All posts by z3u9t.icu

The transfer window is heating up after a few weeks of relative quiet.

On the back of another Premier League campaign in which they almost dethroned Manchester City, Arsenal have already announced their first signing, 18-year-old Lucas Nygaard, and have been linked to practically every striker under the sun as it's one of the obvious areas in the team that could be improved.

However, one of the most recent players touted for a move to N5 has been Italy and Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori.

The 22-year-old looks to be one of the most exciting young centre-backs around at the moment, and while he'd likely be a brilliant addition to the Gunners' backline, they already have someone playing there who is worth considerably more.

William Saliba's Arsenal career

The star in question is the one and only William Saliba, who has established himself as one of the leading centre-backs in the Premier League in just two seasons of first-team football. However, his future didn't always seem so inevitable.

Just over five years ago, Arsenal paid Saint-Étienne a fee of around £27m for the then highly sought-after 18-year-old centre-back, and opted to send him back to the French outfit for the 2019/20 campaign to further develop.

The following summer saw the Bondy-born gem return to England, but after being left out of the competitive squads, he was sent back to France to join Nice on loan in January, leading to speculation over his future in North London.

This speculation only increased the following season when he was sent back to his home country for a third campaign on the bounce to join Ligue 1 giants Marseille, where he thrived.

In all, he made 52 appearances for Les Phocéens, won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season Award, and looked, for all intents and purposes, like he would stay on the French Riviera permanently at one point.

Appearances

36

22

52

83

Goals

0

1

0

5

Assists

0

0

0

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.00

0.04

0.00

0.08

However, once the season ended, and he returned to England, he was finally given a chance to prove his worth in red and white.

His competitive debut for the Gunners came in the opening game of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, a game away to Crystal Palace, and, thanks to a stellar performance, he won the Player of the Match award.

From that point onward, the 6 foot 4 titan went from strength to strength and became arguably the most important player on the team, so much so that it was his injury against Sporting CP that signalled the end of Arsenal's surprise title challenge. To reflect his massive contribution, he was awarded a new contract last summer.

It was more of the same last season. With no injury concerns, the French international started 100% of league games and played 100% of league minutes for Arteta as the team once again came agonizingly close to ending the club's two-decade title drought.

Saliba's impressive rise to the top and his brilliant performances at the Euros have seen his valuation soar in recent years. His potential impact on the team is immense, and while Calafiori would be an exciting addition to the defence, his valuation is nowhere near that of the Arsenal star.

Saliba's valuation in 2024

If Arsenal want to secure Calafiori's signature ahead of the chasing pack this summer, it will cost them around £40m to do so, and while that is undoubtedly a significant sum of money, it is still significantly less than the price tag on Saliba's head.

According to Transfermarkt, the "world-class" centre-back, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, is worth around €80m, which converts to about £68m, or a cool £28m more than the Italian's potential transfer fee.

Now, considering the importance of the Frenchman to Arsenal's success and the willingness of clubs to spend exorbitant fees on players, you could argue that Transfermarkt have been quite conservative with their valuation there.

Moreover, with reports that Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and even Real Madrid are all interested in luring the 23-year-old away from North London, it seems unlikely that the Gunners would accept any offers of around £68m, especially when there are still three years remaining on his £190k-per-week contract.

Ultimately, Calafiori would be an exciting signing, but Arsenal are already incredibly fortunate to have one of the Premier League's best centre-backs in Saliba.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2024

Aston Villa look likely to seal another summer signing this weekend, with a medical booked for a £100,000-a-week star.

Aston Villa signings so far

Unai Emery steered Villa to a top-four Premier League finish in his first full season in charge, resulting in Champions League qualification. The Spaniard has since been backed in the transfer market by NSWE, with president of football operations Monchi securing a number of summer signings.

After Onana: Aston Villa in talks to sign their new Jack Grealish

Unai Emery has held talks over a potential move for a Euro 2024 sensation

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 18, 2024

Villa have splashed the cash on seven new players in recent weeks, some of which are new and some having played for the club previously. In regards to fresh faces, Ian Maatsen, Lewis Dobbin, Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea have all penned Villa Park terms from Chelsea, Everton and Juventus respectively.

Meanwhile, Ross Barkley and Cameron Archer have returned to the club on permanent deals from Luton Town and Sheffield United, with Jaden Philogene set to re-join from Hull City.

There have also been some departures to balance the books, with Villa bringing in just over £55m in sales for Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Tim Iroegbunam and Viljami Sinisalo. It has been a busy period in the transfer market, but more signings and exits could still arrive ahead of Villa’s opening 2024/25 fixture against West Ham on August 17.

Regarding incomings, Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has been heavily linked with becoming the latest addition, and it looks as if an official transfer announcement is a matter of when and not if.

Onana to Aston Villa transfer latest

As per reliable reporter John Percy of The Telegraph, Aston Villa have booked a medical for Onana this weekend after taking some time away after representing Belgium at Euro 2024. A deal is set to come in at a club record £50m with terms agreed.

The central midfielder, on £100,000-a-week, has been plying his trade in the top flight at Goodison Park for the past two years and has made 72 appearances for Everton. Primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play slightly further forward if needed, Emery may view Onana as a marquee replacement to Luiz, and at 22 years of age, there is still time for Onana to improve further in the Midlands.

"He's a really exciting footballer. I know sometimes when we speak about players it's very difficult to measure potential," said former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez on Onana to Sky Sports back in 2022.

"He has the physicality and the presence of a player Everton fans know very well – a Marouane Fellaini type. I can understand the excitement around Everton, this is one of the most exciting prospects in European football at this time."

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is working hard to convince a free agent to join his side ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, and could be winning the battle according to the latest reports.

Villa among the busiest Premier League sides this summer

Aston Villa's squad will have a very different look to it come the new Premier League season, with the club having already signed eight new faces and showing little sign of slowing down in the month before the deadline.

Amadou Onana has been the headline addition, arriving for £50m from Everton, while they also signed Ian Maatsen from Chelsea in a deal worth £37.5m.

Three European clubs make contact to sign Aston Villa ace alongside Duran

The Villans could suffer two departures in quick succession…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2024

The Midlands outfit have made several smaller signings too, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea arriving from Juventus in part exchange for midfielder Douglas Luiz, while Ross Barkley joined from Luton Town after he was relegated with the Hatters.

Elsewhere, they have brought back duo Jadon Philogene and Cameron Archer after both spent 12 months away with Hull City and Sheffield United respectively, and they also poached Everton young talent Lewis Dobbin. Now, they are being linked with a move for a much more experienced player.

Villa chasing experienced free agent addition

That comes after it emerged that Aston Villa are one of the sides in contact with former Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto over a potential move to Villa Park this summer. The Spaniard has spent 11 years with the Barcelona first team after coming through the youth system, and has appeared 373 times for the Blaugrana in the process.

But his contract came to an end this summer and the club opted not to retain the 32-year-old, meaning that he will be playing football away from the Camp Nou for the first time in his career come the 2024/25 season.

And Aston Villa would like that to be at Villa Park, according to one report. As per Spanish outlet Sport [Via Sport Witness] the Premier League side are "very interested" in the versatile Spaniard, who can play at both right back and in central midfield.

They claim that Emery is "very close to convincing" his compatriot to make the switch to Villa despite interest from Ajax in his services. Indeed, Roberto "likes the Premier League", while Villa would likely be able to offer a better financial package than Ajax, with the Midlands outfit prepared to spend much more on player wages than the Amsterdam side.

Aston Villa & Ajax top earners (via capology)

Aston Villa

Ajax

Player

Wage per week

Player

Wage per week

Boubacar Kamara

£150,000

Jordan Henderson

£75,000

Youri Tielemans

£150,000

Steven Bergwijn

£74,000

Ollie Watkins

£130,000

Steven Berghuis

£65,000

Lucas Digne

£120,000

Brian Brobbey

£45,000

With seven La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies to his name, Roberto would certainly bring plenty of winning experience to Unai Emery's side, while he has made 62 appearances in Europe's elite competition, which would also be a bonus.

If it is experience that the Villans are chasing, Roberto's ability to perform at a high level still would certainly give him the edge over other options that the club have been linked with this summer.

Tottenham chiefs have now put a "fantastic" mainstay player up for sale this summer, with Ange Postecoglou's rebuild seemingly in full effect.

Spurs agree mass player exits in squad overhaul

Technical director Johan Lange and the wider Spurs recruitment team have already agreed to a host of senior players leaving N17, and it is believed that a few members of Postecoglou's squad could follow them.

Tottenham officials set for talks with £24m forward who troubled van Dijk

He was a nightmare for the Liverpool defender recently.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2024

Girona are in talks to sign out-of-favour Spurs winger Bryan Gil, according to reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano and Paul O'Keefe, while Richarlison is believed to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Giovani Lo Celso, who was given few opportunities under Postecoglou last term when his preferred starters were fit and available.

Son Heung-min

7.30

James Maddison

7.17

Pedro Porro

7.05

Cristian Romero

7.04

Dejan Kulusevski

7.03

Ratings via WhoScored

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has joined Marseille on an initial loan deal, which will become permanent for £17 million next summer (Sky Sports), with the Dane joining Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Tanguy Ndombele and Joe Rodon who are already out of the door.

A few surprising names have been linked with exits as well, including Son Heung-min. The South Korea superstar's contract is set to expire next summer as things stand, with Saudi side Al-Ahli registering an interest in signing Son as a result.

Chairman Daniel Levy is highly unlikely to consider selling the 32-year-old, we believe, given his importance to Postecoglou. Following these exits, Spurs have reinvested the cash in signing Archie Gray from Leeds United for £40 million, and secured a season-long extension on Timo Werner's loan deal before that.

Tottenham are rumoured to be in the market for an attacking signing before deadline day on August 30, though, so Levy and Lange could be biding their time before making more formal moves towards the end of the window.

As Postecoglou's overhaul continues to take shape, a new report from Italy has now claimed that mainstay winger Dejan Kulusevski could be sold. The Swede played 36 Premier League games last season, starting 31 of them and racking up 11 goal contributions in that time, becoming a regular under the Spurs boss.

Tottenham chiefs now put Dejan Kulusevski up for sale

According to Calciomercato.it, Tottenham chiefs consider Kulusevski up for sale, despite his first-team status, and former Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte could potentially look to sign him for Napoli.

The £110,000-per-week winger was signed on an initial loan deal on January deadline day in 2022, which later became permanent in the summer of 2023, but it appears the north Londoners are now open to offers for Kulusevski.

It remains to be seen if anything comes from this report, or if Spurs would demand a marquee fee for the 24-year-old with four years still remaining on his contract. The element of Conte's interest isn't entirely surprising, though, as the Italian has expressed his admiration for Kulusevski on more than one occasion.

“I think he is showing that he is a fantastic player for the present but also he if he continues in this way he can become a really important player,” said Conte on Kulusevski in 2022.

“He is strong physically, good technically; he has no fear of the opponent or the tackle. It is a good sign, with Harry and Son, also Lucas Moura and Bergwijn, offensively we are good, and I am happy for this.”

Christopher Nkunku had huge expectations to be a success at Chelsea upon his £52m move to the club from RB Leipzig last summer.

The French forward moved to Stamford Bridge after scoring 16 goals in his 25 Bundesliga matches during 2022/23, but he was unable to make any sort of impact for the Blues last season.

He missed the vast majority of the campaign through injury, only featuring 11 times in the Premier League, scoring three times at an average of one goal every 3.6 appearances.

However, the 26-year-old has made a huge impact during pre-season this summer, scoring three times and showcasing what he could be capable of under Enzo Maresca in 2024/25.

Nkunku could be helped by the signing of one player who could move to West London this summer after recent reported interest in the forward.

Chelsea interested in signing £150k-p/w talent this summer

According to CalcioNapoli24 via Sport Witness, Federico Chiesa could be on the move this summer, with one agent, Stefano Caira, confirming that Chelsea have registered an interest in signing the Juventus forward – who is deemed to be an "outgoing player" from the Old Lady.

The 26-year-old, who earns £150k-per-week, as per Capology, produced a tally of nine goals and two assists in his 33 Serie A appearances but doesn’t appear to be in the plans of new boss Thiago Motta – wanting to leave the Italian side as a result.

However, Maresca’s side aren’t the only Premier League outfit in the race for his signature, with Chiesa’s agent claiming West Ham and Manchester United have both also been tracking the situation of the Italian.

It’s a real shock to see the forward’s potential departure from Turin after his recent form in Italy’s top flight, but Juve’s loss could be Chelsea’s gain, with Chiesa producing numerous stats that would play perfectly into the hands of current Blues man Nkunku.

Why Chiesa would make Nkunku unplayable for Chelsea

Even though Todd Boehly has splashed the cash on attacking talents such as Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling, the owner still wants reinforcements in forward areas to help Maresca have the best chance of being a success at Stamford Bridge.

Chiesa could be that player to provide the added quality in the final third, with his stats produced in Serie A over the last 12 months undoubtedly helping Nkunku build on his impressive form during pre-season.

The fleet-footed "galactico", as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, registered 4.8 shot-creating actions and 2.2 key passes per 90 last season, with such figures undoubtedly providing the French forward with more frequent opportunities in the final third.

He also managed 2.9 progressive passes and 4.6 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his ability to drive with the ball into attacking areas, undoubtedly handing Nkunku the chance to create carnage for Chelsea in the near future.

Games played

33

Goals + assists

11

Shots taken

3

Shot-creating actions

4.8

Progressive passes

2.9

Progressive carries

4.6

Key passes

2.2

Whilst the club already have a huge amount of options at Maresca’s disposal, Chiesa would undoubtedly provide a new option to the new boss and one that could bring added quality – helping Nkunku thrive after his big-money move.

He’s enjoyed a difficult start to life in west London, but the former RB Leipzig talent has the opportunity to form an excellent partnership with the Italian winger should he arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca can axe Gallagher after Chelsea star's 7.5/10 display v CF America

The talent made an excellent impact for the Blues this morning.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 1, 2024

During the 2024 summer transfer window, Manchester United have had something of a changing of the guard in the centre-forward department. In many ways, this revolution began last summer, with the signing of Rasmus Hojlund. The 21-year-old Dane joined the club from Atalanta for a fee of £72m.

Long-term number nine, Anthony Martial, saw his contract expire at the end of June. He was a good servant to the Red Devils, scoring 90 goals and registering 47 assists in 317 games for the club. However, given his injury record and the fact his contract expired at the end of the last campaign, it seemed a good time to part ways.

United replaced the silky Frenchman with Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, for a fee of £36.54m. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals in Serie A last season on his way to winning the Italian top flight’s Young Player of the Year award. He was signed as a like-for-like replacement for Martial.

However, the Red Devils might not be done in the striker market just yet. After injury issues last season meant the likes of Marcus Rashfiord had to fill in up front, they could well sign another striker to avoid having to make compromises such as that again.

Man United target Premier League striker

The player in question here is Brentford and England international striker Ivan Toney. The experienced 28-year-old does not have long left on his deal at the G-Tech Community Stadium and could depart the club before the transfer deadline in just over two weeks.

According to a report from The Telegraph, the Red Devils are one of the clubs who ‘may yet test’ the Bees’ resolution on their star striker this summer. It is thought that Erik ten Hag’s side could seek ‘a cost-effective deal’ in what would be a late move for the England international this summer.

In terms of how that deal would be structured, the report suggests that United could come in with ‘offers of loans with obligations to buy’ once the temporary deal has expired next summer. That is a structure that suits the Old Trafford club, who have an ‘unwillingness to go big’ on a striker of Toney’s age.

They could well face competition for his signature, however. The report suggests three London clubs are interested, too. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are two of the sides showing an interest in Toney, with west London rivals Chelsea also contenders for his signature.

How signing Toney could benefit Hojlund

Should United bring Toney to the club this summer, he could be of huge benefit to Hojlund, who impressed in his debut season despite injury issues and such a long wait for his first Premier League goal.

The 21-year-old scored 16 goals in 43 games in all competitions, which included ten goals in 30 appearances in the top flight and five strikes in six appearances in the Champions League.

Competition

Games

Minutes

Goals

Premier League

30

2,171

10

Champions League

6

489

5

Carabao Cup

2

41

0

FA Cup

5

387

1

The Dane could really learn from Toney, who is an experienced striker and has an excellent record in the Premier League. The England international has 36 goals and 11 assists in 85 games in the top flight.

He is something of a specialist in the penalty box, with elite movement. This is something football analyst Devils DNA praised United’s young Dane for, too, explaining that he excels when United “use his movement” so he can act “like a box poacher”.

Whilst this is a skill he already has in his locker, playing with such an expert in penalty box movement like Toney will further enhance Hojluind’s ability in such areas and make him more of a threat.

Not only could the 21-year-old improve his box movement, but Hojlund could also have Toney act as something of a mentor. Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the Brentford man as a “mentality monster”, which is certainly something he could pass on to the former Atalanta man. The best strikers are desperate to score goals, and this is a trait Hojlund can develop even further by learning from the Bees' striker.

Signing Toney this summer would not only add depth, goals and elite movement to United’s squad but can help improve Hojlund’s game, both physically and mentally. The 28-year-old wants to leave London this summer, and the Red Devils of Manchester could be the perfect destination for all parties.

Amad upgrade: Man Utd targeting a dream signing for Fernandes

The Red Devils could still bolster their attack once again this summer…

1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 15, 2024

Everton’s opening-day defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion highlighted the need for added reinforcements throughout the squad before the closure of the transfer window.

Sean Dyche’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat, certainly not helped by Ashley Young’s straight red card in the second half after being adjudged to have pulled back Kaoru Mitoma whilst the Japanese forward was through on goal.

39-year-old Young will subsequently miss the next three Premier League matches, with other first-team options Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson both out injured, leaving Mason Holgate as the man likely to replace the experienced full-back.

As a result, the club will have to explore potential options in the transfer market to try and combat the Toffees’ issue in the right-back department.

With only ten days remaining in the window, Dyche’s side will have to act quickly to complete a deal, potentially turning to one player who is set to leave his current side.

Everton's search for a right-back

According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Everton have made an enquiry and entered talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s French full-back Junior Dina Ebimbe before the transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old, who can also play as a winger or a central midfielder, is set to leave the Bundesliga side this summer despite making 31 league appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.

Hawkins confirmed that the two clubs have been in talks over a potential deal, but the Toffees are yet to enter discussions with the player’s representatives over a move to Goodison Park.

Dina Ebimbe is a very attacking-minded full-back, but does possess a lot of qualities that would see him star defensively on Merseyside making him a great addition for the club.

How Dina Ebimbe compares to Young & Coleman

Whilst Young and Coleman are two very experienced Premier League operators, unfortunately, with the pair being 39 and 35 respectively, they appear to lack the pace and intensity needed to make an impact.

For Irishman Coleman, it’s undoubtedly a tough situation with the long-serving stalwart featuring for the club since 2009 – with this campaign potentially being his last for the Toffees after numerous injury issues in recent years.

When comparing the trio's statistical record, it’s evident that Ebimbe would be an excellent addition and one that could allow the club to finally sign a new right-back.

The “unpredictable” talent, as described by scout Antonio Mango, bettered the current Everton pair for progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 whilst also averaging a higher pass completion rate – showcasing his excellent ability on the ball – a trait he undoubtedly developed during his time as a midfielder.

Games played

31

31

12

Progressive carries

2.6

1.6

0.7

Progressive passes

3.6

3.2

3

Pass accuracy

77%

69%

68%

Aerials won

56%

37%

20%

Defensive errors leading to shot

0.05

0.12

0.14

The Frenchman also managed to win more aerials, whilst also contributing to fewer defensive errors that led to shots than both of the Toffees full-backs – with Young, in particular, prone to an error in recent times, as outlined by his recent dismissal.

Whilst it’s unknown how much a deal for the Frankfurt talent would cost Dyche’s side, he’s proven that he has the quality to slot straight into the Toffees squad and cement his place at right-back.

It’s a position that has caused the club no end of issues over the last few months, with various players often having to fill the void in a slightly unnatural role, due to injuries to Coleman and Young.

After their impressive recruitment during the off-season, the hierarchy have the opportunity once more to sign another top young talent, who can make a huge impact at Goodison, whilst potentially making the club a tidy profit in the future.

Forget Calvert-Lewin: Everton could land Nketiah upgrade in £95k-p/w ace

The Toffees could yet still make more additions before the transfer deadline.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 20, 2024

Manchester United have enjoyed a somewhat solid transfer window this summer. Erik ten Hag has managed to bring players such as Lenny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt to Old Trafford over the previous couple of months.

These four players will bolster the core of the first team squad and despite the club winning just one of their opening two Premier League matches, the onus will be for the new signings to settle in quickly.

INEOS have already greenlit one last addition to the team, signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

How much Man Utd spent on Manuel Ugarte

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ugarte completed his medical tests at Carrington on Friday which has subsequently seen the Old Trafford side shell out a fee of around €50m (£42m) along with a further €10m (£8.4m) in add-ons.

The Uruguayan is still only 23, indicating he could be part of the United midfield for the next few years if he remains fit. Ugarte made 37 appearances for PSG last term in all competitions, firmly establishing himself in the heart of the midfield.

According to Transfermarkt, the former Sporting CP starlet is currently valued at €45m (£38m), which suggests Ten Hag has overpaid slightly.

If he hits the ground running in Manchester, the fee surely won’t matter, but there is another new signing who is already valued much higher than Ugarte – De Ligt.

Matthijs de Ligt’s market value at Manchester United

It was clear during the summer that Ten Hag was keen on signing a few more defenders to bolster this area of the team.

Yoro arrived in mid-July, costing the club £52m. It was clearly seen as a signing which would stand United well in the future as the manager continued to explore the market for more additions.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

De Ligt was a target, eventually joining midway through August. The Dutchman may have played only 22 Bundesliga matches last season, yet he averaged a 94% pass success rate, recovered 3.3 balls per game, was dribbled past on just 0.2 occasions each match and won an impressive 59% of his total duels for Bayern Munich.

These statistics, and his ability to develop into a better player, led Ten Hag to reunite with his former centre-back this summer.

Metric

Bundesliga

Champions League

Accurate passes per game

50.8

46.5

Total duels won per game

3

3.8

Balls recovered per game

3.3

2.8

Tackles per game

0.7

1.3

Possession lost per game

3.8

5.2

His career hasn’t quite progressed how it was expected to after he left Ajax for Juventus, but the chance for a fresh start at Old Trafford should provide plenty of incentive for the 25-year-old to become one of the finest defenders in the Premier League.

De Ligt cost £38.5m a few weeks ago, which, considering how highly rated he was just a few years ago, could turn into a bargain.

According to Transfermarkt, his current market valuation is €65m (£55m), which proves United have already struck gold on the defender, and he has only been in Manchester for a handful of weeks, with the former Ajax gem already worth more than Ugarte’s price tag.

This is exactly the sort of transfer business that Ten Hag is expected to carry out. Hopefully, the move pays off for both parties.

Dream Bruno successor: Man Utd hold advantage in race to sign "top talent"

The Red Devils remain in the mix to seal an exciting attacking addition…

ByRobbie Walls Aug 30, 2024

West Brom could look to sign players on free transfers in September, in order to give themselves the best possible chance of Championship promotion, and Football FanCast have looked into three possible free agent targets

The Baggies came painfully close to returning to the Premier League last season, eventually falling short after defeat to Southampton in the playoffs.Carlos Corberanknew that fresh faces were needed to bolster his squad and that's what happened, with Mikey Johnston an exciting attacking signing from Celtic, and Hungary international Callum Styles arriving from Barnsley.

It has been a promising start to the new Championship season for West Brom, who sit second in the table on 10 points from four games, but that's not to say that added depth would be sniffed at. Here are three players the Baggies should look to snap up on free transfers this month.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

West Brom should feel that they are in a position to bring well-known players to the Hawthorns, given their ability to jump between the Premier League and Championship regularly. For that reason, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting should be seen as a target, having left Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

Granted, he is now 35 years of age and not the force he was at his peak, but his experience and winning mentality cannot be ignored, with a combined five league titles coming his way during spells with Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain.

Whether Choupo-Moting would be willing to drop into the second tier of English football remains to be seen, but he is still a free agent and could be eyeing regular football again, something he hasn't always had at those aforementioned super clubs. He would give Corberan an added spark in the final third, having scored 20 goals in 73 caps for Cameroon.

Serge Aurier

Much like Choupo-Moting, Serge Aurier may not be overly enamoured with the idea of dropping into the Championship, but he could see West Brom as a way back into the Premier League, considering their start to the season.

The 31-year-old has made 274 appearances in the Premier League and Ligue 1 combined, as well as enjoying 31 outings in the Champions League, and he would provide more pedigree and experience at right-back for Corberan, having departed Galatasaray in the summer.

There is also the small matter of 93 caps for the Ivory Coast, while Jose Mourinho has described Aurier as a "special person" in the past, high praise from a man known for his winning mentality.

Tottenham

110

8

17

Paris Saint-Germain

81

5

15

Toulouse

80

8

13

Lens

56

0

0

Nottingham Forest

41

1

2

Villarreal

24

0

2

Galatasaray

4

0

0

Jack Cork

Jack Cork brought an end to seven strong years as a Burnley player earlier in the summer, with no extension coming his way at Turf Moor.

The one-time capped England international will still feel that he has something to offer in English football, however, and he could provide West Brom with the depth and experience that can be so priceless when the latter months of the season arrive and legs are starting to tire.

While Cork may struggle to oust the likes of Jayson Molumby and John Swift from the Baggies' midfield – they have started all four Championship games so far this season – his vast experience could be a great weapon from the bench.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed some good news this week as an injury update comes out of London Colney, and it is much-needed as the Gunners prepare for a crucial run of games.

Arsenal earn 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in Champions League opener

The Gunners earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Europa League champions Atalanta in their opening Champions League game of the new season on Thursday evening, with goalkeeper David Raya taking many of the plaudits.

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Indeed, it is safe to say Raya was the hero in Bergamo following his sensational double save to deny Mateo Retegui an opening goal for Atalanta. The Spaniard first denied Retegui from the penalty spot, diving expertly to his right before getting straight back up to acrobatically claw the Atalanta forward’s follow-up header off the line.

It was a moment of magnificence, and arguably one of the finest double-saves in recent memory. Due to their recent succession of injuries to key first team players, Arsenal had an array of academy players on the bench last night, so Arteta will be silently thrilled to come away from a difficult ground with a clean sheet and a point.

“I think we started the game really well in the first 20, 25 minutes,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta.

Atalanta

Statistics

Arsenal

2

Shots on target

2

4

Shots off target

3

51

Possession (%)

49

1

Yellow cards

0

7

Fouls

11

4

Corners

2

“I think we played with the ball in the right areas, with a lot of intention and were effective, but without creating too many clear-cut chances. After that, we lost control of the game because we were very inconsistent with the ball, giving a lot of simple balls away – and against a team that are man-to-man [that] costs you moments to transition because the moment you lose your man, there is a space and you are in equal numbers in the backline or overloaded. Defensively we didn’t suffer – that’s the reality.”

Arsenal take on Premier League title rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium next in one of their biggest tests of the season, but Arteta looks set to be without a few crucial stars for the trip to Manchester.

Club captain Martin Odegaard will be out for a while after injuring his ankle on international duty with Norway, whereas summer signing Mikel Merino is sidelined after fracturing his shoulder in training.

Arsenal given "massive boost" after Mikel Merino injury update

Merino was expected to be out till late October, following his collision with Gabriel Magalhaes in the Spaniard’s first ever London Colney training session.

However, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has relayed some positivity out of Arsenal, with Arteta handed a “massive boost” after injury news on Merino, who is progressing well and only a few weeks away.

“Mikel Merino, obviously a disappointment for him picking up that shoulder injury as soon as he’d signed for Arsenal,” said Bridge live on air this week.

“We understand that [he] is actually progressing quite well and a few weeks away now. So that will be a massive boost for Mikel Arteta when he comes back to really bolster that central midfield.”

Arsenal signed Merino in a £32 million deal from Real Sociedad in the summer window, following the 28-year-old’s brilliant 2023/2024 campaign at both club level and internationally.

The former Newcastle United ace scored eight goals and assisted five others in 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad last term, and played a key role during Spain’s triumph at the Euros.