All posts by n8rngtd.top

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a Premier League ace ahead of the transfer window, despite being forecast a treacherous financial battle.

Julen Lopetegui was hit with the news that the club were juggling issues of FFP in the build-up to the summer window, which will ultimately limit the Spaniard’s ability to spend considerably.

Wolves are in need of attacking options, ending the season as the league’s lowest scorers with just 31 goals in 38 goals, an area that must be strengthened this summer.

What’s the latest on James Ward-Prowse to Wolves?

The former Real Madrid could opt to add strike power to his side from areas beyond a traditional number nine, as Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move to Molineux.

As reported by SunSport, Wolves are 'keen' on the Englishman, who has also accumulated interest from West Ham, Newcastle and rivals Aston Villa.

A separate report from The Sun claims that the Saints want £40m for the 28-year-old who has three years left on his current contract, an ‘optimistic valuation’ from the side that will play in the Championship next season.

What could James Ward-Prowse bring to Wolves?

The Englishman has been a shining light for Southampton in an abysmal campaign that ended in relegation, scoring nine goals and assisting four and featuring in every fixture – as per FBref.

The £100k-per-week Saints captain could depart this summer as a result of their demotion and would be a perfect fit in Lopetegui’s side, who are to lose Joao Moutinho following the expiration of his contract.

The Portuguese midfielder has been described as a “legend” by members of the media and will be sorely missed at Wolves, however, Molineux may not need to prolong his mourning, as Ward-Prowse could ease the woes of his departure.

The two are very similar players positionally, and when comparing their numbers this season, the Englishman could arguably be a better fit for Lopetegui’s plans going forward at Molineux.

As per Sofascore, the 27-year-old maintains an average passing accuracy of 85% per game, with the Wolves veteran following closely behind with 84%.

Ward-Prowse could fit the Spaniard’s plans to bolster the attack and replace Moutinho simultaneously, with him creating nine big chances to the Portugal midfielder’s three, as well as averaging 2.0 key passes to his 1.2 per game.

While the Englishman is more of a threat in the final third than the Wolves man, the Portsmouth-born maestro isn’t afraid to do the dirty work required in the engine room, as told by his 1.7 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Goals are primarily what Lopetegui needs to add to his side, and the Saints skipper can contribute, ranking in the top 13% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of non-penalty goals, averaging 0.19 per 90 – as per FBref.

Once lauded by former coach Nathan Jones as “world-class”, Ward-Prowse has made 343 Premier League appearances for Southampton, which has equipped him with experience that cannot be bought.

For Lopetegui, there will be hope that the midfielder’s price tag may drop considering the Saints’ relegation which could make him a strong target for Wolves to sign this summer as a strong successor to Moutinho.

Everton are turning their eyes towards the summer transfer window, as the Blues have been linked with a Premier League starlet.

With survival confirmed, Sean Dyche can place his focus on improvements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as the club must avoid a repeat of the previous two seasons.

In a year of struggle both on and off the field, Everton have had some shining lights, one being the performances of Amadou Onana, who could potentially remain at Goodison despite rumours suggesting his departure.

The latest transfer link could be an exciting one for Dyche should Onana remain a Toffee, as the Blues could swoop for an electrifying midfield partner for the Belgian.

What’s the latest on Shea Charles to Everton?

As reported by the Daily Mail, Everton are one of the clubs interested in Manchester City U21 midfielder Shea Charles.

The Northern Ireland international has gained interest from the Bundesliga, with RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also rumoured to be “admirers” of the player.

The 19-year-old made his debut for City last weekend against Brentford as a substitute, and is contracted to the champions until 2027.

What could Shea Charles bring to Everton?

Pep Guardiola handed the teenager his first minutes for the first team last Sunday, as he played 27 minutes earning an impressive 7.0 Sofascore match rating in the process.

It was a difficult game for the champions who were defeated 1-0 away from home, however, the Spaniard was full of praise for the academy graduate after the fixture, hailing him as “so good” and “so composed” on the club’s official website.

It’s praise indeed from one of the greatest managers of all time, however, his compliments are supported by his impressive numbers, hinting that he has an exciting career ahead of him.

On his Premier League debut, the teen won 100% of his aerial duels, as well as four out of five of his ground duels in midfield, making four tackles and one interception in just under 30 minutes of play – as per Sofascore.

The Manchester-born ace, lauded as “terrific” by journalist Mark McIntosh, could be an exceptional future addition to Everton’s midfield, alongside the talents of Onana.

Goodison’s midfield gem has similar attributes to the City youngster, inspiring the thought that they could be a commanding duo in the middle of the park together.

The Belgian has averaged 2.60 tackles per 90 over the past year, as well as an average of 2.17 successful aerials per 90, placing him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues in terms of winning challenges in the air – as per FBref.

With Onana being just 21, and Charles only 19, Dyche could have a midfield pairing for years to come, in two players that are combative both in the air and on the ground, as supported by their numbers.

There are lots of indicators to suggest that Charles is ready to take the leap into senior football, not just through his performance on his debut, but his integral presence in City’s U21 side, starting in all 26 of his appearances in Premier League 2 – as per Transfermarkt.

Whether the player would be available to purchase permanently, or as a loan deal is yet to be discovered, however with such talent shown in his youth career, Dyche could unlock a generational talent in Everton’s midfield.

Liverpool are believed to have initiated negotiations with German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for the transfer of Benjamin Pavard this summer.

What's the latest on Benjamin Pavard to Liverpool?

That's according to journalist Christian Falk, who claims – via his Caught Offside column – that Liverpool are in talks with the France international's agent ahead of a prospective transfer.

The BILD reporter said: “Benjamin Pavard has informed the club that he wants to move in the summer.

“His agents are already talking to other clubs. Among them, Liverpool is now a hot candidate. Previously, Chelsea and Barcelona were already known to be interested, as well as Italian clubs AC and Inter Milan.”

With just one year remaining on his current deal, Bayern are willing to let the 27-year-old leave the Allianz Arena for €40m (£34m), and while Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is, undoubtedly, prioritising the midfield, bolstering the defence with a first-rate option such as Pavard is a brilliant move.

Why should Liverpool sign Benjamin Pavard?

The 2018 World Cup winner has enjoyed a most fruitful career in Germany, signing for the Bavarian giants from Stuttgart for about €35m (£30m) in 2018 and going on to win five Bundesliga titles, one DFB Pokal and the Champions League.

Making 162 appearances and posting 12 goals and assists apiece, the 47-cap international was predicted to be an "outstanding signing" by Uli Hoenes and has indeed lived up to the hype by cementing his position in one of Europe's most distinguished and illustrious outfits.

He's the kind of dynamic ace with composure and grit in abundance that Klopp will be craving after standards slipped on Merseyside this season, with the midfield failing to effectively protect the defence and the backline itself too weak and vulnerable – as flimsy as plywood.

Joe Gomez was at the epicentre, with the £85k-per-week Englishman unused for ten of the final 12 Premier League matches of the term and being branded as "finished" by podcaster Graeme Kelly.

One of Gomez's standout traits is his efficacy in both a central defensive role and out wide, as a right back. However, Pavard can do all this and more and has been hailed as a "real talent" with "indispensable versatility" by Thomas Hitzlsperger, often found across the backline and distributing his time evenly from centre to flank this season.

Indeed, as per FBref, the £83k-per-week gem ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues for rate of goals, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 6% for tackles per 90.

This underscores his dynamism and while such metrics might be somewhat inflated by the fact he also plies his trade out wide, he is undoubtedly "one of the best" – as also stated by Hoenes – and would enrich Klopp's Liverpool team as they look to bounce back from mediocrity this year.

Liverpool have entered discussions with OGC Nice regarding a transfer fee for midfielder Khephren Thuram, according to reports.

Is Khephren Thuram leaving Nice?

The France U21s international still has another two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Riviera, but having been name-checked as one of the main central candidates being “looked at” by Jurgen Klopp, he’s been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside.

Writing in his column for NUFC Blog, journalist Jacque Talbot suggested that Lilian Thuram, the 22-year-old’s father and advisor, is pushing for his son to join the Reds, with the same reporter later stating that personal terms had been agreed.

Since then, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Anfield outfit have been in “direct contact” with his agent and said that an “internal discussion” is taking place among chiefs as they weigh up whether to submit an opening offer. If the following update is to be believed, they have taken a big step towards submitting that bid.

Are Liverpool signing Thuram?

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool are now officially "in talks" with Nice regarding a suitable transfer fee for Thuram. The Ligue 1 midfielder is "hoping" to complete the switch and has already "informed" his outfit, who have set a €60m (£51m) asking price, of his stance.

The French giants' "ideal scenario" would be for other clubs to join the chase so that they can host a "bidding war", but with it currently only being a one-horse race, they want to shake hands on a "higher price" and "payment structure agreeable to them".

Should FSG cash out on Thuram?

Liverpool likely aren’t going to want to splash £51m on Thuram after getting Alexis Mac Allister for a £35m bargain, but should his asking price be lowered, FSG should definitely consider tabling a bid to secure the defensive midfielder’s services in the centre of the park.

The 6 foot 3 colossus, who has been dubbed a “tenacious tackler” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged 1.5 challenges per league game last season and ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive carries, so loves to push his team up the pitch after regaining possession.

Thuram also posted six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in Ligue 1 and recorded 84 shot-creating actions which was more than any other member of his squad, via FBRef, so for a player that positively impacts the game at both ends of the field, he would be well worth the money.

There has been a further update in Liverpool's pursuit to sign Federico Chiesa, with reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, stating that the Reds will stump up the player's wage demands and are ready to step up their interest in the player.

How many goals has Federico Chiesa scored?

The forward has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months or so, and that has meant his form and his gametime has slightly tailed off for current club Juventus. He could manage only six league starts for the Turin outfit over the course of the 2022/23 season for example and whilst he did play in 21 games overall, he had to make do with largely substitute appearances. It meant that, in total, he had only 9.5 lots of 90 minutes over the course of the entire campaign – his worst ever amount in a season.

In spite of this, Chiesa still managed to score two goals and bag five assists. Whilst not quite hitting the heights of his peak Juventus days or his time at Fiorentina, it shows that he is still capable of hitting the back of the net and creating things offensively when he is match fit and able to get onto the field. Juve though have struggled this season and with the club slumping to seventh – and missing out on the Champions League – it appears he may now be sold on.

Are Liverpool signing Chiesa?

One of the teams most interested in snapping up the Italy international is Liverpool. The Premier League side are reportedly willing to offer up to £34m to try and bring the winger in this summer, although that comes well below the Serie A side's valuation of him.

Now, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, this interest from the Reds is hotting up, with the side ready to not only stump up the player's huge wage demands of 8 million Euros (or £6.8m) a year but also preparing to make a "concrete" bid for his services next week.

It even adds that Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the move, stating that he is a "great sponsor" for the deal being done. They've had "big manouveres" with the player's agent, so things are already happening behind the scenes it seems.

He's a player that is viewed as having a lot of talent in the eyes of media members. Football journalist Josh Bunting stated that Chiesa is a "real difference maker" and has been "one of the most exciting players around" for some time, while former Itlay striker Antonio Di Natale is a huge fan of the player, praising his unpredictability in posession and drive for improvement.

If Chiesa can get back to full fitness and play regularly again then, he could be a real asset to any club – and it appears that the club closest to signing him may just be Liverpool.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Emiliano Martinez this summer, according to a report from Football Transfers.

How many games has Emiliano Martinez played for Aston Villa?

The 30-year-old has become a first-team regular for Aston Villa since his switch to the Premier League outfit back in 2020/21, having struggled to get frequent minutes at former club Arsenal. He missed only two games in the entirety of the 2022/23 season, playing 36 games for the Villans and conceding only 38 along the way. It meant he had a rate of just 1.09 goals against per 90 – his best ever in a full season.

Martinez then is currently at the top of his game it seems – and that is why bigger clubs are now sniffing around the shot-stopper. According to a report from Football Transfers, there is indeed interest in his services this summer, with Chelsea set to battle Man United to try and snap up the goalkeeper.

With Mauricio Pochettino now in charge at Stamford Bridge, it has led to the player being placed on the side's transfer radar as the former Spurs boss is believed to be a personal admirer of the player. The Premier League side though are yet to launch an official offer – United have not done so either as of yet.

It's unclear just how much a potential deal for Martinez might cost. There is no fee mentioned in the report and with no official bid lodged yet, there is no estimation as to how much a transfer may set one of the interested parties back. Transfermarkt suggest that his value is currently around the 28 million Euro mark (or £24m), which wouldn't be a huge amount if that was the case, but would still represent a profit on the player for Villa.

What has been said about Emiliano Martinez?

Considering how much he may cost, it may be worth Chelsea actually launching a bid for his services soon. Football journalist Josh Bunting called him "incredible" because of his performances for Argentina and added that he always "delivers" in "real pressure" moments.

Martinez is clearly a leader who thrives on the biggest stage then and that would suit the Blues down to the ground, as they look to try and push on and become the trophy-winning force they have so often been in the 21st century.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane signing a new contract at his boyhood club at some point is a 'possible', according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

According to The Independent, Manchester United have decided to drop out of the race to sign Kane this summer due to his current employers, Tottenham, adopting a tough negotiation stance involving the England international.

The report adds that Manchester United are 'conscious' of Manchester City's failed pursuit of the 29-year-old back in 2021 and don't want to waste their off-season trying to land Kane only to be rebuffed by Spurs continually.

Le Parisien via GOAL detail that Kane has admirers from the continent in the form of Paris Saint-Germain and the Ligue 1 giants are said to want to make Kane a 'marquee' addition despite not currently having a manager in place at the Parc des Princes.

It is expected that Kane would cost the French giants in excess of £100 million to acquire, which is a big part of the reason Manchester United pulled out in their attempts to tempt him to Old Trafford.

Capology understand that Kane has one year left on his deal at Tottenham and is believed to pocket £200,000 per week in north London.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth has revealed that there is a possibility Kane could now commit to a new contract at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sheth stated: "Tottenham do not want to sell Kane, least of all to a Premier League rival.

"I see a few scenarios that could happen with Kane, and they’re obvious really. Tottenham's number one choice would be Kane signs a new contract at Spurs and spends the rest of his career at the club. It's possible, but how likely, I don't know.”

Should Tottenham Hotspur look to tie Harry Kane to a new deal?

Spurs should look to tie Kane to a new deal with every fibre of their being, as he is an elite striker with the propensity to produce moments of magic consistently in the Premier League.

In 2022/23, despite Tottenham's underwhelming season, Kane recorded 32 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Unsurprisingly, Kane was Spurs' most consistent performer during the season and obtained an average match rating of 7.52/10 for his exploits on the pitch, according to WhoScored.

Leading the line with efficiency, Kane also managed to successfully lay on 159 shot-creating actions combining his time on the field in the Premier League and Champions League, as per FBRef.

Nailing down Kane for the rest of his career at Tottenham will undoubtedly be a major priority for Lilywhites' chiefs; however, it will be easier said than done and they will need to match his ambition at the club to win trophies in order to stand a chance of being successful in their endeavours.

Arsenal are now considering a surprise move for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, according to a recent report from Football Transfers.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal are still running the rule over a number of options to challenge for Bukayo Saka's spot at right-wing, with Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze being "monitored", amid "fierce competition" for his signature from Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Another attacking option for the Gunners is Fenerbahce's Arda Guler, having recently leapfrogged Newcastle in the race for his signature, with Dean Jones claiming that Mikel Arteta has "two more" signings up his sleeve this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, one of the club's more outlandish targets is Mbappe, with Arsenal, and by extension sporting director Edu Gaspar, currently weighing up whether to send a package to the representatives of the PSG forward ahead of what has been labelled a sensational 2024 move.

The Frenchman's contract is due to expire at the end of next season, so this summer may be the last chance PSG have to receive a transfer fee for their prized asset, who has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

At this stage, it is thought the La Liga side are leading the race for the 24-year-old, and they could make an offer this summer, should his current club reduce their asking price, but at the moment they are holding firm.

Arsenal are aware they are currently second-choice to Real Madrid, and they will have to hope the Spanish club fail in their pursuit of the attacker.

How much does Kylian Mbappe earn?

The France international is currently tied down to a huge £1.2m-per-week contract at PSG, so the Gunners will be well aware they must be willing to spend big if they are to secure his signature this summer

In truth, it does not seem very likely the Gunners will be able to compete for his signature, as while they do have Champions League football on offer next season, the PSG star will probably want to move to a side with a more recent history of winning major trophies.

However, if the former AS Monaco man is attracted by the prospect of being a part of the project at the Emirates Stadium, there is every indication he could be a fantastic signing, who could help take Arsenal to the next level.

Hailed as a "generational talent" by members of the media, Mbappe has recorded a remarkable 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 appearances for PSG, proving himself as one of the world's best players.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, as the Gunners eye a midfield revamp this summer.

The north Londoners have had a successful quest in the transfer market so far, having secured the signing of Kai Havertz along with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber who are waiting in the wings to be officially unveiled.

A number of quality faces to integrate with the talent already on show at the Emirates is the prominent hurdle standing between Mikel Arteta’s chase of Manchester City, and signing De Jong could be a statement of intent for Arsenal.

What is the market value of Frenkie de Jong?

The future of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been a winding road following the disclosure of the club’s financial woes and the requirement to sell players.

News reported by Arsenal transfer expert Dobbo via Twitter relayed that the Gunners have a ‘genuine’ interest in the Dutchman, adding that it would be a ‘tough deal’ for the Premier League side to pull off.

It’s added that there has been contact made between the club and the £37m-rated player’s representatives, if speculation is to be believed.

A report by GOAL earlier this year claimed that De Jong along with Ansu Fati could be dismissed in order to free up the wage budget at Camp Nou, with a reported €200m decrease required to adhere to La Liga rules.

How good is Frenkie de Jong?

Lauded as a “maestro” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 26-year-old has asserted himself as one of the top midfielders in Europe for his performances in both the Eredivisie and La Liga.

Signed by the Catalan giants in 2019 for a fee of £65m, De Jong has showcased his versatility throughout his career, with capabilities of playing both ahead and behind the midfield.

Deployed primarily as a deep midfielder, the Dutchman could be a revelation at Arsenal, particularly in the absence of Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss officially departed north London earlier this week for Bayer Leverkusen, leaving a gap in Arteta’s midfield that was occupied by a player with a recognised passing ability.

One player that flourished in playing in midfield alongside Xhaka was captain Martin Odegaard, who could find himself the perfect partner in De Jong, should he make the switch to the Emirates this summer.

A player with a respectable distribution, the Arkel-born gem sits in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues when it came to his passing strengths over the past year.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old averaged a pass completion rate of 89.5% per 90, as well as averaging an impressive 78.96 attempted passes per 90 to highlight his involvement in the game in central midfield.

While his ability in keeping things tidy in the engine room is laudable, his distribution going forward could give Odegaard the perfect technician to enhance his own game in the final third.

De Jong averaged a monstrous 9.91 progressive passes per 90 in La Liga last season, including 8.88 passes into the final third and 1.60 key passes per 90, via FBref.

Such strengths could bolster the Norwegian's game in a more advanced central role as a high-scoring midfielder, where he received an average of 5.55 progressive passes per 90, and put them to good use with his 22 goals and assists in the Premier League last term.

Having a competent ball player equipped behind him, the Arsenal captain could take his playmaking and final third threat to new heights, giving Arteta additional ammo in the bid to once again challenge for the title.

Liverpool could replace the presence of Fabinho this window with a swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone, a player that the Reds have been linked to throughout the summer.

Jurgen Klopp could see two midfield enforcers depart ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, with both the Brazilian and Jordan Henderson linked with lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia.

Could Liverpool sign Manu Kone?

Named as a potential summer target for Liverpool back in January by Fabrizio Romano, Kone could still be on course to head towards Merseyside.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, BILD journalist Chrisitan Falk declared that the midfielder is “on the list” of those wanted by sporting director Jorg Scmadtke.

Valued by his club around the €40m (£34m) mark, the Frenchman could be a valuable asset to Klopp’s squad should the speculated sales be made this summer.

How good is Manu Kone?

Described as a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performance against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich earlier this year, the 22-year-old could signify a rejuvenated revamp in midfield at Anfield.

While Fabinho’s presence has been integral to Liverpool’s progression over the past year, the Premier League and Champions League winner is expected to call it quits on Merseyside after five memorable years.

Kone could be the one to fill the gap left by the 29-year-old’s pending departure to Al Ittihad, with the two demonstrating similar strengths in their approach to play.

When comparing the two via FBref comparisons based on their respective 2022/23 campaigns, it’s evident just how efficient the switch in player could be, with Fabinho indicating a slight dip in form to years prior.

A combative midfielder, Kone surpassed the rate of tackles per 90 recorded by the Brazilian, averaging 2.55 to the 29-year-old’s 2.19, highlighting his militant presence in the engine room.

An area of the Frenchman’s game that could be pivotal to adding a rejuvenated outlet in the middle of the park is his approach to progressive play in comparison to Fabinho.

The 22-year-old averaged an impressive 2.04 progressive carries and 1.97 successful take-ons to the Liverpool machine’s 0.51 progressive carries and 0.24 successful take-ons per 90, displaying his dominance in transitional possession.

Hailed as having “sublime distribution” by journalist Maxi Angelo, Fabinho will be a missed presence in the middle of the park for his eye for an intricate pass, however, the departure of the Campinas-born gem could be eased by Kone’s arrival.

As per FBref, the Borussia talent averaged 5.73 progressive passes to Fabinho’s 5.49 last season, including 4.80 passes into the final third to his 4.41 per 90 to show just how much of a talent Klopp could install into his squad.

With a fee of £40m reported to be in question for Fabinho, the Reds could reinstate the funds spent on signing the midfielder from Monaco back in 2018 for £43.7m, getting the best out of the player during his time at Anfield.

The funds raised could open the door for Liverpool to make a potential snipe for Kone, in a deal that may prove to be a stellar piece of business by the six-time European champions.