All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in this afternoon’s North London derby, and it promises to be a mouth-watering tie.

Both teams are separated by just a point in the Premier League table, with Arsenal occupying the top spot and Spurs in third.

With Arteta’s men in excellent form so far this season, losing just one match in all competitions, the question is, who will start against Spurs?

One player who Arteta should really be thinking about unleashing is a teenage gem who has significantly impressed since joining the club in the summer…

On the Chalkboard

Marquinhos made the move to England from Brazilian side Sao Paulo and the 19-year-old looks like he is ready to make a big impression this season.

Marquinhos has plenty of pace to burn and before he made his Premier League debut for the club, he had been – in the words of Planet Football –  “tearing it up” in the Premier League 2, scoring three times while also registering an assist.

These performances were enough for Arteta to give the right winger an opportunity to shine in European competition. The Spaniard wasn’t to be disappointed, with the Brazilian achieving a SofaScore rating of 8.9, the highest on the pitch by a mile.

In just 69 minutes on the pitch, he scored, provided an assist, had 52 touches, and made four key passes as Arsenal won 2-1.

It was a remarkable senior Arsenal debut for the player and he clearly has plenty of promise to go far in the game.

Marquinhos might only have one minute of league action behind him, but with Bukayo Saka having featured for England in their two recent Nations League matches against Italy and Germany, he may not be as fresh as Arteta would like heading into such an important match.

Whatever happens, the 40-year-old has an extremely prodigious talent waiting in the wings and he should be willing to unleash him, regardless of the opposition. Having conceded nine goals this season so far Spurs are vulnerable, and Marquinhos could prove to be Arsenal’s secret weapon in their quest for another three points.

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Cody Gakpo to Elland Road.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Dutch publication Voetbal International (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following the Whites’ failed attempts to convince the PSV Eindhoven forward of a switch to LS11 in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, Victor Orta could be handed a second opportunity to land the 23-year-old in either January’s or next summer’s market.

The report goes on to state that this is down to the fact that, due to the Eredivisie side’s current financial situation, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side will be forced to sell either Gakpo or Ibrahim Sangare before July 1 of next year in order to help balance their books.

Their answer to Haaland?

Considering that Fabrizio Romano reported that Leeds are “determined to try again in January” for Gakpo shortly after missing out on the winger’s signing this summer, coupled with just how impressive the 23-year-old has been in the Netherlands so far this season, Orta simply must do all he can to take advantage of PSV’s financial situation in order to finally land the attacker.

Indeed, over his eight Eredivisie appearances in 2022/23, the £31.5m-rated talent has been in extraordinary form, having already scored eight goals, registered six assists and created eight big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 4.1 shots – 56% of which have hit the target – making 4.3 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £7.4k-per-week forward average a simply breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 8.70, not only ranking him as Van Nistelrooy’s best performer in the league but also by far and away as the best player in the Dutch top flight as a whole so far this season.

For comparison, they seem to mirror that of Erling Haaland – the Premier League’s top scorer – who is having a similarly eye-brow-raising campaign.

Throughout his eight league fixtures in 2022/23, the £135m-rated striker has scored 14 goals, registered three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 4.1 shots – 61% of which have hit the target – making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the Norway international average a quite ridiculous SofaScore match rating of 8.20, ranking him as the best player in both the Manchester City squad and the Premier League as a whole – but still falling short of Gakpo.

As such, with it being evident just how talented a forward the €45m (£39m) player who Josh Bunting dubbed both “electric” and “absolutely outstanding” truly is, Orta simply must do everything in his power to convince Gakpo of a move to Elland Road either this winter or next summer – as the Netherlands international could well prove to become Leeds’ own Haaland – a goalscoring monster capable of producing exhilarating displays in English football.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are yet to appoint a new permanent successor to Bruno Lage, although in the meantime interim boss Steve Davis has impressively held the fort alongside James Collins, notably guiding the Midlands side to a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

That triumph saw 20-year-old starlet Joe Hodge handed his second senior appearance as a late substitute at Molineux, with the former Manchester City youth product having previously sparkled on debut a week earlier in the defeat to Chelsea.

The diminutive ace was subsequently lauded for that “tenacious, brave and technical” display at Stamford Bridge, as per journalist Liam Keen, having more than taken his chance against such elite opposition.

The Republic of Ireland youth international is part of an emerging crop of young talent that is currently enjoying a taste of life in the first team, with Chem Campbell and Hugo Bueno also having been involved so far this term.

As such, any new appointment will be welcomed by a hugely exciting pool of youngsters just waiting to be properly unleashed on the Premier League stage, with the answer to the club’s early season woes potentially lying in the academy set-up.

One figure who is still waiting for his chance in the senior ranks is 18-year-old, Tyler Roberts, with the explosive winger having caught the eye with his dynamic displays at youth level in recent years.

The promising teen has recently been promoted to the club’s U21 side after scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in just 37 games for the U18s, having signed his first professional contract with the club back in November.

The Jamaica youth international had notably been praised by the aforementioned Davis for his display during last season’s FA Youth Cup defeat to Manchester United, noting his ability to “have an impact” on games after moving into a right-wing berth.

Such quality has been particularly evident during this season’s EFL Trophy, with the ‘rapid’ forward – as described by the Express & Star’s Keen – scoring in the 2-1 victory over Stockport County last month, having looked a ‘cut above’ on the night.

The Walsall-born menace was also a key figure in the win over Shrewsbury Town in the same competition back in August, producing a tireless and energetic display down the right flank in the second half, attempting seven dribbles and winning three fouls with the home side unable to live with his sheer speed and directness.

Such attributes could well be attractive for whichever new figure does eventually replace Lage in the hot seat, with Roberts certainly one asset who the club can strike gold on if they hand him a first-team berth moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur head into Wednesday evening’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United in a fine run of form, with Antonio Conte’s side having won their last three fixtures in all competitions – including a highly impressive 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last week.

And, while it was ultimately the goals of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane that saw Spurs take all three points against the Bundesliga side, it was arguably the performance of left wing-back Ryan Sessegnon that most impressed on the night, with the 22-year-old turning in an extremely mature display on the flank.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £13m-rated talent was exceptional in a defensive capacity, making a total of seven tackles – four more than any other player to feature in the match – two interceptions and one clearance, as well as winning a colossal 11 of his 15 duels – a success rate of 73%.

The England U21 international also impressed going forwards, making two key passes, attempting four long balls – two of which found their man – and two crosses, in addition to taking one shot at the Eintracht goal, completing one dribble and winning three fouls for his side.

These returns saw the £58k-per-week youngster earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.3, ranking the defender as Conte’s third-best performer on the night – behind only goalscorers Son and Kane.

And, while the player who Ben Haines claimed is in “brilliant form” and Seb Jenkins dubbed his “surprise of the season” did not feature in the 2-0 win over Everton last weekend, with Antonio Conte hinting that he may deploy Ivan Perisic in his front three at Old Trafford, the youngster could well be in line for a return to the starting XI at left wing-back this evening.

Indeed, with Conte having trusted the 22-year-old in a number of big games previously, such as fixtures against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, it would very much look as if the 53-year-old has total faith in Sessegnon to do a job in the toughest of matches – with the defender having more than proven this term that he deserves another big test against United this evening.

Manchester United target Neymar is seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with prospective new owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani open to a deal.

What's the transfer gossip on Neymar to Manchester United?

Foot Mercato shared an update on United's interest in signing Neymar this summer in the last 48 hours, saying the Red Devils have the advantage when it comes to the attacker. The Brazilian appears to be on his way out of PSG with the Ligue 1 outfit open to getting his incredible €3.6m-a-month (£3m-a-month) salary off the books.

Most recently, the PSG hierarchy has been irritated by Neymar after he missed the final game of the season due to injury before appearing in Monaco to watch the Grand Prix. The Brazilian's trip was seen as a "provocation" and "seals his fate a little more."

Foot Mercato note that PSG tried to sell Neymar last summer and are looking to sell him again this year, with Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea named with an interest.

United, as mentioned, are said to hold the advantage, with the player, who has contacts with the Qatar brand, seduced over a move to Old Trafford and can only see himself playing in Manchester or staying with PSG.

The 31-year-old reportedly wants to continue playing in Europe for the time being after an offer of around €400m (£343m) from a Saudi Pro League side was rejected by the forward.

Is a Man Utd move to sign Neymar wise?

Labelled as "one of the best players on the planet" in the media, Neymar has already won plenty in the club game, nine major honours with PSG in fact, and a move to Manchester United could be an opportunity to grow his personal brand even more.

The Premier League appears to be a popular attraction for the top stars, although it's unclear whether or not Neymar's body is strong enough to cope with the demands of England's top flight. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian missed 15 games after undergoing ankle surgery on a nasty injury sustained against Lille in February.

Potential new owner Jassim is said to be keen on signing Neymar should he complete a takeover at Man United. If he was able to remain fit, Neymar is the type of player that could restore Erik ten Hag's side back to the top with 293 goals and 188 assists in his club career, and by the looks of it, a move may well be one to keep an eye on.

Arsenal are looking into the idea of sealing the signing of Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie in January, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed.

The Lowdown: McKennie allowed to leave Juve

The 24-year-old has been an effective squad player for Juve since arriving from Schalke, but he has also rarely felt like a genuinely key figure, with the midfielder yet to record more than 18 league starts in a season, with injuries not helping his cause.

For that reason, the Serie A giants could look to sell the USA international in the January transfer window, affording him a fresh challenge elsewhere.

There certainly appears to be plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, following a new update.

The Latest: Arsenal keen on move

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs confirmed that Arsenal are one of those in the mix to sign McKennie, even if a genuine bid hasn’t yet been tabled:

“Several Premier League clubs have scouted McKennie, including Newcastle, Leeds, Everton and Arsenal. But none have advanced interest yet. He’s a player who could well move to England in January but right now there is nothing advanced from any potential Premier League suitors.”

The Verdict: Great for squad depth

McKennie is an impressive footballer whose peak years should still be ahead of him, so he could be someone who provides Mikel Arteta with quality and squad depth.

He was once described as ‘extraordinary’ by former Schalke coach Domenico Tedesco, such was his influence at the Bundesliga club – and 89 appearances for Juve is no mean feat.

McKennie’s versatility would further aid Arsenal, too, with his ability to play in defence or various midfield roles providing Arteta with even more options all over the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur ended a run of three games without a win in all competitions as they beat newly-promoted Bournemouth 3-2 in the Premier League at the weekend.

Spurs had lost their last two matches in the top-flight, against Manchester United and Newcastle United, and were held to a draw by Sporting CP in the Champions League in midweek.

Antonio Conte has had some frustrating injuries to deal with in recent weeks as he has been left without Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane have been the only frontline attacking options available to the head coach and the lack of quality depth in those areas could force the manager into the market in the January transfer window.

One player who could arrive to solve that issue is Inter centre-forward Lautaro Martinez, someone who represents a dream alternative to Son in attack.

It was recently reported that Tottenham are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the Argentine gem ahead of the upcoming window.

Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all also said to be keen on the attacker, although Diego Simeone’s side seemingly cannot match Inter’s demands.

The Italian giants are looking for a fee in the region of €90m (£77m), which is reportedly ‘within reach’ of all four of the Premier League teams in the race for his signature.

Martinez is a versatile attacker who can play as a lone number nine, a second striker, and on either flank, and this means that he can fulfil a similar role to Son, who is also capable of playing in all of those positions.

The Inter forward, who Lionel Messi once dubbed “spectacular”, has produced six goals and two assists in 12 Serie A matches so far this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.24. This comes after he scored 21 times and provided three assists in 28 starts for the Italian giants.

Son, meanwhile, has scored three goals and assisted two in 13 Premier League games this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.23. Last term, the winger plundered 23 goals and seven assists in 35 matches for the club as he won the Golden Boot in the top flight.

Martinez, who has scored 108 club career goals, could, therefore, be a dream alternative to the current Spurs man. Roberto Rojas once described him as a goal “machine” and the statistics suggest that description would be accurate for both of them.

The Argentina international is a versatile goalscorer and someone who could come in to either compete with Son for a place or play when the former Bundesliga star is unavailable.

It’s no secret that Arsenal technical director Edu is keen on enticing Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to the club, with a report from The Sun last month claiming that the Gunners are among a number of Premier League clubs – which includes Everton, Newcastle United and Brentford – in signing the player.

Ligue 1 side Nice were willing to pay £25m for the winger, although Shakhtar Donetsk are looking for double that figure. His Champions League performances this season have been impressive, as he has scored three times and registered two assists on the elite European stage, suggesting he could shine for a bigger club than Shakhtar.

The price tag may put Edu off, though, and Mikel Arteta could land a potential alternative in Villarreal winger Alex Baena, who was linked with the club in September.

The 21-year-old has a release clause of £31m, which makes him a much more affordable candidate than Mudryk.

Baena has also significantly impressed for the Spanish club this season, scoring eight goals in all competitions while chipping in with a further four assists.

It’s his displays on the continent which have allowed the winger to really showcase his talent, and this has perked up the interest of potential suitors.

In just five Europa Conference League matches, he averaged a sensational SofaScore rating of 7.8/10 and registered five goal contributions (four goals and one assist) for Villarreal.

By making two key passes per match and creating two more big chances, Baena has a creative spark which allows him to provide opportunities for others, and he has shown wonderful maturity in his performances at just 21 years of age.

The Spaniard is currently the highest-rated player in the Europa Conference League this season, and this could well be a sign of things to come from him in the future.

If Arsenal are priced out of a move for Mudryk in the near future, then Baena is the ideal alternative, and he could excel in the Premier League.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been reacting to Leeds United’s reported interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro.

The Lowdown: Leeds preparing Guerreiro contract offer

Labelled an “amazing player” by Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic, the defender has been selected by Portugal for their World Cup squad later this month.

Recent reports have suggested that Leeds are preparing a contract offer to lure the left-back to Elland Road, with the 28-year-old set to enter the final six months of his deal at Signal Iduna Park.

Guerreiro has been with the Bundesliga giants since 2016 and has made 205 appearances for the club, contributing to 76 goals.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Leeds and Guerreiro, O’Rourke said that it would be a ‘real coup’ if the Whites manage to secure the defender’s services, believing that he would be a ‘huge upgrade’ at left-back.

The journalist said: “I think he would be a huge upgrade for Leeds at left-back, which has been a real problem position for them for the last couple of seasons.

“If they’re able to lure Raphael Guerreiro to Elland Road, I think it’d be a real coup for the club.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-copy/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Spot-on

Pascal Struijk has been the man to fill in at left-back in Junior Firpo’s absence and has been the club’s best-performing player this season, as per WhoScored.

However, the Dutch defender is primarily a centre-back, so bringing in a natural left-back like Guerreiro would allow Struijk to return to the heart of the back four.

Guerreiro is used to playing Champions League football and appears to possess plenty of attacking quality along with his defensive abilities, so as O’Rourke mentions, the thought of a move to Elland Road could be an exciting one for the Leeds faithful.

Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Graeme Bailey, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with TEAMtalk that Jesse Marsch is planning something of an overhaul of his first team squad this winter, with a number of players in line for a departure.

One of these players is said to be Ayling, the 31-year-old right-back who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, with the journalist going on to suggest that there is interest in a January move for the defender.

Regarding the future of the full-back, Bailey said: “Leeds can expect changes next summer for sure and it will mean another overhaul of their squad. It is clear that Jesse Marsch still doesn’t have all the tools at his disposal.”

“Luke Ayling, like [Adam] Forshaw, is out of contract next summer, and I am told there is interest in him. However, it is a doubt that Leeds’ squad is deep enough for them to let him go.”

Bin Ayling, unleash Drameh

While Bailey suggests that Leeds believe they may not have enough depth at right-back in order to sanction the sale of Ayling in January, considering the fact that Cody Drameh is still currently playing the majority of his football with the U21s, it would appear a wise move for Marsch to finally unleash the 20-year-old in place of the 31-year-old upon the turn of the year.

Indeed, considering just how impressive the £2.2m-rated talent was during a loan spell at Cardiff City last season, in addition to turning in a number of eye-catching displays for Michael Skubala’s youth side in the current campaign, the England U21 international would look to be a natural successor to the former Arsenal right-back.

Indeed, over his 22 Championship appearances for the Bluebirds in 2021/22, Drameh helped his side keep six clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 3.8 tackles – the most of any player in the league – one interception, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

The £4.4k-per-week youngster also chipped in going forwards, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.6 key passes, playing 1.4 long balls and completing 1.1 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics saw the 20-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Cardiff’s fourth-best player in the second tier.

The former Fulham starlet has also impressed over his 7.03 over his three outings in the Papa John’s Trophy.

As such, considering the potential Drameh clearly possesses, the player whose development is being “held up by Ayling’s ongoing involvement” – in the words of James Marshment – would indeed appear a natural heir to the £35k-per-week right-back – leading us to believe that Marsch can afford to bin the 31-year-old passenger by unleashing the 20-year-old “threat” in the first-team.