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West Ham United’s recent Premier League win against Arsenal has moved them up to sixth position in the table and David Moyes’ men head into 2024 full of confidence.
Not all is perfect at West Ham, however, as Moyes clearly needs some investment into his side if they wish to maintain their current position and challenge for more European glory.
Jarrod Bowen is West Ham’s top scorer this season with 13 goals from 24 matches and he has had to operate through the middle due to Moyes’ lack of centre-forward options.
This will surely be an area the Scot targets when the January transfer window opens and there have already been a few names linked with a move to the Irons – including Hugo Ekitike.
Moyes previously showed interest in the young striker during the summer transfer window, yet no move ever materialised, and he joined Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent deal from fellow French club Reims instead.
An update from French outlet Le Parisien claims that PSG are open to letting the youngster leave on loan during the January transfer window and this has certainly piqued West Ham once again.
Just like in the summer, Crystal Palace are also keen on luring Ekitike to the Premier League in January, and it means Moyes will have to act sooner rather than later in order to finally sign the player.
The 21-year-old is valued at €17.6m (£15m) according to Football Transfers and while it is a loan move being touted, if West Ham make a substantial offer, they could secure his signature permanently.
This could be the best outcome for Moyes, especially as Michail Antonio is out of contract in the summer, while Danny Ings simply cannot be relied on as a regular source of goals in the long term.
The manager has built a wonderful midfield which features talent such as Lucas Paqueta, Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse and Moyes could form a devastating duo by signing Ekitike to partner with the latter.
The former Southampton gem signed for the club during the summer, and it looked as though he was the missing piece of the jigsaw for Moyes, especially with his attacking talents.
With 55 goals and 54 assists across 410 games for the south coast side, it was clear he would be in high demand following their relegation from the Premier League last season and West Ham were the club to stump up the asking price of £30m – and it already looks to be a wise move.
The Scot praised him heavily upon his arrival, saying: "He's performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season.
"His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he'll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch."
The 29-year-old may have scored only three goals so far, yet his 11 assists more than make up for it and he has proven to be one of the most creative players in the squad during the 2023/24 campaign.
The Englishman currently ranks second in the squad for goals and assists (nine) in the Premier League, along with ranking second for big chances created (six), first for key passes per game (two) and third for shots on target per game (0.5).
|
James Ward-Prowse's Premier League statistics |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
|---|---|---|
|
Key passes per game |
2 |
2 |
|
Goals |
9 |
3 |
|
Assists |
4 |
6 |
|
Big chances created |
9 |
6 |
|
Successful dribbles per game |
0.2 |
0.3 |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
||
He has certainly settled in well at the Irons since his summer move and all that Moyes needs now is to sign a talented centre-forward who could benefit from Ward-Prowse’s creative spark. Ekitike could well be the ideal candidate.
The 21-year-old made his Reims debut during the 2020/21 season, but it wasn’t until the following campaign that he would enjoy his big breakthrough.
In just 26 matches for the French side, Ekitike found the back of the net on 11 occasions and this sort of form didn’t go unnoticed, especially in his homeland.
Of course, PSG were the frontrunners for his signature and while they couldn’t agree to a permanent deal during the summer of 2022, the two clubs agreed on a season-long loan move with the option to buy, and he joined the capital club.
It was a gamble for both parties and with Ekitike facing stiff competition from the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar, the youngster had to take his opportunities with both hands.
He didn’t do too badly considering the circumstances as he finished the season ranked fifth among the squad for goals and assists in Ligue 1 (seven) while also ranking fourth for shots on target per game (0.5) and fifth for scoring frequency (a goal every 385 minutes) in what was a relatively decent maiden season at the club.
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With Messi and Neymar both leaving ahead of the 2023/24 season, it should have given Ekitike a major boost that he could strive for a regular first-team role, but it has been a nightmare campaign so far.
The French U20 international has played just eight minutes of football during the current season, and it is evident that a move is the best thing for him to reinvigorate his stagnating career.
Journalist Graeme Bailey lauded the striker back in 2022 when Newcastle United were leading the chase for the player, saying: “many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe” and while for a short period this looked accurate, his progress has stalled recently.
Ekitike could link up well with Ward-Prowse should he make the move to West Ham, and he needs some regular game time in order to fulfil his massive potential.
The Premier League could be the perfect platform for the PSG starlet to rediscover his form and forge a solid partnership with the former Southampton gem and if Moyes can make a deal happen in the coming weeks, it could give the Frenhman renewed hope that he can reach the very top and more importantly, stay there.
At the halfway mark of the season, Everton have been a side desperately seeking improvements in recent campaigns, but things are different this time around. The Toffees, even after a ten-point deduction, look on course to avoid Premier League relegation and perhaps even rise up the table to hand them a comfortable few months under Sean Dyche, who deserves much of the credit.
The Toffees will now hope to continue their good form in the second half of the season, be that with or without January reinforcements. As things stand, Dyche is getting the best out of his current options, and what may help is the planning of Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, who has delivered his verdict on Everton's transfer plan.
Whilst those at Goodison Park didn't exactly splash the cash in the summer transfer window, they did at least welcome the likes of Ashley Young, Jack Harrison and Beto to hand Dyche some reinforcements.
And to the former Burnley manager's credit, he has taken full advantage of those additions. In fact, if it wasn't for the points deduction, Everton would be challenging for Europe this term, which is a place they may consistently find themselves in with the planning of Thelwell and the potential new owners.
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The director of football told the club's official website: "As we look to January, I can assure you that, whilst there may not be a great deal of transfer business taking place in the coming weeks, it does not mean the hard work is not continuing.
"I have been keen to manoeuvre the Club into a position whereby we are planning two or three transfer windows ahead – not two or three weeks. And being reactive, whilst sometimes inevitable in football, is not a healthy permanent state within which to operate as a club. In that context, January is unlikely to be a busy month here.
"But hard work is ongoing to ensure a squad that has performed consistently well this season can continue to evolve and develop this season, in the summer and beyond."
The secret to success when it comes to recruitment is quite simple – proactive planning. The last thing a club needs is to be left panicking over transfers last minute without a list of options to replace star men. We've seen the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion become the best example of a side with a plan, often replacing stars with those who quickly become even better stars for another bargain deal. If Everton can reach that standard, then they may just find themselves enjoying a similar rise to Roberto de Zerbi's side.
The news that January is unlikely to be a busy month may be a disappointment to some at Goodison Park, but that's the luxury of the side's recent form. Dyche's side are not in desperate need of additions and can instead focus on finding players who would provide the manager with an instant upgrade for the long haul. As the season goes on, the Toffees could get more and more positives to look forward to ahead of a busier summer window.
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Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing a "quick" title-winning defender, amid reportedly opening talks to sign Everton star Amadou Onana.
Previous reports have suggested that manager Mikel Arteta is keen on signing two new full-backs, a midfielder and striker to reinforce Arsenal's ranks (Miguel Delaney), but their FFP restrictions mean he may have to make a compromise.
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Indeed, the Gunners spent north of £200 million in the summer window, highlighting how they could be playing with somewhat limited funds mid-season.
Arsenal are thought to be facing roadblocks in their pursuits for long-term targets as well, like Brentford star Ivan Toney, but sporting director Edu has apparently been investigating whether they can sign the striker (Miguel Delaney).
The aforementioned factors suggest Arsenal will have to weigh their next moves carefully, but it is believed that hasn't stopped them attempting a deal for Everton star Onana.
Belgian football journalist Sacha Tavolieri claimed this week that the 22-year-old is keen to join them, and Arsenal have apparently opened talks to sign Onana in January.
With Arsenal reportedly taking action in their wish to bring in a new central midfielder, it's also believed that they have their eyes on a title-winning defender in Roma star Leonardo Spinazzola.
The 30-year-old, who won a Serie A title at Juventus in 2019, was also a member of Italy's Euro 2020 winning squad. Match of the Day pundit and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is a real admirer of Spinazzola, heaping praise on the left-back's contribution under Roberto Mancini at international level.
"We've highlighted him before and after games as he brings so much energy and brings so much to that Italy team defensively, as you saw with the goal-line clearance and also offering a threat the other end," he said on The BBC (via Sport Bible).
According to La Roma 24.it, both Arsenal and Aston Villa are interested in signing Spinazzola, coming after the player's agent revealed that he will almost certainly leave when his contract expires in the summer.
Roma may want to sell before he leaves on a free deal, which could give Arsenal an advantage in negotiations.
The versatile defender has made 14 Serie A appearances under Jose Mourinho this season, ranking as one of their best-performing players by average match rating according to WhoScored.
Fiorentina defender Fabiano Parisi has heaped praise on Spinazzola in recent years, calling him a "quick" full-back with plenty to offer.
“I’ve always admired him: he’s quick, with great technical ability, can play on both wings," said Parisi to La Gazzetta (via One Football).
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Celtic are on the hunt for new additions and now have a good chance of being able to complete a deal for a reported target this month, according to a reliable journalist.
It is well known that Brendan Rodgers is keen to ensure additional bodies arrive at Parkhead this month to help boost his side's hopes of securing a third Scottish Premiership title in quick succession.
Despite having to wait for all of 16 days, Hoops supporters finally got their first taste of action in the transfer window earlier this week as Nicolas Kuhn arrived from Rapid Vienna on a five-and-a-half-year contract and the former Germany Under-20 international will be expected to provide trickery in the wide areas.
Planning ahead for the rest of the month, the Hoops could now look to target a striker and a left-back in the closing stages of the market, alongside shifting several fringe players out of the club.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph delivered a brief summary of potential incomings and outgoings at Parkhead, stating on social media platform X: "Celtic are now focusing efforts to bring in a LB & ST before the end of the transfer window. Permanent deals would be preferable, but loan targets may be more achievable. GK situation is also being assessed, but more likely to be addressed in the summer."
He then added: "The Hoops are open to offers for Gustaf Lagerbielke, Alexandro Bernabei, James McCarthy & Rocco Vata. Vata is out of contract in the summer and is already in talks with Bologna & Como. Yuki Kobayashi and Marco Tilio are also likely to leave on loan this month."
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Midfield could also become an area of concern as doubt is cast over David Turnbull's future at the Scottish giants, and one media outlet now claim an arrival in the engine room could be on the cards to bolster Celtic's engine room this month.
As per reliable Daily Record reporter Scott Burns, Celtic have held talks with Gwangju FC midfielder Jung Ho-Yeon over a move to Parkhead and it is believed that there is a 'good chance' that any potential deal could move further down the line this window.
|
Jung statistics in 2023 – K League 1 (Sofascore) |
|
|
Goal conversion |
9% |
|
Big chances created |
4 |
|
Accurate passes per game |
41.3 (90%) |
|
Tackles per game |
2.0 |
|
Balls recovered per game |
5.8 |
|
Clearances per game |
1.1 |
Nonetheless, it is believed that his current employers would be keen to keep him in his homeland until the summer. Scouting missions have been taking place since last year regarding the 23-year-old as Celtic look to gain a clear picture of what he could bring to the table in the middle of the park.
Labelled a "very good prospect" by Asian football expert Dario Focardi, the Mokpo-born shuttler made 34 appearances in 2023 across all competitions, registering two goals and three assists (Jung statistics – Transfermarkt).
Loanee Kwon Hyeok-kyu, winger Yang Hyun-jun and striker Oh Hyeon-gyu form a three-man Korean contingent in Glasgow and Rodgers could well be in the process of acquiring a fourth player from the nation to play a part in the second half of the season.
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Nottingham Forest haven't furnished new manager Nuno with any January signings yet as we approach Thursday's deadline, but that's not to say they aren't trying. It emerged over weekend that Forest are working on a move for RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi to grant Nuno's request for a new stopper. They've been in contact with the Bundesliga club over a move, but it may be a "difficult" one to pull off given Leizig's reluctance to sell.
Elsewhere, they progressed to advanced talks with Ajax for winger Carlos Forbs, who was previously on the books of Manchester City, in the hope of signing both the Portuguese and Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna.
Forest have reached an agreement with Reyna over a loan move, but still need to present an acceptable proposal to Dortmund as they push for an option to buy. We'll see where the American ends up this week, but on Monday night, an additional target came to light as the Reds look into multiple opportunities to strengthen their squad.
According to The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, Forest are "exploring a loan move" for Maxwel Cornet at West Ham. It remains to be seen whether they make a formal offer, but Cornet is now one of the options under consideration.
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Nuno has apparently made a new attacker his priority in the time that remains of the window, and Cornet may well fit the bill at the City Ground.
Cornet arrived in England in 2021 when Burnley signed him from Lyon, and then joined West Ham just 12 months later when the Clarets were relegated. He's gone on to appear 31 times for David Moyes' side and scored his first goal for the club in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United last month, having already provided five assists.
Prior to that game, he'd hardly had a look-in all season, featuring in just ten matches and logging a solitary Premier League minute off the bench. An unused substitute ten times in the top flight, he'd been on the field for a mere 294 minutes overall.
Still, this is a player very much capable of producing the "spectacular" when he's involved, in the words of Alan Shearer, and he proved that by earning a Premier League Goal of the Month nomination during his time at Burnley after a volley against Crystal Palace.
|
Maxwel Cornet's Burnley stats |
Volume |
Club rank |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
1,766 |
9th |
|
Goals |
9 |
1st |
|
Goal involvements |
10 |
1st |
|
xG |
6.7 |
1st |
As you can see in the table above, Cornet was a big hit at Turf Moor, leading the way in the most important metrics even though he only ranked towards the middle of the squad for minutes played. He would be named the Burnley Fans' Footballer of the Year for 2021, and Forest supporters will hope he can return to those levels again if indeed he gets a move to the Midlands.