All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal have had a season that has certainly exceeded expectations in the Premier League, despite recent form causing them to almost certainly miss out on a historic title.

Mikel Arteta’s side were top of the table for the majority of the season before a damning April dealt the Gunners a blow to their hopes of securing their first league triumph since 2004.

With two games remaining this campaign, the north Londoners are reportedly already looking ahead to next term, with the summer transfer window in sight.

Finishing in the top two has settled Arsenal’s place in the Champions League in 2023/24, where performances and squad depth will be vital in providing success both in and out of England.

The injuries to both William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu in March were influential on Arteta’s teams’ collapse, where their lack of depth to cover first-choice names became all too evident.

It seems as though this is an area Arsenal wish to strengthen this summer, with a Bundesliga defender rumoured to be on the shortlist of names wanted at the Emirates.

What’s the latest on Mohamed Simakan to Arsenal?

The club have set their sights on RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan this summer, as reported by The Guardian’s Ed Aarons earlier this month.

It’s understood that the north Londoners are showing "strong interest" in the 23-year-old, coinciding with football.london’s reports that the Gunners are aiming to 'bolster' their defence.

The Frenchman signed a new deal in December with Leipzig taking his current contract to 2027 with the Bundesliga side. It remains to be seen exactly how much the young talent would command this off-season, though CIES Football Observatory currently estimate his value to be in the region of €30m (£26m).

What can Mohamed Simakan bring to Arsenal?

At just 23 years of age, Simakan has made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga this season so far, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 6.88.

Having been lauded as a "physical monster" by sports writer Robin Bairner, the versatile centre-back – who has primarily played on the right this term – has made a name for himself in Europe, hence sparking interest from the Premier League.

Arsenal have built an inspired young squad under Arteta, making the youngster a perfect fit for the Gunners based on his age and performance level alone.

The club are crying out for depth in defence, something that they have lacked in comparison to Manchester City.

The Spaniard has taken defensive pages out of Pep Guardiola's books and put them into practice since his move from the Etihad Stadium, take the positioning and use of Ben White and the use of Oleksandr Zinchenko as an inverted full-back as two clear examples.

Unlike Arsenal, City have a wave of talent in their ranks in all areas of the pitch and are heavily praised for their bench options being at the calibre of starters, an area that the Gunners must replicate should they wish to push on from this season.

A signing like Simakan could present Arsenal with their own Nathan Ake – a player that began as a squad option for Guardiola and graduated into the first-team at the rotation of Aymeric Laporte. He has been deployed as a left-back and a centre-back throughout the season as City look set to clinch a third successive league title.

The young Frenchman poses a lot of similarities to the Dutchman in his game, and even betters the City man, making 2.75 clearances per 90 compared to Ake's 2.09, and winning 2.26 aerials per 90 to his 1.85, as per FBref.

While the positions of both Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba look concrete in Arsenal's backline next term, the versatile colossus could provide necessary defensive options and competitions for the duo ahead of next season.

It's depth that could take Arteta's plans with the team to the next level, and allow him to once more emulate a part of his time at City at the Emirates as they look to go one better in 2024.

Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Arsenal's Kieran Tierney this summer, with the left-back emerging as a top target for Eddie Howe, according to reports.

Will Kieran Tierney leave Arsenal this summer?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out Tierney departing in the summer, with the Scot falling behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, mainly being limited to appearances as a substitute.

As such, the Scot could seek a move elsewhere in the upcoming window, and there are a number of Premier League clubs interested in his signature, including Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola said to be eyeing a move.

With Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors, there could reportedly be a bidding war for the 25-year-old this summer, which could potentially drive up his transfer fee, according to journalist Charles Watts.

However, it is Newcastle that are currently leading the race for the Douglas-born defender, with Football Insider now reporting they are in pole position, despite the interest from Man City and Villa.

The report claims the Magpies are planning a major squad overhaul this summer, as they prepare to hopefully bring Champions League football back to St. James' Park, which could entice the Arsenal ace.

Not only that, but the former Celtic man is also attracted by a move to Newcastle due to the fact it would bring him closer to his family in Scotland, which could help the Tyneside club win the race for his signature.

Should Newcastle sign Tierney?

As previously highlighted, the Scotland international's game time has been heavily limited this season, and he has not looked amazing when he has been given the opportunity to impress, averaging just a 6.26 WhoScored match rating in the league.

That said, it can be difficult for players to prove themselves when they are not given a consistent run in the team, and the £110k-per-week defender could still be an excellent signing, if he is able to rediscover his previous form.

Hailed as an "absolute baller" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the full-back recorded 37 assists and eight goals in 170 appearances for Celtic, displaying his talent on the front foot, while he has also been called a "leader" by journalist Josh Bunting.

With game time at Arsenal now limited, a move might be exactly what Tierney needs to reignite his career, and he would be a solid addition to Howe's squad.

Manchester United are clear on who they want to add this summer, with Sky Sports reporting that Harry Kane is their number one top transfer priority this summer transfer window.

Who are Manchester United hoping to sign this summer?

The striker has been imperious as ever in the Premier League this season in spite of Tottenham's struggles. Even with Spurs currently sat in eighth in the league, Kane has continued to score goals on a regular basis.

Having played nearly every single top-flight game for the side this year – he has 37 appearances in total – the attacker has bagged 28 goals and has managed three assists. It's his best total since 2017/18 and shows that despite being 29 years of age, he is still at the very top of his game.

It means that Kane has now become one of the highest-scoring Premier League players of all time with 211 to his name – he currently stands second in the rankings. Only Alan Shearer stands above him but with plenty of time left to add to his total, it isn't out of the realms of possibility that he could overtake the amount the former Magpies man managed (260).

Having impressed for so long, Man United have now made it their number one priority to add the player to their ranks this summer.

According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils have put the Spurs man at the very top of their wanted list in their search for another forward option. A deal won't be easy, with Tottenham as determined as ever to keep the England international as the club it seems. However, it hasn't stopped Erik ten Hag's side from making him one of their most wanted men during the transfer window.

They have also registered an interest in both Declan Rice and Mason Mount, but the report adds that they are unlikely to sign all three players.

Will Harry Kane join Man United?

The striker has once more been one of the best players in the entire Premier League, which is shown by his WhoScored rating of 7.47. Only Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne rank above him and when you consider the difference in terms of the two team's positioning this campaign, it is good going by the England international.

In fact, City boss Pep Guardiola has also heaped praise on the player, which is a big compliment coming from the former Barcelona man. He said that Kane is an "exceptional player" and that he may also be "one of the best strikers" that the manager has ever seen.

If United did sign him then, their goalscoring worries could be over, and he would be exactly the kind of upgrade to their strikeforce that they need after scoring the fewest number of goals out of the top seven sides this season.

West Ham are "interested" in signing Leeds United attacker Jack Harrison in the summer transfer window, according to talkSPORT.

Has Harrison shone for Leeds this season?

The 26-year-old has suffered the pain of relegation from the Premier League with the Whites this season, following a bitterly disappointing campaign. It means they are back in the Championship after three years in the top flight, with a number of key players now likely to move on.

Harrison could be one of them, having again been an important figure during the campaign, doing his best to ensure Leeds avoided the drop. The £50,000-a-week winger scored five goals and got seven assists in the league, which was a solid return, but he ultimately couldn't do enough in the end.

The Englishman's current Whites deal doesn't expire until well into the future, in the summer of 2028, but it is likely that he won't want to be playing Championship football next season, so an exit from Elland Road has to be expected.

Could Harrison make the move to West Ham?

Taking to Twitter, talkSPORT claimed that West Ham are keen on snapping up Harrison once the summer window arrives, with Aston Villa providing competition for his signature:

"BREAKING: #LUFC are preparing for the departure of Jack Harrison after their relegation from the Premier League. #WHUFC and #AVFC are among the club's interested in signing him – talkSPORT sources understand."

Harrison, who scored a hat-trick at the London Stadium last year, has the ability to be a really shrewd signing by West Ham this summer, coming in as someone who could strengthen the depth within the squad in an instant. He now has proven Premier League experience over the past three seasons, scoring 21 times and registering 16 assists in the competition, and he can thrive both out wide and in an attacking midfield role, with his versatility an added bonus.

The Leeds man has been hailed as "absolutely superb" by YouTuber Conor McMilligan in the past, and at 26, he is both experienced and still relatively young at the same time, which could be the perfect combination, allowing him to come in on a long-term contract and not risk falling away and drifting past his best.

Harrison may well be tempted to jump at the chance to join West Ham – Villa do have European football, however, which could be an issue for the Hammers – allowing him to remain in the Premier League and continue his development.

Aston Villa are showing interest in winger Largie Ramazani this summer as Unai Emery looks to bolster his side with the challenges of European football to come next season.

What’s the latest on Largie Ramazani to Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, the Villans are tracking the Almeria dynamo ahead of a potential move this summer, with the LaLiga outfit valuing one of their star assets at around £35m.

Emery could face stiff competition from fellow Premier League side Everton with regard to any move for the Belgian, and they have watched him closely this season as per the report.

With European football heading to Villa Park next term, this could be an advantage for the Midland side in their pursuit of the player.

Who is Largie Ramazani?

The 22-year-old gem has enjoyed a solid season in the Spanish top flight for Almeria, and he could play a starring role as they try to escape relegation, knowing that a victory against Espanyol today will maintain their La Liga status ahead of next term.

Across 32 league games, he has scored three times and grabbed one assist, which has included a goal and assist against Real Madrid, proving he can conjure up the goods when it really matters.

The interest in Ramazani could spell bad news for Philippe Coutinho, who has endured a torrid season for Villa.

Across 22 matches in all competitions, the Brazilian dud has scored just once, and this form could potentially lead him to depart the club after just one full season in the Midlands.

Ramazani would certainly prove to be a better option, especially judging by their respective statistics this term.

Not only has the former Manchester United youth player registered more goal contributions this season (four to one), but he also has more shots per 90 (2.52 to 2.4), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.13 to zero), successful take-on percentage (46.3% to 41.2%) and taken more touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (49 to 24).

This hugely suggests that he would be an upgrade on the current Villa midfielder ahead of next season as he clearly offers more in ways of attacking contributions.

Meanwhile, talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded the 22-year-old late last year, claiming that he is a “counter-attacking weapon” and has “electric pace and acceleration”, which could give Emery that added bit of dynamism, in comparison to the dwindling Brazilian, that could prove decisive next season.

If the Spaniard can move Coutinho on for a fee, then he should use some of the money towards making a move for Ramazani, as he clearly has the talent to take his game to the next level in the Premier League.

Liverpool are on the brink of making Alexis Mac Allister's move to Anfield official this week and now a new update has emerged on another transfer target for the Reds.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Romeo Lavia?

According to Football Insider, Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit to compete with Liverpool for the signing of Southampton star Romeo Lavia this summer.

As per the report, the West Londoners are preparing a new move to beat Liverpool to the signing of the midfielder after the Reds also registered their interest.

Both clubs will need to meet a fee of up to £50m to be in contention to snap up his services from the relegated side.

Should Liverpool sign Romeo Lavia this summer?

Both Chelsea and Liverpool are in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield this summer and Jurgen Klopp is clearly keen to focus his attention on up-and-coming talent as opposed to more experienced professionals.

The Reds have been strongly linked to and held discussions to sign Kephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone who are both 22 years old, proving that sparking a youthful revolution in the centre of the pitch seems to be the clear intention this summer.

As a result, the signing of Lavia would be a major coup for the Merseyside giants as he is not only a young midfielder that Klopp can mould and develop but already boasts Premier League experience, something the aforementioned French targets do not possess.

Over 29 top-flight appearances, the 19-year-old – hailed an "absolute monster" by Southampton correspondent Benjy Nurick – has tallied up an 86% pass completion rate and completed 68% of his dribble attempts, as well as averaging 47.7 touches, 1.1 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 4.9 duels won per game, proving that he is a dominant defensive presence.

The Belgian midfielder – who polished his craft in the Manchester City youth academy – has been the recipient of high praise during his first season of playing consistent Premier League football, with Pep Guardiola complimenting his impact on Southampton:

"I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing. We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him."

Bearing in mind the youngster's quality, Lavia could well be Klopp's next version of fellow teenager Stefan Bajcetic.

Indeed, the Liverpool academy graduate was given the opportunity to compete for a defensive role in the first team this season after impressing in the youth set-up, which led to the Spaniard adding some much-needed energy into the centre of the pitch.

Like Lavia, he boasts excellent defensive attributes, winning 3.1 duels per game and ranking in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe for the number of dribblers he attempted to tackle every 90 minutes, a marker of his keenness to get stuck in.

Should be be acquired, then the Saints ace would be the perfect understudy for Fabinho over the next season as the Brazilian ace has struggled to maintain his own high standards in the deeper midfield role, notably being described as an "old man" by 90min journalist Graeme Bailey.

As a result, if Lavia arrives in the red side of Merseyside it could be exactly what Klopp needs to provide quality competition for the position.

With that being said, it is an exciting and transformative time at Anfield with Klopp on the hunt to build the next generation of success and this ambitious rebuild could be an extremely attractive prospect for a young player like Lavia to become a part of.

Glasgow Rangers are still keen on signing defender Jonathan Panzo this summer after a recent update has emerged concerning their interest in him.

What’s the latest on Jonathan Panzo to Rangers?

Following the recent acquisition of forward Sam Lammers, Fabrizio Romano tweeted regarding the move while also claiming the Gers are still keen on Panzo, saying: “Official, completed: Sam Lammers joins Rangers on permanent deal, four-year contract signed.

“Talks continue over Jonathan Panzo deal as many clubs want him — Rangers are insisting.”

No other clubs are directly mentioned, though with the Nottingham Forest youngster clearly in high demand, Michael Beale must try to get a deal for the 22-year-old over the line as soon as possible – and he could cost as little as £2m.

Could Jonathan Panzo improve Rangers?

The centre of defence is a position where Beale currently has four first-team players. However, there could well be an issue ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Connor Goldson is a mainstay in that slot, making 261 appearances for the club, but Ben Davies was dubbed “very poor” by Kenny Miller following a horrendous mistake in an Old Firm clash back in April, John Souttar has missed a grand total of 43 games due to an ankle injury and Leon King is still just 19 years old, suggesting that Beale may have a lot to think about when selecting his options in the heart of the defence.

The Gers only conceded three more goals than Celtic last term, and by signing Panzo, they could be further improving their options at the back.

The 22-year-old spent the season on loan at Coventry City and finished his temporary move by ranking in fifth position for overall rating as (per Sofascore) while showcasing his defensive attributes by ranking in the top ten across the whole squad for tackles (1.6), interceptions (1.7) and clearances (2.9) – certainly underlining his ability in the heart of defence as he clearly played a key role in helping the Sky Blues reaching the Championship play-off final.

Panzo can also operate at left-back, with his positional versatility being another bonus for Beale, while he has also been lauded by his former U21 boss at Forest, Dave Rogers, who said: "He is a great professional. He's enthusiastic and has got good experience and energy too. He brings a great vibe to the dressing room, too.

"It's great to see Panzo getting more game time because he seems to be getting better and better each time he plays. It's been fantastic to have him with us and the boys have really enjoyed having him around. He's been great to coach."

High praise indeed, and with another centre-back required ahead of a crucial 2023/24 campaign, Panzo has more than demonstrated that he could slot into Beale's plans with ease.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their options in the middle of the park in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Dominik Szoboszlai to Newcastle?

According to journalist Jordan Cronin, the Magpies are continuing to pursue a deal to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from German side RB Leipzig.

The reporter tweeted: "NUFC have held further talks with RB Leipzig this week regarding Dominik Szoboszlai. Eddie Howe wants to sign another 'elite' midfielder alongside Sandro Tonali."

There is a £61m release clause in the Hungary international's contract, which expires on 30th June. The accompanying report claims that the club may look to negotiate below that in order to secure his signature.

This comes as Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe close in on a £60m deal to sign AC Milan star Sandro Tonali, who has already agreed a six-year contract with the Premier League side ahead of his potential switch to St James' Park.

How would Dominik Szoboszlai fit in at Newcastle?

The 22-year-old can be deployed as a central or attacking midfielder, although he can also play out wide, and could form a dream partnership with Tonali, 23, in the middle of the park for the Magpies.

Both players are young stars who have already proven themselves in major European leagues and could be terrific additions to Howe's current midfield options.

Szoboszlai, who was once dubbed a "generational" talent by journalist Marcel Moeller, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.42 across 31 Bundesliga outings for Leipzig and contributed with six goals and eight assists, as well as 2.3 key passes per game.

Meanwhile, the Italy international averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.21 across 34 Serie A matches for Milan and showcased his creativity with 12 'big chances' created and seven assists to his name.

Kieran Trippier (7.61) was the only outfield player for Newcastle to average a higher Sofascore rating than the prospective Toon signings, which suggests that they could both be superb additions to the team based on their performance levels week-in-week-out.

Tonali, who also made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, ranks in the top 6% of players in his position in the men's top five leagues over the last 365 days for xAG (expected Assisted Goals) per 90 (0.21).

Szoboszlai ranks in the top 16% for xAG, but his eye-catching 5.51 shot-creating actions per 90 over the last 365 days leaves the magician in the top 9% amongst his positional peers.

These statistics suggest that both players are among the most impressive creative midfield players in the top leagues, whilst they both have plenty of time to develop further under Howe's coaching, and could provide the likes of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak with excellent service in the final third.

Therefore, they could form an exciting midfield link-up in the immediate term as well as the future for Newcastle, which is why Szoboszlai could be a terrific addition to the team alongside Tonali.

Leeds United are set to interview Daniel Farke for their managerial vacancy this week, according to reports.

What's the latest Leeds manager news?

Following Sam Allardyce’s sacking at the start of June after failing to keep his side in the Premier League, 49ers Enterprises have now embarked on a mission to find a suitable long-term appointment to try and get them back up to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberan is clearly one who has been admired by Elland Road chiefs for a long time having previously shown an interest in him after the departure of Jesse Marsch, but it’s believed that a move for him at this stage is ruled out as a result of the hierarchy wanting a candidate that has experience at the highest level.

Farke was most recently in charge of Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach but was relieved of his duties earlier this month, so he is now a free agent on the market and is looking for his next role in the dugout, and it appears that he’s attracted attention from Elland Road.

Are Leeds appointing Farke?

According to Sky Sports, Leeds are “set to meet” Farke for an interview this week to assess whether he’s the right man to take to the helm. Crystal Palace’s former coach Patrick Vieira is another name that is “under consideration”, whilst Corberan is confirmed to have received “no approach” at this stage.

Leeds will most likely be looking to appoint someone with plenty of experience in the Championship to try and help get them out of there, and with Farke having that and so much more on his CV, including three trophies, he could be just the person that the board need to bring to Yorkshire.

The German coach has an excellent track record in the second-tier, winning 71 and drawing 38 out of 138 games, with this form having twice seen him achieve promotion during his time at Norwich City, so he’ll know exactly what it takes to compete and be successful at this level.

The 46-year-old, who was once hailed “fantastic” by journalist Josh Bunting, also has a history in LS11 having won twice at Elland Road when visiting with his team, so if he can secure victories as an opponent, think about the magic he could work if he was in charge of the home side.

West Ham United have made an enquiry for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi ahead of a potential move for him this summer.

What’s the latest on Callum Hudson-Odoi to West Ham United?

According to Ben Jacobs in his Caught Offside column, West Ham have ‘enquired’ about the player, although there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old, with fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham also interested.

He is currently valued at €32m (£27m) by FootballTransfers and with just a year left on his current deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit, David Moyes may have the opportunity to lure him to the club for a knockdown price.

Could West Ham United sign Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Chelsea have a plethora of options across their front three and Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t appear to be standing still in the transfer market, which suggests the winger could find opportunities difficult to come by next term.

He spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, enduring an underwhelming campaign as he made only 21 appearances, registering two goal contributions, yet there is no disputing his potential.

He broke onto the scene during the 2018/2019 season and showed his "crazy potential" – as per scout Jacek Kulig, particularly impressing in the Europa League where he scored four goals in nine matches, before making his England debut aged just 18, underlining just how highly rated he was.

With superstardom just around the corner, the youngster suffered a serious injury which keep him out for a few months not long after he made his England debut and across his whole Chelsea career to date, he has missed 43 matches in total due to a variety of injury issues.

The loan move to Leverkusen was meant to rejuvenate him and director Simon Rolfes even claimed he was a “key player” for the side when it was confirmed he was staying in Germany for the whole season back in January.

Hudson-Odoi showed glimpses of his true potential in the Champions League last term, starting all six matches in the group stage, and even scoring once, while making 1.7 key passes per game and succeeding with 1.5 dribbles per game – a success rate of 53% – and these figures were actually higher than what West Ham winger Said Benrahma registered in the Europa Conference League.

The Algerian made just 0.8 key passes per game and also succeeded with 1.5 dribbles per match, yet his success rate was only 49%.

Thus, if Hudson-Odoi could replicate the form he displayed in Europe’s premier club competition, he could be a key player for Moyes next season, potentially even eclipsing Benrahma in the process.