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Sheffield Wednesday are finally back in action this weekend, and it will be for the first time since the EFL charged them for financial misconduct.

Garry Monk has also had two weeks on the training pitch barring the absence of two international stars, so they will have surely worked on their recent troubles – game-management and goalscoring.

It makes for an exciting game as league leaders West Brom play host at the Hawthorns.

Having thrown away yet more points last time out, will the 40-year-old be prepared to make any major adjustments to his side?

Football FanCast predict that Monk will make a total of three changes as several key figures return to the lineup.

Sam Hutchinson will be needed at the base of the midfield three, his squad-high 2.2 tackles per game will be of the utmost importance when coming up against Matheus Pereira, who has managed three goals and six assists this campaign.

In front of him should be Barry Bannan and Massimo Luongo, who hasn’t been seen since his winner against Stoke City a month ago. That was his second winning goal in three games, so his influence will be vital.

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Meanwhile, Julian Borner returns to the starting XI in place of captain Tom Lees. The German was a surprise omission against Swansea City as he battled a virus – the skipper filled in, but that was his first game since August.

Out wide, Jacob Murphy keeps his spot ahead of Adam Reach with Kadeem Harris on the other side.

Steve Fletcher leads the line on his own – he’ll be hoping he can end a run of six games without a goal. It also means that Atdhe Nuhiu drops to the bench.

Arsenal have sent officials to a club this week as sporting director Edu Gaspar sets his sights on a highly-rated, young striker.

Arsenal targeting new striker in 2025

The north Londoners have been repeatedly linked with the signing of a prolific new centre-forward since 2023, but manager Mikel Arteta is still yet to see one come through the door.

Gary Neville: "Very underrated" Arsenal ace way more crucial than Odegaard

The Sky Sports pundit has had his say on Arsenal’s best players.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 27, 2024

Arteta decided against signing Ivan Toney in the summer, according to some reports, which suggested that the Spaniard didn’t think the £330,000-per-week Al-Ahli star would fit into Arsenal’s current squad chemistry.

Arsenal also made a widely reported attempt to bring in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenia starlet opted to stay in the Bundesliga and further his development where he is right now, despite the Gunners’ advances alongside other Premier League sides.

Edu could go back in for Sesko next year, though, and the 21-year-old isn’t Arsenal’s only rumoured striker target.

Appearances

42

Goals

18

Assists

2

Minutes per goal

115

Minutes played

2,057

It is believed Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres are also on Arsenal’s striker shortlist ahead of 2025, as Arteta chases a prolific scorer who can alternate with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

There are suggestions that Arsenal are also considering Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, following the Colombian’s fine start to 2024/2025 and Unai Emery’s message that he could become a world-class forward.

“Unai Emery thinks in the next few years he can become one of the best strikers in the world,” said Villa director Monchi.

“He is 100% convinced. But what is the problem? We also have Watkins and Duran wants to play. He thinks he is better than Watkins. That is normal because every player thinks he is better than their teammates. To manage Ollie Watkins and Duran is not easy but in the end it is the best for the team. If you have two big strikers it is better than only one.

“Did Duran want to leave the club? Yes. That is normal because he wants to play. But now we spoke with him yesterday and he is happy. He is training well.”

Arsenal send scouts to run rule over Max Moerstedt

Now, according to The Boot Room, Hoffenheim starlet Max Moerstedt is another name on their radar.

It is believed that Arsenal sent scouts to watch Moerstedt in action midweek, and he did wonders to make an impression, having scored a last-gasp equaliser for the Bundesliga side away to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

As well as the Gunners, their north London rivals Tottenham have been watching his situation, as have fellow London counterparts Chelsea.

With free agents still available to sign even outside of the summer transfer window, Fulham are now reportedly keen to seal a deal for a Champions League winner.

Fulham transfer news

Overshadowed by those among the European places, Fulham’s transfer window has gone slightly under the radar, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Joachim Andersen representing solid business by all involved at Craven Cottage.

So far, that business has paid dividends too. Marco Silva’s side have made an impressive start to the campaign since losing to Manchester United on the opening day, drawing twice and winning once in between a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Birmingham City.

Things could yet get even better off the pitch, meanwhile, with further transfer activity still possible. The Cottagers of course already impressed in the summer, but their best business could, in fact, take place with the window slammed shut.

To boost Silva’s side at this stage would be quite the move for the London club setting their sights on more than just the comforts of the Premier League’s mid-table this season. According to Sunday People via West Ham Zone, Fulham are keen on a move to sign Joel Matip, who has been a free agent since leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract last season.

They’re not alone in their interest, however, with West Ham, Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth all reportedly among those also eyeing moves to sign the former Liverpool defender, who is reportedly keen on remaining in England.

Matip, now 33 years old, has won everything there is to win in English football and even has a Champions League medal to his name to match. If Fulham are looking for experience, then he could be their man. Keep him fit, meanwhile, and the Cottagers may have the quality of a Premier League and Champions League-winning defender to match that experience.

"Wonderful" Matip could be an impressive coup

As a free agent, signing Matip could be fairly risk-free and a move worth pursuing for a number of clubs, including Fulham. Silva’s side would undoubtedly benefit from the experience even if the defender isn’t ready to return to his best quite yet after suffering a long-term injury last season. Fulham’s patience would be worthwhile, however, as often proved at Liverpool.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Matip last season, telling the club’s official website via The Express: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him”

“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.”

With one more Premier League move left in him, Matip may well find himself on his way to London this season to hand Silva’s side a final transfer boost.

Newcastle United have less than 12 hours to go before the end of the summer transfer window as the deadline passes at 11pm later this evening.

The Magpies have already missed out on one of their top targets after failing to strike a deal with Crystal Palace for their captain Marc Guehi.

A bid of up to £70m was placed for the England international and it was claimed that he was Eddie Howe's number one target, but the Eagles look set to keep hold of him.

Attention now appears to have turned to the other end of the pitch as the Premier League side are eyeing up a forward from one of their rivals.

Newcastle keen on Premier League winger

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are eyeing up a late deadline day swoop to sign Nottingham Forest attacker Anthony Elanga.

The report claims that the Magpies would like to sign a new right winger before the summer transfer window slams shut but they may need to sell Miguel Almiron, amid links to Fulham, before they make a move.

It states that they are now considering a move to sign Elanga from their Premier League rivals to replace the Paraguay international this season.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook backs this claim up by stating that the club are plotting a "big-money" move for the Sweden international, although it remains to be seen how much it would take to get a deal done.

Why Newcastle should sign Anthony Elanga

The Magpies must push to replace Almiron, if they can cash in on him, with Elanga before the deadline because he could come in as a big upgrade on the right flank.

They both played in the Premier League, for Newcastle and Forest respectively, last season and this means that it is fair to compare their returns at the top end of the pitch.

Elanga, who journalist Laurie Whitwell once claimed has "frightening speed", has started this term in fine form with five chances created in two league outings.

Whereas, Almiron has made one appearance, off the bench, and failed to score or create a chance for his teammates in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

Appearances

36

33

Goals

5

3

Big chances created

14

6

Key passes per game

0.9

0.7

Assists

9

1

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old Forest star outperformed Almiron as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a right wing position.

Elanga created over twice as many 'big chances' for his teammates in the Premier League, which suggests that he would be far more likely to create quality opportunities for Alexander Isak in the final third if Newcastle sign him to start on the flank.

The Swedish speedster is also eight years younger than Almiron and this means that he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve under Howe, which makes him a terrific upgrade on the Paraguay international now and potentially in the future too.

Newcastle agree terms with "great" £50,000-a-week star but deal collapses

Newcastle thought they were closing in on a top signing.

2 ByBrett Worthington Aug 29, 2024

Manchester United have already wrapped up their first piece of summer business ahead of next season, with the Red Devils having agreed a £60m deal to sign Mason Mount from Premier League rivals, Chelsea.

The signing of the England international will seemingly provide some much-needed quality and depth to a midfield department that has looked rather threadbare of late, with Marcel Sabitzer having made his return to Bayern Munich, while Fred has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham.

That fact could suggest that Mount may not be Erik ten Hag's only midfield recruit over the coming weeks, with reports in Spain having only recently claimed that the United boss has sent club officials to try and negotiate a deal for Real Madrid starlet, Aurelien Tchouameni.

The belief is that the former Monaco maestro – who only made the move to the Spanish capital for a reported fee of €100m (£85.3m) last summer – could make way following the signing of Jude Bellingham, thus opening the door for the Red Devils to pounce.

Having already snapped up Raphael Varane and Casemiro from the La Liga giants in each of the previous two summer windows, the Old Trafford outfit could now look to Tchouameni – who is valued at around €80m (£69m) – as their next high profile addition from the Bernabeu.

Would Tchouameni be a good fit for Man United?

Despite failing to truly establish himself as a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti last season, the 23-year-old did still enjoy a positive debut campaign in Madrid, recording an average matching of 7.13 from his 33 league outings, as per Sofascore – a figure that would've placed him third among Ten Hag's squad last term.

Lauded as a "superb talent" by United legend, Rio Ferdinand, Tchouameni could well be able to replicate that level of performance in the Premier League were he to make the move to the Theatre of Dreams, with that rubberstamped by his apparent likeness to Brighton and Hove Albion sensation, Moises Caicedo.

The latter man has been on the Red Devils' in recent years with the club memorably missing out on his signature back in January 2021, while more recent reports revealed that Ten Hag and co had made contact regarding a possible summer swoop, albeit with a move to Stamford Bridge looking more likely for the 21-year-old.

To then be able to find an alternative to the Ecuadorian machine in the form of Tchouameni could prove to be a dream scenario for the Carabao Cup winners, with the pair seemingly sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, according to FBref.

The two defensive-minded talents have proven themselves to be particularly effective at winning back possession in front of the back four, with the towering Frenchman ranking in the top 1% among his European peers for interceptions made, as well as in the top 22% for tackles, while Caicedo ranks in the top 11% and the top 13% for those same two metrics, respectively.

What also sets the two promising talents apart is their composure in possession and their desire to trying and dictate the tempo of a game from their deep-lying roles, with Caicedo ranking in the top 6% for pass completion and the top 15% for attempted passes, while Tchouameni ranks in the top 1% pass completion and the top 5% for attempted passes.

With Ten Hag seemingly keen on bringing in a younger midfielder this summer, both of those players would perfectly fit the bill, hence why the signing of the Madrid rock could prove a perfect alternative if the Brighton gem opts for a different destination.

Arsenal hold an advantage in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven star Xavi Simons thanks to great ties with his agent, according to reports.

Who will join Arsenal this summer?

The summer transfer window is in full flow and reports claim that manager Mikel Arteta is refusing to rest on his laurels, despite fiercely contending for the title last season and securing Champions League qualification.

Arsenal appear determined to end their near-20 year wait for a Premier League title and reports suggest they're set to be very ambitious this window.

Two bids have already gone in for West Ham United star Declan Rice, and although they were rejected, it is believed Arsenal will lodge another offer for their top target.

Meanwhile, some sources have claimed that the north Londoners could spend in and around £300 million this window, with talks ongoing for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and Southampton's Romeo Lavia alongside Rice.

As per reliable reports, Arsenal have already sealed a £65 million deal to sign Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, who will join the club as their first major signing of the summer.

However, despite adding a versatile attacking option in the German, Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness) claims they're well in the race to sign Simons from PSV.

Arsenal are joined by a host of rivals, including Manchester United and Tottenham, but it is the Gunners who have an edge and may be in pole position.

Indeed, this is because they already have "good" ties with Simons' agent, Darren Dein, who is the son of their former director, David Dein.

However, Arsenal will need to formalise their interest fast, as PSV are currently in discussions with Simons and his agent over fresh terms.

How good is Xavi Simons?

The 20-year-old, despite his young age, was truly a star in the Eredivisie last season.

Simons, according to WhoScored, even managed more attempts at goal and key passes completed per 90 than anyone in PSV's squad over 2022/2023.

Scoring 19 top flight goals and weighing in with eight assists over that time, former Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart has also tipped him for stardom.

"When I look at his potential, I see that he can become the best soccer player in the world,” said van der Vaart.

"Believe me: In a few years we'll all be saying: 'It's good to be able to have this kid in our national team.’"

Wolverhampton Wanderers could make an 'interesting' move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia this summer as part of an 'overhaul in their midfield' under Julen Lopetegui, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Geoffrey Kondogbia?

As per AS via Sport Witness, Wolves courted Kondogbia in the January transfer window and have now decided to return to try and secure his signature this summer.

Old Gold boss Lopetegui is seemingly keen to strengthen his engine room in the off-season and Kondogbia has been identified as someone who 'fits' the bill at Molineux. It is believed that Atletico Madrid expect to accumulate between €5-6 million (£4.2-5.1 million) for the £113k-a-week ace.

According to RMC Sport via Get French Football News, Lyon are also targeting a move for Kondogbia as they look to acquire a defensive midfielder at the Groupama Stadium.

Nevertheless, Lyon will not compete in continental competition next term, which may put a spanner in the works for the French giants in their attempts to land the Central African Republic international.

Football scout and agent Berk Bekgoz recently spoke about the latest state of play involving Kondogbia's future on the Taktik Mania YouTube channel, which translated to:

"Geoffrey Kondogbia will meet with Wolverhampton this week. If an agreement could not be reached, the player's manager made an appointment with Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş. He will come to Istanbul and the meeting will be held."

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones believes that Kondogbia would be an 'interesting' addition at Molineux this summer.

Jones told FFC: "It's an interesting name to be thrown in there. I think that obviously Wolves are looking at a bit of an overhaul in their midfield this summer and so they need some new spirit in there and I think that that could potentially be a name that fits."

Would Geoffrey Kondogbia be a good signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Kondogbia is an experienced figure – hailed a "monster" – who has starred at the elite level for the likes of Inter Milan, Sevilla and Valencia in the past and would be a potential bargain for Lopetegui as he looks to reshape his midfield at the Old Gold.

As per Transfermarkt, the 30-year-old enforcer made 27 appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid in 2022/23, registering two goals in the process.

WhoScored also takes into account that Kondogbia was strong in the tackle in La Liga and successfully won around 1.9 challenges per match for his side in the Spanish top-flight.

According to FBRef, the Nemours-born midfielder excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions concerning interceptions, nipping in to steal the ball 2.41 times per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.

Looking forward, bringing in Kondogbia may be a wise move from Wolves as they eye consolidation in 2023/24 following a close shave with relegation.

Everton are keen on a deal to bring Leeds United goalkeeper Joel Robles back to the Premier League, according to reports.

Where is Joel Robles now?

The Whites shot-stopper arrived at Elland Road last summer from Real Betis and has, the majority of the time, been the second-choice, having only made six senior appearances during his debut season. He was however selected to take the gloves from Illan Meslier for the final four top-flight games of last term under Sam Allardyce.

The 32-year-old’s deal is set to expire at the end of the month meaning that he is set to depart and become a free agent on the market having not been offered the chance to extend his stay, which has alerted Sean Dyche, but it wouldn’t be his first rodeo at Goodison Park.

The Spaniard was previously on the books with the Toffees from 2013-2018 before leaving to go back to his homeland, though with him now on the hunt for his next destination, there’s a chance that he could be about to return to Merseyside.

Are Everton re-signing Robles?

According to reports (via Goodison News), Everton are lining up a shock swoop for Robles ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Dyche has the goalkeeper firmly on his radar and is keen to add competition for the number one spot between the sticks. The Leeds titan would reportedly not be expensive when it comes to wages.

Where could Robles fit in under Dyche?

Everton’s long-serving number one Jordan Pickford has been attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United so could secure a big-money move elsewhere this summer, and should he depart, Robles could be the ideal successor costing literally nothing, allowing the Pickford funds to go on a new centre-forward.

Since the start of his career, the 6 foot 4 colossus has kept 71 clean sheets from 204 games and during the previous term, made 16 saves from 27 shots on target against, form which has previously seen him hailed a “solid” player by journalist Josh Bunting.

The InterStarDeporte client, who knows what it takes to be successful having secured six trophies at club and international level since professionally bursting onto the scene, would also be cheap to recruit pocketing £20k-per-week. That would make him the third-lowest earner behind Andy Lonergan and Ellis Simms, so this seems like a no-brainer of a deal to complete should the opportunity present itself.

Arsenal could be set to immediately replace an outgoing star, with rumours swirling surrounding their interest in one European gem…

What's the latest on Mohamed Simakan to Arsenal?

That's according to The Guardian, which outlines a number of this summer's biggest targets and the various clubs that are showing interest.

Whilst many will rush to see the future of Victor Osimhen or Kylian Mbappe, it is RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan who has instead caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and Edu.

His versatility is a prime asset that has drawn 'strong interest' from both the Gunners and Newcastle United, yet he will likely not come cheap. Football Transfers value the Frenchman at €33.3m (£28m).

Given Cedric Soares is seemingly being ushered towards the exit door with just one year left on his £75k-per-week deal, this summer would mark the final chance to cash in on the Portuguese defender.

How good is Mohamed Simakan?

At just 23 years old, immediately Simakan marks a better option to have in the squad than the 31-year-old who has never really shone in north London. Arteta has already crafted a squad laden with young talent, with this acquisition sure to add to that.

Having only ever really been a backup, the former Southampton ace has made just 59 appearances across three and a half years with the Gunners.

With 16 starts being the most he has made in one Premier League season at the Emirates, maintaining an underwhelming 6.86 average rating too, the struggles of the man once dubbed a "defensive liability" by writer Mike White have only been exacerbated.

Meanwhile, RB Leizpig's young full-back has shone this year in a term where they claimed the DFB Pokal and once again secured Champions League football for next season.

His role in that cup victory was massive too, with a 7.26 average Sofascore rating feeding into his three goal contributions in just five games.

Current Strasbourg reserve team manager Francois Keller had recognised his talents way before he began shining in Germany though, noting: "We quickly realised that we were dealing with a phenomenon. He tore the place up… I said to myself that we had the new Varane. He was athletic, powerful, assured and calm."

This has led to Simakan, when being ranked against other full-backs in Europe, sitting in the top 3% for aerials won per 90, the top 14% for assists per 90 and the top 18% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

When comparing that with Cedric's rankings inside the Premier League throughout the 2021/22 campaign, it's clear just what an upgrade they'd seal. Indeed, the right-back was in the bottom 19% for aerials won and the worst 60% for rate of assists, illuminating his status as a player who rarely contributes to anything of note in defensive or attacking phases.

Thus, given how clearly impressive Simakan is in so many facets of the game, his entrance would prove fine cover across most of the back line, and oust one of their underperforming higher-earners in one fell swoop.

Michael Beale heads into the summer transfer window knowing he has to get it spot on if he wants Glasgow Rangers to return to the summit of Scottish football once again.

Two major trophies in 12 years is far from good enough for the Ibrox faithful, but with a change in the dugout at their Old Firm rivals, the Gers could take advantage of the uncertainty from across the city.

Beale has made a solid start in terms of transfers since arriving at the club, making five signings in all. However, it is the deal to bring Todd Cantwell to the Light Blues, a snip at just £1.5m, that could prove to be one of the finest he will make.

The Englishman registered 11 goal contributions across just 20 matches from January until the end of the season, already showcasing the talent which nearly secured him a £20m transfer to Aston Villa back in 2021.

It’s been a wonderful start, no doubt about it and next season will surely see the 5 foot 9 gem further improve, while he could also be Beale’s very own version of Alexis Mac Allister.

Will Todd Cantwell be Rangers' most important player next season?

Mac Allister has enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months. His impressive performances for Brighton & Hove Albion led to him securing a place in the Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup, going on to score during the tournament as the Albiceleste secured their third world title.

The 24-year-old finally got his big move, as Liverpool recently announced him as their first signing of the summer, and for a fee of just £35m, it could well be a bargain.

Analyst Ben Griffis demonstrated on Twitter that Cantwell is statistically similar to Mac Allister, and if he kicks on next term, he could truly become an excellent player for Rangers.

Indeed, last season, Mac Allister and Cantwell registered similar stats with regard to goal contributions (12 to 10), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.66 to 3.31), tackles won (30 to 33) and interceptions (26 to 22), showing that not only do they pose a solid attacking threat, but they can also chip in defensively by winning a lot of tackles and making plenty of interceptions.

According to WhoScored, Cantwell and Mac Allister both like to tackle, showing their tenacious sides, while the duo both have passing noted as a key strength, being able to circulate the ball well throughout the pitch.

Following the 3-0 win against Celtic last month, Beale stated: “Todd is highly motivated to be here. I couldn’t be happier with him.”

And if he continues to demonstrate the abilities which have seen him compared to the new Liverpool sensation, his performances will surely only improve.