Tag Futebol

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Sergej Milinković-Savić to The Emirates.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that, after seeing their reported interest in a €60m (£52m) move for the SS Lazio central midfielder this summer lead nowhere, the Gunners’ excellent start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign has made the club a ‘more tempting’ prospect for the 27-year-old.

The report goes on to suggest that there are rumours of Edu preparing a fresh €60m (£52m) plus Albert Sambi Lokonga bid for the Serbia international this winter, however, Claudio Lotito is believed to be holding out for a figure in the region of €100m (£86.5m) in order to part with Milinković-Savić.

Same level as De Bruyne

Speaking about the ability of Milinković-Savić back in October, Ciro Immobile stated his belief that the midfielder is “on the same level as Kevin de Bruyne”, and considering his returns for Lazio over the past year, it is not difficult to understand why the Italy centre-forward holds this belief of the 27-year-old.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £52m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 6% for non-penalty xG, the top 5% for shots, the top 2% for assists, the top 6% for xAG and the top 16% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days – proving just how deadly the Serb is in the final third.

The £100k-per-week playmaker also impresses with the ball at his feet, with FBref also ranking the 36-cap international in the top 12% of midfielders for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 16% for dribbles, the top 27% for progressive passes, the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 5% for progressive passes received over the past 12 months.

As such, it is no surprise to see FBref list the “magic” – in the words of Immobile – player amongst some of Europe’s most talented midfielders, such as Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

Indeed, with the Belgium international being the lynchpin in City’s four Premier League-winning campaigns over the last five years, should Edu manage to get a deal over the line for the 27-year-old in January, Milinković-Savić may prove to become Mikel Arteta’s own De Bruyne-esque figure.

That’s a statement that when combined with his remarkable haul of 11 goals and 12 assists from last term, could well lead them to the title.

Newcastle United will make the long trip to the south coast for their Premier League clash with Southampton at St Mary’s this weekend, and Eddie Howe will be hoping his team can keep up their unbeaten run.

The Magpies have not lost a game in their last eight outings and as a result have climbed into the top four alongside Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur which is an extremely impressive achievement for the manager who took over just 12 months ago when the side were rock bottom in the league table.

Howe will surely be hoping that his side can retain their top-four status when club football breaks for the World Cup in a few weeks, putting them in a strong position to compete for a chance to play European football next season when they return to action after Christmas.

As a result, the former Bournemouth boss must deploy his best team and best-attacking players over their last two league fixtures to secure all six points from the clashes.

Newcastle have been given a fantastic boost ahead of their trip to Southampton on Sunday as Allan Saint-Maximin returned to the matchday squad last weekend in the 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, coming onto the pitch for a short eight-minute appearance in the 86th minute.

Yesterday, the talented winger was pictured in full team training and looked like he was getting stuck into preparations for the weekend, so there is no doubt that Howe must unleash Saint-Maximin against Saints.

Before sustaining a hamstring injury in late August, the £93k-per-week ace – who was hailed “absolutely phenomenal” by Shay Given – scored a stunning equaliser against Wolverhampton Wanderers, so he will be desperate to pick up where he left off against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this weekend.

Over six Premier League appearances this season, Saint-Maximin has scored one goal, delivered two assists and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.2 key passes, 2.7 dribbles and winning possession of the ball 1.2 times per game.

The left winger’s most notable performance of the season came from his performance in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City where he displayed some of his best football.

Saint-Maximin registered two assists, made four key passes, won eight duels and completed five out of his six dribble attempts to split the points with Pep Guardiola’s side over the high-intensity clash.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Howe should start Saint-Maximin this weekend as he could terrify Southampton and play a huge part in securing another win for the Magpies. Just imagine the thought of him and in the in-form Miguel Almiron on each winger; it’s a mouth-watering thought for the Toon Army.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ poor season has gone from bad to worse in recent weeks, with their 4-0 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend compounding their recent misery.

Sacking Bruno Lage after just one Premier League win following a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at the start of the month hasn’t improved things.

Decisions made in the summer were arguably the key to this massive drop-off in form by the Wolves side. Allowing defenders Conor Coady and Romain Saiss to leave during the transfer window has contributed to their poor defensive record, which has seen them concede 19 goals in all competitions so far.

Lage might have still been in charge had a move materialised for Portuguese defender David Carmo, however, as the defender would very much have been a perfect heir to Coady.

Shi had a shocker on Carmo

Jeff Shi was keen on bringing the centre-back to Molineux according to O Jojo (via Birmingham Mail), with the player having a £34.3m release clause in his contract.

Despite Carmo missing large chunks of last season as he was recovering from an injury, he eventually sealed a move to fellow Portuguese side Porto and Wolves missed their chance.

In Braga’s Europa League run last time out, Carmo shone with an average SofaScore match rating of 7.14, winning 69% of his total duels and making a staggering 6.9 clearances per game.

He has extended this form into the current season, helping Porto keep three clean sheets in his six starts, while he has only been dribbled past 0.2 times per match.

His former manager Carlos Carvalhal was full of praise for the defender upon his return from injury last time out, saying: “He is a fantastic centre-back, one of the best in the country.” And with Wolves losing a host of central defenders during the window, signing Carmo would have improved this area of the team.

It certainly looks like the 23-year-old has made the better choice, choosing Champions League football and a title challenge for what is sure to be a long and arduous season for Wolves facing a relegation battle.

The Old Gold should have unearthed their perfect Coady heir in Carmo, but it was yet another Lage disaster class in the transfer market.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane will be fit and ready to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League tomorrow night, according to Spurs pundit John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Kane’s injury

The England captain headed home in the 22nd minute at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, ensuring three points for the Lilywhites as they took down Brighton in the Premier League.

Worryingly though, going down in the final minutes of the game, the 29-year-old was substituted following a strong kick to the ankle as he made an attempt to block a shot shortly before the final whistle.

The Latest: Wenham’s claim

Wenham, who FI refer to as an ‘insider’, insists Kane will be fit and ready to face Frankfurt tomorrow night after hearing the player’s post-game comments.

Speaking with Football Insider, the N17 pundit claimed:

“He did an interview after the game, one of the journalists managed to grab him.

“He claims it was just a knock so there is nothing to worry about there, hopefully that is the case.

“I don’t see any reason to doubt that claim, H isn’t one to play games when it comes to his fitness. I think it was just a precaution.

“I am sure he will be in the team and looking to bag some Champions League goals against Frankfurt on Wednesday.

“He hasn’t got any in that competition yet this season and it’s a big game for us, we need Harry to be in there winning us that game.”

The talisman then performed pre-match press conference duties alongside his manager this week, so one would have to assume he is fit and firing.

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The Verdict: Huge news

Despite having failed to score in continental competition thus far this season, Kane has been prolific for Spurs in the Premier League, having impressively netted eight goals in nine games.

After three matches played, Tottenham sit second in their group with four points, with a 2-0 win over Marseille having sparked the push for round of 16 qualification.

However, the Lilywhites are on equal points with Frankfurt – only ahead in the table by a two-goal difference, so Antonio Conte will be relying on Kane to be 100 per cent on Wednesday as they fight for victory over their group rivals.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola starting Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez up front alongside each other is a ‘frightening thought’, according to BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Great starts to life at City

Since arriving at the Etihad this summer, the pair of strikers have enjoyed fantastic starts to their careers with the Premier League champions.

In Man City’s first six top-flight games this season, Haaland has bagged an incredible ten goals, having also netted twice against Sevilla in the Champions League.

Having started just one game, Alvarez has endured a slower start to life than his Norwegian teammate. However, the Argentina international has still been able to score twice in the league, having come off the bench on three occasions.

The Latest: Hutton’s claim

As quoted by Manchester Evening News, Haaland has said his partnership with Alvarez is ‘really important’ going forward for the team.

When asked about the possibility of the pair playing together more regularly this season, Hutton, who works as a pundit for BBC, told Football Insider:

“It is a frightening thought, the two of them together up front.

“I would not like to be in a back four trying to mark those two.

“If they do that though, they’re changing their whole system and their whole philosophy. They have been playing with one striker for years.

“A wide player would have to sit out, whether that be [Jack] Grealish or [Riyad] Mahrez.

“How would they play? 4-4-2? It would be interesting to watch.

“We all know Pep, he likes to throw in a curveball every now and again. I cannot see it at this moment in time though.

“Haaland is going to be number one. We will see how it develops but I cannot see it happening in truth.”

The Verdict: Incredible depth

With Haaland touted as one of the most exciting players to watch in world football, it is crazy to think City were able to secure another incredible young talent this summer on top of the former Borussia Dortmund man.

With the Norway international’s previous experience playing in the Bundesliga, in which he scored 62 goals in 67 appearances, it was always expected that Haaland would be able to have a more instant impact when he joined City.

Alvarez, on the other hand, had only played in the Argentinian top-flight prior to the move, so it was always going to take him more time to adapt to the Premier League and one could even say he has exceeded expectations in his limited minutes thus far.

The thought of the two of them dominating together for the next decade is an exciting one for City fans, but less so for their rivals.

Fulham are plotting a late swoop to land a Premier League rival’s target…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Nottingham Forest could falter in their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay.

Despite the Reds having seemingly finalised the deal, both the Cottagers and Everton are now considering pushing to seal his signature late on.

Writing on Twitter, Crook claimed that there “could be a late twist in Neal Maupay’s move from BHAFC to NFFC with both EFC and Fulham pushing for the Frenchman”. 

Imagine him and Mitrovic

With the season starting off relatively well for Marco Silva’s side, it has already become clear that they will rely heavily on the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian bagged an astounding 43 Championship goals last season in just 44 games, smashing the record for the most goals in that division in a 46-match campaign, and bringing in Maupay alongside him could quickly form one of the better strike partnerships in the top flight.

To place the hulking 27-year-old beside the 5 foot 8 Frenchman could see the latter latch on to Mitrovic’s flick-ons, as the Serbian won just over 50% of his aerial duels last season.

Conversely, Maupay could thread through some astute passes his potential strike partner, with his 77.8% pass success rate ranking him in the top 13% for strikers among Europe’s five biggest leagues over the past 12 months.

Dubbed “exceptional” by journalist Andy Naylor, the Brighton marksman can also be proficient in front of goal, as highlighted by his eight Premier League strikes last season, while his lethal touch in front of goal earned the 26-year-old the praise of being a “brilliant finisher” by journalist Joe Chapman.

Adding another proven goalscorer at this level to Fulham’s ranks could go a long way towards ensuring that they will not be dragged towards a relegation battle this season. Maupay has featured 102 times in the Premier League across his career, scoring 26 goals and setting up a further eight.

Also, the symbiotic partnership that he would likely form with Mitrovic could be one of the most feared in the league for opposition centre-backs, so Silva should swoop quickly to ensure that this idea can become a reality.

Leeds United have only occasionally signed players from fellow English clubs over the past few transfer windows, with most of their new recruits coming from overseas.

One player who was brought in from another Premier League club, though, is Dan James, who arrived from Manchester United last summer for a reported fee of £25m.

In 32 league appearances throughout his debut season at Elland Road, the Welshman ended up scoring just four goals and delivering four assists along the way.

Bearing in mind how Leeds only scored 42 goals in the league last term, leaving just four other teams with fewer, the Whites could use the remainder of the summer transfer window to add some extra firepower to Jesse Marsch’s squad.

One man who has been mentioned with a move to Leeds and who could help them in that department and potentially be an upgrade on James is Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

The Hornets signed the winger from French club Rennes for a reported fee of £40m three years ago.

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To compare his previous season with James’, the Watford star racked up a higher percentage for shots on target than the Wales international, also recording a greater number of successful dribbles and a higher distance in terms of carrying the ball towards the opponents’ goal.

Even though James played 12 more league games than Sarr, the latter only delivered one fewer cross than the Leeds winger, which just goes to show how much of a consistent attacking threat the Senegalese wizard is, and can be for the Whites if he comes to Elland Road.

Hailed as a “scary” player by Ben Foster in terms of his attacking ability, the Watford winger certainly has the credentials to be a useful asset for Leeds and provide them with a greater threat in front of goal throughout the new season.

Despite having a steep reported price tag of £40m, it could be worth making an approach to Watford to see if they would be willing to cash in on their attacking star and allow him to return to the Premier League over the next few weeks.

If Leeds are able to secure Sarr’s signature, it would not only top off what has been an impressive summer window from the Whites, but also provide them with what would appear to be an upgrade on James.

Southampton have agreed to sign striker Sekou Mara from Bordeaux, which could be the catalyst the Saints need for getting rid of Adam Armstrong.

It was confirmed on Thursday evening that the Premier League club had agreed a deal in principle to sign the 19-year-old, who hit six goals in 26 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.

He joins Che Adams and Armstrong as the main centre-forward options in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad, while the likes of Nathan Tella and Mohamed Elyounoussi could also do a job up front if required.

While Mara is still a teenager and very inexperienced, his six goals in 10 appearances for France under-20s illustrate his ability in front of goal, and it seems likely that he will get plenty of first-team opportunities next season.

Although Hasenhuttl has lost Armando Broja and Shane Long from his attacking options from last season, it seems clear that the Austrian doesn’t favour Armstrong, and the signing of Mara could potentially result in the former Newcastle United man leaving this summer.

After joining from Blackburn Rovers in a £15m deal last summer, the Englishman managed just two goals in 23 Premier League appearances (six of those as a substitute), averaging a shocking 6.38 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

During his time at Ewood Park, he scored plenty of goals but was also accused of being “desperate” on occasion, and that was reflected in his first season at St Mary’s, as too often he would shoot from improbable angles and finish poorly.

Unfortunately, it seems as if the 25-year-old won’t make the cut in the Premier League; and if Mara can come in and be a success, then Armstrong may find himself sitting on the bench for much of the upcoming season.

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However, there has been interest from the Championship in the ex-Blackburn marksman, and now that Hasenhuttl has more depth in attack, he should consider getting rid of Armstrong, as it seems clear that the 25-year-old isn’t going to be a success on the south coast.

AND in other news: Semmens can sign Southampton’s own Haaland in swoop for “unplayable” £25m gem

The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has dropped a Newcastle United transfer claim on Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Winger wanted

The St James’ Park outfit have been linked with moves for the likes of Harrison, Moussa Diaby and Anthony Gordon this summer, which would imply that they are looking for a new winger.

They have already done some shrewd business so far, bringing in Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett, but now it is time for them to strengthen their options in the attacking third of the pitch.

The Latest: Harrison claim

Taking to Twitter, Edwards has claimed that a move for Harrison from Leeds United to Newcastle should not be ruled out, as the 25-year-old could be seen as an alternative to Diaby and Gordon.

The journalist stated: “I honestly wouldn’t focus too much on the Gordon interest as nobody seems to think it’s going to happen. Shows what #nufc want – young players who will grow with project over the next few years. I hope they can do Diaby deal personally. Don’t rule out Harrison if they can’t.”

The Verdict: Unlikely

Given that Jesse Marsch’s side have already sold Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, and a deal for Raphinha to Barcelona is ‘almost done’ according to journalist and Barca Times chief reporter Shay Lugassi, it seems unlikely that the Whites would let Harrison go as well.

Called an ‘amazing’ and ‘absolutely fantastic’ player by Toon legend Alan Shearer upon scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 win at West Ham United last season, the 25-year-old was Leeds’ second-highest scorer in the 2021/22 Premier League with eight goals, while he also claimed one assist and three man-of-the-match awards (WhoScored).

However, if the money put forward is right, the Tynesiders could still have a chance of signing the winger from Elland Road.

Newcastle United are close to completing a move for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur, according to Daily Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath. 

The lowdown: Prodigious talent

Captain of Scotland at the Under 17 level, McArthur has already made great strides in a fledgeling career to date north of the border.

The exciting young defender made a senior bow for Kilmarnock last season and ended the campaign with four first-team outings under his belt.

Now, slightly over a month on from his 17th birthday, it appears as though the Magpies are nearing a swoop for the talented teenager…

The latest: McGrath on McArthur

Taking to Twitter, reputable journalist McGrath has claimed that Newcastle are set to land the 10-cap Scotland youth starlet.

He stated: “Newcastle are close to completing deal for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur. Scotland youth international seen as huge prospect but sources at his club say it is difficult to stand in way when youngster is targeted by a Premier League club.”

The verdict: Snap him up

Described as a ‘dream to work with’ by then Kilmarnock boss Tommy Wright following a senior debut in the 3-1 win over Queen’s Park last term, McArthur can also operate as a left-back and would therefore provide all-important versatility to the Toon ranks further down the line.

Unperturbed by the lack of senior-level exposure, albeit perhaps too soon for McArthur to make an immediate impact on Eddie Howe’s plans, positioning such talented youngsters in situ at St James’ Park is a hugely promising sign as the era under PIF begins to take shape.

Should this move now be completed as expected, intentions will no doubt turn to bolster the first-team ranks as reports continue to index Newcastle with a move for Lille ace Sven Botman and Reims’ frontman Hugo Ekitike.

In the meantime, however, this is a deal that shows the long-term intentions of the ownership group as well as potentially an eye from newly appointed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth as to his vision for the Magpies moving forwards.

In other news, this maestro is willing to bide his time in order to seal a Newcastle move