It would be fair to say that the West Ham United fans were not pleased with what they saw from Manuel Lanzini in Monday night’s 2-0 loss at Chelsea.
Lanzini played the full 90 minutes for the third Premier League match in a row, having recovered from the knee injury that forced him to miss the 2018 World Cup, in addition to the majority of the 2018-19 campaign.
The 26-year-old is a brilliant footballer when in full flow, but the West Ham supporters appear to be losing a bit of patience when it comes to the Argentina international.
According to WhoScored, Lanzini did not have a single dribble during his 90 minutes on the field against Chelsea.
It was a tough night for West Ham against a team inspired by the brilliant Eden Hazard, but the club’s fans were really upset with what they saw from Lanzini.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be viewed below:
According to the BBC, Arsenal are in talks to sign PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku in this January transfer window.
What’s the story?
As per the BBC, the Gunners want to bring the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium this month on loan, with an option to make the switch permanent at the end of the season.
However, PSG are said to wish to extend Nkunku’s contract prior to him leaving the Parc des Princes on a temporary agreement.
Man Utd set to swap Phil Jones for Philippe Coutinho? Only in the minds of the guys at 442oons. Check out their hilarious new video above…
A loan deal is probably the only option for the north London club, as Unai Emery has already admitted that Arsenal aren’t in a position to make any permanent signings in this window, as reported by Sky Sports.
The Gunners will hope to get this deal over the line soon, as time is running out for them to make the required additions to their squad this month.
A smart move all round
Emery is very familiar with Nkunku, having made the France under-21 international a regular feature of the PSG first team squad during his time in charge of the Parisian giants.
The versatile midfielder has enjoyed less game time so far this season though, with just 16 appearances in all competitions under his belt, according to Transfermarkt.
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Nkunku could expect more regular football with Arsenal, where his ability to operate both centrally and on the flanks could quickly make him a valuable asset in Emery’s squad, especially in light of the injury sustained by Danny Welbeck (The Independent) and Mesut Ozil’s continually marginalised role in the first-team.
For both Nkunku and Arsenal, this looks like a deal that makes a lot of sense.
Manuel Pellegrini was handed a massive injury blow with news that Andriy Yarmolenko will miss six months of action.
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund was taken off with an injury during the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last week. Further scans revealed that the Ukraine international had, in fact, tore his Achilles tendon meaning he could be sidelined for around six months. The news will come as a huge blow to the West Ham faithful with Yarmolenko showing a glimpse of his talent after netting a brace against Everton at Goodison Park.
Without Yarmolenko in the attack, West Ham lack an edge going forward, and Pellegrini needs to address the issue in the January transfer window. The Hammers need more investment if they are to get their season back on track and move up the Premier League table. One man he could target to improve their fortunes is PSV Eindhoven sensation – Hirving Lozano.
Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, the Mexican rose to prominence last season following a sensational campaign in the Eredivisie. Lozano netted 17 league goals for PSV after joining from Pachuca, helping them secure the league title. He starred for Mexico at the World Cup in Russia, scoring against Germany to send the former world champions home at the group stage.
His hot streak in front of goal has continued into the new campaign with eight league goals in nine games already. Lozano is perfect for the Premier League, combing tremendous pace with devastating dribbling ability, and he would be the ideal fit for the void left by Yarmolenko. His arrival could also help bring the best of countryman Javier Hernandez who has struggled for goals recently.
PSV would want a huge fee for their prized asset, but the price might just be worth it for Pellegrini.
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As reported by STV, Oli McBurnie has opened up on his desire for Steven Gerrard to be a success at Rangers and has refused to rule out a move from Swansea City to the Ibrox side.
What’s the story?
It’s no secret that the Scotland international is a Rangers supporter, with seemingly every interview given on duty with the national team recently ending up with passionate words spoken about the Light Blues.
The striker’s latest comments should give Rangers supporters hope that a deal can be done with Swansea for his transfer, after he admitted that he could end up anywhere next season.
As quoted by STV, the 22-year-old said of Gerrard’s Rangers project:
He is a legend in the game with what he has done for Liverpool and he has had a great career. As a Rangers fan I hope he goes there and he turns it around and does fantastically well.
Whether that has anything to do with me or not, who knows? But as a Rangers fan I would love to see him go there and do unbelievably well.
Me and my brother grew up as massive Rangers fans. I don’t think we had any choice. But I am still contracted to Swansea, I have another year left and I need to get back and see what is happening.
I will speak to Swansea when I come back from this trip, see what they want to do and what we want to do and take it from there.
McBurnie was speaking during Scotland’s recent tour to Peru and Mexico and while the forward failed to hit the back of the net for his country, he has the potential to be a big hit at Ibrox.
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Can he be a success at Rangers?
It’s not too often you see players speak so openly about their love for Rangers in the press and McBurnie has made it very clear over the past 12 months that he would love a move to Glasgow if a deal can be arranged that suits all parties.
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Scoring nine goals for Championship side Barnsley in the second half of last season, he’s demonstrated he’s ready for more regularly for first-team football, which he hasn’t had at Swansea so far. He has however won a reputation for banging in a huge amount of goals for their U23s side.
It’s clear he has talent and while the Welsh side may fancy keeping him around for their Championship efforts next season, Rangers should try their hardest to make a move for the forward. A player with his potential and passion should be at Ibrox under Steven Gerrard, where he can make himself a hero for the club he loves.
According to the reliable @ExWHUemployee on his official Twitter account, West Ham United have asked for midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng to be part of any deal that will take Andre Ayew to Swansea City before the January transfer window slams shut on Wednesday, and Irons fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.
The Hammers are willing to let the Ghana international return to his former club before the deadline, but along with cash the east London outfit also want the South Korea international to be included in the package as well.
Manager David Moyes is looking for at least one new body in the middle of the park following an injury to Pedro Obiang in their FA Cup fourth round defeat against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
West Ham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the potential arrival of the 29-year-old, and while one said “next level signing, we should get Charlie Adam as well” sarcastically, another described him as “shocking”.
Aston Villa are close to welcoming back Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan, according to the Daily Mail.
What’s the word?
The 24-year-old was always expected to go elsewhere this summer due to the unlikelihood of breaking into United’s first team.
The Red Devils have one of the world’s best goalkeepers in David de Gea, while Sergio Romero is a very accomplished second choice.
The Daily Mail claims that numerous Premier League and Championship clubs have shown an interest in Johnstone, but it is Villa who will win the race to sign him.
The England Under-20 international spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park.
Does this transfer make sense?
In short, yes. Johnstone has been loaned out to seven different clubs since graduating from United’s academy in 2011.
From his point of view, he needs to have a sustained spell somewhere, and given that he is already familiar with Villa, it makes sense to continue his progression at the same place.
Johnstone is at an age now where he should be trying to be first choice at a club, particularly at this time as he has just one year remaining on his deal at United.
From Villa’s perspective, manager Steve Bruce is already aware of his qualities and he has formed an understanding with the club’s defenders ahead of the new campaign.
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In addition, the inclusion of new signing of centre-back John Terry will only help with Johnstone’s development.
The shot-stopper, who made 21 Championship appearances last season, may even join Villa permanently when the season comes to a close.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that he is “angry” with Dimitri Payet after the club’s star man refused to play.
In Thursday’s press conference, Bilic revealed that the Frenchman wants to leave the Hammers, but the club are not prepared to sanction a move.
Payet was in fine form last season, scoring nine goals and creating 12 assists in 30 Premier League appearances.
In February, with the hope of keeping the 29-year-old at the club long term, the Hammers tied him down to a new contract, which runs until 2021.
The current season has been a stark contrast to the previous one, with the club laying in 13th place after winning just six of their 20 top-flight games.
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Payet has not been as influential, scoring two goals and providing six assists in 18 league appearances.
The East London outfit find themselves in a tough situation – do they sell now and get a significant fee for Payet, or do they weather the storm and try to convince the Frenchman to change his mind?
As it stands, Bilic has ruled out the notion of selling, but he will not welcome the playmaker back into his team until he alters his mindset.
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On a personal level, Bilic has been left hurt by Payet’s decision, telling reporters:
“This team, the staff, we gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry. I expect him to come back and show commitment and determination to the team, like the team has shown to him.
“He’s probably been tapped up by some clubs or whatever. That is usual at this time of year. But until he changes his attitude he is out of the team and he’s not going to train with us. I have a team to manage. But we are not going to sell him, not whatsoever.”
Can you make a better job of the transfer window than Arsene Wenger?
You probably can, well most people can, but these nuggets of advice would be a good start for anyone. The Arsenal squad might be young, but there are still plenty of places that need additions and the depth of the squad needs improving for the club to compete on all fronts.
The job of Gunners boss is a challenge to manage a number of injury prone players whilst making sure you keep the balance in the starting XI. Francis Coquelin requires some support for the role of the deepest midfielder and Olivier Giroud still seems to be short on quality backup in the role of lone striker.
When you take over from Arsene Wenger, the board will expect success in every competition and only can intelligent moves in the market help you achieve that.
Here are FIVE transfers that will prove to be excellent value for money…
Ki Sung-Yeung
Ki is available for around £10 million and would be an ideal player to have in any squad in the Premier League.
With the injury problems effecting Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, the South Korean can provide some calm creativity from deep in the midfield or be used as a more controlling alternative to Coquelin. Ki’s biggest strengths are in reading the game and distribution, making him an ideal deep lying playmaker.
At this price, Ki must be considered a bargain for someone with such a complete game and would cover one of the key weaknesses in the Gunners’ squad.
Sven Bender
Similarly to Ki, Sven Bender could be an option to replace Coquelin as the deepest midfield player.
Bender is often transfer listed at the start of a save and is then available for as low as £13.5million.
Having been an excellent figure in Klopp’s best Dortmund team, Bender can provide solidity in front of the back four that is much needed to create a balanced team on Football Manager.
Richairo Zivkovic
Zivkovic is the latest in a line of quality Dutch youngsters and would be a perfect replacement for Danny Welbeck on your Arsenal save.
He possesses great pace and turns into an all round quality striker by the time he peaks at around 26, whilst his goal scoring record is not always exceptional, some saves you will find him competing for the golden shoe.
At only £7million, Zivkovic is a must-buy even at 18 and will give you at least a decade of service.
Emanuel Mammana
With Mertesacker ageing and Koscielny unable to hold the fort alone, Mammana is an ideal addition to the backline at Arsenal.
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Whilst Chambers can be a tad inconsistent at centre-back, Mammana could form a strong partnership with Koscielny whilst Gabriel remains painfully under rated on the game.
Available for under £5million, Mammana becomes a well rounded defender who will fit into whatever defensive shape you opt for and has the ability to pass out from the back.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The man whose ego is bigger than most continents has had his fair share of links with Arsenal in the past, but his stats on FM are so wonderful that it is hard to resist the temptation to break the wage budget bank for him.
The Swede offers all you could want from a striker and his back to goal link up play is just an ideal upgrade on that of Olivier Giroud.
Admittedly, his age is an issue, but the hope would be to get a couple of seasons from the ex-Barca man before Zivkovic could take over.
For the last dozen years, England fans have enjoyed watching top centre-backs, such as Terry, Ferdinand, Campbell and Keown, play for their country. These have been world-class players that have secured England’s goal, and kept countless clean sheets. And along with top full-backs such as Ashley Cole and Gary Neville, the Three Lions have been blessed with some top defenders for recent tournaments.
Up front for England, they have been truly blessed. Sheringham, Fowler, Owen, and Rooney have all led the line since the turn of the Millennium, all dreaming of scoring the goal that fulfils the hopes and wishes of millions of fans back home. With the service from some incredible midfielders like Gerrard, Beckham, Scholes and Lampard, these forwards have gone on to score goals from exhibition hat-tricks to vital last minute winners.
But one thing no England manager in the 21st century has had, be it Keegan, Sven, Capello, McClaren or now Roy, is a true, world-class left midfielder. Many have tried, but none of them managed to nail down the position. Beckham, Gerrard, Rooney, Owen, Terry, Ferdinand and Cole were all but guaranteed their place in the team. But there was always a mystery over who would play on the left hand side.
Nicky Barmby played there when we moved into 2000, and was part of the team that won 5-1 in Germany. But he wasn’t a world class winger, and was rarely consistent, either in the white of England or Red of Liverpool at the time. One year later, England faced Brazil in the Quarter-finals of the World Cup. Trevor Sinclair started on the left for the Lions, but it would be 1 of only 12 appearances he would make for the national team.
Into Euro 2004, again with fresh hopes of some much needed tournament success, Paul Scholes, one of the country’s best central midfielders, found himself on the left touchline. With Sven-Goran Eriksen wanting to play Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard together in the middle, Scholes was forced out wide in order to play. Just over a month after England were knocked out of the competition, Scholes retired from international football, stating his family life, and Manchester United career was more important, meaning England would have to look elsewhere once again.
Sven thought he may have had the answer in 2006, when Joe Cole’s fantastic form for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho earned him a place in the first team. The tricky winger scored of one of the goals of the tournaments against Sweden, controlling the ball with his chest before hitting a dipping volley from 35-yards. Had the then Blues winger not been so unfortunately injury-prone, he may have become a key player for England. But too many injuries made Cole miss opportunities to secure his place in the England team.
In 2008, when England ended up failing to qualify for the European championship, Steve McClaren often had to try other players on the left, with Cole watching on from the treatment table. Shaun Wright-Phillips was starting to make an impact on the right hand side, now David Beckham had been dropped from the side, whilst Steven Gerrard had been pushed out to the left, so Gareth Barry could play in the centre. Stewart Downing often came off the bench during matches, but never made enough of an impact to warrant taking Gerrard, Barry or Lampard out of the starting eleven. Whilst Gerrard wasn’t playing at his full potential out in the wrong position, he was still performing well enough to keep Cole out of the side. Another injury to Cole in January 2009, this time snapping his cruciate ligament, would see him miss out on more international game time, and ruin his opportunity at becoming a regular in the England set up.
Cole only made two substitute appearances at the 2010 World Cup, as Gerrard and James Milner played out wide during England’s disappointing campaign. That would be the end of Cole’s international career, where true promise was hindered by injuries. Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott were also making England appearances, but unfortunately, were both right wingers, and struggled on the left hand side.
So what about now? Ashley Young has been in and out of the England team, much like he has at Manchester United. Downing is now at West Ham, but not close to earning a flight to Brazil. Lennon and Walcott have continued to play the majority of their club football on the right, and will be unlikely to feature on the opposite flank.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played well during his one match at Euro 2012, and now has 3 goals to his name from 13 international appearances, including one against Brazil in Rio. The Arsenal youngster has missed nearly the entire Premier League season, after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury during Arsenal’s first game of the season. He looks set to be back fit in time for Brazil, but will he have enough time to fight his way onto the plane? And would he be a success on he left flank on the biggest of stages?
Andros Townsend has shown great promise since bursting onto the Premier League stage, earning his England call up in October. The 22-year-old has shown pace, trickery and a desire to attack defenders for both club and country, and could fit the bill on the left wing. Townsend has played on the left, right and down the middle for Spurs, so it appears he has the flexibility to be able to play on the left.
Hodgson has shown he has been willing to try things, with Welbeck, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez all playing out wide in the last few months, to test their abilities on the wing. But over all these years, over a decade of football, can we really say that we have fixed the problem that Sven Goran-Eriksen had when he first took over?
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Personally, only Joe Cole showed real promise at being a regular, world-class left midfielder, only for his injury problems to disrupt his grip on the England shirt. With Townsend and Oxlade-Chamberlain comes potential. But after all these years of different options, it’s about time one of these new boys comes in and stays there. With 6 months to go, it’s time to see someone step above the rest and make themselves the one everyone wants to see start on the left on the 14th of June.
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Manchester City defender, Micah Richards looks set to return from injury at just the right time, after revealing he could be back in action within the next two weeks. The Independent reports.
The 24-year-old has not played since injuring his ankle whilst on Olympic duty with Great Britain in the summer.
His return could not come at a better time, as City’s leaky defence has already conceded 14 goals this season without keeping a clean sheet.
“It’s probably going to take about two more weeks,” he said.
“I’m happy with the progress made so far because it was quite a bad one, but I can’t wait to get back in among the squad.
But the club’s longest-serving player will have to work hard to get back into the team, with Pablo Zabaleta and new signings- Matija Nastasic and Maicon, already battling it out for defensive positions.
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“I don’t mind as I’ve had competition here all my life. I’ve been here seven years and I’m still going, so a little bit of competition just makes it a little bit better”, he added.
“I just can’t wait to get back and get playing to show everyone what I can do all over again.”