Arsenal: "Incredible" Player Could Push To Leave

Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun will be "keen to leave" this summer if the club don't guarantee him first team opportunities, according to reports.

What's the latest news on Balogun?

The 21-year-old is currently attracting a lot of serious interest from clubs abroad as reliable journalist David Ornstein shared recently. Indeed, the player's future could be a big topic for Arsenal this summer and Ornstein has reported that they face a big decision.

Balogun's contract expires in just over two years, giving Mikel Arteta's side a dilemma over whether to sell this year or implement him into the first team – as it is currently very unlikely he will extend his contract with the club.

Currently on loan at Reims in Ligue 1, the forward has absolutely dazzled under Will Still, prompting some of the continent's best sides to take note of his exploits.

It has been reported that AC Milan, Inter, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig are just some of the elite sides eyeing a move for Balogun.

Now, 90min has weighed in with their own update, as it appears the England Under-21 international is set to give Arsenal an ultimatum upon his return to north London.

Indeed, it is now believed that he will be 'keen to leave' the club permanently if Arsenal don't guarantee him first-team minutes. Balogun is apparently due to hold 'crunch talks' with the club over his future, Another loan move has been ruled out by the striker's entourage, meaning his potential exit will be a permanent one.

90min adds that RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Berlin, Nice, Lyon, Villarreal and Sevilla are all taking an interest in Balogun – and he is just as popular in the Premier League.

Brentford, Leicester City, Wolves, Everton and Crystal Palace are all keeping tabs on the exciting youngster, with the Bees particularly seeing him as an alternative to Ivan Toney – who faces a lengthy ban due to the betting charges against him.

What should Arsenal do with Balogun?

We believe the solution is obvious – the Gunners should guarantee Balogun first-team minutes next season.

As we've already seen with defender William Saliba, it is entirely possible for returning loanees from France to make an immediate impact in Arteta's first team.

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Called 'incredible' for his form by Arteta, Balogun has been quite simply scintillating in front of goal – scoring 18 in 26 top-flight starts.

He's also attempted an impressive 3.3 shots at goal per 90, more than any Gunners forward in England – making you wonder what exactly is stopping him from breaking through.

Losing such a highly talented player would be a real shame and we believe his best place next season is at The Emirates.

Predicted Leeds United XI & team news vs Liverpool

Leeds United return to Premier League action tonight, as they play host to a Liverpool side searching for their first win since early March.

Jurgen Klopp's men threatened to return to form after they had demolished Manchester United at Anfield, yet since then they have gone five games without a win in all competitions, which also included crashing out of the Champions League alongside a loss to relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Javi Gracia will be aware of this dip in form and will hope that his outfit can be the latest to pile on the misery for the European-chasing Reds.

However, they too have faced something of an inquest following their collapse against Crystal Palace in their last game. Despite taking the lead, four second-half goals condemned the Whites to a heavy defeat in front of a frustrated Elland Road crowd. Under floodlights against a top side tonight, they will seek to rectify that with wholesale changes.

leeds-united-crystal-palace-goal

Few performed well during that miserable encounter, which could give justification for a host of alterations for this fixture. Perhaps the Spaniard might opt to apply further pressure onto the struggling defence of the visitors by employing a tactical switch, in order to overload their back line.

Either way, something drastic has to change from their last performance.

How could Leeds United line up against Liverpool?

4-4-2 – Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Sinisterra, McKennie, Roca, Gnonto; Bamford, Rodrigo.

Gracia could make a whopping four changes from the team that collapsed against the Eagles, with a change in formation likely to be key in any success they might enjoy.

Whilst he might have struggled of late, given only one of his last five Sofascore ratings have surpassed a 6.7, Illan Meslier represents the only real option to continue in goal.

He will sit behind a back four altered in order to deal with the tricky threat that Liverpool pose, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo awkward customers to quell. As such, Rasmus Kristensen will earn a recall after Luke Ayling's recent disasterclass, and club captain Liam Cooper will replace the similarly disappointing Pascal Struijk. Robin Koch and Junior Firpo will retain their spots, as Max Wober remains unlikely to return.

A flat four across the midfield may well see Jack Harrison as the only casualty, allowing Luis Sinisterra another chance to prove his worth after returning to fitness. Wilfried Gnonto must earn a recall too, with these electric wingers expected to terrorise the likes of Andy Robertson and particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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That leaves Marc Roca to partner Weston McKennie in the engine room.

The final change will be to drop Brenden Aaronson for another natural striker to partner Patrick Bamford. Having started on the bench, there is no better option than to start their top scorer Rodrigo from the off.

The Spaniard has been "unstoppable" this season in the eyes of journalist Firzie Idris and will be key in causing the visitors' back four further problems.

Chelsea Could Land Lukaku Upgrade In £50m "Lion"

Chelsea are likely to be in the market for a striker this summer, and their new manager could be presented with a number of options ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

Goalscoring has been a major issue for the Blues in the top flight so far this campaign, with just 30 goals in 31 outings, and it appears that a clinical forward is required if the west London outfit are to challenge at the top again next season.

Although Romelu Lukaku could still return after his loan spell with Inter, Todd Boehly could find a significantly more reliable option in Brentford talisman Ivan Toney.

Could Chelsea sign Ivan Toney?

In a recent article for GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones detailed five different striker options for Chelsea ahead of what will be a vitally important summer transfer window for the club, while touching on the chances of Toney moving across west London.

He wrote: "Toney has proven himself to be a regular goalscorer in the Premier League and he has a confidence in his own ability that Chelsea have been crying out for.

"A ban is looming over his betting investigation and that needs to be factored into the potential of any pursuit, but it is true that he has caught the eye of Chelsea recruiters who feel he could be a good fit with the other attacking players available to them.

"Brentford will not let him leave easily. They sold Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa for £33m at a time when he had not even played in the Premier League. Toney eclipses anything he had achieved and will easily be valued at over £50m by the Bees."

Would Toney be an upgrade on Lukaku?

As Jones suggests, Toney has developed a supreme confidence in his own ability which has been cultivated in a series of phenomenal goalscoring seasons in the lower leagues and the top flight.

He crashed in 49 goals in 94 appearances for Peterborough United before earning a move to the Bees, where he broke a long-standing record in the Championship for most goals scored by a single player, hitting 33 as Thomas Frank's side were promoted through the play-offs.

The English forward enjoyed a strong debut campaign in the Premier League with 12 goals and five assists, while he has been one of the most consistent players in the division so far this season, registering 18 goals and four assists in just 29 appearances.

Frank was full of praise for his star striker in 2021, saying:

"If you want to be a top player you need to work hard, constantly reflect and want to learn and then of course you need to have that confidence that he’s got so naturally.

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"He’s coming across so fantastically: he’s humble, calm, but with a mindset of a lion."

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By comparison, Kai Havertz is the top scorer at Stamford Bridge this term with just seven Premier League goals, while the £97.5m spent on Lukaku in 2021 has also gone down the drain as he continues to struggle out on loan with Inter.

The Belgian forward would manage just eight top-flight goals last season and has registered just three in Serie A during his current loan spell, so looks unlikely to be the saviour at Chelsea next year.

Not only is Toney a younger, more confident goalscorer than Lukaku, but he has also averaged far more shots (3 vs 1.7), aerials won (3.4 vs 1.6) and average passes (23.1 vs 13.2) than the 29-year-old this season, so could represent a significant upgrade at Stamford Bridge should Boehly bring him in.

Pundit Questions Why Spurs Haven’t Targeted "Great" Manager

Tottenham Hotspur should target Brendan Rodgers as their next manager following another setback in their search, former striker Darren Bent has claimed.

What's the latest on Spurs' manager search?

The club were dealt a blow as talks broke down with Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, and there appears to be no easy solution in sight to replace Antonio Conte, who was dismissed over two months ago.

There have now been links with Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, but former Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has now been mooted for the vacant role in North London.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Bent claimed that Rodgers' experience in the Premier League could make him the ideal manager to help make Spurs competitive.

"For me, he'd be perfect. He plays attacking football, I get that it sometimes goes a bit stale towards the end, which I understand, but look what he did in his pomp at Leicester, back-to-back fifth-place finishes," he stated.

"Yes, maybe he should have got fourth, but fifth with Leicester, winning the FA Cup in the manner in which they did, he nearly won the league at Liverpool, I know it was about the Gerrard slip but it was close.

"He's done great things at Celtic, I really like watching these teams play, so I don't understand why he's not been approached by Tottenham."

Should Spurs move for Rodgers?

Spurs encountered problems negotiating with Feyenoord over Slot, and they may face issues convincing clubs to part ways with their current head coaches.

Rodgers is currently a free agent, having been dismissed from his role at Leicester earlier on this season, and he is reportedly interested in the role.

Antonio Conte and Brendan Rodgers watch their sides as Tottenham Hotspur play Leicester City in the Premier League.

His experience has seen him manage at both ends of the table, having competed for the title with Liverpool and helped take Leicester to Europe and FA Cup glory.

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He helped nurture attacking talents at his previous clubs, with the likes of Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge thriving under the Northern Irishman.

His time at Celtic saw him establish a period of dominance in Scotland with the Hoops, winning seven domestic trophies in a three-year spell.

He could be a perfect fit for Spurs, and with plenty of issues to contend with, such as the uncertain future of Harry Kane, someone with his pedigree and experience could help iron out the problems at the club.

Eddie Howe Wants Newcastle To Sign £150k-p/w "Monster"

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips and wants the club to pursue a possible transfer this summer.

The Magpies completed their brilliant 2022/23 Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. They will compete in the Champions League next season and appear to be on the hunt for additions in the transfer window this summer.

What's the latest news on Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle?

According to Football Transfers correspondent Steve Kay, Howe wants both Phillips and Leicester City midfielder James Maddison to join the club this summer.

Kay stated that Manchester City are "open to selling" Phillips, but it remains to be seen if the midfielder will stay at the Etihad and fight for his place or choose to join Newcastle where the promise of game time could be greater.

Due to the Magpies' top-four finish, Phillips would still be able to compete in the Champions League next season. Maddison is another top target, although Tottenham are also interested but cannot offer the chance to play in Europe's prestigious knockout competition.

Kay reports that Maddison "is way up on the list" and after being "in contact with his camp for a long time, he’s a big possibility." Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog regarding the two, Football Transfers correspondent Steve Kay said:

"Eddie Howe is a big, big fan of Kalvin Phillips. City are open to selling and Howe would like to bring him in to add Premier League experience.

"He’s still only 27, can fill a position Newcastle are looking to improve and Howe believes he can be another strong voice in the dressing room, helping younger players develop too."

"Newcastle are looking for proven players and that brings me to James Maddison, who is way up on the list. I think he’ll sign. They’ve been in contact with his camp for a long time. He’s a big possibility.

"Tottenham are interested in Maddison. However, he wants Champions League football – something Spurs can’t offer now – so everything points to Newcastle at the minute. They are the favourites."

How many appearances has Kalvin Phillips made this season?

Due to injury issues and Pep Guardiola's preference, the 27-year-old made just 21 appearances in all competitions, including only 12 appearances in the Premier League. His contributions this season amounted to just 593 minutes, according to Transfermarkt.

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In total, he missed 11 games through injury this season, and yet he has emerged as a target for Newcastle. Despite his injury struggles, Phillips, dubbed by Yannick Bolasie as a "monster", remains a talented midfielder that could still be a valuable addition to the Newcastle squad.

The £150,000-a-week England international has plenty of top-flight experience and continues to be a regular in Gareth Southgate's international squad, turning out on 26 occasions now, so the Magpies could make a shrewd move by signing Phillips, and by the looks of it, it could be one to watch with Howe a fan.

Chelsea Could Lose £150k-A-Week Ace This Summer

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz is wanted by Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Did Havertz have a good season for Chelsea?

The German joined the Blues back in the summer of 2020 from Bayer Leverkusen, famously scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

It's fair to say that Havertz has blown a little hot and cold in a Chelsea shirt overall, however, with his performances not always matching his top-class levels of talent. This season, the £150,000-a-week attacker only scored seven times in 35 Premier League appearances, and while that was still more than any other Blues player, he still didn't offer enough leading the line.

It has led to queastion marks surrounding the 23-year-old's long-term future at Stamford Bridge, even though his current deal runs until the summer of 2025. Much may depend on how happy he is in west London currently, and whether Mauricio Pochettino sees him as a key figure.

Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz

Could Havertz join Real Madrid this summer?

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that Madrid are keen on acquiring Havertz's signature before the beginning of next season, with Carlo Ancelotti a big fan of his:

"Real Madrid have concrete interest in Kai Havertz. He’s one of the players in the list, really appreciated by Ancelotti. Understand Chelsea are open to discuss Havertz exit but they want important fee, no way for loan & similar."

Havertz leaving Chelsea would be a blow, especially if Pochettino considers him someone who he can build his team around. With Mason Mount looking likely to leave, it could even be that he is used in a No.10 role behind an elite striker who comes in, such as Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who has been linked with the Blues a number of times in recent months.

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Granted, the 34-cap and 12-goal Germany international hasn't always performed at a consistently high level, but he remains a young player with a huge amount of potential. He was once described as "world-class" by Matthias Sammer during his Bundesliga days, so to lose him to Madrid at this point in his career would be a setback.

The hope is that Havertz is buoyed by the appointment of Pochettino and sees his future there for the time being, going up a gear under the Argentine next season and fulfilling his talent in the process.

Liverpool’s "Mad" £38m Target To "Decide" On Anfield Move

Liverpool target and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is expected to soon "decide" whether to make the move to Anfield, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Is Mason Mount leaving Chelsea?

The Blues academy graduate has made 195 senior appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's side over the course of his career, but with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, the upcoming window is his final chance to secure a big-money move elsewhere having rejected several new offers to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

Sky Sports have credited the Reds with an interest in the 24-year-old but report that Premier League rivals Manchester United are the current frontrunners having displayed a strong desire to secure his services, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein further revealing that the player himself is leaning towards a switch to Old Trafford.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that the England international is “advancing” in negotiations to join Erik Ten Hag’s side which is true considering that he’s since agreed personal terms, but whilst a deal looks all but done, he still has Jurgen Klopp lurking in the background as a valid option.

Are Liverpool signing Mount?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Mount is set to choose between Liverpool and Man United as his next destination with an exit from his boyhood club pretty much inevitable this summer. He wrote:

"News #Mount: Been told #MUFC is pushing a lot! Ten Hag and the bosses share the same opinion about him: They definitely want him! Within the club all are convinced of him. Understand he will decide between Man Utd or Liverpool. Price valuation at this stage: €45-50m [£38m-43m] with bonuses included."

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.

Should FSG cash out on Mount?

Liverpool are clearly long-term admirers of Mount and the fact that he’ll be out of contract this time next year means that a cut-price deal is available with the price range mentioned above, so FSG should certainly consider tabling a bid in an attempt to wrap up this bargain of a deal.

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Chelsea’s “mad” attacking midfielder, as lauded by BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand, missed 12 top-flight games last season through injury but still managed to clock up nine goal contributions (six assists and three goals) across all competitions, showing how much of an instant impact he can make when available to play.

The Champions League winner, who knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured three senior trophies in SW6, is also a versatile operator having been fielded in seven various positions across the pitch since first emerging onto the scene, including in the midfield and the frontline, so he is a well-rounded player that would slot perfectly into the centre for Klopp.

£200k p/w Spurs Star In Communication With Levy Over Future

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is open to a potential move away from north London this summer but he and his camp are not agitating for a move.

Who wants to sign Harry Kane?

The 29-year-old striker is now coming into the final year of his deal with his boyhood club and speculation as to whether he will see that final season out remains rife.

Indeed, the England captain has finished his campaign for the Lilywhites having shone in what was a seriously underwhelming term for the club.

Kane was able to net a whopping 30 goals in the Premier League which was just six off the league's top scorer Erling Haaland who was playing Pep Guardiola's extraordinary Manchester City side.

And having impressed once again in a Spurs shirt, Kane is believed to have attracted the interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

This comes two years after the England captain was believed to be pushing for a move away from north London amid the interest from City.

However, speaking on the Five YouTube channel, David Ornstein has claimed this is not the case this summer with the striker's camp very much in contact with the chairman Daniel Levy:

"As far as I know, he is open to all opportunities, including Real Madrid, I'm not aware that he would not play outside the Premier League like some have suggested."

"Harry Kane, his family, they love Spurs, they're Tottenham supporters, it would do them no greater pleasure than to succeed, win trophies, compete in the Champions League with Tottenham, that is their ideal scenario.

"But we're not living in an ideal world. And that's why they are open to everything. I don't sense they're agitating, like some perceive them to be in the summer of 2021. I think there is communication on this occasion with Daniel Levy, which there wasn't at that time. And so I think things are very calm."

Will Kane sign a new deal?

There are contrasting reports over the interest coming from Madrid now with some claims from Spain suggesting Los Blancos could be willing to wait until next summer to make their move for Kylian Mbappe.

If this is the case then it could possibly halve Kane's options this summer to just United as Erik ten Hag looks to solve their issues up top.

Tottenham Hotspur chairmanDanielLevy

However, it is believed Levy would be willing to allow Kane to run his contract down next season rather than allowing him to leave this summer for the Red Devils.

Given United are said to be so desperate to address their issues at striker this summer, missing out on Kane could potentially see them find an alternative long-term option.

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If this were to be the case, then it could put some serious question marks as to where Kane could actually move.

And there is certainly potential for this to work in Tottenham's favour if Kane's options are to fade away as it could leave the £200k-per-week striker open to signing a new deal in north London.

As Ornstein suggests, it appears the striker would be open to staying at Spurs this summer and there is no burning desire to force a move, currently.

So if his options are to fade over the coming months, it could possibly leave Spurs his most attractive offer.

Arsenal: Gunners "Leading The Charge" For "Star" Signing

Arsenal are among the sides "leading the charge" to sign Brighton and Ecuador star Moises Caicedo this summer, according to reports.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

After failing to secure their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, it's set to be a pivotal summer for Mikel Arteta and co, with the domestic transfer window now officially open for business.

Strengthening in centre-midfield is believed to be a major priority for the north Londoners, who have set their sights on West Ham star Declan Rice and are reported to be edging closer to a deal.

The England international isn't the only player who Arsenal could sign for the position, though, as reports suggest they retain a serious interest in Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan and Caicedo regardless.

Moises Caicedo shields the ball for Brighton & Hove Albion as they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Gunners are also believed to be eyeing additions at full-back, with City's Joao Cancelo, Galtasary's Sacha Boey and Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda also heavily linked in recent weeks.

Going back to central midfield and Caicedo, there has been an update on their pursuit courtesy of Football Insider, who claim Arsenal are among the major favourites for his signing.

Indeed, despite interest from Liverpool and Man United, it is believed that Arsenal and Chelsea are "leading the charge" for Brighton's pivotal midfield man.

Arteta's side may have to act quickly, though, with the Blues making contact. In terms of asking price, Brighton are apparently demanding around £70 million plus a further £10m in add-ons to let him go this window.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of Caicedo, who clocked up 43 appearances across all competitions for the Seagulls last season.

Who is Moises Caicedo?

The 21-year-old has been sensational for Brighton at club level, averaging more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any player in their squad domestically over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

Caicedo has also shone for Ecuador internationally, starting all three of their World Cup games in Qatar last year and even getting on the scoresheet in what was a pinnacle moment for him (WhoScored).

Journalist Roberto Rojas, writing on Twitter, called the defensive midfield enforcer a "star" for his nation with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi holding him in equally high esteem.

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"Caicedo for me could become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and in Europe," said De Zerbi last October.

"Caicedo is a top player with and without the ball.

“There are many players who are very good with the ball but without it in defensive spaces are not so good. With Caicedo, I don’t see anything not at the top level."

Wolves Could Land "Unbelievable" Talent For £0

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to striker Moussa Dembele as Julen Lopetegui aims to strengthen his squad on a budget this summer.

This latest link could be a perfect signing at Molineux, with the Frenchman potentially capable of solving the side’s goalscoring woes while allowing the Old Gold to remain tight to financial burdens, with no fee required.

What’s the latest on Moussa Dembele to Wolves?

As reported by Express and Star, Wolves are one of the clubs interested in Olympique Lyonnais striker Dembele.

The forward is set to become a free agent, with the report claiming that the Midlands club are ‘monitoring’ his movements.

It’s expected that Wolves will face ‘considerable competition’ in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature, with a host of unnamed clubs eyeing the talisman.

What could Moussa Dembele offer to Wolves?

Lauded as an “unbelievable talent” by former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie, the Frenchman was once a loved figure in Glasgow.

In a total of 94 appearances for the Hoops, Dembele contributed to 69 goals and assists – assisting 18 and scoring an impressive 51 goals (via Transfermarkt), cementing himself as a worthy candidate to lead the line.

His efforts in Scotland saw him snapped up by Lyon, where the 26-year-old has netted 70 goals in 172 appearances, and with his contract expiring this summer, there are rumours that the forward could continue his scoring streak at Molineux.

Lopetegui is crying out for a goalscorer, which, when rewinding a few seasons, could not have been predicted considering the form of Raul Jimenez in leading the line for Wolves.

The Mexican marked the Midlands club’s return to the Premier League in style, registering 21 goal contributions in his debut campaign, scoring 13 and assisting eight in a streak that didn’t expire past one glory term.

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez

It was a recurring feat in the 2019/20 season, where he scored an improved 17 goals and recorded six assists, in strike play that was critical to his club’s success, as highlighted through their consecutive 7th-place finishes.

When his form dipped, so did his team’s, as shown by Wolves not finishing in the top 10 since those campaigns that displayed his talents in front of goal.

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Now, Lopetegui must get the Old Gold back to their old ways, which he could achieve by signing a striker as similarly competent as Jimenez in his glory days.

In the Mexican’s best-scoring Premier League season of 2019/20, he averaged a scoring frequency of a goal every 191 minutes, with Dembele averaging a goal every 105 minutes last campaign in Ligue 1, in which he netted 21 goals in 30 appearances.

Therefore, it could easily be argued that the Frenchman has the capabilities to reinstall the potency in front of goal at Molineux that was once displayed by Jimenez, in a move that could give Lopetegui the opportunity to take Wolves up the table in his first full season in charge.

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