Arsenal Preparing To Make Offer For "World-class" £75m Star

Arsenal are preparing to make a renewed offer for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to a recent report from London World.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

West Ham United captain Declan Rice reportedly has his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium, with manager David Moyes now believed to be interested in a swap deal, with Emile Smith Rowe going in the opposite direction.

It is unclear whether the Gunners are interested in a deal of that nature, with other reports indicating that a transfer fee has almost been agreed for the signing of Rice, however, he is not Mikel Arteta's only midfield target.

TalkSport reporter Alex Crook "wouldn't rule out" a move for Caicedo, alongside the England international, and there are now reports that Arsenal have started to work on a proposal for the Brighton star.

According to a report from London World, the north London club are preparing to make a renewed offer for the Ecuadorian, having missed out on his signature in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are planning to make a bid similar to the £75m package that was rejected in the previous window, at which point Brighton were adamant about keeping the 21-year-old. However, they are now open to negotiations.

There is an agreement that the Seagulls will allow the youngster to leave if a substantial offer comes in, with Arsenal now planning to test the waters.

Do Arsenal need Rice and Caicedo?

It is questionable whether Arsenal need to sign both players in the upcoming window, as they have very similar attributes, both particularly specialising defensively, with Caicedo ranking highly for interceptions completed per 90 over the past year.

Rice has averaged slightly more interceptions during that timeframe, however, the Brighton star recorded 21 more tackles in the Premier League last season with a total of 100, which ranked him second in the top flight.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Given their similar skillsets, it may be wise for Arteta to settle on one of the two, and there are indications that Caicedo could be an excellent addition, having been hailed as "world-class" and "incredible to watch" by members of the media.

A fee of £75m is a lot for a player who has only regularly played in the Premier League for one season, but the Ecuador international was among Brighton's best-performing players last term, and should be more than capable of making the step up.

Ilkay Gundogan Scores Man City Stunner After 13 Seconds

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has stunned fans by scoring a brilliant goal after just 13 seconds before then scoring another volley in the second half.

What is the quickest-ever FA Cup final goal?

Meeting at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and co faced bitter rivals Manchester United with both aiming for a double.

Indeed, City have already won the Premier League and also have a Champions League final to come.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season after beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

With so much on the line, both teams would have been raring to go but all of Erik ten Hag’s pre-game plans would have had to have been reassessed after just a matter of seconds.

Indeed, after a long ball upfield was nodded to the edge of his own box by Victor Lindelof, Gundogan volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Incredibly, this moment of magic was the fastest goal in an FA Cup final. What’s more, it’s the first scored in the opening minute of the competition final since Louis Saha netted for Everton against Chelsea in 2009.

Supporters were blown away by Gundogan’s quality – as he netted another fine volley after United had equalised – and here are the best reactions on Twitter…

Supporters just couldn’t believe it.

Here’s his second goal.

Fulham In Internal Deal "Talks" For "Electric" £40k-p/w Star

Fulham are in “talks” with Willian regarding a new contract at Craven Cottage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Willian leaving Fulham?

The Brazilian only joined Marco Silva’s side from Corinthians last summer and has impressed during his 29 appearances in his debut season, ranking as the manager’s overall second-best-performing player this term with a WhoScored match rating of 6.99.

The Whites winger, though, is already used to playing in the Premier League having previously undergone spells at both Chelsea and Arsenal so is no stranger to the style of play in England, hence why he’s likely adapted so well since putting pen to paper in SW6.

Willian, however, will be out of contract at the end of the season meaning that he could be set to depart as a free agent should the club not offer him an extension, but it sounds like work is already underway behind the scenes to retain his services beyond the current campaign.

Have Fulham offered Willian a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Fulham have now opened discussions with Willian over fresh terms, but admitted that there are admirers overseas that are keen to recruit him should he leave. He wrote:

“Understand talks are ongoing between Willian agent and Fulham over [a] new deal in order to stay next season. Nothing is done/sealed yet. There are more European clubs and Saudi League clubs interested in signing Willian.”

Fulham forward Willian.

Fulham will know how much of an integral part of their success Willian has been this season, and having been hailed “electric” in the final third by journalist Simon Collings, the left-winger being rewarded for his displays with a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Cottagers’ £40k-per-week attacker has ten goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) to his name in 29 appearances since joining, with this form having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he’s averaging 4.38 shot-creating actions per top-flight game which is higher than any other member of Silva’s squad, via FBRef.

Willian also provides the boss with wonderful versatility having operated slightly deeper in left midfield and even on the opposite flank as a right-winger over the course of the current term which is a great attribute to have, so making the decision to keep him beyond the summer has to be a no-brainer for the Craven Cottage board.

Aston Villa Still Bullish About Signing £150k-A-Week Ace

Aston Villa are not giving up hope of signing Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, according to a new transfer report.

Is Phillips thriving at City?

While City have swept all before them so far this season, en route to a potential treble next month, Phillips is someone who has experienced a frustrating campaign individually. He joined from Leeds United last summer in a big-money move, in what looked like a natural step up in his career, but injuries have stunted his progress, while Pep Guardiola has also struggled to fit him into his team.

Prior to the final day, the £150,000-a-week midfielder has only actually started three games in the whole of 2022/23, with one apiece coming in the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, and he was once again linked with a move to Villa last month.

Unai Emery sees him as a strong addition who could help strengthen his team in the middle of the park. While the player himself is seemingly hellbent on remaining with City, a fresh update suggests that the Villans certainly aren't giving up hope.

Premier League, Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips, Pep Guardiola

Are Villa hopeful of signing Phillips?

According to Football Insider, Villa "are not put off by Phillips’ public stance that he has no intention of quitting Man City", and "believe City could be willing to cash in" as they look to raise funds for other signings."

The report claims that there are "suggestions behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium that the midfielder lacks the mobility and quick one-touch passing game to thrive under Guardiola." Emery is thought to be a "huge" fan of the midfielder, and Villa are monitoring his situation as the season comes to a close.

While Phillips, who shares the same agency as Ezri Konsa, clearly wants to remain at City and prove his worth, there could reach a stage this summer where an exit materialises, should Guardiola deem him surplus to requirements.

It remains to be seen if that will happen yet, but if it does, Villa may well swoop, with the 26-cap England international a solid defensive midfielder who could add both technical quality and tenacity to the midfield.

He has been hailed as "phenomenal" by former Three Lions manager Fabio Capello in the past, such were the level of his performances at Euro 2020, and he has averaged three tackles per game in the EFL Cup this season, as well as 92.6% pass completion rate in the same competition, showing that he can be a force on and off the ball.

Liverpool: Oxlade-Chamberlain could leave

Liverpool are not only attracting players with potential moves to Anfield but are also working to clear out some of the current squad this summer, with an update on one Reds player emerging ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to The Mirror, Aston Villa and West Ham United are interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

The 28-year-old currently has one year left on his contract at Anfield and the report claimed that the Merseyside club will listen to offers for the player, with Steven Gerrard suggested as a keen contender to plot a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain in order to strengthen his squad at Villa Park.

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Time to go

The midfielder has been a loyal servant to Liverpool over the years since he joined from Arsenal in 2017 and has gone on to achieve plenty of success, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but now it looks like it could be the right time for him to go.

This season Oxlade-Chamberlain has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and contributing three assists. He has averaged only 52 minutes of game-time per appearance, proving that he has become more of a fringe player for the team as opposed to a starter, which won’t be ideal for him.

Kevin Campbell claimed that the £10m-valued Liverpool dud is “frustrated” with the lack of game-time in an interview with Football Insider.

The former Arsenal striker stated: “Look, he is frustrated because he wants more game time. But there is only so much game time available when you have that much quality in your squad.”

“The Ox won’t be happy though because he wants to play every week. It is something he needs to consider at the end of the season.”

That is rather summed up in his play, with the midfielder proving incredibly lax in possession of the ball, giving it away once in every 6.3 minutes of Premier League action in 2021/22.

If the Reds can make some money on the 28-year-old and he can move to a club which can offer him more involvement and a bigger role in their team, then it could be mutually beneficial for both Liverpool and the player.

Supporters will be sad to see Oxlade-Chamberlain leave this summer as he has been at Anfield for the majority of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and excelled in his first season on Merseyside before being struck by serious injury, but ultimately seeing the midfielder get the game-time he deserves elsewhere would be the best outcome.

AND in other news: James Pearce shares exciting Liverpool update that supporters will love

Newcastle "will sign" a ‘keeper this summer

A huge Newcastle United claim has emerged regarding the club’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Alan Nixon has revealed that the Magpies “will sign a keeper” ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, in response to a fan questioning the potential pursuit of a new number one.

The journalist initially stated, to the same fan, that signing a goalkeeper will be a priority for PIF as they look to add to Eddie Howe’s squad in the coming months.

Howe will be buzzing

The Toon head coach will surely be buzzing with this claim, as it means that PIF are going to try and bring in competition for Martin Dubravka.

Karl Darlow is the current number two at St James’ Park and has left more than a little to be desired with his performances in the Premier League.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the 31-year-old averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.47 across eight starts, placing him 26th in the squad. He conceded 1.9 goals per game and struggled between the sticks at the start of the season when Dubravka was unavailable.

Darlow made one error leading to a goal and gave away one penalty in his eight appearances, to go along with his abysmal ratings, and this indicates that he is not good enough to play for Newcastle on a regular basis. The ex-Forest ‘keeper also completed just 57% of his attempted passes, being found lacking with the ball at his feet.

Therefore,  hedoes not have the quality to come in and adequately replace the Slovakian shot-stopper, and this means that the current goalkeeping contingent is in need of a refresh.

Meanwhile, Dubravka averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.88 across 26 matches and made zero errors directly leading to goals and did not concede a single penalty. He has been a reliable presence between the sticks with consistent shot-stopping and will surely be a good option for the Magpies again next season.

However, he too struggled with the ball as he completed just 59% of his passes. Like Darlow, he failed to pick out his team-mates consistently, and Howe may be hoping to bring in a goalkeeper who excels in possession in order to challenge Dubravka.

This will hopefully give Newcastle two strong goalkeepers to call upon and create competition between them, which will likely drive them on to improve as they motivate each other.

Therefore, the Magpies boss will be delighted with the club’s intentions for the summer transfer window so far…

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: NUFC can form a deadly duo by signing “outstanding” £34m “rock”…

Rangers handed Ryan Jack boost

Ibrox boss Gio van Bronckhorst has been handed a huge Rangers injury lift over Ryan Jack ahead of the Europa League final next week…

What’s the talk?

Bundesliga journalist and commentator Derek Rae has revealed that the club are expecting the midfielder to be fit enough for the Europa League final next week.

The reporter has also confirmed that Scott Wright will not miss out on the game after he suffered a blow in the club’s 4-1 win over Ross County.

Rae tweeted: “After his goal, Scott Wright had to leave the pitch due to a bruise but his use in the final does not seem to be in danger. Rangers are confident that the important sweeper Ryan Jack will return, but for attacking all-rounder Kemar Roofe it will probably be tight.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The Light Blues’ supporters will surely be buzzing over this news, as having Jack fit and available is a major boost for the club.

He has not featured in a matchday squad for the Gers since the 3-1 win over RB Leipzig in the semi-final of the Europa League earlier this month but looks set to be winning the race to be ready to face Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday night.

Jack has been sublime in Europe for the Gers this season. After an injury-hit start to the campaign, he returned to fitness and has started eight matches in the Europa League for Van Bronckhorst, averaging an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.94.

The Scotland international has made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game and won 55% of his duels in the Europa League. This shows that he has been able to consistently hold his own in the middle of the park, winning the ball back off the opposition on a regular basis and providing the attack with a solid base from which to work.

He and John Lundstram have started all eight of the club’s knockout ties, although the latter has played at centre-back on occasion, and they have formed a strong partnership in midfield.

Therefore, the 30-year-old’s return will be a major boost for Van Bronckhorst’s side. Jack has proven that he can put in top-quality displays alongside Lundstram, helping the club to beat the likes of Braga and Borussia Dortmund along the way, and the supporters will be buzzing with his availability as they will want to see the best possible XI out on the pitch in Seville.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for big Rangers disaster on “ridiculous” £6.4k-p/w tank, GvB needs him…

Rangers: Jordan Campbell drops £80m claim

A major Rangers claim has emerged over their potential financial position at Ibrox heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has revealed that the club will make in excess of £80m over the course of the next two seasons if they win the Europa League later this month.

Rangers will qualify for the group stages of the Champions League by winning the Europa final in Seville next week and will receive a hefty financial boost for doing so.

Campbell tweeted: ‘ “Don’t you think they need the Champions League money here? I think so.” Jon Dahl Tomasson wasn’t wrong. It’s pivotal for Rangers but they’re just a game from securing the cash via the #UEL door. Looking at £80m+ over the two seasons if they do it.’

This sum includes their participation in Europe’s premier competition, winning the Europa League and their involvement in the UEFA Super Cup against either Liverpool or Real Madrid at the start of next season.

Van Bronckhorst will be excited

Gers head coach Gio Van Bronckhorst will surely be left feeling excited by the prospect of the club having more money at their disposal in the coming years.

The 47-year-old and Ross Wilson will be able to utilise the increased funds to attract a higher calibre of player, whether that is because they can afford bigger transfer fees or higher wages – or both. They would also have the lure of playing Champions League football, which could also be a factor in convincing players to make the move to Ibrox.

It will be the Dutchman’s first summer transfer window in charge of the club and he will surely want to put his own stamp on the squad by bringing players in. Being handed a larger war-chest will surely only help his cause, as he will be able to pursue quality signings who have the potential to improve the team.

Mateusz Zukowski, a young prospect, was the only player on whom Rangers spent a transfer fee in January as Amad Diallo, James Sands and Aaron Ramsey all arrived on loan, whilst John Souttar will join as a free agent at the end of next month. This shows that Van Bronckhorst has not had much to work with in terms of bringing in players with a long-term goal in mind.

Therefore, he will have the added motivation to do everything in his power to help the team win the Europa League later this month and will be excited by what doing so wouldl mean for the club off the pitch.

AND in other news, Ibrox sources: Gvb set for imminent Rangers deal that’ll leave supporters delighted…

Celtic: Ange must move for Mendy

Celtic are currently flying high with their title triumph now seemingly a matter of when and not if, following a remarkable debut campaign for new boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian visionary has delighted the Parkhead faithful with his brave, attacking approach, while he’s proven something of a transfer market maestro such has been the number of success stories among the club’s new signings this season.

As this jubilant campaign draws to a close, however, the 56-year-old will surely be turning his attentions towards further recruitment in the upcoming window, amid reports that he may have a £20m transfer kitty at his disposal, following the club’s qualification for the Champions League.

One potential transfer target that has emerged is SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy, with reports late last week suggesting that the Scottish Premiership outfit were eyeing a deal and had even made a €3m (£2.5m) offer for his services.

The player’s agent – Yacine Ayad – has since come out in an attempt to debunk those claims, however, suggesting that any reports of contact with his client are “obviously not true”, although he did admit that the 28-year-old forward “is followed by European clubs”.

Whether or not an offer has actually been made, it would certainly be a wise move for Postecoglou and co to pursue a deal for the Guinea-Bissau international, such has been his sparkling form this season.

Dubbed “very strong” by Jocelyn Gourvennec, the 6-foot gem would provide a real focal point to the Hoops’ attack, something that was sorely lacking in the recent Old Firm, Scottish Cup semi-final defeat following the absence of Georgios Giakoumakis, according to pundit Alan Hutton.

Even the Greek striker hasn’t enjoyed a perfect first season in Glasgow, however, with injury restricting him to just nine goals in 16 top-flight appearances.

Mendy, by contrast, has been in a rich vein of form in France, plundering 16 goals in 31 appearances for the Ligue 2 outfit, albeit with this campaign perhaps something of an anomaly as he has only once previously netted more than five league goals in a season.

Nevertheless, on current form it is no surprise that club’s across the continent have begun to take notice of his talent, while his physical attributes ensure he has more than just a goalscorer, having won a solid 57% of his total aerial duels, as well as provided 0.8 defensive clearances.

Although not a household name, Mendy could prove to be yet another relative unknown who emerges as a diamond under Postecoglou, just like Giakoumakis.

IN other news, £2.5m fee agreed, then snatched away: Celtic had Old Firm blinder on “unplayable” ace

West Brom: Report provides Wallace claim

According to a report from the Express & Star, West Brom are interested in Millwall forward Jed Wallace. 

The lowdown: Career so far

The versatile ace made the grade at Portsmouth making 121 appearances for the south coast club before moving to Wolves in 2015.

However, Wallace struggled at Molineux and was eventually sold to Millwall on a permanent basis following two long-term loan spells at The Den.

Since then, the Reading-born former England youth international has amassed 90 direct goal contributions in 259 outings for the Championship playoff chasers.

Now a fresh report has suggested that the Baggies could be keen…

The latest: West Brom waiting

As per the Express & Star, Albion ‘will enter the race’ to sign Wallace should the 28-year-old become a free agent at the end of the season.

Set to be out of contract in July, the report states that the ex-England Under 19 man is ‘expected to move on’ this summer.

Furthermore, it’s claimed that Baggies boss Steve Bruce is a ‘big fan’ of the man once hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Gary Rowett.

The verdict: Get it done

So far this season Wallace has scored six times and provided 11 assists in 37 league outings – earning a 7.15 rating whilst creating 12 big chances, completing 1.0 dribble and making 2.6 key passes on average per game (Sofascore) – underlining the attacking midfielder’s first-class influence.

As Bruce attempts to bolster the ranks at the Hawthorns this summer, adding a player of the Englishman’s proven quality to the squad for nothing would be a superb piece of business.

Still holding a market value of £6.3million despite the dwindling contract (Transfermarkt), Wallace should be regarded as a top priority for West Brom on a Bosman deal.

In other news, West Brom have been backed to sign a Premier League midfielder. Read more here.

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