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Arsenal will be looking to build on their recent form as they play host to the first north London derby of the 2021/22 season this afternoon.

After a difficult start to the new campaign, the Gunners have seemingly turned a corner with three straight victories in all competitions and manager Mikel Arteta is blessed with a fully fit and available squad for the very first time.

It does, however, give him a number of decisions to make in terms of team selection.

Here’s the starting XI we’re predicting at the Emirates Stadium today…

The north Londoners’ recent change in fortunes has been, in part, down to their changes at the back as summer signing Aaron Ramsdale has excelled in the place of Bernd Leno.

He should come straight back into the side, whilst the youthful backline of Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White and fellow new addition Takehiro Tomiyasu are expected to all start, having been rested against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Further up the pitch in midfield, things start to become a bit tricky for Arteta.

He has gone for a three-man engine room in recent matches, with Thomas Partey pairing up with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe and all three could still remain in the starting lineup. However, the return of Granit Xhaka hands him a fresh dilemma.

Given his experience in this fixture, the Swiss international could come straight back in to partner the Ghanian in a deeper role, with the academy gem reverting to the left flank and the former Real Madrid star going back into the no.10 role.

They could be joined by Bukayo Saka on the right, meaning there is no place for Nicolas Pepe, though expect him to feature from the bench.

Whilst upfront, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to be preferred to Alexandre Lacazette.

In total, there could be ten changes from their Carabao Cup triumph only a few days ago.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Spurs (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Smith Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang

AND in other news, Arteta must unleash Arsenal’s £18m-rated “warrior” vs Spurs, he can thwart Kane & Son…

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the arrival of Andre Gray at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

What’s the latest?

In a statement posted on the QPR website, the club officially announced the arrival of the Watford centre-forward on a season-long loan deal, with the 30-year-old becoming the Championship side’s 10th signing of the summer transfer window.

In reaction to the striker’s arrival, Mark Warburton said: “I am absolutely delighted we have been able to bring Andre in. I know him very well, he is a very good character around the place and he will fit in very well [with] the group.

“He has pace and power, he knows the division, he has a fantastic work ethic, an eye for goal and is a real athlete. I also think Andre has a point to prove and I very much hope he does that here with us.”

Warburton over the moon

It is clear to see why Warburton is over the moon with the signing of Gray, as the centre-forward very much looks to have put the cherry on the cake on what has been a remarkable transfer window for QPR, with the club sealing the arrivals of Jordan Archer, Jordy De Wijs, Jimmy Dunne, Moses Odubajo, Sam McCallum, Sam Field, Stefan Johansen, Andre Dozzell and Charlie Austin.

Indeed, it can be argued that each one of these signings improved the club, be that as an upgrade on the 58-year-old manager’s previous options in a particular position, or simply adding further depth to an area of the pitch.

And, considering Warburton’s history of working with Gray in the past, with the forward scoring 17 Championship goals for Brentford back in the club’s 2014/15 campaign, a season in which the Bees reached the play-off final, his arrival at QPR certainly appears to provide the Rs’ own promotion hopes with a significant boost – something which already looked rather healthy after the west London side’s unbeaten start to the 2021/22 season.

In other news: QPR confirm deadline day development which will be music to the ears of fans

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer is confident that Paul Pogba will remain at Manchester United following an update on his future.

Pogba is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, according to Sky Sports, after United’s stunning transfer business that saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane all join the club, the Frenchman is warming to the idea of staying at Old Trafford and putting pen to paper on a new deal.

And Palmer firmly believes that will be the outcome. The ex-Leeds United and Southampton player exclusively told TT:

“I’d always thought he’d re-sign his contract there, I always thought that. I never thought he was going to leave.

“Ole’s made it very, very clear he’s a very integral part and the team’s going to be built around him.”

Whether Pogba goes or not, United will still have an exciting team going into next season after signing the likes of Ronaldo and Sancho, while they already possessed the talented Bruno Fernandes.

Unsurprisingly, the former has been able to make an immediate impact following his return to Old Trafford, bagging two goals on his second debut against Newcastle United last weekend.

Confirming news of yet another departure from N17, Tottenham Hotspur have announced that youngster TJ Eyoma has sealed a permanent transfer to Lincoln City (tottenhamhotspur.com).

The Lowdown: Spurs mass exodus…

So far this summer, there have been a flurry of outgoings as managing director Fabio Paratici overhauls Tottenham.

Tottenham have successfully offloaded the likes of Erik Lamela, Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart, Dennis Cirkin and Juan Foyth with the likes of Paulo Gazzaniga and Danny Rose also leaving on free transfers (Transfermarkt).

Now, as confirmed by the club, there is news of yet another N17 exit – this time for Eyoma.

The Latest: Spurs exit agreement reached…

As per Tottenham’s official website, the club have now reached an agreement with Lincoln City for the permanent sale of Eyoma after he spent the whole of 2020/2021 on loan at the LNER Stadium and some of 2019/2020.

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The 21-year-old made 52 appearances for The Imps last season and proved himself a mainstay for Lincoln as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship, succumbing to a 2-1 League One play-off final defeat against Blackpool at Wembley.

Eyoma emerged among a plethora of Spurs academy products to graduate over the last two seasons and made his senior competitive debut for Spurs in an FA Cup third round tie at Tranmere Rovers over two years ago.

The young defender has now joined the list of players to leave north London this summer as he seals a permanent switch to Lincoln.

The Verdict: Right move…

Lincoln boss Michael Appleton spoke of his delight in securing Eyoma on a permanent move, branding him a ‘top player’ and revealing they faced stern competition (Lincolnshire Live).

Tottenham letting Eyoma return to the English third tier side on a permanent deal is arguably a match made in heaven and a move which suits all parties, especially given that warm reception upon the announcement.

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘I beg’, ‘Omg’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘perfect’ news emerges, find out more here.

Another source has named Everton as a possible destination for Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet this summer. 

Spanish media outlet Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that the Toffees are in the frame for the Frenchman’s signature.

The lowdown

Transfer journalist Ekrem Konur reported earlier in July that Everton and West Ham were ‘in talks’ over a loan deal for the defender.

Lenglet started 29 La Liga matches for Barcelona last season, averaging 1.8 successful aerial duels, two clearances, 1.1 tackles and one interception per match (via WhoScored).

Perhaps the 26-year-old’s biggest strength is his passing. In 2020/21, he completed 69.7 passes per game at an accuracy of 92.1%. For context, that beats every Everton player who started a Premier League game last season.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has been asked about the criticism Lenglet has received and urged him not to take it ‘too personally’. The Dutchman insists that the Frenchman is a ‘very serious-minded player’ and an ‘excellent professional’.

The latest

Sport identified Everton and West Ham as prospective suitors but added that Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma are also in the frame [via Sport Witness].

Regarding the type of deal which would be struck, it’s said that ‘everything is open’. Lenglet could leave the Camp Nou permanently or just on loan.

The player’s preference is to stay put in Catalunya, but if he were to leave, he would favour the Premier League.

The verdict

Everton ought to avoid this deal. They are right to look for a top centre-back who could improve their defence, but despite his impressing passing metrics, Lenglet doesn’t fit that bill. Instead, he could probably benefit from playing alongside one.

The 26-year-old’s seasonal WhoScored rating of 6.59 for 2020/21 was inferior to Everton defenders Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate, so it’s difficult to feel that the Barcelona man would be an upgrade on what Rafael Benitez already has at Finch Farm.

The strategy of the Toffees recruiting players who have failed to convince at the biggest clubs can be hit and miss. For every assists king like Lucas Digne, there’s been an inconsistent Andre Gomes.

But why take the risk? Kalidou Koulibaly could be available for around £35m, and that looks a far more sensible solution, albeit a short-term one. Everton may have to sell players first, but that’s what may be needed if they are to bring in the targets who would genuinely strengthen their playing personnel.

In other news, these Everton fans fumed as a midfield target emerged.

Lille are planning on keeping West Ham target Sven Botman this summer, says Adam White of Get French Football News.

According to Sky Sports, a host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Botman, with West Ham said to be the most keen.

The 21-year-old impressed last season, making 37 league appearances as he went on to help Lille win the Ligue 1 title ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, a title triumph that shocked French football.

Such a contribution makes it no surprise that English top-flight outfits such as West Ham are interested in Botman. However, the noises coming out of the Stade Pierre-Mauroy suggest the Dutch youngster will probably not be leaving in this transfer window.

“I think the plan is for him to stay this season,” White told TT. “I know that Jocelyn Gourvennec the new manager is keen to keep that title-winning team together and there were reports this summer that Botman expects to stay. Maybe next summer is the one for him.”

West Ham do look really desperate to bring in a new centre-back before the transfer window closes, with the east London club having also been linked with Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma.

However, it does not look like Botman will be the man coming in to give David Moyes’ side a defensive boost.

Former professional footballer Michael Ball believes Harry Kane is much needed for Manchester City. 

The Cityzens are interested in taking Harry Kane to the Etihad Stadium, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting last week that City will return with a €150m (£128m) bid and that the club are open to including players or add-ons, with Spurs still determined to keep hold of their star player.

City began their Premier League title defence with a defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur after a Son Heung-min goal got Spurs all three points.

Former Manchester City defender Michael Ball believes that City need Kane, telling Transfer Tavern: “He is much needed for Manchester City, not just for his goalscoring record, Manchester City are great at scoring goals, but just a different way of playing. They play a great style of football, they won the league last year with no number nine up front, but they failed in the Champions League. 

“When they’re struggling and pushing for three points or a Champions League win, a different presence like Harry Kane who just needs that one or two opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net could make the difference and fingers crossed it can.”

Kane’s goalscoring record is phenomenal throughout his career, as he has scored 248 goals in all competitions, with 221 of those goals coming in a Tottenham shirt!

With just a week to go until the transfer window closes, will Manchester City be able to agree a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Harry Kane or will Spurs remain strong in their stance that they want to keep hold of their star player and Kane remains at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond the August 31 deadline?

Leeds United have made their first move to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of the clubs monitoring the Blues ace ahead of a potential move, and that they had been tracking his progress closely during his loan spell at West Brom last season.

The Athletic have now claimed that the Whites have made an approach to sign the 21-year-old, with fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace also said to be vying for his signature.

The report adds that a new central midfielder is the club’s big priority at the moment, and that Chelsea would be willing to sanction another loan move away for Gallagher.

Perfect for Bielsa

If Bielsa can get a loan deal over the line for Gallagher, then they would be getting someone who is still very young at 21, but already has extensive experience playing in the Championship and Premier League.

Despite not making his mark on the first team at Chelsea, Gallagher has received plenty of plaudits during his loan spells, with former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer even calling the £13.5m-rated midfielder a “jewel” who was “impossible to replace.”

During the youngster’s time at Swansea, Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews lauded the “unbelievable” energy Gallagher possesses, even comparing him to Chelsea icon Frank Lampard.

The former Blackburn midfielder said: “The one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

On Twitter, The Athletic’s West Brom correspondent Steve Madeley threw his backing behind a potential move to Leeds, saying that Gallagher’s “energy and commitment are perfect for Bielsa.”

That emphasis on the  21-year-old’s dynamism and work-rate is something which will be music to the ears of Bielsa, and a season-long loan move surely has nothing to lose for Leeds next season.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign their new Pablo Hernandez in this star…

A key development has emerged regarding Tottenham’s interest in Dusan Vlahovic.

What’s the talk?

According to Football London, Nuno Espirto Santo has approved the club’s pursuit of the Fiorentina centre-forward, and Fabio Paratici has now opened talks over a potential deal for the attacker. Tottenham have been tracking the forward this summer but could not make their move as the managerial situation was still unclear following Ryan Mason’s departure.

Football London claimed that Nuno has sanctioned a swoop for Vlahovic and Tottenham are now working to bring the Serbian to north London to bolster their attacking ranks, with the forward valued at £36m.

Imagine him and Kane

Whilst you could look at this news on paper and assume that Vlahovic is a replacement for Harry Kane, who has reportedly asked to leave the club, it could be that Paratici and Nuno are eyeing him as a partner for the England international. Tottenham have been unable to find reliable competition for the 27-year-old at the top end of the pitch, with the likes of Roberto Soldado and Vincent Jannsen coming in over the years and failing to make an impression.

With Vlahovic, they could finally find the player they have been seeking. The 21-year-old could provide excellent cover for Kane and potentially be able to play alongside him in games where Nuno wants to be aggressive and attack teams. This is why Spurs supporters could get excited about this deal and why they should not be worried about it hinting at an exit for their academy product, as it is not quite as simple as one man coming in while another goes out.

Earlier this year, the Serbian spoke about how former Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery helped him become a champion on the pitch. He also compared himself to Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and believes that he can be as good as the Leeds-born striker.

He told Corriere dello Sport, as transcribed by Goal.com: “When I was down, he (Ribery) spoke to me and told me to never give up. That’s how I understood what it means to be a champion on the pitch and in life.”

Speaking to La Repubblica, as transcribed by Goal.com, Vlahovic said: “I watch him (Haaland) and I try to understand his finishing and how he moves. Then, I focus on my strong points and my weaknesses. It may be presumptuous, but with commitment, I can get there too.”

Vlahovic was directly involved in 24 Serie A goals in 34 starts for Fiorentina last term, scoring 21 and assisting three for his teammates. This shows that he is able to score consistently at the top level, and while it remains to be seen how he would adapt to playing in the Premier League, he could be a superb addition to Nuno’s squad ahead of next season, not least as the manager has green-lighted a possible move for him.

Imagine if he could play alongside Kane and score 20+ goals to supplement the England captain’s goals and assists. Add in the likes of Heung-Min Son and Lucas Moura and Tottenham fans could start to get very excited about the prospect of their attacking options and what they could do at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League.

AND in other news, Paratici facing Spurs disaster over “fantastic” £100k-p/w beast, Nuno will be livid…

West Ham have leapfrogged Aston Villa in the race to sign Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Villa links

Villa have been name-checked with an interest in the Blues forward in recent months. ESPN reported at the end of April that Chelsea were willing to part ways with the 23-year-old this summer, with Villa, the Hammers and Newcastle all keen on him.

The Mirror then revealed last month that Villa were willing to spend up to £40m on Abraham, with Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

However, it appears as if David Moyes’ side are now at the front of the queue for the forward, who Villans assistant head coach John Terry hailed as “incredible” during his Villa Park loan spell in 2019.

The Latest: Source shares interest

According to Football Insider, who were informed by a recruitment source, West Ham are the current frontrunners when it comes to Abraham’s next destination.

The report suggests that an initial £30m could be enough to clinch a deal for the striker, with the Irons wanting cover and competition for Michail Antonio.

The Verdict: Wesley holds the key?

Dean Smith currently has Ollie Watkins, Keinan Davis and Wesley as central attacking options, with the latter linked with a move away from Villa Park.

Reports in March claimed that Villa would listen to offers for the Brazilian this summer, and should he leave, Smith may well be in need of another high-profile forward to challenge Watkins.

Abraham could be the perfect addition as he knows the club well and already has Premier League, Champions League and international experience under his belt. However, it seems as if Villa may need to act fast if they wish to sign him, or else risk missing out to top-flight rivals West Ham.

In other news: Reliable reporter shares just how much Aston Villa offered for Kalvin Phillips, find out more here.