All posts by z3u9t.icu

To say Glasgow Rangers are undergoing a major overhaul this summer would be an understatement.

Michael Beale faced a tough challenge when the season finished, however, releasing players such as Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor, and Alfredo Morelos, while making six signings before the first pre-season fixture shows the club are trending in the right direction.

Jose Cifuentes could be the seventh signing for the Ibrox side in what has been a productive transfer window so far and surely talk will turn to those who are heading out the exit door.

Glen Kamara and Scott Wright have been heavily touted with moves away from Rangers this summer in a bid to raise some funds for Beale to perhaps make another few moves during the latter stages of the window, however, one player who may also leave the club is Ianis Hagi.

The Romanian attacking midfielder has been linked with a move to Italian side Lecce, while Galatasaray and Espanyol have also been named as potential suitors for the Light Blues star, and it would certainly be a surprise if he left.

Following an encouraging start, a serious knee injury in January 2022 has stalled his progress and he returned to the first team during the latter part of last term, making 11 appearances and scoring once.

If he does move away from Glasgow, who could replace him? Beale may have the ideal player in mind – Parfait Guiagon.

Who is Parfait Guiagon?

The 22-year-old was included in the Guardian’s ‘Next Gen List’ back in 2018 due to his emergence as one of the finest talents in world football, and he is currently playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv, while recently emerging as a target according to Israeli outfit One (via The Daily Record).

The Ivorian played 37 games last season, scoring four times and grabbing two assists and although these aren’t exactly numbers to get bums off seats, journalist Maher Mezahi lauded the player as being the ‘creative outlet’ for the team, suggesting that he creates plenty of chances for his teammates and just lacks a clinical nature in front of goal.

Hagi has registered 37 goal contributions during his 96 matches for the club, which is solid enough figures, yet if he doesn’t kick on after returning from full fitness during the early stages of the new season, Beale may cash in if a decent offer arrives.

Guiagon would be a surprise choice to take over from Hagi, no doubt about it, yet he was described as “one of the most talented youngsters in Israel's Premier League” back in 2021 by R.D. Football Scout back in 2021, and he even hailed the youngster as having “great potential” and it looks as though the £3m-rated ace should be aiming for his next move in order to really test himself.

Champions League football will be gracing the Ibrox pitch once again in August and adding yet another talented player who has a bright future ahead of them could be a wise investment for Beale as he looks to take the club to the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition for the second year on the bounce.

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

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does Kylian Mbappe earn?

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

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

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

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

Brendan Rodgers will soon make the second signing of his return to Celtic as Melbourne City's Marco Tilio prepares for a move to Glasgow, according to Dean Jones.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

Having captured their first signing of the summer window, bringing in 20-year-old Odin Thiago Holm from Valerenga, Celtic are working towards a second deal under Rodgers.

Australian forward Tilio is expected to arrive at Parkhead soon enough, and is perhaps a signing influenced by previous manager Ange Postecoglou's knowledge of the A-League.

Having won the domestic treble last season under now Tottenham boss Postecoglou, expectations are high for Rodgers' return to the Scottish Premiership, and the Bhoys will be expected to repeat the levels of success they enjoyed during the 2022/23 campaign.

According to Dean Jones, Tilio could be one of the men to help them do that, arriving in Scotland with an already impressive record.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: "His Melbourne City team at the moment have got an understanding that they're not going to be able to hold on to him that much longer. So I think this would be a good route to go down for him, he's got a wand of a left foot and I think it'd be really exciting for the Celtic fans."

Positive news for Celtic fans, Tilio is not the only man that has been linked with Parkhead. A trio of K-League names have been mooted with Gangwon's Yang Hyun-jun and Gwanju's Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon on the club's radar.

Celtic have been very successful in utilising the Asian transfer market, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Hyeon-gyu Oh all arriving in recent windows. The first on that impressive list even managed to pick up the Player of the Year award in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Who is Marco Tilio?

A 21-year-old attacker born in Sydney, Tilio is already a three-time Australian champion, winning two with Melbourne City and one with his hometown Sydney FC.

A left-footed winger who is comfortable on both flanks, albeit favouring the right, Tilio has scored 15 goals and registered 18 assists in 70 A-League appearances.

The youngster also went to the 2022 World Cup with Australia, replacing the injured Martin Boyle at the tournament, but was an unused substitute in all four of the Socceroos' matches. He has, however, still featured seven times for his nation, three of which were in qualification for the Qatar World Cup.

A-League expert Sacha Pisani described Tilio as a "really exciting player" who made a significant impact at Melbourne City last season, taking his game to a new level.

Arsenal are still very interested in Southampton's Romeo Lavia and he "remains" on their shortlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Are Arsenal going to sign Lavia?

Having invested all their time and resources into securing deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's recruitment team have barely been able to catch their breath over the past few weeks.

The Gunners want to build a team capable of going a step further and toppling Manchester City next season, and Mikel Arteta will need significant reinforcements to catch the champions, especially with the added pressure of Champions League football.

While Rice remains their midfield priority, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey's seemingly inevitable Emirates exits means that a second midfielder will be required as well. That midfielder very well could be 19-year-old Romeo Lavia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lavia remains firmly on the Gunners shortlist, despite interest from Liverpool ramping up.

"We already told you last week that Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list, that Arsenal had some positive conversations on club and player's side, but still no official bid," said the Italian.

"We know the priority is to resolve other stuff, like Timber, Rice and many others. Of course, Havertz will be official, but, guys, it is important to say that Romeo Lavia remains in Arsenal's list as one of the players they appreciate."

"So, Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list, but from what I understand, also Liverpool have opened talks to sign Romeo Lavia."

Romano also suggests that the Gunners may have to wait for Partey's future to be decided before they can act on their Lavia interest. However, by this time they could be behind other clubs in the queue.

Last season's Premier League runners-up had also shown a significant interest in midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who could have followed the path of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to north London, but the German has since joined Barcelona.

What could Arsenal expect from Lavia?

The fact that Lavia has taken inspiration from former Manchester City teammate Fernandinho can only be a positive thing for potential suitors, with the Belgian sharing some key characteristics with the 53-cap Brazilian international.

Lavia has great defensive awareness and reads the game well, being described as "head and shoulders" above any of Southampton's other players this season – albeit that is a very low bar – and being praised for his "professionalism" and "consistency".

Valued at more than £40m by the Saints per Romano, that could well prove to be a steal in an inflated transfer market, especially for a player who is just 19 with a year of top-flight experience under his belt already.

Lavia could provide Arsenal with significant defensive stability in the absence of Partey, as well as being a cheaper alternative should Declan Rice join Man City.

Arsenal are set to submit a record-breaking huge new move for West Ham United star Declan Rice, reports Sky Sports News transfer guru Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners are perhaps the busiest team in the Premier League right now, having already moved for several new signings since the transfer window officially opened last week.

The most advanced of which appears to be a move for Chelsea star Kai Havertz, with Fabrizio Romano revealing this week that personal terms with the Germany international are already agreed and the club’s valuations are only about £5m apart.

A deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is also in the works, with David Ornstein revealing a £30m attempt from Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta on Monday evening, although the Dutch outfit want £50m, so that saga could rumble on for a bit.

According to Sheth, amidst all that, the north Londoners are also set to table their next offer for Rice, having been rejected in their advances so far: “Arsenal expected to make formal bid worth £90m for West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

He continued: “Arsenal bid would smash their club transfer record. Currently stands at £72m for Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019.”

Is Rice worth the money?

Everyone knows by now what Rice can offer a team, having thrived for England and on the European stage, but it’s not until you dive into the underlying numbers you see just what an influential addition he could be at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24 year-old sits in the 95th percentile for all midfielders in Europe for interceptions per 90 minutes, also ranking highly for tackles, clearances, progressive passes, progressive carries and non-penalty goals.

This is a player then who can really do it all, reading the play, breaking it up, driving forward either with the ball at his feet or with a clever pass and even pitching in with the occasional goal.

With Granit Xhaka strongly linked with a departure and now Thomas Partey too, it seems Arteta is plotting a bit of a midfield rebuild ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League, and signing Rice along with Havertz – albeit for a more advanced role of course – would be an excellent place to start.

If they can then go on and strenghten the defence with a move for Timber, who provides depth both at centre-back and right-back, one has to think they'll be bang in the mix at the top of the table once again.

Leeds United's manager search has dragged on now, mainly halted by the progress of Andrea Radrizzani's sale of the club.

With new ownership now in place, and a brighter future promised at Elland Road, the 49ers' first move must be to secure a capable boss who can lead them back to the Premier League of which they struggled away from for so long last time.

To make things more beneficial, it would be useful if this new boss could also work towards keeping the top stars of this current squad before they are slowly picked off by various clubs, seeking a cut-price deal for a top-quality player.

One such example of this would be Wilfried Gnonto, who massively caught the eye in what was his debut year in English football. However, as his starts waned near the end of the season, the Italy international would likely have grown frustrated.

Therefore, to perhaps return to an old option they considered following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, Patrick Vieira might be one of a select few that could keep the 19-year-old in Yorkshire, citing his work with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise as examples as to why he should stay.

Would Patrick Vieira help Wilfried Gnonto improve?

Whilst the Arsenal hero, and "legend" in the eyes of writer David Ornstein, might have seen his time at Crystal Palace cut short, the 46-year-old remains a man who earned huge success against all the odds during that first term at Selhurst Park.

Many viewed his time at New York City FC and OGC Nice as underwhelming spells, far from the requisite experience to thrive in a league where he dominated as a player. However, shrewd business allowed him to finish 12th and give his fans a trip to Wembley.

Zaha would notch 14 league goals that campaign, with Olise hitting 13 goal contributions in all competitions. It is clear that Vieira's 4-3-3 system is very conducive for wide men, suggesting Gnonto would also thrive.

Not just goal-scoring wide men, the two displayed their creative assets under Vieira too, with the Ivorian registering five assists to Olise's incredibly impressive 13.

By comparison, across all competitions of a tumultuous year for Leeds, Gntono recorded six goals and five assists, dressing his work up in that same flair and outlandish exuberance that has made the Ivory Coast international so loved by Palace fans.

When compared to other wingers across Europe, he even ranks in the top 16% for progressive carries per 90 (4.39) to further emphasise this dynamism, whereas Zaha and Olise registered 3.38 and 3.63 respectively.

Whilst the Italian's performances have understandably drawn interest from across the globe, should he be tempted to stay by this titan of the English game, he could be turned into a truly unplayable star who could propel the 49ers' club straight back into the top flight.

All he needs to do is look at how Vieira's progressed Olise's career at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a Serie A gem, as Mikel Arteta prepares for the opening of the transfer window.

The Gunners had a stellar season in the Premier League, however after falling just short of their first league title since 2004, the Spaniard will have a list of areas to improve in this summer.

A host of talent has been linked to a move to the Emirates ahead of next campaign, with the latest name being a star in Italy.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Arsenal?

As reported by Italian outlet La Repubblica, Arsenal are interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The report names Arsenal as one of the clubs interested in the attacker, along with Newcastle United, with the Italian giants wanting €60m (£51m) for his services.

It’s suggested that the Gunners have taken the ‘first step’ in contacting Juve for information regarding the player.

What could Federico Chiesa offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as “magic” by one Liverpool reporter on Twitter, the 25-year-old has had a troubled time in Turin since making the switch from Fiorentina in 2020.

The move was initially a two-year loan spell, however, Juve opted to trigger their option to buy in 2022 following a cruciate-ligament injury leaving him sidelined for nine months.

While things haven’t worked as smoothly as hoped in Turin for Chiesa, it could be good news for Arsenal who could land themselves an established attacking threat in the Italy international.

Likened by FBref to Bukayo Saka based on his statistics over the past year, Arteta could introduce an additional threat to his dangerous front line, in a winger that could challenge the likes of Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has been superb for Arsenal this season, ranking third in the club’s Player of the Season awards, with the 21-year-old having scored 15 goals and assisted five in the Premier League.

While his place is not likely to be replaced by a new face, Arteta must achieve added depth to his side, particularly with the addition of Champions League football next campaign.

Chiesa could undeniably add quality to the Spaniard’s plans, as told by his numbers over the past year.

The Italian ranks in the top 4% of wingers in Europe in terms of assists, averaging 0.42 per 90, offering quality in an area that Martinelli lacked, as shown through his average of 0.16 per 90, via FBref.

It’s vital for a side challenging at the top to have powerful reinforcements in the squad, take treble winners Manchester City’s rotation between the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish as an example, the side are rarely short on quality.

When comparing Martinelli and Chiesa via FBref, the two are similar in their strengths as supported by their statistics, with the Italian coming out marginally on top of the Brazilian in areas he excels at in Arteta’s side.

With an average of 4.53 progressive carries and 2.26 successful take-ons per 90, the lively Juventus winger could provide another outlet on the flanks in a set-up that relies heavily on wide threat.

Martinelli averages 3.95 progressive carries and 1.97 successful take-ons per 90, however is more active in the penalty area than the Arsenal target, with an average of 6.99 touches in the box to Chiesa’s 4.81 per 90.

Arteta could sign an alternative option to his attack to flood his squad with quality, an essential area with Champions League football looming.

Sunderland journalist James Copley has shared some big VAR news before their League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, shortly before official confirmation came from the EFL.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Sunderland

After knocking out Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, Alex Neil knows that his side are now only one win away from returning to the Championship.

Beating Wycombe will not be easy though, as they knocked out third-placed MK Dons in the other semi-final, and they were promoted from League One through this very route just a couple of years ago.

The Latest: VAR news

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Sunderland Echo journalist Copley revealed that ‘discussions’ had been ‘ongoing’ between the two clubs and the EFL over the use of VAR at Wembley for the final.

He outlined: “I’m told ‘discussions are ongoing’ between the EFL, Sunderland and Wycombe Wanderers in regards to potentially using VAR in the League One play-off final.”

At noon on Monday, the EFL confirmed that VAR will indeed be used for all three play-off finals to be held at Wembley over the next fortnight.

The Verdict: Needed

Even though VAR has not been used for the entirety of the League One campaign, this is simply too big a game to ignore it, with the stakes too high not to make use of the technology when it is available.

It had been suggested that the teams competing in the Championship play-offs would welcome its use, and judging by Copley’s tweet about the ‘discussions’ involving the relevant clubs, it seems as if those involved in the League One and League Two play-offs are also open to VAR being utilised if needed.

The technology is there to help the referees reach the right decisions, and while it has had its critics, the EFL’s decision should be welcomed by both Sunderland and Wycombe ahead of Saturday’s pivotal showdown.

In other news, this Sunderland ‘pocket dynamo’ is now being linked with a summer exit

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Racing Club starlet Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz, according to reports in Spain.

What’s the word?

As per Marca, the Premier League outfit have been named as one of the clubs believed to be keeping an eye on the promising 19-year-old following his impressive displays for the Argentine club since his senior debut in January 2020.

The report suggests that, while the teenager has a $25m (£20.4m) release clause in his current contract, Spurs could well be able to secure his services for $20m (£16.3m) should they wish to bring him to England this summer.

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One of the most highly-rated prospects in South America, the report compares him to compatriot Lautaro Martinez for the potentially colossal fee that he could command in the future.

The next Ardiles?

A move for the teenager would no doubt stir memories of another great Argentine to have played for the Lilywhites, with the hope that he can go to replicate the success of the club’s legendary former player and one-time manager Ossie Ardiles.

The similarities don’t just exist in their country of birth, with Alcaraz also mirroring the Tottenham great in the attacking midfield role that he plays.

A star of English football in the 1970s and 80s, Ardiles scored 25 goals in 311 appearances in all competitions for the north London side in a glittering decade-long stint at White Hart Lane, notably winning the FA Cup in successive seasons in the early 1980s while also claiming the UEFA Cup in 1984.

Although it may well be an unwanted burden to compare the youngster with such an icon of the game, the £1.35m-rated gem has already shown glimpses of his talent in his embryonic career to date, netting four goals in just 13 Copa de la Liga games this season, while also developing something of a penchant for free kicks.

An all-round talent, the starlet also has a 51% dribble success rate and averages 1.2 tackles per game, while he has won an impressive 64% of his aerial duels this term – an illustration of his tenacious, hard-working nature.

Such qualities appear to indicate a player who would be at home under Antonio Conte, with Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici needing to get the deal over the line for the Ardiles-like Argentine talent Alcaraz.

In other news – Imagine him & Bentancur: Spurs can find perfect Conte gem in £49.5m-rated “phenomenon”

Manchester City have seen many players come and go at the Etihad Stadium over the past few years, usually for significant sums of money.

As things stand in their current season, the Citizens are four games away from potentially securing the Premier League title once again.

Should the club manage to do that, it would be the only trophy they would get their hands on this season after getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and, this week, the Champions League.

Now that the summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though a big clue has emerged regarding what sort of business could be done behind the scenes at the Etihad this time around.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, City are preparing to “refresh their squad this summer amid hope Pep Guardiola will extend his contract with the club.”

It has also been claimed that City “are expected to sign the Norway striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for the £63m release clause in his contract regardless of what happens with the manager’s longer-term future.”

The report added that the Citizens “want to bring in another midfielder, with Fernandinho due to leave at the end of the season, and doubts surrounding the futures of at least five other senior players.”

Focusing on their potential swoop for Haaland, the fact that City have missed more big chances (58) than any other team in the Premier League this season shows that they could do with having a clinical striker like the Norwegian in their line-up.

Having scored 85 goals in 87 games for the Bundesliga giants, it’s safe to say that the 21-year-old could be a crucial signing for City if he can replicate that same sort of consistent goalscoring form in England.

Taking all this into account, it seems as though the hierarchy at the Etihad could be set for a busy summer period in terms of securing deals for players potentially moving into and out of the club once again.

This would surely be great news for City supporters who will be hoping that whatever business gets done in the summer will put their team in with a great chance of winning every competition in which they are involved next season and beyond.

In other news: Behind-the-scenes transfer development emerges, it’s bad news for Man City