All posts by n8rngtd.top

Still searching for a solution for their goalscoring problem, Chelsea have reportedly turned their focus away from Victor Osimhen amid his eye-watering wage demands and towards a Premier League striker.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues have once again been one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window, welcoming as many as 10 fresh faces. Yet, still, they remain without a clinical out-and-out goalscorer to lead the line for Enzo Maresca. Reports have linked those at Stamford Bridge to the likes of Jhon Duran and Samu Omorodion, who was seemingly close to a move before it suddenly collapsed, but remain without a rival to Nicolas Jackson.

After Felix: Chelsea in the race for the "next Eden Hazard"

Enzo Maresca could add to his ten summer signings before the end of the window…

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 25, 2024

It's still a situation to keep an eye on, however, especially after Napoli reached an agreement to sign Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis at long last according to Fabrizio Romano to open the door for Osimhen to complete his departure.

That door may not be open for a move to Stamford Bridge, however, despite Lukaku's pending departure. According to The Sun, Osimhen's staggering £500,000-a-week wage demands have forced the Blues to look elsewhere amid reluctance to make the forward their highest-paid player by almost £200,000-a-week.

Searching for cheaper alternatives, those in London are reportedly looking closer to home. According to The Sun, Chelsea are now eyeing a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin following Osimhen's demands late on in the the summer transfer window.

The Everton forward knows all about finding the back of the net at his best, but question marks over his injury history would undoubtedly come to the fore if he sealed a move to Chelsea this week.

"Excellent" Calvert-Lewin may not solve Chelsea's problems

If Chelsea were chasing Calvert-Lewin's signature fresh from the 2020/21 campaign, in which he scored 21 goals in all competitions, then they'd be receiving deserved applause for their transfer strategy. The truth is though, Calvert-Lewin is not that same, clinical striker three seasons later amid injury struggles and poor form, with just seven Premier League goals last time out.

Given their history of underperforming strikers – from Fernando Torres all the way to Alvaro Morata and Lukaku – Chelsea cannot afford to get things wrong once again; they're in no position to take a risk on Calvert-Lewin.

What's more, Everton boss Sean Dyche won't be keen to let the England international leave, even if he is yet to replicate his form of three seasons ago. Dyche was full of praise for Calvert-Lewin after he scored in a shock Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool in the last campaign, telling BBC Sport: "I thought he was excellent. His physical performance was outstanding."

"This season has not been too bad on the injury front. But it shows it does take time mentally and physically to clear your mind of that and start to play freely again."

Everton have begun the 2024/25 campaign – their final one at Goodison Park – in dreadful fashion. Not only have they lost their opening two games of the Premier League season, but the Toffees have conceded seven goals without reply.

Hardly the start Sean Dyche was aiming for. This may force his hand to make a couple of signings before the summer transfer window closes on Friday evening.

Could this see the manager turn towards La Liga, as he eyes a move for a World Cup winner…

Everton chasing swoop for World Cup winner

According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), the Goodison Park side have joined the chase to sign Sevilla defender Gonzalo Montiel.

Another update has come from Argentine journalist Uriel Lugt, who said via X: "Everton and Borussia Dortmund add to the interest in Gonzalo Montiel. There are already talks underway for the full-back to leave Sevilla definitively. Nottingham Forest is also in the bidding."

It certainly looks as though the 27-year-old is keen on leaving Spain. Will it be a temporary deal? Or will the Toffees make a solid proposal to fend off other interest and bring him back to the Premier League?

Gonzalo Montiel’s 2023/24 season in numbers

The Argentinian made just one appearance for Sevilla last term before joining Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal.

Overall, he made 19 appearances for the club, grabbing three assists, as he eventually worked his way into the Argentinean side for the Copa América, held this summer.

The 5 foot 11 defender, who was hailed as an “animal” by former coach Julen Lopetegui, started just eight times in the top flight, but he did show glimpses of his attacking qualities.

Indeed, the right-back created four chances, averaged 0.6 key passes per game and succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts, not bad for a player who averaged only 58 minutes per game.

These forward-thinking capabilities could make him a dream signing for Jack Harrison, who has operated on the right wing in Everton’s opening two matches of the season.

The Englishman scored four times and grabbed three assists last season, but this could increase if he has someone like Montiel playing Harrison into better positions, rather than the ageing Ashley Young or Seamus Coleman.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League last season, Montiel ranked in the top 12% for assists per 90 (0.22), while ranking in the top 7% for tackles, underlining how effective he was bursting forward up and down the right flank.

This could allow Dyche the chance to partner him with Harrison on the right wing, which should ensure plenty of goalscoring chances come from out wide, especially if the duo click together.

The next few days will be mightily important for Dyche, even more so considering the poor start to the season Everton have had.

Another signing or two may just boost the morale at the club heading into September.

Report: Everton eye loan move for "incredible" 4x Footballer of the Year

He would be a high-profile addition for Sean Dyche.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 24, 2024

Arsenal reportedly held summer interest in want-away Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, but the Gunners’ transfer plans have changed.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• England international ready to leave Old Trafford
• Gunners in the market for more firepower
• Isak & Sesko on Emirates Stadium recruitment radar

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mikel Arteta remains keen on adding more firepower to his ranks, with Germany international Kai Havertz and Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus currently being asked to lead the line between them. The general consensus at Emirates Stadium is that another proven goalscorer is required.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With that in mind, Arsenal are said to have tentatively explored the possibility of luring Rashford away from Old Trafford during the summer of 2024. There was no deal to be done then, but the England international has since admitted that he is "ready for a new challenge".

• (C)Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  According to the , the Gunners are no longer keen on the 27-year-old winger due to the costs involved. Rashford is working on a £325,000-a-week contract in Manchester. As a result, Arteta and Co will be exploring other options.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• TELL ME MORE

  Newcastle star Alexander Isak continues to register on their recruitment radar, but questions are being asked of his fitness record. Prolific Sporting frontman Viktor Gyokeres is attracting admiring glances from across Europe, but he would cost around £85 million ($106m) and will turn 27 before the start of next season.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have bestowed “legend” status on a key figure at Wrexham, saying the Red Dragons are “lucky to have him”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hollywood co-owners call the shots in North Wales
• Appointed promotion-winning specialist in 2021
• Parkinson has reached 1,000 games as a manager

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The man in question is vastly-experienced manager Phil Parkinson. Hollywood co-owners made a point of luring the EFL promotion specialist to SToK Racecourse shortly after completing their stunning takeover of the Welsh club in 2021.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That faith has been rewarded with a record-breaking National League title triumph and back-to-back promotions. Parkinson is closing in on 200 games as Wrexham boss, with his win ratio standing at an impressive 61.93 per cent.

• Getty
  

  WHAT REYNOLDS & MCELHENNEY SAID

  Parkinson’s last outing, which delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory over Peterborough, saw him reach 1,000 matches as a coach. That achievement has been saluted by the club's famous chairmen, with Reynolds and McElhenney telling in a joint statement: “Football is lucky to have him and his impact on Wrexham is already legend.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Parkinson has already secured his place in Wrexham folklore, but is in the process of enhancing that legacy. The Red Dragons are flying high in League One this season and are looking to make history as the first club in the English Football League to celebrate three successive promotions.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has revealed what left Ange Postecoglou fuming on the sidelines as Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.

Spurs suffer first defeat of the season

A late goal from Alexander Isak ensured that Tottenham suffered their first Premier League loss of the season as they were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The winning goal for the home side came after a sustained spell of pressure from Tottenham, who dominated much of the ball after equalising and looked certain to find a winner. It was a tough loss for Spurs and Postecoglou to swallow, as he made clear in the aftermath of the game.

"Another one that got away from us. We played well enough, certainly had the chances to win the game comfortably but you walk away with nothing, so [it's a] bitter pill to swallow but it is what it is," the Spurs head coach explained.

"We created chances and if you don't get the second goal when you have the momentum…

"I thought we were in control of the game, we were playing in their half. The 'keeper's pulled off a couple of really good saves. We had the opportunities to test him even further but we didn't.

"The amount of chances we have, we really should be getting more than what we're getting as a return at the moment."

The result leaves Tottenham 10th in the Premier League heading into the international break, while their next game pits them up against north London rivals Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But there was one moment that Postecoglou particularly disliked during their trip to St James' Park.

Postecoglou left fuming by booking

That came late in the second half, with his side chasing the game and susceptible to the counter-attack. As Anthony Gordon raced away down the left touchline, he was met by a firm sliding challenge by Rodrigo Bentancur, with the Uruguayan appearing to make strong contact with the ball.

£120k-per-week ace could still leave Tottenham "in the coming days"

He may join the contingent of departed Spurs players.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 1, 2024

The referee thought otherwise, penalising the Tottenham substitute and dishing out a yellow card for good measure.

The decision, dubbed "woeful" by Tottenham journalist Alasdair Gold, left Postecoglou perplexed and irate, and Gold added that the Spurs boss "made his feelings known" to both the referee and fourth official.

Though an improvement on the 4-0 thrashing that Spurs suffered last season at St James' Park, the defeat raises many of the same questions about Postecoglou's side, chiefly their inefficiency in both penalty areas, which is sure to cost them throughout the season unless they can find a fix, sharpish.

Still only 18 years of age, the midfielder-turned-full-back has rightly been fast-tracked into a team contending for the Premier League title

In the modern era, few managers will set up their team with full-backs playing in a traditionally conventional sense. For almost all of football's history, they were designed to stay back for cover, but also provide added width.

That's all changed now, however. The world is looking beyond the flying full-back, the faux winger, the ones who get chalk on their boots and nip to the byline. Football is now an inside game. There isn't any real need to be 'old man yells at cloud' about this, though. The game is as tactically advanced as its ever been, bringing about new ideas, new roles and new sorts of players.

Over in north London, Arsenal are nurturing a prototype of a full-back who inverts into midfield, having played in central areas for much of his youth. Myles Lewis-Skelly is already making waves at the Emirates Stadium despite only turning 18 over the autumn, and even though the Gunners are in the harsh spotlight of a title race and the expectation for major honours, he's in the perfect place for nurturing.

GOAL has you covered on the Gunners' latest Hale End graduate, a player you will be seeing plenty of for the next couple of decades…

• Where it all began

  Lewis-Skelly was born just around the corner from Arsenal's homes past and present of Highbury and the Emirates. Growing up in the north London suburb of Islington, he was quickly picked up by the Gunners' scouts and was first drafted into their academy setup at the age of nine.

  By the time he had turned 14, Lewis-Skelly was already going viral with his exploits for Arsenal's Under-18s, several years above his own age group. Having made his debut off the bench against Reading, he proceeded to dance his way past several trailing bodies before planting a shot into the top corner with a thunderous finish.

  Lewis-Skelly became team-mates and close friends with fellow future first-team star Ethan Nwaneri, blazing a trail of glory on their road from adolescent acclaim to the senior side. They notably formed a core part of the Arsenal side that reached the 2023 FA Youth Cup final, with Lewis-Skelly scoring a 121st-minute winner against Manchester City in the semis. Only an incredible West Ham side prevented them from lifting the trophy.

  Club icon Jack Wilshere, at the time the manager of the youth team, said at the time: "He's an Under-16, so he was at school doing his GCSEs and on a hybrid training programme, so to have a moment like that in the 120th minute when you don't really train that much, you're still a boy, still got baby lungs, it was sensational. I think there's something in him that I really like."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The big break

  Such was Lewis-Skelly's success at youth level that Arsenal supporters have been chomping at the bit to see him thrust into the first-team fold for years already. There was talk he could have played down the stretch of the Gunners' ultimately unsuccessful 2023-24 Premier League title charge, but he had to wait until this campaign to get the nod from Mikel Arteta.

  Lewis-Skelly was an unused substitute for two of Arsenal's opening four games to begin this season, and notched up a unique achievement before stripping off and taking to the pitch for the first time. During the second half of September's 2-2 draw at Manchester City, he was spotted telling goalkeeper David Raya to waste time by feigning injury and was promptly booked by referee Michael Oliver, giving him the distinction of receiving a yellow card without having made a Premier League appearance. He was brought on for his debut in stoppage-time already walking that cautionary tightrope.

  At the time, much was made of the team's paradoxical ascent and descent into 'dark arts', and so Lewis-Skelly's booking felt in-keeping with Arteta's philosophy in the search for the title. This was an Arsenal boy turning into an Arsenal man.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  How it's going

  Following on from his debut, Lewis-Skelly has been an almost ever-present in Arteta's matchday squads, only missing out on three games since due to a minor injury. With Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko also spending time on the treatment table, the 18-year-old has had an extended run of starts over the winter at left-back, cementing his place in the senior setup for good.

  He has maintained his discipline since propelling himself into the XI, with that discrepancy at City still his only yellow card in Premier League action. A Champions League debut has also followed, with Arsenal well positioned to go on a deep run in Europe.

  Given left-back has been a problem position in N5 for several years, with Zinchenko's form seriously declining and Calafiori unable to simply stay fit, there's scope for Lewis-Skelly to make this spot his own in both the short and long term.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Biggest strengths

  What separates Lewis-Skelly from his age-mates is his calmness and composure. He seldom panics, rarely appears nervous, always shows for the ball and fights for the cause. If you switched on an Arsenal game and didn't know who he was, you'd assume he was one of the older heads in the team. His eye for a pass, particularly deft through balls, shall serve him well.

  As best demonstrated by that goal against Reading, his style was once based around precise and thrusting dribbles, a quick burst to leave unsuspecting defenders in the dust when travelling from one box to the other. That hasn't been as evident so far at senior level, but it's fair to assume that will be another weapon in his arsenal () once he feels totally comfortable with life in the Premier League and Champions League. If he already had that skillset properly developed, he'd be playing far higher up the pitch instead.

  Declan Rice, a midfielder who cost the club a record £105m, has been impressed by Lewis-Skelly's credentials. "He can go to the top, this kid is just special, very special," he said of the teenager. "For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong – it was like he was built in a lab! I said that to him the other day, it's just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go. He's so level-headed, he's got a great family around him, I know his mum looks after him really well and all the boys at the training ground do too.

  "We have a really good crop of youngsters coming through and he can be what he wants to be, he just needs to stay focused and always want more and he can do that."

The transfer window has only been shut for 11 days, but Manchester United have already identified a position that they are keen to strengthen during the January transfer window, according to a new report.

The Red Devils added five new players to their squad during the summer, but given the fact it has been a poor start for them in the league, they already have their eye on potential transfers they wish to make in January.

Man Utd chiefs plotting to replace Antony with "wizard" and spend only £28m

United already have their eye on one player they would like to sign next summer.

By
Brett Worthington

Sep 10, 2024

Antony looking to leave Manchester United

As well as adding five players to their squad, United’s new hierarchy were also extremely busy with departures, as they allowed 13 players to leave over the course of a few months.

The departures may not end there, as Manchester United’s Brazilian flop, Antony, is still being linked with a move away from the club. It was reported over the weekend that Newcastle United are keen on signing Antony once the January transfer window opens.

The Red Devils are said to value the winger at around £40 million, and despite his struggles in England, that price isn’t putting off the Magpies, as Eddie Howe is still “highly appreciative” of his ability.

But while Newcastle are keen on a move in January, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are looking to sign the winger this week. According to a new report, Antony is pushing to leave Old Trafford, and José Mourinho is keen on bringing him to Fenerbahçe on a loan deal.

Man Utd identify possible Luke Shaw replacement

According to Give Me Sport, Manchester United have identified Brest defender Bradley Locko as a potential arrival in the January transfer window to replace Luke Shaw. The report states that signing a cover for Shaw is a top priority in January, as higher ups have become frustrated with the player’s injury problems.

As well as identifying Locko, United are also said to have Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez on their list. All three players are considered targets by the Red Devils as they look to bolster their options at left-back.

Shaw, who still has three years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, is seen as being “unreliable and unstainable” for a first-choice candidate by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other board members.

Locko, who is said to be on €9,615 – roughly £8,000 – per week, has been at Brest since July 2020, and after working his way through their academy, the defender established himself in the first team during the 2021/22 campaign. He has since gone on to feature regularly for the French side, playing 33 times in Ligue 1 last season, grabbing three assists along the way.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an injury update out of Arsenal, as manager Mikel Arteta deals with a real “problem” at London Colney.

Man City 2-2 Arsenal as Gunners end tough week

It’s been a hectic last week at Arsenal, with three all-important fixtures in back-to-back fashion.

Arsenal have new injury concern alongside Ben White as star spotted limping

The Gunners will be hoping that there is no lasting damage to their key men.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 23, 2024

The jam-packed fixture calendar is one of many issues which Arteta must contend with, as he seeks to end Arsenal’s 21-year wait for a Premier League title, but the last nine days have been particularly gruelling.

First, the north Londoners managed to get past arch-rivals Tottenham, sealing a 1-0 win on enemy turf, before goalkeeper David Raya’s heroic double-save ensured Arsenal came away from Atalanta with a point in the Champions League.

Lastly, Arsenal travelled to title rivals Man City on Sunday looking to avoid defeat, but it was very nearly a phenomenal result at the Etihad Stadium. Riccardo Calafiori’s screamer, and Gabriel Magalhaes’ second headed goal from a corner in two league games, gifted Arsenal a 2-1 lead after Erling Haaland originally opened the scoring.

Leandro Trossard was sent off, though, with Arteta’s side under the cosh and clinging on before John Stones levelled in the dying seconds of added time. While Arteta will be gutted to not hold on, it was a very promising display of resilience from his side, who were pretty unlucky not to come away with all three points.

They also did well minus a few key players on the day. Mikel Merino is out with a fractured shoulder, while club captain Martin Odegaard sustained ankle ligament damage on international duty with Norway earlier this month.

Fabrizio Romano shares Martin Odegaard update at Arsenal

Speaking to the CaughtOffside’s Dailybriefing podcast, Romano has shared an update on Odegaard’s injury at Arsenal, saying that the £240,000-per-week star won’t be back for weeks yet.

“They are, obviously (concerned),” said Romano.

“He’s a crucial player. He’s the captain. He’s a fantastic player. So, obviously, they know this injury is a problem for them. But at the same time, they hope it’s not super long. So, in this moment, in terms of medical staff, they are doing their best to have Martin back as soon as possible. For sure, we will have to be patient. It’s not something imminent. It will take weeks before we see Odegaard back to action.

“What they always mention to me is that they absolutely want Martin to return when he’s 100% fit. They can’t accept a new injury for Martin Odegaard later in the season, when they’re going to compete, they hope, for all the main titles.

“So Arsenal absolutely want Martin to take his time to return when he’s 100% fit. And this is going to be the mission of the staff, for sure.”

Some reports have claimed Odegaard could be back fit for Liverpool on October 27, but it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will play it more safe, with Arteta saying in his latest press conference on Tuesday:

“Ødegaard back? It will be a matter of weeks. But I still can’t guarantee when, I can’t tell you more than this. Before the October’s international break is unlikely”.

The USMNT midfielder said he doesn't watch soccer outside of training, although he still loves the sport

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Weston McKennie conceded he doesn't watch soccer
• Has never tuned in to World Cup or Champions League final
• USMNT star said that "football is not my life"

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Weston McKennie does not consume football outside of his daily routine for Juventus, he admitted in an interview with . The versatile midfielder, who has made 23 appearances for this season, claimed that he has too much football in his life already – and prefers to decompress by avoiding the game.

Advertisement

• WHAT MCKENNIE SAID

  “I don’t watch football,” he said. “When I’m finished with training, I go home and watch movies, TV shows, and disconnect completely. I’ve never watched a World Cup or Champions League final. Nothing. It’s something I’ve always done. We watch enough film in training to have an understanding of things.

  "I love football, trust me – it’s given me the life that I have: to be able to travel and not have to worry about things maybe other people have to worry about. To be able to help my family when I can – but football is not my life. I like to do other things outside of football, I’m a human being. It’s not a case of 24/7 eating, thinking, breathing soccer. I have a life outside of the game.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McKennie is enjoying his most consistent season of game time at Juve – albeit in a variety of positions. The right-footed No. 8 has played as a center midfielder, outside midfielder, and also deputized at left back in recent weeks. He claimed that he had no problem fitting in where needed.

  “I’ve always been someone that wants the best for the team and the club," he said. "I’m not a super-selfish person, so whatever I’m asked to do I don’t mind doing. As long as I’m playing, I’m happy."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?

  The USMNT star is set to feature for Juventus as they take on Napoli in Serie A this weekend. Thiago Motta's side are currently undefeated in Serie A – although their 13 draws have them outside of the Champions League picture.

Manchester City have found their replacement for Rodri, with a €60 million (£50m/$62m) deal being completed for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rodri a big miss during injury absence
• City spend big on another midfielder
• Guardiola reshaping squad at the Etihad

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been a huge miss for City this season during his injury-enforced absence. Positive progress is being made in his recovery from knee ligament damage, with the Spain international set to be named in City’s squad for Champions League knockout stages.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rodri is, however, about to be joined at the Etihad Stadium by a fellow countryman who can operate in the same holding role. Nico, who is a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy system,has sealed a deadline day move to England.

• Getty
  

  WHAT NICO GONZALEZ SAID

  He told the club's website: “This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career. I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.  Look at the squad they have here. It’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this set-up. I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.  I am truly excited. I just want to meet my teammates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans!” 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT MAN CITY SAID

  Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Nico is a very talented young midfielder. He is an ideal acquisition for Manchester City. It was a difficult transfer to complete because his performances this season have been outstanding and he has been such an important part of what FC Porto are doing. We are really happy we have managed to get this done before the window closed.  He is ready to help us in the second half of the season as we compete in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup.”