions, tackles and much more.

Stat per 90 mins

Sheaf

Morsy

Progressive passes

8.34

6.77

Progressive carries

2.19

1.20

Shots

1.63

0.82

Shot-creating actions

3.44

2.88

Pass accuracy

83.9%

84.9%

Tackles

3.68

2.86

Interceptions

1.46

0.82

Blocks

1.56

1.27

As can be seen by glancing at the table above, Sheaf blows the Ipswich midfielder out of the water over the last year in many key areas and should be viewed as a fantastic heir for the ageing ex-Wigan Athletic man.

The 32-year-old could well now view this promotion up to the Premier League with Ipswich as captain as the best possible bang to go out on, knowing that Sheaf could now very much take his spot.

Ipswich Town: The players who have reached the Premier League.

The Tractor Boys secured a magical promotion to the Premier League just a year after escaping League One.

ByStephan Georgiou May 7, 2024

Chelsea have left themselves with a chance to finish inside the top six in the Premier League as they prepare for their final two matches of the season.

The Blues are currently seventh in the division and only behind Newcastle United in sixth on goal difference, ahead of clashes with Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth this week.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are fighting to ensure that they nail down a place in the Europa League for the 2024/25 campaign, rather than the Europa Conference League.

The London giants did not compete in a European competition this season and they now look set to return to Europe under the Argentine head coach next term.

However, the full focus must be on these next two matches and what they can do to make sure that they come away with all six points, to give themselves the best chance of finishing ahead of the Magpies.

One change the former Tottenham Hotspur boss could make to his starting XI for the upcoming clash with Brighton could come in the right-back position.

Why Trevoh Chalobah should be dropped

Trevoh Chalobah could be ruthlessly binned from the lineup for the Blues after a difficult afternoon up against former Chelsea man Callum Hudson-Odoi against Nottingham Forest.

With Malo Gusto and Reece James now available, having both come off the bench against the Tricky Trees, Pochettino should drop the academy graduate to the bench, unless he decides to move him into a central defensive position.

90min reporter Tom Gott awarded the English defender a player rating of 5/10 against Forest, writing that he looked 'hesitant' throughout the game due to the threat of Hudson-Odoi.

Noni Madueke, who won three of his 13 duels in the game, did not do much to help his right-back out as Chalobah found himself isolated against the former England international far too often.

Chalobah won one ground duel and completed one tackle in the match and Hudson-Odoi, the player he was marking for most of the game, created four chances, including one 'big chance, hit the woodwork, and scored a fantastic goal.

His defensive work, however, is not the reason why Pochettino should look to take him out of the right-back position for these last two matches. It is, instead, his lack of quality in possession that should tempt the manager to shuffle the pack on Wednesday night.

Appearances

11

Starts

8

Assists

0

xA

0.34

Big chances created

0

Key passes per game

0.3

As you can see in the table above, Chalobah has offered very little as a creative force down the flank for Chelsea, with less than one chance created every other game on average.

These statistics show that, as you would expect from a player who typically plays as a centre-back, the 24-year-old dud is not likely to bomb forward to split open opposition defences with killer passes or impressive crosses into the box for the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

The player Pochettino should replace Trevoh Chalobah with

Pochettino can brutally bin Chalobah from the starting XI at right-back by unleashing 20-year-old sensation Malo Gusto from the start on Wednesday.

The French whiz recently missed four matches through injury and has come off the bench in the last two matches since making a return from that knock.

He should now be unleashed in the lineup against Brighton as the talented gem has the attacking quality to provide a far greater outlet down the right flank than his English teammate.

In the Premier League this season, Gusto has racked up five assists, 2.75 xA, seven 'big chances' created, and 1.2 key passes per game on average, which means that the £45k-per-week ace averages four times as many key passes per match than Chalobah.

Assists (0.27)

Top 6%

Expected Assisted Goals (0.21)

Top 10%

Shot-creating actions (2.66)

Top 18%

Progressive passes (4.57)

Top 25%

Progressive carries (4.13)

Top 3%

As you can see in the table above, the young star ranks well above average among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics in the Premier League this season.

Gusto, who was lauded as "outstanding" by journalist Ben Jacobs earlier this year, has proven that he has the quality to create high-quality chances consistently in the English top-flight, which makes him a dangerous weapon for Pochettino to have in his arsenal.

This is why the former Southampton manager must unleash the 20-year-old wizard from the start against Brighton as he has the potential to offer significantly more than Chalobah in attack, which could help them to secure all three points against Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Gusto has also proven himself to be solid enough from a defensive perspective with a duel success rate of 55% and a ground duel success rate of 59%, which shows that opposition forwards do not find it easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

The alternatives to Malo Gusto

James, who came off the bench against Forest, is also available as a potential option for the manager to call upon at right-back on Wednesday night.

However, he had been out for far longer than the four games Gusto missed and it may not be worth the risk of throwing him back in straight away when there are only two league matches left.

The England international has missed a staggering 38 games through injury this season and has not started in any competition since the 4-1 loss to Newcastle in November 2023.

With Gusto available, there is no need to risk aggravating an injury by bringing him back before he is 100% ready to start and it could make sense to give him the summer and pre-season to be fully prepared to hit the ground running next season.

Instead, James could be used as a super substitute off the bench, which is the role he played to great effect against Forest on Saturday evening.

The full-back came on with 11 minutes to go and assisted the winning goal from Jackson with a fantastic whipped cross to find the striker at the back post, and he may look to have a similar impact this week.

Once again, Arsenal came agonisingly close to ending their two-decade Premier League title drought this season, but while fans can lament what might've been for a bit longer, the club must get to work ahead of the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have gotten their recruitment pretty much spot-on over the last few years, with players like Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz coming in and staking a claim in the first team.

However, one starter who perhaps doesn't get quite the praise he should is Ben White, and based on recent reports, the club could be looking to bring in a wonderkid with some striking similarities to the right-back.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from respected journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are among several clubs interested in Leeds United's young star, Archie Gray.

The Gunners, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich will all make "a play for him" if he becomes available this summer.

While the idea of the Peacocks selling their "generational talent", as dubbed by Bailey, would have been unbelievable just a few months ago, their failure to win promotion back to the Premier League on the weekend could change their outlook.

It would be a tough deal to negotiate, but the last time Arteta welcomed in a player who had recently thrived at Elland Road, everything turned out rather well.

How Gray compares to White

Now, while White and Gray aren't the same sort of player, nor are they likely to be in the long term, there are some undeniable similarities between the pair and their respective football journeys thus far.

For starters, just like the youngster, the Gunners right-back grew to prominence playing for the West Yorkshire outfit in the Championship, starting every one of the Whites' 46 games in the season they won promotion under Marcelo Bielsa while making another three in the cup competitions.

The second similarity they share is their positional versatility.

Centre-Back

207

Right-Back

100

Defensive Midfield

13

Left-Back

4

Right Midfield

1

Arteta may have signed the 26-year-old defender while he was playing as a centre-back, but after just one year at the Emirates, he was shifted out to the right, and while there were some naysayers at the time – looking at you, Mr Agbonlahor – this move has seen the star reach new levels.

However, his ability to play either out wide, in the heart of the defence, or even as a defensive midfielder is a sign of his flexibility on the pitch, which is something the Peacocks' current "magnificent" prospect, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has shown this season.

Right-Back

30

Central Midfield

10

Defensive Midfield

6

Attacking Midfield

3

In his 52 games for the club this season, the 18-year-old has started 30 games at right back, ten in central midfield, six in defensive midfield, and three in attacking midfield. Remarkably, he's looked impressive in every role.

This ability to thrive wherever he's been told to play this season led data analyst Ben Mattinson to proclaim the Durham-born gem a "future £100m cm," and based on the demand for him and his positional intelligence, it's hard to disagree.

Havertz repeat: Arsenal hold talks to sign a "future legend" of the PL

The incredibly talented star could revive his career in North London.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2024

Eventually, Gray will likely grow into an excellent midfielder, and White will continue to be an outstanding right-back, but the similarities between the pair are there, and that should encourage Edu and Co to pull the trigger on this potential deal.

With Caoimhin Kelleher's future still in doubt, Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a new goalkeeper for Arne Slot who kept more clean sheets than Alisson last season.

Liverpool transfer news

Kelleher enjoyed his best season yet at Anfield as Alisson suffered an injury-riddled campaign, but that success may come at a price for Liverpool after the Irishman proved his ability to become a number one. And with that unlikely to come at Liverpool whilst Alisson is still around, the goalkeeper could find himself heading for the exit door in pursuit of his ambitions this summer.

Liverpool leading the race for dream £102m Szoboszlai partner

Arne Slot would score a major win by landing this talented midfielder.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 4, 2024

Kelleher admitted to The Athletic: "It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years. I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved.

"I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”

With that said, those at Anfield have reportedly set their sights on a potential replacement. According to Sports Zone, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Bento Matheus from Athletico Paranaense this summer, alongside Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid. The shot-stopper is reportedly ready to move to Europe and is "popular" among clubs within that vicinity.

Alisson, of course, will be very familiar with Bento, given his backup role in the Brazil national side. He even started at Wembley against England in an international friendly back in March, in which he kept a clean sheet against the likes of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden – making Liverpool's interest no surprise.

"Popular" Bento makes sense for Liverpool

Should Kelleher leave, Bento could make perfect sense for Liverpool when it comes to finding a new number two. The 24-year-old will already know Alisson and will be primed to learn from one of the best goalkeepers in world football, before perhaps one day succeeding him, with certain numbers certainly working in his favour.

Appearances

26

32

Clean Sheets

13

11

Goals Conceded

16

32

Whilst the Premier League is undoubtedly a jump up in level, conceding just 16 goals in 26 appearances in any league is incredibly impressive. Factoring in the fact that Bento is an international too, everything points towards a player ready to step up to replace Kelleher at Anfield should the Irishman depart.

It won't be a simple battle for Liverpool, however, who will reportedly have to fend off interest from Atletico Madrid and both Milan clubs to land Bento's signature this summer.

Manchester United are now moving to land one of their primary striker targets after being dealt a blow over Benjamin Sesko, it has been reported.

Mixed 24 hours for Red Devils

United and some of their rivals were left clutching thin air after it emerged that Benjamin Sesko penned a new deal with RB Leipzig rather than make the move to the Premier League.

The Red Devils were one of the clubs thought to be pushing for the Slovenian's signature this summer, alongside the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, as they looked to land a future superstar ahead of the new season.

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However, the 21-year-old frustrated them all by penning fresh terms in Germany, extending his contract until 2029 and commiting his short-term future to Leipzig.

In better news, however, the Manchester United hierarchy finally came to a decision over their manager, and opted to keep Erik ten Hag in his post despite seemingly having spent the fortnight since the FA Cup final courting replacements.

Indeed, the club are set to reward him with a fresh contract, though they will be demanding better than an eighth placed finish in the Premier League this time around. To do that, they will need more firepower, and now that is precisely what they are looking to add.

Joshua Zirkzee transfer update

Now, it has been reported that Manchester United are hoping to strike a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who was seemingly AC Milan bound just last week.

However, the Rossoneri have failed to complete the deal yet and as a result, other parties may yet swoop in. As per TEAMtalk, that is precisely what Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe intend to do.

They report that Zirkzee has become "club’s primary striker target" and that "United chiefs have now made clear" that they are willing to meet the Dutch striker's buyout clause, though it is added that any move is complicated by the 10m-15m euro commission agent Kia Joorabchian is demanding on top of the release clause. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a "firm approach" to Joorabchian.

Still just 22-years-old, Zirkzee enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Bologna, helping steer them into a spot for next season's Champions League.

Joshua Zirkzee's Serie A season

Appearances

34

Goals

11

Assists

4

Shots on target per 90

0.95

Key passes per 90

1.40

Mins per goal/assist

184

Thiago Motta was keen to highlight his impact on Bologna back in February, likening it to that of Ronaldinho and Ibrahimovic.

“I remember Ronaldinho from Barcelona, ​​​​he was something extraordinary. I’ve never seen a player of this level when he was in form. Ibra the same, given the career he’s had. Joshua is Joshua, he’s special, I hope he continues like this and I won’t compare him to anyone.

"He plays well but above all he works, I will never stop saying that from the first day of training camp, he has always been the first to work and has become a leader. He must continue like this and we must help him continue like this because this is on the right path.”

Now, that path could be at Old Trafford, in the footsteps of Ibrahimovic.

Leeds United are interested in signing a player whose market value has risen by 7,500% in the last couple of years, according to reports.

Leeds transfer rumours

Leeds United are once again preparing for another season in the Championship. The Whites spent a good chunk of 2023/24 in and around the automatic promotion places but their form at the end of the normal season saw the Yorkshire outfit slip down to 3rd in the table, with Ipswich Town taking their spot in the Premier League. Daniel Farke's side went on to reach the play-off final but fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton.

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Leeds' failure to secure promotion back to the Premier League is expected to have some impact on their transfer business. On the outgoing front, Wilfried Gnonto is said to be pushing to leave Leeds and wants a transfer to the Serie A. Elsewhere, there has been heavy interest in Crysencio Summerville, who has been linked with Liverpool. Finally, midfielder Archie Gray is said to be of interest to German powerhouse, Bayern Munich.

As well as potentially losing some of their key stars, Leeds are unlikely to be able to target some players they were perhaps looking at earlier this year, including Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. Instead, their focus has seemingly been on smaller names who would not cost as much.

Leeds are one of a number of clubs keen on a possible swoop to sign Stade Brestois attacker Karamoko Dembele. They are also believed to be interested in the services of Stuttgart winger Silas Katompa Mvumpa. Furthermore, The Whites are one of the clubs lining up a swoop to sign FC St. Pauli central defender Eric Smith as a potential replacement for Tottenham star Joe Rodon.

Leeds target player whose value has skyrocketed 7,500%

Now, another potential budget signing has been linked with a move to Elland Road. The player in question is Natan Girma, who is currently plying his trade in the Serie B with Reggiana.

Grima joined Reggiana on a free transfer from Sona in July of 2023. Despite only spending one season at his current club, the attacking midfielder has seen his market value rise 7,500% from €10,000 to €750,000. Grima made 26 league appearances across 2023/24, scoring five and assisting three as Reggiana secured an 11th-place finish.

Goals

5

xG

3.1

xA

0.9

Shot creating actions

50

Stats via FBREF

The 22-year-old remains under contract with his current side until 2027, with the option of a further year, but reports emerging in Italy suggest a move to England could be on the cards. It is stated that Reggiana do not want to part ways with the midfielder but they could be forced to do so if the right offer came in.

On this front, offers lower than £2.5m will reportedly not be looked at. However, given his staggering market value increase in just one year, £2.5m+ still seems a serious bargain for any potentially interested club. His current trajectory looks to be one of a player on the rise, so that fee could look like a bargain in a few years.

Italian side Monza are understood to be keen on Grima but the report from Italy also mentions Leeds and Watford have been in contact with the player's camp to ask for information.