Tag Futebol

Arsenal are reportedly ‘interested’ in a move for 19-year-old central defender Ousmane Diomande.

The Lowdown: Trossard first up…

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday morning that Arsenal are in ‘very advanced’ talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over the signing of Leandro Trossard, and are even prepared to close the deal ‘in the next hours’.

He adds that the deal is ‘progressing fast’, and a ‘full agreement’ has been reached on personal terms, in what would be a ‘long-term’ contract for the winger.

With over a week until the transfer window closes, the Gunners may not stop there, and could now look to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

The Latest: Diomande interest

Taking to Twitter, journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that the North London club are ‘interested’ in signing Diomande, who is on loan at Portuguese second-tier side Mafra from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.

Portuguese top-flight team Sporting CP are also interested in the centre-back, and are prepared to pay around €5m (£4.4m) for him, but Midtjylland want around €10m (£8.8m):

“Ousmane Diomande is well referenced, but walks to be “discarded” by Sporting. Midtjylland put a “price I don’t want to sell” for the young central: around 10 M € . Lions are in the 5 M € . There are people interested in English football, like Arsenal.”

The Verdict: One for the future

While Trossard would be a signing to go straight into the first team squad at 28, Diomande would be a player for the future at 19.

He has played 16 senior games for Mafra in total over all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal and making one assist, and has also played 18 times for Midtjylland at youth level, netting twice (Transfermarkt).

Mikel Arteta already has William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding as centre-half options in his senior squad, while the likes of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can also play there, so Diomande could be sent back out on loan to continue his development, or be kept in the Academy until he is ready to be called up.

Nonetheless, if Arsenal were to bring him to the Emirates Stadium, then it would likely be as an investment for the future.

Everton’s need for added firepower is notorious and has undoubtedly played a key factor in their current underperformance in the league.

Their 26 goals conceded is hardly relegation form, but the 15 scored certainly is.

Toffees boss Frank Lampard has clearly identified this, and despite their hesitation seem set to add Arnaut Danjuma to their squad in the coming days.

Whilst that brings in goals and dynamism, he alone cannot be expected to shoulder the full burden of driving the Toffees to safety. 

The goalscoring impetus must be shared, and therefore he cannot be their sole addition.

As such, links with Lyon striker Moussa Dembele persist, and he would represent a fine coup given how he has performed over the years despite struggling of late.

The French marksman would certainly mark an upgrade on his compatriot, with Neal Maupay having struggled to acclimatise to life at Goodison Park since his summer signing.

His diminutive stature has seen his influence wane, and as such he has just one goal to his name. 

Fortunately, with Dembele, this would likely not be an issue.

The 6-foot striker has scored just twice this season, but it is his exploits last season that will be of real attention. The 26-year-old recorded 21 goals in Ligue 1 whilst also providing four assists as he fired his lacklustre side to seventh.

What makes him an even more attractive prospect is that he would be able to create for himself, and should his teammates fail him he boasts the capacity to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

With his 60% dribble success rate from that season combined with his 0.9 key passes per game and 24% goal conversion, via Sofascore, the forward could well beat a few men before showcasing that clinical nature that has almost been forgotten at Goodison Park. 

The £52k-per-week finisher also ranks in the top 4% for non-penalty goals when compared to other strikers across Europe, further solidifying his pedigree.

Meanwhile, Maupay still struggles to create for himself. He relies heavily on those around him, and when they have been so poor he has often been left alone up front.

Evertonr really need a striker who will work hard and come looking for the ball should it not find him.

Dembele is just that man, and should the “scoring machine” – as he was labelled by journalist Bertrand Latour – combine his talents with that of Danjuma, it could be a frightening prospect for the rest of the league that will finally see the former Brighton and Hove Albion dud ditched.

Aston Villa have been urged to intensify their interest for dynamic Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu, who has been of recent interest to an outfit scouring the market for a top-class winger…

What’s the word?

According to a report from the Daily Mail at the end of December, Villa manager Unai Emery has been considering a move for Deulofeu, who has been in electric form over the past few campaigns for Udinese.

Now, transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has hyped up a potential deal with the January transfer window open for business. Speaking to Football FanCast, he waxed lyrical about the ingenuity and fleet-footed ability of Deulofeu, who could strike up a flourishing partnership with Leon Bailey.

When asked about a possible partnership between the two, the reporter said: “I think on paper, both players will definitely add something to Villa’s attacking play. They can both score goals and create goals. And I’m sure the way Emery sets his team up to play he does want skilful wide players. Both players can do that and I think they can provide ammunition for whoever plays.”

A fresh canvas for the artist?

Deulofeu has been a creative force on the European scene for some time now, playing for the likes of Everton and Watford in the Premier League, FC Barcelona and FC Sevilla in Spain, and in the Italian Serie A with Udinese, whom he joined for £15m.

It is with the latter, his current team Udinese, that the 28-year-old has been enjoying a prolonged purple patch, scoring 18 goals and assisting 14 more from 67 appearances, including three goals and seven assists this term.

And the Spaniard also happened to enjoy his most prolific creative spell of his career under Emery’s wing, scoring three goals and assisting ten times from just 15 starts for FC Sevilla across all competitions during the 14/15 term, where he also achieved European glory by winning the Europa League.

His natural instinct for providing iron-clad auxiliary to the more direct focal points in his side could pay dividends for Villa, who are in dire need of wily wingers to fortify the early gains made since Emery’s arrival.

Indeed, the Midlands club have won half of their six Premier League victories since their bosses resounding managerial debut against Manchester United in a dazzling 3-1 display.

Deulofeu’s guile from the wide flanks could provide impactful support to the likes of Bailey, who has somewhat struggled since his £25m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.

Bailey’s 1.4 shots per match in the Premier League this season indicate a willingness to make an impact, and his seasonal heat-map, as per Sofascore, indeed illustrates his deployment deep within enemy territory.

However, the 25-year-old has failed to unearth his clinical roots on English soil, and has clinched just the five goals and four assists from 37 appearances for Villa.

In retrospect, the “artist” Deulofeu – as lauded by statistical site Opta – ranks within the top 1% of positionally similar players for progressive passes and shot-creating actions over the past year across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, and could certainly aid the ascension of Bailey’s productivity with his deft, selfless approach.

Former Premier League goalkeeper and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has claimed that Enzo Fernandez would be an ‘amazing’ signing for Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Liverpool interest

As per Football Insider, a ‘recruitment source’ has shared that the Anfield outfit are ‘monitoring’ Fernandez’s situation at Benfica going into the January transfer window and next summer, and he is said to have a release clause of around £105m.

Reports from Portugal have even claimed that they have already reached an agreement with his agent over a move, and are now the ‘priority’.

The Latest: Be an ‘amazing’ signing

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that Fernandez would be an ‘amazing’ signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side, as he was a ‘standout’ player for World Cup winners Argentina in Qatar, and suggests that they could wrap up a deal for him in the summer:

“Fernandez would be an excellent option for Liverpool.

“He is only young and he is already performing at the highest level. He was one of the standout players at the World Cup.

“There has been many failed signings off the back of a World Cup. Fernandez is doing it every week at club level as well though.

“He has a great engine, is the right age and has shown he can perform on the big stage. It would be an amazing signing.

“We know Liverpool are after [Jude] Bellingham but they need at least two midfielders next summer. It would not surprise me if Fernandez is one of them.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-35/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done

Whether they are able to sign him in January or have to wait until next summer, the Reds simply need to get a deal for Fernandez done before he is poached elsewhere.

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by CBS Sports broadcaster Ives Galarcep after his exploits at the World Cup,  the 21-year-old won the Young Player Award at the tournament, and was Argentina’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and making one assist in his seven appearances on the way to his country winning the trophy (WhoScored).

Fernandez has also been a mainstay in a Benfica team sitting comfortably top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League after qualifying from their group.

His impressive performances for club and country warrant a big move sooner rather than later, and the Merseysiders could take full advantage.

Aston Villa added some serious talent to their squad in the summer, with the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos, and Philippe Coutinho all arriving on permanent deals under former manager Steven Gerrard.

It could have been even better too, as the club scouted Portuguese midfielder Otavio in August according to A Bola (via Sport Witness) ahead of a potential move, but it didn’t happen and the club may have regretted it ever since.

It was believed during the summer that a fee of around £38m would have been enough for FC Porto to sell, and it is the Portuguese side who have emerged victorious, managing to keep the player. Now, he is now staring at the World Cup.

During Portugal’s opening 3-2 win over Ghana, Otavio started in the midfield and contributed towards an important victory. The 27-year-old was only on the pitch for 56 minutes but achieved a hugely impressive SofaScore rating of 7.5/10, took 50 touches, and made one key pass and won five ground duels during his time on the pitch.

It was a solid performance and he could be a key player for the team during the remainder of the competition, especially since he has brought his club form to Qatar.

This season, the midfielder has an incredible average rating of 7.65/10 for Porto in ten league appearances, and it’s no wonder Aston Villa were scouting him during the summer.

He has averaged 2.5 key passes per match – more than any Villa player – and with 67.3 touches of the ball on average each game, he never shies away from the action, constantly looking to get involved and making a mark on the match.

Attacking-wise, the player has been exceptional, especially compared to positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues. He ranks in the top 3% for progressive passes (6.20 per 90), top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.59), and in the top 1% for shot-creating actions (5.42) proving he is clearly one of the finest players, statistically anyway, in Europe at the minute.

Journalist Alex Goncalves dubbed him “phenomenal” earlier this year after impressing for Portugal and Villa must seriously regret not pushing further and bringing him to the Premier League.

There’s no doubt his value will rise significantly post-World Cup and this may price Unai Emery out of any potential January move. The club certainly had a mare in the summer over the 27-year-old sensation.

With Carlos Corberan at the helm, it finally seems like West Bromwich Albion are moving forward, with the team seemingly united under a common goal.

Almost everyone is pulling in the right direction, and despite the hardly outstanding nature of the results, the fact of the matter is they have won their last three without conceding.

However, this success must largely be attributed to the defence that is keeping the goals out. This also includes the goalscoring exploits of Kyle Bartley, who has scored in his last two Championship games.

Having scored just four times across these victories, there is one man who seems to have continued his poor form from Steve Bruce into the new regime: Jed Wallace.

Brought in over the summer on a free transfer, it was billed as a sensational piece of business that would surely improve the Baggies.

His former teammate Dave Edwards was particularly full of praise for the wide man, dubbing him a “likeable lad” who had “bags of ability and potential.”

Bruce clearly thought highly of him, as despite scoring just three goals in 13 games, he featured in nearly every minute for the 61-year-old.

Even under the Spaniard, however, he has remained in the side but again offers little creativity to justify his inclusion.

In 20 Championship games now he has scored just three times from the right wing, and despite being signed on a free, is somehow managing to make it look like poor business.

To compare him with John Swift, who also arrived in the summer under similar circumstances, the 27-year-old has the same amount of goals and four assists from midfield.

His performances have seen him become the highest-rated player of anyone at West Brom this season on SofaScore.

Despite being likeable, Wallace is proving with each week why his position in the team is not merited whatsoever.

His most recent display further outlined this, as he achieved the worst rating on the pitch against Stoke City, having lost 100% of his physical duels and failed with 100% of his dribbles. Furthermore, he didn’t register a shot during the encounter.

The 28-year-old’s time must surely be up soon, with Saturday’s display another thing to add to the growing list of supporting reasons for him to be dropped.

Corberan cannot go on handing starts to this Bruce favourite, who has let his club down too many times now.

Leeds United officials are still backing manager Jesse Marsch ahead of this weekend’s trip to Liverpool, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Lowdown: Pressure growing

The Whites appear to be in for another year of battling to avoid the drop despite a positive start to the Premier League season.

Marsch and Leeds are without a win in eight top-flight games, suffering four defeats in a row. Things don’t get any easier with a trip to Anfield on Saturday evening, which has resulted in speculation of a potential change in the dugout.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Writing in a column for CaughtOffside on Wednesday, Romano shared what he’s heard from Elland Road regarding Marsch’s future, stating that ‘as of today’, the Leeds board are still backing the American.

“The Leeds United board is still backing Jesse Marsch as of today, so no news on a replacement, despite some speculation about his future and replacements.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-9/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Next three fixtures massive

Leeds’ run of eight games without a win has only seen them take on one of the division’s top eight sides in Arsenal, so many may have thought that Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises would have already made a managerial change.

The Whites take on Liverpool, Bournemouth and Tottenham prior to the break for the World Cup, three fixtures which appear to be crucial in regards to Marsch’s future.

Failing to win any, resulting in a winless run stretching to 11 games, will surely spell the end for Marsch and could leave the club on the hunt for a new boss during the break in domestic action.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a double boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Manchester United this evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via ManUtd.com), Erik ten Hag revealed that, after missing the Red Devils’ draw with Newcastle United last weekend with a back injury, Anthony Martial will once again be unavailable for the visit of Spurs on Wednesday evening having failed to recover from his knock.

The Dutchman then went on to state that, despite returning to first-team training on Monday, Christian Eriksen is another doubt for tonight’s fixture, with the 30-year-old struggling to recover from an illness that also saw him miss the 0-0 draw with Eddie Howe’s side on Sunday afternoon.

Regarding the condition of the duo, Ten Hag said: “Anthony Martial, he is not available. He is back on the pitch but not in the team training. Christian Eriksen returned in the team training today and we have to see how that works out, how he will recover [and] whether tomorrow he has the energy. So we have to wait for that.”

Big boost for Conte

Considering just how impressive both Martial and Eriksen have been under the management of Ten Hag so far this season, the news that both players look set to miss the visit of Tottenham will undoubtedly come as a big boost to Spurs’ chances of taking all three points back to north London tonight.

Indeed, despite featuring in just three Premier League fixtures in 2022/23 as a result of numerous injury setbacks, Martial has highly impressed when he has been on the pitch, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.7 shots – 100% of which have been goals – and making one key pass per game.

These returns have seen the 26-year-old average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.63, not only ranking him as United’s best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the top flight of English football as a whole.

Meanwhile, over Eriksen’s eight Premier League appearances this term, the £13m-rated midfielder has also impressed, having registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots – one of which has been on target – making 1.3 key passes and finding his man with 2.1 long balls per game.

As such, with Eriksen being a huge source of creativity in the middle of the park, as well as Martial being in incredibly deadly form in the final third, it is clear to see that the absence of the duo is fantastic news for Conte and his side – as a United team without the forward-thinking duo is certainly a must less dangerous prospect than one with them in the starting XI.

Newcastle United are considering making a huge bid for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the i Paper’s Mark Douglas.

The Lowdown: Widespread interest in Mudryk

As reported by 90min, scouts from more than 50% of Premier League clubs were present at Ukraine’s clash against Scotland last Wednesday as they sought to profile the 21-year-old.

Recruitment staff from Brentford, Brighton, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, West Ham and Wolves were all in attendance to watch Mudryk last week, with a plethora of other clubs also reportedly at Hampden Park.

Arguably one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Mudryk has certainly caught the eye for Shakhtar in the Champions League this season, having scored twice and set up two more goals in their opening two group games.

The Latest: Douglas’ news

Douglas has shared an update on the Magpies’ interest in Mudryk, revealing in the i Paper that the Tyneside club are considering making a huge bid for the attacker.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “He’s the name on the lips of every @premierleague scout. #nufc one of the clubs watching the man now rated at £50m & who his sporting director says is third best in the world in his position. He’s going to be some player…”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Massive talent

It will not be an easy job for Newcastle to sign Mudryk, given the vast level of competition involved in the race to secure his signature.

However, his arrival at St James’ Park would be an incredible signing for the Toon, illustrating a huge signal of intent in the transfer market from PIF.

Hailed by Shakhtar’s director of football Darijo Srna as ‘the best player in Europe in his position’ after Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, the Ukrainian club’s £50m valuation of the youngster should certainly rule out a number of English clubs looking to make a deal.

Therefore, this could be the time for Newcastle to capitalise on the situation, given their status as one of the richest clubs in the world.

Fulham are reportedly looking to pip Tottenham to a deal for Leeds United forward Dan James, according to ESPN’s James Olley.

The Lowdown: Spurs rumours

The 24-year-old has been linked with a late move to Spurs, with Antonio Conte’s side thought to be confident over a deal. Talks were reportedly at an advanced stage, although the Wales international is still with Leeds in the final hours of the transfer window.

It looks as if there has been a transfer twist, though, with another London club now keen on his services.

The Latest: Transfer twist

Olley, a senior reporter for ESPN, took to Twitter on Wednesday to provide an ‘update’ on James. He claimed that Fulham are ‘ready’ to match Leeds’ £20m asking price, with Tottenham only willing to sign the forward on loan.

Phil Hay has shared what he knows, stating that James’ preference is to remain at Elland Road but Leeds haven’t ruled out an exit just yet.

Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that a deal is close, though he believes it could be a loan move, so time will tell whether Leeds get any cash for the player come the end of the day.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-50/” title=”Latest Leeds United news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Decision to make

It doesn’t look like PSV’s Cody Gakpo will be heading to Yorkshire, and with time running out before the 11pm deadline, Leeds may have a decision to make regarding James.

It appears as if they could be tempted to sell the 24-year-old, but it would be a major gamble to green-light a move without a replacement lined up.

Victor Orta may well be working late into the night on the hunt for a forward, so James’ future could be one to keep an eye on today with Fulham now firmly in the race for the Welshman.