All posts by z3u9t.icu

It's pretty clear that signing a new centre-back will be Jurgen Klopp's priority for Liverpool transfer-wise this year, but supporters will probably have to wait until the summer before anything of substance occurs.

The Premier League pace-setters have been in fine fettle this term after recovering from an abject 2022/23 campaign that threatened to topple Klopp's dynasty, but with some excellent summer signings making up a brand new engine to charge the high-octane system, silverware is very much attainable as the business end draws closer.

There have been shouts over the past several months that Liverpool still need to complete their midfield work with a specialist No. 6, but Wataru Endo's recent purple patch and Alexis Mac Allister's fine job in the deep-lying role suggest that focus could and should shift elsewhere.

And with Joel Matip's anterior cruciate ligament injury ending his season at the start of December, the concerns surrounding the defensive depth are only heightened.

Liverpool transfer news – Ousmane Diomande

Prior to the opening of the window, the Daily Mail compiled a list of options that Liverpool could choose from the bolster their backline this year, and while he's one of the more expensive picks, Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande could be the dream addition.

Only 20 years old, Ivorian Diomande has been making waves with Sporting Lisbon of late and could even have a higher ceiling than teammate and fellow Reds transfer target Goncalo Inacio, who is technically superb but somewhat lacking in raw defensive strength.

Diomande has a buyout clause of €80m (£69m) and it's uncertain whether Sporting would acquiesce to discussions of a whittled-down fee, but if so, Liverpool will be sure to pounce.

Ousmane Diomande's profile

Contracted until 2027, Diomande has chalked up 38 senior appearances for his Portuguese outfit since signing from Danish side FC Midtjylland for an initial fee of €7.5m (£6m) on January 31, 2023.

Said to be “one of the most exciting CB prospects in Europe" by scout Jacek Kulig, Diomande is only 20 years old but is already proving to be one of the most dynamic young defenders around, with a modern skill set attracting the attention of some of Europe's most illustrious teams.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Passing

Discipline

Tackling

Dribbling

*Sourced via WhoScored

As per Sofascore, the 6 foot 3 titan has completed 15 appearances in the Liga Portugal, scoring one goal, supplying one assist, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 5.7 ball recoveries per game and succeeding with 64% of his contested duels.

Such metrics highlight a roundedness that will only serve him well in a side such as Liverpool, where the central defenders are expected to dominate the possession and control the flow of the match.

Taking an average of 79 touches per game, Diomande is not far away from being as active on the ball as Virgil van Dijk, who averages 90 touches per game in the Premier League.

To emphasise how dynamic and multi-faceted he is in his style, Diomande ranks among the top 16% of centre-backs across divisions similar to the Portuguese top-flight over the past year for goals, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 20% per 90, as per FBref.

Liverpool could sign a bigger talent than Bradley in “sensational” 5 ft 10 gem

Jurgen Klopp’s side could make a shrewd January signing with this rising EFL star.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 13, 2024

What this signifies is a superlative technical ability and a constant desire to drive forward – either as the vehicle or through his distribution – and when marrying this with his aforementioned precision in his defensive duels, Diomande really would be the perfect player to bolster the Liverpool defence.

How Ousmane Diomande compares to Goncalo Inacio

As mentioned earlier, Diomande is not the only Sporting defender to be on Klopp's radar, with Inacio, aged 22, holding a €60m (£52m) release clause and with reports even suggesting that Liverpool remain interested this month after seeing advances fall flat last summer.

Considered a comparable player to the Ivory Coast international by FBref's 'Similar Players' model, Inacio ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

Discernibly, there are striking similarities between the respective starlets, and while Inacio has been hailed for his "complete" array of abilities by Kulig, there are a few question marks lingering over his defensive application that could dissuade the Reds from prioritising his signature.

He only ranks among the top 58% for tackles (Diomande ranks in the top 80%) and in the league this season, while impressive, has won just 48% of his contested duels, which certainly doesn't evoke the confidence needed for a prominent role in Klopp's system.

For example, the 20-year-old Jarell Quansah, who has only emerged as a first-team member this season, has won 61% of his duels in the Premier League while also showcasing his ball-playing skills with a 90% pass completion rate.

For all of Inacio's innate talent, it does seem that he is just not the most naturally formidable of defenders, instead flourishing his style through his high-class technical skills.

And while Diomande may require a greater outlay, it might be a prudent move, in the long run, to forge ahead with his signature and ensure that Liverpool have a player of genuine world-class credentials, with Klopp capable of shaping him into an "elite talent", as was said again by the voluble Kulig.

A decision will not need to be made until the summer but Liverpool would be wise to pull the strings soon to ensure that they are the favourites to swoop in and land their man.

After a busy month of incomings, Wrexham could cap off the January transfer window in style by welcoming one more addition to push towards League Two promotion.

Wrexham transfer news

The Hollywood pull of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney always helps, but that doesn't take away from the business that Wrexham have completed in the January transfer window, welcoming Jake Marriott from Fleetwood Town, Luke Bolton from Salford and Luke McNicholas from Sligo Rovers.

After putting pen to paper on a deal to join Wrexham, Marriott told the club's official website: “I’m really pleased to be here and happy to get the deal over the line. The club’s performances, the way they play as a team is a real key factor for me signing and the trajectory that the Club is going in is something that I want to be involved in and I’m absolutely delighted to be here.”

Manager Phil Parkinson added: "We’re really pleased to bring Jack to the Club. He’s got proven experience at a higher level and comes to us looking to make a real contribution in our second half of the season."

The Welsh side may not be done there though, with one more addition reportedly lined up. According to Nathan Salt of The Daily Mail, Reynolds and McElhenney at Wrexham are "close" to signing Jamie Lindsay from Championship side Rotherham, and there is plenty of optimism over the completion of a club record deal.

It would be some coup for the League Two side to land the Championship midfielder in a deal that would once again prove the power of Reynolds and McElhenney, thought to be well above the previous record £300,000 for Ollie Pope during the 2023 winter window.

"Terrific" Lindsay needs Wrexham move

To say that it's been a frustrating season for Lindsay so far would be an understatement, as his stats show. The midfielder has made just 13 appearances in all competitions for Rotherham, which has included just eight Championship starts. And at 28-years-old, a Wrexham move could be coming at the perfect time, especially if it ends with automatic promotion or even the League Two title.

A player who was heavily praised when he left Ross County to join Rotherham, then co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell called the midfielder a "terrific servant", via BBC Sport. Now, it is Wrexham who could benefit if they manage to get a deal over the line in the forthcoming hours remaining in the window.

Currently sat second in League Two by one point and five points adrift of leaders Stockport with a game in hand, January could quickly become the month that Wrexham look back on as the turning point in the race to seal the title this season, especially if Lindsay arrives from Rotherham for the Red Dragons.

Derby County will have been relieved to finally come out the other side of a blip in form last match, scraping past a dogged Cheltenham Town side 2-1 courtesy of a late James Collins goal.

This was a crucial victory for Paul Warne's men to get on the board in their continued aspirations to break into the automatic promotion spots come the end of the campaign, the ambitious Rams now just three points off Portsmouth at the top of League One.

Regardless of getting back on track in the league this weekend with a win, Derby will still want to bolster up top especially with a worrying injury development coming out of Pride Park weakening Warne's men going forward.

Derby going after former League One promotion winner

With young Arsenal recruit Tyreece John-Jules potentially needing surgery after picking up an untimely hamstring injury versus Lincoln City recently – Warne even commenting that the injury blow has 'destroyed' the up-and-coming striker – the Rams are now arguably light on numbers in the striker positions.

Showing flickers of his immense quality with two strikes registered in a Derby strip, which has seen the 22-year-old striker score goals for fun at U23 level back in north London, this is a disorientating blow at Pride Park that will hopefully be swiftly put to one side by the third tier outfit swooping back in for long-term target Michael Smith.

With the stumbling block between Sheffield Wednesday and Derby seemingly centring on the nature of the deal – the Rams only wanting Smith to come in and be a short-term hero on loan – this is a move that could well be finally completed on deadline day or agonisingly falls through at the death.

If the first option comes to fruition, the current Owls man could add another promotion to the Championship onto his resume at Derby with the 32-year-old attacker a lethal finisher at the level.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Smith slots into the Derby team

Warne would have to slightly tweak with his formation if Smith was to finally arrive on the scene, with John-Jules operating more as a second striker compared to Smith's prowess as an out-and-out centre-forward.

Derby won't complain about having to make a slight change, however, with Smith and James Collins potentially forming a terrifying strike partnership to fire the Rams to promotion.

Scoring 75 times in League One across his esteemed career to date, Collins equally as potent with 69 strikes next to his name, the current Owls man could more than make up for the loss of the injury-stricken John-Jules by making goalscoring look effortless again on his return to the division.

Once described as a "game-changer" style figure by ex-Wednesday boss Darren Moore, a successful deal for Smith this window could really give the Rams an edge in the ongoing promotion fight at the top of League One.

A star previously in the third tier under current Derby manager Warne when the pair were both at Rotherham United, the 32-year-old bagging 33 goals along the way to two promotions with the Millers, this match made in heaven could prove to be fruitful again as Derby prepare to do everything in their power to try and break out of League One.

Glasgow Rangers endured a slightly lacklustre deadline day on the transfer activity front, adding just one new player – Oscar Cortes – to the squad.

Philippe Clement had previously signed striker Fabio Silva and midfielder Mohammed Diomande before deadline day and the three new signings could all offer something different and this may give the side a boost heading into the next few months.

The Light Blues have returned from the winter break looking revitalised, winning three consecutive competitive matches, and it sets them up nicely for the clash against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday.

We at Football FanCast predict the team that will take to the pitch, with several changes to the one that beat St. Mirren 1-0, to face the side sitting bottom of the Premiership table in another must-win clash…

1 GK – Jack Butland

The goalkeeper was rested for the Scottish Cup tie against Dumbarton a couple of weeks ago, with Robby McCrorie making his first start of the season.

The Englishman was restored to the starting XI for the league ties against Hibs and St Mirren, keeping clean sheets in both and his presence between the posts has been vital for the Gers this term.

2 RB – James Tavernier

The captain will retain his place in the starting XI as he has only missed only one match so far throughout the campaign and that was a League Cup clash against Morton in August.

With 17 goals and seven assists, the Englishman is once again setting the standard at Rangers with regard to goal contributions, and he is on track to shatter his tally of 28 goal involvements from last season.

3 CB – Connor Goldson

Goldson also retains his place and has been arguably the Light Blues' finest centre-back this season.

The Gers have conceded just ten league goals when the 31-year-old has been on the pitch and, alongside Butland, is key to whether or not the club go on to win more trophies during the second half of the season.

4 CB – John Souttar

Souttar has endured a Jekyll and Hyde opening 18 months to his spell in Glasgow. The defender missed nearly all of last season having suffered an injury on the opening day, but when he is fit, the former Hearts star is the perfect partner for Goldson.

He has started the previous three league matches and will come into the starting XI today.

5 LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Much of the talk during the transfer window was on Yilmaz’s future as, at one stage, it looked as though he was set for a move away.

The Gers rejected an approach from Galatasaray for the defender on deadline day, and he now has between February and May to prove his worth to Clement.

6 CM – John Lundstram

The midfielder has entered into the final few months of his current contract, and he is technically able to speak to other clubs as of now.

Over the previous few months, he has turned into the Lundstram of old and is clearly relishing playing under Clement, which should suggest he will be offered an extension sooner rather than later.

7 CM – Nico Raskin

The former Standard Liege midfielder has not enjoyed the most productive of seasons, missing a large chunk of the season due to an ankle injury.

He has featured in all three of their matches since the domestic season resumed, however, and will surely be given another start by Clement alongside Lundstram in the heart of the midfield.

8 RW – Ross McCausland

Scott Wright was given a rare start against St Mirren last weekend, yet he failed to shine during the nervy 1-0 win.

The £5.6k-per-week winger made just 13 passes and lost possession 11 times during the opening 45 minutes, and he was substituted following his poor display, replaced by McCausland.

The Northern Irishman failed to really settle into the match during his second-half cameo, yet there is no doubt who Clement should choose for tomorrow's tie.

With two goals and two assists for the first team since October, the youngster has shone in patches, and against Livi, he could cement his place on the right wing with a solid performance.

9 AM – Todd Cantwell

Cantwell started against St Mirren but, like Wright, he was subbed off at halftime and replaced by Tom Lawrence.

He completed 100% of his passes and made two key passes, succeeded with one dribble, and made two interceptions during the first half, and he will likely be unleashed from the start tomorrow.

With Sam Lammers moving to Utrecht until the end of the season, Cantwell will face less competition for that number ten slot he has enjoyed over the previous few weeks.

This should not make him complacent, however, and if the Gers are looking to end Celtic’s spell as Scottish champions in May, the former Norwich City starlet will have to be at his very best between now and May.

10 LW – Rabbi Matondo

The Light Blues suffered a major blow when on-fire winger Abdallah Sima was ruled out for the foreseeable future with an injury sustained on international duty, and it required Clement to do some thinking.

Matondo is the obvious choice to replace Sima on the left, yet Dujon Sterling was unleashed there last week in an experiment that did not quite work out as planned.

The Welsh dynamo has registered six goal contributions this term so far and when in the mood, can cause damage to any opposition defence.

Tottenham are believed to be readying a "firm move" to sign an "underrated" star this summer, a player who technical director Johan Lange interestingly tried to sign during his days at Aston Villa.

Lange enjoys terrific debut transfer window

All eyes were on the Dane as he geared up for his first transfer window at Spurs last month, especially considering he stepped into the shoes of former transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

Levy could go above club's asking price with Tottenham ready to sign player

Spurs want him “to the tune of millions”.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 13, 2024

Lange was credited with some astute signings at Villa Park, and his January transfer window at Spurs only further heightened his reputation. Indeed, the official helped to broker a last-minute hijack for teenage sensation Lucas Bergvall, with the north Londoners beating Barcelona to Lange's countryman.

Before Bergvall's signing, Lange also helped to seal deals for defender Radu Dragusin, who joined in a £25 million move from Genoa, and attacking midfielder Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig.

Timo Werner

Arrival

Radu Dragusin

Arrival

Lucas Bergvall

Arrival

Djed Spence

Exit (loan)

Eric Dier

Exit (loan)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (loan)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (loan)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (loan)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (loan)

Alejo Veliz

Exit (loan)

The Lilywhites shifted deadwood aplenty and saved a lot of money by cutting player salaries as well in what is considered a pretty 10/10 transfer window where Lange is concerned.

It will be interesting to see what Spurs' employees have planned for the summer window, and some reports suggest Barcelona star Raphinha is among the potential Lange targets for later this year.

Tottenham "ready to make a firm move" for Conor Gallagher

Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is a name who supporters will be more than familiar with, as he was heavily linked throughout January and last summer.

The 23-year-old has played a starring role under Mauricio Pochettino this season, and it is believed Chelsea are eager to tie him down with a new contract as a result. However, little progress is being made yet, which gifts Spurs the chance to sign him if both player and club can't agree fresh terms.

That is according to The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law, who claims Tottenham are "ready to make a firm move" for Gallagher this summer if his future remains unresolved.

Lange actually tried to snap up Gallagher "some years ago" when employed at Villa, so it appears the Scandinavian has another chance at getting his man through the door, but this time at N17 if all goes to plan.

Called "very underrated" by members of the media, Chelsea's midfield ace would also count as homegrown.

Newcastle United have been playing outside of the sphere of form and fluency that captured the awe and admiration of many for some time now, with Eddie Howe's side knowing that failing to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon could be detrimental in the fight for top four.

Indeed, Champions League qualification seems a stretch as it is, with the Magpies a staggering 15 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa after 26 matches, though the new UEFA coefficient rankings could open up Europe's elite club competition through a fifth-place finish.

The crux of Newcastle's problems stem from their shoddy defensive record, having gone nine Premier League matches without a clean sheet and shipped 31 goals from the previous 12 fixtures.

The continued absence of Nick Pope, compounded by the injury problems that have ravaged Sven Botman's former fluidity and dominance, is damaging, like a spreading stain, and Howe must now ensure that St. James' Park restores its imperiousness to bat away Wolves and mount a late-season purple patch.

Newcastle team news

It would be remiss to discuss Newcastle's drop in form this season without acknowledging the catalogue of injuries that have made life rather tough for Howe and co.

Pope, as mentioned, continues to recuperate from a dislocated shoulder, while Matt Targett is nearing a comeback but will not be risked this weekend.

Dan Burn has not been at the races recently and will likely be rested in place of Tino Livramento, who is much better equipped to deal with the pace and directness of Pedro Neto.

Rested in midweek as modest Newcastle defeated Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup, Botman is likely to return to the starting line-up in place of Jamal Lascelles.

Why Sven Botman is underperforming

Botman signed for Newcastle from Lille in a deal worth around £35m back in July 2022 and he was mesmerising in his defensive duties last term as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League.

“Sven is looking good,” said Howe. “We just felt with Sven, he would benefit more from training than playing. He’s another player that’s come back from a longer-term injury. He’s come back into the team, but we just felt he needed more individualised training to get back to his very best. We could definitely see him (against Wolves) though."

The 24-year-old played 73 minutes one week ago as his side were thumped to a 4-1 defeat in London by Arsenal, and after scoring an own goal and making another big defensive error, the Dutchman was branded with a 3/10 match rating by The Shields Gazette.

Still, Botman has proven his worth as one of the Premier League's best defenders and he will return to form soon, and against Wolves, he has the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Crisp in his distribution, completing 91% of his passes, and usually sturdy in his defensive efforts, winning 63% of his contested duels (as per Sofascore), Botman will be crucial against a dogged and uniform Old Gold side that will think they have a real chance of winning on Tyneside.

O'Neil benches Doyle in predicted Wolves lineup vs Newcastle

Wolves face Newcastle United in the Premier League today

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 2, 2024

The rearguard is not the only area of concern for Howe though, and while last weekend's loss in London was a bitter pill to swallow, the goalscoring return of Joe Willock off the bench added an invaluable dimension to the engine room, and now he must be unleashed from the outset.

Why Joe Willock should be unleashed vs Wolves

Willock did actually start earlier this week as Newcastle prevailed against Blackburn, playing just over an hour of action before understandably being withdrawn early.

The £80k-per-week star didn't impress, completing 87% of his passes but only managing 30 touches – less than goalkeeper Martin Dubravka's 40 – and winning just one of his eight contested duels and failing with each of his four attempted dribbles, also being dribbled past twice.

But having impressed last weekend against his former club Arsenal, winning two of three duels and making a tackle to complement his consolation strike, there will be hope that he has recovered enough coherence in his play to make a mark against Wolves, who are actually one point ahead of tenth-placed United after a burst of form under Gary O'Neil.

Willock has been terribly unfortunate on the injury front this season but he was electrifying in his creative prowess last term, creating 12 big chances and providing six assists in the Premier League to offer a constant outlet for the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

This term, however, his injuries have left him with only one Premier League start so far, so that sure could change as Howe seeks different routes to clinch success.

As per FBref, the one-time Hale End graduate ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 2% for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

28 Oct 2023 – Premier League

Molineux

2-2 draw

12 Mar 2023 – Premier League

St. James' Park

2-1 win

28 Aug 2022 – Premier League

Molineux

1-1 draw

08 Apr 2022 – Premier League

St. James' Park

1-0 win

02 Oct 2021 – Premier League

Molineux

2-1 loss

The 5 foot 10 dynamo has been lauded for his “infectious” presence on the pitch by Howe and Newcastle could certainly do with this now.

Dynamic and combative, Willock is the missing link in midfield and his return to the starting line-up will only serve to enhance those around him, boosting Bruno Guimaraes' elite distribution and Sean Longstaff's industriousness.

Newcastle's porous backline is a far cry from last year's strength and solidity, but the issues pervade the whole squad and Willock's inclusion and success will be vital to the rekindling of form that may yet see Howe engineer an emphatic end to the campaign.

Still in the FA Cup and with it all to play for in the Premier League, Willock's return comes at the perfect time, and he might just play a defining role in the outcome this afternoon.

Prior to Arsenal's win over Brentford on Saturday Mikel Arteta's men had found the net 31 times in their last six league outings.

It's a remarkable run of form but despite such a wealth of goals, there's nothing quite like a late winner is there?

Arsenal have been known to find the net deep into games, with the previously aptly known 'Fergie time' perhaps needing somewhat of a rebrand. Mikel time, anyone?

The clash with Thomas Frank's side on Saturday evening looked like a potential banana skin and it nearly turned out to be. That was until Kai Havertz leapt highest with just a matter of minutes left on the clock.

Ben White swept a ball into the box and the former Chelsea man was there to head home and send Arsenal top of the league, at least for a 24 hour period.

That said, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for those in Arsenal colours, notably the rather forlorn-looking Aaron Ramsdale.

Aaron Ramsdale's last match in Arsenal colours

With David Raya ineligible to face his parent club this weekend, it meant that Ramsdale was presented with an extremely rare opportunity to impress Arteta.

This was the first time we've seen the England stopper since the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in January and the first time he's played in the league since the reverse fixture with the Bees all the way back in November.

It was always going to be a colossal test for the 25-year-old but it was unfortunately one that he did not pass.

As the first half neared its end with Declan Rice's headed goal separating the teams, Ramsdale made what would have been an unforgivable mistake had the Gunners dropped points.

Gabriel laid the ball back to the former Sheffield United man close to his goal. Ramsdale dallied on the ball and instead of finding the easy pass to William Saliba, was caught in possession by Yoane Wissa. The end result? A calamitous goal.

It's a shame because other than that Ramsdale did impress with various aspects of his game, notably his distribution. At one stage in the opening 45 minutes he set Leandro Trossard through on goal with a mind-boggling throw that pierced the Brentford defence like a knife through butter.

He then made two vital stops in the second half that ensured Arsenal could go on to win the game without conceding again.

Sadly, however, this could well be the last we see of Ramsdale in an Arsenal jersey. Regularly linked with a move away Arteta has preferred Raya both domestically and in Europe. With no cup competitions aside from the Champions League, all roads point towards an exit for the fan favourite.

Saves

1.45

1.50

Save %

64.7%

64.3%

Clean sheet %

41%

33%

Defensive actions outside area

1.77

1.50

Pass success

76%

70%

That said, he's not the only one who should be given the freedom to leave the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Arsenal players who could exit in the summer

As the Gunners gear up for another meaty spending spree in the next transfer window it's thought that some sales will need to be sanctioned to avoid the scares that come with financial fair play and profit and sustainability.

Financial Fair Play: What is PSR, how does it work and who's in trouble?

Leicester City have become the latest club charged with an alleged PSR breach, but what could happen next?

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 16, 2024

Ramsdale's sale will likely bring in a pretty decent sum of cash, likewise the same could be said of a player like Emile Smith Rowe.

Despite Arsenal's incredible run of recent games, the Englishman has been seen for just 20 minutes over the last four league wins, notably not even appearing from the bench in the last two games.

To make it a hat-trick of English players departing, Eddie Nketiah could also be told to pack his bags.

#1 Bukayo Saka

16

15

#2 Leandro Trossard

10

2

#3 Kai Havertz

9

3

#4 Martin Odegaard

9

7

#5 Gabriel Martinelli

8

5

#6 Gabriel Jesus

8

5

#7 Eddie Nketiah

6

5

The fact of the matter is that he's becoming more and more dispensable as the weeks go by in north London. With Gabriel Jesus injured, Nketiah was often the go-to man for Arteta but as the season has passed by that has changed.

Arguably, you could make a case that he's now the club's fourth-choice centre-forward. Leandro Trossard started up front in the 6-0 rout of West Ham while Havertz has been fielded in that role, even with Jesus back, in the last two games.

Havertz has been sublime since being given the honour of leading the line, scoring four goals and supplying two assists in his last four matches. £65m down the drain? We think not.

10/10 Arsenal star has been even better than Havertz since Dubai trip

Arsenal have been on fire since their mid-season trip to sunny Dubai.

ByMatt Dawson Mar 10, 2024

Nketiah may have seen a bit more football than Smith Rowe, playing for 35 minutes across the last four domestic fixtures but the fact he wasn't given a run out at 6-0 up against Sheffield United and indeed when Arsenal needed a goal against Brentford says it all. He didn't appear from the bench in either clash.

The 24-year-old is in a torrid run of form. His last league goals were the hat-trick he scored against the Blades at home all the way back in October and in all competitions, he's not found the net since December during a 1-1 draw with PSV in the Champions League.

This is all the while Nketiah takes home a reported wage of £100k-per-week. For context, that's more than David Raya, it's more than Trossard and interesting to note, it's £80k-per-week more than the fervently linked Ivan Toney, a man who got no change out of Arsenal on Saturday.

Consider the club reportedly still want to acquire a forward in the summer and it suggests Nketiah doesn't really have a future in N5 anymore. Like Ramsdale, he really needs to be given the boot once the window opens for business in a few months.

Celtic are reportedly looking to seal a double swoop for a towering defender and an international midfielder, aiming to pip a number of Premier League clubs to their signatures.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops will hope to have a strong summer in the transfer market, following a season that hasn't always gone to plan under Brendan Rodgers, as they trail Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race.

One exciting rumour that has emerged is a return for Kieran Tierney at the end of the season, with the Scot's time at Arsenal becoming an increasingly disappointing one. He is currently on loan at Real Sociedad but could potentially jump at the chance to seal a Parkhead reunion and cement a permanent new home.

Meanwhile, current Celtic loanee Adam Idah could make a permanent move to the club in the summer transfer window, having enjoyed such a positive impact since joining in January, scoring five goals in six league appearances.

Another statement signing could be Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, with the Irish goalkeeper linked with a move to the Hoops, as he potentially looks to be a No.1 away from Anfield this summer. His form in the absence of Alisson has been outstanding, but the Brazilian is possibly the best in the world in his position, and will oust his teammate upon his return.

Celtic eyeing exciting double swoop

According to a new report from HITC, Celtic want to clinch the double signing of Leopold Querfeld and Matthias Seidl, both of whom currently play for Rapid Vienna. The Hoops will face stern competition from Premier League side Crystal Palace, however, with new manager Oliver Glasner believed to be "interested" in snapping them up.

The report goes on to add that "Fulham, Burnley, Wolves and Leicester have also watched both players in action". Querfeld and Seidl may not necessarily be the household names that the likes of Tierney and Kelleher are, for example, but they could be shrewd additions by Celtic come the summer.

The former is a towering 6 foot 3 defender who has made 20 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, and he has won a total of 20 caps for Austria as youth level, still awaiting his maiden outing in the senior setup.

At 23, Seidl is a little more experienced than his 20-year-old teammate, and he has five goals his name in the league this season, highlighting his end product from the middle of the park. Unlike his colleague, he has been capped for Austria's senior team, featuring three times to date, and he could add quality and depth to Rodgers' midfield.

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The level of Premier League interest will likely make it difficult to sign both Querfeld and Seidl, such is the lure of playing in arguably the biggest league in the world, but Celtic are a huge club in their own right, and could give the pair Champions League football, unlike others.

Rangers will demand £15m to let one of their stars leave Ibrox this summer, it has been claimed, after it emerged he was keen on a departure.

Rangers making summer plans

Rangers have been wasting no time in making plans for the summer, with focus on the incomings first. They missed out on target Gjis Smal, who is set to join Feyenoord on a free transfer, but remain on the hunt for a left-back before the start of the new campaign.

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Instead, it appears that the Scottish Premiership leaders are looking to close a deal for Brazilian left-back Jefte, in a bid to replace the soon-to-be free agent Borna Barisic at Ibrox. However, there may be a surprise departure from Glasgow this summer, just 12 months on from his arrival.

Jack Butland transfer update

That surprise could come in the form of shot-stopper Jack Butland, who has been excellent in goal for Rangers this season and has helped them to a mammoth 17 clean sheets since his arrival on a free transfer last summer.

However, as was reported last week, the 31-year-old is plotting a return to the Premier League and is aiming to return to the England squad, both of which he feels are linked. Though widely rumoured to have been included in the squad for the March internationals, he was snubbed in favour of Sam Johnstone by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson described the decision for Southgate to overlook him as a 'slap in the face' and claimed Butland has been a 'man mountain' since his arrival at Ibrox.

“I was watching the announcement and I couldn’t believe it – and I’m not just saying this because he’s the Rangers goalkeeper. I honestly don’t know what to say. The keepers that were picked in front of him, yes, they’re good keepers. But are they better than Jack Butland? I don’t think so.

“If I was him I would be disappointed. I would be angry. But if he’s angry, frustrated or disillusioned then he’ll use the remaining games of the season to go out and show just how good a goalkeeper he is.

“There is still a slight opportunity for him to go to Germany but not making it into this squad suggests that’s not going to be the case – and that’s the wrong choice. But all Jack can do now is continue to play the way he has since he came up here. He can’t influence anything else. And since he’s come up here he’s been an absolute man mountain at the back for Rangers.”

Now Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke has claimed that Rangers would be willing to sanction a departure, provided that any interested club stumped up £15m for the 31-year-old goalkeeper, a fee which would make him the second-highest sale in the club's history.

Rangers record sales

Player

Club joined

Year

Fee

Calvin Bassey

Ajax

2022

£20m

Nathan Patterson

Everton

2021

£12

Giovanni van Bronkhorst

Arsenal

2001

£11.5m

Alan Hutton

Tottenham

2007

£11m

They add that the Ibrox outfit are 'aware that they will not be able to compete with the wages that can be offered by a top-flight English side', meaning that they 'will not deny Butland a move' provided that their asking price is met.

It could represent a massive profit for the goalkeeper and may provide valuable funds to strengthen across the squad, despite the loss of an excellent man between the posts.

Oliver Glasner will look to win his second game as Crystal Palace manager tomorrow afternoon.

The Eagles travel to the City Ground, where they will face a Nottingham Forest side that haven’t won in four games, but they were unable to beat the Tricky Trees earlier this season, drawing 0-0 at Selhurst Park.

Last time out, Palace were seconds away from picking up an important three points at home to Luton Town, but a 96th-minute equaliser spoiled the party.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the starting lineup that the Austrian could field tomorrow, with at least one change guaranteed.

1 GK – Dean Henderson

The “insane” Dean Henderson, as dubbed by former Sheffield United colleague Sander Berge, is set to make his first start under Glasner after becoming the second-choice keeper.

The former Manchester United man has only started eight games since joining Palace in the summer, but he will definitely have a much bigger role to play between now and the end of the season.

Sam Johnstone is the player to make way, after picking up an elbow injury that requires surgery, inevitably ruling him out for the rest of the season.

2 RCB – Joel Ward

Despite being a right-back by trade, Joel Ward will captain the side in the wide right role of the back three this weekend.

3 CB – Joachim Andersen

The Danish centre-half has been a constant figure at the back this season, starting every single league game, and he will extend that streak tomorrow.

4 LCB – Chris Richards

Chris Richards has been utilised in multiple roles this season, including defensive midfield, but he will continue as the left-centre back this weekend.

5 RM – Daniel Munoz

The Colombian only joined Palace in January, but he has instantly become a favourite, even assisting against Luton.

6 CM – Adam Wharton

The second recent addition to the squad was Adam Wharton, who has also been excellent since joining during the winter window, starting every game under Glasner.

7 CM – Jefferson Lerma

Wharton’s experienced partner, Jefferson Lerma, has thrived under Glasner, particularly against Burnley, where he won 15/15 duels.

The Colombian's ability to win the ball will be vital against Forest, with the game set to be decided by fine margins.

8 LM – Tyrick Mitchell

Tyrick Mitchell has been the reliable first-choice left-back this season, starting all but one game, and he will start again on Saturday.

9 RW – Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze is the most influential star in the Palace side, and he is in great form going into the game, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt in a recent friendly.

10 LW – Odsonne Edouard

Odsonne-Edouard

The second change from last time out is Odsonne Edouard, who comes into the side for Jordan Ayew.

The French attacker has struggled at times this season, but given the number nine’s heavy involvement for Ghana during the international break, he could be handed a well-deserved rest.