All posts by z3u9t.icu

The transfer window hasn’t started in the most exciting manner for Everton.

The signing of Ashley Young is the club’s only incoming so far and a failure to add more attacking firepower will worry the Goodison Park faithful.

The club managed just 35 goals last season – the second-lowest tally in the division. They were saved from relegation due to the calamitous defensive records of Leicester City and Leeds United.

To avoid the upcoming campaign following a similar vein, the club must add more productive and reliable forwards, with Arnaut Danjuma tipped to be a reinforcement.

What’s the latest on Arnaut Danjuma to Everton?

According to Football Insider, the Toffees have made contact with Villarreal about the signing of Danjuma this summer.

The Merseyside outfit are looking to acquire the winger on a loan deal, and they’re ready to pay a fee as they prepare to submit an offer. It is also believed that Sean Dyche has already been in contact with the player ahead of the move.

Last month, it was suggested that West Ham were attempting to negotiate a deal of around €36m (£31m) for the attacker.

Everton had previously tried to sign Danjuma in January, and he successfully completed a medical but in a sensational twist, he changed his mind and opted to join Tottenham Hotspur instead.

However, Dyche wants the club to reignite its interest in the 26-year-old dynamo as he looks to bring two forwards to the club this summer.

Who can Arnaut Danjuma replace at Everton?

The winger has previously had a successful stint in England for AFC Bournemouth in the Championship.

Across the 2020/21 season, he bagged 25 goal involvements in 37 appearances in all competitions, which meant he was named the Supporters’ Player of the Year.

Football League pundit Clinton Morrison lauded his talent and said:

“Danjuma is an excellent player, whatever happens, he will be playing Premier League football next year, whether it’s with Bournemouth or without them, he’s an exceptional talent.”

Instead of transferring to the top flight, the Dutchman sealed a move to Villarreal.

That year, he was the club’s top LaLiga scorer with ten goals and also netted six times in 11 Champions League outings as the Yellow Submarine made it to the semi-final of the tournament.

Although he endured a quieter season, which included a short, disappointing loan stint in north London, the six-cap international has previously displayed his impressive pedigree and would be a valuable addition to a team lacking an attacking threat.

One player in the current Everton squad who has struggled for prolonged spells of consistency is Demarai Gray.

The Jamaican has shown flashes of brilliance, but his disappointing levels of creativity and productivity are major drawbacks.

Across Europe’s top five leagues and among his positional peers, the former Birmingham City prodigy ranks within the lowest 41% for shot-creating actions, pass completion, progressive passes, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90.

Whilst all Everton attackers largely struggle, Gray has had two full seasons at Goodison Park and his quality suggests he is simply a squad player.

His development in Merseyside has stagnated and the signing of Danjuma could provide an exciting new chapter for Evertonians as Dyche looks to drastically change their attacking fortunes heading into the new campaign.

Arsenal star William Saliba is set to sign a new contract until June 2027 with the club also tying down both Ethan Nwaneri and Reiss Nelson.

Who is leaving Arsenal?

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could be about to orchestrate a major summer overhaul, particularly in midfield, with West Ham United star Declan Rice finally about to join the north Londoners.

Arsenal are set to sign the England international for £105 million in total (£100m + £5m in add-ons), coming after Arteta's side agreed to pay the initial £100m over a 24-month period.

Rice will join the likes of Kai Havertz, who has already put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea, and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber as reports suggest he is also on his way to the Emirates.

With all of these incomings, it is inevitable certain players will have to make way, and there are a fair few who could depart. Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and, of course, long-serving star Granit Xhaka are all nominees (Goal).

Meanwhile, it is believed star midfielder Thomas Partey has requested to leave Arsenal, meaning supporters could be seeing the back of the Ghanaian sooner rather than later.

However, there are now a couple who seem set to stay as they avoid the chopping block, a list which includes both Nwaneri and Nelsson as both starlets committ their futures to Arsenal.

Saliba, whose deal is set to expire in 2024 as things stand, will follow the aforementioned duo in penning fresh terms as renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shares what he knows.

According to the Italian reporter, Saliba is "set to sign" a new long term deal till 2027, with the option of a further year. This is brilliant news for the club, especially considering his importance last campaign.

"After Nwaneri earlier today, Arsenal have scheduled new long term deal signing for Reiss Nelson — four year as revealed in May," said Romano on Twitter.

"Next one: William Saliba, set to sign until June 2027 with option for further year."

What's been said about William Saliba?

The former Marseille star returned from his 2021/2022 loan spell in France to become a fixture in Arteta's starting eleven, playing nearly every game alongside Gabriel Magalhaes before his injury.

Saliba has been praised for his epic contribution by Arteta, not only for his quality, but also a brilliant attitude and application.

"His attitude, the way he came in and said: ‘I’m going to prove that I’m very good and I deserve to be here," said Arteta.

“Without any looking back or being shy, he was doing it the right way and giving the right reasons to think that he was going to be really good for us.

“He took out every question mark that we could have with him and gave us all the reasons to play him. And I think he’s been exceptional since that day.”

Chelsea has agreed a €15million (£12.95m) fee with Brazilian side Santos for 18-year-old winger Angelo Gabriel according to a number of reports.

Speaking on talkSPORT, South American expert Tim Vickery revealed that the man management of Mauricio Pochettino will be key in getting the youngster's career back on track after a disappointing campaign.

What is the latest news regarding Angelo to Chelsea?

According to multiple reports, The Blues have agreed a fee with Santos to sign the winger, who is set to sign a contract at the club until 2028.

The Brazilian youth internationals contract at Santos contained a € 60m release clause, but the Brasileiro Serie A side have agreed to sell for €15m.

Barcelona held preferential rights to match any offer received for the 18-year-old, a clause they've held for over a year, however, it appears the Spanish champions have decided against matching the offer from the London side.

Chelsea plan to send the inside forward out on loan to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, who finished 15th in Ligue 1 last season, which is the club that current Blues owner Todd Boehly recently purchased for £65m.

Angelo Gabriel is the second player to head to Stamford Bridge from Brazilian football this year, after Andrey Santos joined from Vasco de Gama in January.

What did Tim Vickery say about Angelo?

Tim Vickery revealed that Chelsea and manager Pochettino have a major part to play in helping get Angelo's career back on track after it stalled a bit this season.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Vickery said: "I mean this year Santos are dreadful. They're really not playing well, and he's lost his place in the starting lineup, so he's on the bench, coming off the bench, so his career is stalled a little bit. He has immense promise, Barcelona had the option on him and Barcelona had to wave that option before Chelsea were free to sign him.

His career has stalled a little bit and this is up to the man management at Chelsea with Pochettino and whatever to get him back on track because he's been marked out as an extraordinary talent for a long time but we all know there's a huge difference that road between promise and reality. It's a long unwinding one and a lot of things can happen so I think because too much pressure has been forced on him too early, he stalled a little bit and Chelsea will have to work hard with the human being in order to get the best out of the player."

Is Angelo Gabriel a good signing for Chelsea?

Angelo has made 129 appearances across his career and has recorded 15 goals and assists. This previous campaign was a disappointing one for the 18-year-old, with him only managing two goals and one assist across 32 games, with a number of appearances coming off the bench as the winger was dropped for an extended spell.

Despite this, the Brazilian has received plenty of praise throughout his career and has been compared to the likes of Paris Saint Germain winger Neymar and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in the past due to his skills and his similar career start.

His former coach Ariel Holan told SporTV: "I see a lot of potential in Angelo. He is a boy who likes to go for the goal. I really like Brazilian football, and Angelo plays Brazilian football. This essence of dribbling, of taking on the opponent, is very important.

He has a huge future. By working hard, he will be able to play not only at Santos, but I believe that, in the future, he will be able to play in major leagues around the world."

It's clear to see Chelsea have a real wonderkid on their hands, who could explode if Pochettino is able to manage him correctly.

Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun is still attracting "interest" from clubs in the Premier League and abroad, reveals Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The interest in the young striker has intensified thanks to his excellent loan spell with Ligue 1 side Stade Reims last season.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Folarin Balogun

Alongside the player's impressive exploits in France last season, his much-publicised desire to be a starting number nine next year and opposition to playing second fiddle has increased the interest in him.

The most recent club to signal interest in the player is West Ham United, who have reportedly made the New York-born striker a priority signing in the Summer window, per FootballTransfers.

According to the report, the player has been discussed as a potential makeweight in the Declan Rice to Arsenal saga, a deal that could suit all parties involved.

Outside of the Premier League, Juventus are one of the possible destinations for the player.

Italian Journalist Rudy Galetti informed GiveMeSport that the Bianconeri could sign Balogun as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who is said to be on Chelsea's list of potential summer transfers.

The price Arsenal are looking to get for their young star is reported to be around £35m, as per football.london.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Folarin Balogun and Arsenal?

Sheth highlighted the player's contract situation and informed GiveMeSport of the interest in the player from clubs both in and out of the Premier League.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "I think he's got two years left on his contract. If Arsenal do want to keep them, we've not heard of any noises of a new contract, so that one could move.

"I think his representatives do have interest in the player from the Premier League and from clubs abroad, including RB Leipzig as well, so keep an eye on that one."

How good was Folarin Balogun's season last year?

Whilst the player certainly had his fans and excitement surrounding him before his stint in Ligue 1, that year abroad has generated much of the current interest and hype around the player, and rightly so.

According to WhoScored, the player averaged an impressive rating of 6.90 across his 37 league games last season, scoring 21 goals and assisting a further two.

His underlying numbers are equally impressive and paint the picture of a player who could go on to be a star.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the dynamic forward is in the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals, the top 9% for total shots and the 19% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, all per 90.

With statistics like that, it's no surprise that Mikel Arteta heaped praise on him back in February, saying:

"When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it's just incredible. It's very rare to see that. But he's got something special, that's why we decided to give him a long-term contract."

If the Gunners are set to cash in on their American wonderkid, they might regret it further down the line.

Burnley look set to bring in a first new face since earning promotion to the Premier League, as head coach Vincent Kompany attempts to assemble a squad capable of staying in the top flight.

Are Burnley signing Dara O'Shea?

BBC Sport reports that the Clarets are set to sign Dara O'Shea from West Bromwich Albion after the centre-back impressed in the Championship last season.

Albion need to bring in some money this summer due to their Premier League parachute payments coming to an end, and the sale of O'Shea is therefore considered a necessity to balance the books.

The report states that a deal in the region of £7m is due to be concluded with the player undergoing a medical at Turf Moor.

Where would Dara O'Shea fit in at Burnley?

Burnley have already made the loan signing of Jordan Beyer permanent this summer, signing the centre-back from Borussia Monchengladbach for a reported fee of £13m, but defensive partner Taylor Harwood-Bellis is back at parent club Manchester City.

It is perhaps no coincidence that O'Shea has very similar attributes to Harwood-Bellis, the man he is effectively being signed to replace. Indeed, FBref's player comparison tool ranks Harwood-Bellis ninth on the list of centre-backs most similar to O'Shea in terms of statistical profile, suggesting he would be perfect for Kompany and co.

Both players offer the occasional goal threat (0.05 goals per 90 minutes for O'Shea, 0.03 for Harwood-Bellis); they complete a similar number of passes (82.9% and 85% respectively); while they win a near identical amount of tackles (0.62 v 0.68) and likewise for percentage of aerial duels won (61.3 v 62.2).

Kompany regularly praised Harwood-Bellis last season, though he did suggest it would take time for the 21-year-old to find real consistency with his performances.

"The difference between a young player and an experienced player is usually the amount of consistency you can get in your performances," Kompany said. "That's how you become a centre-half that teams can trust."

Three years older than Harwood-Bellis, and with 19 senior caps for his country already under his belt, O'Shea is further along in his development than the talented City product.

One concern for Kompany would be O'Shea's injury history, having missed 25 games in the 2021-22 season and the final nine games of last season, prior to returning for Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers.

However, as then-West Brom boss Valerian Ismael put it when O'Shea recovered swifter-than-expected from the first of those lay-offs: "He has the mentality; he's a warrior."

Ranked by FBref in the top 5% of his positional peers for aerial duels won (4.24 per 90 minutes) and top 10% for passes attempted (65.24 per 90), the £15k-per-week earner looks like the ideal option for Kompany to partner Beyer – or indeed Hjalmar Ekdal – in the Premier League next season.

Leeds United seem to be honing in on the man to finally fill their dugout vacancy, with only a few key names left to choose from…

What's the latest on Daniel Farke to Leeds United?

That's according to journalist Phil Hay, who penned an article regarding the 49ers' search for a new manager.

As their first major move as the new owners of his huge establishment, there is understandable hesitation to potentially make an error. That could explain why it has been nearly three weeks since Sam Allardyce left his post and kickstarted this search which is yet to bear fruit.

Writing for The Athletic, he claimed that Daniel Farke is one of the names set to be interviewed, with his experience in the Championship vital alongside his status as a free agent.

Is Daniel Farke similar to Marcelo Bielsa?

Although three other candidates are also being sounded out, it could be argued that the German poses their best opportunity to gain an instant return to the Premier League, in a style that is closest to their last promotion legend, Marcelo Bielsa.

Having already masterminded two title victories in the Championship with Norwich City, only Scott Parker upon that aforementioned list can compare with the pedigree of the 46-year-old promotion specialist.

His 4-2-3-1 system is a huge part of that success, which prioritises a heavy metal football synonymous with many German coaches. He likes to push his players forward, risking leaving space in behind their defence with the confidence that, should they regain possession high up the pitch, they will then stand a better chance of scoring.

Such a philosophy, whilst likely not quite as drastic as his, does draw similarities with their old Argentine boss who helped mastermind their 2020 Championship title. It was one which caught the eye, but had its downsides. After all, they did ship 79 goals in the campaign where he was dismissed.

Farke's work, however, has caught the attention of his compatriot Jurgen Klopp, who went as far as to brand him a "world-class" manager.

When delving deeper into the German's time in a Championship setting, it is clear that he is the leading candidate for the role who will not only bring back consistent success but also that feel-good factor that accompanies such an exciting and all-action brand of football.

Across his 138 games whilst managing in the division, he boasts 71 wins and a points-per-match average of 1.82. This has even culminated in the scoring of 217 goals (via Transfermarkt), further emphasising the potency of such a style.

The hope will be that he can make Leeds' stay at this level a short one, and once again have fans excited to watch their team thrive rather than the struggles they endured in the top flight.

Newcastle United are keen on signing Sadio Mane and a report from Sport Bild, via TeamTalk, claims that a deal is doable for the forward as the Toon are willing to stump up his fee and extortionate wages.

What happened to Sadio Mane?

The forward currently plays for Bayern Munich in Germany but has only been with the club for one campaign so far. He joined the Bundesliga champions from Liverpool back at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, having set the Premier League alight with 111 goals in 237 starts for the Reds.

However, he wasn't given too much of an opportunity to do the same in the Bundesliga, with his new side giving him just 18 starts on their way to league title glory, albeit partially due to injury and a short ban for punching teammate Leroy Sane.

Mane still produced the goods though, with seven goals and five assists meaning his goal contribution rate hit double figures for a ninth consecutive campaign.

He was also given the chance to shine in the Champions League for Bayern and duly did so, playing in nine games for the club and producing three goals with one assist. That meant his goal contribution per 90 rate on the European stage stood at 0.65.

However, despite the player doing so well when he did get onto the field, it looks as though he could potentially be on the move again this summer window, perhaps due to the disputes in the Bayern dressing room.

A recent report has suggested Chelsea could be one of the sides that try and bring him to the Premier League, but the player himself seemed keen to stay in Germany with his current outfit.

A fresh report today though from Sport Bild, via TeamTalk, has suggested that Newcastle are still keeping tabs on the player and that they, with their new-found wealth, also have the capabilities to launch an official move for him.

It states that they would be willing to stump up the cash for both his potential transfer fee and weekly-wage at Bayern, which currently stands at around £360,000-a-week, while the player himself would find a St. James' Park move "attractive".

What is the value of Sadio Mane?

Mane cost Bayern about £35m when he made the move over from Liverpool, and CIES Football Observatory suggest that his value may be slightly less than that now, at around 30 million Euros (or £25.5m).

It could be worth that amount though for a player who former boss Jurgen Klopp labelled as a "machine" back when he played for Liverpool. If Newcastle want to challenge in the Champions League, then there aren't many around who have experience on the big stage and are proven goalscorers in the competition quite like Mane, who has 27 UCL goals and even bagged in the final of the competition back in 2018.

Leeds United should have plenty of money to spend this summer under the control of 49ers Enterprises, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

Is Leeds' takeover complete?

The Whites experienced a season to forget in the Premier League, suffering relegation back down to the Championship, following failed spells under Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.

All of a sudden, however, Leeds have received some much-needed good news, with the club confirming on Friday that an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises over the purchase of the Whites.

It is a big moment in the club's recent history, with this new takeover expected to be hugely beneficial financially, allowing Leeds to become more of a force on and off the pitch in the coming years.

While relegation is clearly a blow – especially as it could have meant fewer funds being available for reinforcements – a new update has allayed those fears.

How will Leeds' summer spending be affected?

According to The Athletic's Hay, Leeds' current situation is a positive one, with this new injection of money likely to aid them in the summer transfer window:

"Parachute payments in year one in the Championship are worth around £45million to Leeds.

"Those sources of income will still be used by 49ers Enterprises but this takeover is expected to lead to an injection of working capital by the U.S. fund, allowing Leeds to have a more active or aggressive window than they might otherwise have had.

"That is not to say that spending will be lavish or wildly excessive, and don’t be surprised if the club make use of the loan market, but they should be better placed to recruit and sell, and the takeover should give them more chance of retaining certain key players."

This is great news for Leeds, who could have been damaged so badly by the exit from the Premier League, and it highlights how important the takeover of the club is.

It puts the Whites in a strong position when it comes to making a rapid return to the top flight over the next 12 months, suggesting that their next manager will be backed in the transfer market and that they should start the 2023/24 season as one of the favourites to get out of the Championship.

There have clearly been good times with the outgoing owners – not least hiring Marcelo Bielsa and getting back into the Premier League. But it is perhaps time for a change, and it has come at a pivotal point in the club's recent history.

Liverpool will be confident they can fend off rival interest from Premier League suitors in target Alexis Mac Allister, according to Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Alexis Mac Allister?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool will meet Mac Allister's release clause and shell out a fee of between £55-60 million to bring the Argentina international to Anfield.

The report states that personal terms have already been agreed and the £50k-a-week ace will be set to triple his wages and move to the Reds on a contract that will net him £150,000 per week at Jurgen Klopp's side.

As per The Guardian, Chelsea and Manchester United have also expressed an interest in the 24-year-old as he gears up to seek a new challenge away from the South Coast.

Manchester City are also keen on the playmaker and Pep Guardiola is believed to have identified Mac Allister as a potential replacement for one of either Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan, as detailed by The Mirror.

Guardiola is also an admirer of Mac Allister's teammate Julio Enciso, who has burst onto the scene at the Amex Stadium and scored a terrific goal against Manchester City last month in the Premier League.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Liverpool will feel they have 'control' of the situation surrounding Mac Allister at present.

Jacobs told FFC: "Liverpool's only concern is obviously that another suitor comes in and creates a complication, which is again why they're trying to be as fast as they possibly can because it's obvious that Mac Allister has had an outstanding season and was brilliant at the World Cup. There's been rumblings of Chelsea because of the Pochettino factor, but Chelsea, prior to Pochettino, had other targets; they've really moved away from Mac Allister and more towards Caicedo. If they pivot and there is a surprise, it will very much be Pochettino-led, but at the moment, Liverpool feel that they're in control of the situation."

What could Alexis Mac Allister add to Liverpool's midfield?

Mac Allister is a cultured midfielder that can add creativity and a goal threat at any level and his arrival at Anfield would be greeted with excitement by Reds supporters.

In 2022/23, Mac Allister made 40 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, registering 12 goals and three assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also note that the 24-year-old had an average of 2.5 shots per game in the Premier League, demonstrating his ability to regularly trouble opposition backlines despite not being a striker.

FBRef also illustrate his inventive nature in the engine room and detail that Mac Allister successfully carried out 106 shot-creating actions this term.

Liverpool need to add fresh ideas to their midfield and Mac Allister would be a statement signing at Anfield if he is to join the Reds this summer.

Leeds United have opened negotiations to bring Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel to the Championship, according to reports.

Who is Bright Osayi-Samuel?

Osayi-Samuel is a Nigerian international who currently plays his football in the Super Lig having joined Jorge Jesus’ side back in 2021 where he’s since clocked up 98 appearances to date, but the younger years of his career were spent in England.

The Turkish outfit’s versatile right-sided player is an academy graduate of Blackpool having worked his way up through the youth ranks to become a regular feature of the first-team before moving onto new pastures to join Queens Park Rangers, as per Transfermarkt, and a return to his former country could be on the cards.

At Elland Road, a number of players will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window could be the club's final opportunity to cash in prized assets, even more so since relegation occurred, so replacements are likely to be needed which is where the 25-year-old comes into play.

Are Leeds signing Osayi-Samuel?

According to A Spor (via Sport Witness), Leeds and Bournemouth are both “in the picture” to sign Osayi-Samuel ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Yellow Canaries have “decided to evaluate” offers over the summer and it’s stated that the Whites and the Cherries have already “started negotiations” having “contacted” his representative.

Fenerbahce will “approve the sale” of Osayi-Samuel, should they receive a “suitable offer” of €10m (£8m), and the report claims that the player “wants” to stage his comeback in England.

Should Leeds recruit Osayi-Samuel?

QPR’s former manager Mark Warburton hailed Osayi-Samuel as a player that “terrifies defenders” during their time together at Loftus Road, but having managed to record only one assist all season, he could be a risky signing by Leeds.

The Europa League participant ranks as Fenerbahce’s 17th worst-performing defensive player where he’s averaging just 0.8 tackles per game so is even weak in the natural aspect of his play, not to mention that he’s also listed 22nd overall with a match rating of 6.49, via WhoScored.

Osayi-Samuel, who plays alongside former Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, has only been handed ten starts by Jesus this season with 12 of his appearances in the Super Lig having seen him brought off the bench, so he’s clearly not seen as good enough to nail down a consistent place in the starting XI, and if he can’t perform to the standard needed at Fenerbahce, he may not at Leeds, who are desperate for quality players to get them back up to the Premier League.