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Mikel Arteta looks as though he is planning ahead for next season as Arsenal have shown interest in Bayern Munich youngster Ryan Gravenberch.

What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Arsenal?

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners are keeping an eye on his scenario at Munich with a view to making a move during the summer transfer window.

He said via Twitter: “Arsenal is monitoring him and his situation at Bayern! But no negotiations yet. Lot of competition with Ødegaard, Xhaka, Partey, Jorginho … but nevertheless: He could get more playing time there. Now all depends on Tuchel.”

He only joined the Bundesliga side last summer for a fee of €18.5m (£16m) and if Arsenal could land him for a similar price, it would be a wonderful bargain.

Could Ryan Gravenberch join Arsenal?

With Thomas Tuchel recently taking over at the club, much will depend on whether he wants him in his squad ahead of next season and Arteta will certainly be keeping an eye on this over the coming weeks.

The north Londoners have enjoyed mixed success recruiting from the Bundesliga in the past, notably bringing in the likes of Sokratis and Sead Kolasinac, however by luring the Dutchman to the club, they could repeat their Granit Xhaka masterclass.

The Switzerland international signed from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016 and although it took him a while to step up to the standard required, he has been magnificent under Arteta, especially this season.

The 30-year-old has registered ten goal contributions – five goals and five assists – so far in the league, while making 1.3 key passes and creating five big chances, vastly improving his attacking output.

Gravenberch occupies the same position as Xhaka and although his debut season in Germany hasn’t exactly gone to plan, his final campaign for Ajax was excellent and gave the continent a glimpse of his incredible talent.

The 20-year-old played 30 matches in the Eredivisie as Ajax won another league title, and he was instrumental, scoring twice, grabbing five assists and completing 1.1 key passes per game alongside creating six big chances, an indication of his offensive prowess from a central midfield position.

His maturity levels were excellent too, chipping in with the nitty-gritty side of the game by making two tackles per game and winning an impressive 58% of his total duels, so it’s no wonder Bayern came calling for his signature.

Dutch pundit Wim Kieft lauded Gravenberch as the “greatest talent in the Netherlands” and there is no doubt his potential is limitless. Thus, perhaps jumping to a European heavyweight so soon in his career was a slight misjudgment.

Arteta, therefore, could work his magic on a young player again to help the 6 foot 3 maestro live up to his immense potential. Should he do so, then the 20-year-old Dutchman could be the heir to Xhaka in the engine room.

Journalist Steve Kay says that Arsenal are ‘not aware’ of any contact that has taken place to sign RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor this summer.

The Lowdown: Registered interest…

It has recently been reported that Arsenal have registered their interest in signing Okafor, who is valued at £25m by Salzburg.

However, North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be interested in his signature, along with West Ham United, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The Latest: No contact made

Taking to Twitter, Kay has since shared that ‘sources’ have told him that the Gunners are ‘not aware’ of any contact taking place over Okafor, while RB Leipzig have also shown an ‘interest’ in him:

“According to some reports Arsenal are showing interest in signing the RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor.

“Sources are telling me close to the club that they are not aware of any contact taking place.

“RB Leipzig have shown some recent interest in signing the young striker.”

The Verdict: Get it done!

At just 22 years of age, Okafor is a big talent, having scored 34 goals and made a further 23 assists in 108 games in total over all competitions for Salzburg, with 12 goal contributions coming so far this season (Transfermarkt).

He has also been capped 12 times by Switzerland, scoring twice and producing one assist (Transfermarkt), and is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig describes Okafor as a ‘superb’ player who is ‘powerful’ and ‘agile’ with ‘electric’ pace and ‘super’ technique, as he ranks in the 90th percentile of all forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and in the 85th for successful take-ons per game (FBRef).

Given Arsenal’s injuries in forward areas this term, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all having faced extended periods out, Okafor would be a smart signing to provide cover, and eventually challenge for a regular starting spot.

Arsenal have submitted a bid of around €40m (£35m) for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Arsenal eyeing midfielder

Arsenal were very interested in signing a central midfielder during the January transfer window, going as high as £70m in their bid for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, however their advances were rejected outright.

The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, and they are now said to be in pole position for the Englishman, but Milinkovic-Savic is also a subject of interest for the north London club…

The Latest: Offer made

According to a report from CalcioMercato, the Serbian is almost certain to leave Lazio in the summer, opening the door for a move to the Premier League, and there are multiple teams eyeing a deal.

Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle United are all said to have made bids in the region of €40m (£35m) for the midfielder, via his agent Mateja Kezman.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘sensational’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the 28-year-old’s main strength is his ability inject end product from midfield, weighing in with 11 assists in the Serie A last season, while he also picked up the same number of goals.

It has been yet another strong season playmaking-wise for the Lazio ace, currently on eight assists in the Italian top flight, now ranking in the 97th percentile for assists per 90 compared to other midfielders in the past year.

After missing out on Caicedo in January, the Gunners brought in Jorginho, however he does not offer much in the way of attacking threat, averaging 0 non-penalty goals and 0.06 assists per 90.

Milinkovic-Savic is a very different type of player, with a proven track record of finding the back of the net, and Mikel Arteta should undoubtedly pursue a summer deal.

TalkSPORT pundit Alex Crook has claimed that the correct decision was made after Manchester United’s  Marcel Sabitzer was not awarded a card following what appeared to be a dangerous tackle.

What did Sabitzer do in United’s win?

In the first half against Leicester, the on-loan midfielder launched a heavy tackle on defender Wout Faes, in which his studs appeared to make contact above the Belgian’s knee.

Graeme Souness claimed that Sabitzer should have been awarded a red card for the dangerous tackle, but the Austrian was controversially not even booked for the challenge.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, (1.00) Crook claimed that whilst it wasn’t the best tackle from Sabitzer, that the decision to not award a red card was the correct one.

“Having seen the replay, there wasn’t enough force in the tackle,” he stated.

“If you watch it, he actually almost tries to turn his foot away. I think Alexis MacAllister’s challenge in the game against Crystal Palace last week was worthy.

“I agree with the call on Sabitzer, there was more momentum behind that. I think it was clumsy from Sabitzer,”

A game-changing decision?

Interestingly, the Premier League backed up Alex Crooks’ claim with their explanation also being the lack of force in the tackle.

Leicester started the first half as the better team, forcing David De Gea into a number of fine saves before Marcus Rashford eventually opened the scoring, but if United were reduced to ten as a result of the Sabitzer tackle, the outcome could have been different.

Erik ten Hag’s side were already missing Casemiro through suspension, and losing another central midfielder today would have reduced their options further.

With the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle their next domestic game, Sabitzer would have missed the trip to Wembley if he was awarded the red card and given a subsequent ban, and he will be breathing a sigh of relief that the referee did not send him off.

Everton manager Sean Dyche will have an exciting option to bring back into the fold when Nathan Patterson is able to return from injury.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees have been without Patterson for a few weeks now after the right-back picked up an injury issue in the game against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Patterson sustained ligament damage in his knee and it is believed he could be out for around six weeks, which would suggest he could return in just over one week.

In his place, veteran Seamus Coleman has stepped up and played a huge role in their victory over Arsenal on the weekend as he faced up against the in-form Gabriel Martinelli.

However, speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed seeing Patterson return will provide Dyche an extra option which he could unleash:

“But I felt Seamus Coleman was excellent against Arsenal the other day as well and really stepped up to the mark as well. But yeah, just gives Sean Dyche an extra option in defence as well once Patterson’s back to full fitness.”

Something different

Coleman has been a sensational servant for Everton having now racked up 399 appearances for the Toffees after signing for just £62k back in 2009.

And up against the young Brazilian for Arsenal, the 34-year-old was able to provide Dyche with six clearances and one tackle during the 90 minutes at Goodison Park (via SofaScore).

However, the young Petterson has shown some remarkable form for the Toffees since arriving from Rangers last January.

The 21-year-old ranks inside the top fifth percentile for tackles, blocks and clearances made per 90 minutes among other full-backs (via Fbref).

And in comparison to Coleman, Patterson has been able to provide Everton with more shot-creating actions and passes per 90 minutes.

It is apparent the youngster’s form in an Everton shirt has caught the attention of those back up in his motherland with BBC man Simon Donnelly lavishing him with high praise:

“There’s no fear in his play, wants to get forward at any opportunity, he’s easily slotted into this Scotland team and has already scored a goal. I’ve seen how he’s a fan favourite for Everton and he’s going from strength to strength,” he said.

It will be interesting to see how Dyche integrates Patterson back into the side when he returns to the squad as he knows what he will get from Coleman.

However, it is apparent that with Patterson, Dyche could provide the Toffees with a bright spark down the right side of the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Jordan Pickford is ‘one to look out for’ in the summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Lloris past it?

Hugo Lloris has been a vital player for Tottenham since arriving at the club in 2012, making 442 appearances in a Spurs shirt, but he has recently received criticism for some poor performances.

Graeme Souness slammed the Frenchman after the New Year’s Day defeat to Aston Villa by declaring that he is ‘past his sell-by date’, while Jamie Carragher labelled him a ‘liability’ live on Sky Sports after the recent 4-2 defeat at Manchester City.

As such, the Lilywhites now appear to be thinking about a long-term replacement for the 36-year-old…

The Latest: Pickford in Levy’s sights

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Bridge claimed that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could capitalise on a poor season from Everton in order to sign Pickford.

The reporter said: “I think if Everton get relegated, Daniel Levy would like the England goalkeeper, maybe as an option. People throw names at me and I don’t think I’d rule anyone out at this stage, I think they will all be considered, so it’s one to look out for in the summer.”

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Micky Gray, the 50-cap England international has usually shone for his country and was particularly impressive at Euro 2021, a tournament in which he picked up two more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper.

While Everton have had a very disappointing 2022/23 campaign, their ‘keeper has prevented them from finding themselves in an even more perilous position, displaying that he is a big-game player with an incredible performance against Liverpool in September.

The 28-year-old was handed a remarkable 9.2 match rating by Sofascore for a display in which he made a total of seven saves from inside the penalty box, helping to seal what could prove to be an important point at the end of the season.

Given his age, Pickford could be first choice between the sticks for several years to come, and if the Toffees are relegated, then a move to Tottenham is likely to be a very attractive proposition for him so that he can continue playing top-flight football.

Manchester United are interested in possibly bringing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Butland in…

The Red Devils have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this month by bringing in Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.

United chiefs brought the Englishman to Old Trafford after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United, with Butland to provide competition to David de Gea alongside Tom Heaton. However, it looks as if another ‘keeper addition could soon be on the cards in Spain international Raya.

The Latest: United keen on Raya

The Telegraph shared a story on Wednesday, claiming that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Raya.

The report states that those two clubs are ready to rival fellow top-flight rivals Tottenham in the race for Raya’s services as he enters the final 18 months of his Brentford deal.

The Verdict: Makes sense

You can see why United are on the search for another potential addition in goal, with De Gea and Heaton both out of contract at the end of the season.

Raya has gone from strength to strength with the Bees and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation.

He has been one of Brentford’s top performers this season, as per WhoScored, and has made more saves than any other goalkeeper so far this season (81).

Therefore, you could say that United may be targeting a player at the peak of his powers, however, they could face competition from two of the so-called big six for his signature.

Leeds United’s rumours linking them with Ben Brereton-Diaz persist, with a respected journalist expecting a patient approach to the deal.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, who has suggested him as a target following reports in the past linking Victor Orta with a move.

The journalist would issue the following update, with his own input on when he thinks the Chilean might move, to GIVEMESPORT: “There are others as well that Leeds United are looking at, and I think that one of them is still going to be Ben Brereton Diaz who’s at Blackburn.

“And Brereton Diaz has already vowed to stay at the club until next summer, so they might have to play a longer game on that one. But we wait and see whether or not Leeds can influence that situation in any way shape or form.”

“Phenomenal” deal

Boasting plenty of goals for their place in the division, having scored 22 times in just 14 games, it would make sense for the Whites to focus on solidity rather than added goals.

Despite this, it seems Jesse Marsch clearly cannot resist an opportunity to bolster his attack, with Ben Brereton-Diaz proving an extraordinary option for a Premier League club willing to take the risk.

The 23-year-old has already scored nine times this season in the Championship, assisting a further three in just 24 games.

He seems poised to match his equally impressive tally of 22 in the league from last campaign.

As such, Brereton-Diaz has more than earned the label of a “dangerous finisher” that Dean Smith branded him.

Throughout his short career, he already has 52 goals to his name, which he pairs with a further 22 assists. That seems set to expand exponentially with each passing season given his blistering form following his switch in nationality.

Boasting the qualities to be a target man or a striker who comes to feet, it seems like given the continued absence of Patrick Bamford, this could be his ideal replacement.

With goals hardly at a premium at Elland Road, to sign the man dubbed a “phenomenal player” by football scout Ron Dor could remain a stroke of genius despite other urgencies.

Phil Hay revealed earlier today that Jesse Marsch would be prioritising a left back and a forward for the coming windows, and this lethal marksman could fit the bill perfectly for the latter spot.

Southampton have been told Ryan Fraser would be a ‘really nice option’ for a January transfer swoop by transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Jones targeting winger

The Northern Echo recently detailed that the Saints are set to make an early January move for the Newcastle United winger, who could potentially become Nathan Jones’ first signing.

With the club in the midst of a relegation battle, another attacking option may be required to fire them to safety, and with the Magpies reportedly willing to field offers for Fraser, the door could be open for a switch to St Mary’s.

The Latest: Jones reacts

Jones told GIVEMESPORT that the 28-year-old would be well-suited to a Southampton move, due to his age and his desire to leave his current club:

“I think it would be a really nice option, actually. Fraser has clearly got his mind open at the moment to a transfer.

“He’s very hungry, and he’s at an age where he still has a lot to offer. I think Southampton can definitely do worse than to be pursuing a transfer like this.”

The Verdict: Make it happen

Newcastle reporter Miles Starforth has hailed the £42k-per-week earner as being ‘superb’ in a black and white shirt, and although he has largely been a bit-part player for the Magpies this season, he could have a new lease of life with the Saints.

Most well-known for his pace, which reporter Keith Downie claimed the Republic of Ireland ‘couldn’t handle’ during a fine display for Scotland back in September, the speedster would inject new life into the Southampton attack, which has only mustered up a disappointing 13 goals this season.

The Scot has had previous success on the South Coast with AFC Bournemouth, most notably in the 2018-19 season, in which he registered seven goals and 14 assists in the Premier League, the latter tally being the second-highest of any player in the division.

Fraser is a proven performer in the Premier League, and exactly what Jones needs in his squad if he is able to instigate a change of fortunes and avoid relegation to the Championship.

Celtic have made contact with Egypt international Afsha’s representatives over a move to Parkhead, according to a fresh claim from journalist Mark Hendry.

The Lowdown: Afsha linked with Celtic

The Hoops are currently on a break from Premiership action, with the World Cup the main point of focus at the moment. Afsha – full name Mohamed Magdy – is not taking part in Qatar, though, due to Egypt’s failure to qualify for the tournament.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Celtic recently, and it now looks as though the transfer is edging closer all the time, following the addition of Alistair Johnston on Saturday.

The Latest: Celtic make contact

Taking to Twitter in sharing a report for Football Scotland, Hendry confirmed that contact has now been made with Afsha’s people regarding a move to Celtic possibly coming to fruition.

The reporter tweeted:

“EXCLUSIVE! Celtic contact Afsha representatives over January transfer as Ange Postecoglou eyes further additions.”

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The Verdict: More depth for Postecoglou

Afsha could be a shrewd potential acquisition by Celtic as Ange Postecoglou looks to continue building a squad which can compete both domestically and in Europe.

The Al Ahly midfielder’s international experience of 20 caps speaks volumes about his quality, and he has also scored 35 goals and registered 42 assists in the Egyptian Premier League.

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Afsha could add an extra attacking spark for Celtic, invariably taking up an offensive midfield role, providing ammunition for team-mates and also chipping in with goals himself.