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Arsenal chiefs are believed to be insisting on a move to sign a £60 million centre-forward for manager Mikel Arteta, with the north Londoners looking to potentially end their long search for a classic number nine.

Edu and Arteta scouring market for new Arsenal striker

A prolific frontman has long been viewed by some as the final missing piece of Arsenal's jigsaw, and Arteta's interest in signing a new striker dates all the way back to the summer of 2023.

Arsenal ready to pay £25m to sign "creative" player over Barcelona

The Gunners are going toe-to-toe with Hansi Flick’s side.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 25, 2024

This time last year, Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, and continued to be in the build-up to January. However, a lack of reports since then suggests that the England star is no longer a top target for Edu Gaspar and the wider recruitment team.

The search still goes on to find the perfect forward for Arteta, though, and a few high-profile names are rumoured to be on Edu's radar after a deal for defender Riccardo Calafiori was secured, making him the first new arrival of the summer.

Sky Sports transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed earlier this week that Arsenal could table a bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, but it remains to be seen if their president Aurelio De Laurentiis will entertain bids lower than the Nigerian's £110 million release clause.

Arteta managed to cope extremely well without the presence of a star 25-plus goals per season striker over 2023/2024, with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz bagging 51 goals between them in all competitions.

However, it remains the belief that Arteta is keen on a striking partner for Havertz, with Ajax star Brian Brobbey also attracting interest from Arsenal as a potentially cheaper Osimhen alternative.

There have also been constant links to Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres this window, coming after the Sweden international's incredible 43-goal haul across all competitions during his debut season in Portugal.

Gyokeres' deal includes an £84 million release clause, but some reports claim that Ruben Amorim's Sporting could be willing to sell for a lower fee. The Boot Room, via TEAMtalk, believe that the former Coventry City forward could depart for around £60 million.

Arsenal pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, via Standard Sport [Thursday, 08:00], serious interest from the Gunners remains.

It is believed Arsenal are insisting on a move to sign Gyokeres from Sporting, with Edu and co seemingly pushing for the 26-year-old in their search for a new goalscorer. They may even face competition from north London rivals Tottenham, who also reportedly have Gyokeres on their list of striker targets for Ange Postecoglou.

“Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon is a very interesting link,” said pundit John Wenham to Tottenham News.

“He had the experience in England with Coventry City, where he was very impressive. His overall game is good. He is big and strong, he can play on the ball and his finishing is ridiculously good.

“That would be an exciting signing."

West Ham United may have found a new target in their hunt for a fresh face in attack this summer, it has been revealed.

Lopetegui takes charge

West Ham's summer has already been a busy one under new boss Julen Lopetegui. They have shelled out £30m to sign Luis Guilherme from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, with the teenager penning a five year deal in East London.

Lopetegui must swiftly axe West Ham flop who earns over 4x more than Duran

He’s been a colossal failure of a signing.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 14, 2024

The Hammers have also plundered Lopetegui's former side and Premier League rivals Wolves for club captain Max Kilman, who joined the club in a £40m deal and signed a seven year contract, a deal keeping him at West Ham until he turns 34.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player,” said Kilman. “As soon as I was aware of the interest from the Club, it was an opportunity I was keen to pursue, so I couldn’t be more delighted to be here."

But their frontline still requires attention, and it looks as though that is Tim Steidten's next transfer mission.

West Ham want Premier League striker

Now, one report has claimed that West Ham are eyeing up a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of the new Premier League season.

As per Football Insider, the Hammers have 'made an enquiry' about the Everton man, with the forward having been 'shortlisted' as a potential option to lead the line at the London Stadium next summer.

Though Everton don't want to sell the striker, he is down to the final 12 months of his £100,000 a week deal at Goodison Park and has "failed to agree terms on a new deal" so far. That may force Sean Dyche's side to cash in on their centre-forward, even though they have cooled their fears over PSR with the imminent sale of Amadou Onana.

And that has "alerted interested clubs" including West Ham and Newcastle United, though the Magpies ended their interest at the end of June.

Ex-Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira was full of praise for the Englishman during one appearance on Sky Sports back in 2023, dubbing him "one of the complete players" in the Premier League. And the striker showed signs of getting back to his best last season under Dyche after an injury plagued spell, finding the net seven times in the Premier League to steer the Toffees clear of relegation.

In the West Ham squad, only Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus managed more, with Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse both grabbing seven goals. Meanwhile, veteran striker Michail Antonio only managed six in a disappointing campaign for the Jamaica international.

Should Lopetegui wish to implement a similar style to predecessor David Moyes at the London Stadium, Calvert-Lewin would be an astute addition given his ability to hold the ball up and bring the likes of Kudus and new signing Guilherme into the game from either flank.

Questions continue to be asked of Neymar’s short-term future, but long-term he may be based in Dubai after snapping up a €50m (£42m/$53m) penthouse.

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• Brazilian plying his trade in Saudi Arabia
• Has splashed out on luxury apartment
• Will now boast a base in the Middle East

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international is currently based in the Middle East with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. An early termination of his contract is being speculated on there after enduring a wretched run on the injury front. Neymar is back on the sidelines at present, having only recently returned to action after 12 months out with knee ligament damage.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There has been talk of Neymar reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami, while a return to his roots at Santos is also being discussed. For now, he continues to work on his fitness in Riyadh.

• THE GOSSIP

  Neymar is looking to put down roots in that region, with it revealed that he has splashed out on a lavish apartment in Dubai. The property in question forms part of the Residences by Binghatti project – with iconic car manufacturers Bugatti branching out into the world of luxury residences.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar’s new abode is said to boast a private elevator, a lift for his fleet of cars, a private swimming pool and panoramic views of the city – with the cost of apartments in the stunning new construction ranging from €246,000 to well above €50m.

So, Dan Ashworth is, at long last, an official employee of Manchester United. It took a while but the Red Devils can finally now start getting to work in the transfer market.

Together with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and, of course, Erik ten Hag, United need to be a lot smarter with their recruitment during the new regime.

One order of business simply has to be on improving the defence. Due to injuries to both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last term, there were moments where Ten Hag had to rely on the likes of Jonny Evans and Casemiro to fill in.

Now, while Evans shone, notably hailed for being "Man Utd’s best centre-back this season [2023/24]" by content creator Liam Canning, his Brazilian colleague had a far worse campaign.

Lacking the athleticism and pace to thrive in the Premier League, he was swarmed by opponents on an all too regular basis. One error saw him lazily fail to step up with the rest of the defence in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a decision that subsequently led to the only goal of the game.

Lambasted by many, it was a pretty awful year for a player who has achieved so much throughout his career. So, where do the Red Devils go from here?

Man Utd's centre-back targets

One of the main contenders to take a spot in United's backline is Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman has been the subject of fierce speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford with recent reports suggesting talks have happened over a prospective deal this summer.

However, there is another option and it's not Jean-Clair Todibo after his potential move from Nice was blocked.

Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Barcelona sensation Ronald Araujo is on their list of targets and an attempt has even been made to prise him away from Catalonia.

The report suggests that United will have to battle Chelsea and Bayern for his services, with all three sides having made a bid. That said, it will take a seismic offer to secure him. It's stated that Barca expects a larger fee than Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo (£115m).

So, while a deal would seem unlikely, is he a better option than De Ligt?

How Ronald Araujo compares to De Ligt

The Dutch colossus has always been thought of as one of the best centre-backs on the planet. After all, there is a reason he appears twice on the list of the most expensive players ever in his position.

Does he live up to that billing? Well, after starring for Ajax during their run to the Champions League semi-finals a few years ago, even captaining the side as a teenager, it's clear to see why he has always attracted interest from the biggest sides in Europe.

That said, he has struggled to truly catch the eye at Bayern since moving to Munich. A mix of injury and form meant he wasn't the irremovable object he once was at Ajax. The fact he's also failed to play a single minute at Euro 2024 for the Netherlands substantiates that viewpoint too.

Still, he ranks inside the best 10% of centre-backs on the continent for progressive passing and the top 4% for pass completion. This is a typical modern defender, one who plays with confidence and assurance out from the back and between the lines. But how do his numbers compare to the aforementioned Araujo?

On the evidence of the above, it's easy to see why Barca boss Xavi described Araujo as "one of the best centre-backs in the world".

While he doesn't quite possess the same level of passing ability as a player like De Ligt, when it comes to the defensive side of the game he looks a more complete profile, notably winning a much higher percentage of aerial battles he competes in.

He also makes more successful take-ons, which should come as no surprise given the Uruguayan also played at right-back on six occasions last term. That adds another string to his bow; versatility.

So, although he'd cost a rather pretty penny, if Ratcliffe and Co can prise Araujo away from Spain, he would be a mighty fine addition.

Man Utd in talks to sign 51m "monster" who'd star with De Ligt

Manchester United are starting to make moves in the summer transfer window.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 1, 2024

Manchester United staff is reportedly "perplexed" as the club is holding back 18-year-old wonderkid, James Scanlon, who is "ready to be unleashed".

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• Scanlon shining brightly at the U-18 level
• Has 10 goals and four assists this campaign
• The coaching staff wants him promoted to U-21 setup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The young midfielder has been on fire this season, racking up a hat-trick in United’s 8-0 victory over Leeds, which pushed his season tally to 10 goals and four assists as of early November. His remarkable performance against Leeds isn’t an isolated case. Earlier this season, he grabbed the spotlight with a four-goal display during a 9-0 win over Blackburn on his 18th birthday.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to some staff members have expressed concern that Scanlon’s lack of promotion could hinder his growth, potentially impacting his chances of becoming a first-team player. The academy faces the complex challenge of distributing playtime among numerous talented players while ensuring each prospect receives the exposure and development opportunities needed to succeed at elite levels. However, many feel that Scanlon has outgrown his current setting and could benefit from more advanced competition.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Adding to his accolades, Scanlon has already made his mark on the international stage as a full-fledged player for Gibraltar. Additionally, his recent recognition as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at a youth tournament in the Netherlands this season highlighted his skills and maturity on the field. His contributions in training also secured him a spot on Erik ten Hag’s pre-season squad, a move that hinted at a bright future within Manchester United’s ranks.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The young midfielder has proven his readiness for more challenging responsibilities, and his integration into the Under-21s and subsequently into the senior team should be the next natural step. With Ruben Amorim set to take charge, his fortunes could change and receive the the platform he deserves to show his mettle.

Fabio Capello has urged Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to consider retirement after Barcelona's 4-1 win over the Bavarians.

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• Neuer told to retire by Fabio Capello
• Bayern captain struggling for form
• Neuer a no-show in Barcelona loss

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neuer is considered one of the best goalkeepers of this generation, if not all time, thanks to his exploits over the last two decades. However, since a skiing incident which saw him sustain a serious leg injury, the German has seemed unable to reach his previous peaks with age also becoming an issue for the 38-year-old.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Neuer's goalkeeping standards have been declining over the last year, Bayern Munich's 4-1 loss to Barcelona may have been his lowest point this season. The German faced four shots on target and conceded four times, and was also the reason for a number of mistakes in the backline. Capello has now advised Neuer to consider retirement.

• WHAT CAPELLO SAID

  Speaking on Sky Sports, Capello said: "When some goalkeepers reach a certain age, they should have the courage to retire."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Former Germany star Lothar Mattaus also urged Neuer to consider hanging up his boots before he hurts his legacy as a Bayern Munich legend. He told BILD: "I don’t mean Manuel any harm, but he is not the support for the team at the moment that he was in the past.

  "Manuel Neuer is not Manuel Neuer at the moment. Because he doesn’t save the unstoppable balls, his goalkeeping has changed.

  "He used to anticipate every situation, he had a 360-degree view, and he could initiate attacks with a build-up pass. At the moment he can’t give the defense any security.

  "This is also demonstrated by the rate of just over 40 per cent of balls saved in the Bundesliga. I hope that he will soon find his way back to his old game and confidence."

With Sunderland looking to finally appoint a new permanent manager, Sky Sports' Keith Downie has provided an update on their pursuit of Lorient man Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland manager news

A month since a disappointing Championship season came to an end, Sunderland are yet to appoint a new boss. Several names have been linked, but not one has arrived, be that Paul Heckingbottom, Pascal Jansen or Will Still. Those at the Stadium of Light are clearly keen to get things right after their nightmare Michael Beale appointment midway through the last campaign.

Under Tony Mowbray, Sunderland found themselves battling for a place in the Championship's top six. Not content with where they were, however, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co decided to part ways with the former Blackburn Rovers boss and turn to Beale fresh from his Rangers sacking. What followed was the story of Sunderland's season, with Beale winning four of just 12 games in nine weeks, before the Black Cats pulled the plug on a decision to forget.

Sunderland could sign "terrific" Bellingham replacement

Sunderland will be drafting up a list of replacements in case Jobe Bellingham does walk away soon.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 19, 2024

By the end of the Championship campaign, they found themselves as low as 16th as interim manager Mike Dodds headed for the exit. Now, however, as pre-season approaches, Sunderland look to have finally found their man in Regis Le Bris. According to Downie, Sunderland are hopeful that Le Bris will travel to Wearside next week to confirm his appointment just before the start of pre-season.

Downie claims that the "feeling within the club" is that, whilst Le Bris was relegated at Lorient in Ligue 1 last season, he was handed a difficult hand and impressed enough in the 2022/23 season when leading the French club to a top ten finish.

Months after Beale's exit, it finally looks as though Sunderland's next manager is on his way, as the Black Cats gear up for significant improvement in the Championship next season.

Le Bris appointment isn't without risk

On paper, appointing a manager who was just relegated with his current club is hardly a move that will instantly win the fans over, and rightly so – Sunderland's move for Le Bris certainly isn't without its risks. The 48-year-old has taken charge of just one club in the form of Lorient and has endured two incredibly mixed seasons. What Sunderland are betting on is a manager who took his side to the highs of 10th, before they then suffered relegation.

Those in Wearside will hope to see the boss replicate his first Lorient season which did exceed expectations, but only time will tell whether their risk pays off.

BBC journalist Simon Stone has shared his view as Leeds United signing Luis Sinisterra picked up an injury in the Whites’ pre-season friendly with Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Sinisterra joins Whites

The winger completed a move from Feyenoord to Leeds earlier this month, helping fill the void left by Raphinha, who has joined Barcelona in a big-money transfer.

Sinisterra is an exciting signing, having scored 12 goals and chipped in with seven assists in the Eredivisie last season, and fans have been enjoying watching him in pre-season action.

Unfortunately, things have taken a negative turn in that respect.

The Latest: Injury update

Taking to Twitter during Leeds’ friendly clash with Palace, Stone confirmed that Sinisterra had limped off after picking up an injury, which he believes to be a hamstring issue.

The reporter confirmed it was a non-contact injury and shared a brief moment involving manager Jesse Marsch before the player headed down the tunnel.

“Sinisterra went down with no-one near him. Looked like a hamstring injury. Had a brief word with Jesse Marsch before making his way slowly to the tunnel. Colombian one of LUFC’s big summer signings.”

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The Verdict: Big concern for Marsch

A new signing getting injured is always hugely disappointing and this is especially concerning, given the manner in which Sinisterra picked up the knock.

Nobody was around him when the incident happened, which can mean potential muscle or even ligament damage due to an awkward turn or landing, which will be of big concern for Marsch.

The hope is that Sinisterra’s setback is nothing serious and that he left the field as a precaution, but with the new Premier League season only two weeks away, anyone associated with Leeds will be sweating.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a surprise move for former academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters…

What’s the word?

That’s according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, who revealed to GIVEMESPORT that it was a deal that Spurs were exploring before deadline day on September 1st.

“Arsenal are keeping tabs on Walker-Peters, but nothing beyond that at this stage. Tottenham are exploring re-signing Walker-Peters from Southampton,” he said.

“I think whoever lands him will land a tremendous player. He was one of the best right-backs in the Premier League last season.”

Worthy comeback

Indeed, the 25-year-old was a standout star for Southampton, even despite the arrival of Tino Livramento from Chelsea. His form for the Saints even led to a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – it’s been a while since one of Spurs’ defensive players managed that.

23 of his 37 appearances last season actually came at left-back, making him an even better prospect to sign because he is clearly capable of playing on either flank and that could work wonders given Antonio Conte’s system.

Walker-Peters left the north London outfit back in August 2020 for £12m and has seen his value soar to £26m, as per CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis.

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He has gone onto play 82 times on the south coast, emerging as one of the top players in his position, as Jacobs alludes to.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top divisions, the former Spurs man ranks inside the top 4% for progressive carries (7.90 per 90), the top 6% for dribbles completed (1.74 per 90) and the top 7% for touches in the opposition’s penalty box (3.14 per 90), via FBref.

This would suggest that his attacking presence is something of a lethal threat, and that has to be a valuable asset considering his performances are in the Premier League.

“He remembers me a little bit of Philipp Lahm I must say, because he is so good on the ball, he always has good decisions. He can run and makes nearly any mistakes,” boldly claimed Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl to the Daily Echo.

Meanwhile, he has also been praised for his leadership qualities by his manager, describing him as a “role model” and “complete.”

Conte has struggled with the right wing-back position ever since he took over from Nuno Santo in November and with a deal for Djed Spence dragging on, it could make sense for Spurs to look elsewhere as it’s less than a month until the new season gets underway.

The £50k-per-week gem perhaps should have never been sold by Daniel Levy, so now sporting director Fabio Paratici has a chance to right those wrongs in the coming weeks.

Walker-Peters would be a solid sixth signing of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, £16.6m wasted: Conte must axe £50k-p/w Spurs passenger who Pochettino dubbed “perfect”…

Liverpool’s interest in Matheus Nunes could leave Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola frustrated if the Reds were to get their man.

The Merseyside have been linked with a slew of midfielders this window, and with Jurgen Klopp already showing his eagerness to plug any gaps he sees in his squad, it is not unlikely to think that he will once again move to re-energise his ageing midfield.

With Thiago recently turning 31, this Portuguese talent could be the perfect replacement for the silky maestro.

Matheus Nunes is a similarly magical midfielder, who has earned high praise for his performances despite being just 23 years old.

He has recently been linked with a switch to Anfield, however, Chelsea and Man City are also thought to be interested in the £34m man.

One person who this signing could frustrate is Guardiola, who was vocal in his praise for the youngster. Perhaps not only would Nunes look to replace Thiago, but it would provide a mental edge in next season’s title race.

Guardiola claimed that “Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today. Nunes is one of the best at the moment.”

The stats help to support his glowing recommendation, as he ranks in the 99th percentile for both dribbles completed and assists per 90. Already he seems to play like Thiago, with incredible ball control and the ability to pick out a killer ball.

This is indicative of his 6.95 average SofaScore rating, which suggests that he is a solid performer across an impressive 33 league appearances. He has the ability to set the world alight, and under Klopp there is no telling how impressive he could become.

He also managed a respectable five goal contributions from central midfield, which perfectly matches Thiago’s return last season.

Nunes could offer a wildcard aspect to Klopp’s midfield and help when breaking down the low block tactic his side so often faces. He possesses skill, incredible control, vision and the ability to execute.

He should swoop quickly to beat their rivals and leave Guardiola scratching his head as to why he didn’t move for supposedly one of the world’s best.

AND, in other news: FSG could land Klopp his own Modric with Liverpool bid for “terrific” £8m talent.