All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United reporter Joe Donnohue has described an update on midfielder Ao Tanaka as “far from ideal” following Ilia Gruev’s injury.

Gruev out for months not weeks as Leeds consider free-agent market

The Whites’ injury list has grown over the last week, with club captain Ethan Ampadu suffering a serious knee injury against Coventry City in the Championship at the end of September. It has been confirmed that Ampadu will be out until 2025, and his midfield partner Gruev will also be joining him in the Thorp Arch treatment room.

The Bulgaria international had to be replaced in Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Norwich City in the week, and scans have since confirmed Gruev has sustained a serious meniscus injury that will keep him out for months rather than weeks.

As a result, Daniel Farke now has just Tanaka and loanee Joe Rothwell as his senior midfield options, with teenager Charlie Crew likely to feature in regular matchday squads between now and the New Year. There is also the opportunity to bring in a midfielder without a club, and Farke has claimed the free agent market will be checked by those at Elland Road.

“If I’m really honest, I’m not a big friend of signing players who are out of contract in the beginning of October, because it means, more or less, they are out of team training since May. That means they are out of team training since whatever, five months.

“And even if you bring them in, it lasts also a while until they are really ready to go and fully fit and really could play first team football and then, quite often the player who is right now injured for the next few weeks, he’s even back in perhaps and ready to go earlier than the players who are out for since five months.

“I think quite often it’s a bit like a panic buy or like to pretend to do something anyhow. I think it’s professional to check it, and sometimes, out of coincidence or out of a special situation, there could be someone out who really suits the needs in this moment.”

Free agent: Ex-Leeds ace linked with return after Ampadu and Gruev injuries

He’s made 244 appearances in the Championship.

5 ByCharlie Smith Oct 4, 2024

In the meantime, Leeds will need to wrap Tanaka and Rothwell up in cotton wool, however, the former is set to rack up the air miles in the upcoming international break.

Ao Tanaka international break update “far from ideal”

The summer signing has been called up to the Japan squad for games against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Thursday, October 10 before a meeting with Australia five days later.

As YEP reporter Donnohue alludes to, Tanaka will be travelling around 18,000 miles and may not be back at Thorp Arch until Leeds’ final training session prior to their crunch clash with Sheffield United on Friday, October 18.

Leeds officials will be having everything crossed that Tanaka returns to Yorkshire later this month injury-free, as his partnership with Rothwell over the coming months could be crucial for the club’s promotion push.

The 26-year-old’s limited appearances so far have seen him record an impressive pass completion percentage of 91.9%, as per WhoScored.

Ange Postecoglou will know that his Tottenham Hotspur side must defeat Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast for a chance to enter the October international break in the Premier League’s top four.

It’s not going to be easy given other results would need to go their way, while the Seagulls have started well under new boss Fabian Hürzeler, who earned the division’s Manager of the Month award for August, albeit having failed to win in any of his past four games, drawing three.

Spurs skipper Son Heung-min is still sidelined having missed his side’s past two matches with a hamstring injury, while Destiny Udogie is a fitness doubt at left-back.

After defeating Ferencváros in the Europa League on Thursday evening, Postecoglou is expected to ring the changes, with as many as seven anticipated.

GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Having yet to miss a minute in the Premier League after moving to Tottenham in an initial £17m deal, Guglielmo Vicario should start between the sticks once again this afternoon.

RB – Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro has been tremendous for Tottenham, with his all-encompassing approach to his duties on the right flank suggesting that he has what it takes to become one of Europe’s foremost full-backs – if he is not already creeping into that conversation…

Matches (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

1

Shots on target per game

1.8 (0.5)

Touches per game

81.2

Pass success rate

79%

Key passes per game

2.0

Dribbles per game

0.3

Ball recoveries per game

4.2

Tackles & interceptions per game

3.8

Total duels won per game

4.2 (50%)

He’ll be pitted against the hosts’ electric-paced winger Kaoru Mitoma, so will need to call upon his defensive game at the Amex this afternoon.

CB – Cristian Romero

Having started against Ferencváros, Cristian Romero played an important role and will be more than ready to take on Brighton on the south coast.

The tough-tackling titan won 11 duels in a dominant display, as per Sofascore, and will be the key to quelling the Seagulls’ threat today.

CB – Radu Dragusin

Back in the starting line-up? Radu Dragusin has not enjoyed a fine start to the campaign, having been defeated at Newcastle United in his sole Premier League start, while he was sent off against Qarabag after just seven minutes in Tottenham’s Europa League opener.

Still, Tottenham completed the signing from Genoa in a deal worth £27m in January, and he might be called upon in central defence as a personnel shift takes place at left-back…

LB – Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven might have to return to his occasional role at left-back, should Destiny Udogie indeed be ruled out due to injury. The hulking and athletic Dutchman has been excellent when moonlighting at left-back for Tottenham in the past and could be too much for Brighton to contain.

His loping pitch-long run against Manchester United handed him one of the finest assists you’ll see this season, and he’s just pretty brilliant, all told.

DM – Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur will be hoping to start once again in the English top flight, having started each of Tottenham’s past three Premier League encounters.

Though Yves Bissouma is an excellent ball-winner, he’s arguably not as rounded nor dynamic as his Uruguayan teammate, who has completed 93% of his passes this season and is vital for the system’s fluency.

CM – Dejan Kulusevski

Pape Matar Sarr is making waves on the continent this year, but Dejan Kulusevski might just be Spurs’ player of the season thus far, having been expertly refashioned into a central engine-like role.

Delighted with the Swede’s progress, Postecoglou said: “He has an unbelievable capacity to run on and off the ball, his physical numbers are ridiculous and he has the quality to hurt teams with that.”

CM – James Maddison

James Maddison ebbed and flowed during his maiden campaign as a Lilywhite, largely due to injury, but has been in fine fettle this season, posting one goal and three assists while performing with verve and intent.

He could be the key to unlocking a Brighton backline that’s there for the taking. As per FBref, the 27-year-old ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90.

RW – Brennan Johnson

What a turnaround. Things looked rather dour for Brennan Johnson following a poor start to the season that had led to some negativity spread across social media, but the winger has since silenced the critics with a haul of five goals from five matches.

The Wales international scored a stoppage-time winner against Brighton back in February, and he’ll be desperate to step up and dominate at the AMEX this afternoon.

LW – Timo Werner

Fans might be clamouring for Mikey Moore, the 17-year-old wonderkid, to be unleashed from the outset against Brighton, but Timo Werner may be more likely to reprise his starting role in the Premier League.

The German has done very little since the summer, failing to score or assist across his four top-flight matches (only one start, to be fair) while taking just two shots, failing to create a big chance and completing 38% of his dribbles. He needs to step it up.

CF – Dominic Solanke

Justifiably recalled to the Three Lions squad for the forthcoming run of fixtures, Dominic Solanke has made a steady start to his Spurs career, scoring three goals and placing one assist from seven matches.

He might have joined in a club-record £65m deal, but the towering striker is proving that he has what it takes to impress in Ange’s side this season – and he’ll relish the chance to serve as the star man in Son’s continuing absence.

Predicted Spurs line-up in full: (GK) Guglielmo Vicario; (RB) Pedro Porro, (CB) Cristian Romero, (CB) Radu Dragusin, (LB) Micky van de Ven; (DM) Rodrigo Bentancur, (CM) Dejan Kulusevski, (CM) James Maddison; (RW) Brennan Johnson, (LW) Timo Werner; (CF) Dominic Solanke

Forget Moore: Spurs may have unearthed their own Bukayo Saka

He has certainly caught the eye early on this season.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 4, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a few tactical conundrums ahead of their trip to Premier League title rivals Man City on Sunday, with a few key members of the squad ruled out and unable to play in what is one of their most crucial games of the campaign.

Man City vs Arsenal – team news and injury updates

The north Londoners have come through a challenging week unscathed thus far, with Arteta’s unbeaten side taking all the spoils against Tottenham in a 1-0 win last weekend before coming away from Atalanta with a precious point in the Champions League on Thursday.

Arteta handed possible Odegaard injury boost after initial Arsenal fears

The Norway captain has suffered significant ankle ligament damage.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 21, 2024

Attention now turns to their trip to the Etihad Stadium and third-successive away game, with Arsenal aiming to avoid defeat against the Premier League champions who have thwarted their title charge in each of the last two seasons.

Arsenal will be missing a few key players against City, most notably captain Martin Odegaard, who sustained ankle ligament damage during a 2-1 Norway win over Austria in the UEFA Nations League earlier this month.

Appearances

156

Goals

35

Assists

25

Yellow cards

12

Red cards

0

Minutes played

12,108

Odegaard could be back for Arsenal’s clash against Liverpool at the end of October, according to some reports, but the Gunners are also aware he could miss this estimated return date as they err on the side of caution when it comes to his rehabilitation.

Mikel Merino is sidelined with a fractured shoulder as well, so he is another certain absentee for City as the Spaniard continues his recovery ahead of his eventual debut later in the year.

“A really competitive one,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s trip to Man City.

“We go to the home of the champions, the team that I think in Premier League history has been the most consistent ever, not only in terms of results but in terms of dominance and consistent top performances. This is the challenge, we have to go there and prove that again we’ve made another step and we can compete.

“We knew the schedule and we knew that it’s extremely rare to play in these conditions with three massive away games in six days, but it was what it was so we have prepared for that, both physically, mentally and tactically. We’re making sure that everyone is ready for it, because we’re going to need them, especially with the injuries that we had from the international break.”

Losing Odegaard and Merino means Kai Havertz could be dropped into midfield against Man City, like the German was against Atalanta, with one of either Gabriel Jesus or Raheem Sterling up front.

Arsenal without Takehiro Tomiyasu against Man City

Odegaard and Merino are by no means their only casualties, though, with Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu still unavailable following his knee injury in the summer.

“Tomi is amazing. He’s the best right-back I’ve ever played with. He’s always focused. It’s an honour to play next to him,” said Ben White to DAZN Japan (via The Metro).

“Tomi does the simple things at a world-class level. He is very alert and he isn’t careless in games. From the beginning he’s completely understood English and speaks as well as I do.”

The defender is yet to feature this season as a result, and according to football.london, Tomiyasu will miss Arsenal’s game against Man City as well.

The estimated return date for him is Arsenal’s home game against Leicester City next weekend, so Arteta won’t be able to call upon the £100,000-per-week ace on Sunday.

Aston Villa are considering a surprise move for a 24-year-old defender who has just seen his contract terminated with another club, according to a new report. The Villans get their Champions League campaign underway on Tuesday night, and they will be looking to continue their strong start to the 2024/25 season.

Emery could drop Rogers by unleashing "unbelievable" Aston Villa ace

This Aston Villa star could be axed by Unai Emery for the trip to Young Boys.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 17, 2024 Aston Villa rumours and news

The January transfer window is still a long way away, but Aston Villa already seem to be getting their plans in place for 2025, as Unai Emery could eye more reinforcements despite what was a busy summer window.

Most of Villa’s summer signings are starting to bed down and impress for the Premier League side, but a few haven’t been given the chance yet, with the likes of Samuel Iling-Junior leaving on loan, spending the season at Bologna.

The winger made his debut for his new side over the weekend, impressing as he scored a last-minute equaliser to rescue a point for the Serie A outfit. Iling-Junior is said to have “turned the tables” since joining Bologna after what the report describes as being rejected by Emery.

Meanwhile, according to a new report, Aston Villa are now in a race to sign Souleymane Sidibe from Stoke City. The 17-year-old has been catching the eye while playing for the Potters, so much so that teams such as Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City are interested in signing him. Sidibe has already made a good impact this season, and it appears as though top-flight teams are keen to lure the youngster to them.

Aston Villa considering move for surprise free agent

According to HITC, Aston Villa are interested in signing Oumar Solet, who is now a free agent after leaving Red Bull Salzburg over the weekend. The Midlands side are not the only team interested in the defender, as Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and West Ham are also keen.

Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur were said to have looked at the player during the summer when he was still under contract, but it remains to be seen if they are still interested.

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

2020/21 (won title)

10

0

0

2021/22 (won title)

22

1

2

2022/23 (won title)

25

1

1

2023/24

21

1

1

Solet now finds himself without a club, as Salzburg decided to end his contract on Saturday, despite him entering the final year. The Frenchman, who can play at centre-back as well as defensive midfield, was with the Austrian side for four years, after he joined them in 2020 from Lyon.

The 24-year-old was very successful during his time in Austria, as he won the league three times in three consecutive campaigns.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly likely to sign Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes, but it remains to be seen when a move will go through.

Are Rangers signing Jose Cifuentes?

Michael Beale and Ibrox officials have acted quickly in the transfer window so far, with a number of new players brought to Glasgow ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell have all made the moves to Rangers on free transfers after leaving Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Norwich respectively.

Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has arrived on loan, and the club have also splashed the cash on signings from clubs abroad. Forward Sam Lammers arrived from Atalanta in a deal worth €3.5m, and another striker has recently penned Rangers terms.

The club confirmed on Thursday that they have signed Cyriel Dessers from US Cremonese on a four-year deal, with the 28-year-old thought to have cost around €5m.

Beale labelled the new centre-forward as an “excellent addition”, and attention could now turn to securing a summer swoop for Cifuentes.

The Ecuador international has been heavily linked with a move to Scotland and was ready to sign an Ibrox deal last month. Rangers submitted a bid looking to push through a transfer, and a further update has now emerged.

The Daily Record’s Mark Pirie shared a Rangers transfer state of play in the last 48 hours, where an update on Cifuentes was relayed. It is believed that Rangers remains the "likely destination" for the 24-year-old when he leaves LAFC, but it is yet to be decided if he will leave "this summer or when his contract expires in the winter."

Cifuentes has remained a regular for LAFC since the transfer window opened and has made 16 MLS appearances this year, with his contract set to expire when the season ends at the end of the year.

Is Jose Cifuentes good?

Cifuentes appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €12m Transfermarkt valuation and can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder.

Sponsored by Nike, the LAFC man has made 118 appearances for the MLS side during his three-and-a-half-year stay, scoring 14 times and registering 19 assists.

He could well be a shrewd addition for Rangers at a low price due to his contract situation, with Tim Vickery, an expert on all things to do with South American football, calling the 24-year-old a "terrific" player after his 2019 exploits at the Under-20 World Cup.

"He was the beating heart of that side and I think he’s a terrific midfielder," said Vickey on talkSPORT.

"He’s strong, he’s got quality, he’s got a good engine – he’s one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I’ve seen come out of South America in a while.

"This fellow Cifuentes strikes the ball well, moves across the field, strong in the tackle, strong on the ball, I like him a lot."

It looks as if a transfer remains on the cards, and who knows, with Dessers in the door, Rangers may now look at forcing through a summer move for Cifuentes instead of waiting until the New Year.

An update has emerged on Celtic's complicated pursuit of a deal to sign Hyun-jun Yang ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What's the latest on Hyun-jun Yang to Celtic?

According to Football Scotland, the Hoops have agreed a fee in the region of £2.1m with Gangwon to sign the South Korean right winger but the K League 1 side are now causing complications with their desire to keep hold of him for the rest of the year.

The report claims that they do not want to lose the exciting attacker before the end of their season as they are battling against relegation.

However, Brendan Rodgers wants to bring the 21-year-old ace to Parkhead to bolster his attacking options and the player himself is keen on making the switch immediately, instead of in January.

He is quoted as saying: “I want to go to Celtic this summer. I hope Gangwon will allow me to transfer. If the transfer fee isn’t enough, I’ll even give my salary.”

Would Hyun-jun Yang be a good signing for Celtic?

The right-footed wizard has endured a difficult year so far, with two goal contributions in 17 league appearances, but his form for Gangwon in 2022 suggests that there is a talented player there who could form an exciting partnership with Kyogo Furuhashi at Paradise.

Yang averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 33 K League 1 starts last year and chipped in with eight goals – a tally only three Celtic players bettered – along with five assists, whilst he also created six 'big chances' for his teammates in the final third.

The South Korean ace completed 1.2 dribbles per game with Jota (1.5) being the only Hoops player with more than ten league starts to manage more than that.

However, the Portuguese forward is in talks to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for £25m, which suggests that Yang could come in as Rodgers' most aggressive dribbler – driving the team up the pitch by committing defenders with the ball at his feet.

Yang could use his dribbling skills to get himself into excellent positions down the flank before being able to create a 'big chance' or score for himself.

Kyogo could benefit from the 21-year-old magician's direct play and creativity as the Japan international has already proven himself to be a prolific scorer in Scotland.

The 28-year-old scored 27 times in the Scottish Premiership last season – 16 more than any other Hoops player – and found the back of the net on 12 occasions in 16 league starts during the 2021/22 campaign.

Therefore, Yang, who was hailed as "special" by journalist Nathan Sartain, and Kyogo could form a lethal partnership for Celtic next season as the £2.1m-rated wizard has the potential to score and assist goals from out wide, whilst providing the striker with the service he needs to continue to be prolific.

An overwhelming plethora of tasks remains at hand for the incoming Mauricio Pochettino as he begins his Chelsea rebuild.

However, one of the biggest issues that the Argentine must immediately address is to find a new goalkeeper.

Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, and Graham Potter have all dealt with a recurring issue between the sticks, as neither Edouard Mendy nor Kepa Arrizabalaga evolved into a long-term, reliable first choice.

The former is on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabia and starting the Spaniard throughout the campaign would be a risky and uncalculated decision.

Therefore, the Blues have been considering making a move for Diogo Costa.

What’s the latest on Diogo Costa to Chelsea?

According to Rudy Galetti, the 2021 Champions League winners, alongside Manchester United and Bayern Munich, are interested in the Porto man, who has a release clause of €75m (£65m).

The West Londoners appear to be at a crossroads in their search for a new shot-stopper as one target in Andre Onana is being tracked by the Red Devils, while Mike Maignan doesn’t want to join Chelsea after the club missed out on Europe and David Raya is seemingly set for a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Therefore, it seems that Costa has emerged as the most attainable option for Pochettino.

Why do Chelsea want Diogo Costa?

The 14-cap international has been at Porto since 2011 and has risen through the youth ranks and made his senior debut for the club in August 2017.

As a child, he idolised Vitor Baia and at the start of the 2020/21 campaign, he inherited the number 99 jersey, made famous by his hero and Porto legend.

But it was the 2021/22 term that the 23-year-old become the club’s first-team goalkeeper, and was part of 16-game unbeaten league run, in which he kept eight clean sheets and was named as the league’s Goalkeeper of the Month for four consecutive months from December to March 2022.

Porto would eventually win the domestic double and the Portuguese was named in the Primera Liga Team of the Year.

More recently, he played every minute of his country’s World Cup campaign in December 2022 and became the youngest Portuguese goalkeeper to play in a major international tournament.

Statistically, the 6 foot 2 titan ranks within the top 5% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for clean sheet percentage and goals against per 90, as he's proving to be ready for the next step in his career.

Also sitting in the top 25% for crosses stopped, it's clear that Costa's shot-stopping ability and his commanding nature could be game-changing for the Blues as they look to finally put their goalkeeping woes to one side.

Described as “world-class” by compatriot Diogo Dalot, Chelsea should accelerate their attempts to sign the goalkeeper, who could excel even further under Pochettino.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been left furious with a transfer update involving Napoli defender Kim min-jae, according to reports.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Kim?

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for Kim in recent weeks, with those at Old Trafford making him their top defensive target this summer.

It looked as if a move to England was gathering real pace, with reports last week claiming that a move to Manchester United was "sure" to go through on July 1.

The Red Devils agreed to pay his €60m (£51m) release clause and the player also accepted personal terms, however, Bayern Munich have since thrown a spanner in the works.

The Bundesliga champions have reportedly agreed on a five-year deal with the South Korea international in what is a transfer blow for Manchester United, and it looks as if Ten Hag isn’t happy.

The Sun relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding Kim in the last 48 hours. It is believed that Kim had made "more than a promise" to Ten Hag to join, so his U-turn has left the Dutchman furious. The report adds that it is likely Bayern will complete a move for the Napoli man at the beginning of July.

Will Man United sign a new defender this summer?

Missing out on Kim, labelled as a “perfect defender” in the media, isn’t ideal news, but it looks as if the Red Devils have alternative defensive targets on their radar.

Fabrizio Romano has recently name-checked AS Monaco’s Axel Disasi and OGC Nice’s Jean Clair Todibo as possible centre-back targets, with the Red Devils scouting the latter of the two.

You can see why a new centre-back is on the agenda as well, with Harry Maguire’s Old Trafford future up in the air. Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham have all been credited with an interest in the England international. Should Maguire leave, United could be left with just Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof as senior centre-back options.

Alongside a centre-back, a new left-back could also arrive, with an approach made for versatile Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco. Therefore, it could be a frantic few months for United officials in the transfer market alongside the ongoing takeover saga, but by the looks of it, Ten Hag won’t get his wish when it comes to a move for Kim.

Arsenal have shifted their focus onto another Premier League star amid long-standing interest in Declan Rice…

What's the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to offer a fresh transfer target of interest to Mikel Arteta.

He wrote:

"Arsenal are in talks to sign Kai Havertz after positive contacts on player side — he’s keen on the move. Chelsea want around £75m for Havertz now, Arsenal will not pay that amount. Real Madrid talks currently off. Arsenal priority: bid for Declan Rice soon".

Whilst this deal seems far from completion, it marks the start of a startling saga that has seemingly developed from nowhere. Edu seems keen on bolstering his striking options, given Gabriel Jesus' injury woes from the previous term.

The German international has just two years left on his £150k-per-week deal, which could tempt Chelsea to sanction an exit below the aforementioned valuation.

Could Kai Havertz replicate any Arsenal legends?

With a tall slender body but a grace and comfort on the ball, Havertz is something of a physical marvel as an attacking threat.

Having risen to prominence in his homeland, starring for Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, the 24-year-old notched 18 goals and assisted a further nine in his final year before moving to Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard saw fit to unload £71m to tempt the youngster to join.

His goalscoring prowess was unlike most other number tens, and yet he has found himself somewhat lost among the vast managerial upheaval in West London.

Despite recording 47 goal contributions across those three years, including a goal in their Champions League final triumph, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has still questioned his place in this side, noting:

"Look at Havertz. I mean, he saw two managers off. He's not doing anything. He's not a No 9, he's not a No 10. He's not holding the ball up, he's not scoring goals."

Perhaps a move to north London, where the conditions are far more favourable, could see him finally realise the immense potential that has gone awry.

After all, his physique does resemble that of a former Emirates favourite Robin van Persie, as well as the goalscoring talents of his past having matched some seasons of the lethal Dutchman. For example, during the 2018/19 campaign, Havertz scored 17 league goals from a no.10 sort of role.

Meanwhile, across his sprawling career in England, the former Manchester United striker would score 18 or more in three separate campaigns, often hitting double figures in the league too.

This, combined with their shared technique and quality left foot makes them all the more similar, as Thomas Tuchel outlined:

"I see a bit of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie, [Dimitar] Berbatov kind of player. He can play in the half position because he has good runs, but also feels free from the nine and creates overload to one side."

Although his career has not yet panned out as planned, Arteta has already proven his ability to make something out of nothing with his current Arsenal project.

The Emirates could well be a perfect new home to transform Havertz into the player many thought he would become.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is eyeing a move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay as he seeks clarity over the side's newfound prominence.

What's the latest on Newcastle's pursuit of Scott McTominay?

That's following a recent report from the Northern Echo, which states that the Scotland international is a 'viable' option for the Toon as they look to fortify the midfield after qualifying for the Champions League.

The long-term target is believed to be seeking an exit from Old Trafford after telling friends that he is disgruntled after falling out of favour under Erik ten Hag.

The 26-year-old is valued at around £30m by the Red Devils but Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth is cautious to part with such an exorbitant fee for a player so firmly on the periphery at the Theatre of Dreams.

Should Newcastle sign Scott McTominay?

The general consensus is that McTominay will be shipped on this summer after starting just ten times in the Premier League this term, though he did play 39 times across all competitions and missed 15 matches due to injury.

However, his recent exploits with the Scottish national team have exhibited his prowess and just how effective he can be when provided a central role, with the 38-cap international scoring four goals from two matches during the last international break, including a dominant performance against Spain that left him with a Sofascore rating of 8.0.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 19% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box, the top 21% for tackles, the top 1% for clearances and the top 2% for aerials won per 90, and has also been hailed as "superb" by former MEN writer Hesham Bilal-Hafiz.

The £60k-per-week ace could emulate former Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye at St. James' Park, with the Frenchman forging 93 displays for the Toon, scoring 18 goals and 14 assists, before signing for Paris Saint-Germain for around £20m in 2014.

Cabaye was once lauded by former Magpies manager Alan Pardew for his "true character" and for having "that X-factor", with an analysis from James Eastham stating that his teammates were 'primed to expect penetrative, precise service whenever Cabaye is in possession'.

McTominay, who was dubbed a "real threat" by Roberto Martinez, could emulate that role and combine his aforementioned defensive aptitude with a knack for effectively contributing to the offensive transitions.

And with Cabaye boasting career defensive metrics of 2.6 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game, as per WhoScored, he too served as a rock that Mctominay could indeed emulate to contribute towards Newcastle's present endeavours, searching for success unseen at the club in a very long time.