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West Ham United have been linked with a shock move for Alexandre Lacazette as he enters the final few months of his current contract…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Arsenal striker is likely to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, and the Irons are among the clubs interested in signing him on a free transfer.

It’s thought that talks between the Frenchman’s representatives and the north London hierarchy have taken place but no extension to his £182k-per-week deal has been offered.

The 30-year-old will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign team from January, with his former club Lyon also keen on securing his signature.

There is also interest from West Ham’s Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, as well as unnamed clubs across Spain, Germany and Italy, unsurprisingly.

The next Kanoute

Born in France, ex-Lyon and a former Premier League forward? Lacazette could well be the second coming of Frederic Kanoute at the London Stadium.

Both have been a bustling presence up top and that never stopped them from being deceptively quick and dynamic, with an eye for goal too.

The £25.2m-rated talisman, who has been capped 16 times by France, was once the Gunners’ club-record signing at £52.7m back in the summer of 2017, and ever since then he’s proven to be quite the prolific goalscorer.

As per Transfermarkt, Lacazette has scored 67 times in 173 appearances for the north London giants, of which 50 goals have come from 129 top-flight appearances.

He has managed a goal every 172 minutes in the Premier League, which is less than once every two matches and is a very respectable record.

The 30-year-old has even been likened to former Hammers striker Ian Wright by the late Gerard Houllier.

“He scores more than 25 goals every season. One thing he will bring to Arsenal is goals,” the former Liverpool boss told talkSPORT. “He is a bit like Ian Wright, really. You don’t seem to see him and then suddenly he moves.”

Last year, former Arsenal defender Sokratis dubbed Lacazette “a goal machine” and told the club’s official website: “I think Laca is coming better and better. He’s very important, a massively important player for us.”

The Hammers know all about the 5 foot 9 Gunners frontman, too, as he has frequently caused them hassle over the years. Last season, the Frenchman netted in both their Premier League encounters and absolutely bullied Craig Dawson in the 3-3 draw with a ‘Man of the Match’ performance.

Indeed, across seven appearances against West Ham, Lacazette has found the net five times and he has only been on the losing side once, via Transfermarkt. That’s his best record against any English club.

As an FA Cup winner, a surprise move for the Gunners striker could be huge for the Irons if they can pull it off. Moyes could well find another Kanoute in east London.

AND in other news, West Ham handed boost over “devastating” beast ahead of Leeds, Moyes will be buzzing…

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost ahead of this weekend’s bottom-of-the-table clash with Norwich City…

What’s the latest?

According to The Sun, Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey has been pictured in training this week, having failed to feature so far this season after he picked up a serious ankle injury during their pre-season encounter with Chelsea.

It comes just a few days after Goal journalist Charles Watts revealed that the 28-year-old, who is valued at £36m, was likely to be involved this weekend for the very first time this campaign.

He told his YouTube channel:

“People I have spoken to who are close to Thomas Partey, they still think he has got a chance of playing or being involved against Norwich, whether that be on the bench, I probably think it would be.”

A big relief

The Ghanian international has been sidelined for around five weeks and has been a big miss in Mikel Arteta’s engine room, so to have him available this weekend should come as a major boost and relief for the 39-year-old head coach.

His options would’ve been very, very limited heading into what is an absolute must-win fixture.

Granit Xhaka, who tested positive for Covid-19 on international duty, is suspended for three matches after he was sent off against Manchester City, whilst Mo Elneny has been out with a muscular problem.

It means Arteta is currently left with summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga and the wantaway Ainsley Maitland-Niles for the deeper role, whilst Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe should be available further up the pitch.

Rock-bottom Arsenal are yet to win in the Premier League this season and will be desperate to pick up a result against the side that sits just one place above them in the table on goal difference.

Depending on results, the north London giants could rise as high as 12th with a convincing victory.

Partey led the squad for tackles per game (1.8) last season and also averaged one interception, 1.1 shots and 1.2 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, which suggests he can contribute in the attack, too.

So to have him available on Saturday afternoon will come as huge encouragement.

AND in other news, No Xhaka, Tomiyasu starts: Predicting Arteta’s best Arsenal XI…

Crystal Palace have been linked with a late move for West Ham defender Issa Diop, according to ExWHUemployee, cited by Hammers News.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace supporters have been reacting to the rumour on social media.

The report suggests that Diop has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium following Kurt Zouma’s arrival from Chelsea.

Patrick Vieira reportedly wants to add to his defensive ranks before the deadline, with a loan move for Diop a possibility.

The 24-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 4, has made 95 appearances for the Irons, but he is yet to feature during the current campaign.

The Frenchman is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt and still has two years left on his contract, and it seems as if a late switch across London could be on the cards.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Diop on Twitter on Tuesday morning. This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“huh?”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Pointless use of a PL loan tbh”

Credit: @DrizzyCPFC

“Interesting”

Credit: @joe_cpfc_01

“Odd but ok”

Credit: @bradhcpfc

“Loan wouldn’t be the worst for us”

Credit: @BobbyCPFC

“We do seem a bit thin at CB, Especially with the injury record of Tomkins and the fact Kelly played zero minutes last year.”

Credit: @LesterCPFC1

In other news: ‘Fab you beauty’, ‘Here we gooooooo’ – Many CPFC fans erupt at Romano’s transfer post on ‘demon’. 

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have reacted over news involving Paris-Saint Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa.

The 28-year-old, who was thought to be on the verge of joining Lyon earlier this week, has seen that move cut short as the Ligue 1 side instead close in on a loan deal for Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri (L’Equipe via GFFN).

That has left the door wide open for any other interested clubs to swoop in and potentially try their hand for Kurzawa.

The Frenchman has been consistently linked with a move away from Paris this summer and now RMC Sport journalist Loic Tanzi (via Canal Supporters) has brought news involving West Ham United.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-3/” title=”West Ham latest news…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He claims that the Hammers and GSB have entered the race to sign Kurzawa this summer, who can play both as a left-back and left-midfielder – similar to Arthur Masuaku.

As news emerges of West Ham’s interest in the 13-cap international, many Irons fans have erupted with a mixed array of responses on Twitter.

Find all of their best ones, in reply to West Ham Xtra, West Ham Central and West Ham News & Views down below.

West Ham fans erupt as GSB eye Kurzawa…

“Very good player”

Credit: @WestHamNews24hr

“He literally is just like Masuaku, and Masuaku is better.”

Credit: @SaidTalks

“this would be a great signing”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Yes please awesome”

Credit: @smudgerdc

“Yes please, very clever signing”

Credit: @adamhammer7261

“Please no, there is no way this is a Moyes signing”

Credit: @willviljo

In other news: West Ham source: GSB set sights on signing 6 foot 3 powerhouse for Moyes, find out more here.

It’s been a busy summer for Crystal Palace, with new manager Patrick Vieira overseeing a significant overhaul of the first-team squad, yet there’s still plenty of work left to be done.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have addressed serious weaknesses in their defence and midfielder, bringing the likes of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher to Selhurst Park.

However, after failing to secure a victory or even score a goal in their opening three encounters of the new campaign, it’s clear Vieira needs to focus his attention on the final third of the pitch in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Therefore, a move for PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke must become a priority for the capital club ahead of the August 31st deadline.

The Dutch giants were dumped out of the Champions League play-off round by Benfica on Tuesday night, reportedly lowering the Philips Stadion outfit’s asking price for the highly sort after 19-year-old and providing a boost to his potential suitors.

Patrick Vieira needs him

Palace have been one of several Premier League sides linked with a move for Madueke throughout the summer, and now PSV are out of Europe’s elite cup competition, an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Journalist and transfer expert Pedro Almeida has provided an update on the England Under-21 international’s situation, claiming that PSV have dropped their asking price to just £17.1m following their defeat to Benfica.

As a result, Palace chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Madueke, providing Vieira with the attacking quality he needs to implement his playing style in south London.

During the capital club’s first three games of the season in all competitions, Palace have created just three big chances and have missed them all, failing to score a single goal against Chelsea, Brentford and Watford.

They have also recorded just seven shots on target across 270 minutes of action, highlighting their need for a natural creator and prolific finisher. In Madueke, the Eagles could ger both in one player.

The London-born attacker contributed nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for the Dutch giants last term, earning praise from several plaudits, including former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte.

“He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions,” said Van de Leegte (via Goal).

And he’s started the new season in emphatic style, bagging six goals and providing one assist in nine outings in all competitions.

Therefore, a move for Madueke could be a realistic solution to Vieira’s current goalscoring conundrum at Selhurst Park, and the hierarchy must attempt to secure his services this summer.

And, in other news…Parish must complete Palace move for “extraordinary” £20m gem, fans would love him 

USMNT star Chris Richards has boldly declared that “another one’s coming” after breaking his Premier League goal duck at Crystal Palace.

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• Defender on target against Burnley
• Has one effort for his country
• Believes there are more to come

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international defender moved to Selhurst Park from Bayern Munich in 2022. Opportunities were in short supply during his debut campaign in English football, with only 10 appearances made across all competitions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has figured more prominently this term, filling a holding midfield role at times, and registered his first goal for the Eagles at the 31st attempt in a 3-0 victory over Burnley. Richards hopes the floodgates will now open for him, with the 23-year-old confident that he can contribute at both ends of the field.

• WHAT RICHARDS SAID

  Richards has told Palace’s : “I've wanted it [my first goal] all year. Of course, you always like to score goals, but I think it was a very crucial goal in a very crucial game, so I'm very happy about it. Jordan [Ayew] was talking about hitting it back post the whole time, so I figured if T [Tyrick Mitchell] jumped with the man, I was going to be wide open, so I just tried to stay back post. Everybody likes to score goals. Fans like to see it, so it definitely changed the mood for the game, and the games coming up as well. I think another one’s coming!”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RICHARDS?

  Richards did find the target during a loan spell at Hoffenheim in 2021-22 and has one effort for his country – which came against Canada in June 2023. He will hope that there are more goals to celebrate over the coming weeks, with 2024 shaping up to be a big year for Palace and the USMNT.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reacted hilariously when asked what he felt about Kylian Mbappe.

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• Guardiola responded to Mbappe transfer question
• Mbappe was linked with Man City
• Set to join Real Madrid in the summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Last week reported that a representative of Mbappe caught up with City Football Group officials in Manchester. The person was reportedly spotted at the club's training ground where the team where preparing for their Champions League clash against Copenhagen.

  In a press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked if the French forward would join the Cityzens next summer and his opinion about the star player to which the Catalan coach responded, "I think he's quite good. He has a future."

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• WATCH THE CLIP

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 25-year-old has already communicated his decision to his team-mates to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the current season. He reportedly has an agreement with Real Madrid and will be unveiled as a Los Blancos player in July.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  After dropping two crucial points in the Premier League against Chelsea at home, Guardiola's side will aim to get back to winning ways against Brentford on Wednesday.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may be regretting not signing a midfielder in January, with Wrexham being left “short” in that department.

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• Red Dragons bolstered their ranks in January
• Injuries have impacted numbers in engine room
• Heading into run of three successive away games

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons did bolster their ranks during the winter window, bringing in defender Luke Bolton and forward Jack Marriott on deadline day. They are now well stocked at opposing ends of the field, but injuries to the likes of James Jones, George Evans and Tom O’Connor mean that Phil Parkinson is light on numbers in the middle of the park.

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• WHAT PARKINSON SAID

  Wrexham’s boss has said of that predicament heading into a meeting with MK Dons: “We have got good a selection up front, players like Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe at the back and Ben Tozer who wasn't in the team on Saturday, Luke Bolton and Jacob Mendy, so we have got a lot of players. Obviously we are a bit short in the midfield area but we will adapt to that and we will manage that. We have still got options. You are going to get injuries, that is part and parcel of the game, and we got a couple on Saturday so we will have a bit of a headcount. We will have a good look at the injured players and think long and hard about the team for MK Dons but go down there ready to give a good account of ourselves, and see if it is good enough on the night.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham edged out old adversaries Notts County in their last League Two fixture, but are now preparing for three successive away games against the Dons, Gillingham and Forest Green Rovers. Parkinson added on that challenge: “We are ready for that. We are prepared for that.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Back-to-back wins have returned Wrexham to the League Two automatic promotion places, with only three points separating them from table-topping Stockport. They still boast at least one game in hand on all of those around them, meaning that the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary cameras could have another title celebration to capture in 2024.

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Thiago Silva has joined Chelsea's injury list but Robert Sanchez is fit to face Manchester City after two months out.

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• Silva and Chukwuemeka out injured
• Pochettino confirms Sanchez return
• Chelsea travel to Manchester City

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Blues manager Pochettino revealed a mixed bag when it came to his players' fitness, with the Argentine ruling out Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka for the clash against Pep Guardiola's men. However, goalkeeper Sanchez is available after a lengthy knee injury, and Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto are in contention as well, ahead of Saturday's trip to the Etihad.

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  WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  The former Tottenham manager told reporters on Friday: "[Thiago Silva has a] Minor injury, but he is not available. We need to assess day by day.

  "[Gusto and Colwill] are OK. They recovered well. Both available. Robert Sanchez is available. Carney Chukwuemeka twisted his ankle two days ago. He is out.

  "[Sanchez's return] is a good thing for the team. You will see [the selection between him and Petrovic]. It's very good to be back. It's better to have all the players available."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Chelsea are still without key personnel in Reece James and Wesley Fofana, their injury list has began to shrink during a season where they have had a hefty absentee list. However, Silva's injury gives Pochettino a selection conundrum in defence, but Sanchez's return in goal is a more positive dilemma – even if Djordje Petrovic has largely been reliable between the sticks in the Spaniard's absence.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  This huge test at second-placed City is Chelsea's last game before they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Sunday, February 25. After that, the Blues take on Championship side Leeds United in the fifth round of the FA Cup three days later.

Macaulay Langstaff considers being told to “f*ck off” by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, while also being called “handsome”, to be a compliment.

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• Notts County striker claimed Golden Boot in 2022-23
• Threatened to dash Red Dragons' promotion dreams
• Hollywood stars aware of the threat that he poses

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The prolific Notts County striker threatened to be a serious thorn in Wrexham’s side last season as a thrilling promotion race unfolded in the National League. Langstaff hit 41 league goals for his side, pipping 38-goal Paul Mullin to the Golden Boot, and netted a match-winning effort when County played host to the Red Dragons.

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  Wrexham would get their revenge later in the season at SToK Racecourse, but Langstaff’s efforts were impossible to ignore. Reynolds and McElhenney were certainly aware of him, with the pair telling the Welcome to Wrexham documentary as title rivals refused to go away: “Macaulay Langstaff, he can f*ck off.” Reynolds reacted to McElhenney’s joke by adding: “Yeah, God that guy is good. He's handsome as f*ck. He looks like he could be in Peaky Blinders.”

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Langstaff has not seen the episode in which he starred, but has told of being made aware of comments from two Hollywood superstars: “When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are calling you handsome and saying you should be on Peaky Blinders, how can you not be complimented by that! It was brilliant. I haven’t actually watched the documentary, I don’t think I can watch it because of what happened last year – obviously losing out to them in the end. I don’t think I can bring myself to watch it, but I’ve obviously been sent the video by numerous people and when I saw it, it was really funny. It looks like a good documentary. It looks like it’s really light-hearted, so really enjoyed that 20-second clip of me!”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Both Wrexham and Notts County posted more than 100 points in 2022-23, with the Magpies eventually securing promotion through the play-offs. The two sides are back in direct competition this term, as they fly high in League Two, and Langstaff has been back on the goal trial after registering 11 efforts through 17 appearances.