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Arsenal are reportedly in the mix to sign Leeds United talisman Raphinha, with the Brazilian seemingly set for a departure from Elland Road this summer.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, the Gunners have been named as one of the clubs who are keen on making a move for the 25-year-old in the current window, with the respected insider revealing on Twitter that: “Arsenal & Tottenham both hold genuine interest in Leeds’ Raphinha in what may be one of the big tussles this summer. Chelsea also have interest, but they are also pursuing Ousmane Dembele, while Spurs also considering Richarlison.”

In the attached article, the report reveals that the Elland Road outfit may be open to a sale this summer if their valuation is met, with the Yorkshire-based side seemingly having accepted that the former Rennes man won’t sign a new deal, amid his aspirations of ‘playing in European competition’.

The possible asking price has previously been suggested to be around £45m, although the potential financial package appears to be too great for another suitor, Barcelona, with the report suggesting that the La Liga side’s economic woes may hamper them from completing a deal, hence offering Mikel Arteta’s side the chance to pounce.

Huge coup

As explained above, the north Londoners may not be alone in their interest, although they are currently well placed to attempt to get the deal done, with such a move likely to represent a huge coup if sporting director Edu is able to pull it off.

Managing to tempt the £63k-per-week gem into a switch without the carrot that is Champions League football may prove difficult, although a move to the Emirates would still be a notable step up from scrapping for survival at the foot of the table – as Leeds were last term.

The 5 foot 9 playmaker has shown himself ready to compete for an elite side following his stunning form since his £17m switch from Ligue 1 two years ago, chipping in with 29 goal involvements in that time, including netting 11 times last term in the top-flight.

Such contributions also alerted the attention of Brazil coach Tite, with the £40.5m-rated speedster now an increasingly important player for Selecao, having scored three goals and provided two assists in just nine appearances thus far for his country.

Dubbed a “baller” by club teammate Tyler Roberts, the fleet-footed menace has lit up the Premier League so often over recent seasons, possessing the old cliche of a wand of a left foot that can cause havoc for any defence, be it from deadball scenarios or in open play.

Managing to secure such a talent would not only illustrate that the Gunners remain an attractive prospect despite missing out on a top-four spot, but also that those outside the club are beginning to see the clear signs of progress in the ongoing Arteta project.

In other news, Arsenal eye bid for £76.5m-rated “fighter” who “always creates”, he’s better than Saka

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their reported pursuit of Lucas Paqueta in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has confirmed that the club are not interested in a deal to bring the Brazil international to St. James’ Park ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “#nufc are not looking to sign Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, contrary to rumours being spread on here and elsewhere. He is recognised as a talented player but not someone they need at the moment. More transfer updates on Botman and Ekitike to follow on @TeleFootball shortly.”

This comes as a twist after it was reported, last month, that the club were ready to swoop for Bruno Guimaraes’ former teammate.

Supporters will be gutted

Edwards’ transfer twist will leave Toon supporters gutted as Paqueta, on paper, would be an excellent addition to the team.

Eddie Howe would surely love to have a player of his quality in his squad as the 25-year-old has proven his ability at the top level in Ligue 1.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the gem produced nine goals and six assists from midfield whilst averaging a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.13. This shows that he has the talent to make things happen in the final third whilst maintaining a high level with his performance week-in-week-out.

His displays are not a flash in the pan, either, as he caught the eye in his debut season for Lyon – averaging a rating of 7.17 as he scored ten goals and assisted five in Ligue 1. He is a consistent player who has proven that he has the tools required to be a top player in a major European league.

On top of that, he also has a pre-existing relationship with Guimaraes because they played alongside each other at Lyon and both play for Brazil at international level. This means that he would have had a smooth transition into life at the club, which could have helped him to hit the ground running in England.

Alas, the Magpies clearly feel that other positions are more of a priority at this moment in time. Hopefully, they will re-visit a potential move for him in a future window if they are in need of a midfielder as, for the aforementioned reasons, he would be a superb signing for Howe.

For now, though, the supporters will be gutted that Paqueta will not be a Newcastle player next season and will be hoping that the other signings the club plan to make will make them forget about the talent.

AND in other news, Decision imminent: Romano drops “serious” update that’ll leave NUFC supporters nervous…

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur could challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title next season if they were to spend upwards of £300m during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: £310m

Earlier this week, Spurs insider John Wenham told Football Insider that the Lilywhites could spend up to £310m this summer, a figure that was attributed to the £150m that was recently invested into the club, alongside £100m in player sales, and finally, £60m Champions League prize money.

In total, this accumulates to a huge £310m, a hefty sum that could really allow Antonio Conte to go out and spend big on his main targets in the coming weeks ahead of the start of the new campaign at the beginning of August.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking during an interview with Football Insider, Kenny, 44, claimed that if Tottenham were to spend anywhere near that massive pot of money, they have the potential to reach the levels of fellow top-flight rivals City and Liverpool next term:

“I’m sure if they spend that kind of money they will be looking to go even higher than third.

“That’s ridiculous, it’s a ridiculous amount of money. With the players they have, Son and Kane, they have some quality players.

“Then you spend money like that, you have to be looking even higher.

“You have to be trying to finish in the top two. We had a feeling that Conte would have money if he stayed, it’s one to keep an eye on.”

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The Verdict: Conte’s transfer funds

Conte has already brought in his first signing of the summer in Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, who is set to be followed by Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

But with these extra transfer funds now available to him, plenty more fresh faces will likely be walking through the doors in north London, and perhaps much more costly ones than the free agent duo.

After a spell playing in the Europa Conference League, the Whites will now return to next season’s Champions League for the first time since reaching the last 16 back in 2019/20, and as Wenham suggests, that cash injection could go a huge way to helping match Conte’s ambitions for the club.

In other news… Alasdair Gold has been shocked by the ‘horrible’ news he’s now heard regarding Emerson Royal.

A behind-the-scenes Rangers development has emerged regarding one of the Ibrox club’s key staff members… 

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed that the club’s doctor is set to leave the Light Blues to move south of the border.

He tweeted: “Bit of #lcfc transfer news (sort of): Leicester are appointing #Rangers doctor Mark Waller to a similar position after agreeing compensation. Dr Waller has previously worked with the Eng u21s, Liverpool & Villa, and his appointment is regarded as a huge coup ahead of next season.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be frustrated

Percy’s claim that the move is a ‘huge coup’ for Leicester suggests that losing him is a big blow for the Gers, and head coach Gio van Bronckhorst will therefore be left frustrated with this development.

Waller’s CV proves how highly he is rated within the game, as he has held positions with two Premier League clubs, Rangers and England’s under-21s. The Foxes have now swooped to snap him up and the Light Blues will duly be left scrambling for a doctor to take his place ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

This will be particularly frustrating for Van Bronckhorst as he has a couple of significant players currently out with injury. Whilst the club have other medical staff at the training ground, Waller is clearly held in high regard, and his expertise may have been helpful in helping them get back to fitness as quickly as possible.

Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos are both working their way back from their respective blows and hopefully the loss of the Gers doctor will not impact their recovery.

Having them available will be huge for Van Bronckhorst as they are both proven performers in the Scottish top flight. In the last two Premiership seasons, Morelos produced 24 goals and 12 assists for the Gers, showing that he can both score and set up goals on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, Hagi scored nine goals and set up 13 in that time as he made vital contributions from a variety of midfield positions. The versatile Romanian has the quality to create chances for his team-mates whilst chipping in with goals himself, providing Morelos with attacking support so that the Colombian does not carry the goalscoring burden on his own.

These statistics illustrate how much of an impact both of them can have in the Premiership, and that is why Van Bronckhorst will be frustrated if any staff changes behind the scenes affect their respective recoveries.

AND in other news, “I was told”: Insider drops exciting Rangers transfer update, it’s a big boost for Van Bronckhorst…

Divock Origi’s exit from Liverpool could be completed within a matter of days, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing a fresh update in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Lowdown: Origi on the move

The 27-year-old’s Reds contract expires next month and it has long been decided that he will move on to pastures new.

Origi became an increasingly sporadic presence in Liverpool’s squad in 2021/22, only making seven appearances in the Premier League and not a single start.

A summer move to Milan is on the cards and a new update has now emerged regarding his exit.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Taking to Twitter, Romano says that Origi’s switch to Italy could even be completed over the weekend, revealing medical exams and signatures are expected ‘in the next days’:

“AC Milan have prepared all contracts for Divock Origi, just waiting for the Belgian striker in Milano in the next days to undergo medical tests and sign.”

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The Verdict: Right time to leave

While it is sad to see Origi move on, it makes complete sense for him to find a fresh challenge this season, following eight years at Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp clearly doesn’t see him as an important player moving forward and he is too good to be warming the substitutes’ bench week in, week out.

Origi has the potential to really flourish as the leading man at Milan, given his technical ability and physical prowess, and it would be heartwarming for Reds fans to see him thrive elsewhere.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key claim regarding one Liverpool player. Read more here.

West Bromwich Albion had a rather uninspiring season in the Championship in terms of their attacking play.

Across 46 games, the Baggies were the only team in the second tier to not rack up a shot-on-target percentage of 30% or more.

One man who could have been a big help for the team in that regard is Conor Gallagher.

Having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at The Hawthorns, the midfielder then joined Crystal Palace for another loan spell. In 34 Premier League appearances this season, the English youngster scored eight goals and provided three assists.

This suggests that, if the Baggies had been able to keep hold of the 22-year-old, he could have given them a better chance of getting close to promotion.

However, with the summer transfer window in mind, this could give Steve Bruce the chance to secure the Baggies’ own version of Gallagher.

West Brom’s next Gallagher

Earlier this month, the Midlands club were linked with a move for MK Dons starlet Scott Twine.

Across 46 games in League One this season, the midfielder found the net 20 times and delivered 13 assists along the way. The 22-year-old also ended the recent campaign with the joint-highest number of shots on target (62) in the third tier.

This highlights just how prominent he can be when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which is something that West Brom badly needed last season.

It also backs up why Twine was described by his manager Liam Manning as being a “constant threat” on the pitch, and why he is reportedly valued at £3m.

His overall performances in League One earned him a season rating of 7.41/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player in the division.

Even though the Baggies recently secured a deal for John Swift, adding Twine to their ranks could not only give the club their own version of Gallagher, but would also hand them a potential future star given his young age and attacking talent.

Also, with his ability to score and provide goals for his team-mates, if he can adapt to the Championship, he could give Bruce’s side a great chance of winning promotion back to the Premier League.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing “explosive” prodigy, just imagine him & Dike

Manchester United are planning a summer swoop for Lille’s Netherlands international, Sven Botman.

What’s the word

That is according to Football Insider sources, who claim that United are willing to hijack AC Milan’s proposed deal in a bid to strengthen their own backline.

As per the report, Milan are in advanced talks to sign the defender in a reported deal of around £25m.

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Though a United source has apparently revealed that the Red Devils are exploring a move for the 22-year-old, after incoming manager Erik ten Hag held a transfer summit with his new coaches in Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, with United’s Director of Football, John Murtough, also present.

Botman’s name reportedly came up in those talks, and it was agreed that preliminary talks to sign the Ajax youth product would take place.

Ten Hag’s new De Ligt

After progressing through the Ajax ranks, Botman’s rise to regular professional football was not as seamless as previous golden boy De Ligt.

Botman left Ajax without making a single appearance for the first team and after a season of senior football under his belt via a loan spell at Heerenveen, he made the move to Lille where he has developed into a “leader” and established himself as a high-quality and reliable centre-back, one known as a “beast”.

As a left-footed centre-back, he would slot right in at United, with Ten Hag preferring to use natural-footed central defenders in his backline.

In Ligue 1 this season, Botman is Lille’s third highest goalscorer with three goals, but it’s his ability on the ball and defensive competence that has seen him become a much sought after target amongst Europe’s elite.

With an average of 53.8 accurate passes per 90, he would rank second at United this season, just behind Nemanja Matic with an average of 58.9 and above Raphael Varane – his potential defensive partner – who boasts an average of 49.7 accurate passes per 90.

Though, Botman’s average of 4.6 clearances per 90 rank him first in the Lille squad and would do so in comparison to Manchester United’s squad also, with the closest competition being Varane, who registers an average of 3.8 clearances per 90. It’s also worth noting that both players surpass that of De Ligt’s average of 3.3 clearances per 90 with whom Botman is a ‘similar’ player according to FB Ref.

That just boosts Botman’s identity as a no-nonsense centre-back.

In other news: Romano: Man United have “full agreement” for key summer arrival, ten Hag will love it 

Sunderland have secured their spot in the League One play-off final at Wembley against Wycombe Wanderers, but even with Championship football within touching distance, it hasn’t stopped the transfer rumour mill from turning as new interest emerges for one Black Cats player.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC South TV and radio sports reporter Andrew Moon, Portsmouth are monitoring the situation at the Stadium of Light regarding Lynden Gooch, who is out of contract this summer.

Moon tweeted: “I’m told that out of contract #SAFC winger Lynden Gooch is a player that would interest #Pompey should he become available.”

Alex Neil’s first disaster at Sunderland

Losing a player like Gooch next season would be a huge disaster for Sunderland, whether they win promotion to the Championship or are consigned to another season in League One.

They have until 25 May to make a decision on whether or not they would like to extend the 26-year old’s contract ahead of next season or make him available for other clubs to snap up on a free transfer. With nothing currently finalised for the player, they could be set to lose him this summer.

The American has been a key player for Alex Neil and the Black Cats in their pursuit of promotion and was involved in the starting line-up for both legs of their play-off semi-final, which shows that the manager clearly values his presence in the middle of the park. When you consider his season statistics, it is no wonder Neil is a fan of the 26-year-old.

As per Sofascore, Gooch has contributed six assists, created nine big chances and made 1.4 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 clearances on average per game in his 40 league appearances this season. Therefore, he would be a big loss in the middle of the pitch if he is let go by the club in the next few weeks.

Due to his outstanding contribution in midfield, the player has been the recipient of high praise with Sunderland podcaster Micky Lough.

Speaking on the Wise Men Say podcast, he said of Gooch: “He’s shown quality throughout last season. He really likes to get the ball and run at defenders and make things happen. So, I think he’s got that bit of ‘X factor’ that a lot of teams in this league don’t have.”

Sunderland and Neil must do everything they can to keep hold of Gooch this summer and find a solution in order to secure his future at the Stadium of Light. They must act fast as other clubs are clearly taking interest in the midfielder already and could potentially turn his head with the right offer.

AND in other news: Sunderland handed big injury lift ahead of play-off final that’ll delight Neil

Numerous Liverpool fringe players are ‘in contention’ to start the Reds’ must-win Premier League clash with Southampton, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Reds must beat Saints

Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t had long to celebrate their FA Cup triumph, with a trip to St Mary’s swiftly coming their way on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool know that only three points will do to keep them in the title race, with victory taking it to what could be a dramatic final day of the season.

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah not expected to play, however, and with legs still tired, Klopp will likely have to ring the changes against Saints.

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The Latest: Fringe players set to start

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Pearce claimed that as many as seven squad players could come into the Reds’ starting lineup, including Wembley hero Kostas Tsimikas:

“Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas, Joe Gomez, James Milner, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino among those in contention to be handed starts v Southampton.”

The Verdict: Massive test at St Mary’s

In truth, this is simply a game where Klopp has to trust his squad depth, with the Champions League final against Real Madrid having to play a part in his thinking.

It would be a huge risk to play Van Dijk and Salah, while other individuals such as Andy Robertson, Thiago and Sadio Mane could also do with a breather, avoiding risk of muscle injuries before they fight for number seven in Paris.

If Liverpool drop points at Southampton because of fielding a weakened side, it will have to be seen as a calculated gamble that had to be made. The Champions League final would be a nice consolation to focus on instead of the league.

A possible Liverpool XI could be: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Henderson, Milner, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Firmino.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Sky Sports News have now backed a big striker development out of West Ham United as some promising Premier League transfer news emerges.

The Lowdown: GSB set sights for Moyes…

The Hammers, and by extension owners GSB, could apparently back manager David Moyes with a £150 million summer window kitty, according to insider Claret & Hugh.

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If West Ham’s head coach gets to invest this much funding in his first team squad, one of the first key areas to see an upgrade may well be further forward as Moyes seeks to end the club’s long wait for a new striker (The Times).

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, who is out of contract at the end of this season as things stand, is firmly on the agenda with The Daily Mail reporting that West Ham are in pole position and ‘will move’ if he does not pen new terms in north London.

The Latest: Sky Sports back development…

Now, backing those claims, Sky (Tuesday, 12:00) have shared their own update for Irons supporters – saying West Ham and GSB are indeed ‘set to make a move’ for the 22-year-old.

Nketiah’s ‘good form’ has attracted interest from east London and talks over a new deal are failing to advance.

The Verdict: Time to pounce?

Signing the Englishman on a free transfer is a fairly low-risk piece of business going by potential and recent plaudits.

His manager Mikel Arteta, having called Nketiah a ‘beast’ in training, has also drawn attention to his ‘powerful’ physical traits in the past with Arsenal’s head coach clearly being a big fan.

Meanwhile, following past links to the former Leeds striker, pundit Noel Whelan has lauded him as a potentially ‘fantastic signing’ for West Ham and even likened him to ex-Upton Park hero Jermain Defoe.

Taking this into account, Nketiah is a target who should, at the very least, be considered by Moyes.

In other news: ‘Evolving situation’ – Journalist says West Ham are eyeing a ‘massive signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.