Arsenal Could Improve Saka With £22m Signing

Arsenal have been linked to a number of players ahead of the transfer window, with a potential option at right-back emerging as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The Gunners will be keen to make improvements in the window, after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City this season.

Adding depth in quality to the squad is key for the Spaniard over the summer, something that he could begin by signing the latest player in question.

What’s the latest on Sacha Boey to Arsenal?

As reported by the Telegraph late last month, Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey has gained interest from north London after a strong season in Turkey.

Since the initial news broke regarding Arsenal’s interest, GIVEMESPORT have revealed via Fabrizio Romano that the club are ‘informed’ on the conditions surrounding the €25m (£22m) price tag placed on the defender by the Turkish champions.

Despite multiple news sources linking the player and club, Romano noted that the situation remains ‘quiet’, with no direct contact made between the Gunners and the players’ agent yet.

What could Sacha Boey bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as “tireless” by journalist Cetin Cem Yilmaz, the 22-year-old has been a revelation for the Turkish giants since signing from Rennes in the summer of 2021.

The young defender could be a revelation for Arsenal and could not only challenge the likes of Ben White defensively but could take Bukayo Saka to the next level in forming a partnership on the right flank.

At just 21 years old, the English forward has been one of the Premier League’s best players this season, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 in 38 appearances, via FBref.

There are many elements to the wingers’ game that see him thrive in Arteta’s set-up, however, his partnership with White has played a significant factor in his growth this campaign.

Lauded as providing “top class” runs to support Saka out wide in attack, the English duo have unlocked a new side to Arsenal, making them one of the most threatening duos in the league from the wide areas.

Bukayo-Saka-Ben-White-Arsenal

However, as claimed by Football Insider, Arteta could hand White a new role centrally next season, which could open doors for Boey who in theory could take Saka to a new level if he takes the reins from White.

The Frenchman is a danger from the back when getting forward, which benefits the Arsenal forward, who ranks in the top 2% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to receiving progressive passes, with an average of 14.61 per 90 – as per FBref.

While White has been direct in Saka’s progression, Boey ranks better in creative scenarios than the Englishman, averaging one key pass per game to the former Brighton man’s 0.7, and creating eight big chances to his six – as per Sofascore.

There is still room for progression for the formidable youngster, who could reach the heights of Mohamed Salah who was integral to Liverpool’s title win in 2020, who averaged a monstrous 0.50 goals per 90, with Saka averaging 0.33 this season – as per FBref.

His improvement could be the difference in Arsenal’s ability to win the title next campaign.

Having a style of play that identifies his favour to play short passes, as per WhoScored, the Galatasaray gem could form a deadly partnership with Saka, who could become even more unplayable in his presence as a significantly strong attacking full-back.

Joao Felix Drops Hint About Future On Instagram

Joao Felix has dropped a possible hint about one day maybe playing in MLS as his future remains undecided having returned to Atletico Madrid after his loan at Chelsea.

Who will Joao Felix join this summer?

The 22-year-old didn't quite live up to the hype in the Premier League and he leaves the Blues have picked up one red card, scored four goals, and delivered zero assists in 20 games across all competitions.

Despite that, there will likely still be a number of teams who want to sign the player as manager Diego Simeone has suggested that Felix could be off in the summer.

He told Partidazo Cope (via Goal): "It is necessary to see if economically it is good for the club. I no longer enter there. He is a boy who has qualities, who plays well, who everyone talks about and hopefully he can crush it. With us he has always had peaks, he has had bad luck with injuries."

On top of that, though, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has stated that Chelsea won't be signing Felix permanently and so his future remains up in the air.

The Portuguese international has been active on social media recently, and the images could suggest he's keen on playing in MLS one day – even if that's not likely to happen particularly soon.

Indeed, Felix posted several photos of himself playing tennis in a Charlotte FC shirt on his Instagram page.

Why was Felix wearing a Charlotte FC shirt?

In the photos, the 22-year-old can be seen wearing a shirt with the name Nuno Santos on the back – he is Felix's former Benfica team-mate who now plays for Charlotte.

And so, perhaps this is just a reunion of old friends as opposed to any major transfer hint that might tell us which step the player will take next in his career.

Even so, you can never rule anything out in football. What's more, even if Felix doesn't head to America this summer, his now evident connections with MLS could mean a move might happen at some point in the future.

For now, though, it does seem more likely that he'll either remain in Madrid or find another big European club to impress at next summer.

For instance, one recent rumour suggests he could be heading back to the Premier League but this time he'll get a chance to impress with Newcastle United.

Newcastle Could Sign Firmino 2.0 In "Exceptional" £14m Dynamo

Wolverhampton Wanderers are not in the most enviable financial situation at present, and opulent Newcastle United could look to exploit their rivals' woes and swoop for forward Hwang Hee-chan.

What's the latest on Hwang Hee-chan to Newcastle?

According to The Mirror, Newcastle – alongside Tottenham Hotspur – have emerged as surprise candidates for the transfer of the South Korean phenom, with manager Julen Lopetegui under pressure to thin his squad out amid monetary worries.

Wolves' manager's own future is cast into doubt following FFP troubles at Molineux, and Newcastle, who have qualified for the Champions League this season, could mount a transfer charge for a player who could supplement the flowing Tyneside fold.

While not the most prolific ace around, Hwang would be a dynamic addition to Eddie Howe's thriving outfit, and having cost the Old Gold only £14m in January 2022, his signing could be a shrewd one.

Should Newcastle sign Hwang Hee-chan?

While many Magpies supporters will be optimistic that 'marquee' signings can be made this summer, Howe is unlikely to scrap the formula that has crafted such a sturdy foundation ahead of an ostensibly illustrious future.

Some of the biggest success stories on Tyneside this term consist of Dan Burn (£13m), Nick Pope (£10m) and, of course, Kieran Trippier (£12m), with the latter bestowed the honour of the club's Player of the Season, although any one of the regulars on the pitch could stake a claim for the award.

Hwang could etch his name onto this list with a move, having now forged 62 appearances with Wolves and plundered nine goals and four assists after joining from RB Leipzig.

He would be an "exceptional" signing – as he was lauded by former Liefering and Salzburg head coach Peter Zeidler – providing cover and adding a dimension when called upon with his distinctive skill set.

His defensive acumen would also be an invaluable addition to United's set-up, with the 51-cap star ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of tackles, the top 9% for rate of interceptions and the top 1% for rate of blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hee-Chan Hwang.

His "brutal dynamism", as also proclaimed by Zeidler, would only enrich Newcastle's offensive pool and offers shades of one Roberto Firmino, with the iconic forward's versatility and selfless exploits at Anfield integral in the success of Jurgen Klopp's outfit over the past several years.

That likeness between the pair was noted by the Bundesliga's official website, which claimed that 'Hwang is not dissimilar to Liverpool's former Hoffenheim striker Firmino', while also stating:

'Comfortable with both feet, with the strength to hold off an opponent and the pace to exploit space, he could cause problems for many a Bundesliga defence – just like Brazil international Firmino did before him.'

Completing 81% of his passes in the Premier League last year and 78% this term, as per WhoScored, Hwang boasts a similar assurance to his Brazilian counterpart, who ranks among the top 9% of forwards for pass completion, while also utilising his 'dynamic' flair to open up opportunities for the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

While Hwang is not the biggest star in the Premier League, his signature would be an astute addition, one which could provide further success for Newcastle next season.

Everton plot move for Armando Broja

Everton are in need of reinforcements this summer to improve the squad ahead of next season following a difficult season in the Premier League, and now a transfer insider has dropped a major update.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones, Frank Lampard could tempt Armando Broja into a move to Goodison Park this summer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“Lampard obviously can use his contacts to get into Broja early, speak to him himself, and just try and convince him that Everton is a club that’s going to be in transition but in a good way. That’s going to be the big message that they send out.”

Supporters will be excited

Broja has been one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League this season and already has a connection with Frank Lampard from his days as Chelsea manager, so supporters will surely be delighted by at the prospect of signing the player.

The Toffees boss actually gave the Chelsea youth player his debut in the Premier League and has always given high praise to Broja, recently hailing him in an interview ahead of Everton’s game against Southampton this season;

“He’s a very good lad, very talented young boy,” he said.

“He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for a goal. He’s a very good young player, so I’m very aware of his strengths.”

Broja has had an impressive season on loan with Southampton scoring nine goals and contributing one assist in all competitions, the forward also ranks third for the highest aerial duels in the league this season.

Lampard’s experience with the player can ensure an instant impact is made in the team should he join the Merseyside club this summer as the manager is well aware of his strengths and ability, and could ultimately bring out the best in the youngster in his attacking-minded set up.

With that being said, Broja is attracting interest from a number of clubs with Newcastle United, West Ham United and AC Milan named as potential suitors, so the Everton manager will need to present an attractive offer to the young player this summer.

AND in other news: Everton plotting move to sign “world class” £97k-p/w gem, Lampard needs him badly

Tchouameni snubs Liverpool for Real Madrid

Liverpool appear to have suffered a huge blow after it was reported that transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni has decided to join Real Madrid instead of making the move to the Premier League, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey. 

The Lowdown: Tchouameni profiled

The 22-year-old first joined AS Monaco on an initial five-year deal from Bordeaux in January 2020 and he since gone on to make 95 appearances for his current employers, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The Reds had previously held talks with the maestro, with 90min claiming that the Merseyside club, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, made contact with Monaco to register their interest in securing his services.

However, the Frenchman has revealed his next destination, and it doesn’t involve a move to England.

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The Latest: Decision made

In a new post on his Twitter profile, Bailey reported Tchouameni’s decision to join Liverpool’s Champions League final opponents, writing: “Aurelien Tchouameni heading to Real Madrid; Liverpool and Chelsea informed of decision. Big blow for Liverpool and Chelsea – Tchouameni is a very special player.”

Expanding in his article for 90min, the journalist stated that the Merseysiders had made the eight-cap France international one of their ‘top summer targets’ and were even confident that the deal was ‘90% done’ just a few weeks ago, but sources have now told the website that the £19k-per-week star has ‘decided to join Real’.

The Verdict: Missed opportunity

The news that Tchouameni has chosen not to take up the option of signing for Liverpool must come as a huge blow for the Anfield outfit, who have clearly been long-time admirers of the player.

The 6 foot 1 talisman, who was once dubbed “pure gold” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has hugely impressed for Monaco this season, averaging 2.9 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and 1.6 shots per league game, via WhoScored, highlighting the impact that he can have at both ends of the pitch.

With Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner all 30 or older, the Reds could have done with signing someone like 22-year-old Tchouameni in the middle of the park. However, with him seemingly off to Madrid, it’s now time for FSG to be looking at bolstering their ranks elsewhere ahead of the 2022/23 season.

In other news… Liverpool will reportedly ‘listen to offers’ for one first-team star this summer

Romaine Sawyers to leave West Brom

West Bromwich Albion will release Romaine Sawyers once his contract expires in July, according to a report from the Express & Star. 

The lowdown: Surplus to requirements

Having previously been a mainstay under Slaven Bilic, the midfielder – who was a product of the Baggies’ youth system before undergoing multiple transfers – saw a dramatic reduction in game-time in the latter half of last season with Sam Allardyce in The Hawthorns hot seat.

The 30-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Stoke, where he directly contributed to seven goals in 29 outings.

Instead of returning to Albion, though, it appears that the St Kitts & Nevis international will be free to seek pastures new and find a home elsewhere…

The latest: West Brom won’t keep Sawyers

As per the Express & Star, West Brom manager Steve Bruce has chosen not to extend Sawyers’ stay with the Baggies.

It’s claimed that there was an option to add a further 12 months to the 30-cap midfielder’s contract, but the club have decided against triggering the clause.

The report added that The Hawthorns hierarchy would ‘rather spend the money needed’ in order to keep Sawyers at the club on adding fresh faces to the squad, with Reading’s John Swift cited as a potential target.

The verdict: Bruce missing a trick

While the Baggies academy graduate has failed to pull up any trees since returning to The Hawthorns in 2019, scoring just once and providing one assist in 64 appearances, Sawyers still remains an impressive Championship operator and therefore would’ve been of use to Bruce’s ranks without the requirement of a transfer fee.

During the recently completed season, the 30-year-old – who was once hailed as an ‘unbelievable technician’ by former West Brom academy coach Jimmy Shan – earned a 6.72 Sofascore rating whilst completing 32.1 accurate passes and 0.4 successful dribbles and winning 2.3 duels per game, having made 19 Championship starts.

Sawyers may no longer be a surefire starter at a Championship club with aspirations of promotion, but Bruce may yet live to regret not retaining his services for at least another 12 months.

In other news: Sawyers isn’t the only player who looks like he’ll be exiting West Brom this summer

Spurs have ‘long-standing’ Lamptey interest

Tottenham Hotspur have a ‘long-standing interest’ in Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey and have previously made enquiries over a potential move for him, Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has claimed.

The Lowdown: Conte’s transfer plans

As per The Telegraph, Antonio Conte is expected to be very active in the transfer market this summer. As such, the Italian will demand at least six new signings from Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici.

According to The Athletic, the 52-year-old has made two new wing-backs his ‘next priority’, behind the addition of a left-sided centre-back.

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The Latest: Spurs interest in Lamptey

Bridge has revealed that Tottenham are once again interested in signing Lamptey, having previously tried to lure him away from the Amex Stadium last June.

Spurs have seemingly made enquiries for the Brighton youngster again, with the Seagulls apparently responding with lofty valuations for the player.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter claimed: “Tottenham have had a long-standing interest in Tariq Lamptey. But they’ve been quoted crazy figures for a very good full-back, but someone who’s had his own injury problems.”

The Verdict: Promising talent

Seven-time FA Cup-winning full-back Ashley Cole has been extremely impressed with the 21-year-old’s performances in the Premier League in recent years, having stated that “he’s been quality how dangerous he is”.

Ranking in the 99th percentile for progressive carries and the 97th percentile for progressive passes received (via FBRef), Lamptey’s attacking nature would complement Conte’s style of play very well.

Indeed, the Italian will already know just how good a defender the 21-year-old is, too. When Brighton defeated Spurs 1-0 in recent weeks, Lamptey restricted direct opponent and Golden Boot contender Son Heung-min to just two shots all afternoon, both of which were blocked (as per Sofascore).

Therefore, this would seem like a brilliant signing for Spurs if they can get a deal over the line.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter backs Pau Torres/Spurs claims

Hutton reacts to latest Paul Pogba news

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has claimed that personal reasons could have been the deciding factor behind Manchester United star Paul Pogba snubbing a move to rivals Man City this summer.

The Lowdown: Pogba available for transfer

The Frenchman first joined the Red Devils in a world-record £89m move from Juventus six years ago, where he has since gone on to make 233 appearances for the club during that time.

The 29-year-old’s current contract with United is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent to any potential suitors interested in securing his services, and as a result of this, has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks, one of those being Pep Guardiola’s side.

As reported by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein earlier this week, the Sky Blues are thought to have made a proposal for Pogba which the player did seriously consider, but he has since informed City that he will be moving elsewhere.

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The Latest: Manchester rivalry a deciding factor

Hutton has admitted that it didn’t come as any shock to him to see United’s Premier League competitors show interest in the maestro, but suggested that the famous rivalry between the two sides may have put the 91-cap international off a potential move to the Etihad. He told Football Insider’s Russell Edge:

“It doesn’t surprise me they’ve thrown their hat into the ring.

“There’s no doubting his talent. I think on a personal level, for him to make that move, thinking of his lifestyle moving forward, how difficult that would be for them, just in general life.

“That’s probably the sticking point because the wages and that wouldn’t be a problem.

“He has had a hard time at Manchester United. Then to go to their rivals across the city, I think, would be very difficult for him.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if you see him go to PSG or somebody like that. That kind of makes more sense, I think, for him and his family.”

The Verdict: Ten Hag’s squad rebuild

Pogba, although beloved by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has missed out on the last five games under Ralf Rangnick having sustained a calf injury in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool back in April, and it’s fair to say that United have missed his creativity in the middle of the park during his spell on the sidelines.

Prior to being ruled out of action, the £49.5m-rated midfielder was averaging 1.6 shots and 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes in the top-flight, not to mention that he has provided nine assists throughout the current campaign, via WhoScored.

With the arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag imminent, the Dutchman will no doubt be busy filtering through his squad to decide who has a long-term future at the club and who will be let go, and it looks like Pogba will be just one of many names set to depart Old Trafford ahead of the start of next season.

In other news… United are said to have initiated contact with a club regarding one of their summer transfer targets.

Spurs: Romano drops Eriksen update

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Christian Eriksen.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for Caught Offside, the Italian journalist and transfer insider confirmed that, following recent reports linking Antonio Conte’s side with a move to bring the central midfielder back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window, Spurs are indeed keeping tabs on the 30-year-old ahead of a potential swoop.

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However, Romano went on to state that, as yet, Fabio Paratici is yet to make contact with the Denmark international regarding a deal to bring him back to north London, while the journalist also revealed that Leicester City and one other unnamed Premier League club are also interested in the midfielder this summer.

Supporters will love Romano’s claim

Considering just how impressive Eriksen has been for Brentford following his return to English football this January, Romano’s update that Conte and Paratici are plotting a deal to bring the Dane back to the club this summer is sure to be news that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his eight Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank’s side, the £13.5m-rated Dane has been in exceptional form, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.1 key passes, taking 2.0 shots and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the 30-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.51, not only ranking him as Brentford’s best performer in the top flight of English football but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole – behind only Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

As such, the suggestion that Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in a deal for the midfielder this summer is undoubtedly incredibly exciting news for all involved with Spurs, and, when taking into account that he looks set to be available on a free transfer, it would certainly be yet another Paratici masterclass if the sporting director can get a deal over the line.

AND in other news: “There are chances…”: Romano drops big Spurs transfer update, Conte will be buzzing

Liverpool keeping tabs on Mason Mount

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Premier League rivals Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Mason Mount ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to reports, via TEAMtalk, both Liverpool and Manchester City are watching the 23-year-old closely ahead of the transfer window with Chelsea unable to extend the Englishman’s current contract amid government sanctions put on the west London club.

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Mount has just two years left on his contract and is, according to the report, one of Chelsea’s lowest-paid players on £70k-per-week.

Therefore, the attacking midfielder could be tempted to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Liverpool should swoop for Mount

Very quickly, Mount has established himself as one of not only England’s but Europe’s most exciting prospects.

After successful loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Derby County, the now-23-year-old was integrated into the Chelsea first-team under Frank Lampard in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since.

In almost three seasons, the midfielder has made 156 appearances for Chelsea’s first team, having gone through the youth ranks, in which time he has scored 29 goals and registered 30 assists.

However, this campaign has seen the Englishman step up a level, netting 12 goals and providing 15 assists in 49 matches, his best season in front of goal.

Although Liverpool are already a goal machine, with the Reds the top scorers in the Premier League so far this campaign with 86 goals in 34 matches, Jurgen Klopp will always be keen to add quality to his squad depth and replace any potential outgoings.

Moreover, the German could reignite a relationship similar to the one he had at Dortmund with Marco Reus, with the 32-year-old deemed similar to Mount by FBRef.

Therefore, the 23-year-old could become an absolute monster if he was to swap west London for Merseyside, with the Reds just one point behind league leaders Manchester City with four matches to go.

The £67.5m-rated attacking midfielder, who was deemed to have the “full package” by manager Thomas Tuchel last season, will have to make a decision on his future with the Blues soon.

Moreover, if the imposed sanctions are to stay in place for a significant period of time, Mount may have no other choice but to join Liverpool and become Klopp’s brand new Reus.

AND in other news: Bid accepted: Liverpool now facing major setback that will surely have Klopp fuming 

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