Tag Futebol

Newcastle United have enjoyed another successful campaign in front of goal, with the club scoring the fourth-most goals in the Premier League so far this season.

However, it hasn't been enough to propel the Magpies back into the Champions League places for a second successive season, with injuries preventing the club from welcoming any of Europe's biggest clubs to St James' Park next term.

The defensive department has taken a battering during 2023/24, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles all missing large parts of the season, which has often resulted in a makeshift backline for Eddie Howe's side.

Newcastle's forward line has undoubtedly saved the Magpies from a disastrous campaign, with striker Alexander Isak single-handedly keeping the club within arm's length of a European spot.

The Swedish international has scored 20 times in 27 Premier League outings over the course of the season – a tally that has attracted interest from multiple sides across England's top division, namely Arsenal.

Howe certainly won't want to lose his talisman this summer, but if the club are forced to part ways with the 24-year-old, then PIF may well turn their attention to another Premier League forward, with the Magpies already keen on the attacker.

Newcastle enquire about 18-goal Premier League striker

According to GiveMeSport, the Magpies have already enquired about the availability of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke ahead of the summer transfer window, after making contact with their fellow top-flight outfit.

The 26-year-old has bagged 18 goals in the Premier League this season, in an unexpected season for Andoni Iraola's side, which sees them occupy a place in the top half of the division.

His most impressive display undoubtedly came in the 3-2 win away at Nottingham Forest in December, with the former Liverpool youngster grabbing his first career hat-trick.

He's also managed to find the back of the net on three occasions against Howe's side during the current campaign, including a double in the meeting at the Vitality Stadium back in November.

Solanke is currently enjoying the best Premier League campaign of his career, with the striker expected to cost any potential buyer a pretty penny in the summer.

Football Insider have reported that the Cherries are set to slap a £50m price tag on the forward's head, with Solanke the perfect replacement for Isak should he leave Tyneside in the coming months.

Why Solanke would be the perfect Isak replacement

Whilst no Newcastle fan would want to lose Isak this summer, they would be in safe hands should they replace him with Solanke during the off-season.

The pair have both excelled in the league, despite being utilised in slightly different ways by their respective managers.

The Magpies forward has been given a free role to create carnage in attacking areas, whilst the Cherries attacker has been more of an out-and-out striker who's scored most of his goals within the 18-yard box.

They both average a similar number of shots per 90, with the pair only separated by 0.1. They've also been nuisances in the opposition penalty area, with Solanke averaging 5.7 touches, compared to Isak's 5.4.

However, the Englishman has dominated in the air in comparison to the Swede, winning 2.6 per 90 – a tally that is over two more than the current Newcastle striker who could only muster 0.3.

Solanke v Isak in the PL (23/24)

Statistics

Isak

Solanke

Shots

2.9

2.8

Touches in penalty area

5.4

5.7

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.5

Aerials won

0.3

2.6

Stats via FBref

Whilst they operate in different ways, Solanke could potentially be the perfect alternative with his poaching instincts seeing him operate in and around the box rather than roaming freely like Isak.

With Anthony Gordon contributing with 11 assists this season, he could take the 26-year-old to the next level with his creativity in the final third playing into the hands of the striker should he move to Tyneside.

Having already plucked Callum Wilson from the Cherries in 2020, the Magpies could be set to raid the Vitality Stadium once again under PIF's watch.

Related Newcastle eyeing "prolific" £17m striker who's outscored Isak this season

This could be a welcome boost for Howe…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 17, 2024

ذكرت تقارير صحفية أن نادي برشلونة الإسباني يدرس الاستماع للعروض المقدمة لأحد لاعبيه، خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ويعمل برشلونة تحت قيادة هانز فليك على تدعيم الفريق، مع السماح برحيل بعض اللاعبين في ظل وضعه المالي السيء.

ومن بين لاعبي برشلونة، لم يكن الحظ حليفًا لأندرياس كريستنسن، حيث أبعدته إصابة عن الملاعب منذ بداية الموسم، ومن المتوقع أن يعود في يناير المقبل.

ورغم قناعة برشلونة بعودة اللاعب الدنماركي إلى مستواه الكامل بعد تعافيه من إصابته في الأوتار، يبقى التساؤل حول ما إذا كان سيحصل على دقائق لعب في النصف الثاني من الموسم.

حتى الآن، لم يبدأ النادي في التفاوض على تجديد عقده، وهم مستعدون للاستماع إلى العروض، على شرط أن تكون في صالح جميع الأطراف، بحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية.

وهناك العديد من الخيارات في مركز الدفاع، وسيكون لدى المدرب هانز فليك ستة مدافعين للاختيار منهم، رغم أن جول كوندي قد استقر في مركز الظهير الأيمن.

كريستنسن انضم إلى برشلونة في 2022 بعد انتهاء عقده مع تشيلسي، ولعب سواء في مركز المدافع أو في دور لاعب الوسط الدفاعي، لقد قدم أداءً ثابتًا، وأعرب النادي عن رضاه عن احترافيته.

اقرأ أيضًا | منافسة شرسة على عمر مرموش.. “سبب قوي” يرجح كفة برشلونة أمام ليفربول وبايرن ميونخ

لكن مع رهان برشلونة على كوبارسي وأراوخو، الذي يتفاوض حاليًا لتجديد عقده، بالإضافة إلى إينيجو مارتينيز الذي أثبت جدارته وحظي بثقة فليك، أصبحت مشاركات كريستنسن مهددة.

في الموسم الماضي، استخدم تشافي، كريستنسن في مركز لاعب الوسط الدفاعي بفضل قدرته على إخراج الكرة بشكل جيد، ولكن مع بروز كاسادو وتعافي دي يونج هذا الموسم، أصبح من الصعب عليه اللعب في هذا المركز.

وعلى الرغم من أن فليك استخدم إريك جارسيا في هذا المركز في بعض المباريات، إلا أن ذلك كان بسبب الغيابات، مما يجعل من غير المحتمل أن يحصل كريستنسن على دقائق في هذا الدور.

الوضع معقد، وحتى أراوخو ليس ضامنًا لمكانه الأساسي في ظل الأداء القوي لبقية المدافعين، لكن كريستنسن كان دائمًا يريد اللعب.

وإذا لم يحصل على دقائق لعب بعد يناير، قد تتسارع الأمور، لكن الخطة الحالية هي أن يستعيد لياقته التامة، على أن يُتخذ القرار النهائي في الصيف.

ومن غير المتوقع أن يتم اتخاذ أي قرار بشأنه في يناير، حيث يبدو أن كريستنسن يريد منح نفسه فرصة، وهو مقتنع بأنه يستطيع إثبات مكانه في الفريق.

وحتى الآن، لم يرغب كريستنسن في الاستماع إلى العروض، وأكد دائمًا أنه يريد البقاء في برشلونة.

هو الآن لا يفكر في الرحيل، حيث يثق في المشروع ويعلم أن الفريق قادر على الفوز بالألقاب، لكن عزيمته قد تتغير إذا شعر أنه سيُهمش على مقاعد البدلاء ووضح له فليك موقفه، وحقيقة أن النادي لم يبدأ بعد في مفاوضات تجديد عقده تثير بعض التساؤلات.

كريستنسن يحظى باهتمام كبير من الأندية، فقد أبدت عدة أندية إنجليزية رغبتها في التعاقد معه، وبرشلونة يعتقد أنه يمكنه الحصول على مبلغ جيد مقابل بيعه.

في يونيو المقبل، سيتبقى له عام واحد في عقده، مما قد يقلل من قيمته السوقية قليلاً، لكنه يظل لاعبًا ذا طلب كبير.

هناك أيضًا اهتمام من أندية إيطالية، ولكن كل شيء سيعتمد على قرار اللاعب إذا لم يتمكن من استعادة مركزه الأساسي.

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.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde desta quinta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, o Corinthians realizou o primeiro treino preparatório para mais um Dérbi. Neste sábado, às 19h, no Allianz Parque, o Timão visita o Palmeiras, em partida válida pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Será o quarto clássico entre os rivais em 2021.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalCorinthians vence o Santos pelo Brasileirão de Aspirantes na estreia de Danilo como técnicoFutebol Nacional10/06/2021CorinthiansCorinthians cruza 120 vezes em três jogos contra o Atlético-GO e Sylvinho diz: ‘Estamos buscando essa correção’Corinthians10/06/2021CorinthiansChegada de Sylvinho ao Corinthians gera disputa por posição entre Mateus Vital e Araos; entendaCorinthians10/06/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
>Relembre o desempenho do Corinthians no Brasileirão por pontos corridos

Os atletas que atuaram por mais de 45 minutos na última quarta-feira, no empate em 0 a 0 diante do Atlético-GO, partida que marcou a eliminação corintiana da Copa do Brasil, permaneceram na parte interna do CT para um trabalho regenerativo. Os demais foram ao Campo 3 (Roberto Rivellino), onde participaram do aquecimento com a equipe de preparação física.

Na sequência, o técnico Sylvinho promoveu uma atividade de posse de bola, passes e marcação pressão em campo reduzido. Os goleiros fizeram um treino específico com os preparadores Marcelo Carpes e Luiz Fernando dos Santos.

Vale lembrar que os jornalistas não podem acompanhar as atividades in loco por conta dos protocolos de saúde em decorrência da pandemia de Covid-19. As informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube.

O Corinthians terá mais uma sessão de treinamento antes do clássico contra o Palmeiras na tarde desta sexta-feira, quando o elenco já deve se concentrar para o Dérbi. Em duas rodadas do Brasileirão até aqui, os rivais paulistas têm o mesmo retrospecto na competição nacional, com uma vitória e uma derrota.

Tottenham are reportedly in the "front row" to sign a "devastating" forward likened to Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and the wider recruitment team look at attacking upgrades.

Spurs looking to sign clinical new attacker this summer

As now backed by reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners are looking to sign a clinical new wide forward, and one who could inject more goals and assists into the side.

Tottenham bid ready for £21m attacker as they aim to beat Arteta and ten Hag

The north Londoners have an offer “already” prepared.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 21, 2024

As per Romano, the likes of Wolves winger Pedro Neto and Barcelona forward Raphinha feature among technical director Johan Lange's list of potential summer targets, as they seek an exciting player of that mould to come in and add that extra bit of flair.

"Look, a player they appreciate for a long time is Raphinha from Barcelona. We know the financial situation at Barcelona is not easy, so he could be one of the names. They will look at that kind of player," said Romano on JD Football.

"Another player they appreciate is Pedro Neto, but he has this issue with his injuries, so I’m not sure Liverpool, Tottenham or the other clubs following the player will be prepared to play big money for Pedro Neto this summer. That kind of player is the priority for Tottenham, I see them going for that kind of winger, a quality player to help with goals and assists."

Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is thought to be attracting Tottenham's interest, but he will cost around £43 million, the value of his release clause, to prise away from La Liga.

As Spurs also seek to bring in a new centre-back, as confirmed by Postecoglou himself, it may be prudent for the north Londoners to fish for potentially low-cost attacking options as well as bigger names.

A player who fits this mould is Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson. Lange and Tottenham chiefs are thought to have made contact over Gudmundsson already, but they aren't the only ones, with Serie A giants Inter Milan also interested (La Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness)

Tottenham enter "front row" to sign Gudmundsson

The Iceland international could certainly provide extra attacking impetus, as suggested by his impressive Italian top-flight numbers.

Udinese 2-2 Genoa

8.75

Genoa 1-1 Juventus

8.26

Genoa 4-1 Roma

8.17

Genoa 1-0 Salernitana

7.96

Sassuolo 1-2 Genoa

7.68

He's bagged a brilliant 10 goals and three assists over 27 league appearances this term, with a report by Calciomercato (translated by Sport Witness) following up on La Gazzetta's claim and stating that Tottenham are in the "front row" to sign Gudmundsson – who'll cost suitors just £26 million.

Interestingly, teammate Kevin Strootman has likened the player to Salah – which comes as pretty lofty praise.

“If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long,” Strootman told Il Secolo XIX newspaper.

“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.

“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”

Jurgen Klopp's teenage strikeforce secured victory for Liverpool in the FA Cup to continue a remarkable season that has already secured the Carabao Cup trophy in tough circumstances, with wasteful Southampton beaten 3-0 at Anfield.

The second-tier outfit took advantage of some understandable discordancy from the hosts to find a host of promising goalscoring chances but couldn't make it count, with 18-year-old debutant Lewis Koumas weaving and scoring with a deflected effort just before the break.

In the second half, Liverpool started to assert their control despite further squandered efforts from the travelling Saints, with Jayden Danns cementing himself as one of English football's brightest teenage talents to net an emphatic brace off the bench and set up a quarter-final tie away against Manchester United.

Jayden Danns takes his chance vs Southampton

Danns has made quite the impression since his second-half introduction against Luton Town in the Premier League one week ago, also enjoying a cameo against Chelsea in Sunday's final to test Djordje Petrovic and lift the first major honour of his career.

But against Southampton, he proved his innate striking ability with an expertly dinked attempt over Joe Lumley's goal when placed through by Harvey Elliott to quell the visitors' hopes of a fightback and set Anfield rocking.

Not quite done, the 18-year-old marksman exhibited his anticipation to latch on to a well-saved rebound from Conor Bradley's shot and rifle into the net, bagging a delightful brace before receiving his first professional starting appearance.

As per Sofascore, the rangy forward only took six touches in an efficient striker's performance to leave Erling Haaland taking notes, very much deserving the effusion of chatter to bring his name into the limelight.

While Danns' display was exciting, and rightly took the headlines due to his attacking prowess, he wasn't the only young gun to have saved the day for Klopp's injury-hit Liverpool team, with Bobby Clark sublime in his performance in the centre of the park.

Bobby Clark's performance in numbers v Saints

Rarely have so many academy members been tasked with filling in for their sidelined senior peers in one deluge of concern, but the likes of Clark have sparkled and proved themself capable of competing for a Liverpool side searching for honours across multiple fronts.

The elegant midfielder, aged 19, signed for Liverpool from Newcastle United when he was 16 years old and has started to earn regular opportunities in recent weeks, with his starting showing against Southampton the eighth senior performance of the campaign.

The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle certainly saw the teenager's quality, handing him an 8/10 match rating and writing: 'Good run and pass to create the opener and fashioned another chance for Gakpo first half and excellent after break. What a talent this young man is.'

Bobby Clark: Stats vs Southampton
Stat	#
Minutes played	90'
Assists	1
Touches	70
Accurate passes	42/46 (91%)
Key passes	3
Dribble attempts	1/3
Possession lost	12x
Tackles	2
Clearances	2
Source: Sofascore

Indeed, Clark played the full 90 and impressed with his crisp distribution – notably completing 91% of his passes – his energy, creativity and defensive application, really starting to cement himself as one of the Reds' standout up-and-comers.

One Liverpool analyst even saw exciting similarities to former star Adam Lallana in his gliding gait, ease when in progression and effectiveness when wheeling around and driving toward goal, with the ex-Southampton man hailed for his "brilliant" quality by Klopp in the past.

It's another win in the bag and more excitement for Liverpool as this remarkable set of players move steadily toward a grand slam finish.

Will they achieve it? Who knows. But Klopp has created something truly special and his legacy transcends silverware, the emergence of players such as Clark showing just how far Liverpool have come.

Tottenham are now keen on signing a £64 million star who Man City boss Pep Guardiola has lavished with praise, as the Lilywhites continue to prepare for what will be a very interesting summer transfer window.

Spurs drawing up summer shortlist

Technical director Johan Lange and the wider Spurs recruitment team are said to already be at work ahead of the summer, with club insider Paul O'Keefe recently claiming that Barcelona star Raphinha is among the options they're considering.

"Definitely" – Sky pundit thinks Spurs could strike "easy" move for star

The deal could be there to be done this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 28, 2024

In an effort to back manager Ange Postecoglou, reports suggest the north Londoners are after upgrades all over the pitch, including at centre-back, full-back, central midfield and further forward.

Indeed, Tottenham apparently want a star winger and continue to be heavily linked with Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, among other midfield options. Meanwhile, other media sources claim Postecoglou is interested in another back-up defender and potential alternatives in the full-back area.

Crystal Palace (home)

March 2nd

Aston Villa (away)

March 10th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Luton Town (home)

March 30th

It could be a busy summer at N17, but their budget may still be limited depending on whether they qualify for the Champions League at the end of this season.

Versatile players who can be deployed in multiple positions could be a key way to ensure Postecoglou is backed with depth, while also making sure they don't spend over the odds on a plethora of major signings.

One potential option who would certainly fit that mould is Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich. The 29-year-old, who has played as a centre-back, full-back, defensive midfielder and winger throughout a decorated career, is also out of contract next year and hasn't committed to an extension.

This gives Bayern just two windows to either agree on an extension or sell, and this is where Spurs come in.

Tottenham now want to sign Joshua Kimmich

According to HITC and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are now "keen" on signing Kimmich who himself fancies a move to the Premier League.

They will have to contend with the likes of Man City and Liverpool, who are also thought to be admirers, but links to such a prestigious player are perhaps a sign of the wonderful times at Spurs right now.

Rumoured to command a £64 million price tag this year, Kimmich has been branded a player with "absolutely everything" by Guardiola.

Kimmich would bring a winner's mentality, having clinched eight Bundesliga titles, a Champions League winner's medal and numerous other trophies during his time in Bavaria.

CSA also name a mix of experienced and upcoming players for spin camp in India

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2019Rassie van der Dussen has earned a Cricket South Africa contract for the 2019-20 season, having met the criteria to qualify during South Africa’s World Cup 2019 campaign.In an otherwise lacklustre campaign, van der Dussen was among South Africa’s bright spots, scoring 311 runs at an average of 62.20 and a strike rate of 90.40. He will become the 17th player on a national contract, taking the spot left vacant following Duanne Olivier’s decision to take the Kolpak route.In the women’s team, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta is one point away from qualifying for a full 12-month contract. She could earn that point if she is selected for the women’s upcoming tour of India in September and plays in at least one match.”Rassie’s promotion is thoroughly justified on the back of a brilliant debut season at international level and has also served as an inspiration to all aspiring cricketers at domestic level of what can be achieved by showing top-class form on a consistent basis,” CSA chief Thabang Moroe said.Spin camp in India
South Africa will also be sending several players, including those who have played for the national team and those who are viewed as potential candidates, to a spin camp that will take place in Bengaluru from August 17 to 23. Both South Africa A and the national team will be touring India in the final quarter of the year. But Moroe indicated that the move to familiarise themselves with subcontinent conditions was also keeping in mind the long term, with the 2023 World Cup scheduled in India.The group of players includes Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Dane Piedt, who will be accompanied by a number of coaches and technical staff. Former national coach and current South Africa A coach Russell Domingo will head the support staff, and he’ll have former players Ashwell Prince and Paul Adams as batting and spin consultants with him.”We have identified Aiden Markram, Zubayr Hamza and Temba Bavuma as key Proteas batsmen to benefit from this project and we have also included some of our potential stars of the future such as Janneman Malan and Sinethemba Qeshile, who have already both played for the Proteas, as well as Matthew Breetzke,” Moroe said.”The batting group is completed by two of our most consistent runs scorers in franchise cricket in Pieter Malan and Edward Moore. The bowling group is headed by the experience of Dane Piedt and includes highly promising talents, among them being Bjorn Fortuin, Tsepo Ndwandwa and Senuran Muthusamy.”It is a fact that most international cricket is played on the subcontinent these days and we have to look ahead not only to the tours on the immediate horizon but the next edition of the World Cup in India in 2023.”Batsmen for spin camp: Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan, Zubayr Hamza, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile, Edward Moore, Temba Bavuma, Pieter Malan.Bowlers for spin camp: Dane Piedt, Bjorn Fortuin, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Senuran Muthusamy, Thomas Kaber, Dyllan Mathews, George Linde.Support staff for spin camp: Russell Domingo (South Africa A coach), Ashwell Prince (batting consultant), Paul Adams (spin consultant), Sidwe Hadebe (physio), Vincent Barnes (high performance manager).

While their quest for the Premier League title continues, Arsenal are already looking to the summer and could be in line to get their hands on an elite talent at an absolute steal.

Arsenal's search for a striker

Despite their recent success on the pitch, it has been a long-running trope that Arsenal cannot find consistency up front. Since the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, it has been a rotating cast of strikers who have led the line for the Gunners, often with very little to show for it.

This season has seen Mikel Arteta experiment with his number nine, giving the responsibility to a range of players in the hope that one will excel. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have taken turns up top, whilst more abstract approaches have seen Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have a go. This near constant rotation of strikers means that Arsenal are once again relying on their wingers and midfielders to provide goals.

Arsenal Top Scorers 2023/24

Goals

Bukayo Saka

12

Leandro Trossard

7

Martin Ødegaard

5

Gabriel Martinelli

5

Kai Havertz

5

Eddie Nketiah

5

Related Arsenal gem who lost possession 16x was better than Saka vs Burnley

Arsenal secured a crucial three points against Burnley and two players stood out

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Feb 17, 2024

This summer could see this quest for a number nine come to an end with Arsenal leading the race to sign one of Europe's hottest prospects.

Gunners leading Zirkzee chase

After an up and down start to his professional career, Joshua Zirkzee finally looks set to meet the expectations set when he joined Bayern Munich as a teenager back in 2017. Struggling for minutes at the German giants, the Dutchman still managed to grab headlines from the bench, leading to scout and analyst, Jacek Kulig, hailing the striker as prolific back in June 2020.

Now 22, the Dutchman is plying his trade at Serie A outfit, Bologna, and has exploded into life in Italy, scoring ten goals in all competitions this season, including a winner at Lazio on Sunday. This goalscoring prowess has put Zirkzee on the radar of some of Europe's top clubs and, according to Sport Witness, reports out of Italy suggest that it is Arsenal who are leading the race to secure his services. The Italian outlet reported that the striker is valued at £38.5million, and is likley to be on the move this summer.

His exploits in northern Italy have seen Zirkzee earn admirers from across the game. Owing to Bolgona's modest asking price, there is no wonder top clubs are circling for the youngster's signature, with journalist Zack Lowy suggesting that whichever team ends up with the striker will be getting "one hell of a bargain".

One potential stumbling block for Arsenal is that Zirkzee's former club, Bayern, have a buyback clause for the striker, meaning they can pick up their former player for less than what other teams would have to pay. Despite this, the Bavarian side may be more inclined to let Zirkzee move elsewhere, with the club entitled to 50% of any future fees for the Dutchman.

In Zirkzee, Arsenal are buying a high-ceiling striker that can make an instant impact. With elite strikers now costing almost double the Dutchman's fee, the Gunners would be foolish to decline the services of the 22-year-old.

Manchester United have released their retained list for the upcoming transfer window and have announced the release of six players.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man Utd release seven playersIn talks with Evans, Heaton, Forson and ShoretireCould see more departures and arrivals this summerWHAT HAPPENED?

United have announced that they have parted ways with first-team players Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams, alongside reserve players Charlie McNeill, Marcus Lawrence and Kie Plumley heading into the summer.

They also announced that they are holding extension talks with veterans Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton with their current contracts set to expire this month. The same is the case with youngster Shola Shoretire, who spent the season on loan with Bolton Wanderers.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the club, they have already offered a new contract to 19-year-old centre-back Omari Forson, who broke into the first team this season for Erik ten Hag's side after the club went through a bucketload of injuries in defence. Forson impressed fans and pundits alike for his ball-playing ability paired with his physical prowess which could make him an important asset for the Red Devils in the upcoming season if he agrees to the new contract.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 20-time Premier League winners have also released 37-year-old midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who operated as a player-coach over the last two years for their under-21s team. Huddlestone was registered as a senior team player over the last two years but played with the youth squad in Premier League 2. This season, he only appeared eight times for the side as a player.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Heading into the summer, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has plans to overhaul the squad and make new signings, and as such, the club will likely have more departure before the start of pre-season.