Having lost Amadou Onana to Aston Villa earlier this summer, Everton were reportedly positioning themselves to sign a replacement who has starred at the Olympics, before suffering a major blow in their pursuit.
Everton transfer news
To their credit, even without a solution to their ownership troubles, Everton have spent well this summer. The Toffees have welcomed the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and, most recently, Jake O'Brien in a move to hand Jarrad Branthwaite an ideal defensive partner for the long-term future. The former Lyon centre-back impressed in Ligue 1, earning a Premier League switch as a result.
The 23-year-old told Everton's official website after putting pen to paper: "I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton. I've been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It's a very exciting move for me.
“Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there's a big future as well. When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton. They’ve shown the faith in me so now it's my turn to show why on the pitch.”
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The Toffees didn't seem to be done there, either. According to L'Equipe, Everton were positioning themselves to sign Amir Richardson from Stade Reims this summer, having shown interest in the central midfielder earlier in the window.
Standing at 6 foot 5, Everton weren't the only club interested in Richardson, and a fresh report from Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Serie A giants Fiorentina have won the race for the midfielder's signature in a frustrating blow for the Toffees.
"Complete" Richardson could have replaced Onana
By signing Richardson, Everton wouldn't have just been replacing Onana, but they'd also have received a player who would be more than capable of providing Sean Dyche's side with an attacking boost.
Amadou Onana for Everton
Not just someone who can screen the back four, Richardson is a box-crashing midfielder and a "complete player" as described by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Still just 22 years old, the Morroco international has had quite the summer of football too, helping his nation reach the bronze medal match at the Olympics and scoring in a 3-0 win against Iraq earlier in the tournament, but Everton's search for an Onana replacement goes on.
Fifty-over cricket… remind me what that is again? Ah yes, that’s right, it’s all about Jonny Bairstow getting into Beast Mode and belting six after six after six into the short square boundary, to hunt down a run-a-ball target without breaking sweat. Or is that what Test cricket has become in the last few days? I can’t keep up anymore.Perhaps a quick glance at Statsguru will help refresh the memory of what 50-over cricket really is. It is, after all, England’s most favourite format of the game ever – look, they even have the trophy to prove it. But, no, computer error … it says here they haven’t played a single ODI for 11 months and counting, and when they did, it was with some random third-string outfit featuring five debutants and an admittedly familiar stand-in captain.And so, with apologies to what promises to be a historic occasion in Amstelveen on Friday, the resumption this week of England’s World Cup Super League campaign comes accompanied by an all-pervading sense of decay to white-ball cricket’s “traditional” form of the game (50-plus years of ODIs does qualify it for that title, right?). The Super League itself is already on borrowed time (not that the Netherlands’ challenge in this cycle has yet caught fire), and the format’s dwindling relevance is perhaps best epitomised by the prospect of Lancashire’s left-armer Luke Wood readying himself for a 50-over international debut without having bowled in a 50-over match for three years.And yet, here we are. Back on the rather battered bandwagon, sandwiched between two Test matches, with a new coach Matthew Mott overseeing the earliest stirrings of England’s World Cup defence, alongside an old captain, Eoin Morgan, who isn’t so much raging against the dying of the light as declaring “not really…” and changing the subject whenever the awkward issue of his shelf-life comes up for debate. There’s a changing of the guard afoot at some stage in the next 12 months. But whether it comes before or after England’s title defence in India remains a matter that only the skipper himself seems capable of confirming.And yet, all this circumstantial angst no doubt does the contest in store a disservice. For 18 months, England were guilty of endless forward planning in their Test team until Brendon McCullum’s arrival signalled a new intent to seize the day with the alacrity of the reborn, and perhaps the same is true for this week’s events. After all, England and the Netherlands have never before met in an ODI outside of a World Cup – and by the end of this trip, they will have doubled their official encounters over the years from three to six (although those with long memories will doubtless remember some of the unofficial encounters too, including this memorable set-back in an already dismal English summer in 1989).As Ryan ten Doeschate, Netherlands’ greatest player, told ESPNcricinfo, he too was guilty of too much forward-planning in his own fine career, and failed to fully savour the journey because of too much time fretting over the destination. You can be sure, if any of this week’s three matches ends going the way of either this or this encounter, a home crowd at Amstelveen will be all too happy to replicate the joyous scenes that England’s own victors felt at Trent Bridge earlier this week.In all honesty, the likelihood of that happening is slim. Not only does the 50-over format rather stretch the possibilities when it comes to outgunned teams sustaining a lasting challenge, the events of the week just gone have doubtless sent a jolt of electricity through the wider England set-up.Scott Edwards, Netherlands’ wicketkeeper, in action at Amstelveen•Peter Della Penna
Moeen Ali has already signalled his willingness to come out of Test retirement after seeing what fun his brethren had up at Trent Bridge, while Jos Buttler – who went from white as a Test sheet to pretty in Rajasthan pink in less time than the Barmy Army usually takes to get sunburnt – is another man who might just find the recall to arms irresistible. There’s no time like the present to plant that front foot and start remaking an impression.The Super League set-up does at least mean that the Netherlands come into this contest with matches under their belts: already this year, they’ve played away series against Afghanistan and New Zealand, while earlier this month, they ran West Indies close in two of their three fixtures at the same venue – most particularly in the third game, where at 239 for 3 chasing 309, the chase was truly on. A 20-run loss ensued, but with half-centuries for Vikramjit Singh and Max O’Dowd, and forceful contributions all through the top order, there’s reason to believe they can still put up a fight this week, if not end a run of nine defeats in a row.
Form guide
Netherlands: LLLLL England: WWWWW
In the spotlight
The performances of two 19-year-olds in Vikramjit Singh, the swashbuckling left-handed opener, and Aryan Dutt, whose offspin accounted for Nicholas Pooran in each of his three innings in Amstelveen, highlighted the talent coming through the Dutch system. But Bas de Leede, the allrounder who is the latest member of his family to represent the Netherlands, is the team’s perennial coming man: he has been around for so long that it is easy to forget he is only 22. He has only shown glimpses at full international level but a T20 innings of 79 not out off 30 balls against a Northants XI last month suggests he should enjoy the flat pitches anticipated in this series.Morgan is an obvious talking point, as he seeks in the same breath to prove both his fitness and his form. But Jason Roy comes into this series with a different set of question marks hanging over his game. In February, he pulled out of his IPL contract with Gujarat Titans citing personal reasons, and in March, he was fined £2500 by the Cricket Discipline Commission for an undisclosed misdemeanour that may or may not have been connected to the “indefinite break” that he took from the game in the early weeks of the season. He’s been back in action of late for Surrey in the Vitality Blast, and at Lord’s last week he hit his full stride for the first time this season with a rampant innings of 81 from 45 balls. He’ll doubtless be eager to continue letting his bat do the talking.
Team news
Tom Cooper is quite the blast from the past in the Netherlands set-up. He is set to play his first ODI since 2013, and his first international of any variety since the 2016 T20 World Cup, having featured for Brisbane Heat (without any great success) during the recent Big Bash. Shane Snater is available too, with Essex having released him from Vitality Blast duty, but Fred Klaassen will likely have to wait until the third ODI, given Kent’s brace of fixtures against Hampshire and Middlesex this week.Netherlands (possible): 1 Vikramjit Singh, 2 Max O’Dowd, 3 Tom Cooper, 4 Bas de Leede, 5 Scott Edwards (wk), 6 Teja Nidamanuru, 7 Pieter Seelaar (capt), 8 Logan van Beek, 9 Shane Snater, 10 Aryan Dutt, 11 Vivian Kingma.Sam Curran is likely to play primarily as a batter as he continues his return from a stress fracture of the back. His bowling returns have been impressive in the Blast for Surrey this season, but Morgan hinted that his levels would be built up through the series. Phil Salt is expected to get the chance to partner Roy at the top of the order, with Dawid Malan expected to bat at No. 3 as a possible under-study to Joe Root. Brydon Carse, who made his debut in England’s emergency squad against Pakistan last year, may get first dibs alongside Reece Topley in the bowling attack, as the only right-arm quick in a left-arm-dominant squad.England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Dawid Malan, 4 Jos Buttler (wk), 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Moeen Ali, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Reece Topley
Pitch and conditions
Amstelveen promises short straight boundaries and slightly longer hits square, which may particularly lend itself to Roy’s brand of straight-lined bludgeoning. Morgan described the pitch and outfield as “rock-hard”, which suggests runs, and plenty of them. The weather is set to be scorching.
Stats and trivia
Snater and Roy are cousins. Their only previous meeting in a professional fixture came in the 2018 Royal London Cup, between Essex and Surrey at Chelmsford. Roy (86 from 64 vs 5-0-36-0) enjoyed the better of that one.
Morgan, Adil Rashid and Pieter Seelaar are the three survivors from Netherlands’ famous victory at Lord’s in 2009, Rob Key (who batted No. 6 for England in that match) is also present as England’s managing director.
A strong contingent of England fans are expected to make the trip to the VRA, with good ticket sales reported despite a cheapest price of 60 euros.
This series had originally been scheduled for May 2021, but was postponed due to the KNCB’s concerns about hosting a series with no crowds due to Covid.
Quotes
“It might be a scar for England but for us, it’s just joyful memories. We’re playing a different format here and England at that time were in a different mindset in white-ball cricket to where they are now. A third win would be fantastic.” “We sat back in our hotel watching it on a phone, ball-by-ball, watching guys that we’ve played with over the years produce shots and apply a method that we’ve used in the most difficult of circumstances. Test match cricket is incredibly tough so to peel back those challenges and play in the manner that they did is a huge credit to the dressing rooms for creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to do that.”
With the futures of numerous West Ham United stars looking uncertain, another of the Hammers' important talents is attracting interest from a Champions League side this summer.
Hammers aim to keep hold of key players
Whilst West Ham's new signings will likely grab the headlines this summer, the Hammers' biggest success during the transfer window could be in keeping a number of star players at the club.
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Jarrod Bowen is the name attracting the most interest at the moment, with Newcastle United eyeing a move for the England international to bolster their attack. After scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season, it would be a major boost for the Hammers if the winger is still a West Ham player at the close of the window.
Another West Ham talent who could depart during the transfer window is Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian attacker was touted for a move to Liverpool and Arsenal at the start of the summer and either link could be reignited before deadline day on 30th August.
Mohammed Kudus for West Ham
With a number of West Ham's biggest names attracting interest, Julen Lopetegui could be dealt a further blow as a top European club has submitted a bid for an important part of the Hammers' side.
Atletico Madrid eye a deal for Nayef Aguerd
As first reported by CaughtOffside, Atletico Madrid have made an opening bid for West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd. The outlet claims that the Champions League side are proposing a loan move with a clause to make the deal permanent further down the line.
The report states that Aguerd would be interested in a move to the Spanish capital with the Hammers happy to let the Moroccan leave this summer so long as the deal includes an obligation to buy. Atletico have been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old for some time and even went as far as to request information on the player before making their bid.
Aguerd arrived at the London Stadium in a £30million move from Ligue 1 side Rennes back in the summer of 2022. Since then, the defender has gone on to make 58 appearances for the Hammers, scoring four goals for the club in the process.
During his two seasons in east London, the Moroccan has made himself an integral part of the Hammers' side. Speaking on Aguerd's time at the London Stadium, Nasser Larguet, who knew the 28-year-old as a youth player, praised his progression at the club:
“A lot of West Ham fans think Aguerd could be captain one day and they are not wrong,
“I’ve known him since he was 13 and he has always been an intelligent player. Just look at how he communicates on the pitch. He has the personality and the experience. Aguerd is a natural leader.”
West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd
With West Ham reportedly eyeing a move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, getting Aguerd's £50,000-per-week wage off the books could be essential in their pursuit of further new signings.
Shakib Al Hasan has been named in Bangladesh’s 18-man Test squad for the two-match series against West Indies. Shakib had suffered a groin injury during the third ODI on January 25, and walked off the field without completing his fifth over. He returned to training on Saturday after a scan last week revealed no major damage.Shakib had already made a successful return to international cricket following his one-year ban, completing a player-of-the-series performance against West Indies in the ODIs. This will be his first Test since the one-off Test against Afghanistan in September 2019.Apart from Shakib, the national selectors have added Shadman Islam to the squad that was chosen for Bangladesh’s last Test match, the one-off game against Zimbabwe last February.Among the uncapped players are Yasir Ali, the middle-order batsman who was picked against Zimbabwe last year for the first time, and pace bowler Hasan Mahmud who recently made his ODI debut against West Indies. Yasir averages 51.33 in 51 first-class matches, and has scored eight centuries. Mahmud has taken 37 wickets in 14 first-class matches thus far.The first begins on February 3 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, while the second Test is from February 11 in Dhaka.Bangladesh squad: Mominul Haque (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Saif Hassan, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shadman Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud.
Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe could seal a transfer hijack after talks with a top agent, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Man Utd eye signings after Ten Hag stay
After deciding to keep Erik ten Hag as manager, Ratcliffe and INEOS’ full focus will be on their first transfer window in charge at Old Trafford.
There could be a number of incomings and outgoings, with Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Greenwood possibly joining Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial out of the club.
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In terms of arrivals, Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton appears to be at the top of the defensive shortlist, with personal terms already agreed with the 21-year-old. Those on Merseyside want £70m to sell the centre-back after Man Utd made an opening bid in the region of £35m plus add-ons.
Arrivals in attack also appear to be wanted, with Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee heavily linked in recent months. And now, a move to Manchester is seemingly gathering pace.
Man Utd transfer update on Joshua Zirkzee
According to Plettenberg, Man Utd have held concrete talks with Zirkzee‘s top agent Kia Joorabchian and there is now a “good” chance the Red Devils can hijack AC Milan’s deal for the Bologna forward.
Ten Hag is personally keen on signing his fellow Dutchman, who is at Euro 2024, with United working on a total agreement as a result.
Meanwhile, David Ornstein of The Athletic has said: “Man Utd exploring deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. Interest advanced + dialogue with striker’s camp – 23yo among multiple options. No club-to-club talks yet but MUFC considering approach + aware of €40m buyout clause in contract.”
It looks as if a Man Utd move for Zirkzee now has a real chance of materialising, and the 23-year-old could provide fierce competition for Rasmus Hojlund going forward.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
Valued at a career-high €50m by Transfermarkt, United could be getting themselves a bargain by exercising his £34m release clause ahead of AC Milan. Zirkzee scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 34 Serie A appearances last season, catching the eye of analyst Ben Mattison, who said in January:
“Joshua Zirkzee is one of the most intelligent 9 right now Facilitator of build-up play to escape swamped areas, drops deep to help the team evade the press, elite spatial awareness. 6’4” but turns like he’s 5’9”, loves a Cruyff turn. An elite potential ST.
“Zirkzee has been on fire this season for Bologna One of the most complete ST’s in 23/24. A creator, physical presence, ball-striking, dribbling & taking on defenders, Zirkzee has the fundamentals to compete with the very best strikers.”
High praise indeed, and by the looks of things, we could be seeing the Netherlands forward turning out at Old Trafford next season.
Manchester City have failed to make any signings during the transfer window thus far, but Pep Guardiola wont be pushing the panic buttons just yet.
He led the club to their fourth straight Premier League title last season, therefore, the squad is in a pretty solid shape.
If the Spaniard wishes to add another Champions League title to his collection, however, might he go big on a few star signings ahead of the 2024/25 campaign?
Man City eye move for Real Madrid superstar
According to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this month, City are the only team with a genuine interest in signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer.
Any potential move will cost Guardiola, however, as the La Liga champions will demand a fee in excess of £100m for the Brazilian to leave the club he joined in 2019.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
Arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick this summer mean competition for places will be extreme in the Spanish capital next term, which could suggest Rodrygo’s departure ahead of the new season.
Guardiola could sign his own version of the French sensation by swooping for Rodrygo in the next few weeks, as the pair offer similar qualities going forward.
Notable Brazilians to play for Man City
Player
Year joined
Games
Danilo
2017
60
Ederson
2017
332
Gabriel Jesus
2016
236
Fernando
2014
102
Fernandinho
2013
383
Robinho
2008
53
Geovanni
2007
23
Elano
2007
80
Via Transfermarkt
How Rodrygo compares to Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé ended months of speculation by finally signing for Madrid at the start of June. The Frenchman could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they chase more history.
Will his arrival spark the end of things for Rodrygo, however? The Brazilian scored 17 goals and registered nine assists across 51 matches for the Spanish side last term and there is no doubt he could offer a wonderful attacking threat for Pep next term.
According to FBref, Mbappé is the third-most comparable player to the 23-year-old in Europe’s top five leagues, which suggests Guardiola could land a player with incredible talent in the final third.
Indeed, the duo registered similar statistics domestically with regard to assists (five vs seven), shots per 90 (1.32 vs 2.09), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.2 vs 4.04), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.52 vs 0.79) and touches in the attacking penalty area (206 vs 207), demonstrating how impressive the pair where from an attacking standpoint last season.
U23 talent scout Antonio Mango hailed Rodyrgo as “sensational” late last year, and he has emerged as one of the finest attacking players on the continent since moving from his homeland five years ago, with his finishing levels having even been dubbed "terrifyingly good" by journalist Sam Tighe.
Across 216 appearances for the current Champions League holders, the winger has registered 95 goal contributions – 54 goals and 41 assists – which works out as a goal involvement every 2.3 matches, a sublime statistic.
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Numbers like this would make him an instant hit in a City team full of quality players on their own merit. The likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden would help Rodrygo potentially improve on his figures from last season.
£100m may sound a lot on the surface, but it could be a wise move should Guardiola lure him to Manchester this summer.
West Bromwich Albion supporters would have been mostly pleased with what they saw of their side last season, despite the Baggies crashing out of the Championship play-offs when everything was over and done with.
Although the West Midlands side really struggled in the second leg of their play-off exit against Southampton, as the eventual promotion-winners blew away Carlos Corberan's men 3-1 back on home turf, fans of the Championship side would just be happy with the fact they gave it their best shot.
West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
That's the case as the Baggies are still scarred somewhat by Steve Bruce's dire previous regime, with the Spaniard taking over from the unpopular former manager when West Brom were submerged in the relegation spots during the 2022-23 season, to then take them to within touching distance of a Wembley final.
Yet, there will be frustrations all the same if the likes of Alex Mowatt and Cedric Kipre do end up walking away for nothing this summer, but there will be many a relieved face, on the contrary, at the Hawthorns that one of their colleagues is contracted until the end of next campaign, after standing out from the centre of the park last season.
West Brom's contract situation
Both Mowatt and Kipre, unlike midfield star Okay Yokuslu, could soon be leaving the West Midlands club for nothing, despite both players starring for the Baggies last campaign on the way to a top six finish being achieved.
Kipre even scored the consolation strike at St. Mary's in the lottery of the play-offs, despite being an imposing centre-back for the majority of the regular season, whilst Mowatt tried his best to steer his side to a positive outcome in both clashes against the Saints, notching up seven key passes in total across the two nail-biting contests.
Yet, despite being key performers under Corberan, both players still haven't agreed new deals, as the end of the month now comes hurtling into view, with their contracts expiring come the conclusion of June.
There is less worry about Yokuslu's immediate future ahead of the 2024/25 season, however, with the former Trabzonspor man actually forming an intimidating duo with Mowatt from the holding midfield spots, as he aims to impress again in the Championship next campaign, with or without the ex-Leeds United midfielder partnering him.
Okay Yokuslu's numbers for West Brom last season
Yokuslu has been a constant top performer under Corberan over the last two campaigns, with the 2023/24 term in particular seeing the steely defensive midfielder stand out, only missing two second-tier games all season long as a key cog.
Whilst Mowatt operates more as an attack-minded individual in the partnership – picking up five assists last season subsequently – the forceful 30-year-old loves doing the dirty work for the team more so, winning an average of 4.9 duels per game during the regular 2023/24 season, on top of completing 4.9 ball recoveries.
Games played
44
43
Goals scored
1
2
Assists
1
5
Shots total
0.89
0.91
Shot-creating actions
1.12
2.94
Passes attempted
53.68
67.30
Pass completion %
87.1%
86.1%
Progressive passes
3.72
6.57
Progressive carries
0.78
1.52
Tackles
1.84
1.64
Interceptions
1.34
0.86
Aerials won
2.24
0.97
Complementing each other well as a feared duo in the second tier when looking at the table above, it will be gutting for those involved at the Hawthorns if this partnership is no more next campaign, but Yokuslu staying is arguably more important than keeping a firm grip on Mowatt.
Corberan could look to other midfielders such as Jed Wallace and Grady Diangana to offer a similar creative spark to the one that the West Brom number 27 offers, whilst the Baggies would struggle to replace the valiant nature of their number 35 so quickly.
Yokuslu also has a rocket of a shot in his back pocket, away from just being a disruptive holding presence, as was seen with this sublime strike against Huddersfield Town last season.
Therefore, losing the standout 30-year-old would be a far bigger blow arguably, with talk surrounding his Baggies future coming to the forefront in January of this year, when a move back to his native Turkey was on the agenda.
West Brom midfielder Okay Yokuslu.
Those rumours were eventually rubbished, as Yokuslu remained rooted in the West Midlands, but the Baggies number 35 is also worth keeping a hold of based on his increasing transfer value, which could grow even more if he excels again in the second tier next time out..
Yokuslu's transfer value at West Brom
According to Football Transfers, Yokuslu's transfer value now stands at a hefty £3.1m, with the decision by West Brom to gamble on signing the 30-year-old as a free agent back in 2022 continuing to look like a masterstroke, after initially impressing on loan at the Hawthorns.
Yokuslu's valuation now means he is actually worth more than Mowatt and Kipre combined, which might well make the agony of losing both for £0 potentially easier to stomach, with the soon-to-be free agent duo worth £2.9m altogether, at £1.5m and £1.4m respectively.
June 2024
£3.1m
December 2023
£2.9m
December 2022
£4.8m
July 2022
£0
Once worth a staggering £4.8m, just a matter of months into his permanent stay at West Brom, there will be some concerns mounting already that Yokuslu could become their next star to leave for nothing at the end of the forthcoming season, following in the footsteps of both Mowatt and Kipre, who are seeing what other options are out there before committing.
The duo leaving won't completely kill next season for the Baggies, however, with another season competing near the top-end of the Championship potentially on the horizon, especially if Mikey Johnston re-joins permanently, as per recent rumours, and Corberan stays in the managerial hot-seat.
Okay Yokuslu
Yokuslu will strive to become a promotion-winner for his West Midlands outfit ahead of the next campaign, with the Baggies number 35 further cementing his tag as a firm fan's favourite if that did become reality.
Corberan could soon sell West Brom star who earns 2x more than Johnston
West Bromwich Albion could look to offload this star in the summer who earns more than Mikey Johnston.
Many Arsenal fans will be familiar with the story of when the club fumbled an opportunity to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic during Arsene Wenger's tenure. The legendary Swedish striker revealed on Piers Morgan's YouTube channel that he had a meeting with the French boss during his younger days, when the likes of Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, and Thierry Henry were there, about a potential move to London.
However, the Malmo youngster did not react well to Wenger revealing that he would have to go on trial for two weeks before the Gunners decided to sign him, and that caused any potential deal to collapse, as he recalled "I don't do trials".
In the present day, Mikel Arteta now has an opportunity to sign a striker who has been compared to the former Sweden international and is reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.
Arsenal's interest in Serie A marksman
According to Sky Sports, the Gunners are one of the clubs eyeing a deal to sign Bologna centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that they are closely monitoring the Netherlands international alongside fellow Premier League side Manchester United, who did not qualify for the Champions League this season.
This could give the London giants an edge over their rivals if the former Bayern Munich attacker is keen on playing in Europe's premier cup competition.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
However, Italian side AC Milan are also pushing hard to get a deal done for the young whiz and have already held talks with his representatives during a meeting in London, but they are yet to reach an agreement.
Sky Sports also states that the player has a release clause of £34m in his current contract with Bologna, which would allow any of the interested sides to snap him up without having to outbid each other.
They then reveal that Arsenal have decided to turn their attention away from Premier League targets, namely Alexander Isak, and are looking abroad for a young striker who they could develop, like Zirkzee.
Why Arsenal should sign Joshua Zirkzee
Firstly, he fits what the club are looking for as the Dutch star is a 23-year-old forward who has plenty of time left to develop and improve his game. But Zirkzee could also be an excellent immediate addition to Arteta's squad as a young and unique centre-forward who has been compared to the legendary Ibrahimovic.
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as being an "insane" athlete "just like" the retired Swedish superstar due to his incredible agility and athleticism whilst standing at a height of 6 foot 4.
23/24 Serie A
Joshua Zirkzee
Appearances
34
xG
9.01
Goals
11
Big chances created
11
Assists
4
Dribbles completed per game
1.5
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, he also has an impressive end product at the top end of the pitch to go along with his "unheard of" – per Mattinson – physical attributes.
Whilst it did not lead to a goal, due to the poor finish, the clip above illustrates all of this as Zirkzee holds off defenders, twists and turns, and then impressively uses his heel to perfectly set up a teammate for a big chance.
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ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2024
The 23-year-old whiz appears to have all the physical and technical attributes, given his impressive finishing skills in the Serie A, to develop into a fantastic player for Arsenal, which is why they should push ahead with a deal for him this summer.
O meia Roni foi titular do Corinthians no empate em 0 a 0 contra o Santos, no último domingo (8), pela 15ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, na Vila Belmiro, mesmo após ter sido substituído no intervalo da derrota por 3 a 1 para o Flamengo, há duas semanas, para a entrada de Vitinho, que foi bem contra o Rubro-Negro e marcou o único gol corintiano na ocasião.
A escolha do técnico Sylvinho foi contestada por muitos torcedores corintianos, principalmente nas redes sociais, já que Roni completou o quarto jogo consecutivo como titular no Timão, com apenas uma vitória no período.
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– Roni vem da base, um atleta que tem mostrado desejo, vontade de jogar, é esforçado, dedicado no que faz, um atleta que deve ter dois gols, uma assistência, chega na área, é da base e estamos privilegiando. Um atleta competente no que faz, entende o jogo, como ouros da base que estão evoluindo e maturando. A resposta vem do atleta para colocar em campo suas virtudes, tem talento. O Roni tinha perdido espaço, Vitinho fez jogos seguidos. As coisas vão construindo. O Roni volta, e são todos os atletas que podem ser escalados a qualquer momento – disse o treinador corintiano, após o clássico, em entrevista coletiva virtual.
Ainda que Sylvinho tenha ressaltado que Vitinho tem feito jogos em sequência, o camisa 43 pouco tem sido titular nas últimas partidas. No mesmo período de quatro jogos que Roni começou jogando, o seu companheiro de meio-campo foi reserva, tendo entrado no decorrer de todos os jogos – ainda que contra o Santos tenha jogado apenas um minuto – e somado 95 minutos e Desde a chegada de Sylvinho ao comando corintiano, há pouco mais de dois meses, Roni jogou 16 das 17 partidas, sendo titular em 11. Já Vitinho, entrou em campo em 11 oportunidades, sendo que em seis começou jogando.
Na briga para sair da zona de rebaixamento, a Ponte Preta vive uma pressão diária, mas que entra em campo repleta de expectativa no próximo fim de semana.
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Além da tentativa de escapar das últimas quatro posições, a Macaca visita o CRB com a meta de vencer dois jogos seguidos na Série B.
Na outra vitória do torneio, quando a Ponte Preta vencer o CSA, o time de Gilson Kleina empatou sem gols com o Vila Nova fora de casa.
Após 14 rodadas, a Macaca está na 17ª colocação, com 12 pontos, mesmo desempenho do Brasil de Pelotas e Vitória, os dois primeiros times fora do Z-4.
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