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Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with Jonathan Ikone’s representatives over a potential transfer this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to an exclusive report by Anfield Central, who claim that the Gunners have held talks with the 23-year-old LOSC Lille attacker and his agents amid claims that Liverpool have pulled out of a deal due to unreasonable financial demands.

It’s thought that the Ligue 1 champions will let Ikone depart for a fee in the region of £40m, whilst the 5 foot 9 frontman is asking for £150k-per-week wages, with a substantial signing on bonus too.

That’s why talks are said to have broken down with the Merseyside giants.

Part-attacker, part-creator

If Mikel Arteta wants a versatile presence in attack, then the France U21 international is a very worthy candidate. In this campaign alone, he’s played anywhere along the front three as well as in the hole behind the striker.

As per Transfermarkt, Ikone provided seven goals and seven assists in all competitions, helping Lille pip his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, to the title.

He built on his 11 direct goal contributions from the 2019/20 campaign, and his three goals and 11 assists a season earlier, where he played alongside current Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe.

Interestingly, it’s another link to North London that makes Ikone even more appealing, as the 23-year-old has modelled his game on Mesut Ozil.

“I was mostly attracted to dribbling growing up, but having been put into the No.10 position I’ve become more interested in those who can unlock a game, like Ozil,” he claimed, via Ligue 1’s official website. “Today, I dribble less, I’ve tried to simplify my game and become better and providing beautiful passes, the final pass before a goal.”

The young French starlet has also been lauded as a “midfielder with a great future” by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and a “very talented young player” with “great potential” by Lille’s deputy CEO Marc Ingla, both via the same source.

Also likened to Angel Di Maria, Ikone has been described as an “offensive all-rounder,” meaning he’s an intriguing candidate to not only potentially replace Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah but also provide cover on either flank and potentially fill the void left behind by Ozil, whom he aspires to be like.

AND in other news, Edu could land Arsenal their next Ramsey in “devastating” £27m-rated “special talent”…

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has dropped an exciting transfer update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock.

What’s the story?

The England U21 international has been a revelation for Steve Bruce’s side since joining on loan until the end of the season back in the January transfer window, recently bagging in his sixth consecutive Premier League game by scoring the winner against Sheffield United.

Now, Edwards has claimed that Willock is ready to leave his boyhood club to make the switch to Tyneside permanent this summer, with the Magpies “increasingly confident” of his desire to join.

The report adds that a deal could even then convince Allan Saint-Maximin to stay put at St James’ Park, with Bruce confirming once again in his post-match press conference after the game against the Blades that Newcastle will explore signing Willock permanently.

Fans will be buzzing

If you needed any proof of just how much Newcastle fans have fallen in love with Willock, and how much they want him to stay, then you only have to look at the St James’ Park faithful serenading him during his post-match interview against the Blades.

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The 21-year-old has been a breath of fresh air for a Magpies side who desperately needed his fresh injection of pace and energy, and his ability to break into the box and time his runs have resulted in some match-winning contributions.

It’s exactly why Edwards’ update on Willock’s intentions of leaving Arsenal, and then the double boost it could have of convincing Saint-Maximin to stay as well, is incredibly exciting news for the club’s fans.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must land this “unplayable” star…

West Ham United are one of the teams interested in signing Gerard Moreno this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim that after an impressive campaign with Villarreal, the 29-year-old talisman is attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A.

It’s thought that three teams have come forward with interest, including the Irons.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Jose Mourinho’s new team, AS Roma, are the other two mentioned in the report, whilst it remains to be seen how much of a fee Moreno would command.

Transfermarkt and CIES Football Observatory both value the ten-cap Spain international at £36m. He cost the Yellow Submarines €20m (£18m) in the summer of 2018.

Best since Di Canio

David Moyes is in desperate need of a new striker this summer, so it’s hardly a surprise to see the East London outfit linked to an array of names, of which the likes of Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham and Czech sensation Adam Hlozek have been mooted.

You could forgive fans at the London Stadium approaching this situation with caution as the Hammers have had a sordid past when it comes to bolstering their frontline.

For many, many years they have signed questionable options – the latest being Sebastian Haller, who left after just 18 months, with GSB making a £20m loss on his services.

Jordan Hugill, Simone Zaza, Nikica Jelavic, Mauro Zarate, Marouane Chamakh, Modibo Maiga and Andy Carroll are several examples of the club messing up such a vital position.

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Moreno, who has been in career-best form this campaign, can buck that trend to potentially become West Ham’s best forward since Paulo Di Canio graced the pitch at the Boleyn Ground.

Of course, there have been fleeting signs since then, with the likes of Demba Ba and Marko Arnautovic doing the Hammers a sterling job whilst Michail Antonio is probably the best contender for such a tag, though he was never an out-and-out frontman until recently.

The Villarreal striker has been immensely prolific this term, providing ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery with a whopping 30 goals and 11 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Such form has led to La Liga expert Sid Lowe dubbing him ‘arguably Spain’s best player right now’ in April this year.

His ability to play anywhere through the middle, deeper or more advanced, is hugely appealing too – almost in that sort of Harry Kane role for arch-rivals Spurs.

In fact, during his time at Espanyol, he drew comparisons to Karim Benzema.

“Early on, he was in and out of the team, but under Quique, he became more like a 9.5 – like Karim Benzema, and it allowed him to become our goalscorer, but also our playmaker,” explained Geoff Gillingham to La Liga Lowdown.

“Gerard Moreno is Lionel Messi. Only from “Villarreal” is how El Pais described him earlier in the season and the glowing endorsements do not stop there either.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig believes he’s “perfect” and “capable” of adapting to different conditions.

Indeed, only Messi outscored (30) and outranked (8.52) Moreno in the Spanish top-flight this season but it’s clear that the 29-year-old talisman has an ideal mix of skills to be a hit in the Premier League.

Each game in La Liga this term, he averaged 1.9 aerials won, displaying his strength and power despite only being 5 foot 11, as well as 2.9 shots, 2.2 dribbles and 1.3 key passes, proving to be a dual-threat up top as he can also be a major source of creativity, via WhoScored.

All in all, these are all characteristics that bolster his claims to be the Irons’ best striker since the enigmatic Di Canio.

David Sullivan and co must look to sanction a swoop for the Spanish monster, whatever the price.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Ogbonna: GSB must seal £20m “diamond” who’s “very keen” to join the Irons…

A big transfer claim has been dropped on Joe Willock and his future at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle want Willock permanently

It is not secret of the desire for the St. James’ Park faithful to sign Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal, with Steve Bruce even admitting to talkSPORT recently that they will be looking to make his move to the North East a permanent one after his loan spell ends.

Willock has also reportedly told his teammates that he would like to stay for the 2021/22 term as well, potentially on a permanent basis.

The Latest: McLeish backs Willock deal

McLeish, who is now a pundit after previously managing in the Premier League, has backed the Tyneside club to sign Willock permanently in some comments that he has made to Football Insider:

“Oh, my word. You talk about ‘impact’, that is a great word.

“Another great word is inspirational and that’s what the kid has been.

“To come up with the vital goals he’s come up with in recent weeks, it was truly incredible. 

“He’s ready to be plucked by Newcastle, depending on who they’re targeting for next season to make it not as stressful a season.”

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Willock

Although it may not be an easy deal to do, given his form and potential, the Magpies should be looking to try and lure Willock away from the Emirates Stadium permanently.

The 21-year-old offers athleticism and the ability to carry the ball from midfield, and his knack for a goal, with which he has scored no fewer than five important ones already, is an asset very hard to turn down.

The Gunners may be looking for a mass clear-out at the Emirates Stadium after a disappointing season, and with them potentially out of Europe, they will need to find a way to raise some cash.

Given that they were willing to let Willock go out on loan in the first place, the Toon could be a major beneficiary in the summer window.

In other news, find out what five Willock alternatives NUFC could sign here!

Illan Meslier only signed for Leeds United permanently last summer but David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds, has exclusively spoken to Football FanCast about how the 21-year old has surprised everyone with his performances.

Meslier was dropped for Leeds 2-0 win against Southampton as Marcelo Bielsa axed the young shot-stopper for just the first time in the Premier League, with Kiko Casilla keeping his first league clean sheet of the season.

The French goalkeeper made his debut for his former club Lorient in 2018 when he was still just 18-years-old, and his performances for the French side convinced Bielsa to sign him on loan last season.

During Leeds’ title-winning season Meslier kept four clean sheets in 10 appearances and his performances have continued to impress people, something that has surprised Norris, who spoke exclusively to FFC:

“He’s surprised me and made that number one spot his own. You never know what you’re going to get from foreign keepers, especially young ones, but he looks like he’s just come in and settled really well.

“It gives so much confidence to the players in front of him who will know they’ve got a keeper who can produce what he has this season, and it looks like he’s got that spot nailed down.”

The 21-year old has impressed this season managing to keep 11 clean sheets in a Bielsa side that always wants to think about attacking over trying to defend.

Before he signed for Leeds on loan in 2019, Meslier had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea were impressed by his performances at such a young age.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Barry Fry, who is Director of Football at Peterborough United, has claimed that Celtic would still love to have Eddie Howe amid potential reports he may be having second thoughts.

Howe has been heavily tipped to be Neil Lennon’s successor at Celtic and despite reports last week saying he was to be appointed in the coming days, it appears Howe is now unsure over a move.

The 41-year old has been out of a job since leaving Bournemouth by mutual consent after he failed to keep them in the Premier League during the 2019/20 season.

Speaking on if Celtic and their fans would want Howe as manager, Fry told FFC:

“I understand they’ve had talks with Eddie and his representatives already and I think Celtic would love to have Eddie and everybody connected with Celtic would love for him to go there.

Celtic missed the opportunity to win a record 10 SPFL titles in a row this season and instead they had to watch on as Rangers won their 55th league title.

The Bhoys will also be without influential captain Scott Brown next season who is joining Aberdeen as a player-coach alongside new manager Stephen Glass

Manchester United reportedly want to add to their midfield options this summer with the addition of Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

According to Fichajes, Red Devils’ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a huge fan of the Bosnian and sees him as an ideal replacement for Fred in the heart of the United midfield.

However, Ed Woodward – who is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the year – would be rounding off his tenure with a shocking mistake should he sign-off a move.

Since arriving at the Nou Camp, Pjanic really has been underwhelming. The 31-year-old has made just 28 appearances in all competitions for the Catalans, only managing to rack up three assists. Compare this to even his last season in Turin, where he notched three goals and eight assists in all competitions, it is clear that Pjanic is currently on the decline.

That aspect is certainly exemplified by the huge hit that his transfer valuation has taken whilst in Spain.

Having been rated at £63m as recently as December 2019, the former AS Roma man now sits at just £25.2m – a huge drop of just under £38m in a year-and-a-half.

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Now over 30, there is no reason to suggest that he might be able to recover both his form and his rating.

It is mystifying then that Solskjaer wants to replace Fred – who is three years his junior – with the current Barca midfielder.

According to WhoScored, the current Manchester United man comes out on top in tackles and interceptions, clearly excelling in his preferred defensive midfield role.

Intriguingly though, the Brazilian also excels in an attacking vein too having racked up more shots, key passes and dribbles than Pjanic per game throughout 2020/21.

Again then, it seems bizarre that Solskjaer would see the Barcelona midfielder as a viable option in the centre of the park.

Should Woodward agree a deal to sign him this summer then he would be making another glaring error.

AND in more news, read which summer signing the Red Devils must hold onto for next season…

Marcelo Bielsa has tipped Rodrigo to “immediately” shine for the rest of this season, following a tough time at Elland Road so far.

The 30-year-old joined the Whites last August, costing a club-record £27million from Valencia and looking a hugely exciting capture.

Rodrigo has suffered a first season to forget in England, however, scoring just three goals and registering one assist in 22 appearances.

Reports in March (via Sport Witness) claimed he wants to leave Leeds at the end of the campaign, with a return to Spain potentially on the cards.

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Bielsa hints at Rodrigo stay

Marcelo Bielsa has seemingly downplayed those claims, though, telling reporters [via Leeds Live] that he expects the striker to find his form again:

“Immediately he will be able to show all the resources that he has.”

Transfer Tavern take

Given Rodrigo’s huge experience and pedigree, the ideal scenario would see him find his feet and be an option at Leeds for years to come, rather than leaving this summer.

It can certainly be argued that injuries have played a part in his struggles, but if he can stay fit for a sustained period and get his confidence back, there is no reason why he can’t thrive at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for an exciting young attacker – find out who it is here.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, has claimed that the Magpies should be looking to spend no more than £15-16 million on Joe Willock if they want a permanent deal.

The £20,000-per-week midfielder has featured eight times since joining on deadline day, netting two goals, which has led Arsenal to reportedly value him at £20 million if the Magpies want to sign him permanently in the summer.

Willock has not started since the 3-0 defeat away to relegation rivals Brighton, with Steve Bruce opting for three centre backs and two centre midfielders since the return from the international break.

Speaking on how much Joe Willock is actually worth and what Arsenal may end up doing if he does leave the Gunners, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think you should be looking at something like £15-16 million. Yes, of course, Arsenal could easily put something in a deal so that if he does brilliantly then they would get money from any potential future sale.”

The 21-year old made the move up North on deadline day after finding first-team opportunities extremely limited this season, especially in the Premier League.

This is the first time Willock has been away from Arsenal having come through their academy and spent years in their reserves and on the bench for the first team.

Carlo Ancelotti has a number of injury concerns as Everton strive to get back to winning ways against Manchester City in the FA Cup this Saturday after succumbing to successive Premier League defeats.

The Goodison Park natives were beaten by Chelsea and Burnley in the last two weeks in a double blow to their hopes of claiming a top four finish, but they could book a date at Wembley with a win over Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues in the quarter-final tie.

Ancelotti has confirmed that the Toffees will be without regular first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and his understudy Robin Olsen after both were sidelined with abdominal muscle injuries, leaving academy prospect Joao Virginia as his sole option between the sticks.

The 21-year-old talent is unlikely to be the only change from the XI which lost to the Clarets, though. With that in mind, here’s a potential line-up which Ancelotti may field against Man City tonight…

Virginia entered the action as a late first half substitute to replace Pickford against Burnley to earn his Premier League debut, and will now come in for only his third senior Everton appearance against the runaway top-flight leaders Manchester City.

Ancelotti could look to better protect the Portugal under-21 international with a return to a five-man defence and a recall for Yerry Mina after the Colombian returned to the bench last Saturday following three weeks out due to a calf injury sustained against the Sky Blues last month.

Seamus Coleman may also be recalled after he took a seat on the bench against the Clarets, having missed the Toffees’ previous three fixtures with a minor knock.

Coleman starting would be expected to see Mason Holgate removed from the line-up after replacing the 24-year-old against Burnley, as he failed to provide his team with any real width and earned a four out of 10 match rating from the Liverpool Echo due to wayward crosses – the lowest score given.

Andre Gomes may also be removed to accommodate the return to a five-man defence and a start for £18m-rated Mina beside Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane, as the Portuguese often struggled to match the pace of the game against Burnley when he was on the ball.

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Alex Iwobi had been given the opportunity to feature in his preferred central midfield role against Burnley after he seemingly hit out on social media at being played out of position earlier this month.

However, his involvement from the centre only lasted half an hour before Ancelotti returned the Nigeria international to the wing, and will be expected to feature from the bench against Manchester City.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is likely to be favoured in the creative role against the Sky Blues after returning to training following an ankle injury, while James Rodriguez remains absent due to a calf issue.

Ancelotti will also be without Abdoulaye Doucoure (foot) and Fabian Delph (tendon) on Saturday, but is hopeful of having more options available to him following the international break.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring a £17m ace dubbed the next Erling Haaland…