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A “world-class” player has held talks to join Arsenal via his representatives, and it is believed sporting director Edu Gaspar is prioritising a deal for him.

Arsenal make 2025 transfer plans as Arteta prepares for Tottenham

Head coach Mikel Arteta, after signing a new three-year contract and committing his future to the club, is now focusing all of his attention on Sunday’s looming North London Derby against Tottenham.

Arteta confirms "great news" for Arsenal ahead of Spurs with injury update

A key player looks ready to feature against Tottenham.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 14, 2024

Arteta has a few selection headaches to deal with ahead of tomorrow’s 14:00 kick off, with summer signing Mikel Merino sidelined after a shoulder injury. According to reports, Merino may not return until mid-October at the earliest, so he is certain to be unavailable, while another star midfielder in Declan Rice is also absent through suspension.

Odegaard was expected to miss Tottenham too, but in some good news for Arsenal, Arteta has refused to rule completely him his captain out of their trip to Spurs. Both Gabriel Jesus and Riccardo Calafiori are racing to be fit for Sunday as well, so the Gunners’ injury crisis isn’t as bad as first feared.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

However, with both Merino and Rice out, there is a major shortage in Arsenal’s midfield. This has led to suggestions that Arteta could drop Kai Havertz into midfield with new arrival Raheem Sterling potentially playing a false-nine role, so it will be interesting to see how the team is indeed set up.

Meanwhile, Edu and the club’s recruitment team are already said to be working on new signings for next year off the field. Arsenal are believed to be eyeing Benjamin Sesko ahead of 2025, and have apparently already made contact to gain a head-start on their rivals.

Arsenal have also been linked with Jonathan David this week, as one of Ligue 1’s most prolific scorers of the last few seasons will soon be up for grabs at zero cost.

Arsenal open talks with Jonathan David ahead of January swoop

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have opened talks with David’s representatives ahead of a move in January – rather than a pre-contract arrangement which would see him join for free next summer.

The Canadian international is said to have rejected two new contract offers from his current club as he seeks a move away, and it is believed Edu is set to prioritise David’s signing in the winter window.

Other reports state that Arsenal could tempt David with an offer north of £96,000-per-week, which is surely a real incentive for them to move, considering that salary wouldn’t even put the forward in line with Arteta’s biggest earners.

Called “world class” by ex-Canada manager Iain Hume, the 24-year-old already boasts 153 senior career goals for both club and country combined.

“At his age, to have such a calmness, and a cool head like that? He is a world class player right now,” said Hume in 2022. “That’s a Canadian kid. That’s the realism now. Name more than five/six strikers in the world better than him — I think you’ll struggle.”

French World Cup winner and Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit has shared the one thing which has deeply concerned him about Arsenal for a long time.

Arsenal face Tottenham in North London Derby today

The day has come for manager Mikel Arteta and his squad to do battle against fierce north London rivals Tottenham, with the 14:00 kick off looming and Arsenal desperate to seize all three points.

Arteta confirms "great news" for Arsenal ahead of Spurs with injury update

A key player looks ready to feature against Tottenham.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 14, 2024

Arsenal have a couple of key absences, especially in midfield, with Mikel Merino sidelined until mid-October at the earliest and Declan Rice unavailable through suspension.

Arteta could drop Kai Havertz back into midfield this afternoon, and play new arrival Raheem Sterling as a false-nine on his possible debut for Arsenal, as they attempt to plug the gaps left by Rice and Merino’s absences.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Defender Riccardo Calafiori, captain Martin Odegaard and striker Gabriel Jesus are contending to be fit, according to Arteta in his pre-match Arsenal press conference on Friday, with the trio all touch-and-go depending on last minute assessments.

The Premier League title hopefuls have been desperately unlucky with injuries over the international break and beforehand, which is regrettably out of Arteta’s control, as the Spaniard now looks to set up his team in the most productive way possible against a plucky, attack-minded Tottenham side.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar brought in five major signings to reinforce Arsenal’s squad over the summer, with Sterling, Neto, Merino, Calafiori and David Raya joining for under £100 million.

However, their lack of depth is still a concern, especially for Petit.

Emmanuel Petit shares the one real worry he has about Arsenal

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Petit shared his real concern about Arsenal’s lack of rotation options, suggesting it could be their achilles heel as Arteta attempts to end Arsenal’s 21-year-long wait for a league title.

“City started poorly (last season) and they were missing big players during the season, but they won the title,” Petit said.

“I’m not sure that can be possible for Arsenal in terms of quality and quantity of players. That’s what I’ve been worried about for ages, the rotation of the team. Now they are back in the Champions League again. Playing every single three days, international duty as well with your country, that means you need to get rotation in your team.

“When you get important players injured, what’s the solution for Arteta? He’s got players, but not in the same position and who cannot bring the same qualities on the pitch. I’m pretty sure that Arteta and his staff have been scratching their heads trying to find the best solution, especially in midfield.

“In modern football, you win games in the midfield most of the times. Those two guys are leaders, Rice and Odegaard. I’m very, very upset they won’t be here on Sunday because in terms of rotation, it’s already quite limited for Arteta.”

After Tottenham, Arteta and co face crucial fixtures almost immediately – with Atalanta awaiting them in the Champions League just days later and a trip to Man City looming next weekend..

Fabrizio Romano says one Chelsea forward is expected to leave, even after the summer transfer deadline day cut-off at 11pm on Friday, meaning supporters can expect even more activity in the coming days.

Chelsea spend £271 million on 13 new summer signings in busy window

BlueCo, as ever, splashed the cash on an array of signings at Chelsea, with their busyness in transfer windows becoming largely commonplace, and ever since Clearlake Capital's takeover of the club in 2022.

£62 million Chelsea star now battling for his future under Enzo Maresca

He needs to start impressing his new head coach.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 31, 2024

Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho all put pen to paper on moves to Stamford Bridge, with new head coach Enzo Maresca fiercely backed ahead of his debut campaign in the Chelsea dugout.

In total, including their reported £51 million acquisition of Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, who'll join Chelsea in 2025, the west Londoners spent around £271 million in a serious shake-up of the squad.

Chelsea also attempted a late bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, but despite being in talks with his club and the player's representatives throughout Friday, the Blues couldn't get a deal for him over the line in time.

Appearances

25

Goals

15

Assists

3

Shots per 90

3.86

Key passes per 90

1.05

Successful take-ons per 90

0.73

WhoScored

A host of big names also left Chelsea for pastures new, including a pretty blockbuster exit to Arsenal for Raheem Sterling, which dominated the headlines on deadline day.

Alongside Sterling, other players to seal a last-gasp move away from Chelsea come in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, with the quartet leaving either on loan or permanently.

Chelsea will be especially overjoyed to get Lukaku's previous £325,000-per-week wages off the books as they seriously trim their salary bill, and the Belgian could be granted a new lease of life under Antonio Conte in Serie A.

The pair worked together at Inter and helped to guide the Nerazzurri to an impressive Scudetto triumph in the 2021/22 season.

David Datro Fofana expected to leave Chelsea after deadline day

As per Romano, another forward in Chelsea ace David Datro Fofana could quit the club after Lukaku and Broja – despite the UK transfer window's closure.

Indeed, it is believed Fofana is expected to leave Chelsea after deadline day, with a host of windows still open. Belgian, Turkish, Dutch and Portuguese clubs remain capable of doing business, for the next 48 hours at least, while the Saudis could also offer the 21-year-old an escape route.

The Ivory Coast international spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, scoring four league goals and proving he can cut it at the highest level. Fofana could be a great opportunity for clubs abroad, as he doesn't look too likely to feature much for Maresca this term.

Leeds United, after losing Georginio Rutter to Brighton & Hove Albion, have reportedly contacted the camp of a player who could replace the attacker before the end of the month.

Leeds transfer news

As if replacing Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara didn't already give those at Elland Road a difficult enough task this summer, Rutter's recent exit arguably hands them mission impossible. The Frenchman became the latest to depart when Brighton & Hove Albion triggered his £40m release clause to leave Leeds' frontline decimated.

Following two draws to open their Championship campaign, Rutter's move couldn't have been poorer timed, with Leeds now left scrambling to add attacking additions in the final days of the summer transfer window.

On the incomings front, the Whites have already been linked to the likes of Manuel Benson, Carlos Forbs and Jonathan Rowe, but are yet to confirm the reinforcements that they so desperately need. Three targets who could end up replacing Summerville, Leeds have also reportedly turned their attention towards an attacking midfielder to replace Rutter.

According to Foot Mercato via Sport Witness, Leeds are ready to take action to sign Ilan Kebbal from Paris FC this month, having made contact with the Algerian's camp over a potential summer switch. The 26-year-old has also attracted the interest of Leeds' promotion rivals, Burnley, in what could be a busy battle for his signature.

Leeds working to sign left-back with Rutter and Summerville replacements

It is set to be a busy few days at Elland Road.

ByBen Browning Aug 21, 2024

A player who can also turn out on the right-hand side, Leeds may yet sign two options in one arrival to hand their frontline the boost in depth that it so desperately needs. With nine days left in the summer window, those at Elland Road will need to act quickly, however.

"Magnificent" Kebbel could replace Rutter

At 26 years of age, Kebbel proved last season that he is ready for a big move away from Ligue 2 and into the Championship and Daniel Farke's Leeds side. The attacking midfielder would instantly ease the Yorkshire club's Rutter blow, potentially arriving off the back of scoring six goals and assisting a further 11 in France's second division last time out.

Appearances

37

45

Goals

6

6

Assists

11

16

Providing the same goalscoring threat as Rutter whilst impressing on the creative front, Kebbal could quickly emerge to become a genius piece of business from all involved at Elland Road, if they push on for his signature in the next week.

Praised by those in France, Stade Brest's Hugo Magnetti told Alexandre Ruiz: "Ilan Kebbal is a magnificent ball player but also a very good ball eater. One day he annoyed me, we pushed each other and the referee gave us 2 red cards. It's after moments like that that he became like a brother."

Now, it's Leeds who could benefit from the Algerian's magnificence in the hope of handing Farke the attacking boost that his side needs more than ever.

Fulham are now targeting Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer and Mauricio Pochettino's side are open to selling him, according to reports.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

In the past week, Whites transfer rumours have been seriously hotting up, both in terms of potential departures and signings for Marco Silva.

Fulham enjoyed a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League after being promoted from the Championship, comfortably avoiding relegation and finished mid-table.

While they couldn't quite do enough to seal European football for next season, the foundations to build are there, and it is believed the west Londoners are looking at strengthening a variety of positions.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez have all been linked in the past 10 days.

Meanwhile, it is believed top flight rivals are eyeing moves for star Fulham players Joao Palhinha and Antonee Robinson, with Leicester City also apparently looking to steal away club captain Tom Cairney.

If these rumours come to fruition, it could well be a busy summer at Craven Cottage, with news emerging of another target on their radar.

Hudson-Odoi, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is apparently being targeted by Fulham.

That is according to The Guardian and reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims Fulham, Milan and Nottingham Forest have registered interest in the £120,000-per-week forward.

Chelsea are prepared to sell Hudson-Odoi, and could do so for just £15 million, with the winger looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

He's out of contract next year, and with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, Fulham could offer him the chance to remain in west London.

Hudson-Odoi has offers from the Middle East, though it is thought his preference is to remain in Europe at this stage.

What's been said about Hudson-Odoi?

Frank Lampard once tipped the 22-year-old for stardom at Chelsea, calling him an "incredible" player back in 2019 whilst claiming he could be "huge" for the Blues.

Fast forward to now, and that hasn't quite worked out, but Lampard isn't the only person to have seriously endorsed the winger.

FourFourTwo writer Mark White, taking to Twitter just last year, called Hudson-Odoi a "special" player and drew particular attention to his "unbelievable vision" and "sheer mentality".

Given he is available for just £15m, and Fulham are in need of forward depth, he could be a prudent option.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in the services of striker Lyndon Dykes.

Rangers transfer news – What's the latest on Lyndon Dykes

According to the Daily Mail, the Glasgow giants are interested in reuniting the Scotland forward with former boss Michael Beale north of the border.

The Teddy Bears' interest has come in the aftermath of his 'heroics' with the national side against Norway on Saturday.

The 27-year-old scored late on to level the game before providing the assist for Kenny McLean in their 2-1 win.

The performance has also led to interest from other clubs, with Burnley and Millwall now interested, the latter having already submitted a £2m offer in January.

Could Lyndon Dykes replicate Jermain Defoe's success at Rangers?

In recent years, Rangers have made a habit of poaching strikers from the Championship or lower-level Premier League clubs, with the most prominent example being Jermain Defoe, who joined from AFC Bournemouth in 2019.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man's time in Glasgow was a fruitful one.

In the 74 appearances he made for the club, he produced 42 goal involvements, 32 goals and ten assists.

He was also a key member of Steven Gerrard's team that won the Teddy Bears' first league title since they rejoined Scotland's top flight.

A player like Dykes could certainly replicate some of that success.

According to WhoScored, the Scot averaged an impressive rating of 6.8 across his 35 starts for Queens Park Rangers last season, scoring eight goals and laying another two on for his teammates.

He should have scored more as well, with FBref putting his expected goals for last season at 12.6, suggesting that he was getting into good goal-scoring positions more often but suffering from bad luck.

He has also proven his ability to find the back of the net in the Scottish Premiership from his season with Livingston in the 2019/20 season when he produced an excellent 19 goal involvements, 11 goals and eight assists.

It was during his stint with the Lions that he drew the attention and praise of Gerrard, who claimed:

"They've got a forward in-form in Lyndon Dykes who's having a real good season, who is capable of playing in the air or on the floor, he's quite dangerous."

The 6 foot 2 marksman has also received plaudits from another Gers legend, Alan Hutton, who, in the aftermath of the club missing out on the "focal point" in 2020, said:

"I think he'd have been a great addition for the Rangers squad, definitely. He's proven it on a high stage now."

That "high stage" Hutton is talking about is international football, a place Dykes has thrived.

The Australian-born forward has already scored nine times in 29 appearances for Scotland and started all three games during the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, including their draw with England.

If Beale and co can convince Dykes to make their journey back north, there is no doubt that he would be able to replicate some of the successes of the retired Defoe; arriving as a player that is already well-known amongst the coaching staff.

Manchester United's potential takeover with the proposed Qatar-based bid from Sheikh Jassim is not believed to be as close as Middle Eastern reports have claimed.

However, there is a belief that there is a growing confidence among those in the Qatari party that they will secure the takeover.

What's the latest in Man United's potential takeover?

The summer transfer window is now open and the Glazer family remain at the helm of the Red Devils despite putting the club up for sale back in November.

Two parties remain at the front of the race to potentially take over at Old Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Qatari bid still keen to buy the club.

It has been reported the Qatari party have recently put forward a record-breaking bid for the Red Devils in what was claimed to be a 'take it or leave it' final offer.

However, in recent days, there have been some claims coming out of the Middle East suggesting Sheikh Jassim had been successful in landing the Premier League giants.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has claimed despite the notion of Qatar winning the race being incorrect, there is a growing confidence among the party:

"I was up into the early hours trying to get to the bottom of this. I was told not to get too excited yet. The Qataris, I think, are growing in confidence that they can strike a deal with the Glazer family, but at the moment, not much has changed.

"It still looks a two-horse race between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his partial takeover and the Qataris who're looking to buy the entirety of United."

How much has Sheikh Jassim bid for Man United?

According to the reports last week, Sheikh Jassim's fourth offer was worth in excess of £5bn and his fifth bid was an improved offer on the £5bn originally put forward to the Glazers.

However, it is also believed that the Americans are looking for an offer of no less than £6bn in order to see them sell up at Old Trafford.

The bid from Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not believed to match the 100% ownership that the Qatari party are said to be seeking and would, instead, see the Glazers able to remain with some power at the club.

But this will still likely come to the frustration of most United fans who will have wanted to see any potential takeover completed ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

For instance, Kylian Mbappe is believed to be available this summer for around €150m (£128m) this summer which could potentially appeal to United if they had the Qataris at the helm.

Of course, this would be an ambitious move considering Real Madrid are believed to be seriously interested in the France international.

However, with the backing of a group like the Qataris, it could potentially have been a possibility.

Instead, United remains in limbo as to where the club stands over the future of the Glazer family.

Tottenham Hotspur "will back" manager Ange Postecoglou this summer with the club, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, "ready" to battle for Leicester City star James Maddison.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs' long and drawn out search for a new manager is over as Postecoglou, after winning a domestic treble with Celtic, joins the Premier League side on a four-year contract.

The north Londoners have confirmed that he will commence work for the 2023/2024 season on July 1, replacing Antonio Conte who left Tottenham over two months ago.

“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy upon his appointment."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

His appointment also marks the return of an attacking brand of football at Spurs, with the more dogmatic eras of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho appearing to be a thing of the past.

Now, attention turns to the transfer market and how Tottenham can shore up Postecoglou's options in key positions. Levy is believed to be chasing central defenders and a new goalkeeper, especially after Spurs' poor defensive record over 2022/2023, which was actually the worst of any side above 15th.

However, the Lilywhites are also eyeing additions further forward, with both wingers and playmakers on Levy's agenda.

According to a report by The Daily Mirror and journalist John Cross, Spurs apparently "will back" their new manager in the transfer market this summer. What's more, Levy and co are "ready to rival" Newcastle United for Leicester's Maddison – who is expected to cost around £40 million.

Who is James Maddison?

The England international has been linked with a move to N17 in recent weeks, with some reports even suggesting they're in pole position to sign him.

Maddison was a key player for Leicester last season, standing out as their star man and averaging a higher match rating per 90 than any other Foxes star over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

He also made more key passes per 90 and attempted a higher rate of shots per 90 than any other Leicester player last season, racking up an impressive 19 goal contributions (WhoScored).

With numbers like these, it's hardly a surprise Maddison has been called "magnificent" for his displays at the King Power.

Manchester United will be hoping to put their disappointing FA Cup final defeat in the rearview mirror as they head into the summer break following a solid debut campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Not only did the Dutchman win the Old Trafford side their first trophy since 2017, but has also guided them into the Champions League group stages, and with his first season behind him, he will be aiming to take the Red Devils to the next level during 2023/24.

To do this, however, he will have to add a few more fresh faces to the squad, while shipping out some deadwood. Given that he lured players such as Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro to United last summer, there will be a similar hope that signings of this stature could be made again.

They may well raid Real Madrid once more, as United have been linked with midfielder Federico Valverde according to reports in Spain, although president Florentino Perez has claimed that it will take an offer of around €80m (£69m) in order for negotiations to begin.

Could Federico Valverde improve Manchester United?

The 24-year-old Uruguayan is entering the prime years of his career and has enjoyed a wonderful period of success at Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown – ensuring that if he joined United, they would benefit from his winning mentality in the heart of the midfield.

Another reason why the midfielder could improve the Red Devils is his similarities to Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, who according to FBref, is the most comparable player to Valverde. Given the German's incredible career, in which he has won 13 major honours and become the beating heart of Pep Guardiola’s City juggernaut, it certainly isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, over the past year, Gundogan ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals, touches in the attacking penalty area and total shots per 90, while the Uruguayan ranks in the top 10% also for non-penalty goals and total shots, while dropping to the top 21% for touches in the opposition box per game, suggesting that the pair offer an excellent goal threat from the centre of midfield overall.

This is something United could benefit from as none of their central midfielders scored more than seven goals across all of last season. Valverde showcased his importance to Madrid by ranking as their third-best player in La Liga, fifth for goals and assists and sixth for key passes per game, with Gundogan offering a similar influence at City, ranking similarly highly for the same metrics, suggesting that Ten Hag could have a world-class operator as the fulcrum of his side should he sign him this summer.

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole hailed Valverde as “unbelievable” late last year, and having showcased his abilities at the Bernabeu, a move to Old Trafford surely wouldn’t faze the 24-year-old.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Moises Caicedo has been promised he can leave this summer with Arsenal still keen on a transfer.

What are the latest Arsenal transfer rumours?

With the Premier League season now all wrapped up, the 2022/23 campaign is completely finished for the Gunners and minds can now focus on preparations for the future.

Key midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to be one of the first departures at the Emirates this summer and so a new midfielder or two will likely come in, with Declan Rice a key target.

As well as the West Ham captain, it's known that Arsenal had their eye on Brighton star Caicedo in the winter but failed with a £70m bid.

Since then, the midfielder has signed a new four-year contract reportedly worth £60k-p/w which could mean he's off the market.

However, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Roberto de Zerbi will let Caicedo go even though there is no release clause in his deal.

He explained (2:42): "For Caicedo, there is no release clause but Roberto De Zerbi promised him that when in January Arsenal approached Brighton with £60m and then a £70m second bid (add-ons included), he told the player: 'Stay here with us until the end of the season, and we will sell you in the summer'.

"This was the plan, this was promised to the player and so very respectful from Roberto De Zerbi."

Is there a release clause in Caicedo's contract?

It seems De Zerbi will be a man of his word as he all but accepted Caicedo and teammate Alexis Mac Allister will go this summer.

After Birghton's last game, he told BBC Sport: "I think that can be the last game of Alexis and Moises, I'm really sorry. They are two great people and two great players."

"The policy of Brighton is like this," added De Zerbi. "I think it's right they can leave, can change teams and play in a level higher.

"We are ready. We have to find others big players to play without Alexis and Moises."

However, the situation is more complicated with Caicedo, as Mac Allister has some detail in his contract which will allow him to go – though the details are unclear as to how exactly works as it's not a standard release clause.

But as Caicedo doesn't have that, it will be completely up to Brighton if they keep him this summer but after De Zerbi's promise, it sounds as though the door is open for Arsenal to make their move.