All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their first win in all competitions since 9 March with a 2-1 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Gary O’Neil was desperate for a win in order to bolster Wolves’ slim hopes of finishing in the top half of the table this season.

Goals from Hwang Hee-Chan and Toti Gomes had the Old Gold sailing to a comfortable afternoon, yet Luton scored with just ten minutes left to set up a nervy finish.

The Molineux side held out for their first win in seven games, with Mario Lemina arguably the standout performer for O’Neil.

Mario Lemina’s game in numbers vs Luton Town

The 30-year-old was tasked with controlling the game from the heart of the midfield as O’Neil flooded the middle of the pitch with players looking to dominate that area against the Hatters.

Lemina was keen to break forward and support the attack, grabbing an assist along with making two key passes, succeeding with 50% of his dribble attempts and taking two shots, which were off target, during the game.

Accurate passes

71/78

Key passes

2

Touches

97

Possession lost

12

Total duels (won)

11 (7)

It was his distribution which should be given the most plaudits, however, as he finished the game with a 91% pass success rate, dictating the game.

The midfielder also won seven of his 11 contested duels, made two tackles, and took 97 touches in what was a dynamic display which demonstrated both his attacking and defensive skills.

If he can maintain this sort of form over the closing weeks of the season, Wolves could seal a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Mario Lemina’s stats this season for Wolves

The Gabon international has emerged as a key player for O’Neil, making 31 appearances in the top flight, missing just three matches all season.

He is usually at his best when playing alongside Joao Gomes and this could be Wolves’ starting midfield partnership next term.

Among his teammates, Lemina has shone this term. Indeed, he currently ranks fifth for overall Sofascore rating (7.07) in the Premier League, along with ranking fifth for total shots per game (1.4) and accurate passes per game (35.3).

Defensively, he ranks second for tackles per game (2.5) and first for interceptions per game (1.2) while the player has also won five total duels per game – a success rate of 54% – meaning he wins his physical battles more often than not.

His performance on Saturday afternoon confirmed that he can contribute effectively whether Wolves have the ball and this could be crucial as they face Manchester City and Liverpool before the end of the season.

O’Neil will be keen to bolster his squad during the summer transfer window in order to add some much-needed depth, but despite Lemina approaching 31, he should certainly be one of their main players next season, such is his ability to control games and showcase his influence.

His performance against Luton was key to Wolves breaking their winless run. With City up next, Lemina must be at his best if they aim to secure a league double over Pep Guardiola’s men.

O'Neil could land "top player" who'd be perfect for Hwang at Wolves

Wolves have reportedly sent scouts to watch a midfielder in action this week…

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2024

It's been a rough season for Manchester United this year, with every impressive last-minute win quickly followed by another embarrassing draw or defeat.

Erik ten Hag has not had the season he would have hoped for after his impressive debut campaign in England, and one of the first signs something was amiss was his public spat with Jadon Sancho back in September.

Since then, the winger has been frozen out of the team and sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January.

There is certainly still a chance that the Englishman will be welcomed back to Old Trafford in the summer, but based on recent reports, the Red Devils could be about to sign the perfect replacement and wash their hands of him.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a report from ESPN, United are now leading the race to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise should he leave Selhurst Park this summer.

The report has revealed that the Frenchman has a release clause worth between £50m to £60m in his contract that will be activated in the transfer window and that United's new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has made him one of the club's primary targets.

The three-time European champions are likely to face stiff competition for the winger's signature from Premier League rivals, but an earlier report from ESPN revealed that the club could offer former Palace player Aaron Wan-Bissaka as part of the deal to encourage the Eagles and ease their own PSR concerns.

Ultimately, any deal for the talented forward would represent a significant investment from the club, but it might just be worth it.

How Olise compares to Sancho

If United can push on with a deal and have the opportunity to sign Olise in the summer, would he be a genuine upgrade on Sancho?

Well, from a productivity perspective, the "magic" Frenchman, as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, has his English counterpart beat hands down. In his 16 games this season, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists, giving him an average of a goal involvement every 1.4 games despite his injury problems.

In contrast, the Camberwell-born ace has scored three goals and provided just two assists in 20 appearances, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement every four games, with all of said involvements coming in Germany.

What about under the hood, then? Is the comparison just as heavily weighted in the Palace ace's favour?

Unfortunately for the United man, while he produces more progressive passes and carries, makes more ball recoveries, takes players on more, and has a better pass completion rate per 90, he comes out second best in the majority of important metrics and by quite a way in some.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.67

0.29

Non-Penalty Goals

0.53

0.21

Assists

0.35

0.07

Progressive Passes

5.04

5.41

Progressive Carries

4.96

5.55

Shots on Target

3.73

0.75

Passing Accuracy

73.2%

80.0%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.04

4.73

Goal-Creating Actions

0.80

0.55

Take-Ons

5.75

7.88

Success % of Take-Ons

56.9%

50.4%

Ball Recoveries

4.87

5.14

Aerial Duels Won

0.53

0.00

For example, the "phenomenal" Palace gem, as U23 scout Antonio Mango described him, produces a far higher non-penalty expected goal and assist figure, scores more goals, provides more assists, takes far more shots on target, has a higher success rate when taking players on, wins more aerial duels, and produces substantially more shot and goal-creating actions, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Sancho is still a talented player and is showing as much in the Champions League, his raw output and underlying numbers are clearly worse than Olise's, and so if United have the chance to replace him with the Frenchman this summer, they absolutely should, even at £60m.

Man Utd make first move to sign "magnificent" new gem to support Hojlund

The Red Devils are looking to add attacking depth.

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2024

Arsenal have displayed a willingness to pay £52 million for one club's key player this summer, as sporting director Edu gets to work pre-summer.

Edu makes Arsenal transfer vow after sealing new Jorginho deal

This week, some important news emerged from north London, with midfielder Jorginho putting pen to paper on a new contract and extending his stay until 2025.

Arsenal now in talks with £52.8 million ace who's getting close to joining

Mikel Arteta could hijack Barcelona in the process.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2024

The Italy international's deal was set to expire this summer, but manager Mikel Arteta and the club's board have seen fit to reward him with fresh terms following Jorginho's more pivotal role in the last few months.

The former Chelsea star has featured in 12 of Arsenal's last 16 Premier League matches, starting half of them and contributing effectively in Arteta's chase to hand the club a first title in 20 years.

Brighton 0-3 Arsenal

7.66

Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal

7.61

Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace

7.21

Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool

7.15

Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle

7.01

Arsenal are targeting a new midfielder to potentially replace Thomas Partey, but the pressure is somewhat eased by Jorginho's extension, as Arteta keeps his utility man in north London for another year.

After tying the 32-year-old down, Edu made a vow to "continue building to be better and stronger", with Standard Sport journalist Simon Collings also claiming they're targeting four major signings across the pitch in a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.

"We’re very happy to have Jorgi sign a contract extension with us. He represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success." said Edu on Jorginho's new contract.

“I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us, not only the players and coaches, but all the staff behind the scenes as well. It’s great that Jorginho remains with us, as we continue building to be better and stronger."

While Jorginho helps to shore up the numbers for next season, the plan to sign another star centre-midfielder to partner Declan Rice is still very much on. Arsenal have been heavily linked with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this week in that regard.

A report by COPE (via Sport) in the last few days stated that Arsenal are already in talks with Zubimendi as they leapfrog Barcelona in the race to sign him, and another update has now surfaced courtesy of Estadio Deportivo.

Arsenal show "willingness" to pay £52 million to sign Zubimendi

According to the Spanish news outlet, via Sport Witness, Arsenal have "shown their willingness to pay" £52 million for Zubimendi – which just so happens to be the full value of his release clause.

However, they're not alone in this stance, as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are in the same boat. Barcelona chief Deco has also met with the Spaniard's agent, so it appears Arteta's side still have stern competition.

Xavi is also a big fan of Zubimendi, having called him an "extraordinary pivot".

For one final time, Manchester United took the pitch with a centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at Wembley, with the World Cup-winning duo making a much-needed return to action following their respective injury-hit campaigns.

With Varane already confirmed to be on his way this summer, the Frenchman ensured it was to be a perfect send-off after putting in a statement showing in the FA Cup showpiece, helping to keep a muted Erling Haaland at bay after recording seven clearances and enjoying a stunning 95% pass accuracy.

Such a performance has not been seen enough during the 31-year-old's three-year stint in Manchester due to his repeated spells on the sidelines, yet it remains the case that there will be a sizeable void to be filled ahead of next season…

Man Utd's search for a centre-back

With the likes of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford, the defensive ranks are seemingly a particular priority, with recent reports indicating that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co have identified Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as a leading target.

The 21-year-old is not the only young English talent on United's radar, however, with the Daily Star revealing that the club are also considering Chelsea's Levi Colwill as a possible alternative, with Branthwaite likely to require an offer of around £80m.

While no price tag is suggested for Colwill, the former Brighton and Hove Albion loanee is valued at €50m (£43m) by CIES Football Observatory, with the Red Devils perhaps hoping they can capitalise on the Blues need to sell, amid PSR fears.

Why Levi Colwill would be perfect for Man Utd

A promising, fellow left-footer like Branthwaite, the 21-year-old Chelsea starlet could present the dream alternative in United's search for a central defender, with Colwill also boasting the benefit of being able to slot in at left-back – a huge bonus considering Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw's injury woes this season.

While the one-cap England international has endured setbacks of his own this term – not featuring in the league since early March – he particularly shone during his time at the Amex in 2022/23, as Roberto De Zerbi's side qualified for the Europa League.

In 17 league outings that season, the emerging talent notably won 71% of his aerial duels and 65% of his total duels, all while enjoying a pass accuracy of 89% – Martinez, for instance, won 51% of his aerial duels and 60% of his total duels, all with a pass accuracy rate of 87% from his 27 league appearances in 2022/23.

Stats (per 90)

Branthwaite

Colwill

Non-penalty goals

0.09

0.05

Assists

0.00

0.05

Pass completion

79.8%

82.9%

Progressive passes

2.14

3.77

Progressive carries

0.06

1.10

Successful take-ons

0.14

0.34

Tackles

1.91

2.34

Interceptions

1.44

1.24

Aerial duels won

2.72

2.24

Although Colwill still needs to showcase that talent consistently across an entire season, he has certainly earned rave reviews when he has featured, with now former Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino tipping him to "be one of the greatest centre-backs in England" in the future.

Such praise has also come in the form of comparison to United legend, Rio Ferdinand, with his brother Anton having previously stated: "He's very good on the ball, very calm on the ball and collected. He's assertive with his passes and can start attacks, so when you look at a modern-day centre-back, he has everything to go back to the top. The word Rolls Royce was associated with Rio, and he has similar attributes to Rio."

A six-time title winner at the Theatre of Dreams, Ferdinand enjoyed a glittering 12-year stint at the club, heralded as 'as one of the greatest ball-playing central defenders of his era', as per the Premier League's official website.

Much like the ex-Leeds United man, Colwill would be making a somewhat controversial move from a rival early in his career, if he was to choose the Red Devils, although the hope would be that he could form the bedrock of the defence for the next decade or so – as Ferdinand did before him.

It may be Euro 2024 hopeful, Branthwaite, who is the name on everybody's lips at present, yet it would be foolish to ignore Colwill's undoubted, Ferdinand-esque talents.

Man Utd very keen to sign £102m Casemiro upgrade who's like Scholes

The Man Utd target has been described as an “insane” talent.

ByTom Lever May 23, 2024

Everton can already look ahead to the 2024/25 campaign after they secured their place in the Premier League despite a season of off-the-field turmoil.

The Toffees ended the season 14 points clear of the relegation zone, with the defence playing a real key part in their success – keeping 13 clean sheets in the process.

Sean Dyche has led the team to survival, despite two points deductions during the season, with five wins in the club's last eight games in the top-flight during 2023/24.

The former Burnley boss and his recruitment team can now look ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window to decide what they want to do to improve the playing squad ahead of next term.

However, the club could lose multiple key players during the off-season, with the club needing to offload players to avoid a further PSR breach during the upcoming season.

Jarrad Branthwaite is the most likely to leave Merseyside, amid rampant interest from Manchester United, leaving Dyche and his side with a gaping hole in their backline, desperately needing to target one player to replace the youngster at Goodison.

The player Everton should target to replace Branthwaite

In previous months, Everton have been linked with a move to sign Hull City centre-back Jacob Greaves, following his excellent campaign for the Tigers in the Championship.

The 23-year-old has featured 43 times for the second-tier side, with Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur are also said to hold an interest in the left-footed centre-back, although the extent of their interest in him remains unclear at this moment in time.

Football Insider has previously claimed that a bid of around £15m from any of the sides interested should be enough to tempt the Tigers into doing business in the summer.

It could prove to be a potential bargain for Dyche’s side, especially considering the price of English talents in 2024. Undoubtedly, the club won’t want to lose star man Branthwaite, but their financial status could see them have to sell him to balance the books.

However, any potential move for Greaves could be a shrewd one, with the youngster having the ability to follow in the footsteps of a big-money Premier League talent.

Why Greaves could be Harry Maguire 2.0 for Everton

Harry Maguire has been a big name in England over the last couple of years, joining Manchester United for £80m from Leicester City and featuring for England at numerous major competitions.

However, he also featured for Hull at an earlier stage in his career, making a name for himself before completing his move to the East Midlands after the Foxes Premier League triumph – with Greaves set to follow a similar path to his compatriot.

When delving into Greaves’ stats this season, the 22-year-old has produced some excellent figures that blow United centre-back Maguire out of the water.

The “top-class” defender, as dubbed by Second Tier Podcast host Ryan Dilks, has managed a tally of 161 progressive passes in 2023/24 – a tally that is more than double the 31-year-old during the same time period.

Games

43

22

Progressive passes

161

73

Progressive carries

36

20

Pass completion

88%

83%

Tackles

76

24

Aerials duels won

177

69

Interceptions

44

25

He’s also averaged a 5% higher pass completion rate than the England international, whilst also dominating out of possession.

Greaves has also dominated in regaining possession, winning 76 tackles and 177 aerial duels – with both stats more than double of Maguire, albeit in a lower-quality division.

Given the club’s awful financial problems, Everton will have to be smart with who they sign and how much they spend on any potential signings.

However, the Hull centre-back has displayed his quality on a consistent level under Liam Rosenior, with the 22-year-old more than deserving of an opportunity to showcase his talents at Goodison in the Premier League.

Losing Branthwaite would undoubtedly be a blow, but snapping up another young, English left-footer to bolster the backline would hardly be the worst replacement.

Everton plot move for "incredible" PL ace who'd be their own Watkins

The Toffees are looking to bolster their attacking firepower this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 4, 2024

Yet another one of Daniel Farke's stars could be leaving Elland Road this summer amid "big" interest in their talents from elsewhere, it has emerged.

Leeds braced for fire sale

Following the news that Leeds United would be playing Championship football again next season, there has been a queue forming at the Elland Road exit door if the rumour mill is to be believed. There is concern that Leeds may have to have something akin to a fire sale in a bid to raise money, with the club still owing £73.5m in outstanding transfer fees this summer alone.

Phil Hay "surprised" if Leeds don't move for "outstanding" star this summer

He could still arrive at Elland Road despite their Championship status.

ByBen Browning May 30, 2024

According to reports, they could be forced to raise over £100m from player sales before they can even turn their attentions to potential additions that aren't loan signings or free agents.

Most likely to leave is Crysencio Summerville, with the Championship player of the year attracting attention from across the Premier League and Europe, while talented teenager Archie Gray is another who has caught the attention of heavyweights.

Loanees Marc Roca, Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Diego Llorente, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen are all also expected to be deemed surplus to requirements when they return from their spells away this summer, though in the case of Harrison and Roca there are options to let them leave on loan once more this summer.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the fray, with "big" interest in his services ahead of the new season.

Leeds forward in demand

That comes in the shape of Georginio Rutter, who has thrived in England's second tier this season after flattering to deceive in the Premier League. Signed for a massive £45m back in January 2023, the Hoffenheim man was earmarked as one for the future, to the point that he managed just a single Premier League start as Leeds were relegated.

In the Championship though, it has been a different story. Under Daniel Farke, he has started the last 47 Championship games (including play-offs), missing the opening day of the season and being sent on as a substitute in the second game of the campaign.

In that time, he has managed to find the net on seven occasions, but has provided a massive 17 assists for teammates as he helped Leeds back into the playoffs.

Georginio Rutter's impressive Championship season

Appearances

47

Starts

46

Goals

7

Assists

17

Key passes per 90

1.98

Shots on target per 90

0.89

Stats provided by fbref

After one particularly impressive performance against Hull City in April, BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope dubbed him "immense" and praised his work rate in particular.

"He was immense.

"I think he took three players out of the game just with a switch of the hips – Shakira style. Before the game Neil Redfearn specifically said it will be so important what Georginio Rutter does without the ball.

"From minute one defensively he was in at right-back helping Sam Byram out, helping Joe Rodon out. I thought he was incredible."

Now though, he could be shown the exit door, with Football Insider claiming that the Frenchman has received "big" interest since the play-off heartbreak.

Should the financial issues be sorted with other sales, there will be little need for the Whites to agree to let Rutter leave, with the youngster still having four years left to run on his £3.5m a year deal at Elland Road.

Despite the attacker being still just 22-years-old, there is little chance that Leeds will recoup anything near the £45m shalled out to sign him should they be forced into a sale, but should his departure mean that they could hold onto the likes of Archie Gray, they may deem it a loss worth taking.

Rangers have reportedly told a European side that they want to sign their £5m-rated “monster” for Philippe Clement this summer.

Clement and Koppen secure three signings for Rangers

The transfer window has only just officially opened, but that hasn’t stopped Clement and director of recruitment Nils Koppen in making a head start on the club’s summer business.

Already, those at Ibrox have secured moves for Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala and don’t appear to be planning on stopping there. Alongside the trio, Rangers are also leading the race to sign 20-year-old forward Yusuf Kabadayi from Bayern Munich in a permanent transfer and out-of-contract midfielder Connor Barron from Aberdeen.

Rangers plotting cut-price move to sign Euro 2024 forward ahead of Celtic

He was linked back in January.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 12, 2024

It is promising to be a busy few months for the Gers ahead of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign, where Clement will be hoping to lift as much silverware as possible in what will be his first full season in charge. To help him do that, Rangers appear to be keen on finally securing a deal for a player they were first linked with back in November.

Rangers tell club they want to sign £5m defender

According to journalist Anel Avdic, Rangers have been in contact with Hammarby IF over a deal for defender Nathaniel Adjei. The Gers are also joined by RSC Anderlecht, with Hammarby wanting €6m (£5m) to sell the player this summer.

“Glasgow Rangers and RSC Anderlecht have informed Hammarby IF that they want to buy Nathaniel Adjei. A first suggestion is to wait shortly. Bajen requires just over six million euros to sell the centre-back this summer.”

Adjei, an out-and-out centre-back, spent the second half of the recent campaign out on loan with French side FC Lorient, making 15 Ligue 1 appearances. He's also made 32 senior appearances for Hammarby.

The Ghana U23 international could now be on the move again, this time in a permanent transfer, with Rangers seemingly keen on his services. The 21-year-old’s Transfermarkt valuation currently stands at €2.5m, so Rangers will need to pay more than twice that amount to secure his services.

Should he move to Scotland, Clement could be getting an imposing 6ft 2 centre-back who Kai Watson, founder of the Rangers Journal, dubbed a “physical monster” when analysing the defender following rumours of a move to Ibrox last year.

Rangers currently have Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Ben Davies, Leon King and Leon Balogun as their centre-back options, so Adjei could be viewed on an upgrade on a few of the names mentioned, making this a deal to keep an eye on once more.

A £21 million player is reportedly very tempted to join Tottenham this summer, coming after a potentially "concrete" offer behind the scenes.

Postecoglou targets Spurs overhaul over multiple transfer windows

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been forthright in his vision, as he seeks to build a winning team at N17 and orchestrate a rebuild of the current squad.

£25 million attacker who Ange personally wants has agreed to join Tottenham

The Lilywhites could be on the verge of a second summer signing.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 26, 2024

Postecoglou wants a new-centre-back, midfielder and striker at Tottenham this summer, with the Australian already seeing Timo Werner's loan deal extended for another season. Chairman Daniel Levy is ready to back the Lilywhites head coach after a promising debut campaign, as Tottenham came very close to sealing fourth in their first year without club-record goalscorer Harry Kane.

A fair few players could depart N17 as well, coming after they released Ivan Perisic, Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon and Tanguy Ndombele already. Tottenham recently attempted a player-plus-cash bid to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, which included out-of-favour midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

Postecoglou believes it will take three or four windows of transfers before Spurs are a major force, though, and has urged patience in their potential rise to the top.

Son Heung-min

7.30

James Maddison

7.17

Pedro Porro

7.04

Cristian Romero

7.03

Dejan Kulusevski

6.96

"We've got a lot of work to do still on the squad and I don't think we're anywhere near where we want to be," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's current squad.

"It probably will take a little bit more than three windows to get there, for sure. Just in terms of the robustness, adaptability, and compatibility of the squad, I think there's still a fair bit of change we need to do.

"I certainly don't think we're one or two players away from getting to where I want us to be, nowhere near it. Some of that will be natural evolution. Some of it hopefully means we continue to get the improvement we've had this year from some of our players. If that happens over the next 12 months, then we'll be in a great position."

One position you didn't expect them to be planning for is between the sticks, especially after Guglielmo Vicario's fantastic debut campaign as Tottenham's undisputed number one to replace Hugo Lloris.

The Italian was praised for some of his heroic displays, but given Fraser Forster is their only senior back-up, a report from Spain states that Spurs are now targeting Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia.

Garcia tempted to join Tottenham after potentially concrete offer

Spanish newspaper AS claims Tottenham are the team "most tempting" Garcia, who helped Espanyol achieve promotion back to La Liga at the first time of asking.

They add that Spurs could have already sent a concrete proposal to the 23-year-old, though don't exactly clarify whether it has definitely gone in. The Spaniard, who will represent his country in the Olympics soon, is described as a key player in Espanyol's quest back to La Liga – and he's now being chased by clubs all over Europe as a result.

Garcia's deal is also thought to include a £21 million release clause.

Arsenal’s transformation over the past couple of seasons under Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Spaniard catapulting the club back into contention for a Premier League title.

The club’s excellent recruitment of players such as William Saliba, Gabriel and Martin Odegaard have cemented the Gunners’ place as consistent challengers to Manchester City, who have claimed four of the last five Premier League titles.

However, each season under Arteta’s guidance, his side are closing the gap, making this summer’s business crucial if they are to finally triumph over Pep Guardiola’s side at the third time of asking.

His side have been widely reported to be targeting players such as Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori and Bilbao winger Nico Williams with the former's potential arrival, in particular, bolstering Arsenal’s defence further despite the impressive displays of Saliba and Gabriel last season.

Despite the incomings, the Gunners will also have to focus on moving numerous players on, including one talent who desperately needs a move away from the club to fulfil his potential.

Arsenal could let go of £50m talent this summer

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah could depart the Emirates this summer in the hope of gaining more regular first-team minutes next season.

The 25-year-old Arsenal academy graduate scored five Premier League goals last season, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United, but it might not be enough to secure his long-term future in North London.

The report goes on to state that he could depart Arteta’s side this window, potentially generating the club a fee in the region of up to £50m.

West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Fulham are all said to be interested in a move for the attacker, with Arsenal needing to cash in on Nketiah in order to maximise their profits.

Matches played

27

Goals

5

Assists

2

Pass accuracy

80%

Duels won

45%

Dribbles completed

35%

Where Arsenal could use Nketiah's £50m fee

As previously mentioned, Calafiori and Williams have both been strongly linked with moves to the Emirates in an attempt to close the gap to Manchester City.

However, despite the duo’s recent form at Euro 2024 – where Williams found the net against Georgia – Nketiah boasts a higher asking price than the pair’s respective price tags – further adding to the need to cash in on the 25-year-old.

Nketiah’s valuation of £50m would represent excellent business by the Gunners, potentially funding a move for either of the two players linked to join Arteta’s side.

Italian defender Calafiori is valued at £42.3m according to reports, whilst Spanish forward Williams has a release clause of around the same amount – a bargain given his record of five goals and 11 assists in La Liga last season.

Both would undoubtedly improve the Arsenal squad ahead of next season, with the club on red alert over a potential move for the pair amid interest from London rivals Chelsea.

Whilst Nketiah has demonstrated his quality in flashes within the Arsenal first-team, he’s been unable to showcase his ability on a consistent basis, unfortunately not having the quality to make a big enough impact to lead the Gunners to the title next season.

The mega fee touted for his potential departure would be superb business by Arteta and Co, allowing the club to invest in any one of Calafiori and Williams – with the latter undoubtedly a huge upgrade on the Arsenal academy graduate in attack.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" ace who's worth way more than Calafiori

The incredible talent has become one of the best defenders in England.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2024

After failing to secure promotion from the Championship last season, Norwich City are poised to bring in a player with experience of getting out of England's second tier.

Norwich make first move of the summer

After losing out in the playoff semi-finals last season, Norwich wasted no time parting company with David Wagner and installing a new coach in the form of former Nordsjælland manager Johannes Hoff Thorup. With a new man in the dugout, the Canaries are now looking to refresh the playing squad.

The "outstanding" young Norwich star who could be Jonny Rowe 2.0

The Canaries youngster must be unleashed by Johannes Hoff Thorup next season.

ByDan Emery Jun 15, 2024

The first man through the door at Carrow Road was José Córdoba, who joined the East Anglian outfit from Levski Sofia. The Panamanian defender arrived for a rumored €3.65million (£3million) fee, making him Thorup's first signing as the Canaries' boss.

With their first deal of the summer complete, Norwich have started to look at other targets including Palmeiras youngster Vanderlan. Whilst this move has not progressed beyond an initial interest, it appears that the Canaries are now about to close in on a deal to sign a highly-rated young player set to leave his club this summer.

Canaries close in on deal for Doyle

As first reported by Football Insider's Wayne Veysey, Norwich are closing in on a deal to sign Callum Doyle after the defender was given the green light to leave Man City this summer. The outlet claims that the 20-year-old is valued by his parent club at around the £15 million mark.

This development is backed up by a report from BBC Sport which states that the deal in question is a one-year loan that will see Doyle spend the duration of next season at the East Anglian outfit, although it is not clear if there is an option or requirement to sign him for £15m next summer.

Despite spending his youth career with Man City, the defender is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, instead being shipped out on loan to various Championship clubs.

The last campaign saw Doyle play for Leicester City, featuring 23 times in all competitions as the Foxes returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Over the course of last season, Doyle stood out as a modern central defender who was comfortable on the ball and even able to fill in as a left back when required.

Shots total

0.97

84th percentile

Passes attempted

79.18

97th percentile

Progressive passes

7.84

99th percentile

Tackles

3.06

90th percentile

Blocks

1.57

81st percentile

Shot-creating actions

2.46

81st percentile

From the table above it is clear that Doyle is a defender who is just as comfortable starting attacks as he is stopping them. The 20-year-old's quality was noted by former England youth coach Ian Foster who described the player as "excellent".

Even if he is a Norwich City player for just one season, there is no doubt that Doyle will be a vital part of the Canaries' side next season as they look to go one better and achieve promotion to the Premier League.