All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal have opened talks with a highly-rated forward pre-summer, as they seriously consider signing him for around £43 million.

Edu and Arteta planning to bring in new attackers at Arsenal

The north Londoners have been English football's most devastating attacking side this season, scoring more goals than any other Premier League side so far.

Arsenal looking into signing "phenomenal" £34 million Partey replacement

The Gunners could wave goodbye to him this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 10, 2024

Early season criticism surrounded Kai Havertz after he joined from Chelsea for £65 million, but the Germany international has since gone on to thrive in a makeshift forward role under Mikel Arteta – scoring 12 goals and bagging six assists in the top flight alone.

However, Havertz's form and Bukayo Saka's goalscoring exploits haven't deterred Arsenal from bringing in new attacking options this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are set to try and sign an important new striker, and reporter Charles Watts has previously stated they could go for a winger as well.

Arsenal are thought to be real admirers of Crystal Palace star Michael Olise for out wide, and Watts believes the Frenchman would be a "perfect" fit for Arteta's side, as the Gunners look to add a new attacker with that "X-Factor".

“I think either Eberechi Eze or Michael Olise would be a perfect fit for Arsenal this summer. I know the club is looking for a new attacking player who could add a bit of X-Factor to the team, someone who can come in and make something out of nothing,” Watts said to CaughtOffside

“We’ve seen Arsenal struggle at times against the low block this season. I think back to the second leg against Bayern in the Champions League and they were protecting their lead by dropping deep in those final 25 minutes. Arsenal just didn’t have anyone on the pitch that night who looked like pulling something unexpected out of the bag and opening them up."

While Olise has showcased fine form this season, he is by no means the only winger they're considering. Indeed, a report this week indicates that have a very serious interest in signing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old, who's on double digits for La Liga assists after an excellent season, is attracting interest from across Europe.

Arsenal open talks with Williams as they consider £43 million deal

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal have held talks with Williams as they seriously consider signing him £43 million this summer.

£43 million would certainly be enough to prise the Spain international away, as that is the full value of his release clause, but they're first gauging Williams' interest in making a move to north London before going any further.

"Great player," said his brother, Inaki Williams, on Nico's ability. "He is in incredible shape and I think he can give a lot to Spain. He has shown it by giving Morata a good pass and I am very happy for him.”

Harry Kane has sent a “we are Bayern Munich” warning to Bundesliga title rivals, with the prolific frontman back in the hunt for elusive trophies.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ended debut campaign empty-handed
• Flying start to the new season
• Leverkusen up next at the Allianz Arena

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England captain moved to Germany in the summer of 2023 expecting to get his hands on silverware of some description during his debut campaign. That was not to be the case, with Bayern enduring a rare season without success – despite their No.9 hitting 44 goals across all competitions.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane is determined to right those wrongs and has already been back in the goal-getting groove this season. After grabbing hat-tricks in back-to-back Bundesliga and Champions League games, he netted again in a 5-0 mauling of Werder Bremen to take him to double figures already.

• WHAT KANE SAID

  Next up for Bayern is a home date with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen, with Kane saying of the immediate past, present and future: “It was a great week. Congratulations to the lads for the right attitude and mentality. We played an away game against opponents [Werder] who had remained unbeaten in the league for a while. The way we played with and without possession is the kind of style we want to show in the upcoming games as well. You could tell that we kept pushing, even after the second and third goals.

  “We are Bayern Munich. It's definitely going to be a different game against Leverkusen. They showed last season how strong they are. It's going to be a tough game. We have to show the same mentality and the same hunger for success that we showed [against Werder] and in our previous games. We're playing at home, it's October, and it's going to be a great game.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Leverkusen went unbeaten in the league throughout last season, but have already come unstuck this term. Bayern, meanwhile, are yet to drop a point through their opening four fixtures and will hope to see home field advantage work in their favour when welcoming title rivals to the Allianz Arena.

Former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico is set to sign for a new club, having arrived in Doha for a medical with Qatari outfit Al Gharafa.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rico joins Al Gharafa
• Suffered head injury last year
• Sidelined for over two years

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Spaniard has been on the sidelines for over a year after sustaining a serious head injury in a horse-riding accident in May 2023. Rico was discharged from hospital later that summer, but it has been a long road back to full fitness and finding a new club. Now, he's completing a medical at Qatari club Al Gharafa and looks set to join up for a new challenge.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 31-year-old goalkeeper has a respectable reputation in the European game, having played for top-flight clubs across Europe including PSG, Sevilla, Mallorca and Fulham. However, his recent head injury seriously derailed his career. The move to Qatar represents a fresh start, although there's no denying the Qatari league will be a drop-off in quality from what Rico is used to.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After his accident, Rico fell into a coma for three weeks and was reportedly described as being "half a centimetre" from death. Given the extent of the injury, which kept him in hospital for three months, it's remarkable that Rico is back in the game at all.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR RICO?

  Rico's new club are currently fourth in the Qatar Stars League, their squad bolstered by signings such as former Real Madrid forward Joselu and ex-Leeds striker Rodrigo. Al Gharafa fans will be hoping their latest addition can further improve this promising side.

Southampton are eyeing an audacious move for a "brilliant" Premier League winner in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Mike McGrath.

Southampton plans begin after promotion

Saints enjoyed a glorious day at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, winning 1-0 against Leeds United to book their place back in the Premier League. Adam Armstrong's goal proved to be the difference between the two sides in the Championship playoff final, as Russell Martin took his team back into the promised land at the expense of his old boss.

It now means that Southampton can focus on bringing in higher-profile players in the summer transfer window, such is the luxury of playing in the top flight compared to the second tier of English football. Some links have already emerged regarding new signings, ahead of what could be such an exciting few months.

Manchester City youngster James McAtee is seen as an option for Saints this summer, with the winner out of themselves and Leeds thought to be in a strong position to snap him up. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a good spell on loan at Sheffield United, but he may feel that now is the right time to seal a permanent move away from City.

St. Pauli winger Elias Saad is also thought to be a strong target before the 2024/25 season gets underway, having scored seven goals in the 2. Bundesliga this season. There is hope that Flynn Downes could arrive permanently from West Ham, too, following an influential loan spell at St Mary's Stadium.

Southampton eyeing move for "brilliant" former star

According to an update from The Telegraph's McGrath, Southampton are keen on bringing Adam Lallana back to the club this summer, in what could be an audacious swoop:

"Southampton are in talks with Adam Lallana over a stunning return to the club following Premier League promotion and becoming their first arrival of the summer."

This would be such a popular signing with many Southampton fans, considering what a fantastic player Lallana grew into during a memorable first spell with the south coast club. He made 265 appearances in total, helping them get back into the Premier League, prior to a hugely successful spell at Liverpool that saw him win both the Premier League and Champions League, among other trophies.

Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on him during his spell at Anfield: "I knew him from Southampton and I thought [he was] a really good player. To be honest, I didn't see too much from when he played for Liverpool but I knew from Southampton he was a brilliant player and all this stuff, so I was really looking forward to [meeting him]."

Lallana returning to Southampton feels like the perfect end to a great career, but Saints would be signing him because he still has something to offer, not just for nostalgic reasons. The £90,000-a-week midfielder made 25 appearances in the top flight for Brighton last season, and the fact that he is now available on a free transfer from the Seagulls makes it such an appealing move.

Southampton planning bid to sign "special" £20m player

They need to beat Leeds first.

By
Charlie Smith

May 24, 2024

At 36, the 34-cap England international isn't the force he once was, but his experience and quality could be huge as a squad player for Martin for a year or two.

Scott McTominay has been backed to become one of Napoli's greatest ever players after his excellent start in Serie A.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• McTominay off to strong start at Napoli
• Ex-Man Utd midfielder backed to become club legend
• Sit top of Serie A after seven games

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McTominay joined the Italian club from Manchester United in the summer transfer window and already has two goals and an assist to his name, helping Antonio Conte's men go top of Serie A with 16 points from seven matches.

Advertisement

• Imago
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 27-year-old was labelled "lethal" by striker Romelu Lukaku after he scored in the first minute of their game against Como. His heroics have been noticed by FIFA agent Cristian Bosco Iuenedi, too, who believes Napoli will win the league title this year and that Scotland international McTominay will play a pivotal role.

• WHAT BOSCO SAID

  “You can be a winner even if you have different DNA," Bosco said on . "This Napoli is a cynical Napoli. McTominay will still have to prove himself in Italy, but he is potentially one of the best midfielders in Napoli's history. I'll throw down a provocation. This year's Napoli has no opponents, only Napoli can lose this Scudetto!"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Napoli are two points ahead of reigning champions Inter and have won six of their last seven matches. They are in action again on October 20, when they take on Empoli in Serie A.

Aston Villa have been tipped to make a move for a long-term Premier League target this summer as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of a return to the Champions League.

Ollie Watkins' incredible season

It is safe to say that Unai Emery's ability to get the best out of his strikers has once again played out in the midlands, with Ollie Watkins the beneficiary. The former Brentford star recorded his best ever season, finding the back of the net 19 times in the Premier League and grabbing 13 assists to go with it, while he did it all without being the club's designated penalty taker.

He penned a new contract in October, and is now wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, though a departure from Villa Park this summer looks highly unlikely.

But with added elite games on the calender for next season and no assurances that Watkins will be able to play virtually every game for Emery's side as he did this season, it is understandable that Villa are on the hunt for cover.

As it stands, young talent Jhon Duran is the only other recognised striker at the club, though Moussa Diaby has played there at times during his stint at Villa Park. But it is clear a new face is needed, and now they may have found the perfect alternative to Watkins.

Monchi wants familiar face

Now, the Villans have been credited with a strong interest in Sevilla hitman Youssef En-Nesyri, who has been a long term target for West Ham United and has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months.

The Moroccan striker, who led the line for his nation as they reached the last four of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has just 12 months left to run on his £50,000 a week deal in the south of Spain.

And Sevilla have identified the 26-year-old as an option to help them raise funds this summer, despite the striker finding the net on 20 occasions last season to help steer his side away from relegation to Spain's second tier.

An offer of around 25m euros (£17m) should be enough to secure his services, and Monchi is personally leading Villa's interest, as the Sporting Director is keen to be reunited with a player he worked with during his time in Seville.

Aston Villa targeting Watkins' dream transfer in £30m star

He has 14 goals and assists in Serie A this season.

By
Joe Nuttall

May 29, 2024

He is leading the Aston Villa charge for En-Nesyri, and appears to have won out with the Midlands club now ready to cough up for the frontman, according to the report.

Should he arrive, he would certainly offer a different option to Watkins, with the striker having previously been described as "such a handful in the air" and having the stats to back it up.

At club level, 25 of his 88 goals have come courtesy of his head, while he jumped to a mammoth 9 foot 1 to net his side's winner against Portugal at the most recent World Cup, higher than Cristiano Ronaldo managed for his famous goal against Sampdoria during his time as a Juventus player.

Still in the prime of his career and with plenty of pedigree in Europe, he could well be a smart addition to help share the workload with Watkins.

Chelsea are thought to be battling over the signing of one Arsenal player in a potential Ashley Cole repeat, amid claims he's destined to leave the Emirates.

Maresca set sights on defensive signings at Chelsea

New head coach Enzo Maresca, assisted by co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, could orchestrate somewhat of a defensive shake-up this summer.

Ange beaten as Chelsea win race for second starlet signing after £60m man

Tottenham and Atletico were both interested.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 11, 2024

The Italian was forced to watch on as former stalwart Thiago Silva waved goodbye to Chelsea after four faithful years at Stamford Bridge, and it's safe to say that the Brazilian's colossal presence/experience will be a sore miss for Maresca.

Luckily, Chelsea have already sealed a deal for Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, and the Premier League defender could do wonders to assist the Blues in filling the void left by Silva's departure.

Fabrizio Romano has hinted that the search for centre-backs may not stop with Tosin, though, and it is also believed that Maresca has his eyes on a new goalkeeper for Chelsea as well.

"It will continue to be a busy summer at Chelsea," said Romano on Chelsea's transfer plans after bringing in Maresca to replace Pochettino.

"It won’t be completely crazy but they will try to make smart things happen, including a new goalkeeper and I expect them to try for at least one new centre-back, but it could be two. I also expect Chelsea to be busy with the striker position."

Chelsea are apparently keen on Leicester City shot-stopper Mads Hermansen, as well as their former keeper Marcin Bulka, after his excellent Ligue 1 campaign at OGC Nice.

With Kepa Arrizabalaga's desire to leave Chelsea, Maresca apparently wants another keeper brought in, and they could apparently turn to Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale.

Chelsea battling for Ramsdale in Ashley Cole repeat

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are battling Newcastle to sign Ramsdale this summer, with the £120,000-per-week England international destined to leave in the coming months.

The Three Lions ace lost his number one spot to David Raya last season, and reliable Gunners reporter Charles Watts suggests it is a matter of when, not if, he departs Hale End. If Ramsdale were to swap Arsenal for Stamford Bridge, it would be a repeat of the scenario which brought Cole to Chelsea in 2006.

"I do think he will be on the move at some point over the next couple of months," said Watts.

"Obviously we have the Euros coming up and he will be away with England, so that could delay things and Arsenal also need to be confident that they can land a replacement before sanctioning any exit.

“But I do think both things will happen. It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if. The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better keeper since then."

Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling has explained how it was "surreal" playing against Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Southampton's Dibling enjoying rapid rise
• "Surreal" to play against Rashford
• Likens it to The Journey on FIFA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After barely playing for Southampton's first-team last season in the Championship, the 18-year-old has become a regular for Russell Martin's men in the Premier League. The winger came up against United in September and said sharing a pitch with Rashford felt like he was playing The Journey on FIFA – an old mode of the game that allowed players to guide a rising star through his career.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT TYLER DIBLING SAID

  He told Saints' website: "Because I only played limited minutes for the club last year, I didn't think I was going to go on and start a lot of games for the club. I was very nervous before it. It was against Manchester United as well. I felt like I was in The Journey on FIFA. It was weird. I had Rashford next to me. I've used him on FIFA for about five years. It was a bit surreal. After that game, you just get used to it to be fair. I was so nervous before – I don't usually get that nervous – but once you step on the pitch and I made that first pass, I settled. I took on [Diogo] Dalot and won a penalty, unfortunately, Cam [Archer] missed it but it's still a good moment. Sam Amo-Ameyaw said to me: 'If you do well, you could stay in the team'. This is why I'm in the team, to take people on. I can't shy away and pass backwards. I need to be positive and sometimes it works."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dibling, who had an ill-fated and short spell in Chelsea's youth setup, has been one of the few positives for Southampton this season – who are languishing in the relegation zone. The 18-year-old has scored one goal and bagged two assists and may be key to their survival chances.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Southampton face a huge clash with fellow newly-promoted Leicester City at St Mary's on Saturday afternoon. Saints sit 19th with one point from seven games whereas the Foxes are four places higher and five points better off.

Harry Kane emerged as the showstopper as Bayern Munich cruised to comfortable 3-0 victory against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bayern beat Union 3-0
• Kane scored two on the night
• Leads Golden Boot race with 11 goals

• Getty Images Sport
  

  TELL ME MORE

  It was one-way traffic right from the first whistle in a battle between David and Goliath – but this time the drama at Allianz Arena ended with no major upset as the heavyweights emerged triumphant. They took just 15 minutes to draw first blood after Benedict Hollerbach brought down Michael Olise inside the box and Kane did the rest from 12 yards.

  Bayern continued to persevere for the insurance goal after taking the lead and it was always a matter of when and not if. Two minutes from half-time, the English international turned provider and set up Kingsley Coman for the second – a well-deserved return for their dominance. Stats showed that Vincent Kompany's men enjoyed 78 per cent of the possession, had a passing accuracy of 92% and created three big chances – out of which two were converted.

  The Bavarians continued in the same vein after the resumption of play in the second half and took just six minutes to add another and seal the three points. Raphael Guerreiro sent in a teasing cross from the right flank and after Coman headed across the face of the goal, Kane simply tapped in to score his 11th in the Bundesliga. The margin could have been even more if the striker did not fluff his lines in the final quarter but his earlier heroics were enough to see out a meek Union side.

Advertisement

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kane has been in ravishing form since he moved to Germany and boasts of having 60 goal contributions – 47 goals and 13 assists – in just 41 league appearances.

• AFP
  

  THE MVP

  Kane was the star of the match in what was nearly a spotless performance for the striker. He converted the penalty, set up Coman, and then completed his brace with a poacher's finish. As the match wore on, he was given more freedom by Kompany and the striker was seen often dropping deep to orchestrate attacks for Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• THE BIG LOSER

  Union's Danish manager Bo Svensson seemed to have no Plan B. His team could hardly break on the counters and despite going 3-0 down in the 51st minute they hardly showed any desire to move out of the blocks and test Bayern's defence. They currently hold a European spot after earning 15 spots from nine matches but it seemed that Svensson was more keen to avoid an embarrassment rather than play fearless football.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly tabled a £4m offer to sign a teenage gem from Brazil this summer, it has emerged.

Forest chasing Brazilian goalkeeper

Following their Premier League survival on the final day of the season, Nuno Espirito Santo's side have turned their attentions to the summer transfer window. Under some pressure from financial fair play rules, they have already seen several players leave.

Harry Arter, Wayne Hennessey, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Loïc Mbe Soh, Scott McKenna and Felipe have all reached the end of their contracts at the City Ground and will not be offered fresh terms, leaving as free agents.

Meanwhile, Gonzalo Montiel, Divock Origi, Gio Reyna, Rodrigo Ribeiro and Nuno Tavares will all leave at the end of their loan spells with the club, with none having done enough to earn a permanent move to Nottingham.

That will free up significant wages in the Midlands, and while there remains pressure to sell before the June 30th deadline, the club are hoping that they can avoid cashing in on any of their star men, with the likes of Joe Worrall, Emmanuel Dennis and Lewis O'Brien thought to be free to leave and the latter attracting interest from Ipswich Town.

As a result, there is confidence that compliance will be achieved, and now they have turned their attentions to incomings. One player seemingly on the verge of joining the club is goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, with the club having triggered his £3.4m release clause and a medical expected this week to bring the shot-stopper to the Midlands. But Forest have also made another offer for a Palmeiras player.

Teenager in the Reds' sights

Now, reports from Brazil have revealed Forest have made a bid for young striker Riquelme Fillipi, who plays among the youth ranks with Palmeiras. The 17-year-old is yet to play senior football, and has only scored four times in 14 games for the U20 side this season, but that has not stopped the club from taking a keen interest.

Nottingham Forest must finally sell flop who earns more than Elanga

The club are looking to raise funds before the PSR deadline later this month.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 19, 2024

As per UOL (via Sport Witness), they have tabled an 'official proposal' for the teenager, which totals 5m euros (just over £4m). This consists of half up-front, with the other half in bonuses, though there is no discussion of what those bonuses may be, while Palmeiras are yet to respond to the offer.

It is added that European giants Paris Saint Germain and Porto are both also interested, though neither side have made a bid for the youngster as of yet. Should any side prove successful in their hunt for the signature of Fillipi, they will have to wait until September before he could arrive, with the youngster not turning 18 until then.