All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are edging closer to signing a Premier League ace, as the Gunners aim to make a dominant start to the transfer window.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to build upon his title-challenging season in north London by making strong reinforcements this summer.

The latest talent speculated to be Emirates-bound poses as a significant figure to bolster the squad.

What’s the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?

As initially reported by journalist Alex Goldberg via AFCStuff last week, Arsenal are interested in Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.

The speculation has gathered significant pace since the official opening of the transfer window.

Journalist Angelo Mangiante stated yesterday that the Gunners are “very close” to signing the German star, naming him a player with “great class”.

Valued around £60m by FootballTransfers, it’s believed that Chelsea are wanting a fee in the region of £75m for the 24-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current contract.

What could Kai Havertz offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as a “generational talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Germany international could be a revelation in north London.

While this season was damningly underwhelming in the west of the capital, Havertz has unquestionable talent outside of his form and contribution to Chelsea’s 12th-place finish.

Deployed primarily as a forward at Stamford Bridge, the former Bayer Leverkusen star is versatile in his positioning in attack, having innate playmaking skills which make him a strong asset in central midfield.

During his rise to senior football in the Bundesliga, the Aachen-born gem contributed to 61 goals in 118 league appearances, including a glamorous individual campaign in which he was voted Transfermarkt Player of the Season for 2018/19.

That year, the then-20-year-old scored 17 goals and added four assists in 34 appearances, showing the threat the talent can provide if stationed in a fluid attack.

Arsenal ended the season as the Premier League’s second-highest scorers in a delightful term for the Gunners, with Arteta creating a flourishing young attack Havertz could undoubtedly thrive within.

Due to his creative ability, the Champions League winner could add a playmaking spark if deployed to lead Arsenal’s line, which could significantly benefit Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian scored 11 goals in his first term at the Emirates, as well as registering six assists, showcasing his own creative ability aside from putting the ball in the net.

This campaign, the German averaged 3.12 progressive passes per 90 via FBref, highlighting his ball-playing competency and multi-dimensional approach to leading the line in a style that could reach new heights in Arteta’s system.

Jesus followed closely behind Havertz in terms of progressive passes, averaging 2.76 per 90 – suggesting that he could be complemented by the German in the similarities to their games.

The duo could form a balanced partnership with their goal-scoring and creative ability, supplying the squad with unlimited chance creation in attack.

If Arteta is capable of unlocking the past form of Havertz in a positive environment in north London, having two creative forwards could be the key to unlocking another title charge at the Emirates.

Chelsea's need for a consistent goalkeeper has been apparent for a while now, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Edouard Mendy managing to go more than a few games without coming in for criticism.

The Blues made strengthening elsewhere – namely in attack – their priority in the past two windows, but that may well change this summer with new head coach Mauricio Pochettino now in place.

Illan Meslier recently emerged as a surprise option to join Chelsea in Pochettino's first transfer window in charge, and the Leeds United goalkeeper has not exactly ruled out a move to the Blues.

What is the latest on Illan Meslier's future?

Meslier has spent the past three seasons with Leeds, coinciding with their relatively short return to the Premier League, and has had a rather mixed time of things.

The Frenchman still has another three years to run on his contract at Elland Road, explaining his valuation in the region of £17m, as per Football Observatory.

When asked about his future by RMC Sport on Sunday, Meslier admitted the situation is "complicated" following Leeds' relegation to the Championship, while also opening the door for a move to Stamford Bridge – though only if he is installed as first-choice goalkeeper.

"If it's to go there and be on the bench, that doesn't interest me," he said. "If it's to be number one, obviously you can't say 'no, I'm not interested in Chelsea."

Is Illan Meslier good enough for Chelsea?

Meslier conceded 67 goals in the Premier League last season, which is at least ten more than any other 'keeper in the division, as per FBref. Having started 34 of Leeds' 38 matches, that translates to 1.97 goals against per 90 minutes – once again the worst return in the league.

For comparison, Kepa conceded 1.16 goals per 90 minutes last season, ranking him ahead of David De Gea (1.13) and on par with Alisson (1.16), while Mendy conceded 1.47 goals per 90 minutes across ten appearances.

Looking at the numbers a little deeper, Meslier saved just 59.5% of shots faced last season – only Southampton's Gavin Bazunu (54.2) fared worse. In terms of basic metrics, then, Meslier is not good enough to be Chelsea's number two, let alone their number one.

Meslier's biggest strength – and something that not should not be easily discredited – is his ability to cut out opposition crosses. The 23-year-old stopped 7.9% of crosses faced last season, which was bettered by only four others.

Indeed, FBref ranks Meslier in the top 13% among his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, though that metric alone is hardly likely to get Chelsea supporters' pulses racing.

Of more relevance will be the fact he is in the bottom 2% among his peers across Europe's elite leagues in terms of save percentage with an average of 59.5 over the past year.

Meslier declaring himself interested in a move to Chelsea – or at the very least not ruling it out for now – is not to say the Blues actually have a concrete interest in the former Lorient stopper.

But if the speculation is indeed true, signing a player described as a "liability" by Forbes writer Barry Collins would hardly be the ideal way for Pochettino to begin yet another new era at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, his would surely be his first disaster.

Aston Villa have missed out on signing Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio, however the Villans are reportedly in the mix to capture another star from the Spanish capital.

Unai Emery has given the club a significant pull ahead of the summer transfer window, both on the pitch in sealing European football and off it with his individual accolades in his lucrative managerial career.

Villa shouldn’t feel discouraged by Asensio’s decision to join Paris Saint-Germain, with another option suggesting a new candidate to join Villa Park.

What’s the latest on Joao Felix to Aston Villa?

As reported by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Aston Villa have emerged as one of the options for Portuguese ace Joao Felix to relocate this summer.

The report states that Emery would be “delighted” to sign the 23-year-old, speaking in a press conference earlier this season regarding Felix’s move to Chelsea.

At the time, the Spaniard suggested the youngster was “better” than Villa, however with the club securing European football next campaign, the tides could change this summer.

What could Joao Felix bring to Aston Villa?

Lauded by Jose Mourinho as being an “incredible talent”, the forward has an impressive array of experience in European football behind him, despite being just 23.

The youngster has contributed to a total of 107 goals in his budding career, scoring 72 and assisting 35 playing at Benfica, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea – as per Transfermarkt.

After having disagreements with Diego Simeone, Felix has been searching for a new home, with Chelsea declining the option to sign the player permanently after a loan deal that came at a tough time for the Blues.

Despite playing in a disjointed Stamford Bridge squad, the forward showed his worth, scoring four goals in 11 starts in his debut season in the Premier League.

The attributes that the forward could offer Villa are endless, especially as Philippe Coutinho looks likely to depart this summer, with the Atletico gem being the perfect upgrade to the underachieving Brazilian.

When comparing the two, the Portuguese starlet gives a glimpse of what Coutinho could have been at Villa, and what he could give the club should he opt to join Emery’s project.

The £195k-per-week ace averages a mammoth 0.35 goals per 90, as well as being a live wire in the final third, as shown through his average of 4.04 shots on goal per 90 – as per FBref.

The former Liverpool magician falls short in both areas, averaging 0.11 goals per 90 and 2.40 shots per 90, showing that Felix would be a firm upgrade in the advanced areas.

A similar pattern is highlighted in the duo’s progressive play, with Coutinho averaging 2.06 progressive carries to the former Chelsea forwards’ 3.11 per 90, communicating his desire to get forward which is integral in Emery’s set-up.

Hailed as being “special” by the Villa coach himself, Felix could thrive in the Spaniard’s project at Villa, becoming one of the club’s star players and having an area to enjoy his football under a manager that can accommodate his playing style.

Everton could be facing the prospect of life without Richarlison next term, following a worrying update from journalist David Ornstein.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed that the Brazilian gem is the subject of interest from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, with sources close to the Merseyside outfit believing that a deal could well happen.

Amid speculation over the 25-year-old’s future at Goodison Park, Ornstein has revealed that north London could well be his next destination: “Tottenham interested in signing Richarlison. No bid yet – will only do it at right price + have other options. Everton want more than reported €60m but need for funds likely to reduce fee + some close to #EFC think #THFC move will happen.”

In his attached piece for The Athletic, the transfer guru added that the Toffees may be inclined to sell due to a need to raise funds, although Spurs are yet to make a concrete offer for his services.

Lampard will be fuming

After having clinched top-flight survival by the skin of their teeth in the penultimate game of last term, Frank Lampard and co would have been hoping to put that gruelling campaign behind them and kick on in the 2022/23 season, although this latest news will no doubt throw a spanner in the works.

While perhaps not unexpected – with the former Watford man having long been linked with a departure – that will do little to soften the blow, with the club having been so reliant on the £45m-rated gem in recent years.

The 2021/22 campaign saw the 36-cap international help to steer Lampard’s men away from danger with ten goals and five assists in 30 league games, having largely shouldered the goalscoring burden alone following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s dismal, injury-hit season.

Since joining Everton from Vicarage Road on a £50m deal back in 2018, Richarlison has gone on to score 53 goals and supply 14 assists in 152 games across all competitions, with only six players having scored more league goals for the club in the Premier League era.

There may be a small silver lining that the Toffees can rake in a fairly sizeable fee with any sale, although as they have proved under the Farhad Moshiri regime, the club have rarely invested wisely in the transfer market.

Those at Finch Farm will seemingly be powerless to prevent a departure – with just two years remaining on the player’s contract – with the one-time Fluminese man seemingly craving Champions League football, something that Antonio Conte’s side can offer.

At present, Everton are a world away from mixing it with Europe’s elite, with the versatile forward’s exit only set to widen the gap between themselves and the top six.

As for Lampard, the former Chelsea boss may only be a few months into his tenure at the club, although will be acutely aware of the scale of the job at hand, with losing a player of such importance and quality only set to be another unwanted headache.

The Englishman will no doubt be fuming if he is forced to head into next term without his key asset in tow, having previously lavished him with praise for his “work ethic” and labelled him a “pleasure” to coach earlier this term.

It appears that he may not be coaching the player for much longer…

AND in other news – “Interested…”: Insider drops big Everton transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Recent reports have claimed that West Ham could look to cash in on Tomas Soucek this summer but it would be a disastrous move by David Moyes and GSB to get rid of the Czech Republic international.

Football Insider claimed earlier this week that Tottenham Hotspur could look to sign the midfielder after a breakdown in the relationship between Soucek and Moyes.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has since offered his thoughts on the situation, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“I think West Ham would really regret losing someone like Tomas Soucek. He’s been a great player for West Ham under David Moyes.

“He’s a key player in that midfield alongside Declan Rice. He’s effective in both boxes, he can score goals from set-pieces as well.”

Although Soucek struggled to replicate his displays from the 2020/21 season in the last campaign, he still managed to contribute five goals and one assist in 35 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, averaging a solid 6.98 rating from WhoScored for his performances across the season.

The 27-year-old has formed an excellent partnership with Declan Rice in midfield since joining from Slavia Prague in a £15m deal in 2020, following a successful loan spell in the second half of that season.

The England international was full of praise for his teammate in 2020, saying:

“He’s brilliant to play with. He’s a player that we definitely needed with some legs to make the box and obviously get back as well.

“He’s added something to the team which is brilliant. He gives us an out all the time and when he pops up in the box we’ve not really had that over the years. It’s fantastic to play with him and of course, I don’t have to do all the running with Tomas.”

Therefore, in a summer where Rice’s West Ham future lies in the balance, it would surely be unwise for the Hammers to cash in on his midfield partner given the mutual respect between the two.

If Soucek can rediscover his form from the 2020/21 season when he notched 10 goals and featured in every single Premier League game, then Moyes will definitely be glad to have kept the midfielder at the London Stadium.

And, in other news… West Ham could solve striker woes with £8.4m swoop…

Tottenham Hotspur could turn to Yves Bissouma after suffering a blow to their chances of sealing a sensational return for Christian Eriksen…

What’s the word?

According to LondonWorld, Spurs will renew their interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder if they cannot bring the Danish playmaker back to Hotspur Way.

Well, as per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridges, that does appear unlikely in a gutting blow to supporters. He recently told GIVEMESPORT:

“I did the Brentford Q&A awards last Thursday, and he kind of gave me the impression that [Tottenham] is a non-starter.”

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It’s not the first time that the Seagulls powerhouse has been linked with a switch to north London and after another impressive campaign in the big time, it could be time to make a bid, especially after missing out on Eriksen.

Midfield powerhouse

Spurs have plenty of priorities this off-season, including the additions of a new left-sided centre-back and a stronger right wing-back option. However, with the team in the Champions League next term, then strength in depth will be required.

There won’t be many better candidates to add steel to the engine room than Bissouma, who has proven his worth in the big time over the past 18 to 24 months.

As per WhoScored, he ended the 2021/22 campaign as Graham Potter’s highest-rated player (with 20 starts or more) on WhoScored, averaging a more than respectable 6.99.

His defensive output was pretty remarkable, having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game, something that exceeded all of Antonio Conte’s current squad in the Premier League.

Not even stalwart Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game) could match the Mali international’s numbers. The Italian head coach would love a player of that calibre, given his work rate and brute strentgh.

It’s evident that Bissouma, once lauded as a “wonderful talent” by ex-manager Chris Hughton and a “Champions League level” talent by Potter, is an upgrade on what Spurs currently have in defensive midfield and considering his valuation of £31.5m, he should be a very attainable target indeed.

He may be a vastly different style to Eriksen but if anything, that’s a better fit for Conte’s current system, where there is no room for a no.10. Bissouma just makes sense, so sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to pounce when the transfer window reopens.

AND in other news, Spurs now eye £54m-rated “phenomenon” after Perisic, he’s Conte’s dream summer signing…

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Premier League side will not have to pay €40m (£34m) in one go to sign the Brazilian full-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Was told before €40million was the figure but that Newcastle’s bid for Lodi could be structured in a way that meant it wouldn’t have to be entirely the full amount up front. In January heard there was nothing in Yannick Carrasco but interesting his name keeps coming up.”

This was in response to a Tweet from Atletico Universe on the defender’s price tag: “Atlético Madrid would be willing to let Renan Lodi leave as long as the offer is not less than €40m. As for Yannick Carrasco: release clause (€70m) or nothing. €70m is an amount that is perfectly acceptable for Newcastle. [@JaviGomara @mundodeportivo]”

PIF will be delighted

PIF will be delighted with this claim as it means that they can spread the cost of the deal over the course of a number of windows.

Instead of needing to pay all of the £34m up front and taking a large chunk of their budget away, they can pay it in instalments to lower the initial cost. This could then allow them to use the money they save in this window on other targets in order to avoid going over any FFP limits.

Whilst £34m may seem like a huge signing on paper it may not be the case on the books if they are able to make several payments over time. This would be a cost-effective way of completing the deal for PIF and allow them to do more business in other areas of the squad.

Lodi would be an excellent addition to Newcastle’s team as he has an attacking threat from left-back that can make him an exciting player for the fans to watch.

In Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the last year, the full-back ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 and the 91st percentile for assists per 90 in his position. This shows that he excels at bursting forward from the back and is capable of both scoring and assisting goals.

Supporters can, therefore, look forward to seeing him race up and down the left flank if PIF can strike a deal for the defender.

AND in other news, Newcastle now plotting bid to sign maestro with 128 PL apps, just imagine him & Bruno…

Celtic pair Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton are leaving because they struggle to play under Ange Postecoglou, according to ex-Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Rogic and Bitton exit

The Hoops have just finished a glorious 2021/22 season, winning the Scottish Premiership title and also enjoying Scottish League Cup success.

It looks set to be a busy summer at Parkhead, with players coming in and out and Postecoglou sure to be looking at refreshing his squad ahead of the challenge of facing Europe’s elite in the Champions League.

Rogic and Bitton are two individuals who are definitely moving on, with the former indicating as much and the latter’s contract expiring next year, as the pair’s departures were confirmed last week.

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The Latest: McAvennie makes key claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that their exit is partly because they are unable to excel in Postecoglou’s playing style now:

“Everyone knows how I feel about Rogic, he is a wonderful talent. He’s 29 and he’s been here nine years. He sees what is happening. Bitton has been a bit-part player but he has still been important.

“They see the way the manager is going. It’s all about a high press and running and these two boys aren’t the guys for that.

“You have Turnbull coming back to full fitness and other players will come in this summer so it just makes sense for them to move on this summer.

“The fans gave them all the respect in the world and they gave them the send-off they deserve. I’m delighted the club did it the right way because they deserve that.”

The Verdict: Makes some sense

Rogic has racked up seven league titles and five Scottish Cups during his time at Parkhead and been an incredible servant for so long, but McAvennie’s comments certainly hold some truth.

Postecoglou demands lots of energy in his players – something that Rogic and Bitton can’t necessarily guarantee week in, week out these days.

They are now 29 and 30, respectively, and it could be that younger legs will come in during the summer and be more effective in the manager’s system.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has talked up a potential Celtic signing. Read more here.

Manchester United have asked for ‘official information’ regarding a possible mega-money move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: Cavani set to depart

Erik ten Hag looks set to be extremely busy this summer when it comes to incomings and outgoings and appear to be in the market for a marquee forward.

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A number of players are out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of June, including Edinson Cavani, who looks set to leave after two seasons in Manchester.

Osimhen, who former United striker Odion Ighalo described as ‘the future’, seems to be a forward on Ten Hag’s radar, but it could be an expensive transfer.

The Latest: Osimhen update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding United and Osimhen. They claim that United are in the lead for the Nigerian’s signature and have now asked for ‘official information’ on a figure.

Napoli have reportedly told United that there is a €110m (£93.6m) starting point, with the Serie A side not willing to go below €100m (£85.1m).

The Verdict: A lot of money…

United are reportedly willing to hand Ten Hag a £100m budget and are keen on looking at potential free agents. Therefore, spending a large percentage of his budget on Osimhen may not be the best idea.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be a major target, and while Cristiano Ronaldo could be the only centre-forward available to Ten Hag when he arrives, should Cavani depart, splashing the entire remaining budget on Osimhen would leave the squad bare in other areas.

A major rebuild at Old Trafford is required and the club are seemingly extremely keen on signing de Jong, so pursuing someone like Paulo Dybala on a free transfer instead of Osimhen for £90m+ could be a wiser move.

In other news: Man Utd now working to sign ‘underrated’ defender in £38.5m move; offer ‘imminent’

Newcastle United will be looking to play their part in the Premier League title race as they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium today.

The Magpies lost 1-0 to Liverpool last time out and now come up against the reigning champions away from home. A win for the Toon will hand the Reds a major boost in their pursuit of the title and improve their own chances of finishing in the top half.

Eddie Howe’s men had won four consecutive games prior to their clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side and will be hoping to resurrect that form for this meeting with Pep Guardiola.

One player that the 44-year-old must brutally axe from the starting XI is Joe Willock after his disappointing display last week.

Howe must axe Willock

Freddie Ljungberg previously dubbed the midfielder as “passive”, and that is exactly what he was against Liverpool. As per SofaScore, the 22-year-old lost four of his seven duels and only completed seven passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch. He also had just 19 touches and failed in 100% of his attempted dribbles. 

In the Premier League this season, he has lost 60% of his aerial battles and 52% of his individual duels. This shows that he has been a lightweight throughout the campaign as he has failed to outmuscle the opposition on a regular basis.

His lack of strength in the middle of the park means that he can be a passenger in games, as he is unable to hold his own weight against teams who use their physique to their advantage. This is why the £80k-per-week dud must be dropped for today’s match, as he would likely be dominated by the Manchester City players.

Rodri has won 69% of his aerial battles and 56% of his duels overall in the top flight. This suggests that the Spaniard will be able to dominate Willock if it comes down to a physical confrontation between the two in the middle of the pitch.

The ex-Arsenal man has also not done enough in possession to make up for his weak play off the ball. He has scored two goals and failed to provide a single assist this season, which means that he has not made enough of an impact in the final third to warrant a start for this particular match-up when his lack of strength could be his downfall.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: Howe must land NUFC swoop for £17.1m gem who “radiates calmness”…