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Struggling Juventus star Douglas Luiz is reportedly 'very open' to a Premier League return – just six months on from joining the Italian giants.

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• Lehmann & Luiz joined Juventus last summer
• Former 'very open' to Premier League return
• Two English sides offer escape route

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Footballing power couple Luiz and Alisha Lehmann swapped Aston Villa for Juventus last summer but the moves have not gone to plan so far. Now, Sky Sports News has reported that the Brazilian is 'very open' to a Premier League return and Juve are considering 'loan plus obligation offers'.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Luiz is reportedly wanted by two Premier League teams, one of which is Manchester City. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Serie A outfit rejected City's approach to sign him on loan for the second half of the season. However, they may be open to a permanent move in January. Ultimately, this shows that Luiz's £42 million ($55m) move has not worked out.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Luiz has made 13 appearances for Juventus this season under new manager Thiago Motta but just two of those have been starts. His partner Lehmann has had a bit more success, scoring two goals in 15 games for Juve.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  An intriguing few weeks lie ahead for Luiz while the January transfer window remains open. It is up in the air if he will still be a Juventus player come February.

A mega-money £650,000-per-week contract was offered to an Arsenal star in the summer window by a team from the Saudi Pro League before choosing to remain in the Premier League to play for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal enjoy excellent summer window with £91m spent

The signings of goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori in a multi-million-pound move from Bologna, midfielder Mikel Merino, goalkeeper Neto and Raheem Sterling rounded off what was a superb window for sporting director Edu Gaspar.

82-cap star holds talks with Arteta about joining Arsenal on deadline day

The Gunners are thinking about making a dramatic late signing.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 30, 2024

Arsenal spent below £100 million – £91 million, to be exact – on the new recruits who have greatly strengthened Arteta's ranks ahead of a hopeful Premier League title challenge with Man City.

Two of those deals, for Sterling and Neto, came on deadline day – with loan moves to the Emirates Stadium for both men emerging at the eleventh hour. Arsenal perhaps saved their most blockbuster transfer for last in Sterling, who was the final player to complete a move to Arsenal before Friday night's 11pm deadline.

The 29-year-old, who hasn't been selected for England since the Three Lions' 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, will be looking to force his way back into international contention, and his switch across London could help him do just that after being frozen out by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

"Joining Arsenal is really an unbelievable feeling. I’m buzzing. This is a perfect fit for me," said Sterling on his dramatic late transfer to the Gunners.

"You see the journey the boys are on, and the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be part of.”

Following Sterling's switch, Arteta has revealed that Arsenal are planning to get the former Man City star involved as soon as possible, with crunch clashes away to both Tottenham and City looming post-international break.

“We have to see him, speak to him (about) what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it," said Arteta on Sterling's imminent Arsenal debut.

“And try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team. We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”

Arteta was rumoured to have personally contacted Sterling over joining Arsenal before the transfer was confirmed, with journalist Darren Lewis of The Mirror now writing that the winger had a very lucrative offer from elsewhere, too.

Sterling rejected £650,000-per-week Saudi offer to join Arsenal

As per the reporter, Sterling rejected a lucrative £650,000-per-week offer from Saudi Arabia in favour of joining Arsenal, further demonstrating the player's desire to make a move to north London.

The financial package would've more than doubled his current £300,000-per-week wage, and due to Saudi laws, every penny of it would have been tax-free – providing he stayed in the country for more than two years.

Such a proposal would be tempting for any footballing star, regardless of level, which is very encouraging for Arsenal supporters – as it indicates Sterling is determined to prove his worth under Arteta and help to fire the Gunners to a first league title in 21 years.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a busy summer, bringing in five players so far, as they look to build on an impressive 14th-place finish last season, finishing 20 points above 18th-place Luton who were relegated. They are also close to confirming the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andre from Fluminense.

With the transfer window shutting in a matter of hours, the Old Gold might well look to add another signing to their squad. Recently, they have been linked with one defender who could add experience and quality to a backline which has been depleted this summer.

Wolves target Premier League defender

The player in question here is West Ham United and Morocco centre-back Nayef Aguerd. According to a report from Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, the Molineux club are ‘interested in signing’ the 28-year-old before the deadline on Friday evening.

The Hammers number 27 is believed to be ‘out of favour at the London Stadium’ ahead of the 2024/25 season under new boss Julen Lopetegui. Wolves, who are targeting defensive reinforcements after selling captain Max Kilman to the East London outfit for £40m, want to sign him on a loan deal this summer.

Why Aguerd would be a good signing

Last season under David Moyes, the Morocco international had a sparse role to play at the London Stadium. He played just 28 games in all competitions, which included 21 games in the top flight of English football.

However, at the back end of the season, the 28-year-old did not have as much involvement as he did at the beginning of the campaign. Aguerd was not part of the West Ham squad for the final five games of the Premier League season.

Should the Old Gold get a deal for the Moroccon over the line this summer, they could well be signing a hybrid of former skipper Kilman, and 34-year-old Wolves defender Craig Dawson, who has also spent time playing at the London Stadium.

According to FBref, the West Ham defender is similar to both defenders, and it certainly rings true when comparing the stats of the trio. Like Kilman and Dawson, the West Ham number 27 is a brilliant box defender.

Per 90 minutes as per FBref, Aguerd averages 2.09 tackles and interceptions per game, compared to 1.88 for Wolves’ 34-year-old defender, and the new West Ham centre-back who averages 2.26. Standing at 6 foot 2, the Moroccan is certainly an imposing figure and wins an average of 2.33 aerial duels per game. In contrast, Kilman wins just 2.26 per game, but Dawson does lead the way with 2.57.

The 28-year-old was described as a “superstar” by one journalist following the World Cup in Qatar and that certainly rings true when looking at the stats, which perfectly demonstrate the excellent box defender he is.

There is no doubt that Aguerd is out of favour at the London Stadium this summer, and with Wolves seeking reinforcements at the back, it could provide the dream solution for both parties.

The Old Gold can recruit a top Premier League centre-back to help with depth and quality at the back – even after bringing in 18-year-old Bastien Meupiyou from Nantes – whilst the Moroccan gets regular minutes in the top flight.

Better than Ahmedhodzic: Wolves plot late move for "astounding" Kilman heir

Gary O’Neil could be set to bolster his defence…

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 28, 2024

Jude Bellingham may be taken off penalty duty at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti revealing his plan for future spot-kicks.

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• Bellingham hit the post against Valencia
• Went on to score dramatic match winner
• Manager to make decision on next taker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  La Liga's reigning champions fluffed their lines from 12 yards once again during a testing trip to struggling Valencia. England international Bellingham was presented with an opportunity to hit the net from the spot, but planted his effort against the post.

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  Bellingham did go on to grab a stoppage-time winner for Real, but big calls on the penalty front await. French superstar Kylian Mbappe has already missed two penalties this season, while Vinicius Junior has successfully converted four across La Liga, Champions League and Intercontinental Cup competition.

• WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Ancelotti is ready to take matters into his own hands, with the Italian tactician set to name an official taker and bring an end to the inconsistent spot-kick rotation in Madrid. Ancelotti has said: "It bothers me that we have missed three penalties, I think I have to take responsibility for choosing who is going to take them."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  While Bellingham was left frustrated after hitting the upright against Valencia, Ancelotti was full of praise for the 21-year-old after seeing him register a 96th-minute winner. He added: "It was a great game for him, he did not lose faith after missing the penalty, it gave him extra motivation. Only he can have the last 30 minutes he did. He put in an extraordinary effort. It is a deserved reward for the game he played."

Everton will need to improve, and swiftly, if they are to avoid yet another Premier League relegation scrap this season.

Sean Dyche has seen his side lose all three of their league matches so far. With a clash against Aston Villa this weekend, the Goodison Park side will need to be excellent to secure a positive result.

Players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin will need to step up in order to fire the club to their first win of the campaign.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s statistics this season

The striker has failed to score more than seven league goals over the previous three full seasons. Last term, he found the back of the net on just eight occasions across 38 matches.

While the Toffees have lost all their league matches, Calvert-Lewin does have a goal and an assist to his name thus far.

He has also created a big chance, averaging a shot per game while winning seven total duels per game in the top flight. Some more of this in the coming weeks could perhaps see the club finally gain their first points.

Dyche doesn’t have too many options to call upon, that’s for sure. There is a player who left Everton in December 2022 currently starring for his club side, while even outscoring Calvert-Lewin in the process…

What Salomon Rondon has done after leaving Everton

The Venezuelan centre-forward signed for the club in the summer of 2021, going on to score just three goals that term as the club narrowly escaped relegation.

He left Goodison in December 2022 after terminating his contract, failing to make an impression during his spell at the club. Since then, however, the veteran striker has been in excellent form.

35 appearances for River Plate yielded ten goals, but it is for his current team where he really hit the ground running.

Rondon played 21 league matches for Pachuca during 2023/24, scoring ten goals, while impressing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, netting nine times in just seven matches.

In the latter competition, the 34-year-old averaged 3.9 shots per game, averaged 1.7 key passes and succeeded with 60% of his dribble attempts, proving it wasn’t just in front of goal where he was effective.

His 20 goals in all competitions last season dwarfed the eight that Calvert-Lewin scored in the same time period.

Rondon failed to hit his previous Premier League highs during his spell on Merseyside, but there is no doubt he has proved his quality since leaving.

He even netted three goals in the 2024 Copa América, leading Venezuela to the quarter-finals for just the fifth time in their history, scoring against the likes of Mexico, Jamacia and Canada in the United States.

Calvert-Lewin is already off the mark this season, but if he wishes to drag the club away from the drop zone, he will need to vastly improve in the coming weeks.

Everton must regret selling £59m star who's been outscoring Gordon

He’s gone from strength to strength since leaving.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 5, 2024

Son Heung-min considers former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane to occupy a “top three” standing among the greatest strikers of all time.

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• Spurs & England's all-time leading scorer
• Enjoyed productive partnership with Son
• Considered to sit among all-time greats

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Spurs captain Son spent eight productive years working alongside Kane in north London before seeing the club’s most prolific goalscorer depart for Bayern Munich in 2023. Between them, they set a new Premier League record for most assists recorded by one top-flight duo.

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  WHAT SON HEUNG-MIN SAID

  Son still holds Kane in the highest regard, telling when asked – as a former Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen star – whether he offered any words of advice before his ex-strike partner headed to the Bundesliga: “I think, still the German league is one of the best leagues also and when we’re talking about Harry, I don’t have to give him any advice. For me, he’s the best.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The South Korea international went on to say when asked where Kane ranks among the world’s best frontmen: “Because he's my friend, obviously you get some bonus points. He will always be [in] my top three. It doesn't matter what happens, he will always be in my top three. Especially [as] we had such an amazing connection and played together [for] so long and we combined together for so many goals and yeah, having this kind of a striker is always a dream.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Kane has been just as quick to sing the praises of Son down the years, telling a recent interview with of a colleague that will always hold a special place in his heart: “I got on incredibly well with Heung-min Son. I also think he's one of the most underrated players in the top leagues. We've always had a very good technical relationship.”

Paul Mitchell could be about to win back the hearts of Newcastle United fans and Eddie Howe as he looks to pull off a massive pair of deals in the coming months, both of which would represent a serious statement of intent on Tyneside.

Problems behind the scenes at Newcastle

Though their start to the Premier League season has been strong, all is not rosy at St James’ Park, with relationships behind the scenes clearly far from perfect. A tricky summer ended in rejection, with Crystal Palace opting not to part ways with Marc Guehi despite several Newcastle bids, meaning that in what was expected to be a major summer of spending, they ended it with a net profit after the sale of highly-rated duo Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson.

After the window, new Sporting Director Paul Mitchell offered a scathing review of what went on, claiming that the club didn’t have a transfer infrastructure that was “fit for purpose” and adding that the Magpies had “a lot to look at” to continue their upwards trajectory in the Premier League.

He added that he and Howe were in constant contact, but Howe later refuted those comments. Asked once more ahead of his side’s clash with Fulham, Howe refused to be drawn into further speculation.

“I’m not going go in to every week in terms of our contact. But collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward,” he explained.

Those frosty relations are likely to continue unless progress is made on the transfer front, and to that end Mitchell could be set to rebuild some bridges with his priorities for 2025.

Two deals in the crosshairs for Mitchell

That comes as The Northern Echo reveal that Mitchell is set to be key in upcoming talks to tie important pair Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to new contracts on Tyneside amid ongoing speculation around the duo. Despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, it is claimed that “there is a strong determination” to keep hold of both forwards “through at least the next two transfer windows”, with Mitchell and CEO Darren Eales set to lead that charge.

Both players remain on the same terms as when they joined the club, with Isak taking home around £6m a year and Gordon half of that, each of which do not reflect their potential earnings at other clubs were they to move.

As a result, it is reported that the club are “keen to negotiate a new long-term agreement” with Isak, while Gordon will be heading into the final 12 months of his deal next summer and as a result talks over a new deal are “a key priority” for the Newcastle hierarchy.

Mitchell plotting Newcastle coup by signing "dominant" gem over Real Madrid

He’s looking to evolve Newcastle’s transfer strategy.

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 20, 2024

It is added that “chief executive Darren Eales and sporting director Paul Mitchell [are] set to play leading roles” in deals that could define the new ownership, while Howe is “extremely supportive” of the plans to tie the pair down. Delivering on those contracts may well be a chance to rebuild bridges between the pair, and present a united front once more.

Manchester United fans have responded to cost-cutting measures by sending a “your debt not ours” message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

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• Divisive decisions made by board
• Supporters not happy with big calls
• Red Devils struggling to comply with PSR

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ratcliffe, who is Britain’s richest man, is now working alongside the Glazer family at Old Trafford. While there have been promises of stadium redevelopment and plenty of transfer gossip, efforts to raise funds have attracted widespread criticism.

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  Club ambassadors have seen their payments cut, 250 members of staff have been made redundant and a flat rate of £66 has been introduced for match tickets – with all of those decisions being taken without any consultation with members of a loyal fan base.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Supporters made their feelings clear during a Europa League clash with Rangers, as a “your debt not ours” banner was unfurled in the stands. The 1958 group have also written to the club demanding some answers, with United’s response hinting at issues when it comes to Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).

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  WHAT MAN UTD SAID

  The Premier League giants have said: “As previously communicated, we are however currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years. This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.

  “We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there. That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club. We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans.”

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has secured a loan move to Spanish side Las Palmas for the remainder of the campaign.

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• Bajcetic was loaned to RB Salzburg in the summer
• Was struggling to get minutes in Austria
• Will stay at Las Palmas until the end of the campaign

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bajcetic’s loan spell in Austria proved to be challenging, as he struggled to secure a consistent role. His stint at the club was orchestrated by former Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders, but it did not go as planned. Reports emerged of tensions within the Salzburg dressing room, with senior players reportedly unhappy about what they perceived as preferential treatment given to Bajcetic and Bobby Clark – another Liverpool youngster who joined the club permanently in August. With only eight starts during his time at Salzburg, Liverpool ultimately decided to recall him before arranging a new loan move.

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  Upon his return to Merseyside, several clubs expressed interest in signing Bajcetic on loan for the second half of the season. Real Betis, Porto, and Las Palmas were among the frontrunners, but the Spanish outfit ultimately emerged triumphant.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Liverpool head coach Arne Slot had previously spoken about Bajcetic’s potential and emphasized the need for him to gain regular playing time to develop before making an Anfield return.

  Slot said: "I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player and I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time now. If you are that young and you’ve been out for so long, the only thing you need is playing time. He could have playing time over here, but we’ve got six or seven very good midfielders, so his playing time here will always be more limited than we expect him to play at Salzburg."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAJCETIC?

  Bajcetic becomes Las Palmas’ second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of Andy Pelmard on loan from Clermont Foot. He is expected to integrate into the squad quickly and could make his debut as soon as Monday when Las Palmas face Girona. The loan spell provides a fresh opportunity for the young Spaniard to showcase his abilities and get the game time he needs before returning to Liverpool at the end of the season.

There has been an update regarding the future of Southampton manager Russell Martin during this international break, as reported by a journalist.

It has been a disappointing and frustrating start to the new season for the Saints, as they are yet to win a game in the Premier League after seven matches, with their only point coming in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, so much so that pressure is starting to significantly grow on Martin.

Martin gutted: Concerning new injury update on "fantastic" Southampton ace

This could be a big blow.

By
Henry Jackson

Oct 6, 2024

Southampton news

Martin guided the Saints to promotion last season, his first promotion since becoming a manager, and he now finds himself managing in the Premier League for the first time in his career. While Southampton continues to play an attractive brand of football, results haven’t come with it, and that could see a change in the dugout.

It was reported recently that Southampton’s majority owner, Dragan Solak, is considering the position of Martin. Solak is keen to ensure the Saints cement themselves in the Premier League, but according to this update, he has been left “reeling” from their start to the campaign.

Meanwhile, away from Martin, Tyler Dibling, who has been a shining light for the Saints this season, is now attracting interest from some of England’s biggest clubs. The 18-year-old has reportedly been watched by scouts of these clubs on multiple occasions after impressing in the seven league games he has played.

However, there has now been a further update on the future of Martin, as supporters will be keen to know what is going to happen over this international break.

Journalist shares new Southampton update on future of Russell Martin

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke in the past 24 hours, Southampton’s hierarchy are now set to meet and hold talks over the future of Martin. The 38-year-old is said to be fighting for his job, as their winless start to the new Premier League season has them sitting joint-bottom of the table.

Martin took charge of the Saints at the beginning of last season, and despite a few bumpy patches, it was a very successful first campaign, as the club won promotion to the top flight. That success is believed to mean that Martin still has some credit in the bank, but poor results this season are putting him under pressure.

The report states that the way the club has been beaten has raised concerns among the hierarchy, as Southampton have already conceded 15 goals in the league. It goes on to state that it is going to be a key couple of weeks post-international break for Martin as he needs to start turning things around.

It is believed that Martin could continue in his role at Southampton until the next international break in November, but if results don’t improve between now and then, then they could make a decision to bring in a new manager. The Saints face games against Leicester City, Manchester City, Everton, and Wolves in the next couple of weeks, games that Martin will know he needs to pick up some results.