Mikel Arteta has helped to rejuvenate Arsenal’s season.

Under Unai Emery, their whole campaign was in danger of fizzling out before it had even really got going – it was no real surprise when he was relieved of his duties in November of last year. Since the Spaniard’s appointment, though, they have lost just two from 15 matches, winning eight and drawing the other five.

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Arsene Wenger signing Granit Xhaka, however, has had a season to forget for the most part – and that has been reflected in the sharp decrease in his Transfermarkt value.

In December of 2018, he was valued at £45m, and even on July 1st last year, that number was at £40.5m. Now, though, he is said to be worth just £27m – that is a 40% drop in 18 months.

Here, we take a look at three reasons behind that slump…

Captaincy debacle

One of Emery’s last big decisions was to appoint the 27-year-old as the club’s captain. The path he took to make that decision was questionable in itself – reportedly, the players took part in a secret ballot to decide who the responsibility should be given too, on which the 48-year-old was said to have based his decision – but it was Xhaka who was given the honour.

It didn’t take long for it to look like a huge error of judgement. The initial reaction was far from positive from supporters, but it was during the home match against Crystal Palace where things peaked. In the 61st minute, he was subbed off, with the score at 2-2 after the Gunners had thrown away a 2-0 lead. His departure was met by boos throughout the stadium, at which point the former FC Basel man cupped his hands to his ears, threw his shirt on the ground and shouted expletives at the supporters.

Just a few days later, he was stripped of the armband.

Hertha interest

In December, it looked as though Xhaka would be out of the door during the January window – his agent said terms had been agreed with Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin.

The club from the German capital received a €125m (£114m) investment last year, which saw them spend heavily at the start of 2020 – no other club in Europe parted with more than their €78m (£71.1m). However, their spending spree does not indicate that they are one of the country’s big powerhouses – they are currently 13th in the Bundesliga table and have won just two major trophies since the formation of the German league in its current form in 1963.

The fact that there was any talk of him joining a club that is miles below Arsenal in terms of stature shows just how low his stock has fallen.

Constant questioning

It is fair to say that Xhaka is not a popular figure in north London. Fans have constantly questioned his performances in recent times, which in part led to his reaction in that match against Palace earlier on this season.

It is not just supporters who have questioned him – pundits have also given him plenty of criticism. Last year, Chris Sutton was particularly scathing of his him following his showing against Tottenham (BBC 5 Live via football.london). He said: “The issue for Arsenal – and how many years have we said this – it isn’t going forward, it is defensively, I thought David Luiz had a shocker and Granit Xhaka, you just can’t trust him, he is a liability in an Arsenal shirt.”

It doesn’t get much worse than that, and that amount of judgement from those who comment on the game is only going to hurt his monetary value.

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Dion Sanderson on loan for next season, as reported by Football Insider.

The 20-year-old has been on loan at Cardiff City for the second half of the current campaign, where he has played three games, getting one assist – he did also feature in Wolves’ 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Villa.

Wolves have indicated that they are willing to loan the youngster, who can play at centre-back and full-back, out again, but Villa will face competition from Cardiff among others.

With this in mind, FFC writers have given their verdicts on whether Villa making a loan move for Sanderson shows a lack of ambition.

Lewis Blain

“I don’t think Villa plotting a loan swoop for Wolves starlet Dion Sanderson is a lack of ambition, and I’d be surprised if it even happened unless they are competing in the Championship next term.

“The young wing-back is an impressive prospect – one that completely epitomises Fosun’s ambition – and he could well be the long-term heir to Matt Doherty’s throne should he play his cards right.

“He is currently pulling up trees whilst on loan to Cardiff City where his manager Neil Harris lauded him on his debut, claiming he showed “real character and heart”. Arguably, this has been something Dean Smith’s side have been without this campaign as they find themselves in the relegation zone. Therefore, Sanderson could give Villa something they are lacking.”

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Jack Saville

“The reported move for Dion Sanderson has all the makings of Kortney Hause 2.0.

“Villa may have secured a cut-price deal for the 24-year-old defender last summer following a promising loan spell, but his lack of involvement so far this season speaks volumes about his standing at the club.

“Wolves are a club in the ascendancy and they continue to show Villa the path to the Premier League elite. Sanderson’s move to Villa Park would only reinforce Villa’s position as a subordinate of the high-flying Wanderers, so Dean Smith should be aiming for much more established talents to bridge the gulf in class between the two sides.

“Not to mention that the Villans could effectively give Wolves a helping hand in the development of one of their young talents.

“Villa should swerve this deal if Sawiris has any ambition.”

Did he really play for us?! No Villa fan has managed to name all of these obscure Villans….

Viji Jeevathayalan

“Whilst rivalries are all well and good, it would all be forgotten in an instant if the Sanderson plays a big part in Villa’s success next season. His ability to play at both centre-back and right-back would add some vital versatility to Dean Smith’s side, and would surely also make him the perfect candidate to play in a back-three if that were to be the case.

“Just look at some of the more high-profile examples of players making the switch to rival clubs in years gone by. The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez for example. The fans didn’t kick up a fuss, because they started delivering on the pitch, and the same will apply to Sanderson.

“Villa’s fiercest rivals remain Birmingham, and so bringing in a player from Wolves isn’t exactly the biggest cardinal sin in the world either. This is a sacrifice worth taking for Smith.”

Danny Lewis

“When Scott Hogan went out on loan to Birmingham City, Villa fans mercilessly poked fun at both the striker and their rivals – if they go through with this move, Villa could be making themselves a bit of a laughing stock in a similar way.

“Things have worked out for Hogan so far, as he already has seven goals and an assist. However, it should be kept in mind that this is someone who has played 119 Championship games, scoring 39 goals and assisting another eight.

“As mentioned above, Sanderson has only played three at this point, so there is far from any guarantee that he will come good – especially if Villa manage to stay in the Premier League. Even if he does develop well, it will be Wolves who benefit most in the long-run.

“Villa would be much better off going out and making a permanent signing that they can turn into a regular feature in their side for years to come.”

Meanwhile, one Villa flops entire season can be encapsulated by one picture.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been drooling over the latest news coming out of their camp during this time off as reports suggest manager Jose Mourinho is going to hand a popular figure more of an opportunity upon the Premier League’s return.

According to Football Insider, the Portuguese boss is planning on handing teenage midfielder Oliver Skipp a prominent role amongst the first-team setup – when, should and if domestic action gets back underway.

It’s claimed that the 19-year-old has made a major impression on Mourinho since he took the reins back in November and is now set to be a key member of the senior fold.

He has also been offered fresh terms with his current contract due to expire next summer.

Supporters in north London are besotted by this latest update, here’s how they have been reacting…

There were plenty of glowing endorsements for the young Englishman, including “bright talent” and the “best” to ever come through the academy, but none are as important as what Mourinho has lauded in the past, he said: “Phenomenal. Very, very good. Very, very good, solid performance” after their FA Cup exit to Norwich City earlier this month.

Missing football!? There’s still plenty of Spurs discussion going on in the Vital Tottenham Forum! Click here to get involved!

Many others on Tottenham Way believe Skipp is a far better option than Harry Winks, despite only featuring eight times this season compared to the 24-year-old’s 33 appearances.

One supporter went as far as suggesting that the younger midfielder was above Winks by a mile and another said he brings so much more to the team.

There were even huge comparisons made to former Lilywhites midfielder Scott Parker as many could draw similarities to the now-Fulham boss and Skipp.

While one member of the Spurs faithful could see the starlet being a solid defensive midfield option, one that could give Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele more freedom further afield.

It’s been reported that Mourinho is chasing a player who can fulfil such a role this summer, so might he have the cheapest and best option right under his nose?

There’s only one way to find out, and that’s through regular game time – with Spurs’ season effectively over, now is very much the perfect time to do so.

Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?

AND in other news, would signing this Bundesliga star be a big Levy mistake or a perfect Eriksen replacement?

Leeds United should let centre-back Gaetano Berardi leave the club on a free this summer according to LeedsLive correspondent Beren Cross, and it would certainly be a bold call to make.

What’s he said?

The 31-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season with lots of talk over whether he should be offered an extension.

Plenty of supporters have made their feelings clear in recent weeks, claiming that he needs to retire at Elland Road as well as being a “talisman” and a “chief” for the club while ex-Whites midfielder Andy Couzens among others are of the same belief, too.

But Cross isn’t that way inclined, claiming the centre-back isn’t good enough to compete in the Premier League, especially as he’s prone to being rash and racks up too many errors.

Speaking in his recent column, he said…

“Release.

“Take the emotion out of it. Commanding at his best under Bielsa, especially in the early months of last season, but gets too few minutes to generate any consistency.

“He is prone to rash tackles and errors at this level, which would only be further exposed in the top flight.

“An easy keep as a back-up option if he were under contract, but with his deal expiring, is this a natural time to end the love affair? Turns 32 in August too.”

Beren Cross, LeedsLive.

Tough call

This decision is probably one of the biggest facing Marcelo Bielsa this summer.

He’s set to lose Brighton loan star Ben White and getting rid of another central defender could be risky business as it leaves the injury-prone Liam Cooper as the only senior option alongside a few members of the U23 squad.

Berardi’s also become a bit of a fan-favourite, as seen by the reaction above, having previously been blasted by some for being a liability.

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The Swiss ace has featured in just 17 league matches this term but has managed to keep a clean sheet in 11 of them, meaning he’s proven to be a very worthwhile and resolute option for Bielsa to consider.

Although, the Premier League is a different ball game – can he replicate these exploits against the likes of Sergio Aguero, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Harry Kane?

Given his previous reputation, you’d have to side with no.

What could’ve been… Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

AND in other news, Leeds fans rave over Jack Harrison footage…

According to The Daily Express, Everton are set to face competition from fellow Premier League side Leicester for midfielder Baptiste Santamaria.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent months had suggested Carlo Ancelotti’s side were looking at a potential move for Santamaria in the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise.

Now, The Daily Express have revealed that whilst the Toffees have continued to watch the Angers ace, they are now set to face a battle for his signature from Leicester.

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The report claims that the Foxes are keeping tabs on Santamaria, and that they have been “keeping a careful eye on him in the last few months”, with La Liga sides Sevilla and Villareal also taking a keen interest in him.

Priority

Given how Morgan Schneiderlin has struggled massively at Goodison Park and arguably needs to be sold this summer, Everton desperately need to tie up a move for Santamaria.

The 25-year-old has been an ever-present for Angers this season, failing to complete the full 90 minutes in just one of the French side’s 28 Ligue 1 games.

He has been one of the best defensive-minded players in France, with his impressive average of 3.3 tackles per game putting him in joint-fourth amongst all players in the division.

Having someone like him to screen the Everton back-line could ensure Ancelotti’s side don’t suffer dismal defeats like the one against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Having an anchor man to just sit and protect would allow the Toffees’ more flair players the chance to shine further forward. It’s no surprise that only five teams have let in more than their abysmal total of 46 goals in the top-flight.

It’s exactly why they need to be very wary of sides both in the Premier League and abroad jumping ahead of them in the race to sign the £8.1m-rated Santamaria.

Meanwhile, Everton fans have reacted to this Richarlison tweet.

Yuvraj Singh has received the Arjuna Award, an Indian government honour to recognise outstanding achievement in sport, from Indian president Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi. Yuvraj is currently preparing to make a comeback to international cricket after recovering from a rare germ-cell cancer.”It’s a special award for me,” Yuvraj said. “I had been nominated few times but finally I got it this time. It’s a proud moment for me and my family. The award will give me a lot of confidence to make a comeback and perform well.”Yuvraj hasn’t played any top-flight cricket since last November but has been picked for the Twenty20s against New Zealand next month and the World Twenty20 as well. He brushed aside doubts over whether he is fit enough for the rigours of top-flight cricket.”Experts are not watching me. They don’t know about my fitness. It’s me who knows what’s going on. It’s me who is feeling it from inside,” Yuvraj said. “I know myself better and I am confident enough to do well in the World Cup in Sri Lanka.”Following chemotherapy in February and March, Yuvraj began training in June. “I am practising hard at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore,” he said. “The experts over there are watching my fitness level. I know what I am doing and I just want to concentrate on my return and playing cricket.”If you look at the last three months, I am really training hard and peaking well. I am looking forward to play my first game after a year.”Yuvraj also insisted that he had enough practice to be ready for the World Twenty20. “I had played three practice games at NCA. I will get some serious match practice in the two matches against New Zealand scheduled September 8 and 11. Then, I would be playing two more practice matches. So, you see, I will be having seven games before the World Cup. I will be having enough match practice.”

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been reacting to reports linking them with a move for a forward they know all too well.

According to LaRoma24, Spurs are prepared to negotiate with Serie A outfit Roma for the transfer of Patrik Schick, who has been impressing out on loan with RB Leipzig this campaign.

Should the German side fail to take up their €29m option-to-buy, then Daniel Levy could be free to swoop in for the 24-year-old.

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Schick was part of the squad that beat Spurs in the Champions League Round of 16 back in March, starting both legs, although he failed to get his name on the scoresheet.

He has, however, found the net seven times from 19 appearances in all competitions this season, which includes strikes against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

The 6 foot 1 centre-forward has also picked up 22 caps with his national side, the Czech Republic.

Several members of the Spurs faithful would like to see Schick make the switch to the Premier League whilst others had their doubts given Levy’s infamous transfer history.

Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Spurs fans react to Christian Eriksen comments…

Match facts

October 16, 2012
Start time 1330 local (1130 GMT)First step for Yorkshire: stopping Shane Watson•Associated Press

Big Picture

Sydney Sixers underlined why they are among the bookies favourites to win the Champions League T20 during their opening victory over the most consistent IPL side, Chennai Super Kings. Their fast bowling is the best in the tournament, and can rival most international teams – it was their fifth-best quick bowler Moises Henriques who carved out the heart of Chennai’s middle order to turn the game decisively in Sixers’ favour.The batting is their weaker arm. They need early wins to ensure they aren’t sweating at the end of the league phase, when their most destructive batsman Shane Watson won’t be available, having been ordered back home to prepare for the upcoming home summer.The batting is the problem for their opponents, Yorkshire, as well. Against the fearsome Sixers line-up, Yorkshire will need plenty from the experienced pair of Phil Jaques and Andrew Gale, especially in the absence of Jonny Bairstow. The county side’s batsmen kept their cool in the chase in both qualifying games to earn a place in the main tournament, but the quality of the opposition they faced in the qualifiers aren’t in the same class as the Sixers.

Watch out for…

Gary Ballance has already shown what he is capable of in this tournament, demolishing Trinidad & Tobago’s chances by targetting their weaker bowlers. Can he pull off similar big hits against the pace of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins?Steve Smith may not be the most popular cricketer in Australia, but he has been solid in T20 league performances this year. He led the Sixers to the BBL title at the start of 2012, then become one of the few bright lights of a dismal Pune Warriors IPL campaign. His bowling isn’t used very often, but even in the match against Chennai he showed two aspects through which he contributes: the composed catch of Suresh Raina in the deep was a game-changing moment, and he also provided some late fireworks with the bat to push Sixers to a big score.

Quotes

“Before this some of these guys hadn’t seen the Newlands in their lives; they just saw it on TV. Now they’re practising there and sitting in the change room there. All these little things are so exciting for them.”

“I’m hoping that I’ve learnt enough over the last few years for this to be happening more often.”

Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher is the kind of player Crystal Palace have got to be looking at this summer, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern.

While West Brom, where Gallagher spent last season out on loan, had a difficult 2020/21 campaign, it was still a campaign the 21-year-old can draw positives from.

After loan spells with Swansea City and Charlton Athletic in the Championship, it was his first taste of Premier League football, which he got plenty of.

In total, Gallagher made 30 appearances and scored two goals as he continued his development in the men’s game.

Palace are now thought to be keen on bringing the midfielder in and reuniting him with Marc Guehi, with The Athletic reporting on the club’s interest, and Palmer believes it would be the right decision.

“He did really well at West Brom,” the ex-Baggies player said. “He’s proved he can play at that level, so with funds going to be limited at Crystal Palace, you’ve got to be looking at a player like that to come [in on loan] and be part of your squad.

“He’s got lots of ability and I’m sure with Patrick Vieira taking over at the helm of the club that these players want to play for him.”

Bringing Gallagher in may not be straightforward, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in the England U21 international.

According to a recent report from The Express and Star, West Brom are eyeing up a late January move for winger Jacob Murphy. The Englishman currently plays his football at Premier League outfit Newcastle United and has done so since leaving Norwich City back in the summer of 2017, although struggles for regular game time under Magpies manager Rafa Benitez this season has plunged his future at St James’ Park into doubt.

And a recent report from The Express and Star suggests that Darren Moore’s Baggies are one side seeking to take the winger on loan for the rest of the season, although the report does state that Murphy will only be allowed to leave if Newcastle strengthen their attacking options.

And with reports recently (as per the BBC) suggesting that the Magpies are closing in on a deal to sign Miguel Almiron, the door could well be ajar for Moore to finally lure the £6.3 million-rated Baggies target (as per Transfermarkt) to the Hawthorns.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the Midlanders have seen fellow wingers Harvey Barnes and Bakary Sako leave the club this month to leave Moore somewhat short of options in that area of the field, with Barnes’ return to Leicester City particularly painful given just how brilliant he was in the first half of the season.

The England Under-21 international scored a mightily impressive nine goals and laid on seven assists in only 26 Championship appearances for West Brom in the first half of the campaign to help them into promotion contention, with the young winger alongside Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez very much terrorising opposition defences throughout the campaign.

However, with the Englishman recalled by Claude Puel’s Foxes, alongside Sako’s move back to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, a move for Newcastle’s Murphy makes complete sense, especially given how impressive he was for Norwich in the second tier a few years ago.

While the 23-year-old hasn’t quite been able to prove his worth to the North East giants since his move there back in 2017, there is no forgetting the level he produced during his time at Carrow Road in the 2016/17 season, which ultimately earned him the move to Newcastle.

The winger, capped six times at Under-21 level by England, bagged eight goals and laid on eight assists in 37 Championship appearances for the Canaries as they scored goals for fun to eventually finish eighth under Alex Neil – only Cameron Jerome (16) and Nelson Oliviera (11) scored more than Murphy for the Norfolk-based outfit.

Clearly then, the 23-year-old has great pedigree at second tier level just waiting to be unleashed once again, and with Newcastle reportedly (as per the BBC) closing in on a move for the highly-rated Almiron, that is only likely to push Murphy even further down Benitez’s pecking order.

And with reports recently (as per The Express and Star) suggesting that the winger would be allowed to leave were improvements brought in to that area of the field, the door is very much ajar for Moore to finally lure the Baggies target to West Brom.

West Brom fans… what do you think? Let us know!