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Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet this summer, according to reports out of Spain.

Who will Spurs sign?

Spurs, lead by new manager Ange Postecoglou, are now beginning their preparations for the 2023/2024 season with the Lilywhites' boss holding one of his first press conferences the other day.

The charismatic Australian has discussed many topics, including his desire to implement a more attacking-style of football and his delight at Tottenham's transfer business so far.

The north Londoners have sealed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, England international James Maddison for £45 million, winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer and Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal from Juventus.

Maddison, who was a shining light in Leicester City's relegated side last term, is a player Postecoglou is particularly enthralled by.

“Any manager will tell you that part of the key to being a dominant team is having multiple attacking threats and having a midfielder who can score and create goals – they’re not easy to come by,” Postecoglou said.

“James has proven himself as somebody who can do that. When you look at Tottenham over the last few years, they’ve been really reliant on the front three to get their goals. I thought it was a really good fit for us to look for a player like James.

“He’s in a stage of his career where it feels like he can be a leader, which is great because we need players who want to embrace that responsibility.”

The focus for Tottenham is now shoring up their leaky defence with star centre-back signings, coming after a campaign which saw them leak 63 league goals.

Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Galatasary star Victor Nelsson and Lenglet have all been linked with Spurs in the last fortnight.

Reliable media sources claim Tottenham are close to sealing an agreement for van de Ven, but other sections of the press believe Spurs could make more than one signing at centre-back.

Lenglet, who spent the 22/23 season on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, could well join van de Ven shortly going by an update from Mundo Deportivo.

According to the Spanish outlet, and their news editor Javier Gascon, the Frenchman is "about to close" his move to Spurs, but if the transfer can't be sorted in this next week, he will travel on Barca's US tour and wait to resolve his future.

Lenglet was given permission not to train until July 18 as the La Liga champions attempt to offload their £204,000-per-week defender.

How good is Clement Lenglet?

Making 28 league appearances for Spurs last season, the former Sevilla star was a regular under Antonio Conte, with very few Spurs players managing a higher passing accuracy (87.5%) than Lenglet (WhoScored).

The 28-year-old has also been praised by his compatriot, Hugo Lloris, who called the centre-back a "high level" and "modern" defender last year.

"He's a modern defender," said Lloris.

"Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air.

"Even if it's never easy when you arrive in the Premier League and he will have to adapt to the intensity of the games but he is a high level player, with experience."

Celtic have been linked with a switch for Fabian Rieder this summer – but reliable journalist Mark Hendry has revealed that the Hoops are yet to make an official bid for the midfielder.

Who is Fabian Rieder?

The 21-year-old currently plies his trade for Young Boys in his native Switzerland, having worked his way into the first-team there and been handed his debut three seasons ago for the side. At just 18-years-old he was thrust into the spotlight with the club, making 23 league appearances for the club during that first campaign.

Despite his youth, he was a regular in the XI and helped the team to claim a Swiss Super League crown as a teenager. He then improved his output a campaign later, starting ten more games and ultimately bagging two goals and seven assists from midfield.

In 2022/23, that increased even more. He started 31 times in the league for Young Boys – the most of his career to date – and swapped his seven assists for seven goals this season, with a further four assists to boot. His eleven goal contributions meant that he ended the year with a rate of 0.39 per 90 on average. Not only was he excellent offensively though, he also was superb helping his side out at the back – he had 42 tackles won in total over the course of the season – an amount that put him eighth in the league-wide rankings.

Are Celtic signing Fabian Rieder?

After these performances for his club, it has led to interest in his services this summer. Celtic are one of the sides that have been linked with a switch for the midfielder, with the Scottish Premiership side reportedly putting him on their transfer radar this summer.

However, according to a report from reliable journalist Mark Hendry, the Hoops have actually yet to make an official bid for Rieder and they have not even made "contact" with the 21-year-old over a potential move to the club.

Even worse for fans of the move is that there are offers on the table for the midfielder from elsewhere – and Celtic are not one of those clubs that have made a bid. It means that he could actually be lured elsewhere this window before the Scottish outfit have even made an approach to sign the midfielder.

Hendry said: "Also informed this week that there has been no contact from Celtic FC for Fabian Rieder. He has 'a lot of concrete' offers – none Celtic at this time."

It would be a blow for the Scottish Premiership outfit if they weren't able to land Rieder this transfer window. He's already seen as a real talent in the game and someone that could instantly boost their midfield should they sign him.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that the Swiss man has a "complete profile" and added that "many top five league clubs" should be trying to snap him up this window. It means that he must have a lot of ability if he feels Rieder could make it in a big league – and therefore, it would be a shame for the Hoops to miss out on him this summer.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, as Mikel Arteta assesses his midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard has already recruited Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the bid to bolster the middle of the park, though he could add even more firepower this window.

Could Arsenal sign Douglas Luiz?

As reported by The Sun earlier this week, Arsenal are speculated to be interested in Luiz amid interest from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old machine is rumoured to be on Spurs’ shopping list should they opt to sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, however, the Gunners are ‘eyeing a fresh move’ for the Brazilian as per the report.

Valued at €39.8m (£34.4m) by FootballTransfers, the midfielder could be a strong signing for the Gunners should other targets not prevail.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

Registering an impressive average match rating of 7.10 in the Premier League last season, Luiz ended the campaign as Villa’s best-performing player, as per Sofascore.

The midfielder is highly valued by the Villans, where he has cemented himself as a key player in Unai Emery’s set-up for his defensive strengths and technical swagger in the engine room.

Having once been lauded as a “midfield enforcer” by journalist Ashley Preece, the 25-year-old could be the perfect acquisition for Arteta, as he puts together the puzzle of how to line-up his side next season.

Recently, it was rumoured that the Gunners could chase Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, however, it has since been reported by David Ornstein that Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old.

Despite occupying a more attacking role in Amsterdam, Arsenal could make a more efficient move in chasing Luiz over the Ghanaian, who would be of better use to Arteta at this time.

Signing a player from abroad is always a gamble, with the Premier League possessing such a demanding physical strain, making the Brazilian a strong player to pursue considering his expertise in the league.

In 37 appearances, the Villa ace made 12 goal contributions, scoring six and assisting six in an impressive display in the final third from his allocated role in deep midfield.

Kudus managed 14 contributions in last season’s Eredivisie, showing the slight gap between the two in an attacking sense, with Luiz possessing the expertise in a more defensive role in an area Arsenal require added depth.

As per FBref, the 25-year-old averaged an impressive 2.24 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90 last term, as well as winning 52% of his total duels with an average of 4.4 per game.

The Rio de Janeiro-born ace could be integral to Arteta building the depth of his midfield, offering an option of an experienced and Premier League-savvy individual with strengths in areas required at the Emirates.

With an average of 1.38 key passes per 90, the Brazilian would suit the Spaniard’s demands of his midfield, with an eye for a good pass and the ability to execute it to the benefit of those around him.

Considering the importance of him in Villa’s squad, it could be an audacious move for Arsenal to enquire over the £67k-per-week star, who at 25 has his best years still to come.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are "leading the fight" for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, and he is "ready" to make a move this summer.

Who will Spurs sign?

Ange Postecoglou will be fairly happy with his side's moves in the transfer window, with Spurs having sealed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

The trio join both Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro in putting pen to paper on permanent moves to north London after their previous loan deals, but reports suggest the Lilywhites could add more new faces.

Postecoglou, speaking to the media recently, confirmed that his club are looking to sign a centre-back to shore up a leaky defence which conceded 63 league goals last season.

"That's definitely our intention, absolutely," said Postecoglou when asked about new defenders.

"We've been working on it for a while and we'll definitely try to get it done as quickly as possible."

"I don't think it's any secret about some of the areas we needed to strengthen. Some of it I identified early on. The goalkeeper was one and central defence is another.

"In terms of the other boys, we've got a big squad but my view is I wanted to bring them along and just work with them, get some clarity in my head and give clarity to them."

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus defender Gleison Bremer have all been linked to joining for the defensive positions.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that Spurs want to sign a new midfielder to succeed Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who could well join Atletico Madrid.

Gallagher is a name attracting their serious interest, with London rivals West Ham and Spurs "leading the fight" for his services.

David Moyes' side have already seen a bid rejected for the 23-year-old, so a transfer won't be easy, but it is believed that Gallagher "ready" to leave Stamford Bridge.

Reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella wrote in The Evening Standard:

"Conor Gallagher is ready to leave Chelsea after being deemed surplus to requirements, with ­Tottenham and West Ham leading the fight for his signature.

"The 23-year-old, who scored in a 4-3 friendly win over Brighton in Philadelphia on Saturday and also in the 5-0 thrashing of Wrexham last week, is being offered to clubs."

How good is Conor Gallagher?

The midfielder struggled to gain consistent starting places for Chelsea last season, making half of his appearances from the bench (WhoScored).

However, Gallagher showcased his true quality on loan at Crystal Palace over 2021/2022, where the player ranked as their best-performing player per 90 whilst chipping in with eight goals and three assists (WhoScored).

Gallagher has also been praised by former Spurs star Jermaine Jenas, who told Match of The Day (via The Sun) that he is a "game-changer" and similar to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

“He reminds me a lot of Lampard," said Jenas.

"I think he is a game-changer aswell Conor Gallagher. He’s the type of player that you bring on and he has an impact on the game.

“He presses, gets himself in the box and creates chances. Also, he’s won a World Cup. He was part of the U17 World Cup-winning side so he understands tournament football and I’m pleased for Conor.”

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to bolster their midfield tenfold with a swoop from a European heavyweight…

How much would Franck Kessie cost?

That's according to Spanish outlet Sport, who suggest that the north London club have warned Barcelona that they will bid for Franck Kessie soon.

However, such a swoop hinges massively on the future of talismanic striker Harry Kane, who does seem increasingly incensed to leave as Bayern Munich, and more recently Paris Saint-Germain step up their pursuit.

The lack of game time the Ivorian has been promised has seen him seek a Camp Nou exit, and Spurs' new boss Ange Postecoglou could present a fine escape to reignite a career that once promised much.

The Catalonian outfit are expecting a bid from the Lilywhites, with it reported earlier this month that they would accept a fee of around €30m (£26m). He still has three years left on his £149k-per-week deal.

How good is Franck Kessie?

To welcome such a tireless, unrelenting presence into their midfield would be to inject some much-needed physicality to help gain further control as the new Premier League season nears.

However, the 26-year-old machine blends such energy with far more attacking impetus than others, as to align with Postecoglou's all-action style more appropriately.

Having only made seven starts in LaLiga last year, it is worth taking his final year in Italy as the true benchmark for what kind of player a side would be gaining with his acquisition.

During the 2021/22 Serie A campaign, where his AC Milan outfit would win the title, the midfield general maintained a 7.07 average rating, buoyed by his six goals, 88% pass accuracy, an 18% goal conversion rate, 0.9 key passes and 1.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

For comparison, his conversion rate even surpassed that of Heung-min Son last season.

With an ability to quell attacks, but the pace, power and technique to arrive late and thunder home chances, he could easily be moulded into a perfect midfielder to underpin Postecoglou's philosophy.

After all, his desperation to offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg outlines this, as he seeks dynamism over the slow and steady control that the Denmark international offers.

Should he secure a move for Kessie, it could actually have a supplementary effect on the rest of the team, helping the system thrive and those within it.

New summer signing James Maddison in particular would benefit from his engine room impetus, as a tricky creative threat looking to establish himself as one of the best in his role in the division, having made the step up to a far bigger stage this summer.

He traded Leicester City for Spurs in a £40m move, fresh from his outstanding year despite their relegation.

His ten goals and nine assists showcased a fine attacking midfielder capable of improving many teams, yet his presence with a weaker side has halted him from being mentioned in the conversations involving Kevin De Bruyne and Martin Odegaard.

That is likely due to the huge amount of quality those two have featured alongside for many years now, which in turn helps their game thrive.

Last season saw Arsenal's captain record 15 goals and a further eight assists, only narrowly surpassing Maddison's goal contributions tally for the year. Despite that, it was he who was branded as "number one" by pundit Jamie Redknapp, pondering who the best midfielder in the Premier League was.

He would only maintain 2.1 key passes per game last term in the league, whilst the England international instead posted 2.3 per game – it is clear that the quality of teammates plays a huge role in this contest.

To now place Maddison alongside Harry Kane, Son and even Kessie, his figures would surely skyrocket to way surpass that of his Norwegian rival across north London.

After all, former Rossoneri favourite Antonio Cassano outlined the starring attributes of the Barcelona outcast, likening him to a goalscoring Premier League great:

"I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality, he has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he is intelligent. I’m watching him carefully, against Roma he was devastating.

"He reminds me of the Yaya Touré of the best times. He is a different player but in terms of impact, he is holding Milan’s midfield alone."

With his 6-foot frame and imperious quality in front of goal, pairing him with Maddison would only add to the wealth of attacking talent certain to have him soon involved in that debate for the top creator in the division.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in completing the signing of Venezia attacker Joel Pohjanpalo in the summer transfer window.

How old is Joel Pohjanpalo?

The Finnish striker is 28 years of age currently and has become a key player for Venezia, having arrived at the Serie B club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. Last season, Pohjanpalo scored 19 goals and registered seven assists in 40 appearances for his new team, outlining his relentless end product in the final third.

Pohjanpalo's current deal expires in 2025, and while his club will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of him until that point, they may be aware that there will be plenty of interest in him this summer.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Leeds are badly in need of adding firepower to their squad this season, with their Championship season getting off to a disappointing start with a 2-2 draw at home to Cardiff City, and it would be a surprise if they didn't strengthen in that area before the end of the summer transfer window.

Patrick Bamford doesn't look like the force he used to be, with injuries curtailing his progress in recent years, while Rodrigo has sealed a summer move to Saudi Arabia. Now, it looks as though Pohjanpalo is a target for Leeds in the current window, following a new report that has emerged.

Will Leeds sign Joel Pohjanpalo?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], the Finland international is "tempting" clubs both in Italy and abroad, with the Whites one of those in the conversation to sign him. West Ham, Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers are all mentioned as possible suitors, with Genoa attacker Massimo Coda seen as a replacement for him at Venezia, suggesting they are resigned to losing him.

Pohjanpalo could be a fascinating signing by Leeds this summer, solving what has become an issue ahead of what is hopefully a promotion-winning season in the Championship. Wilfried Gnonto was used in the No.9 against Cardiff, but the young Italian is arguably at his best in a wider role.

The Venezia man has scored 100 goals at club level in his career, not to mention netting 14 times in 63 caps for Finland, so he is clearly someone who a lot of experience at the top down the years, suggesting he could come in and spearhead the Whites' promotion push.

The fact that there is some Premier League interest could act as a stumbling block, though, with the idea of playing in England's top flight something that is likely to appeal more, should West Ham retain their interest in him.

Pohjanpalo is also a character, as highlighted by him celebrating last season by drinking a beer straight after being substituted, and that personality could make him an immediate cult hero at Elland Road.

Having a relentless goalscorer in the Championship is vital for any team with aspirations of going up to the Premier League and that is no different with Leeds, who are unlikely to mount a serious challenge if that problem isn't addressed sooner rather than later.

Wolverhampton Wanderers haven’t exactly had the best preparation before starting their 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

The Old Gold have made just two signings this summer, with Matt Doherty and Tom King arriving at Molineux while Julen Lopetegui has left the club after just nine months in charge amid a summer of unrest.

Gary O’Neil is the new man in charge, and he is already looking at making his first signing as Wolves have shown interest in Murillo.

Could Wolves sign Murillo?

According to Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), Wolves have ‘opened talks’ to sign the Brazilian defender from Corinthians this summer.

The Old Gold are willing to spend around €12m (£10m) in order to make a move happen, yet this won’t be enough, especially considering Fiorentina had a bid of a similar amount rejected recently.

Nottingham Forest are also showing interest in Murillio and O’Neil could face some Premier League competition for the youngster.

Corinthians are demanding a bid of at least €20m (£17m) for any team to lure the player out of Brazil and this shouldn’t present much of a problem for Wolves, who have yet to spend any of the £47m they received from the sale of Ruben Neves.

Who is Murillo?

O’Neil’s first port of call will be to improve his defensive options. Not only did Conor Coady leave the club, joining Leicester City in the Championship, but Nathan Collins also departed, securing a move to Brentford and the former Bournemouth manager is lacking any real depth at the back.

Murillo could add some much-needed depth to the first team squad, while also being a big upgrade on Toti Gomes.

The Portuguese centre-back couldn’t quite grab a regular slot at the heart of the defence last term, yet when he did, the 24-year-old failed to live up to his potential.

The defender ranked 14th across the squad for tackles per game (0.9) while also ranking ninth for interceptions (0.6) and fourth for clearances (2.6) per game and keeping just four clean sheets in his 17 Premier League appearances.

For Corinthians this season, Murillo has already averaged 1.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 4.8 clearances per game across just 12 matches and these figures rank him 12th, fourth and second in the squad receptively, clearly suggesting he could be an improvement on Toti.

The 21-year-old brute even ranks in the top 1% when compared to positional peers for blocks per 90 (2.13) and the top 8% for clearances per 90 (5.52) and the youngster has even displayed his attacking qualities, ranking in the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.75).

In contrast, Toti only ranked in the top 20% for blocks per 90 (1.46) when compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues while ranking out with the top 35% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.82) and although he did finish in the top 1% for clearances per 90 (4.66), it’s evident that the Brazilian could be a better option at the back for O’Neil.

There is no doubt Wolves need to bolster their squad before the end of the transfer window and luring Murillo to the Midlands could give O’Neil his dream first signing, and he may just be the catalyst for a few more to arrive in the coming weeks.

Journalist Dean Jones has admitted his shock at who Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting to fill their striker void

The Lilywhites recently lost club legend Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

What is the latest news with Tottenham Hotspur?

The club are looking at attacking reinforcements after the sale of Kane

The England international departed after a long and arduous saga which saw Bayern have three offers rejected for the Premier League star. There were multiple meetings held between the club's executives for weeks as the two sides aimed to reach a compromise, and eventually, a deal was agreed last Thursday, with personal terms agreed later that evening after a delay, where it was reported that the boyhood Tottenham fan was leaning towards staying at the club after all.

Ultimately, the forward finally completed his switch to the current Bundesliga champions in a deal worth a reported £100m, which reportedly could rise by £15-20m depending on add-ons, with the striker taking the iconic number 9 shirt at the Allianz Arena worn by Bayern legends such as Robert Lewandowski and Gerd Muller in the past.

The sale of their club record goalscorer has given Spurs a lot of money to work with as they look to replace the forward, and the club have been linked with a shock move for Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun. The forward impressed on loan in Ligue 1 last season with Reims and following his return from loan has told the club that he doesn't want another loan spell or to be a backup option should he stay at the Emirates.

A number of Premier League sides, including West Ham United are reportedly fans of the player, whilst French outfit Monaco saw a verbal offer rejected by the Gunners following their pre-season friendly.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spurs are interested in bringing the player to the club as they look to add to their attacking options following Kane's departure. So far this window, no side has been willing to match the Gunners £50m asking price, however, the Lilywhites now clearly have the funds to do so.

Speaking on The Football Terrace YouTube channel, Jones revealed his shock at the potential transfer, and how Arsenal might need to sell to their rivals in order to fund "something exciting" later in the window:

"For the outgoings, there’s still some work to be done, but it seems like stuff is about to happen, so the next week of outgoings will determine what Arsenal are able to do, but there’s the fullback problem, there’s a defensive midfielder that they still talk about being a problem in terms of depth so let’s see whether they end up doing anything there, and I think a lot will depend on what they end up doing with Balogun.

"I mean they want to get him out the door but we don’t know exactly what the terms will be around that deal at the moment, I mean he’s been talked about as a £50m transfer, even Tottenham were linked the other day, a few other Premier League clubs have been linked too but ultimately they need a big offer to arrive for Balogun to trigger something exciting for Arsenal this window."

Would Balogun be a good signing for Tottenham?

Balogun would be a risky signing with a lot of potential.

After an underwhelming loan spell with Middlesbrough during the second half of the 2021/22 season, the USA international headed to France where he really burst onto the scene. Across 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the striker managed 21 goals and two assists, whilst also averaging one key pass and 1.6 shots on target per game.

Furthermore, the Arsenal loanee ranked in the top 10% in shots on goal and progressive passes received compared to other strikers across the top five European leagues, showcasing that not only is he a strong finisher but a forward who also has the capability to link up with his fellow attackers, something the recently departed Kane was lauded for.

Balogun was the subject of praise from current boss Mikel Arteta, who stated: "He’s a boy that has a really clear idea of what he wants to do with his career. He’s really ambitious, really committed and really brave, When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special."

Despite the move seeming unlikely due to the rivalry between the club, Balogun has the potential to be a real star should he make the switch to the White side of North London.

Everton manager Sean Dyche is preparing another bid for a touted transfer target as he looks to get the Goodison Park side up and running for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

According to inews, the Toffees are putting the blocks in place for a third bid for Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto, with the teenage talent making his stance clear throughout: he wishes to leave Elland Road this summer.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The report states that Everton have already seen two bids knocked back, the latter of which, with the Whites believed to be holding out for a fee of £25m for the Italy international, one of their season's shining lights as they bowed out of the English top-flight hot under the collar.

As per Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have already been agreed, but with fresh reports that Tottenham Hotspur have the 19-year-old on their radar, Dyche will now need to act incisively.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

The Italy international would be an astute addition to an Everton side looking to rise from the rubble and create some solid framework from which Dyche can craft a solid team with tightly-laced shooting boots.

This just hasn't been synonymous with a Toffees team over the past few years. Last term, Everton finished as the Premier League's second-lowest scorers as they narrowly avoided relegation; last weekend, Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park against Fulham, taking 19 shots to no avail.

Neal Maupay missed two big chances and looks increasingly unlikely to lead the line after scoring just once last season, and while Gnonto would not revolutionise the prolificness of the Merseyside outfit, his dynamism and energy could be just what is needed to revitalise his attack-minded peers.

Having signed for Leeds from Swiss side FC Zurich for £4m last summer, Gnonto scored four goals and supplied four assists across all competitions for Leeds, hailed as an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Indeed, he ranks among the top 18% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 8% for blocks per 90 (FBref), illustrating his marauding presence and ability to beat his man with ease, also tenacious in recovery and a valuable asset for any side looking to climb the league ladder.

His prospective arrival could work a treat, he is a real "rocket" – as praised by pundit Tam McManus – down the wing and has even been entrusted with a regular role with the Italian national team, earning 12 caps and scoring his first strike, and given that his former Leeds teammate Jack Harrison has just penned a deal with the Goodison Park side, he might now be convinced to make the move.

Harrison scored six goals and supplied ten assists for his Yorkshire-based side last season, and has been remarked as a player who can "bring goals" to Dyche's outfit by journalist Ryan Taylor, having created 1.5 key passes per game in the 2022/23 Premier League, hailed for his 'flair and intelligence' by one analytical report.

Harrison brings a variegated approach to his work, and given his own eye for goal to complement his creativity, it might prove a successful move to combine two of Leeds' most effective and cohesive attacking talents together in a new setting.

In successive matches last season, Gnonto teed up Harrison to unleash a net-bulging strike, assisting his teammate against Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Also heralded for his "electric pace" by Kulig, there is clearly a burgeoning partnership in the making here, and securing Gnonto's signature must be a priority for Everton as they look to finally cast aside the cobwebs of the past few years and limber up for an exciting year on Merseyside.

Mikel Arteta acquired the Dutchman from Ajax in a deal worth £38m earlier in the summer, however after just 50 minutes of his debut Premier League campaign, the 22-year-old was forced to withdraw.

It was later revealed that the versatile defender had sustained damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, leaving him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and leaving Arsenal light in the defensive areas once more.

To add to the stress of Timber’s absence, recent reports have speculated that the Gunners could be without another defender, giving Arteta and Edu even more of an incentive to recruit before the end of the transfer window.

What’s the latest on Arsenal’s transfer situation?

While the ongoing doubts over the future of striker Folarin Balogun are well documented, there was a shocking revelation provided by journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, that suggested another star could depart this summer.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Taking to social media, Al-Ajlan relayed news from sources of Al Jazeera that there is interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.

It was claimed that the Brazilian was part of negotiations in London with club president Anmar Al-Haili over a potential move, with Al-Ajlan claiming that talks were “proceeding positively”.

There could however be a light at the end of the tunnel for the Gunners, with rumoured interest in defender Jules Kounde, who cost FC Barcelona around €60m (£51m) in 2022.

Should Arsenal sign Jules Kounde?

Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 away win to Crystal Palace on Monday night, Arteta played down the speculation regarding the 25-year-old’s potential departure, despite him being benched for the opening two fixtures.

In the instance that Gabriel could depart north London, Kounde would be the perfect figure to replace the Brazilian, if the opportunity arose.

Having been lauded as “terrific” and a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Frenchman has impressed during his first year at the Nou Camp, having joined from LaLiga rivals Sevilla a year earlier.

Deployable as both a right-back and centre-back, the 24-year-old has a host of attributes identifiable in Arteta’s demands of his back line, with strong versatility and strengths in going forward.

Based on his averages over the past year, the Paris-born gem ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues for his progressive play, averaging 7.18 progressive passes and 2.29 progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

Defensively, the former Sevilla gem averaged closely to Arsenal’s Brazilian machine last term, averaging 1.37 tackles per 90 to Gabriel’s 1.27, as well as making 0.70 interceptions to the 25-year-old’s 0.84 per 90.

During his debut LaLiga campaign with the Catalan giants, Kounde made 29 league appearances and contributed to 18 clean sheets, via Sofascore, a contribution that guided the Blaugrana to become champions of Spain.

Winning mentality, versatility and a youthful aura, Arteta could land his ideal defender if the regrettable scenario of Gabriel bidding farewell to the Emirates plays out.