The Toon have struggled for goals this season as they struggle to remain in the Premier League, with Dwight Gayle scoring double as many as goals as any other Newcastle player since the start of the last campaign.
It will be an added frustration then that Alexsandar Mitrovic, who scored only once for Newcastle this season before he was loaned out to Fulham in January, has hit the ground running in the Championship.
He popped up with Fulham’s second goal with a brilliant turn-and-shoot from outside the area against Wolves on Saturday evening, and has shown a physical presence in all five games he has featured in for the Cottagers so far.
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The £7.2m-rated (transfermarkt.com) Serbian’s loan expires at Fulham in the summer, and if he continues to impress, Newcastle gaffer Rafael Benitez will be anxious to recall him at the first opportunity.
In our poll yesterday, Magpies fans were similarly keen to get Mitrovic back on Tyneside when the season finishes, with 67% of them saying that he should come back in the summer.
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Manchester United’s summer transfer policy, a simple case of buying any world-class attacker they could get their hands on, regardless of price, availability or room in the squad, spawned one of the best puns of the off-season – the Gaalacticos.
Of course, the cheeky quip combines the name of the Red Devils’ new gaffer, the weird-n-wacky Louis van Gaal, with Real Madrid’s transfer policy in the early 2000s that saw them splash out unprecedented fortunes on David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka and later, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Premier League champs spent a whopping £150million this summer, but seemingly excluded from the burdens of Financial Fair Play, they’re expected to flex their muscles in the market once again when it reopens in January.
Thus, here’s FIVE more ‘Gaalacticos’ United could snap up.
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Gerard Pique
In what would constitute a rather stunning January transfer, the tabloids claim Manchester United are plotting a move for Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique:
Louis van Gaal desperately requires top quality reinforcements at the heart of his defence and the Spain international knows the club well, having previously spent four seasons at Old Trafford after being prized away from Barca’s famous La Masia youth system.
Of course, his more notable successes have come with the Catalans, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues – in addition to a European Championship and World Cup with La Roja – since returning to the Nou Camp in 2008. Here’s a look at the 27 year-old in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/BSF-SeVoU14?rel=0
Famed for his front-footed style and quality in possession, Pique would be a perfect fit for van Gaal’s progressive philosophy. He’s also trying to implement a high defensive line at United – something the Spaniard is more than acquainted with.
Considered to be one of the top centre-backs in world football and still enjoying his peak years however, one would assume that Barca want to hold onto him.
But he’s only started four times in La Liga this season out of a possible eight, as viewable below, with new manager Luis Enrique preferring Javier Mascherano and summer signing Jeremy Mathieu.
Resultantly, United believe they can lure Pique away in a £20million deal.
JAN VERTONGHEN
Should the Pique pursuit come to no avail, could Manchester United be convinced into launching a bid for Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen?
The Belgium international’s White Hart Lane future is in serious doubt after ending contract negotiations without signing a new deal:
The 27 year-old is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs and his front-footed style epitomises Louis van Gaal’s attacking ethos, much like Gerard Pique. In truth, the Red Devils should have been targeting him months ago.
Vertonghen gained such status in England through marauding displays during his inaugural Premier League season, finishing up with seven goals in all competitions. Here’s a look at his stats from the 2012/13 campaign:
Intriguingly, Mauricio Pochettino left Vertonghen out of the starting line-up to face Manchester City on Saturday, suggesting the Lilywhites could already be preparing for life without him.
Chairman Daniel Levy is known for his persistent refusal to let Tottenham’s star players leave for rival Premier League clubs, but he could be forced to make an exception for the Belgian centre-half, considering recent developments.
A likely transfer fee would be around £20million. Here’s a look at Vertonghen in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/LVgHB_IGKpk?rel=0
MARCO REUS
Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus will unquestionably become the most sought-after player of summer 2015, when his ridiculously cheap £20million release clause comes into effect.
But Manchester United would be wise to try and beat the pack by launching a slightly more lucrative bid for the German international in January; the Red Devils squad is already overloaded with exemplary attacking talent, but none quite like Reus.
Indeed, he absolutely destroyed the Bundesliga last season, as detailed below, earning him the division’s Player of the Year award for the second time in three years:
The 25 year-old can adopt the roles of scorer or provider, capable of playing anywhere across the front or at No.10. His technical qualities are world-class but underpinned by incredible pace – something the current United squad desperately lacks. Here’s a look at Reus in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/rlYrndbblKk?rel=0
Should Manchester United launch a bid in January however, there will undoubtedly be huge competition for Reus’ signature. Even Bayern Munich look poised to make an offer:
MARCELO
Another La Liga defender that would certainly fit the ‘Gaalactico’ blueprint, being essentially a ‘Galactico’ already, is Real Madrid’s Marcelo. The No.3 has surprisingly been linked with an Old Trafford switch over the last few days:
The Brazil international is amongst the most flamboyant full-backs in world football, famed for his contribution and flair going forward, as shown below:
He pops up with the occasional belter too – check out Marcelo’s top five goals:
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//www.youtube.com/embed/55uCNalEcr8?rel=0
And word has it that Los Blancos are prepared to let the 26 year-old leave in January, as they target Bayern Munich ace Daniel Alaba, reportedly disillusioned with his role at the Allianz Arena.
Marcelo would certainly be an impressive addition, but how much can Manchester United justifiably spend on another left-back after acquiring Luke Shaw for a record-breaking £30million this summer?
SAMI KHEDIRA
Another Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ who could be looking for a new home in January comes in the form of Sami Khedira, whose availability has already caught the attention of several Premier League sides:
Indeed, a Champions League and World Cup winner, the German international is considered to be one of the leading central midfielders in world football, but his contract has entered its final year and a new deal is looking increasingly unlikely.
Manchester United certainly need some added tenacity in the middle of the park and the 27 year-old is more than capable of providing it, famed for his powerful, aerially dominant 6 foot 2 frame and endless energy. Just take a gander at his heat map from Germany’s 7-1 semi-final romping of World Cup hosts Germany:
That stamina and strength would compliment United’s attacking talent perfectly – Here’s a look at Khedira in action:
There I was, sat in the North stand surrounded by other Leeds fans as we watched our team get absolutely dismantled by Watford. The final whistle blew and the majority of us stayed to show the players some appreciation for their efforts in a game that was almost completely out of their reach from the word go.
At that point I thought ‘that’s why we’re the best fans in the world’, but then I thought about the rest of the game and started to wonder why we’d waited ‘til the final whistle to show them some support.
This will anger some fans, but we’ve become a joke.
We are by no way ‘the best fans in the world’ as it stands. The turnout for the game was low, as expected, but the atmosphere inside the ground was non existent. Every now and again a half hearted ‘Bates out’ or ‘Marching on together’ could be heard, but other than that we offered nothing.
In fact, other than the final whistle the only time in the game I can remember us roaring the players on was after Austin had been taken off injured and we were down to nine men.
Why are we doing this to our own club?
We can be angry with Bates for dragging us through the mud but our team are suffering and we are the only ones that can do anything about it. Do you think Ken Bates really cares whether you turn up on a match day? That £26 you’ve kept from him wont even make him bat an eyelid, the man is on his way out and no longer worries about the finances of Leeds United, so no, he doesn’t care whether you’re there or not, but the manager and players do.
As a team with ‘United’ in our name and an anthem boldly titled ‘Marching on Together’ we are failing our great club and we are doing it well. The time for excuses has to stop now, it’s no good slating the team for not playing well after booing their every mistake, what support do they have if we, the clubs fans, turn on them every time they do something wrong?
As for those boycotting until Bates leaves, forget him. Do the right thing and turn up to support the team that currently wear the shirt you have spent your lifetime proud to wear yourself.
Every great structure needs it’s support, the same applies to football teams, and ours needs us more than ever. We are more than just fans.
We need to open our eyes to what is happening and do something about it while we still can, for ninety minutes we have to forget about Ken Bates and focus our efforts and energy on giving the players out full and vociferous support. Turning up at the game and cheering the players on wont get rid of Bates any quicker, but it might just make the difference between a win and a defeat for the team you support.
Below are the lyrics to Marching on together. Read them through word for word and ask yourself if we are really worthy of singing the anthem that has been our heart and soul for some of the greatest years of our clubs great history. Have we given the boys a hand? Have we stood up and sung for Leeds United?
Remember who you are and remember why you support Leeds, then make the decision to do something about it because this season is falling apart and our team need us.
Twitter – @giddy_goose
Here we go with Leeds United
We’re gonna give the boys a hand
Stand up and sing for Leeds united
They are the greatest in the land
Everyday, we’re all gonna say we love you Leeds, Leeds, Leeds
Everywhere, we’re gonna be there we love you Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.
Marching On Together
We’re gonna see you win
We are so proud
We shout it out loud
We love you Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.
We’ve been through it all together
And we’ve had our ups and downs
We’re gonna stay with you forever
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At least until the world stops going round
Everyday, we’re all gonna say we love you Leeds, Leeds, Leeds
Everywhere, we’re gonna be there we love you Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.
With arch rivals, Rangers so busy in the Transfer Tavern, Celtic fans will be happy to see the club linked with another potential signing following OdsonneÂEdouard’s arrival on a permanent deal.Â
Rangers boss, Steven Gerrard has been quick to add to his squad in order to try and compete with Brendan Rodgers’ two-time treble-winning side. However, Celtic fans needn’t worry as the Daily RecordÂis reporting that former Hull City fullback, Moses Odubajo is being lined up to join The Hoops on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old fullback endured a torrid time while he was at Hull City. Following a knee injury, the fullback hasn’t played since the 2016 Championship play-off final and missed Hull’s entire Premier League campaign and their return back to the Championship.
The former England under-20 international is set to become a free agent once his deal expires at the end of the season and was pictured joining the Celtic squad for their pre-season tour of Austria.
Odubajo can operate as either a right-back or a right-sided midfielder. Hull paid £3.5 million to sign him three ago and had started well before his injury problems occurred. Such had been his impressive performances, that the former Brentford man had been scouted by Newcastle United.
Right-back has been a problematic position for Celtic and although, with Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa both being at the World Cup, Odubajo could add some crucial depth to Rodgers as he looks to continue Celtic’s title-winning ways.
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So Celtic, what do you think of the potential new signing?Â
You know a player has had an awful game of football when they immediately log on to Twitter to take full responsibility for defeat after the match.
That was the case on Sunday after Petr Cech’s performance contributed massively to a 2-1 loss for Arsenal at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
The legendary goalkeeper was culpable for both Brighton goals, first flapping at a corner to allow Lewis Dunk to make it 1-0, then failing to adequately stop Glenn Murray’s header going in underneath him, which ultimately proved to be the winning goal.
While the honesty of the former Chelsea shot-stopper was appreciated by fans and his performance was just one factor in the defeat, they still believe his time is up at the club and want him to be replaced this summer.
After 110 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, Cech is looking well past his best and is struggling with the demands of top-flight elite football.
Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his afternoon and what it means for his Arsenal career…
Following their Championship defeat to Brighton yesterday evening, Leeds United manager David Hockaday has criticised his players’ lack of ‘cutting edge’.
“I can’t explain our slow start. It is a mental thing. We didn’t play as a team, we didn’t close down and when we got the ball we gave it away cheaply. That’s not good enough. At the end of the day they were better than us. They showed tonight what a good team they are but we lacked a cutting edge. It was a very uncharacteristic performance, ” the Whites boss informed reporters after the 2-0 loss.
Ah yes, ‘cutting edge’, that rather ambiguous footballing cliché. Does it mean a more consistent supply of goals? A greater level of quality? Or does it literally refer to a team’s sharpness?
Well, although cutting edge is yet to be unanimously defined, the common consensus is that it refers to a clinical approach in the final third.
Thus, being the lovely bunch that we are at Football FanCast, here’s SIX signings that would significantly raise Leeds’ lethality going forward.
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ADRYAN
Brazilian hotshot Adryan, compared to Selecao greats Zico and Kaka, would certainly provide Leeds with some added cutting edge and is already alleged to be on the verge of an Elland Road switch:
The attacking midfielder rose to international acclaim after propelling his country to U17 World Cup glory in 2011, netting this free-kick against Australia:
//www.youtube.com/embed/FlEuAKzic2g?rel=0
He was subsequently linked with a move to Manchester United, but turned down the opportunity to join the Red Devils.
Instead, the 19 year-old has continued his development with Flamengo, and in January joined Serie A side Cagliari on a long-term loan.
Despite his performances remaining brief in Italy, there’s no doubt the South American is a potent creative entity. Just check out his stats, based on per-90-min metrics, from last season:
It’s believed the deal is close to completion, with Massimo Cellino claiming Adryan wants to play for Leeds after being told he’s not part of Zdenek Zeman’s first team plans this season.
No doubt, the £5million-rated midfielder, who operates as best as a No.10, is a sensational young talent. Here’s a look at him in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/r5XuoVCmCao?rel=0
Mirco Antenucci
Another deal rumoured to be on the edge of completion is the Whites’ swoop for Ternana front-man Mirco Antenucci:
The 30 year-old has spent his entire career in Italian football, boasting spells with Catania, Ascoli and Torino to name a few.
He hasn’t always been prolific, but netted 24 goals in Serie B during the 2009/10 campaign and in 2012 fired Il Tori back to the top flight. Last season, he claimed 19 goals in 40 league outings.
The 5 foot 10 forward is a natural leader too, currently donning the armband at Stadio Liberto Liberati, and it’s alleged he could be available to Leeds for as little as £640,000.
Here’s a look at Antenucci doing what he does best – making the onion bag ripple:
//www.youtube.com/embed/vc2b8pTCb_A?rel=0
DAVIDE DI GENNARO
//www.youtube.com/embed/ZL3lwBQNuVo?rel=0
Another potential transfer gem sourced from Italian leagues that has reportedly come Leeds’ way is Palermo midfielder Davide di Gennaro.
Much like Mirco Antenucci, the 26 year-old is a bit of a journeyman, having represented no less than nine clubs since his professional debut back in 2007.
But di Gennaro’s pedigree is undisputed – he’s a product of the AC Milan youth system and boasts 25 caps for Italy across the youth levels.
He’s also bagged 21 goals in his last 80 league outings, and finding the net is a major part of the Italian’s game. Take this impressive strike against Grosseto for example:
//www.youtube.com/embed/8bdftyEAD-4?rel=0
Di Gennaro helped Palermo claim the Serie B title last season, but Massimo Cellino reportedly remains undecided on the former San Siro starlet.
JEROME THOMAS
The current Elland Road roster is absent of a natural wide-man, the kind of player who can pick up the ball and drive the team 30 or 40 yards up the pitch through sheer skill and pace.
Rather tellingly, as the Whites muster up just three points from their first three Championship outings, none of their players have averaged more than one successful dribble per match, as viewable below:
One potential remedy could come in the form of Crystal Palace winger Jerome Thomas, who enjoyed an impressive, albeit rather brief, loan spell with Leeds during the 2012/13 campaign.
The 31 year-old was in decent form as the Eagles staved off relegation from the Premier League last term, as shown through his per-90-min statistics:
And his quality is well proven, throughout spells in both the top flight and the second tier with Arsenal, Charlton, Portsmouth and West Brom.
Thomas is a tricky winger, capable of cutting inside or hugging the touchline. He’d certainly offer Leeds something different going forward and amid the change in regime at Selhurst Park, could well find himself being offered out before the end of the transfer window.
Either way, a decent bid would certainly test Palace’s resolve, with his contract set to expire next summer. Here’s the former Addick setting up Luciano Becchio against Chelsea from back in 2012:
GEORGE BOYD
Another winger option for Leeds to consider is Hull City’s George Boyd. The Scotland international played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ 2013 Championship promotion and was influential in the top flight last year.
But he only managed nine Premier League starts, and that figure could further reduce next term following the signings of Andrew Robertson and Robert Snodgrass, whilst Robbie Brady returns from injury.
The 28 year-old comes with proven credentials at lower league level; he netted 64 times in 263 league outings for former side Peterborough.
That includes this sensational half-way line lob for the Posh:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Vclg5ft9HEk?rel=0
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Here’s a more extensive look at the former Stevenage star in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/fO9U5zGEc7s?rel=0
With Boyd regarded as a squad player at the KC Stadium and his contract set to expire in 2015, a reasonable bid could tempt Steve Bruce to sell.
Chris Wood
Billy Sharp is an impressive addition to Leeds’ strikeforce but if the Whites are to challenge for promotion this season further recruitment is needed to replace the firepower of Ross McCormack.
One option still open to the Yorkshire club is Leicester City striker Chris Wood, who netted the equaliser to earn his side a point against Everton during the Premier League’s opening weekend:
But after splashing out £8million on Leonardo Ulloa, it’s believed the Foxes would be willing to part company with the 34-cap New Zealand international this summer.
He’s been linked with a number of Championship sides, most notably Wolves, but his potential Molineux deal collapsed.
Leeds would be wise to pick up the pieces – the 6 foot 3 striker is just 22 years of age but has already proved his potency at Championship level, with a return of 36 goals in his last 107 second tier appearances.
Here’s a look at Wood in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/VjqT9eiYUTE?rel=0
It’s believed he could be available for around £2million this summer.
Juventus are preparing a January swoop for Manchester United winger Nani and Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott, according to reports from Calcio Mercato.
The Premier League pair are said to be high on the Turin club’s wish list as they look to add some creative flair to their attacking line for end of the season.
Antonio Conte, Juve’s boss, has outlined Nani and Walcott as the ideal candidates and is said to be requesting winter moves for them.
Nani appears to have slipped down the pecking order at Manchester United, with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Antonio Valencia and even Wayne Rooney having occupied the wide role so far this term. It is also believed that the Portuguese wide-man is unwilling to accept a new contract at the club, which would hint that is time at Old Trafford is running out.
Despite his hat-trick heroics in the Capital One Cup Walcott’s future is just as doubtful. The England International is allegedly stalling on penning a new deal with the North London club who are unwilling to match his wage demands. The ex-Southampton man is said to be holding out for £100,000-per-week, but Arsenal are reluctant give him a pay rise.
The respective situations have opened the door for Juventus who may make their moves for the duo as early as January.
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The Old Lady are also monitoring the situation of Malaga’s Isco, a long-term target of Manchester City.
Tottenham Hotspur supporters have plenty to cheer at this summer’s World Cup.
Not only is talisman striker Harry Kane leading the scoring charts currently after sensational displays for England, players such as Christian Eriksen are also playing a star role for their countries.
However, many of the plaudits after Sunday’s England performance did not go to Kane, but another Spurs man – Kieran Trippier.
The wing-back has been crucial to the England’s wins in the group stages so far, providing excellent set piece delivery and being a constant, busy threat on the right flank.
He is emerging as one of the stand-out players of the tournament and Tottenham fans couldn’t be more excited.
They’re looking forward to seeing him back in action for the club next season, believing he can push his game onto new heights after these performances at the highest international level.
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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his Sunday display…
West Brom fans haven’t had much to cheer about in the last week, but they were ringing the praises of Salomon Rondon after the striker netted a wonder strike in a losing effort against Southampton.
With the ball coming across his body on the edge of the box, the Venezuelan international used the outside of his boot to send the ball flying past the Southampton keeper to halve the deficit midway through the second half.
The Baggies still fell to defeat against the Saints, and Alan Pardew is expected to have two games to save his job after a nightmare week for the club in which four senior players were questioned by police over the theft of a taxi in Barcelona.
Boaz Myhill, Gareth Barry, Jake Livermore and Jonny Evans were all interviewed by Spanish police after they allegedly drove a taxi back to their hotel without its driver on Thursday night.
West Brom fans were scathing of yet another disappointing performance from their side, but reserved praise for Rondon. Along with a select few of his teammates, Rondon was hailed for the spirit he showed in the cup tie…
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There’s no use crying over spilt milk, but news that Chelsea have completed the signing of former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will leave a rather sour taste in the mouths of the Emirates fanbase.
Indeed, a former fan hero and first team talisman, many Gunners supporters have been left heart-broken by the revelation that Arsene Wenger decided against activating his first refusal option for the ex-Barcelona midfielder, dating back to his original switch from North London to the Nou Camp in summer 2011.
Resultantly, Arsenal fans will be expecting big things from their manager in the coming transfer window to help them overcome the disappointment of witnessing one of their most favoured recent players joining a close Premier League rival.
With that in mind, here’s a list of SIX super-signings that can cure that Fabregas-shaped hole left in the heart of the Gunners’ support.
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JULIAN DRAXLER
Commonly regarded as one of European football’s hottest prodigies, bringing long-term target Julian Draxler to the Emirates this summer would certainly have Arsenal the envy of their domestic and continental rivals.
The 20 year-old’s preceding reputation comes from two strong campaigns with the Schalke seniors, the first producing 13 goals in all competitions and the second finishing with impressive averages of 1.8 shots, 2.3 key passes and 4.1 dribbles per match in the Bundesliga.
The attacking midfielder’s ability to score, create and regularly conjure moments of individual brilliance, combined with an unusually lanky 6 foot 2 frame, has often lead to comparisons with Zinedine Zidane.
The Germany international’s £40million release clause has proved too rich for Arsene Wenger’s blood in the last two transfer windows, but a North London arrival this summer would more than compensate for the loss of Cesc Fabregas.
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KARIM BENZEMA
Amid the Gunners’ absence of star-studded quality in the final third, if Arsene Wenger isn’t interested in re-signing Cesc Fabregas this summer, Arsenal fans will hope it’s due to his transfer funds being solely focused on acquiring a world-renowned centre-forward.
Top of that list has to be Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema – quick, tall, powerful and confident on the ball, the 26 year-old would be an ideal fit for the Gunners’ lone striking role.
There’s no doubting his scoring credentials either; since joining Los Blancos from Lyon in summer 2009, the France international has netted 111 times in 235 appearances for the European Champions.
Furthermore, in attacking tandem with former Madridian Mesut Ozil, the duo amassed 20 goals and 25 assists combined in La Liga last season.
It’s believed Benzema is valued at around £30million – but his Bernabeu departure will depend on Real securing an adequate replacement first, with Luis Suarez mooted as the leading candidate.
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MARIO BALOTELLI
Another superstar striking addition that would help Arsene Wenger cure some Fabregas-shaped wounds in north London is AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli.
The former Manchester City badboy can be a disruptive influence but there’s no doubting his quality in front of goal. The 23 year-old contributed a vital twelve goals to the Citizens’ first Premier League title in 2012, and since moving to the San Siro in January 2013 has netted 30 times in 54 appearances.
13 goals in 31 outings for Italy – including a header against England on Saturday evening – isn’t a bad return at international level either, and we are yet to witness anything the 6 foot 2 striker can’t do with the ball at his feet.
AC Milan appear surprisingly keen to sell this summer, with the tabloids quoting fees between £20million-£30million, and Arsenal are widely regarded as his likeliest suitors. But recent speculation suggests their interest could be rivalled by French big-spenders Monaco.
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ALEXIS SANCHEZ
Not every superstar is accompanied by a superstar price-tag, and in that regard Arsene Wenger may find Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez more agreeable with his summer transfer budget whilst also meeting the fans’ desire for a major acquisition.
The winger-forward has just completed his strongest campaign to date for the Catalans with 21 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, including 19 goals in La Liga.
But the feeling is that the Chile international hasn’t progressed as expected following his move from Udinese in summer 2011, and resultantly Barca are reportedly prepared to sell for just £25million as they plan a summer of wholesale changes.
Boasting a mixture of tica-taca technique, netting prowess, natural penetration and positional flexibility, Sanchez has a lot to offer the Gunners in the final third.
But due to his well documented availability, Liverpool, Manchester United and several Serie A sides are all believed to be baying for the South American’s signature this summer.
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LUCAS MOURA
Another star-studded wideman option for Arsene Wenger to consider this summer is PSG’s highly-rated winger Lucas Moura.
The 21 year-old has been in good form this season to record five goals and eleven assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances, with only half of his league outings coming as starts. But the Brazilian prodigy is better famed for his blistering pace, which has caught attention from Manchester United amongst others in the past.
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Having surprisingly missed out on a spot in Verde-Amarela’s World Cup squad, the tabloids believe Moura could be tempted away from the French capital this summer despite the winger’s public assurances otherwise.
The Red Devils have been linked again, but originally purchased for a ridiculous £42million back in summer 2012, it will take an audacious fee to convince the Parisians to sell.
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PAUL POGBA
It may be a bit of a pipe-dream, but often compared to Arsenal legend Patrick Viera, Gunners fans will continue to fantasise over the notion of Juventus star Paul Pogba joining the Emirates ranks this summer.
Since leaving Manchester United on a bosman move in summer 2012, the 21 year-old midfielder has won consecutive Serie A titles with the Old Lady and also claimed last season’s European Golden Boy award.
The France international has furthermore just completed a stunning campaign, finding seven goals and seven assists in 36 league outings.
The 6 foot 1 central midfielder boasts an eclectic mix of physical dominance and quality on the ball, best represented by averages of 2.3 tackles, 1.3 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles per match this term.
Pogba’s ability to drive at the opposition from deep would certainly make the Gunners’ more direct and athletically imposing.
But wanted by Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG and virtually every major club in Europe, the Viera-incarnate is reportedly valued at £60million by Juve.