All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal are enjoying another thrilling season of football this year and with 17 games gone, they currently find themselves atop the Premier League table with just one game to go until Christmas – a first vs second clash at Anfield.

Mikel Arteta's men might not be quite as free-flowing as they were last year, but their seriously impressive defensive displays have put them in pole position to end their two-decade title drought if they can maintain their current trajectory.

The board looks set to do all they can to help with that, as the latest player touted for a move to the Emirates could become the Gunners' own Rodri, and he has been far more impressive than Chelsea's Moises Caicedo to boot – Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal can sign the next Saliba in "insane" star who could fetch £86m

The young Dutchman could become one of the best defenders in the world.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 19, 2023

Arsenal transfer news – Douglas Luiz

According to ESPN, Arsenal are looking to shuffle their midfield setup in the January window and are seriously interested in adding Aston Villa's maestro to their ranks.

The Brazilian midfielder was the subject of two failed bids from the Gunners last summer but signed a new deal with the Villans in October 2022, which is set to run until 2026.

With three years to run on his current deal and his importance to the Claret and Blue, the transfer is likely going to be very costly, with former England international Joe Cole telling TNT Sports (via the Mirror) that he expects the 25-year-old to move for a fee comparable to Caicedo and Declan Rice, so in the £100m range.

The former Chelsea man seems to believe he is worth it, though, saying: "He has been performing in the same league as them, performing better than Caicedo, arguably."

And with how well he measures up to Manchester City's Rodri, it would be hard to disagree.

Douglas Luiz could be Arsenal's Rodri

Now, some might argue that the outstanding performances of summer signing Rice suggest there is no need for the club to go and break the bank for a player like Luiz. Still, his arrival would allow the Englishman to move into a left-eight role and have an even more significant impact on the game.

Furthermore, FBref has named Rodri the seventh most similar player to the former City midfielder across Europe's top five leagues, which is quite the compliment considering everything the Spaniard has achieved at the Etihad.

This similarity is evident when you compare the pair alongside Caicedo to test Cole's claim that the Villa star is outperforming the Ecuadorian.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion ace – who was linked with a move to the Emirates over the summer – comes last in every important comparative metric, while the other two trade blows and come out on top in various statistics.

Rather surprisingly, Luiz and Rodri produce the exact same non-penalty expected goals and assists figures, while the former is far more likely to cross the ball and the latter more likely to recover the ball.

Their defensive output isn't too far off either, with the "underrated" Luiz, as described by former Arsenal player Paul Merson, winning more of his tackles but Rodri making more tackles and interceptions overall.

Ultimately, if Arsenal can get this deal done, they absolutely should, as the opportunity to sign a Rodri-esque player doesn't come around often, and Rice would be given that bit more freedom to get involved in the attack as well.

West Ham United secured a massive win over Arsenal in their most recent Premier League match, yet David Moyes was forced to operate with Jarrod Bowen leading the line once again.

There is nothing wrong with his ability in front of goal, as the Englishman has netted 13 goals so far this term, but Moyes desperately needs some strength in depth in this area.

With the January transfer window opening shortly, could the Scot lure another striker to the club?

West Ham United transfer news – Sasa Kalajdzic

According to Sport1, both Fulham and West Ham are keen on making a loan move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Sasa Kalajdzic during the January transfer window.

West Ham could land Antonio upgrade in £40m gem who's "very Ian Wright-like"

West Ham are currently interested in a fellow Premier League striker

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 30, 2023

The Austrian has been with the Old Gold since the summer of 2022, yet suffered a serious knee injury during his first appearance, and this has disrupted his stint in England so far.

Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on a deal for the striker, but with Moyes keen on landing another centre-forward next month, he will be hoping West Ham are at the head of the queue.

The Scot could also brutally ditch Michail Antonio in the process.

Sasa Kalajdzic could be a threat for West Ham

Antonio has contributed just two Premier League goals so far this season and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it makes sense to think about moving him on.

Even when he does play, the 33-year-old fails to offer much as he currently ranks seventh in the squad for goals and assists (four), along with ranking eighth for key passes per game (0.5) and seventh for shots on target per game (0.3).

It is clear Antonio isn’t the answer for West Ham and while Kalajdzic has only played 157 minutes of Premier League football this term, he has scored just as often as Antonio (two) and if given a regular opportunity in the first team, he could sparkle.

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that the Austrian could have been a “big threat” for Wolves had he remained injury-free last season, and he has shown glimpses of his talent this term.

During his brief time on the pitch in the top flight this season, the £35k-per-week striker has managed to create two big chances, made 0.4 key passes and has scored a goal every 88 minutes.

If given more regular game time, there is no doubt he could improve these statistics at West Ham and benefit from players such as James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta behind him providing the giant striker with excellent service.

Despite currently occupying sixth position in the league table, their tally of 33 goals is the third lowest out of all the clubs in the top half.

Bowen is doing a wonderful job filling in as a centre-forward, but he can't do it all on his own. The likes of Antonio and Danny Ings aren’t the answer for West Ham heading into the second half of the season and this makes a loan move for Kalajdzic a wise one if Moyes looks to maintain West Ham's recent form.

Jurgen Klopp has joined Instagram ahead of his Liverpool departure in an effort to stay connected with fans of the Merseyside club.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Will take charge of final game on Sunday
• Leaving Liverpool after nine years
• Wants to remain in touch with beloved fans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool's beloved head coach addressed fans through the club's official social media accounts to let them know he has joined social media platform Instagram ahead of his final game in charge against Wolves on Sunday. His first post was a touching tribute telling the story of his farewell.

Advertisement

• WHAT KLOPP SAID

  Klopp's message to his online fans was: "Dear Liverpudlians, we are getting closer to the end. On the 8th October 2015, we met for the first time properly. I would call it a love affair. From the first day, it was an incredible, incredible story. I enjoyed it so much and I wanted to thank you for all the support you gave us over the years. For all the power you gave us. I've wondered always that it feels like we write a story together, and that's how it feels today.

  "It's a good book and if we read it in the future, we wil have a smile on our face. Leaving this incredible place is hard, but I want to stay in contact with you. And even when i'm not a social media guy, people told me social media helps with that, so, here we go. See you."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool fans will feel like they are losing a great friend when Klopp walks down the tunnel for the final time. Within just a few hours of creating his account, the German head coach has gained over 750,000 followers and it will likely soar over the 1 million mark by the end of the weekend.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR KLOPP AND LIVERPOOL?

  Klopp says he has been spending a lot of time saying goodbye to staff across the week and will have the chance to directly address fans at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool will be looking to finish on a high as they welcome Gary O'Neil and Wolves to Merseyside.

Mikel Arteta’s side picked up another three points last weekend, as they beat Brighton 2-0 at the Emirates.

This victory saw the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League with 39 points after 17 matches.

With the game won, the boss subbed on Emile Smith Rowe with seven minutes to go, which highlights the minimal opportunities he has had and potentially will receive this season.

Arsenal transfers latest – Jacob Ramsey

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal and Edu are looking to add another midfielder to their ranks, with Jacob Ramsey among those highly rated by the recruitment team.

The England U21 star is valued at £26m as per Football Transfers, but due to financial fair play guidelines, outgoings must occur to raise funds for any potential moves.

Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale have attracted interest from other clubs, as per the same report, yet Smith Rowe could be forced out the door if an attack-minded midfielder like Ramsey is acquired.

How Jacob Ramsey compares to Emile Smith Rowe

After an excellent 13 goal contribution 2022/23 campaign and playing a key role in the group stage of England’s U21 Euros triumph, many expected Ramsey to push on and become one of the key players in Unai Emery’s side.

However, injuries in the quarterfinals of the tournament and a foot injury at the start of October have halted the midfielder's progress. He has only started one Premier League match this season.

Immediately there are negative similarities to the aforementioned Smith Rowe; their injury history. However, with an ability to arrive late in the area and play in similar roles on the pitch, there are positives from this comparison.

Indeed, the Villa Youth Academy graduate is a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder who can comfortably play out wide, as an eight or as a ten – the latter positions are certainly like Arsenal's current number 10. Furthermore, Ramsey would bring athleticism and energy to any side, and at just 22 years old, he still has so much room for growth despite showing the maturity and class of a seasoned professional. It is no surprise that Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig labelled him a “big talent."

Below is a table that highlights Ramsey’s quality and style of play compared to midfielders across Europe's top leagues over the last year. It's certainly impressive reading from an attacking point of view.

As you can see, Ramsey is a player who likes to play on the fringe, impacting the game mainly in the final third.

He has instinctive goal-scoring traits that allow him to find space in and around the box to finish, which would be lethal at Arsenal given how many cutbacks Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli produce each game. The Villa man has similarities to Jude Bellingham in that sense.

The youngster is also an outlet of creativity, combining his eye for a pass and almost untouchable dribbling to ensure the ball reaches the opponent's box. The ability to connect play from midfield to attack has been almost perfected by Ramsey, and his capacity to evade a man and drive at the backline creates so much space for those around him. Just imagine how dangerous Arsenal would be with him, Martin Odegaard, and the aforementioned wingers in attack.

To top it off, Villa’s number 41 has a relentless defensive output, which makes him a well-rounded prospect. £26m is an absolute steal for such a talented individual who offers an endless amount of quality, and replacing Smith Rowe with him would be a stroke of genius, especially considering the latter's unfortunate injury history.

Jose Mourinho could return to coaching next season as Saudi Pro League giants are keen on signing him.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mourinho could reunite with Benzema in Saudi Arabia
• Al-Ittihad also eyeing move for Allegri
• Mourinho last managed AS Roma in January

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The legendary Portuguese coach could reunite with Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia next season as Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad are reportedly keen on appointing Mourinho as their next manager, according to journalist . The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea boss has been without a club since his departure from AS Roma in January.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Andrade also claimed that the 2022/23 Saudi league champions have also included former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri on their managerial shortlist. Allegri was sacked by the Serie A club right after guiding them to the Coppa Italia title by beating Atalanta 1-0 in the final.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mourinho is also being linked with a move to the Turkish Super Lig as both Fenerbahce and Besiktas have shown interest in bringing in the legendary coach as their manager.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR JOSE MOURINHO?

  Several top European clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea could all be on the hunt for a new manager and it remains to be seen where the veteran tactician heads ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Everton have reportedly made contact with an international attacker over a move to Goodison Park this month, the player's agent has claimed.

Everto could sign new attacker

There has been plenty to admire about the Blues this season, especially the manner in which they have responded to their 10-point deduction in the Premier League. Sean Dyche's men have battled hard to get out of the relegation zone, and while results have dipped again recently, they look in a good position to avoid the drop after being in dire straits at one point.

One area where Everton arguably need to improve in the January transfer window is in attack, however, with goals often coming at a premium in matches. In fact, midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is his side's top scorer in the league so far this season with just six goals, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin next up with only three strikes to his name.

An overall tally of 24 goals in 20 league matches isn't much to write home about, and the Blues have recently been linked with a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, who has netted 13 times in 21 Scottish Premiership appearances in 2023/24 to date, standing out as one of the division's star players.

An attacking addition of some kind feels essential – interest in Leeds United wide man Wilfried Gnonto has also returned in recent days – and it looks as though another player has been identified as a potential signing.

Everton make contact with Ramon Sosa

According to his agent, Daniel Campos [via Everton News], Everton have contacted Tallares winger Ramon Sosa over a move to the club, with Campos holding talks with Toffees officials.

"I was in England, I spoke with the sports director of Everton. There is no formal offer yet. We will see if we can move forward."

Sosa is something of an unknown to fans in England, considering he has spent his whole career in South America to date, but he is a three-time capped Paraguay international and could be an astute signing by Everton.

At 24 years of age, he remains a fairly young player with much of his career ahead of him, and he could add some of the attacking spark that has been missing too often at Goodison Park this season.

Sosa's end product is highlighted by a tally of 17 goal contributions (10 goals and seven assists) in 35 appearances for Talleres, suggesting he could make a real impression at Everton, assuming he is able to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League fairly quickly.

Everton chiefs "working" to find agreement to sign "fantastic" main target

The Toffees could finally get their man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 5, 2024

If the Blues were able to acquire his signature and also bring in either Shankland or Gnonto – the former could be better, with a centre forward arguably needed more – it could represent a good January in the transfer market, giving Dyche the extra ammunition needed in the final third to ensure that relegation to the Championship is avoided, making this one to watch.

Al-Hilal have finished the Saudi Pro League season unbeaten despite losing Brazil star Neymar to injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Al-Hilal secure Saudi Pro League
• Have been without Neymar through injury
• Finished the campaign without a defeat

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Al-Hilal rounded off an impressive 2023-24 campaign with a 2-1 win against Al-Wehda on Monday. Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring before Yahya Naji levelled proceedings in the second half. The unbeaten record was then guaranteed by a late winner from substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic in added time – his 28th goal of the season. They were crowned Saudi Pro League champions earlier on in the season with a 12-point gap separating them and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr ahead of the final game of the campaign.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  An unbeaten league-winning campaign is an impressive accomplishment when you consider the injury that ruled Neymar out for the season. The 32-year-old Brazilian suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October and had been ruled out for the remainder of the season. He could also miss the start of next season. Al-Hilal would embark on an impressive season regardless of losing their marquee summer signing, winning 31 games and drawing three.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This was the 19th Saudi Pro League title for Al-Hilal in their history. The team had also embarked on a record-breaking run of 34 consecutive wins across all competitions – but this came to an end in April following a 4-2 defeat to Al Ain in the Asian Champions League.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR AL-HILAL?

  Al-Hilal will aim to finish the season with another win in the King Cup against Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr side. The game will take place on May 31.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been relaxing in bed and by the pool with Georgina Rodriguez as the Al-Nassr superstar recharges ahead of Euro 2024.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Portuguese forward chilling with family
• Has international duty to come this summer
• Registered another 50 goals at club level

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Portuguese icon is ready to lead his country into another quest for continental glory this summer. He is, however, making the most of an opportunity to enjoy some down time with his family before competitive action resumes.

Advertisement

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo enjoyed a productive 2023-24 campaign on a personal level, as he hit 50 goals across all competitions and made more history as the highest-scoring player in a single Saudi Pro League campaign and became the first man to claim Golden Boots in four different countries.

• THE GOSSIP

  He did, however, end the season without major silverware – with tears shed following a Kings Cup of Champions final defeat to Al-Hilal. The 39-year-old is over that setback and chilling with his partner and children in the sunshine before readying himself for international duty in Germany.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo has earned 206 caps for Portugal, registering a record-breaking tally of 128 goals along the way, and is showing no sign of slowing down at the very highest level. There has been talk of his lucrative contract in the Middle East being extended well beyond his 40th birthday in February 2025.

Chelsea have seemingly been given a transfer boost in their pursuit of signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, days after holding “positive” talks with the striker’s entourage.

Chelsea eyeing Victor Osimhen move

A new forward appears to be at the top of Mauricio Pochettino’s wishlist in 2024, with the club currently having Nicolas Jackson as their senior striker after a summer move last year.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

The Senegal international has netted eight times in all competitions and is the club’s joint top scorer and Pochettino recently gave his thoughts on Jackson’s form this season, saying after the defeat to Wolves:

“It is always about expectation, how you manage expectation and set the expectation. If we compare Jackson to different strikers that arrive at his age to a new league, he is scoring goals when you look at his performances.

“It is not about blaming him. I think you can accept the frustration from the fans: when we don’t score, it is about the offensive players. But, my advice is to blame them all together because football is a team sport, a collective sport, we cannot blame only one. But in this case, he is young, in the Premier League, the expectation is massive and we are Chelsea. At Chelsea, there is pressure to play and deliver the best job possible.”

Osimhen has been heavily linked as the man who could come in and rival Jackson at Stamford Bridge, although both players are currently at the Africa Cup of Nations. Journalist Simon Phillips recently admitted that co-owner Behdad Eghbali held “positive” talks with the striker’s entourage, adding that they are looking at a way to make a move possible this month.

“I understand Chelsea have had contact with Osimhen’s entourage in recent weeks/days to discuss the possibility of the Napoli striker joining Chelsea. The feedback they have had is positive, with there being an understanding that Osimhen would be open to joining Chelsea.

“But right now, Chelsea’s ownership are very keen to try and do something to get Osimhen in the door at Chelsea and one source has even said they are still looking for a way to try and make that happen this month.”

Osimhen open to Chelsea transfer

In a new update shared by sources close to The Daily Mail, Osimhen, who has a £103m release clause, is now ‘open to joining Chelsea’ in what comes as a boost for Pochettino and co. However, the report adds that a transfer is ‘more likely to gather pace in the summer’.

Hailed as a "world-class" striker by Folarin Balogun, Osimhen could well be on his way to London at some point in 2024, and it may not come as a major shock, especially considering former Blues boss Jose Mourinho has even spoken to the striker about a proposed Chelsea transfer.

The club may well look to make something happen for the Nigeria international this month following Phillips’ recent claim and the Mail saying ‘Chelsea’s need for a striker is immediate’, but if it isn’t in January, things are looking good for a summer switch instead.

Christian Pulisic continues to enjoy the company of Alexa Melton, with the USMNT star putting on a Family Guy golf skit with his LPGA girlfriend.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Romance rumours sparked in the States
• Forward enjoying company of golf star
• Copa America up and running on U.S. soil

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of Copa America duty with the United States, Pulisic has been making the most of an opportunity to spend time with his supposed new partner. The AC Milan forward first sparked romance rumours when visiting the Women’s US Open in his native Pennsylvania.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

  @golfergirl365

  #golf content just got better

  ♬ original sound – Initial Golf

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pulisic and Melton have since spent time in Miami – at the training programme put on Pulisic Stomping Ground – while also cosying up on a jet ski after taking in another break together. Neither, though, is able to forget about sport for long.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty/Instagram
  

  WHAT PULISIC SAID

  Pulisic has taken the brave decision to put his golf game to the test by hitting the fairways with LPGA rookie Melton. While on the course, the pair took to putting on a TikTok performance that has seen them lip-sync to a scene in which Peter Griffin attempts to play golf with wife Lois – with Pulisic delivering the line “why do they even have water if you’re not supposed to hit it there?” before Melton responds with: “It’s fun, we’re having fun!”