All posts by z3u9t.icu

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.

Newcastle United have had a season that will have exceeded even their wildest expectations, with Eddie Howe's men confirming a slot in the Champions League last year following a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night.

The Magpies have earned their good fortune this campaign and have recruited in excellent fashion along the way, bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak and Sven Botman, who have gone on to make a major impact at St James' Park.

Coming into the summer, finding the balance between adding quality and quantity to the squad will be another big challenge for boss Howe, who has been linked with moves for several high-profile players amid their return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in 20 years.

As per Sky Germany via Sport Witness, RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is a target for the Toon this summer and they have recently scouted him several times.

What's the latest news involving Dominik Szoboszlai?

The report claims that Szoboszlai, alongside his teammate Amadou Haidara have been watched by Newcastle United several times, with the former said to have an exit clause of around €70 million (£60.6 million) inserted into his current €80,769 (£69,931) terms at the Red Bull Arena.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones has indicated that Szoboszlai is a well-suited player in terms of his standing and would be a great signing if they could entice him to the North East this summer.

Jones told FFC: "I think Szoboszlai has got an unbelievable mindset as well as a brilliant skill set that he could bring to Newcastle. He's kind of the perfect level that Newcastle should be aspiring to as they look to take the next steps of their build. I mean, you can talk about what it would be like to bring in a Neymar or any player on that level. But there's also something to be said about not moving too quickly and that's one thing that Newcastle have done brilliantly."

Capable of operating on either flank or in attacking midfield, Szoboszlai had made 44 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig this term, notching nine goals and 13 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

The 22-year-old is also takes the responsibility of being a leader on the pitch in the mould of Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes and is captain of the Hungary national side despite his young age.

His Hungary coach Marco Rossi praised his qualities back in 2020 during an interview, stating: “Szoboszlai is a midfielder who makes assists and scores goals. He can play centre midfielder or behind the main striker. At Juventus, he would be ideal as a back-up to Aaron Ramsey. We are talking about one of the top ten talents in Europe.”

Much like Fernandes at Manchester United, Szoboszlai excels in his capacity as a chance provider, as per FBRef, and has managed to rack up 173 successfully carried out shot-creating actions in 2022/23.

WhoScored also notes that the Hungarian talent has outperformed the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Dani Olmo this season and has been RB Leipzig's most consistent performer overall, managing to obtain an average match rating of 7.34/10.

As cited by The Analyst, his former manager Jesse Marsch spoke about his unique skill set back in 2021, stating: “I’ve developed a very good relationship with a lot of highly talented youngsters, but I feel I had the strongest bond with Dominik. We’ve talked a lot, watched videos together, and discussed in private what the next step could be to improve. As talent goes, there aren’t many better players that can play his position – some are strong, some are technical, some are good tactically, and some can defend well or run a lot. However, Dominik is special because he has all of these skills combined.”

His career is only getting started and it looks as if a move to the Premier League could be an inevitability at some point and Newcastle United could land their own Fernandes-architype signing in the form of Szoboszlai if they can get a deal over the line.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a potential setback in their pursuit of Chicago Fire goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina…

What’s the word?

Bruno Lage’s side have been linked with a move for the American stopper in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that the Molineux outfit were eyeing a £3m deal for the 18-year-old starlet.

However, any hopes of progressing negotiations have been dealt a blow by the latest update on the teenager’s situation from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that newly-crowned European champions Real Madrid are preparing a bid for his services.

Writing on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that: “Exclusive: Real Madrid are preparing opening bid for talented goalkepeer Gabriel Slonina, born in 2004. Chicago Fire are waiting for the first proposal to arrive soon for USMNT goalkeeper.”

Supporters gutted

Although Los Blancos are yet to make a concrete offer for the 6 foot 4 giant, their interest will likely all but end any hopes of the Old Gold pulling off a deal, such is the historical weight and financial muscle that the La Liga side possesses.

That update will no doubt prove a huge disappointment to Wolves supporters, with the club in need of an able deputy to current number one Jose Sa, following the departure of veteran stalwart John Ruddy.

The former Norwich City man had helped the club to promotion from the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign, although was subsequently dislodged by the now-departed Rui Patricio, before the arrival of Sa who replaced his fellow Portuguese last summer.

With the latter man having since thrived in his debut Premier League campaign – making the fourth-most saves in the division – there is little need to acquire a replacement this summer, although in Slonina they would likely have been able to acquire a player who could well usurp him in the future.

While the Illinois-born gem is something of an unknown quantity for those unfamiliar with MLS, he has seemingly caught the eye after a breakthrough last year or so, with his standout displays even reportedly catching the eye of Chelsea earlier this year.

The £2.7m-rated gem has started 14 games for his current side so far this term, conceding just 20 goals, keeping five clean sheets and averaging a solid two saves per game, showcasing just what a talent he already is, rather than necessarily being just a player for the future.

That is the view of current Chicago assistant coach Frank Klopas, who lavished the youngster with praise back in October after his emergence into the first team:

“He’s so young, it’s amazing. Maybe in 10, even 15 years, we’ll be talking about him and say, he’s hit his prime now.

“It’s scary how good this kid can be and you know what, he deserves only the best. He’s a great kid. He’s very grounded, he’s very mature, and he’s got a tremendous, tremendous upside and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Such a glowing reference will only add to the fury of the Wolves faithful, with the Midlands side seemingly set to miss out on an immensely promising prospect who could have been a mainstay of the squad for years to come.

All is not lost just yet, but with Madrid in the mix, any hope looks set to be extinguished.

IN other news: Lage must now brutally sell Wolves’ £20m “catalyst”, he won’t make it at Molineux…

Richarlison has been linked with a move away from Everton for months following a disappointing season at Goodison Park, however, a new update has emerged on the Brazilian’s future.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Real Madrid are not interested in signing Richarlison this summer.

This comes as a big twist to the tale following widespread reports that the Spanish side were indeed hoping to sign him over the summer months.

Di Marzio now claims that after Los Blancos lost out on Kylian Mbappe, they currently have no plans to take on another winger this summer after sporting director José Angel Sanchez and owner Florentino Perez held a meeting to discuss the transfer window strategy moving forward.

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt the news that Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Richarlison will delight supporters as he has been crucial for the Toffees in one of their most difficult seasons to date and has become a fan favourite at the club.

Despite the relegation worries throughout the season, the 25-year-old stepped up when it really mattered for Everton, scoring six of his ten Premier League goals in his last ten appearances making him the top goal contributor for the Toffees in 2021/22.

The Brazilian’s goals and assists this season compared to the players around him has ultimately saved the club from a spell in the Championship next season, something that supporters will be massively grateful for and it would be hard for fans to see him go after delivering impressive performances when it mattered most.

Richarlison has been a big hit at Goodison Park since he arrived in 2018, and has been one of the very few transfers that have worked out for Farhad Moshiri, scoring 53 goals and delivering 14 assists in his 152 appearances, so losing him this summer would be a huge loss and it would take a lot of work to replace a consistent goal threat of his quality.

With that being said, Real Madrid are not the only club that have reported interest in signing the attacker ahead of next season with Manchester United already making an approach to sign him last month. Therefore, Frank Lampard will need to do everything to convince the star to stay on Merseyside next term.

AND in other news: Everton still face uncertainty over £18m-rated “rock” who Lampard can’t afford to lose

Liverpool are interested in signing Porto midfielder Otavio during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour that emerged this week.

The Lowdown: Otavio shines for Porto

The 27-year-old has continued to be a key figure for Porto this season, producing a host of influential performances in his wide attacking role.

Otavio has registered an impressive 11 assists in 32 Primeira Liga appearances, as well as making nine appearances in the Champions League and Europa League combined.

Whoscored list him as being ‘very strong’ at creating scoring chances through both his passing and individual skill.

It could be that the Portuguese looks for a new challenge at the end of the season as he is approaching his prime and yet to test his mettle in a major European league, and Liverpool could well be in the conversation.

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The Latest: Liverpool in contact

According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], the Reds are one of a number of English clubs to have sent officials to watch Otavio in action and make contact with his club.

Julian Ward and co. have the player ‘referenced’ ahead of a potential move, with Manchester United and Newcastle United two of the other clubs mentioned in the report.

It is also stated that a move to Liverpool almost happened last year and an offer was even sent from Anfield, but Otavio’s Porto teammate, Luis Diaz, ended up joining in January instead. As we know, new Reds transfer guru Ward was instrumental in the capture of Diaz.

They say the two clubs have now had ‘even more communication’ since then, and the player has a €60m (£51m) release clause.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

While Otavio is clearly an excellent attacking player – he grew up idolising Brazil legend Ronaldinho – it is questionable as to whether or not Liverpool need to spend big on a player of his ilk this summer.

Jurgen Klopp already some several world-class attacking players at his disposal, so it is hard to see how the Porto man would fit into his regular plans.

The only way it could work is if Klopp used him in more of a central midfield role, potentially slotting into the right-sided No.8 berth that the likes of Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita take up.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Aston Villa have been hit with a potential setback in their hunt for Marseille’s star midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via Birmingham Live, who claim that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are set to “close” a deal for the 22-year-old.

Kamara is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Villa touted as one of the potential clubs vying for his signature, in what was seemed to be an open race between Gerrard’s side and Atletico Madrid.

Though, according to the report, it looks as though the France starlet has signed a pre-agreement with Simeone’s side ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Supporters will be gutted

The saga surrounding Kamara’s future, amidst interest from Aston Villa, has seemingly circulated for months. And with Gerrard looking to strengthen in the holding midfielder position, it will come as a big blow to not only him, but the Villa faithful.

Kamara boasts some serious numbers this season, so it is not wonder as to why Villa have been chasing the signature of the 22-year-old.

In comparison to Douglas Luiz, Kamara outdoes the Brazilian in the majority of metrics. The Frenchman’s passing stats are a particular standout, with his 72.09 average passes completed per 90 at a completion rate of 79.23% massively outdoing that of Luiz’s measly total of 39.69 passes per 90, with an average of 83%.

Whilst their defensive metrics are similar, with Kamara just pipping Luiz overall, it is his ability in possession that would make him such a good asset for a Villa side who look to dominate the ball, but have struggled somewhat this season – as can be seen from their rank of 14th place in the average possession charts, with just 46.2% possession averaged across 36 games.

Kamara’s average of 89.51 touches make him a metronome in the engine room, with his 60.54 carries better than the likes of Declan Rice, who has averaged 48.61 per 90.

Villa will be gutted at what will seem like a missed opportunity for NSWE to bag a star who displays potential akin to world-class.

In other news: “His priority..” Romano drops exciting transfer claim, it’s great news for Aston Villa