Tag Futebol

Arsenal have three games to potentially win their first Premier League title since 2004 – should Manchester City fail to win all of their remaining fixtures.

The Gunners were in the driver's seat for the majority of the season, however going four games without a win in April dealt Mikel Arteta a huge blow to their hopes of winning the title.

Mathematically, the north Londoners can still claim the top spot, though title talk aside, it’s been a successful season with Champions League football confirmed alongside a top-two finish.

A crucial element of Arsenal’s downfall were the injuries to both William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu, whose absences terrifically impacted the team’s form and uncovered a lack of depth in defence that was not coverable.

As the end of the season beckons, Arteta will look to improve his young squad with depth and quality ahead of Champions League action and a new Premier League campaign to contend in.

According to reports, Arsenal have emerged as a possible new home for a young Ajax star, wanted by a host of European clubs in the summer.

Will Arsenal sign Devyne Rensch?

As reported by Football Insider the Gunners have “registered an interest” in 20-year-old right-back Devyne Rensch.

The Dutchman has been a revelation for Ajax this season, featuring 23 times in the Eredivisie, scoring three goals and securing one assist at right-back.

Having risen up through the prestigious Ajax academy, the Gunners now 'want to sign' the youngster in order to replace Ben White on the flank with the aforementioned sourcing suggesting Arteta plans to give the Englishman a “central role” in defence.

What can Devyne Rensch bring to Arsenal?

The Gunners have been exposed this season for their lack of depth in defence, providing little cover for unexpected injuries in a demanding season.

20-year-old Rensch has been integral to his team this term and could provide experience and an offensive full-back style of play while keeping to Arsenal’s youthful spark.

The "top talent" – as per scout Jacek Kulig – ranks highly amongst others in Europe in his position, excelling in his passing ability and desire to get forward – as per FBref.

At right-back, the Dutchman ranks in the top 2% for pass completion rate (86.1%) in leagues compared to the Eredivisie, and has also shown flair in getting forward, ranking in the top 4% for progressive passes, averaging a whopping 6.74 per 90 minutes.

Such numbers are comparable to White’s influence on the Arsenal team, who ranks in the top 4% amongst Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes (7.18), showing Rensch’s potential to play ‘the Arsenal way’ under Arteta. The youngster is strong in defence also, averaging 2.47 tackles per 90 for Ajax over the last year.

Described as “incredible” by journalist Sizwe Jacques Mbebe after making his Netherlands debut in 2021, the Lelystad-born defender has been raved about by Erik ten Hag, who gave him his debut the year prior.

Speculated to potentially cost as much as £20m via Football Transfers, it's a sizable sum for a young player, but considering Arteta’s trust in youth prospects, Arsenal could be a strong place for the Dutchman to progress.

حقق المنتخب السعودي الفوز على لبنان بنتيجة (1-0)، في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء اليوم الخميس على ملعب نادي الوكرة، ضمن المرحلة الأخيرة من البرنامج الإعدادي استعدادًا لمنافسات كأس آسيا 2023 التي تنطلق يوم 12 من شهر يناير الحالي في دولة قطر.

انتهى الشوط الأول من المباراة بالتعادل السلبي بين المنتخبين العربيين.

أحرز هدف اللقاء الوحيد للمنتخب السعودي مهاجم الأهلي فراس البريكان في الدقيقة 48 ليحقق الأخضر الفوز في إطار تحضيراته للمشاركة في كأس آسيا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. قائمة منتخب السعودية النهائية لـ كأس آسيا.. مانشيني يستبعد 4 لاعبين

وبحسب الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم فإن روبيرتو مانشيني مدرب السعودية هو من قرر عدم نقل المباريات الودية التي سيخوضها في قطر، استعدادًا لكأس آسيا 2023، لفرض مزيد من السرية على طريقة اللعب واختيارات المدرب الفنية.

يذكر أن المنتخب السعودية يتواجد في المجموعة السادسة في كأس آسيا 2023، مع منتخبات عمان، تايلاند وقيرغيزستان.

Tottenham Hotspur are 'ready to speak' over the potential signing of Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret this summer, according to reports.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Chairman Daniel Levy is currently a busy man at Spurs, having commenced the search for a new manager and Antonio Conte's permanent N17 replacement. The north Londoners have also recently appointed Chief Football Officer Scott Munn to oversee on-field operations in the absence of Fabio Paratici.

Munn's arrival could be pivotal ahead of the summer transfer window and may allow Levy to focus his efforts on securing the ideal successor to Conte. In terms of potential signings, there has already been a lot of noise.

Perhaps the most heavily-linked star right now is Leicester City playmaker James Maddison, who is reliably believed to a major target no matter which manager comes in. There have even been suggestions that the 26-year-old is set to join the Premier League top four chasers over Newcastle.

Alongside Maddison, Spurs are reportedly on the lookout for an alternative to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with Leeds United's Illan Meslier and Brighton's Robert Sanchez among those to have been previously mentioned.

The France international is out of contract in 2024 and hasn't enjoyed his most productive season for Spurs, meaning Tottenham are contemplating who could take his mantle.

Now, according to reports in Italy, it appears there has been a development on that front. Indeed, Napoli star Meret is now believed to be of real interest to Tottenham, with the Italian news website claiming Spurs are 'determined' to sign the 26-year-old.

It's believed that Meret is a name 'loved' by the Lilywhites 'management', meaning Spurs club chiefs, and they are 'ready to speak' over his potential signing. Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti is even said to be 'worried' over losing the Italy international as Spurs lurk in the background.

Should Spurs sign Meret?

The shot-stopper is out of contract in 2024, meaning Munn and Spurs could have some leverage to whittle down his €40 million (£35m) asking price.

Napoli's starting keeper, who has been a mainstay under Spalletti, is on course to win the 2022/2023 Serie A title after playing a pivotal role.

Called a 'stellar goalkeeper' by members of the media like journalist Roberto Rojas, Udinese legend Antonio Di Natale has also previously likened Meret to Italian footballing icon Gianluigi Buffon.

Still arguably very young in goalkeeping years, Spurs would also be signing a long-term option.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has shared a definitive update on the future of Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe amid his current loan spell at Nice.

Who could leave Arsenal this summer?

There are currently a few players who could depart north London this summer as Mikel Arteta's current crop chase a long-awaited Premier League title.

The Gunners are sitting eight points clear of league champions Man City, and as things stand, they're on course to win a first domestic crown in nearly 20 years. It appears Arteta has now found that perfect balance in his squad after years of building. Some names, however, find themselves on the periphery of the Spaniard's plans.

Nuno Tavares, after his 21/22 debut season at Arsenal, could leave this summer and is currently out on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille. Meanwhile, the likes of Kieran Tierney, Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding have also been mentioned as potential candidates to depart the Emirates Stadium.

Alongside the aforementioned players, Arsenal winger Pepe, who is currently on a temporary deal at Nice, is firmly up for the chopping block as Sheth drops an update on the 27-year-old.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the Sky journalist claims Arteta has 'made it clear' that Pepe is no longer in his plans moving forward. Sheth explained:

"I don't even think the form of those players [Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli] is going to have an impact at all because I think Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he's not in his plans."

"He wasn't a Mikel Arteta signing, remember. This was a signing made by Unai Emery and Emery has since said he actually wanted to sign Wilfried Zaha, but the club decided that they were going to go for Nicolas Pépé — maybe because of his attributes and maybe because of his age as well."

Should Pepe leave Arsenal?

Since signing for the club from Lille in a club-record £72 million move back in 2019, Pepe has struggled for consistency despite being called 'fantastic' at points by Arsenal legends like Robin van Persie.

Over his appearances last season, the £140,000-per-week ace managed just a goal and two assists over 20 league cameos as Pepe couldn't exactly kickstart a purple patch of form. Arsenal ultimately missed out on a top four finish that year with Arteta arguably needing more from such an expensive club acquisition. Across his whole career, spanning 112 games, he has mustered just 27 goals and 21 assists.

This season, however, the Ivorian has dazzled on loan at Nice as he looks to reinvigorate his career – averaging more attempts and successful take-ons per 90 than any other player in Didier Digard's squad, all while scoring six goals (WhoScored).

It may well be best for all parties to go their separate ways with Pepe clearly shining back in France, and Edu will be hoping that will drive up his market value ahead of a potential permanent sale this summer.

Leeds United boast one of the country’s most prestigious academies, with a youth system that nurtures talent and a pathway to the first team that has been most recently paved by the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville.

That’s not to mention the acquired youngsters from abroad, such as Wilfried Gnonto, who has captured the imagination this season since his summer move.

Despite the club not being where it wants to be in the Premier League, it remains an attractive place to be especially for those looking to gain a standing in the game.

With some of their recent transfer missteps too, it seems like the academy could be the only facet of the Yorkshire outfit which can truly be relied upon. January saw Jesse Marsch welcome three new faces into the first team, but it was a window largely dominated by big-money moves that dwarfed that of the Whites’.

Anthony Gordon was one in particular that raised eyebrows, as Everton seemingly stole an astronomical £45m fee from Newcastle United to tempt away their academy graduate. It marked the continued success of a rival academy, and a feat Javi Gracia might look to emulate by enlisting Sean McGurk into his squad.

Who is Sean McGurk?

The 19-year-old wide man bares many similarities to the 21-year-old scouser, with both of them having been born in Liverpool.

Gordon burst onto the scene for a struggling Toffees side, and offered flashes of brilliance but remained incredibly raw. Despite that, he remained branded as the club’s ‘starboy’, with Everton’s official account confirming as such.

McGurk seems to suffer from a similar issue but remains immensely talented. Journalist Lee Sobot even took to Twitter to dub him “a bag of tricks” after some “lovely footwork” for the U21s.

This season the teenage sensation seems poised to surpass his four goal contributions from last year, as he already boasts three from the left wing. Whilst his numbers are not incredible, the threat he poses with his unparalleled trickery is sure to frighten any full-back.

His emergence into the first team could be imminent, especially given the underperformance and injury woes of Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra respectively.

Should he successfully break through into the first team at Thorp Arch, perhaps he could offer even more output than the seven senior goals for the Blues that Gordon boasted to eventually command a similarly astronomical fee for the Whites.

Tottenham Hotspur journalist Alasdair Gold has been left baffled by some news he’s heard regarding Lucas Moura.

The Lowdown: Lucas exit talk…

Earlier this week, Turkish news website Sabah reported (via Daily Express) that the Brazilian could leave for Super Lig club Fenerbache ‘immediately’, with talks seemingly at an advanced stage. This proposed move would also happen before the 30-year-old’s contract expires this summer, as the Turkish transfer window will remain open until March 5.

The report claimed that Lucas could potentially follow the same path as former Spurs star Dele Alli, whose career has been on a major decline since leaving north London.

The Latest: Gold baffled by Lucas news…

Speaking to football.london, however, Gold has poured cold water over the news about Lucas whilst being baffled by its emergence, stating that the mooted move to Istanbul would be ‘crazy’ and senseless.

He explained: “There doesn’t seem to be any current indication from within the club that he will leave before the summer. If that did suddenly change, it’s a move that doesn’t really make any sense for Spurs or, financially at least, Lucas.

“To loan out Bryan Gil and then also allow Lucas Moura to leave would be crazy. Antonio Conte has finally got proper squad depth in those attacking positions and to lose one of them for the sake of around three months’ wages would be daft.”

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The Verdict: Always unlikely…

Even if Lucas has had sparse game-time this season, featuring for only 90 minutes across nine substitute appearances in the top flight, it would still be an unwise decision for Spurs to offload him before the summer.

Antonio Conte’s side are chasing a Premier League top-four finish and remain well in contention after a crucial 2-0 London derby win over West Ham last weekend.

Lucas could still play a role for Spurs depending on developments, especially considering that he averaged more successful take-ons per 90 in the top flight than any other Tottenham player last season (WhoScored).

The club cult hero, who is famed for his Champions League semi-final hat-trick against Ajax in 2019, should surely be allowed to sign off with a flourish if Conte allows him to do so.

Football transfer fees have been on the rise for decades, with some of the most expensive transfers in history taking place in recent years.

The most expensive football transfers

The most expensive football transfers of all time include Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a reported €222 million, Philippe Coutinho’s transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018 for €160 million, and Ousmane Dembélé’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017 for €105 million. Other notable transfers include Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 for €94 million, Gareth Bale’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013 for €91 million, and Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a reported fee of €105 million. Now you can even bet on how much will be the transfer fee, and you can find some options at 50 free spins no deposit casinos and sportsbooks.

The evolution of football transfer fees over time

The evolution of football transfer fees can be traced back to the early 20th century when clubs began to pay players for their services. At first, these payments were relatively small and only covered basic expenses such as travel and accommodation. However, as football became more popular and lucrative, clubs began to invest more money into signing players from other teams. This led to an increase in transfer fees which continued throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. In recent years, transfer fees have skyrocketed due to increased competition between clubs for top talent and a greater willingness by owners to invest large sums of money into their teams. As a result, some of the most expensive transfers ever have taken place in recent years with players such as Neymar Jr., Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale all commanding huge transfer fees when they moved clubs.

Factors that affect the cost of a football transfer

The cost of a football transfer is determined by several factors, including the player’s age, experience level, and current market value. The age of the player is important because younger players tend to have more potential for growth and development than older players. Experience level also plays a role in determining the cost of a transfer as more experienced players are usually more expensive due to their proven track record. Other factors that may affect the cost of a football transfer include any bonuses or incentives offered by either team, any existing contracts between clubs or agents, and any additional fees associated with international transfers.

Football transfers can be big business, with some of the world’s top players switching teams for large sums of money.

Photo by Unsplash

Everton could now make a huge step towards safety with their first January transfer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football League World, who claim that Sean Dyche’s first action as manager of the Toffees will be to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry City.

The Swedish marksman has excelled in the Championship for a number of years now and has understandably earned links to plenty of Premier League clubs.

However, with a history of plucking talent from the division below and nurturing them into instant successes, he could repeat this feat in a bid to ensure safety at Goodison Park.

The Sky Blues are holding out for an £18m fee for their star man.

Repeat Wood masterclass

Of all the transfer miracles pulled off by Dyche during his time at Turf Moor, arguably the most impressive was the signing of Chris Wood.

Unloading a club record fee, the New Zealand international joined from Leeds United for a fee thought to be about £15m.

This was seen as an extraordinary expenditure for Burnley, yet at Everton would mark a drop in the water given their recent financial misadventures.

The 31-year-old would quickly become integral in their system, with his bravery and hulking frame making him a natural fit for the 4-4-2 employed.

He would enjoy four consecutive seasons of striking double figures before earning the club a £10m profit as he was sold to Newcastle United.

This kind of explosive impact could now be repeated through Gyokeres, who has continued his lethal form into yet another season.

With 12 goals in 27 games for Mark Robins’ struggling side, the 24-year-old seems poised to obliterate his 17-goal tally from the season prior.

His proficiency is a trait that has evaded most at Goodison Park this season, where only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored less than them in the league.

As such, they are in dire need of a decisive asset to pull them through tight matches.

This is something which Gyokeres has already proven this season, as he was lauded by opposition manager Chris Wilder after downing his Middlesborough team. 

He claimed: “I thought he was excellent today and I thought he was the difference.”

Desperate for someone to be that catalyst for pulling them from the relegation zone, Dyche should look no further than a league where he already has proven experience locating and utilising great untapped talent.

West Ham United have now held talks about the signing of FC Lorient striker Terem Moffi, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Interest in Moffi

There are said to be several Premier League teams interested in signing Moffi, with Everton considering an approach, although Southampton were recently considered the favourites for his signature.

However, the Saints have had a £15m bid rejected for the striker, meaning that West Ham could still hijack the move, if David Moyes is willing to table a higher offer.

The Latest: West Ham hold talks

According to a report from 90min, the Hammers have now held talks over the signing of the Nigeria international, and they are currently in the process of exploring whether a deal is possible.

The 23-year-old is not the only target outlined in the report, however, as it also details that the Irons have made contact with Sevilla about Youssef En-Nesyri.

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The Verdict: Make it happen?

En-Nesyri is clearly a quality player, far more dominant in the air, as indicated by winning an average of 3.15 aerials per 90 over the past year, compared to a figure of just 1.16 from the Lorient man, but West Ham need goals quickly, which Moffi would be able to provide.

The Nigerian has scored ten times in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this term, following up an impressive 2021/22 season, in which he netted eight goals and four assists in the French top flight, being lauded as ‘incredible’ by football scout Jacek Kulig for his efforts.

With Gianluca Scamacca struggling to find the back of the net, scoring just three in the Premier League this season, Moyes needs a new source of goals from somewhere, and there is every indication that Moffi has the talent to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, especially given that he is still at a young age.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal to bring both Pedro Porro and Marcus Edwards to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by Portuguese publication Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici is ‘not far’ from reaching a deal with Sporting Lisbon for both the right-back and attacking midfielder, with the Italian sporting director believed to be just €5m (£4.5m) away from activating the release clauses of the two players.

The report goes on to state that, with Ruben Amorim adamant that neither the 23-year-old defender nor the 24-year-old forward will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade unless their release clauses are met – sitting at €45m (£40m) and €60m (£53m) respectively – Spurs are currently willing to offer €70m (£61m) for the duo, just €5m short of the €75m (£66m) required to land both players.

As for the reasoning why this €75m figure is considerably lower than the combined €105m release clauses of the pair, the Premier League club are believed to hold a 50% sell-on clause for Edwards, effectively halving the price Tottenham will have to pay in order to land the former England U20 international this winter.

“Unbelievable”

Considering just how impressive both Porro and Edwards have been in Portugal this season, coupled with Antonio Conte reported to be prioritising the signing of a new wing-back and forward in January, the argument that Paratici sealing a £66m deal for the Sporting duo would be an unbelievable coup for Spurs is an extremely easy on to make.

Indeed, over Porro’s 12 Liga Portugal appearances in the current campaign, the £22m-rated talent has been in exceptional attacking form, having already scored one goal, provided five assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 2.2 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £10k-per-week defender who journalist Zach Lowy dubbed “special” average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.20, currently ranking him as Sporting’s fourth-best performer in the league and the joint 20th-best player in the Portuguese top-flight as a whole.

Meanwhile, over Edwards’ 15 Liga Portugal appearances this season, the £22m-rated trickster has been in similarly dazzling form going forwards, bagging five goals, providing four assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These metrics have seen the £23k-per-week attacker who Andy Lapthorne labelled “unreal” and Joe Prince-Wright claimed is “unbelievable” average a rather remarkable Sofascore match rating of 7.15, not only ranking him as Amorim’s fifth-best performer in the division but also as the joint 27th-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, with both Porro and Edwards looking to be players who would greatly improve Conte’s current options in their respective positions on the pitch, should Paratici manage to get a £66m deal over the line for the duo this month, it would indeed represent an unbelievable piece of business by the Italian sporting director.