All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal seem set to pounce on another target in what promises to be a revolutionary summer for Mikel Arteta…

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

Having tied up a deal for Kai Havertz, and set to welcome Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber into the fold too, the Gunners already seem suitably bolstered for the coming season.

However, it seems that Edu Gaspar is far from finished, as he continues to peruse the market for those who can continue to improve a squad that will look to challenge on all fronts next year, including in the Champions League.

A report detailed by Turkish outlet Fanatik indicates one such target, as Galatasaray's Victor Nelsson has come up on their radar.

As the Turkish club seek to sign Davinson Sanchez from their north London rivals, it could actually be Tottenham Hotspur who stand in the way of making this move. Both sides have held talks with the player, who will be available for a fee of around €24m (£21m).

Who is Victor Nelsson?

The Denmark international has been a mainstay for his team for two years now, featuring 80 times and boasting one Super Lig title too.

Despite being just 24, the stopper has showcased signs of the immense quality that suggests he would fit right in amongst an ever-improving Arsenal squad with grand ambitions of toppling Manchester City.

Last season in the league he recorded a 6.95 average rating, which was boosted mainly through his stellar defensive work. Maintaining one interception and 3.3 tackles per game, the 6 foot 2 ace managed an 86% pass accuracy too, via Sofascore, which suggests that he has the touch of class to rival William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Football scout Jacek Kulig certainly thought so when he took to Twitter to highlight the "exemplary" development of the man back in 2020, noting:

"Another Danish talent that will sign with a strong European club rather sooner than later."

To emphasise the impact he has had on his current club, one board member, Reşit Ömer Kükner, would also write a glowing eulogy on his defensive hero:

"You are Galatasaray's first Danish player. Besides being a great athlete devoted to his Club, your attitude on and off the pitch is winning hearts of millions. Your jersey gesture after the match is beyond description. You are our Danish lion!"

His solidity and malleable nature would make him a perfect player for Arteta to welcome into his team, and alongside his other newest defensive addition, the two could strike up a fine partnership.

After all, Timber would surely benefit from the foundation that Nelsson's presence would offer.

The Dutch international, whilst a centre-back by trade, has the assets to perform in numerous roles, hence the potential success he could have alongside the former FC København ace.

When compared to others across Europe who feature in his initial role, he ranks in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, via FBref. There are few on the continent who stack up to his quality on the ball.

Should Nelsson be welcomed, whether as a backup or a true competitor for Arteta's starting centre-back pairing, it is certain that when he does feature he will allow Timber to showcase the best of his creative talents safe in the knowledge that a turnover in possession will be snuffed out by their new central defensive titan.

Tottenham Hotspur are remaining calm despite rumours linking talisman Harry Kane with a move away from north London this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

According to The Guardian, Tottenham have made an offer to Kane to extend his contract in N17, which would see his current weekly pay packet of £200,000 per week increase significantly at the Lilywhites.

Despite this, Kane has 'no immediate intention to sign' a new deal while the transfer window remains open amid interest from Bayern Munich in his services.

As per Sky Germany, Bayern Munich executive board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is leading the Bundesliga champions' pursuit of Kane. The German giants are said to be trying to 'decipher' whether Spurs would be willing to part ways with their prize this summer.

Tottenham have communicated that Kane is not for sale at any price this off-season and look likely to resist any incoming bids for the England international; however, Bayern Munich hold an internal belief that Kane would pick them over any other potential suitors if he was allowed to leave by Ange Postecoglou.

The Daily Mail cite that Spurs turned down an opening offer from the German giants worth an initial £60 million plus add-ons taking the bid to just shy of £70 million.

Bayern Munich are expected to return with a second offer for Kane and believe that putting forward a proposal of £80 million alongside add-ons could tempt Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy into holding discussions over the terms of an exit for the 29-year-old.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones believes that Spurs are keeping level-headed despite high-profile interest in their star man this window.

Jones said: "There is a calmness around Spurs while this Harry Kane rumour flies around. Lots of sources are confused because they do not genuinely see Kane making this transfer but, at the same time, there is such conviction in the German reporting that there is definitely some substance to it.

"And people around Kane that would normally deny this stuff are not doing so. Will Bayern get towards £100m if they make a new offer? That’s the only way we find out how real this pursuit can become."

Should Tottenham Hotspur keep or sell Harry Kane this summer?

Tottenham should do everything in their power to keep hold of Kane this summer as he is one of the world's elite strikers and vital to their chances of progressing on the field under new boss Postecoglou, though making sure he stays put in N17 will be easier said than done.

Last term, the England international was in fine form for Spurs despite their underwhelming campaign, registering 32 goals and five assists in 49 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

As per Sofascore, Kane also managed to obtain an average match rating of 7.44/10 for his exploits in the Premier League, maintaining consistency even in the face of turmoil on and off the pitch at Hotspur Way.

WhoScored illustrate that the London-born star was a challenging prospect for backlines in the English top flight to contend with, taking on 3.4 shots per fixture.

It isn't surprising that sides like Bayern Munich are keen to land Kane this summer and Tottenham will need to match Kane's ambitions if they have designs on keeping him around for the longer term.

Liverpool are still interested in completing the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Is Barella linked with Liverpool?

The 26-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season for Inter, arguably standing out as their most influential player at times, and helping them go all the way to the Champions League final, which they eventually lost narrowly to Manchester City.

Barella cemented his reputation as one of the best players in Serie A with a tally of six goals and assists apiece in the division, proving to be a creative force in the middle of the park.

Given the £154,000-a-week midfielder's reputation, it is no surprise to see him being linked with a move away from his current club this summer, and Liverpool appear to be one of the front-runners to acquire his signature.

The Reds are continuing to search for midfield reinforcements to join Alexis Mac Allister in arriving at Anfield, and rumours of them snapping up Barella are refusing to go away even despite the likely addition of Dominik Szoboszlai.

What's the latest on Barella to Liverpool?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti on Twitter, Barella is also still a genuine target for Liverpool before the 2023/24 Premier League season gets underway:

"Barella remains a target for Liverpool to strengthen the midfield. LFC are internally evaluating if made a concrete move (bid!) for Nicolo in the next days. Inter – to date – consider the player non-transferable."

This is another encouraging update when it comes to Liverpool's pursuit of Barella, with the Italy Euro 2020 winner and one-time Serie A champion someone who could be a wonderful signing for the Merseysiders.

He ticks so many different boxes when it comes to what Jurgen Klopp is after this summer, possessing more end product than any current Reds midfielders, as 12 goal contributions in the league last season prove.

Barella is so much more than just a creative force, however, possessing lots of intelligence on and off the ball, not to mention a great work ethic – one that saw him average 1.4 tackles per game in Serie A last term.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has described the Inter star as a "fantastic" player and the idea of him slotting into the Reds' midfield alongside Mac Allister and possibly Szoboszlai is mouthwatering, suddenly giving them the legs and creativity that was so sorely lacking for vast chunks of last season.

Sky Sports journalist Massimo Marianella has teased a potential Tottenham Hotspur swoop for marquee Napoli striker Victor Osimhen if Harry Kane leaves.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

The incoming arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou has birthed many transfer rumours in the last few weeks with Spurs sealing a deal for Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Lead by chairman Daniel Levy, in the absence of an out-and-out sporting director, Tottenham are looking to bolster many key areas of the squad this summer with fresh faces.

Vicario will come in to succeed the potentially departing Hugo Lloris but Spurs are also rumoured to have given the green-light for a central defensive signing.

Postecoglou apparently wants a new attacking midfielder on top of that, leading to their serious and advancing interest in Leicester City star James Maddison.

Kane, who starred for Spurs last season, is also being linked with a move away again and reports out of Germany state that Bayern Munich are hotting up their pursuit.

Man United and Chelsea are in the running for Kane too, with Sky reporter Marianella hinting that they could move for Osimhen if the England international departs.

Speaking on Sky Sport 24, via Tutto Napoli.net, the journalist hinted at an ambitious swoop for Osimhen from Spurs with Chelsea also apparently set to make contact.

"Tottenham are a team with medium-high ambitions that are changing everything," said Marianella.

"They say that even Chelsea are about to make a phone call to Napoli for Osimhen. It seems that one door is closed, which is that of Real Madrid, the two most open to catch a striker remain Manchester United and PSG. At that point, a place would also open up at Tottenham."

Who is Victor Osimhen?

Signing the Nigeria international would be an ambitious and sensational move by Spurs, though his marquee reported €120 million (£103m) price tag is quite a large barrier.

There is little doubting Osimhen's quality, though, with the former Lille star notching an incredible 26 goals and four assists in just 32 Serie A appearances last season.

Gary Lineker has called the 24-year-old's form "consistently impressive", while members of the press like ESPN's Colin Udoh believe he is a "monster" in the final third.

Birmingham City are in talks to sign Derby County midfielder Krystian Bielik, according to a report from the Telegraph

What is the latest news regarding Krystian Bielik?

According to the report, the Championship side are locked in talks with the League One outfit for the Polish international, with the fee potentially reaching £1m

The midfielder spent last season on loan at the Midlands club, making 35 appearances in the league and recording one goal and one assist across the campaign.

Birmingham look set to be under the new ownership of American hedge fund manager Tom Wagner soon, and manager John Eustace will be hoping to make Bielik his first signing of the new era.

Will Krystian Bielik join Birmingham City?

Bielik joined his parent club Derby from Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for a fee that could’ve risen to £10m, should all of the performance incentives been met.

The Polish midfielder has had an incredibly unfortunate time at Pride Park, suffering a pair of devastating knee injuries in back-to-back seasons that kept him out of action for a combined 634 days.

Ahead of last season, following Derby’s relegation to League One and the potential of a place in the Polish national team for the 2022 World Cup, Birmingham swooped in and picked him up on loan for the season.

Across the campaign, Bielik averaged a 6.77 rating, according to WhoScored, which was the second-highest average rating in the Birmingham squad for players who played over 2000 minutes

The midfielder is a defensive powerhouse, having averaged 1.92 blocks per 90, 2.17 clearances per 90 and 2.07 aerials won per 90 ranking him in the top 10% of all players across Europe's "next eight" leagues over the last year, as per to FBref. The Pole also averages 2.04 tackles per 90 and 1.45 interceptions per 90, further showcasing his defensive solidity

The Blues stand to get a fantastic deal for the 25-year-old colossus, with his market value currently €2.8m (£2.4m).

One reason why the midfielder, who was described by journalist Ryan Conway as Derby County’s “X-Factor”, is available for less than half his market value is his contract situation, with the players deal at Derby set to expire in the summer of 2024.

Should Birmingham be able to complete this deal despite their potential FFP problems, they will secure a fantastic midfielder who could help them in their quest to finish in the top half of the Championship for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Todibo to Man United?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, alongside Monaco's Axel Disasi, as the Premier League giants plot alternatives to Bayern Munich target, Kim Min-jae.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Axel Disasi remains concrete name in the list at Manchester United in case Kim Min-jae will end up joining Bayern as expected [next week will be crucial for Kim deal].

"Man Utd also sent their scouts to follow Jean Clair Todibo multiple times — no decision made yet."

The signing of the 6 foot 3 Frenchman – who still has four years left to run on his existing deal – could reportedly cost United a fee in the region of £26m, according to reports in Spain (via Football365).

Who is Jean-Clair Todibo?

Lauded as the "French Wall" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Barcelona man – who made the move to his current side back in 2021 – could well be the figure to replace club captain Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's squad next season, with the England international having been linked with an exit from the club of late.

The £80m man was branded a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst during the 2021/22 campaign and continued those woes last season, having notably slipped down the pecking order after being restricted to just eight Premier League starts.

With a departure likely to be in the best interest of all parties – despite the 30-year-old's apparent desire to stay put – Ten Hag could well hasten the former Leicester City man's exit by bringing Todibo into the fold over the coming weeks and months.

Not only would the one-time Toulouse starlet represent a more long-term option due to his relative youth, but he is also seemingly a much better asset in the short-term, such is his superior quality both in and out of possession.

With Maguire representing something of a liability when playing out from the back – as his clumsy error in the defeat away to Sevilla showcased – the Sheffield native notably ranks in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only the top 48% for pass completion, while Todibo, by contrast, ranks in the top 12% and the top 20% for those same two metrics respectively.

Equally, the latter man also appears to offer a greater ball-winning presence than the current United skipper as he ranks in the top 8% for tackles made, with Maguire ranking in just the bottom 15% in that regard.

With Todibo coming off the back of a season in which he started 33 Ligue 1 games – averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions combined per game in that time – the towering gem could well aim to replicate that stellar form at Old Trafford, while in turn allowing Ten Hag to finally show his club captain the door.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale has been a busy man so far this summer in an attempt to bolster his playing squad for the 2023/24 campaign.

The club have already confirmed deals for Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, and Dujon Sterling to improve their options across the pitch after they failed to win a single trophy last season.

Lammers is the most recent arrival to date as the Light Blues confirmed the signing on a four-year deal from Serie A side Atalanta earlier this week.

However, Beale could make further improvements to his forward line as the Scottish giants have also been linked with a swoop for Hearts centre-forward Lawrence Shankland in recent weeks.

Would Lawrence Shankland be a good signing for Rangers?

The 27-year-old whiz has the potential to be a phenomenal addition to the squad in this summer's transfer window as his form in 2022/23 indicates that the deadly marksman could be an instant upgrade on Lammers in the number nine position.

Shankland is coming off the back of an incredible season in the Scottish Premiership and has proven himself to be a lethal player at that level.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.11 across 37 matches in the division and chipped in with 24 goals and four assists, whilst the former Dundee United ace also found the back of the net three times in eight European matches for his club.

The Scotland international, therefore, ended the campaign with 28 goals and four assists in 47 appearances in all competitions and his exceptional return in front of goal was far more impressive than what Lammers has displayed in recent seasons.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the Dutchman played in 33 Serie A matches for Empoli and Sampdoria combined across two loan spells from Atalanta and plundered just two goals and two assists.

His poor form in Italy came after the 26-year-old forward managed one goal and zero assists in 15 outings in the Bundesliga on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt in the previous term, in which the misfiring attacker also scored once in seven Europa League clashes.

Lammers is, therefore, coming to Ibrox in terrible form in front of goal and it may take time for him to be able to rediscover his touch in the final third, if he ever does, and that is why bringing Shankland in could be an immediate upgrade as the Hearts sensation is full of confidence and in sublime form.

The £3k-per-week goal machine, who was once hailed as "clinical" by journalist Josh Bunting, is a proven Premiership performer who knows what it takes to be a consistent scorer in Scotland, which could allow him to hit the ground running and offer more than the ex-Atalanta dud straight away.

Chelsea have a long summer of player sales ahead of them after dramatically splashing the cash in recent windows, and one of those tipped for a potential exit is youth product Trevoh Chalobah, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

With Mateo Kovacic nearing a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City and N'Golo Kante seemingly the next big star to swap the English top-flight for the Saudi Pro League, the 23-year-old could be the another name to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

What's the latest on Trevoh Chalobah?

Chalobah has been a Chelsea player since starting his youth career at the club in 2007, but with the uncertainty surrounding his future, he has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.

According to Football Insider, the Italian giants made initial enquiries about the possibility of a transfer for the 6 foot 4 defender back in January and have now moved things along by officially registering their interest with the West London club.

Despite spending his entire career thus far at the two-time European champions, the player himself is also 'keen to hold talks' with the blue side of Milan.

"He would be one of the names that I'd have on a list of potential exits, for sure," Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT before providing a further behind-the-scenes perspective from the club, he added:

"But I think that there are definitely people within the club that still admire him and think he is capable of playing at this level."

However, the Blues are in a place of relative strength with a potential deal, as Chalobah still has five years left to run on his £50k-per-week contract.

Internazionale could also be pulled into a bidding war over the player, as Brighton and Hove Albion have also been linked to the England youth international, who is currently valued at £33m by FootballTransfers.

Could Trevoh Chalobah fight for his place at Chelsea?

By all accounts, it does sound like the defensive "monster" – as once hailed by football scout Jacek Kulig – is set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, but should he stay and fight?

The first major obstacle in his way is the sheer number of defenders at the club, the sort that have cost the board a significant amount of money.

Wesley Fofana, for example, cost £75m last summer, Benoit Badiashile cost £35m in January, and the struggling Kalidou Koulibaly even cost around £33m.

Beyond those big-money signings, you also have the evergreen Thiago Silva, who has probably been the team's best defender despite moving on a free.

So there is a lot of competition, but how has Chalobah fared against them when he's played?

WhoScored has given the youngster an average rating of 6.47 in the league this year, which is a lot lower than the aforementioned quartet – Silva sits on 7.07, Badiashile on 6.91, Fofana on 6.90 and even Koulibaly hits 6.83.

Unfortunately, with even the much-criticised Koulibaly achieving a higher average rating in the league this year, a regular starting spot for Chalobah seems unlikely heading into next season under Pochettino.

Ultimately, it looks like a move to Serie A might be what's best for both parties, with Fikayo Tomori a fine example of what could happen should he take the plunge.

Chelsea could, in turn, profit from a player who doesn't get much game time, and Chalobah himself can get another chance to earn regular first-team football.

Arsenal's relentless pursuit to end Manchester City's stranglehold on the Premier League failed this season, but as a club, they still took huge strides forward.

The hope will be that, following another summer of strong investment, Mikel Arteta can guide his team one step further and actually topple Pep Guardiola's seemingly unstoppable side, who could still claim a famous treble with two games of their campaign left to play.

What aided their progression last year was the gifts they were handed by their rivals, as the Cityzens gladly sanctioned the sales of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to the Emirates. Whilst both were unassuming deals for second-choice players on the surface, their impact was revolutionary.

Their shared title-winning mindset transformed the team, from a side that failed in their pursuit of the top four the year prior to having just finished second.

It seems like Guardiola is unable to learn from these mistakes too, as reports are suggesting he is once again willing to sell to these same rivals and their nearest competition in the race for next season's Premier League trophy.

Whilst he is clearly incensed to offload Joao Cancelo, as reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, with Bayern Munich refusing to pay the €70m (£60m) buy-out clause, north London could instead mark his new permanent home.

Would Joao Cancelo be a success at Arsenal?

Seeing as Zinchenko allowed Arteta to fully disseminate his philosophy throughout the squad, becoming the key inverted full-back he desperately craved, securing another one would arguably perfect his system both defensively and offensively.

Given the success the Portugal international has had in such a role in recent years, there is precedent to believe that he could outdo sporting director Edu Gaspar's prior masterclass with the Ukrainian defender.

Having maintained a 7.07 average rating the term before moving, this year his 6.93 average rating somewhat belies his importance to the side. An 88% pass accuracy and 0.7 key passes per game outline him as a true creative threat from deep, with a 63% dribble success rate supplementing this, via Sofascore.

However, in his last full season at the Etihad, Cancelo surpassed these levels with ease, maintaining a 7.33 average rating and arguably bringing such an unknown position into the wider-known footballing world.

This figure was buoyed by his seven assists and 1.1 key passes, 2.3 tackles and 1.6 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore. His ability to step into the midfield and forge chances spurred writer Michael Cox to coin his position the: "full-back-deep-playmaker".

Such unparalleled form even led former Aston Villa right-back Ahmed Elmohamady to write at the time: "PEP has improved so many players over the years but Cancelo became a world-class player".

Whilst Zinchenko has been exemplary, Cancelo walked so the 26-year-old could run. Guardiola fashioned this role from the qualities of the 29-year-old, so signing him could take them to another level, outdoing Edu's previous success in buying straight from an all too familiar rival.

Manchester United are reportedly still keeping tabs on Benfica sensation, Goncalo Ramos ahead of the summer transfer window, as Erik ten Hag's search for a new centre-forward continues.

What's the latest on Ramos to Man United?

According to Manchester Evening News, the 21-year-old is said to be among the alternative options that United are considering this summer, with the Old Trafford outfit holding the belief that leading target, Harry Kane, will not be sold by Tottenham Hotspur.

The report suggests that the Red Devils are 'actively pursuing' other targets due to the potential concern surrounding a move for the England skipper, with Ramos one of those who is said to be admired by Ten Hag.

This follows a report from Football Insider last month which also suggested that the Carabao Cup winners are plotting a move for the Portugal international, with it believed that a fee of around £70m will be enough to secure a deal.

Should Man United sign Ramos?

While it is evident that Ten Hag and co consider Kane their "leading option" to spearhead the attack next season – according to 90min's Graeme Bailey – it is seemingly wise not to get drawn into protracted negotiations with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, even though the 29-year-old would be an attractive option after bagging 28 Premier League goals this season.

Turning to Ramos, however, would certainly soften the blow of missing out on the Three Lions star, with the emerging gem having also been in prolific form in his homeland of late, having bagged 26 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 games across all fronts this season.

The striking "monster" – as hailed by journalist Antonio Mango – also catapulted himself into wider focus after bagging a hat-trick for his country against Switzerland at the World Cup back in December, having subsequently been branded "remarkable" by broadcaster, Gary Lineker.

Unlike Kane – who could represent a "shorter-term fix", according to the Telegraph's James Ducker – Ramos' relative youth would ensure that he could be United's figurehead over the next decade or so, preventing the need to dip into the market again in a few years' time.

It would also be a mouthwatering prospect to have the Olhao native being supported by compatriot Bruno Fernandes in that playmaking berth, with the midfield maestro having the creative quality to be able to regularly supply the goods for his international colleague.

That ability to provide a quality final ball is showcased by the fact that Fernandes has remarkably created 32 big chances this season – the most in the Premier League – albeit while only tallying eight assists so far, proving the need for a more ruthless attacking presence ahead of him.

On the evidence of Ramos' form for both club and country in recent times, the 6 foot 1 "animal" – as hailed by Fernandes – could represent the missing piece in Ten Hag's attacking unit.