All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal seem keen to finalise a number of new additions at the very start of the window, with one newer name reportedly high on their list.

What's the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

That's according to The Telegraph, who claim that the Gunners are in talks over a move to sign Ajax's young defender Jurrien Timber.

With Mikel Arteta having viewed the Dutchman as atop of his list of defensive reinforcements for some time now, the versatility of the 22-year-old is of keen interest to the Spaniard.

However, having naturally sent Edu to negotiate such a move, the £50m price tag within the report is one they will seek to break down in order to earn a coup.

Given he has already attracted interest from Manchester United in the past, the north London outfit will want to avoid another blunder akin to when they allowed Lisandro Martinez to slip through their grasp.

Did Arsenal nearly sign Lisandro Martinez?

In the summer of 2022, Erik ten Hag was seeking to kickstart his revolution at Manchester United with a few key additions. However, he saw competition for many, especially those that he sought to bring from Ajax with him.

The Gunners were one such team, who even saw two bids submitted for Martinez before the Red Devils would eventually tempt him. Given that the Argentine has become one of the Premier League's most impressive performers and was voted fans' player of the year by his new club, this has unfortunately gone down as a missed opportunity.

As they are poised to once again battle over another defensive addition, Arteta cannot allow history to repeat itself.

After all, the diminutive centre-back still maintained a 7.12 average rating in his debut league term, a figure upheld through a 100% dribble success rate, two tackles and 3.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

It could be argued that Timber represents an even more preferable signing for the north London outfit, given his versatility and standing as the archetypal modern-day defender.

This year for Ajax, the youngster has posted a 7.03 average rating in the league, with his 92% pass accuracy likely of particular interest, via Sofascore.

In fact, when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, it is clear to see just how uniquely outstanding the defender is.

He sits in the top 1% for passes completed, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, likely enhanced due to his ability to step into midfield and full back, via FBref.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig sought to support these figures, as he claimed: "Not the tallest defender but his understanding of the game, anticipation, pace and ball skills are exceptional."

With a future so impressively bright, Arteta must ensure they do not repeat their Martinez mistake again. Timber is his perfect defender, and he cannot be allowed to join a rival.

Aston Villa are eyeing an audacious swoop for a Premier League ace, if latest reports are to be believed.

The Villans are expected to have a busy summer both on and off the pitch, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi set to join Unai Emery to bolster the business side of things at the club.

A host of talent has been linked with a move to Villa Park already, with the latest name being one of high potential.

What’s the latest on Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa?

As reported by FootballTransfers earlier this week, Aston Villa have emerged as a potential candidate to sign Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.

The report claims that Villa are ‘keen’ on the Englishman, who is valued at £60m by his club.

It’s added that, at present, the Midlands club are ‘not willing’ to spend such a figure on the 23-year-old, who has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford.

What could Jadon Sancho offer to Aston Villa?

Despite not thriving as dangerously as he did at Borussia Dortmund, the former Manchester City academy starlet has built a huge reputation due to his thunderous form displayed in Germany.

The left-winger contributed to a monstrous 89 goals in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring 38 himself and assisting 51 in just under three and a half seasons, via Transfermarkt.

Once lauded as being an “insane talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Londoner could be an emphatic name for Emery to introduce to Villa Park and integrate into his free-flowing attack.

This campaign has been tough for the Englishman, who took some time away from activity earlier in the season due to being not “physically or mentally” fit to be among his teammates, as revealed by Erik Ten Hag.

Ending the term with 26 appearances, the 23-year-old contributed six goals and three assists for the Red Devils, showing the gap he finds himself at to being close to his best.

The youngster could reach such levels once more if given the chance to thrive, something he could do by joining Villa, who have been presented with an exciting project thanks to the work of Emery.

Deployed on the left flank, the right-footed ace could be provided with a strong outlet in new arrival Youri Tielemans, who has been praised as a “phenomenon” for his play-making ability by former Anderlecht midfielder Par Zetterberg.

The two could form a dangerous combination in Emery’s attack, as suggested by their statistics gathered, piecing them together as the perfect pair to partner at Villa Park this off-season.

As per Sofascore, the Belgian created 10 big chances, as well as averaging one key pass per game in what was a hugely underwhelming Leicester City side that was relegated from the Premier League.

Most notably, the 26-year-old dynamo averaged 6.95 progressive passes per 90 which when paired with Sancho’s average of 9.23 progressive passes received per 90, proves for exciting potential between the two.

The numbers show both the Englishman’s ability to be progressive in his play through movement and positioning to get into intricate areas in the final third, as well as Tielemans’ own ability to pick and execute a pass from a deeper role.

With a hefty price tag and a long way to go in the summer transfer window, only time will tell if Villa decide to flex their financial strengths to snatch the 23-year-old but given the evidence above, it could well be a risk worth taking for Monchi and co.

Newcastle United will need to bolster the ranks this summer despite finishing in the top four under Eddie Howe's stewardship and ending a two-decade absence from the Champions League this year.

It's been an incredible season for the Tyneside club and the impact of the affluent PIF takeover has been felt with considerable might, sending tremors across the rest of the Premier League as the Magpies swiftly crafted a team capable of competing against the most imperious outfits both domestically and abroad.

Now, having revelled in the success of the campaign, the Magpies must turn their attention to the summer market with haste, making astute moves to enrich the squad's collective talent ahead of an important season that will focus on sustaining the newfound stature, and swooping for someone like Adrien Rabiot could bear fruit.

Indeed, the Juventus midfielder is out of contract this month and has attracted attention from Newcastle and divisional rivals Manchester United, who failed in an attempt to sign the Frenchman last year.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are 'leading the race' for the 28-year-old, but despite this, further reports from the likes of Calciomercato claim that Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth is ready to return for the Old Lady's midfield general this month, with a battle for his services potentially forthcoming.

Should Newcastle sign Adrien Rabiot?

Newcastle's balance across the park was one of the main reasons behind their ascent to European qualification this season, and while the midfield department is oiled and whirring at full throttle, Rabiot's prowess as a "complete midfielder" – as he has been described by France manager Didier Deschamps – could allow him to slot into the system without seam.

Indeed, having scored 11 goals and provided a further six assists from 48 club appearances, the £150-per-week machine has also averaged two tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in Serie A, as per Sofascore.

Metrics provided by FBref also rank the 36-cap international among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and aerials won per 90, illustrating his dynamism.

Hailed as a "wardrobe" for his imposing physicality by Gianluigi Buffon, the 6 foot 2 titan could be the perfect partner in the midfield for Joe Willock, whose own dynamism and progressive prowess could provide Howe's attacking third with devastating support from deep.

The £80k-per-week Englishman ranks among the top 9% of positional peers for rate of assists, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 4% for rate of blocks per 90, and with Bruno Guimaraes pulling the strings from the centre, it could be a system to leave opposition quaking.

Considering this, securing Rabiot's services this summer might be the perfect way to provide the Toon midfield with the sheen needed to continue the resounding success under Howe's tutelage.

With plenty of experience at the World Cup, in Europe and domestically, at the highest level, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain star can bring a winning mentality and midfield tenacity to help Newcastle achieve their goals.

Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Chicago Fire sensation, Brian Gutierrez ahead of the summer window, albeit with rival suitors also in the mix for the teenager's signature.

What's the latest on Gutierrez to Man United?

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are said to be among the clubs who are interested in signing the 19-year-old, with Scottish Premiership side Rangers also believed to be keen on the American starlet.

The piece does add, however, that both United and the Ibrox outfit may find it difficult to land a work permit for the 5 foot 10 playmaker, with that handing the advantage to the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Girona who also hoping to strike a deal.

Who is Brian Gutierrez?

The emerging superstar has caught the eye after playing a regular role for Chicago in recent seasons, with the Illinois native having already racked up 74 appearances for the MLS outfit to date since making his senior debut back in 2020.

The versatile dynamo – who can operate on the flanks or in an attacking midfield role – has showcased flashes of his quality throughout his time in the first team, notably scoring twice and laying on 11 assists across all competitions, including four assists in just 17 games in 2023.

That early impact has evidently caught the attention of clubs across Europe, with the United States U20 international having undoubtedly warranted that interest having been hailed as a player who has "got everything" according to coach Frank Klopas, with the latter man also listing the teen's attributes:

"Good with the ball, his work rate, key passes, ability to beat players, technical ability."

Those traits appear to have impressed Ten Hag and co, with there the potential for Gutierrez to be a long-term heir to Bruno Fernandes in that playmaking berth at Old Trafford, with the Portugal international seemingly having no genuine understudy at present.

The 28-year-old was again an everpresent for United in 2022/23 as he featured in 59 games in all competitions, showcasing his ability to make an impact in the final third after scoring 14 goals and contributing 15 assists in that time.

The key facet to the £240k-per-week man's game is seemingly his creativity, with the former Sporting CP star having finished first in the division with regard to big chances created (32), while also averaging 7.04 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days as a sign of his front-foot approach.

While still arguably just a young prospect, Gutierrez has shown signs that he could potentially emulate the impact of Fernandes in the years to come, with the £4m-rated American having also shown his creative spark after averaging 5.81 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days.

The precocious talent also mirrors Fernandes with regard to his impressive work ethic off the ball as he has also averaged 1.64 tackles per 90, as per FBref, with the current United ace averaging only slightly ahead at 1.79 per 90 for that same metric.

That would suggest that if Ten Hag is looking for a suitable successor to his midfield maestro, then Gutierrez could be just the solution.

Newcastle United have scheduled talks regarding a new long-term contract for Fabian Schar, according to reports.

Is Fabian Schar leaving Newcastle?

The Magpies centre-back first arrived in the Premier League from Deportivo de La Coruna back in 2018 and has since gone on to make a total of 141 appearances to date, establishing himself as a regular feature in Eddie Howe’s side having made 36 top-flight starts from 38 games last season.

The Switzerland international, however, will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window could be the northeast outfit’s last chance to cash in, should they not want to extend his stay, nor risk losing him for free, but it sounds like they don’t plan on letting the 31-year-old go anywhere for the foreseeable future.

Are Newcastle giving Schar a new contract?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle, and by extension owners PIF, are “keen to discuss” fresh terms with Schar and plan to open talks over the summer in a bid to tie him down at St. James’ Park. PIF are not only hoping to “protect” the defender’s value, but also “reward” him for his excellent standard of performances under Howe.

The 6 foot 1 titan can begin talks regarding a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs as of January 2024 due to his situation, but the board are no doubt hoping that he will decide to commit his future to the long-term project in the black and white stripes.

Should Newcastle keep or sell Schar?

Newcastle are reportedly confident of agreeing a new long-term contract for Bruno Guimaraes, and having once been hailed a “solid” centre-back by journalist Josh Bunting, Schar is definitely another player that deserves to stay longer.

The Puma-sponsored colossus, who earns £40k-per-week, averaged 3.8 clearances and 3.1 aerial wins per top-flight game last season, via WhoScored, so was a real rock at the heart of the backline, but he can equally be a threat pushing up the pitch.

The Sports360 client, who has the versatility to operate in defensive midfield, ranks in the 99th percentile for three different statistics, including total number of shots, not to mention that he posted four goal contributions (three assists and one goal) last term in the Premier League.

The Magpies will know that Schar isn’t getting any younger, so there’s a chance that he could be offered more of a short-term deal, but regardless of the length of the contract, it’s still fully warranted for the positive impact he has on Howe’s side.

Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino has confirmed that he wants to stay put with the Reds, following speculation regarding his future at the club.

The Lowdown: Firmino’s future up in the air

The futures of the Reds’ legendary front-three of Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are all major talking points at the moment, with the trio out of contract next year.

It remains to be seen whether or not they will all still be Liverpool players next season but the hope is certainly that that will be the case – Salah has claimed he will stay while Mane is strongly linked with Bayern Munich.

Firmino’s stock has arguably fallen the most in recent times, following injury problems and the arrival of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, but he remains a vital squad player.

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The Latest: Brazilian makes decision

Speaking to TNT Sports [via Sport Witness] following Salah’s admission, Firmino also confirmed that he still wants to be a Liverpool player moving forward:

“I’m very happy here. I’m grateful to God that I’m here playing for a great club with great players, winning titles. And my will is to stay.

“My wish is to stay here. I want to be here. I’m happy here. So that’s all I can say, I want to stay.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Liverpool

This is great news for Liverpool, at a time when Salah and Mane haven’t yet committed their long-term futures to the club, with Firmino hailed as ‘world-class’ by Jurgen Klopp in the past.

As mentioned, the 30-year-old’s peak years are now behind him but he has still scored 11 goals and registered five assists across all competitions this season.

He has enough left in the tank to be a key squad player for several more years – the hope now is that Salah and Mane follow suit and keep the old gang together.

In other news, three Liverpool players have been touted for summer exits. Find out who they are here.

David Moyes has led West Ham to one of their finest seasons in recent memory, taking them to the Europa League semi-finals and securing continental qualification for next term as well.

The 59-year-old will believe that he can now take the Irons to the next level, and this may require some positive transfer business during the summer.

According to Calciomercato, West Ham are interested in a move for Josip Brekalo this summer, who has spent the season on loan at Torino, with the winger’s parent club Wolfsburg keen on selling him in the summer.

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Brekalo could be available for just €10m (£8.5m) and this could be an excellent piece of business if Moyes can pull it off.

Moyes must land Brekalo for West Ham

West Ham have done brilliantly this season despite relying on the same core group of players as last term, and the addition of attacking options remains one of the priorities ahead of the transfer window.

With only one player in the squad scoring more than ten goals this season (Jarrod Bowen with 12), it’s clear to see where the weakness lies, and Moyes needs to improve that with the prospective signing of Brekalo.

The Croatian has scored seven times and registered two assists this season at Torino, a decent if not spectular tally. At only 23 years old though, he has the time to improve even further, and a move to the Premier League could be the catalyst for him to utilise his potential.

Compared to Bowen (2.96), Said Benrahma (2.86), and Michail Antonio (3.19), Brekalo generates 4.22 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, a considerably higher return than the West Ham trio.

The Croatian (80) also puts more crosses into the opposition penalty area compared to Bowen (53) and Benrahma (64), creating more goalscoring opportunities for team-mates.

Journalist Ronan Murphy stated that Brekalo will “torment defenders” everywhere, and with his form also being dubbed “frightening” by Josh Bunting, it’s no wonder that Moyes is looking to add the 23-year-old to the West Ham squad over the summer. It’s an opportunity that he cannot afford to let slip.

AND in other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop

Everton have held a long term interest in James Tarkowski and were previously linked to signing the defender back in January and now a new update has emerged ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, an Everton source has revealed that the club has tabled an offer of £120k-per-week for recently relegated Burnley defender Tarkowski.

As per the report, the Everton source claimed that the Toffees have put together a lucrative deal to cement their serious intent to sign Tarkowski, with Newcastle United and West Ham United named as clubs competing for his services.

The Toffees look to beat Leicester City, Aston Villa and Fulham to secure the signature of the player who will not renew his contract at his current club.

Mason Holgate upgrade

There is no doubt that big improvements are needed at the club ahead of next season to ensure that Everton don’t find themselves in the same situation they have experienced this season, battling relegation down to the wire.

One huge area of improvement is the defence in the squad after the side conceded 66 goals, 23 more than they have scored in total this season, and the 5-1 loss on the final day should be ringing alarm bells in Frank Lampard’s head ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite being relegated this season with Burnley, Tarkowski has been a stand out performer and solid force for the side which clearly reflects in the amount of Premier League clubs interested in signing the defender this summer.

When you compare the 29-year-old brute who was hailed “outstanding” by Sean Dyche, to Everton’s Mason Holgate it is clear he would be a big upgrade in the defensive back-line at Goodison Park next season.

According to Squawka, Tarkowski has won more tackles, duels, interceptions, blocks and made more clearances than his position competitor in Merseyside, so if Lampard could secure the signing it would be a major coup for the Toffees next season and surely improve their defensive play.

With that being said, Everton will have to hope their attractive offer will be tempting enough to get Tarkowski to make the short move across the North West to join the club this summer.

AND in other news: Everton plot move for £10m monster who’s “solid as a rock”, Lampard needs him badly

The future of Leeds United appears increasingly uncertain as we enter the closing stages of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, with the Whites’ 2-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday, coupled with Everton’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City, seeing Jesse Marsch’s side slip into the relegation zone with just three games left to play.

Indeed, these two results could very easily prove to be a sliding door moment in Leeds’ campaign, something that could render Luke Ayling’s red card for a cynical and unnecessary two-footed challenge on Gabriel Martinelli in the first half of the fixture as the moment that sealed the Whites’ fate.

This is an opinion Jamie Carragher clearly holds, with the former Liverpool centre-back telling Sky Sports (via talkSPORT): “What an idiot. The lack of professionalism from his teammates and what this could mean going forward.

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“It’s not just going down to 10 men, it’s a disgusting tackle going in with two feet and reminds me of a tackle that Vinnie Jones did a long time ago. What he thinks is going to happen on the back of that, I don’t know. It was an obvious red card.

“To put your team down to 10 men, miss the last three games of the season, that might be the last game that Luke Ayling ever plays in the Premier League.”

As Carragher suggests, the 30-year-old’s subsequent three-match suspension could well mean the Arsenal loss is the last time the right-back features in a Premier League fixture for Leeds, however, with Phil Hay recently suggesting that Victor Orta could look to replace the defender this summer, Sunday could also have been the £35k-per-week Ayling’s last outing for the club altogether.

If this does prove to be the case, before Orta spends millions of pounds on a potential replacement in the summer transfer window, it would seem an extremely wise move for Jesse Marsch to take a closer look at 20-year-old Cody Drameh, as the youngster could well be a perfect successor to the 30-year-old full-back.

Indeed, the £900k-rated talent highly impressed over his 22 Championship appearances on loan at Cardiff City this season, helping his side keep six clean sheets, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 3.8 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

These returns saw the £4.4k-per-week starlet who Glen Williams dubbed “such an exciting prospect” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Bluebirds’ fourth-best performer in the English second tier.

As such, should Orta and Marsch indeed believe it is best to move Ayling onto pastures new this summer, they could save Andrea Radrizzani millions of pounds in transfer fees by finally handing Drameh a much-deserved shot in the first team.

AND in other news: Orta can land £60m talent’s dream replacement with Leeds bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”

Manchester City have a healthy number of English players in their squad who have played for the senior national team such as, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, the Citizens have been linked with another English talent who has been a regular figure in the Premier League for a number of years.

It was reported late last month that the Manchester club have their eye on signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse during the upcoming summer transfer window.

However, it seems as though a behind-the-scenes development has emerged which could be a setback for Pep Guardiola’s side and their attempts to bring the 27-year-old to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

What’s the latest?

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl seems to have poured cold water on the possibility of the Saints captain making an exit from St Mary’s this summer.

The Austrian said: “He has another four years on his contract, he’s our captain and he’s happy here. Fans love him and we know how important he is to our team. The development of his game is why he’s a true winner.”

Bad news for City

If City are aiming to add the Southampton star to their ranks this summer, taking into account what Hasenhuttl has had to say, this could be bad news for their chances of securing the Englishman’s signature.

Having worked his way through the youth ranks at the south coast club to then go on and make 360 senior appearances across all competitions, it’s easy to see why Saints supporters have an infatuation with the midfield star, according to Hasenhuttl. In those senior appearances, the 27-year-old has scored 43 goals and provided 48 assists along the way.

To further highlight just how crucial he is for his team, no other Southampton player has completed more passes (1,515) or made more shot-creating actions (105) than Ward-Prowse this season.

This shows just how reluctant the south coast club would be to let him leave this summer, especially to another Premier League side, and it comes as a big blow to City’s chances of landing him this year.

Given the midfielder’s apparent happiness at Southampton and the fact that his current contract there isn’t set to expire until 2026, the Citizens would have to splash out a big amount of cash and use all their persuasive power if they are to convince Ward-Prowse to wave goodbye to his boyhood club.

In other news: “Will sign..”: Exciting behind-the-scenes Man City claim is great news for supporters