Arsenal Linked With £3.5k-p/w Summer Transfer Target

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Arsenal has scouts keeping an eye on young centre-back Nathan Wood.

What's the latest on Nathan Wood and Arsenal?

The Gunners are certainly having a fine season as they push for the Premier League title, and this success will no doubt mean they will be linked with some huge names in the summer transfer market.

For instance, West Ham United and England star Declan Rice has been tipped to make a move in a deal which could cost in the region of £100m.

Despite all that, it seems Arsenal are still trying to line up some potentially lower-profile moves, too. This is proven by their recent links to Swansea City defender Wood.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained his full understanding of the north London club's interest.

He said: "I'm told that Arsenal and Tottenham have sent their scouts to follow the player, to keep an eye on him, because he's a very talented one.

"At the moment, Swansea are still fighting to extend his contract and trying to keep him at least for one more season. So the situation is open, nothing is advanced.

"But remember this name, because Wood did very well on his Under-21 debut with England, and so, one to watch for the future."

Who is Arsenal transfer target Nathan Wood?

Despite his young age, Wood has already established himself as an internal part of the Swansea City lineup this season, playing 35 Championship games so far, keeping three clean sheets from the last four league outings going into this weekend's round of fixtures.

This is all the more impressive seeing as he only joined the Welsh club last summer, moving from Middlesbrough. At the time of the deal, journalist Craig Johns of TeessideLive (via WalesOnline) described the youngster as "a really talented and promising young centre-back with excellent pedigree and exciting potential.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

"Although he hasn't quite managed to make that full step-up to regular first-teamer at Boro, he's been on the periphery of that since his debut aged just 16."

He also noted: "He's good on the ball and an intelligent player already."

That certainly sounds like the sort of centre-back Mikel Arteta could be keen on bringing to the Emirates. What's more, the 20-year-old could come in on the cheap as his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, while he only makes about £3.5k per week – though Romano does explain that his current side are working hard to extend his stay, so it is by no means a done deal, particularly with Spurs sniffing around as well.

Liverpool Prepare Contract To Sign "Mad Player"

Liverpool officials have approved a contract for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount ahead of a potential summer transfer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest news on Liverpool and Mount?

The Reds look set for a busy transfer window ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, with Jurgen Klopp on the hunt for midfield reinforcements.

Klopp is set to play a big role in the club’s transfer decisions, with midfielders a priority at Anfield, according to Fabrizio Romano. One midfielder who has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside is Mount, with Liverpool reportedly leading the race to secure the England international’s services.

The 24-year-old will be entering the final 12 months of his Chelsea contract in the summer, and it looks as if Liverpool, and by extension owners FSG, have green-lighted a deal.

Football Insider shared a development when it comes to Liverpool and Mount in the last 48 hours. They stated that the club have prepared and approved a contract for the player, with Klopp keen on the deal.

The report adds how the Reds are leading the way for the midfielder ahead of some Premier League rivals, with his homegrown status something that has attracted Liverpool.

Would Mount be an upgrade in midfield for Liverpool?

Mount has continued to feature heavily in what has been a frustrating season for Chelsea, making 35 appearances in all competitions, contributing to nine goals.

Dubbed a "mad player" by Rio Ferdinand, Mount would provide Klopp with plenty of versatility in midfield as he can turn out in attacking, central or left midfield roles, positions in which he has featured in over recent months.

He has been Chelsea’s 10th-best performer this season, as per WhoScored, but he has still outperformed Liverpool midfielders Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic, Cutis Jones, James Milner, Fabio Carvalho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.

Thiago is the only midfielder who has statically been better than Mount during the current campaign, so he could be an upgrade on some midfielders who look likely to depart the club over the coming months. Members of the media also feel that Mount could be turned into an “absolute superstar” at Anfield under Klopp, and it looks as if a transfer is gathering pace.

Valued at €65m by Transfermarkt, Liverpool will now be looking to agree on a fee with Chelsea for Mount’s services, one which could be relatively cut-price given his current contract situation.

Newcastle’s £120k-p/w Star Was A ‘Class Act’ v Everton

Newcastle United chalked up their 17th victory of the season in their Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park and Eddie Howe will surely be thrilled with the performance of his team.

The Magpies retain their spot in third following the positive result on Merseyside and have even further cemented their claim to a Champions League qualifying spot, now eight points clear inside of the top four.

Despite being away from home, the travelling Geordies dominated every area of the pitch with 60% possession, more shots on goal (15 v 13), more big chances created (3 v 0) and more accurate passes (332 v 195), proving that the team has come a long way since their last outing on the blue side of Merseyside.

In the first half, the hosts dealt with Newcastle's smothering press comfortably in the opening minutes but were ultimately punished by Callum Wilson just before the half-hour point, with the England striker delivering the opening goal to give his team the lead.

Going into the final 45 minutes, a manageable scoreline for Everton to attack turned into pure disaster with Newcastle running riot against the shaky defence.

Joelinton doubled the lead in the 72nd minute, which was followed up by another from Wilson, and it was substitute Jacob Murphy who delivered the fourth and final blow to an emptying Goodison Park to complete a 4-1 attacking masterclass.

Whilst Wilson will steal the headlines for his brilliant brace, it was Bruno Guimaraes who orchestrated the dominance in the centre of the pitch to give Newcastle full control over the Toffees.

How did Bruno Guimaraes get on vs Everton?

The Brazilian sensation has been a breath of fresh air in the team since making the move to Tyneside in January 2022 and has easily been one of the catalysts in the rapid progress achieved at Newcastle over the last 18 months.

Premier League, Newcastle United, Newcastle United news, Newcastle United team news, Newcastle United performance, NUFC news, NUFC latest news, NUFC update, NUFC team news, NUFC analysis, NUFC performance, Eddie Howe, Bruno Guimaraes

Against Everton, Guimaraes proved again exactly why he has quickly become a fan favourite and cemented a starting spot in every game he has been available for.

Over his 90-minute performance, the £120k-per-week ace had 81 touches of the ball and completed two key passes – one of which assisted Wilson's second goal – as a marker of his immense composure in central areas.

His remarkably combative nature was showcased in the fact that the Brazilian won a whopping 11 duels.

Guimaraes' performance unsurprisingly sparked high praise, with Everton journalist Dan Ghorbal hailing the midfielder on Twitter:

"Bruno Guimaraes has been absolutely sensational for Newcastle yet again. A class act."

With that being said, there will surely be excitement brewing in the North East as the Magpies edge closer to securing their dreams of Champions League football next season and if the team can continue their form they should have no trouble doing so.

West Ham Could Look To Sell £67k-A-Week Ace

West Ham are reportedly ready to sell midfielder Tomas Soucek in the summer transfer window, with the Czech no longer seen as a key man.

Has Soucek had a good season?

The Hammers have had a tough season overall, battling relegation from the Premier League for too much of the campaign, before giving themselves some much-needed breathing space. A number of players have struggled to hit the level they were at in the past and Soucek is arguably one of those individuals.

The 28-year-old has made 33 appearances in the league in 2022/23 to date, starting 29 of those matches, but his all-round influence has been lacking, with only two goals and three assists coming his way. He hasn't managed to dominate the midfield like he did back in 2020/21, for example, when he netted an impressive 10 times in the division.

Soucek's current West Ham deal expires at the end of next season, at which point he will be able to leave the London Stadium on a free transfer. For that reason, it could be that the Hammers look to cash in on him this summer, in order to receive a fee for his services.

Tomas Soucek

Could Soucek be sold this summer?

According to Football Insider, West Ham are "willing to listen to offers" for Soucek in the coming months, having "suffered an underwhelming season with the Hammers". It is claimed that "talks between the player’s representatives and the club over a new contract have not progressed" recently, further suggesting that his time is up.

There is the option of triggering the clause to extend the midfielder's contract by another 12 months, which the club are "considering" doing, in order to "protect his value".

In truth, now feels like the right time for West Ham and the £67,000-a-week Soucek to part ways, with the 58-time capped Czech Republic international simply not the force he once was. Granted, he is still only 28, but giving him a new deal will take him into his 30s and there are few signs that suggest he will suddenly find a new lease of life.

Cashing in on him now will allow the Hammers to receive a healthy amount of money for his signature, with those funds then used to bring in a young midfielder who can perhaps be a less one-dimensional option. Soucek has been a strong servant overall – Declan Rice once called him "unbelievable" – but if West Ham can sign a player with more mobility and versatility, it could benefit them more in the long run.

Moyes Must Drop £65k-p/w Flop vs Man City

West Ham face Manchester City on Wednesday evening in a crucial clash for the top and bottom of the Premier League table.

The Hammers have lost their last two games and are dangerously flirting with the relegation zone, from which they are just four points clear.

Conversely, Pep Guardiola’s men are in scintillating form, having won 13 of their last 14 games in all competitions.

West Ham tackle the unenviable task of trying to steal points away from at home at a side relentlessly chasing the treble.

The assignment has been further complicated by the fact that the Irons arrive in Manchester having conceded six goals in their last two outings and having been wildly unpredictable for the whole year.

If David Moyes wants to stand the best chance of getting any points from the Etihad then he should consider dropping Pablo Fornals, who was anonymous against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Should West Ham drop Fornals vs Man City?

Many were clamouring for the fan favourite to be included after his outrageous scorpion goal against Bournemouth. Unfortunately, he was again restricted to the bench in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool but was awarded a start at Selhurst Park last Saturday.

However, the Spaniard failed to repay his manager’s faith and dropped an underwhelming performance in the 4-3 defeat to the Eagles.

During his time on the pitch, he didn’t register any key passes, shots, accurate crosses or successful dribbles in a miserable showing that meant he was sacrificed after 45 minutes.

Pablo-Fornals-scorpion-kick

It has been a frustrating campaign for the 27-year-old, who has only started 13 top-flight games and has made more appearances coming off the bench.

However, Moyes’ reluctance to include the midfielder more regularly is understandable – this is supported by the fact that the player dismally ranks in the bottom 9% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries per 90, as well as the lowest 6% for successful take-ons.

The Scotsman has often preferred the directness of Jarrod Bowen, or the immense trickery of the skilful pair of Said Benrahma and Lucas Paqueta, instead of the £65k-per-week star.

Although the former Villarreal man’s application and work rate cannot be discounted, the Irons will need more than that if they are to provide a goal threat whilst stifling the in-form team in Europe.

Nevertheless, there is still plenty more opportunity for Fornals this season as his side still remains in the Europa Conference league and take on AZ Alkmaar in the semi-final next week.

Man United Takeover Talk Progress As Glazers Select Best Offer

Manchester United fans' hopes of a takeover have been handed a fresh boost today with The Express reporting that the Glazers will prefer a full Qatari takeover of the club.

What is the latest news on a potential Man United takeover?

The Red Devils' supporters have long grown disgruntled over the way in which the Glazers are running the side, with fans now staging more and more protests against the owners in a bid to get them out. One of their most recent efforts was ahead of United's Premier League game against Aston Villa, with fan group The 1958 also sharing a photo stating that there will be "mutiny" until the Red Devils are sold.

A takeover does seem likely for Erik Ten Hag's side now though, with several consortiums all aiming to take the power at Old Trafford. The Glazers recently allowed for a third round of bidding from potentially interested parties and it has seemingly been narrowed down to two main buyers – the Qatari option via Sheikh Jassim Bin Al Thani and billonaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Man Utd protest banner

Now, a fresh report has emerged from The Express is stating the Glazers intentions and which offer they are likely to prefer. It reveals that the current United owners may actually prefer the bid from Qatar according to sports finance expert Dr Dan Plumley, due to the fact they would be getting a full lump sum rather than a partial deal with Ratcliffe.

"I think the decisive factor is always simply money when it comes down to it. If not the best offer on the table, it'll be the one that is slightly preferred based on the finances behind it," he says.

"If that is the price (£5/6bn) that the Glazers are wanting or at least are willing to sell at for a full takeover, let's say, my gut feeling on it, and you know you're always speculating slightly, but I just think the Qatar bid is probably slightly preferred at the minute because it's a full takeover."

A boost for Man United supporters?

Fans of the Red Devils have been campaigning for the exit of the Glazers since they first took the helm at Old Trafford. There has been resistance to the Americans taking over at United right from the beginning, with some in 2005 insisting that it would be wrong to give the club to the Glazers.

It reached a whole new level in 2021, when the Glazers were revealed as one of the voices in favour of a Super League in football. Those angry with the ownership already hit new levels and it led to further protests throughout the year.

It will be a relief then for many to hear that their time in charge at Man United could soon be over, with one of these other parties set to take the reins at Old Trafford.

Villa could sign their own Salah in "world class" ace

Aston Villa have been linked with a host of players ahead of the summer transfer window, as Unai Emery’s first season nears a close.

The Villans have seen a complete change since the Spaniard took charge in October, going from an underperforming side to one with European football still in their grasp with two games to go.

Since arriving at Villa Park, the 51-year-old has transformed a number of areas of the club, most importantly getting his team firing and being a luring figure ahead of the transfer window this summer.

The four-time Europa League winner’s influence is already evident, with a number of players from both his former club and La Liga speculated to join his project in the Midlands.

What’s the latest on Marco Asensio to Villa?

Earlier this month, it was reported by The Athletic that Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio was a target for Emery to bring to Villa Park on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old is out of contract in Madrid this summer, sparking rumours of his potential exit on a free transfer.

It has since been reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano that the Spaniard’s priority is to extend with Los Blancos, with interest remaining from clubs in both England and Italy.

What can Marco Asensio bring to Villa?

Signing for Real Madrid at the age of 19 signifies a hot prospect in Europe more than any other indicators, take Martin Odegaard who signed at the Bernabeu at just 16-years-old.

During his rise to fame, Asensio has made 283 appearances for Madrid and has an extensive honours list to his name, including three Champions League wins.

Sealing the deal for a player that’s won so much could be culture-changing at Villa, and a sign of changing tides as the club showcases its pull for talent.

Soccer Football – LaLiga – Real Valladolid v Real Madrid – Estadio Jose Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain – December 30, 2022 Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio shoots at goal REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

More importantly, on the field, the Palma de Mallorca-born star could be revolutionary for Emery’s plans.

Once raved as having the capacity to be “world-class” by previous national-team manager Vincente del Bosque, the 27-year-old has been one of Europe’s most threatening forwards over the past year, as highlighted by FBref.

The Spaniard has been short of minutes this campaign following the rise of Rodrygo, however, has made his time count, averaging 0.65 non-penalty goals per 90, the highest across Europe’s top five leagues in his position.

Likened to “unbelievable” Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, the Madrid forward is similar in his playing style to the Egyptian that has dominated the Premier League, as shown through his directness on the ball, averaging 4.85 shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, who also compare his statistical profile to that of the 30-year-old sensation.

Emery could therefore land his own version of Salah in the £118k-per-week dynamo, not just through his raw talent, but the manager’s track record in utilising and squeezing the best out of his wide players in the past – take Bukayo Saka as an example.

The potential move could change the entire outlook of Villa’s 2023/24 campaign, with an accomplished star seeing Villa Park as a suitable place to continue his game and influence the Premier League.

With the winger hoping to renew in Madrid and no official progression in talks surrounding a contract, only time will tell if the Spaniard will arrive in the Midlands this summer.

51 y/o Makes Chelsea Request To Frank Lampard

Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that Mauricio Pochettino has already asked Frank Lampard to give "everyone a runout" in the final three Chelsea games this season.

What's the latest on Lampard and Pochettino?

With just three Premier League games left to play for the Blues, they have finally managed to sort out a new permanent manager to come in next season.

Indeed, Pochettino will be taking over in June and with nothing left to play for, there isn't really much on the line for current interim Lampard.

However, the Argentine will no doubt already be making plans behind the scenes as he looks to get the very best out of his player and it seems he's already made one request.

Indeed, as explained by Jones on the latest episode of Chasing Green Arrows, Pochettino has asked Lampard to rotate his squad so he has a better understanding of who exactly could be of use to him in the future.

He said: "Frank Lampard keeps changing his team, keeps changing his formation, and Pochettino now 'confirmed' as Chelsea manager and wants Lampard in these next two games to make sure he gives everyone a runout, so he can actually have a look at everyone.

"That's the other thing to take into account here, Chelsea are literally preparing now for the Pochettino era.

"Pochettino wants to see them, he's probably even told him he wants to see someone tried in a certain role just so he can watch it, to see how it scopes out – especially in a game like this against the best team in Europe."

How many players have Chelsea signed in the last two transfer windows?

Chelsea currently sit 12th in the league and need to win all three of their last games to be in with a chance of finishing tenth.

Worryingly, they play champions Manchester City away from home this weekend and with nothing really to play for, you can see why Pochettino is keen for Lampard to mix things up.

After all, Chelsea acquired 14 permanent senior players over the last two transfer windows, forcing former coach Graham Potter to work with up to 40 players in training sessions despite Premier League rules only allowing for a 25-man squad (via The Athletic).

Graham Potter.

No doubt, the club's future manager will be desperate to trim that down as soon as possible and he can get a big helping hand if Lampard heeds this request.

With all this in mind, we could be set for some unusual starting XIs over the next few weeks.

Tottenham: Spurs Hold Talks With "Perfect" Slot Alternative

Tottenham Hotspur "have held talks" with former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique alongside their very serious interest in Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

According to recent reports, Spurs' long hunt for Antonio Conte's successor could well be reaching the final stages, with some sources even claiming Slot could be appointed fairly soon (Football Insider).

The Dutchman is a firm favourite for the Tottenham hot seat as certain media outlets have him in pole position above other contenders, like Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi and Celtic's Ange Postecoglou.

However, while there is no confirmed appointment as yet, it may well be worth keeping an eye on alternative names who could also end up taking the Spurs job.

Chairman Daniel Levy's next managerial hire will be crucial in determining how successful the north Londoners are next season, with this campaign largely being one to forget for Lilywhites supporters.

Champions League football is off the table and Spurs have undergone yet another trophy-less campaign – 15 years after their last piece of silverware – a League Cup win over Chelsea in 2008.

Going back to their hunt for Conte's replacement, journalist Nizaar Kinsella has shared an update.

Writing for The Evening Standard, the reporter claims Slot's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, is set to meet with Feyenoord today to discuss the 44-year-old's future.

In the piece, however, Kinsella also relays information that Tottenham have "held talks" with Enrique over the role.

Spain's former boss Luis Enrique.

The 53-year-old is a free agent after leaving the Spain national team and could be readily-available for hire, so if Spurs don't make headway in their pursuit of Slot, he may well potentially come as an alternative option.

Tottenham, alongside the aforementioned Postecoglou and De Zerbi, are also admirers of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.

Who is Luis Enrique?

Perhaps coming as one of the most decorated free agent managers on the market, Enrique has won nine major trophies in his time as a manager – all coming at Barcelona.

This includes a Champions League-winners medal and two La Liga triumphs, with former Spurs boss Antonio Conte even once calling him a "fantastic" coach (via talkSPORT).

Another peer to regard Enrique very highly is Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who branded him the "perfect trainer from Barcelona" upon his Camp Nou exit in 2017 (Genting via football.london).

The former Celta Vigo boss, an attack-minded tactician, would come to Spurs with real pedigree and we believe they should follow up talks if a move for Slot falls through.

Liverpool Closing In On Summer Deal For £50k p/w Ace

Liverpool have 'high confidence' that they can conclude a deal to bring in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the forthcoming transfer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Alexis Mac Allister?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has recently dropped an update on the state of play surrounding Mac Allister's future, stating on Twitter: "Alexis Mac Allister, expected to bid his farewell to Brighton fans after final game after his fantastic experience at the club since 2020. He’s prepared to leave the club in June with Liverpool frontrunners — close to complete the deal, waiting on final details."

Football Insider claim that Brighton's impending capture of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud has increased the likelihood of the Argentina international moving to Anfield in the off-season.

The report states that the Seagulls are 'resigned' to losing their prize asset to Liverpool and plan to use the funds recouped from his sale to bolster their engine room.

One outlet in Argentina has signalled that a deal to take Mac Allister to Merseyside has already been ratified and will cost the Reds £61 million.

Mac Allister earns £50,000 on his current contract at Brighton, which runs until 2025 on the South Coast, according to Capology.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has revealed that there is a 'form of exit clause' in Mac Allister's present terms at Brighton, though they still have some details to thrash out to make the transfer official.

Jacobs told FFC: "Mac Allister also does have a clause in his current deal, which was signed just before the World Cup. It can be referred to as a form of exit clause, but it isn't a traditional release clause and it helps facilitate a move and allows Liverpool to do a lot of legwork on the player side, but they will still have to agree a fee with Brighton. This is one that Liverpool have got high confidence in, they have done for quite some time, but Brighton always do things on their terms and usually at their valuation as well. That club-to-club aspect would still need to be completed, but this is one that Liverpool feel has a high likelihood of coming off."

Would Alexis Mac Allister be a good signing for Liverpool?

Mac Allister, who was hailed as Brighton's "golden boy", has been a joy to watch in the Premier League this campaign and would enrich Liverpool's midfield if he is to complete a switch to Anfield this summer.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old has made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, registering 12 goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Alexis Mac Allister Brighton Argentina

The playmaker has also illustrated his inventiveness on the field for the Seagulls this term, racking up 1.4 key passes per match in the English top flight, according to WhoScored.

FBRef shows that the Argentine has been a prevalent chance provider this campaign, successfully performing 105 shot-creating actions in total.

With Liverpool seemingly in the market for midfield reinforcements in the upcoming window, Mac Allister would be a very intelligent signing by Jurgen Klopp as he looks ahead to 2023/24.

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