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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta. 

The lowdown: Arsenal interested in Paqueta

A number of recent reports have linked the north Londoners with a move for the 24-year-old during the summer transfer window.

However, the Gunners face stern competition in order to land the Brazil international, as mega-rich Newcastle United also prepare to make an attempt to bring the versatile attacker to the Premier League.

After he reaffirmed the admiration from Arsenal in Paqueta, Romano has now cast some further light on this transfer pursuit…

The latest: Paqueta could cost £55.4m

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the transfer expert claimed that Edu and Mikel Arteta are still eyeing the 33-cap Brazil star, and they may now have learned of the funds required to make a deal happen, with a fee of €65m (£55.4m) being touted.

Romano said: “So, at the moment, there is still no bid from Arsenal for Paqueta.

“What I’m told is that Lyon want around €65 million with some add-ons included. So, the fixed fee could be lower, but they want to arrive at this potential package for Paqueta.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Holding a perceived market value of £31.5m and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing Paqueta for anything close to the mooted £55.4m package would represent an expensive but ultimately worthwhile investment from the Emirates Stadium hierarchy.

Capable of playing as a conventional central midfielder, in a more attacking role, in wide positions and as a striker, the balletic Brazilian offers supreme levels of versatility which would be a huge boost to Arteta’s options ahead of another gruelling campaign.

Last season, Paqueta – who was lauded for a string of ‘phenomenal’ performances in Ligue 1 by European football expert Alex Barker – scored 11 times and provided seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.

Moreover, the former AC Milan showman’s underlying statistics were all the more impressive as he earned a 7.13 Sofascore rating whilst completing 2.3 dribbles, winning 7.3 duels and making 1.2 key passes per league game, illustrating battling qualities to complement a wide variety of attacking prowess.

Set to enter his prime footballing years , that outstanding form – combined with Edu and Arteta’s desire to further bolster the squad in N5 – makes Paqueta the ideal candidate to be the next man through the door at the Emirates.

Sunderland would be wise to follow the signing of Ellis Simms with the capture of Nathan Broadhead, according to Roker Report writer and podcaster Philip West.

The Lowdown: Broadhead impresses on loan

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at the Stadium of Light last season, playing his part in them eventually being promoted to the Championship.

Broadhead scored ten goals in just 15 starts in League One and was also hailed as ‘fantastic’ by former Black Cats manager Lee Johnson, such was his impact.

Now back at Everton, he has again been linked with a return to Sunderland, with his future very much up in the air and his teammate, Simms, already moving to Wearside this week.

The Latest: Podcaster wants summer move to happen

Someone who is keen for the move to happen is West, who took to Twitter to get behind the signing on Friday:

“I don’t want to be too greedy regarding signings (I do really) but if we could add Nathan Broadhead after the loan deal for Ellis Simms, that really gives us some considerable firepower. Would love it to happen.”

The Verdict: Ideal for attacking depth

Given the manner in which Broadhead shone for Sunderland last season, it makes perfect sense for them to bring him back again, even if it is on a permanent deal.

He only has one year remaining on his current Everton contract and the Toffees may be keen to sell him for a reduced amount, rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

Broadhead could come in and enjoy both a partnership and competition with the likes of Ross Stewart and Simms, ensuring the Black Cats are well-equipped to steer clear of the Championship relegation battle in 2022/23.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to miss a further two or three weeks with an injury problem, reliable journalist Neil Jones has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeping issues for Reds

The Reds begin their 2022/23 Premier League season with a trip to Fulham next weekend but all is not completely well in the injury department currently.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jota are sidelined with hamstring issues, while both Alisson and Kelleher have been unavailable during pre-season in recent weeks.

Adrian started in goal in the Community Shield clash with Manchester City on Saturday and it’s looking like he will be Alisson’s deputy at Fulham.

The Latest: Kelleher update emerges

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Jones confirmed via Jurgen Klopp that Kelleher will miss the start of the campaign with the groin injury he is currently carrying:

“Jurgen Klopp says Caoimhin Kelleher will be out for ‘another two or three weeks’ with a groin injury.”

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The Verdict: Slight concern in the long-term

Kelleher is an outstanding young prospect for Liverpool, already making 17 first-team appearances and proving to be the hero in last season’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea on penalties.

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It is concerning how often he is getting injured, however, with goalkeepers invariably the most likely to remain injury-free during their careers, given their lack of physical excursions compared to outfield players.

Someone like Chris Kirkland was a highly-rated ‘keeper who eventually didn’t reach his potential because of injury, and the hope is that Kelleher doesn’t go the same way, having already picked up a host of different issues in the last year or so.

Admittedly, none of them are serious, but niggling problems seem to arise at a more regular rate than most players in his position and that needs to stop if he is to eventually become a key starter.

Everton have reportedly ‘approached’ Memphis Depay over a potential move to Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Financial problems

It is no secret that Barcelona have massive financial problems, as they face a race against time to be able to register all of their new signings before the start of the new La Liga season.

They have signed the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, but may have to sell other players before they can even add the new arrivals to the squad.

The Latest: Depay approach from Everton

As per Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have ‘approached’ Depay over a possible move, as his exit is one of the ‘priorities’ for Barcelona.

However, both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have done the same, while Juventus have made an offer for the Netherlands international.

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The Verdict: Sign him

Everton supporters will likely remember Depay’s failed spell at Manchester United, where he managed just seven goals in a two-year stint at Old Trafford.

However, as United journalist Samuel Luckhurst has put it, he is a ‘different beast’ now to the one who played for the Red Devils from 2015 to 2017.

Indeed, since leaving Manchester, the 28-year-old has managed 73 goals for Lyon, 13 for Barcelona and 21 for the Netherlands (WhoScored).

Hailed as a ‘defender’s nightmare’ by journalist Josh Bunting, Depay’s playing style is similar to that of former Goodison Park favourite Gerard Deulofeu, and so this is a deal that should excite Evertonians.

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston appears set for a departure from Parkhead this summer, with manager Ange Postcoglou having made a decision on the youngster’s future.

What’s the word?

As per Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, the 23-year-old is said to be currently ‘weighing up offers’ from a number of suitors regarding a potential loan move, having failed to establish himself as a regular fixture with the Old Firm outfit.

The report suggests that the Scotsman has been told he is free to leave in the coming weeks, with Postecoglou hoping for the academy graduate to earn regular game time elsewhere.

The report goes on to add that former Hoops boss Ronny Deila is keen to take the winger to Belgian side Standard Liege, albeit with the Glasgow-born gem currently considering alternative destinations as he looks to revive his career.

Time to go

That decision to let him depart temporarily appears the right call from the title-winning coach, with Johnston unlikely to be handed too many opportunities this season such is the wealth of attacking options at the 56-year-old’s disposal.

The former Yokohama boss currently has the likes of Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest as options on the flank, while recent reports have also seen the Scottish champions linked with a move for Barcelona’s Alex Collado – a player who can slot in both out wide and in an attacking midfield role.

As for Johnston, the £720k-rated man will seemingly be unsurprised as to his current fate, having been restricted to just 20 appearances in all competitions last season, with injury woes once again hampering his involvement as has been the case throughout his senior career.

After a breakthrough 2018/19 campaign in which he scored £7.9k-per-week dud has failed to score in each of the last two seasons.

Such a dismal record has ensured that he can have no real complaints over his slide down the pecking order, with a fresh start likely to be needed as he looks to try and kickstart his floundering career.

The hope will be that the highly-rated forward, whom teammate Joe Hart recently lauded as “incredibly talented”, can hit form wherever he does end up over the coming weeks, with it still not out of the question that he could force his way back into the manager’s plans next season – with three years still to run on his current deal.

If he does ignite elsewhere then he could either be reintegrated next summer or be sold for a more sizeable fee, while if he fails to deliver then Postecoglou’s decision to let him depart will have been vindicated.

A lot may be on the line for the player, but for the manager, it is potentially a win-win situation.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has delivered an update on Djed Spence after the defender was left out of Antonio Conte’s Premier League matchday squad against Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Chaotic day at the Bridge

The Lilywhites secured a 2-2 draw against the Blues in what was a dramatic encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel going head-to-head in a fiery meeting on the touchline.

None of Fabio Paratici’s new summer signings were named in the starting XI, though there were places on the bench for outfield players Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Richarlison.

However, the 22-year-old was not involved in the action and was nowhere to be seen, and following a fresh update, we now know why…

The Latest: Gold’s Spence update

Taking to Twitter ahead of the Spurs game, Gold revealed that Spence was in attendance, and that the decision not to include him was simply tactical. He wrote:

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“For those asking about Spence. He’s here and has travelled with the squad but Conte has gone with a more balanced bench rather than having what would essentially be four right-wing back options among the subs alone if Spence was named as well. Gil gives a third attacking option.”

The Verdict: Regretful signing?

Spence finally joined Tottenham in a £20m move from Middlesbrough last month after being a long-term target of Paratici, but could it be a deal that he might live to regret.

The way the right-back has been treated in the last few weeks has arguably been unusual, with Conte stating that he was a signing by the club rather than himself, before later admitting that he wanted him to improve his game after the pre-season defeat to Roma, despite not playing any part.

Given his age, Spence is more of a signing for the future, but if he doesn’t start getting any opportunities under the Italian, he may have to consider a trip out on loan to continue his development.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto has been subject to a lot of interest from Arsenal in recent weeks but it seems as if he could still remain with Bruno Lage’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

Reports have suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side have submitted a £50m bid for the Portuguese winger and that he could be on his way out of Molineux before the transfer window shuts later this month.

However, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has suggested that he could still be lining up for the Old Gold in a few weeks’ time, as he revealed in an interview with GIVEMESPORT.

He said:

“As far as Wolves are concerned, he’s not going to be sold in this transfer window. That’s the information I was told – this transfer window.

“Maybe in the future, Arsenal could go back in. Who knows? Neto could be the longer-term target, but there is definitely interest to strengthen that forward line.”

Huge boost for Lage

After missing much of last season through injury, fans may have been hoping that Neto would be the catalyst to unlocking Wolves’ attacking potential this season.

The Old Gold managed just 38 goals in the top flight last season, the fewest of any side to not be relegated, which suggests that a lot of their problems lay in the attack.

So far, only Goncalo Guedes has arrived to strengthen Lage’s attacking options, while Fabio Silva has departed for Anderlecht, so to lose another attacker could be a big problem for the Portuguese manager.

Neto emphasised in the 2020/21 season how dangerous he can be for Wolves, as he hit five goals and six assists in the Premier League, averaging a superb 7.11 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

His displays that season earned him the praise of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who described Neto as:

“A huge talent who is having a fine season. He changed the game and scored a great goal.”

While he is yet to score or assist in the top flight this season, with Wolves hitting just one goal in their opening three Premier League fixtures, Neto looks likely to be a key figure again in this campaign, so Lage will surely be desperate to keep him at Molineux.

From what Sheth suggests, Arsenal will struggle to prise him away from Molineux this summer, and hopefully for Lage, Neto can go on to have another excellent, injury-free campaign.

Liverpool are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes to help ease their midfield crisis, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Reds’ midfield crisis

The Reds were beaten 2-1 by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night, in what was a putrid performance from start to finish.

The midfield was arguably the biggest issue, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner out of sorts, and the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out injured.

The need for a new midfielder to come in this summer is increasing all the time and it looks as though Jurgen Klopp could be addressing the problem.

The Latest: Paredes linked with move

According to Calciomercato, Liverpool see Paredes as a potential option this summer, with the 28-year-old not a guaranteed starter at PSG and playing just 49 minutes of Ligue 1 action so far this season.

Keita’s injury is thought to have altered the Reds’ decision about a new signing and Paredes is seen as the replacement.

Roma and Juventus are also eyeing the Argentina international.

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The Verdict: Panic buy or shrewd signing?

Paredes is an interesting target, with the midfielder possessing a huge amount of experience in his career, winning 44 caps for Argentina and making 117 appearances for PSG.

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At 28, the reigning and three-time Ligue 1 champion is not a young player and injuries have hampered him in the past, however, so there would be a clear risk element in bringing him into an already fitness-plagued Liverpool squad.

Paredes’ quality isn’t an issue, though – former PSG man Fabrice Pancrate has said his ‘tempo is perfect’, suggesting a coolness and composure on the ball that may remind Reds fans of Thiago.

Indeed, he ranks in the 99th percentile amongst midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for passes and pass completion, also coming in at the 89th mark for progressive passes, suggesting he isn’t just taking the easy option (FBRef).

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now ready to make a move for Metz midfielder Boubacar Traore, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Traore profiled

After leaving his home town AS Bamako in 2019, the Malian arrived at FC Metz, who were then playing in the top-flight of French football.

He barely played until the 2021/22 season, in which he burst onto the scene – the 21-year-old made 27 appearances in Ligue 1, for which he averaged a solid 6.73 SofaScore match rating.

Having been relegated to Ligue 2, the Mali U23 international has played the full 90 minutes in three of Metz’s first four league games this season.

The Latest: Keen’s news

On August 10, Keen reported Wolves have a ‘long-standing’ interest in Traore, but the club were yet to make an approach for the player this summer.

However, the reliable journalist has now shared an update on the Wanderers’ stance.

Taking to Twitter, the Express and Star man claimed:

“Wolves now look ready to make a move on this long-standing interest in Metz midfielder Boubacar Traore. They like him a lot but had not previously moved for him – now, they are working on a deal and hoping to complete it before the transfer window deadline.”

The Verdict: Great potential

Based on his underlying statistics, Traore’s attributes seems to show the perfect mix in the middle of the park, with the ability to drive forward or to stay back and win the ball.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 21-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for pressures, in the 88th percentile for dribbles completed and in the 82nd percentile for tackles.

Hailed a ‘pressing and dribbling machine’ by football analyst Liam Henshaw, the arrival of Traore at the Molineux would add quality in depth to Bruno Lage’s options in midfield, with the player deemed a bright prospect for the future.

Middlesbrough are considering making a move to sign experienced free agent Fabian Delph, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Wilder’s midfield search

The 32-year-old is now available on the market after being released being Everton over the summer, where he spent three years following his departure from Manchester City.

Chris Wilder previously admitted that he would be open to looking at the current free agent list to add depth to his midfield, and following a fresh update, it sounds like the Boro boss is keen to bring the former Toffees star to the Championship.

The Latest: Middlesbrough eyeing Delph

According to Football League World, Middlesbrough are ‘looking into the possibility’ of signing Delph, with the likes of Sheffield United, West Brom, Sunderland and Reading also ‘targeting’ the maestro.

It’s reported that several Premier League clubs have ‘looked at’ the veteran, though it’s ‘more likely’ that he will end up in the second tier.

The Verdict: Welcome addition

Middlesbrough have had an underwhelming start to the season so reinforcements are definitely needed, and Delph would be a welcome addition.

The Bradford-born man, once dubbed a ‘terrific buy’ by broadcaster Richard Keys, would add a wealth of experience having made 204 appearances in the top-flight, providing ten assists and netting seven goals during that time (Transfermarkt).

Delph offers plenty of versatility having previously operated in both full-back positions as well as in midfield, which will be attractive to Wilder, and Boro should do everything they can to tempt him into making the switch to the Riverside in the weeks ahead.