All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal have as many as three exciting strikers on their shortlist this month…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the very reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, who delivered a fresh update on the Gunners’ transfer plans.

“Dusan Vlahovic is their key target for that position with very credible backup options – the likes of Alexander Isak at Real Sociedad and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admirers at Arsenal,” he told The Athletic’s football podcast.

“Vlahovic is going to be really difficult. They’re pushing hard or they have been pushing hard. I’ve not been made aware of any progress in recent days.”

Reliable alternative

With the Fiorentina marksman becoming increasingly out of reach for the north London giants, it’s very encouraging to learn that the club have a range of options, in which Calvert-Lewin is one.

The 24-year-old Everton forward, who has now been capped 11 times by England, is a solid alternative to the Serbian and perhaps even the safer choice. That’s largely due to his prolific record and experience in the Premier League.

He has missed a large part of this season with a fractured foot but he had started with three goals in as many games prior to the setback. Last campaign, he bagged 21 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, further adding to his tally of 15 in 2019/20.

What should make him even more appealing is the fact that he looked up to Thierry Henry as a role model growing up, as revealed during an interview with Sky Sports.

“Thierry Henry is my other idol. Whenever I used to try and get football shirts it was Thierry Henry’s football shirt because he was my favourite player, and I don’t think you can argue with that one,” he said.

Something that Cavert-Lewin would offer Arsenal that perhaps the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette do not is his aerial ability.

The Englishman won 4.3 aerials per game last season and that had increased to 5.3 this term, albeit based on more limited outings, as per WhoScored.

“He must be a nightmare to play against and he has an incredible leap on him like Cristiano Ronaldo,” once claimed his Toffees teammate Richarlison, via talkSPORT.

On the above evidence, the Emirates Stadium faithful have plenty to be excited about. If they do not land Vlahovic, then someone like Calvert-Lewin is certainly an exciting and reliable alternative.

Following Ornstein’s revelation, there is plenty for Arsenal fans to be buzzing about heading into the remainder of the transfer window.

AND in other news, Arsenal “following” £27m-rated “elite talent” who’s like Locatelli, Arteta needs him…

Flocking to Twitter, plenty of Manchester City supporters have absolutely erupted over the latest on their chase to sign Fiorentina sensation Dusan Vlahovic.

Pep Guardiola has shared that his team’s player availability ’emergency’ is officially over, with Ferran Torres now the only man unavailable as the Sky Blues travel to Watford this evening (The Daily Mail).

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City are seeking to maintain their impressive winning run since losing 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace in late October, a hot streak of victories which includes triumphs over bitter rivals Manchester United and European powerhouses Paris-Saint Germain (mancity.com).

As January looms, however, sporting director Txiki Begiristain has been tipped to target a natural striking option and heir to club legend Sergio Aguero, coming after he failed to land one for Guardiola in the summer.

Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) have shared an exciting update on their quest, with the Italian source claiming that Tottenham are slipping away in the race for Vlahovic and City now emerging as favourites.

As Begiristain and the Citizens gather ‘more and more information’ on the 21-year-old ahead of the winter window, it is believed that a ‘shower of millions’ in the form of a Man City bid could now be tabled.

Man City fans ‘buzzing’…

Amid their heavy links to Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland, Fiorentina’s star man could come as an ideal alternative, leaving little wonder as to why plenty of City fans are excited by this latest claim from Italy.

Likened to Haaland himself, the striker has been in hot form for La Viola over 2021/22, scoring 12 goals and setting up two others in just 15 Serie A starts (WhoScored).

He also averaged a killer 3.4 shots on goal per match in that time – more than any Man City player has under Guardiola in the Premier League so far this campaign.

Unsurprisingly, a fair few City supporters want to see him make the move to Eastlands, as they took to Twitter with excited reactions:

“Buzzing, some good news.”

Credit: @SumonM21

“Please let this be true”

Credit: @Jacob4rmstrong

“No way”

Credit: @Mantus_G

“Music to me ears”

Credit: @vhoooosh

“Siuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu”

Credit: @Weezy_ef

“Finally a striker. Please just sign one lads”

Credit: @BernardoTouch

“LESSS GOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news: ‘Aaaah’, ‘Siuuu’, ‘Finally’…Many Man City fans go wild as ‘perfect’ £53.9m claim emerges, find out more here.

Rangers recently announced the arrival of Zeb Jacobs as the club’s new head of coaching in the academy, with the Belgian set to officially join in January.

The Royal Antwerp youth development coach’s move to Glasgow could indicate a willingness from Giovanni van Bronckhorst to bring through the next batch of talent into the first team, and that could include signing new players to the academy.

US-based journalist Brian Sciaretta reported that the Gers recently had 17-year-old Colorado Rapids winger Dantouma ‘Yaya’ Toure on a trial. The forward has since gone on to train with Arsenal, although it remains to be seen where his future lies.

Reyna 2.0

Gers chief Ross Wilson must work with Van Bronckhorst to convince Toure to make the move to Ibrox to work with Jacobs from January onwards, as he could be the club’s next Claudio Reyna.

Reyna played 91 games in all competitions for the club, scoring 13 goals in total, before heading off to England to play for Sunderland and Manchester City. He lifted two Premiership titles and one League Cup trophy with the Gers during his time at Ibrox, highlighting the success he had in Glasgow.

The midfielder ended his career with 112 caps for the USA and was inducted into the country’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

In Toure, Rangers could land their next American star. He has already been capped by the USA at under-16 and under-17 level, whilst he made his MLS debut for Colorado Rapids earlier this year, having been on loan to Switchbacks FC in the USLC prior to that, playing 23 times.

Colorado’s general manager Padraig Smith previously pointed to the teenager’s ‘tremendous potential’ and claimed that the forward is ‘powerful’, saying: “Yaya is an exciting talent who has already shown tremendous potential through his performances in the USL Championship as a 16-year-old.

“He’s powerful and explosive on the ball and has an ability to take on defenders that allows him to be a difference-maker. We believe he has all the qualities necessary to develop into an elite player and are excited to see what the future holds for him.”

This suggests that the 17-year-old has the potential to push on and make an impact at senior level, with Smith claiming that he could become an ‘elite player’. Therefore, Rangers could land a future star by bringing Toure to the club and find their new Captain America – Reyna 2.0 – as he has shown promise as a young player and is seemingly highly-rated in the USA.

There is also the potential financial boost from the marketing side of it. A successful young American international athlete could bring increased publicity across the Atlantic and uncover new markets for Rangers to explore, be it through advertising or shirt sales. However, it is hard to gauge how big of a factor that would be until it happens.

AND in other news, Wilson could pull off Rangers masterclass with key talks scheduled, GvB would love it…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Jesse Lingard, regarding Manchester United’s transfer plans for him.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are willing to part ways with the England international for a fee of £10m in January.

The report claims West Ham and Newcastle could be in the race to land his signature, with the latter’s interest potentially increasing the fee United can sell him for.

Ben Arfa 2.0

Eddie Howe could find Newcastle’s new Hatem Ben Arfa with a £10m deal for Lingard in the upcoming transfer window.

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The French attacking midfielder enjoyed an impressive spell at St. James’ Park as he produced 15 goals and 16 assists in 86 appearances for the club. He was capable of the spectacular and scored two sensational individual goals against Blackburn and Bolton during his time in England.

Lingard is a player who can provide Newcastle with similar qualities. He scored a stunning solo strike against Wolves for West Ham earlier this year and ended his loan spell with the Hammers on nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games, showing that – like Ben Arfa – he can provide plenty from advanced midfield positions.

United coach Michael Carrick once praised the midfielder’s willingness to make runs off the ball and move players around. He said:

“I think his movement is excellent. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

This highlights his work out of possession to go with his Ben Arfa-like quality in the final third on the ball, which makes him a well-rounded player who could offer a lot to Newcastle in the second half of the season. Howe could pull off a masterclass by bringing him to Tyneside as his statistics for West Ham suggest that he could make the difference at the top end of the pitch and win matches for the Magpies.

The ex-Bournemouth coach must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Lingard as his goals and assists could end up being the difference between survival and relegation, should he help the club win more matches with his contributions. He has proven that he can deliver in the Premier League and produce magical moments, thus demonstrating he could be the Ben Arfa 2.0 that Howe needs.

AND in other news, Howe could win over NUFC fans by axing £41k-p/w dud and landing “magnificent” beast…

Said Benrahma could be facing an axe from West Ham’s starting XI in what would be a bold and brutal call from manager David Moyes.

His Irons side host Brighton and Hove Albion at the London Stadium this evening, where they will be looking to respond after back-to-back league defeats.

On Sunday, the east London outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Manchester City at a wintery Etihad Stadium but it was a game in which they barely competed, with Pep Guardiola making it ten wins from 11 top-flight encounters.

Indeed, City ran the show, registering 69% possession and a whopping 19 attempts on goal, compared to the Hammers’ five, via SofaScore.

After failing to score in the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers a week earlier, their form in the final third is certainly going to be a cause for concern heading into tonight’s encounter.

Benrahma, who started the 2021/22 campaign on absolute fire with a pair of goals and assists in their opening two matches, has been out of sorts as of late, managing only one assist – and no goals – in his last eight league outings.

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And as we saw with Jarrod Bowen on Sunday, Moyes isn’t afraid to drop some of his key stars when required.

The £34m-rated Algerian winger was hooked before the hour mark up in Manchester and it has since been revealed that it was a tactical decision, rather than injury-related, despite the 24-year-old appearing to be “hobbling around” – so that’s rather telling.

Meanwhile, during that aforementioned Premier League clash at Molineux, club legend Tony Gale delivered a scathing assessment of Benrahma’s recent form whilst on commentary duties.

“Benrahma has been struggling today. Not able to get a hold of this contest. Maybe a position change can help him rediscover his form,” he said.

Furthermore, Manuel Lanzini dropped a statement with his sublime goal against City, so that, combined with the other points mentioned above, should see Moyes axe Benrahma from his starting XI when they host the Seagulls this evening.

The £58k-per-week dynamo has been poor for weeks, so it’s time to try something else instead.

AND in other news, Rob Newman could seal bargain Hammers swoop for £12m-rated “monster” who silenced Michail Antonio…

Liverpool managed to increase their impressive goals record in the Premier League so far this season after beating Watford 5-0 at Vicarage Road over the weekend, taking their total to 22 goals scored in just eight league games, higher than any other club in the top flight.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are now set to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this evening to see if they can continue their impressive start to the season.

On the chalkboard

Taking the focus away from Liverpool’s impressive attacking power, one player that we think should be in the starting XI to face Diego Simeone’s side is Reds defender Joel Matip, who has recently been described as being a “top-class” player by Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher.

Speaking about him on MNF this week, the ex-defender continued: “He has actually probably been better than Virgil van Dijk this season.”

Matip joined Liverpool on a free transfer from German club Schalke back in the 2016 summer window. Since then, the 30-year-old, who is earns a weekly salary of £125k-per-week according to Spotrac, has made a total of 132 appearances for the Reds across all competitions in which he has managed to chip in with six goals and three assists.

So far this season, Matip has played in all but one of Liverpool’s Premier League games, proving himself to be an important figure for the Reds.

In Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City, Matip once again proved how much of a defensive unit he is for the club after making four interceptions, three tackles, blocked two shots and made one clearance. That ultimately earned himself an impressive overall match rating of 7.5/10, higher than any other Liverpool defender on the day according to SofaScore.

Taking all of this into account, we feel that Matip should definitely start against Atletico as he has shown he has what it takes to be a tough defensive opponent against high-class opposition. Keeping in mind his form this term, the Cameroon international could bully some of Atletico’s attacking players such as Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix among others.

However, with Liverpool having a big clash against Manchester United in the Premier League at the weekend, there’s every possibility that Klopp could save Matip for that game and give him a rest in midweek. After all, they do have summer signing Ibrahima Konate in their ranks. However, we think the former should definitely be in the starting XI this evening; he may be decisive.

In other news: Liverpool dealt big injury blow ahead of Atletico clash, Klopp will be gutted – opinion

Southampton have famously produced a vast amount of players from their youth ranks that have gone on to have big careers in the game such as Alan Shearer, Matt Le Tissier, Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

One other player that came through Southampton’s youth academy to become a well-known name in football is 32-year-old winger Theo Walcott.

With a total of 373 Premier League appearances under his belt, 53 of those have come for Southampton, bagging eight goals and providing three assists in the process.

Taking into account his age, the fact that with his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023 and the fact that Walcott has failed to score a goal or provide an assist in seven appearances across all competitions this term, it would make sense if Ralph Hasenhuttl starting thinking about a potential replacement for the veteran.

With this in mind, we feel that the south-coast club could already have their ideal long-term heir for Walcott in 18-year-old attacker Ramello Mitchell.

Southampton added Mitchell to their U18 side back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Birmingham City’s youth academy for an undisclosed fee.

When he made the move to St. Mary’s, Mitchell was labelled as a player with “huge potential” by former Saints director of football, Ross Wilson.

Since then, the player has gone on to make 26 appearances for Southampton’s U18 side, beating the goalkeeper on three occasions and supplying two assists whilst also making 28 appearances for their B team.

So far this season, Mitchell has played in all of the Southampton B team games so far this season except for their 1-0 win over Reading’s U23 side, showing how important he is to the team.

Additionally, Mitchell has played on the right-wing and as a centre-forward on occasion this season, the two roles that Walcott has played in more than any other position throughout his long career.

However, most vital to this comparison is their tremendous pace. In the Daily Mail’s Secret Scout report last year, they described the teenager as a ‘powerful runner’, something Walcott has always been famed for.

Moving forward, if the experienced speedster does end up leaving the south coast when his deal ends, it could give the aforementioned youngster a pathway to breaking into their senior side, much in the same way Nathan Tella has.

However, given how he has yet to score a goal or provide an assist for Southampton’s B team, we feel Mitchell will have to show that he can be a useful attacking option at that level and prove himself to Hasenhuttl before being given a chance to shine in the first team.

In other news: Get rid: Ralph must let go of £18k-p/w forgotten Saints figure, his time’s running out – opinion

Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe will not retain his spot in Dean Smith’s starting line-up for today’s game with Tottenham Hotspur, according to Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Hause the matchwinner

The 23-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester United for the second time in his career, started three consecutive games in a row against Brentford, Chelsea and Everton before missing last week’s win at Old Trafford as he was ineligible to face his parent club.

Kortney Hause filled the vacancy in Smith’s side and scored his first goal since Boxing Day with an 88th-minute header to earn Villa their first win at United since 2009.

Ahead of today’s Premier League game with Tottenham, Smith now has a decision to make on who to start alongside Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in defence.

The Latest: Bench only for Tuanzebe

Speaking to Football Insider, former Arsenal striker and occasional Sky Sports pundit Campbell has explained why he believes Tuanzebe will only make the bench this afternoon.

He said: “It’s a big call. What a great problem for Dean Smith to have though.

“I think it would be very difficult for him to drop Hause after he scored the winner against United. For that reason I think Hause will start ahead of Tuanzebe. I really think he will be the one who gets the nod with Mings and Konsa.”

Campbell continued: “As a unit, Villa player brilliantly against United and Hause was one of the star players. I think Smith will go with an unchanged side if he can. How can you drop anyone from a side that just beat Man United at Old Trafford?”

The Verdict: Kane on form

Whoever Smith decides to start with at the back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they must be at their best to stop Harry Kane from adding to his Thursday hat-trick in the Europa Conference League.

Against United, Hause completed 23 of his 30 passes, won all of his aerial duels and had two blocks and two interceptions (Sofascore) as Villa kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet throughout the game.

Tuanzebe may count himself unlucky if he is dropped to the bench, but after a goal and clean sheet at Old Trafford, starting Hause makes sense for Smith. We’re with Campbell on this one.

In other news, these Villa fans have reacted to a journalist update on the upcoming international break. Find out more here.

Alfredo Morelos was ‘malfunctioning quite spectacularly’ in front of goal as Rangers were held to a draw by Hearts on Saturday, in the words of Daily Record columnist Keith Jackson.

The lowdown

The Gers took the lead in the 40th minute courtesy of John Lundstram but were denied victory at Ibrox by Craig Halkett’s 90th-minute strike.

They missed the chance to go three points of the Edinburgh outfit at the top of the table, while Dundee United and Celtic closed in after winning their matches.

Rangers dominated the game with 27 shots to their opponents’ five, but couldn’t make it count. Morelos had seven shots during the game, three more than any of his team-mates, but got none of them on target.

He was guilty of missing what Jackson’s colleague Mark Pirie called a ‘tap-in’ a matter of minutes before Hearts grabbed their equaliser.

The latest

Writing in his Daily Record column, Jackson disparagingly claimed that Morelos cost Steven Gerrard’s side ‘breathing space’ at the top of the Premiership table by swapping his ‘shooting boots’ for a pair of ‘clown shoes’ on Saturday.

However, he does acknowledge that Morelos’ finishing struggles alone don’t ‘paper over the raft of conundrums with which Gerrard continues to grapple’ at Ibrox.

The verdict

Rangers may still be leading the way, but their record of 15 goals in nine matches doesn’t look particularly great. Celtic have netted 21, for instance, while fifth-placed Hibs have only bagged one fewer (Sky Sports).

Morelos, who has scored five goals in 15 appearances so far this season, is one of the players from whom Gerrard will need more as he looks to keep the Gers on top throughout the campaign. Jackson’s ‘clown shoes’ comment may have been melodramatic, but his point about the Colombian being well below his best is not without justification given his goalscoring hauls in previous years.

In other news, some Gers fans slammed this player over the weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a £130,000-per-week offer to Franck Kessie as his contract at AC Milan coming to an end, claim reports in Italy.

The Lowdown: High demand midfielder

Kessie’s contract at the Italian side runs out next summer and it has previously been reported that the Ivory Coast has rejected fresh proposals about remaining at the club.

The midfielder is in high demand after notching an incredible  14 goals from midfield last season, with Spurs rumoured to be competing with Liverpool for his services.

After moving to Milan from Atalanta in 2017, Kessie has drastically improved his all-round game and now could make a move to the Premier League.

The Latest: Paratici already making moves

As per CalcioMercato, Fabio Paratici and co have tabled a £130,000-a-week contract offer to sign the midfielder when his contract runs to an end.

The 25-year-old has reportedly rejected an offer from his current employers to stay at the club, with the deal being worth £82,000-a-week, but increasing in the fourth and fifth years.

With Spurs offering more for Kessie, a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards for the midfielder and the report states Tottenham are looking more and more likely.

The Verdict: Big signing

Spurs’ midfield isn’t the strongest area of their squad, with the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks struggling to make their way into Nuno Espirito Santo’s side since the Portuguese’s arrival.

Kessie, who has been praised and labelled as an irreplaceable leader by Milan icon by Massimo Ambrosini, will have the Champions League to showcase his talent, starting on Wednesday against Liverpool. Any positive performances will skyrocket his portfolio and more clubs could come in for him.

Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by ESPN Serie A pundit Nicky Bandini, he would improve Spurs’ squad massively and take the club to the next level and potentially help them win their first trophy in 13 years.

In other news, Spurs wanted £40million for out of favour midfielder over the summer. Find out more here.