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As per 90min, West Ham United could now sign Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette with the player looking likely to leave ‘in the coming months’.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker chase…

Since the beginning of 2021, it has been one of manager David Moyes’ main transfer missions to bring a striker to West Ham but the club have faltered in their bids to do so.

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Indeed, the Scotsman confirmed January bids had been made to sign one and also revealed he was ‘desperate’ to bring one in during the summer window.

As a result, the Irons only have star striker Michail Antonio to choose from as an out-and-out centre forward option, but news has now emerged on another target.

The Latest: West Ham ‘potential destination’ for Lacazette…

According to 90min, West Ham are a ‘potential destination’ for Gunners forward Lacazette with the Frenchman looking likely to leave in the ‘coming months’.

While he is increasingly expected to leave as a free agent next summer, the report refuses to completely rule out his exit in January – where Arsenal would still be able to command a small fee for his services.

The 30-year-old has plenty of admirers from overseas but, in a boost for West Ham, he is also open to remaining in England’s capital as both the Hammers and Crystal Palace eye a move.

The Verdict: Good back up option?

Described as one of Arsenal’s ‘big’ and ‘senior’ players by Mikel Arteta, Lacazette scored 17 goals in all competitions last year under the Spaniard and West Ham could land him at a discounted price due to his contract situation – if the Gunners do indeed sell in January.

Valued at around £25.2 million by Transfermarkt, the odds are that GSB and co will have to pay significantly less considering Lacazette can agree pre-contracts with overseas clubs – meaning Arsenal will be eager to offload for whatever they can receive.

This puts West Ham in a strong negotiating position and his strikes last year indicate he would be a more than solid back up to Antonio.

In other news: ‘I’ve heard…’ – Insider drops ‘boardroom level’ claim in possible boost for Moyes and West Ham, find out more here.

Charlton have endured a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign and currently sit 19th in the League One table during the first international break of the season.

Nigel Adkins’ side have only accrued four points from their five league games, with one win, one draw and three defeats as it stands.

They opened the season with a 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday before losing three games on the bounce to Oxford, MK Dons and Wigan, conceding six goals and scoring just two. Their first win of the campaign came in a 2-0 success against Crewe Alexandra in the final league match of the month.

Despite Charlton’s struggles, there were a few shining lights to give fans, and Adkins, some hope heading into the rest of the season. Due to the unflattering results, one player whose performances may have gone under the radar is George Dobson.

The midfielder, who arrived from Sunderland in the summer, was one of only three Charlton players to average a SofaScore rating of 7.00 or higher last month, suggesting that he was one of the club’s best performers. He was an unsung hero in his four starts, as his individual performances were wasted by his team-mates letting him down and ultimately losing, bar the draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Defensively, Dobson worked his socks off for the team and was very active in the midfield. As per SofaScore, he won an eye-catching 17 tackles in four matches, whilst also making five interceptions and two clearances. He won 63% of his duels on the pitch, six per game and 24 overall in his four appearances.

This shows that he was effective at putting his foot in and winning the ball back for Charlton. He was also secure in possession in his own half, completing 95% of his passes inside his own half of the pitch and not making many silly mistakes to gift the ball back to the opposition.

Dobson had 175 touches of the ball in the four matches combined despite Charlton failing to win any of them, showing that he was actively involved in trying to turn the game around for the Addicks. Along with his impressive passing accuracy and defensive awareness, this shows that he was one of the club’s better performers during this poor run, which is why he was their unsung hero during August – not getting the credit he deserved due to the team’s poor results.

Read more: These figures sum up one of Dobson’s best performances so far this season

Manchester City travel to face Leicester City on Saturday as they return to Premier League action following the international break.

Whilst having a two-week break from action after back-to-back 5-0 wins was not the ideal situation for Pep Guardiola, it has given some of his players time to get themselves fit and firing to be ready for selection.

John Stones was a crucial member of the team at centre-back next to Ruben Dias last season, but is yet to make his first appearance in the Premier League this term. Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte have filled in alongside the Portuguese beast, but now could be the time for Guardiola to bring in the England international for his first start of the 2021/22 campaign.

The £100k-per-week enforcer started two of England’s three games over the international break, with his side conceding once in those two matches. This shows that he picked up some valuable minutes ahead of his return to Manchester, which could put him in good stead for a start having been left on the bench against Spurs and Arsenal and omitted from the matchday squad against Norwich (Transfermarkt).

Bringing Stones into the starting line-up could help to deal with the threat of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy. The Foxes forward has scored two goals in three games this season and ended the previous campaign with 15 league strikes.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Laporte averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.99 and won 66% of his duels in the Premier League. Stones averaged a score of 7.22 and won 70% of his duels in the top flight, suggesting that he is the superior option for Guardiola out of the two centre-backs as he proved over the course of an entire league season.

Therefore, the 27-year-old could be the man to come in and deal with Vardy, with the help of Dias, on Saturday. Vardy is renowned for his speed and Stones is no slouch. The former Everton defender’s return could be a huge boost if he is able to recapture his form from last season to make an impact against the Foxes, helping to keep Vardy quiet throughout the afternoon at the King Power Stadium.

This is why Guardiola must hand him a start and offer him the chance to show that he is capable of continuing his fine form from 2020/21 and carrying it over to the current campaign. Whilst it may be harsh on Laporte, the full-time result against Leicester will hopefully prove that it is the correct decision.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Steve Howey raves over Man City star in new role, labels him “devastating”…

Former Everton player Michael Ball believes that it all depends on what players the Toffees move on, as to whether they make a move for Tottenham’s Harry Winks. 

Just last month, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Winks was a possibility for Everton on his Twitch channel, and just a few days ago reported via the same channel that although there had been speculation linking him away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the player is happy in north London.

When asked about the speculation surrounding Winks and if he could come to Everton, Ball exclusively told Transfer Tavern: “Yeah, he’s sort of very experienced already, he’s obviously been at a good club, but it looks like his game time is going to be lessened at this moment in time and I think it’s all about what Everton do with players moving out. 

“Theres a lot of whispers and rumours right now with Andre Gomes, there’s even Allan, even James, Gbamin is coming back from injury so again we can’t really expect him to play 30/40 games next season, so we are going need players in those positions, especially if one or two players move on.”

Winks made 860 minutes of Premier League football across 2020/2021.

Winks featured as a half-time substitute in Spurs’ most recent pre-season fixture, a 2-2 draw against Chelsea.

Liverpool have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, who has been identified as a potential replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.

What’s the story?

The Reds have been linked with the highly-rated 23-year-old throughout the summer as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his engine room options.

According to RMC Sport, (as relayed by Get French Football News), multiple Lyon players could be set to leave the club as director of sport Juninho looks to resolve an attitude problem within the dressing room.

They state that: “Juninho, in concertation with manager Peter Bosz, is now looking to sanction other players in the team for a lack of respect, rudeness and arrogance”.

Brazilian duo Marcelo and Thiago Mendes are amongst those expected to depart the Ligue 1 giants, while Aouar is another star who could follow the South American pair out of the exit door.

The report claims that the French playmaker could leave at a “lower price than has previously been asked for by the club,” and that 18-year-old academy graduate Rayan Cherki and former Leicester City striker Islam Slimani are also being eyed for a potential departure.

Jurgen Klopp will be buzzing

Following Wijnaldum’s decision to join Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the window, the Reds have been linked with a host of potential successors for the Netherlands international.

And Aouar could be the ideal candidate to do just that. In 172 appearances for his boyhood club, the technically gifted midfielder has scored 32 goals, providing a further 31 assists for his teammates.

The £37.8m-rated beast first caught the eye of English clubs when he put in a standout display against Manchester City in the Champions League back in 2018, earning praise from Pep Guardiola.

“Houssem Aouar is a very good player. He is incredible,” said the Spanish tactician.

“We talk a lot about (Tanguy) Ndombele, but Aouar is also excellent. He’s always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.”

Known predominantly for his dribbling skills and creativity, the Frenchman would bring a unique set of skills to this Liverpool squad, adding something different to the current options at Klopp’s disposal.

If the enigmatic German coach can bring Aouar to Anfield, the youngster has the potential to propel the Merseyside outfit back to the summit of English football, and therefore, Klopp will surely be buzzing to learn of his reported availability.

And, in other news…Liverpool tipped to make a move for £117m-rated “phenomenon”, Klopp would love him 

Leon Bailey is said to be on the verge of leaving Bayer Leverkusen, with an official offer believed to have been submitted from Aston Villa [Sky Sports DE].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the Jamaican winger registered an outstanding 26 goal contributions in 40 fixtures; 15 goals and 11 assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he looks very likely to move to England following recent developments.

It is confirmed that the 23-year-old has an offer on the table from Aston Villa, whilst Bayer Leverkusen would be willing to part ways with the wide-man, whose contract expires in 2023 [Sky Sports DE].

However, the Bundesliga outfit would be looking to receive a considerable fee to initiate the sale of Bailey.

In light of this news, loads of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to react to recent developments.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet villareport, here is what some fans had to say about the latest on Bailey:

“I’m still not allowing myself to get too excited yet….but, please, God…let this happen!”

Credit: @C_Lioneye”Villa’s back”Credit: @MerseMagic”villareport has anyone ever told you how amazing you are”Credit: @AlexAstonVilla”i have tears in my eyes”Credit: @Josh1874_”villa report i love you”Credit: @tiwari0216″Awesome!”Credit:  @RossMatthewman7In other news, Aston Villa fans enjoy a throwback tweet by the club…

Journalist Jack Rosser believes that West Ham United need to upgrade on Craig Dawson in defence despite signing the centre-back on a permanent basis.

The defender became the Hammers’ first summer signing following his initial loan move from Watford.

The Hammers paid a total of £2m to bring the veteran into the club, per Transfermarkt, after he enjoyed an exceptional stay at the club last term.

Dawson made a total of 24 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals, helping the club to a sixth-placed finish as they achieved qualification for the group stages of the Europa League.

The Irons have still been linked with a number of central defenders this summer as David Moyes bids to improve his backline and Rosser is of the belief that they need to upgrade on the 31-year-old.

Indeed, the Hammers have been linked with potential moves for Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic.

He said: “Craig Dawson was a success last season but he’s not quite up to the standard they want to maintain the level they’re at so they are going to have to invest there.

“If they do that, it knocks Issa Diop down the pecking order, then they’d be silly not to look at any interest that comes in.”

This is an exciting time to be an Everton supporter even if you aren’t a keen admirer of the new manager, Rafa Benitez.

Once again, the Toffees are set to flex their financial muscles with big bids lined up for various players.

What’s the word?

Everton are battling a few Premier League teams for the signature of Ben White this summer while La Liga stars Philippe Coutinho and Isco are also on their radar.

It’s evident that the Merseyside outfit want to strengthen in a host of positions but one area they don’t necessarily need someone is up front.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted 21 goals last term but that hasn’t deterred Everton from eyeing a move for Haris Seferovic.

Their interest in the Swiss striker was revealed last week and according to a new report from O Jogo (via Sport Witness), they have now been in contact to sign him.

Everton are battling West Ham for his services and have collected references over Seferovic.

Benfica valued him at just €15m (£13m) before the European Championships but following some impressive performances, the Portuguese are now set to demand €25m (£21.4m) instead.

Perfect for Everton

As Calvert-Lewin demonstrated last term, playing with a target man in this Everton side works like a treat.

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He scored the highest number of goals by an Everton player since Romelu Lukaku in 2016/17, reigning supreme in the air by winning 4.7 aerial duels per game.

Seven of his 21 strikes came with his head as the England international proved he was capable of beating the vast majority of centre-backs in the air.

Seferovic could bring a similar sort of threat to Goodison Park if he arrives. He won 2.1 aerial duels per game for Benfica last term on his way to scoring a breathtaking 26 times.

That took his overall tally for Benfica to 69 strikes and he has since impressed immensely for Switzerland at Euro 2020.

A huge threat in aerial situations, the forward scored twice with his head during their remarkable victory over World Champions, France, in the last 16.

Describing one of the strikes, commentator Ally McCoist said he was “superb” for the way he rose above some of the game’s elite defenders.

The Toffees have become accustomed to playing with a target man so Seferovic and the squad shouldn’t need too much adjustment time.

Providing Benitez can iron out his inconsistencies, he’d be a wise signing for the Toffees.

AND in other news, Everton could discover their new John Stones by signing “exceptional” £55m ace…

On form and working in tandem together, the effervescent Everton trio of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James Rodriguez should be one of the most exciting forward lines in the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez would have arrived back in Merseyside excited at the thought of how he can get the best from all three at the same time. All of them are wonderful players on their day but it was rare that each of them were on song at the same time last season.

Calvert-Lewin found the net on 21 occasions but was very rarely supplied by Richarlison, who provided just one assist in the top flight since December. Rodriguez is often the creative hub at Goodison Park but injuries curtailed his first campaign in England.

The club’s top scorer did well to find the net as often as that considering the lack of service he had at times. However, that could improve if Benitez swoops for one of Euro 2020’s star players.

Denmark sensation Mikkel Damsgaard was linked with a switch to Everton last week but the Toffees face competition from West Ham, Leeds, Leicester and Tottenham. A move could also cost in the region of £34m after he found the net twice during the European Championship.

He quickly became Denmark’s star man at the tournament, running rampant down the flanks and scoring a peach of a free-kick which beat Jordan Pickford in the semi-finals.

The Danes were ultimately on the losing side that night against England but Damsgaard produced one of the moments of the tournament in front of a huge Wembley crowd.

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The 21-year-old is less creative than Rodriguez, who has made a living out of supplying goals throughout his career.

However, he could be an enormous upgrade on Richarlison’s creativity. Over the last year, the Brazilian is in the 17th percentile for shot-creating actions in Europe’s top five leagues.

His passing might not be a strong point but taking on a man and fashioning an opportunity is. In the last 365 days, the Everton attacker ranks in the 73rd percentile for successful dribbles which led to the ball ending up in the net.

This is where Damsgaard completely changes the game. Although he ranks in the 40th percentile for shot-creating actions, he is in the 96th percentile for successful dribbles building up to a goal.

That final stat should have a player like Calvert-Lewin rubbing his hands with glee. The England forward was Everton’s top scorer last season and a player like Damsgaard should suit him perfectly – just imagine the Dane rampaging down the flanks and then sliding the ball into the path of Calvert-Lewin.

Benitez’s side could take a number of players out of the game in swashbuckling fashion, and they simply have to secure the 21-year-old’s services.

Described as “phenomenal” by national team colleague Kasper Schmeichel, he could take the Premier League by storm in 2021/22.

AND in other news, Everton present offer to sign 6 ft 4 giant who’s “performed miracles”, Rafa needs him…

Speaking to Claret & Hugh, a West Ham United source has lifted the lid on a concern the club have involving star striker Michail Antonio.

The Lowdown: Antonio and the treatment table…

Throughout 2020/2021, Antonio starred for West Ham up front and was arguably one of manager David Moyes’ most important figures, when available that is.

Early on, pundit Harry Redknapp was just one of the media figures who took notice of his displays for the east Londoners – branding him ‘frightening’ on Sky Sports News (via the Boot Room).

The 31-year-old, whilst ending the campaign as the Hammers’ joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League with 10 goals (WhoScored), also spent a lot of time on the treatment table – missing 97 days of the season and 13 games in total (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Hammers source lifts lid on concern…

Lifting the lid on a concern involving Antonio, a West Ham United source from within the club has told C&H there are worries surrounding his inclusion in Jamaica’s preliminary squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup.

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The competition starts on July 11 and the forward’s decision to make himself available for Jamaica has prompted fears inside West Ham.

Moyes was allegedly hoping Antonio would have a quiet and restful summer, but should he be called up for their final squad, this could complicate matters.

“Obviously it’s an honour for the player and no one really wants to deprive him of it but the last thing we want is for him to become injured ahead of the new season.” explained the source to C&H.

The Verdict: Right to be concerned…

Antonio’s hamstring troubles are well documented and West Ham are right to be worried given his age, fragility and the fact they could be set for a long season with their involvement in the Europa League.

This could make the signing of a new striker to reinforce Moyes’ forward options as crucial as ever with still no sign of West Ham making concrete advancements in that department.

If he does in fact make Jamaica’s final cut, supporters will be hoping he can handle the heat while the Hammers work on bringing in adequate cover.

In other news: ‘YES YES YES’, ‘I soooo hope this is true’…Many West Ham fans flock to transfer claim, find out more here.