Arsenal: Arteta Eyeing Sensational Ben White Rival

Arsenal are reportedly already looking ahead to the summer transfer window as the 2022/23 campaign comes to a close later this month.

The Gunners have enjoyed an expectation-exceeding season, with a top-two finish and Champions League football confirmed, Mikel Arteta’s side can still win the Premier League title, should Manchester City drop points in their remaining fixtures.

Not many at the club would’ve predicted the success this year would bring, however a lot of room for improvement remains, with a lack of squad depth seriously tainting title hopes in north London following defensive injuries.

The absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu and particularly William Saliba left Arteta with little cover in defence and a lack of quality to fill the void the Frenchman left in central defence.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, the Gunners have been linked to a number of potential signings, with news emerging this week that another former City star could join the ranks in north London.

What’s the latest on Joao Cancelo to Arsenal?

According to 90min, Arsenal are one of the clubs monitoring Joao Cancelo’s future in the summer.

Currently on loan at Bayern Munich after making a swift exit from Pep Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad, the £250k-per-week star is 'unlikely' to be reintegrated into the Spaniard’s squad next season.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Manchester City Training – Etihad Campus, Manchester, Britain – September 30, 2019 Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo during training Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

The Bundesliga champions are reportedly against paying the €70m (£61m) fee to sign the right-back on a permanent basis, according to renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

90min, meanwhile, understands that Arteta is a fan of the versatile defender, who he believes would 'slot nicely' in his plans and tactical system heading into next season.

What could Joao Cancelo bring to Arsenal?

Once lauded by former City man Paul Dickov as “sensational” and being “right up there” with the best full-backs in the world, there is little doubting the quality Cancelo can produce.

After a tough year of unexpected change and being in and out of squads, the Portuguese has maintained a high level of performance among Europe’s elite, as shown by his numbers below, via FBref.

Joao Cancelo in comparison to Europe's full-backs – as per FBref.

In terms of fitting into Arsenal’s young team, the experienced full-back could challenge the similarly versatile Ben White for a spot at right-back, and fits Arteta’s plans of having an attack-minded maestro, capable of playing as an inverted full-back in central midfield – a la Oleksandr Zinchenko but on the right.

As speculated by Football Insider, the Spaniard reportedly has an idea for a central role for the English defender mapped out, potentially leaving a vacancy at right-back for a player such as Cancelo to fill.

The 28-year-old wide player has similarities to White’s game, as shown through his statistics per 90 this season, as per FBref.

White averages 1.76 tackles per 90, as well as a huge 7.18 progressive passes per 90, showing his involvement going forward and transitioning play.

Cancelo top’s the England star for both, with 2.12 tackles per 90, as well as reading the game as an attacking full-back expertly by averaging 7.20 progressive passes per 90 – placing him in the top 3% for this area among Europe’s top five leagues in his position.

There’s no denying the talent the Portuguese star has in his locker, can Mikel Arteta be the one to settle the full-back after a challenging year?

That remains to be seen, though what is clear is the fact that Cancelo can be a mighty signing for the Gunners during the off-season and one that could either rival White or aid their defensive frailty.

Tottenham 35 y/o Manager Candidate Still In "Pole Position"

Tottenham Hotspur manager contender Julian Nagelsmann is still the favourite to land the role in north London, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Julian Nagelsmann?

The Telegraph have revealed that enticing Nagelsmann to take over at Hotspur Way will come at a hefty price, with Spurs potentially having to pay over £10 million in compensation to hire the 35-year-old.

Nagelsmann, who has been hailed as "elite", is still technically on gardening leave at Bayern Munich following their decision to part ways with the German coach to hire Thomas Tuchel back in March, signifying that he is still technically employed at the Allianz Arena.

As per The Daily Mail, Brentford technical director Lee Dykes has been earmarked as a potential replacement for former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici alongside Johannes Spors, who has also been linked with the role.

Before deciding whether or not to take over at Spurs, Nagelsmann wants to know who he will be working with in terms of recruitment. The future of Lilywhites talisman Harry Kane is also something he wants assurances over amid interest from the Premier League and around Europe in the 29-year-old.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has signalled that Nagelsmann is still the frontrunner to assume the vacancy in north London and replace Antonio Conte.

Jones said: “Ultimately, Nagelsmann still seems like the guy in pole position for that job. “So, unless something falls down with Nagelsmann or one of the parties gets cold feet, he will remain the favourite for the job.”

What issues need to be solved at Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

First and foremost, the future of Harry Kane needs to be sorted out before too long. As per Football Insider, Manchester United view the England international as their 'number one priority and top target' this summer.

Chelsea also retain an interest in the forward and prospective new boss Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be keen on reuniting with the forward at Stamford Bridge as his contract nears its final year at Spurs.

daniel-levy-tottenham-hotspur-will-still-manager-reims

Tottenham have also been devoid of creativity at times this season, which is something that will need to be looked at when considering potential incomings ahead of 2023/24.

Iliman Ndiaye and Kang-in Lee have both been linked in recent times, though it remains to be seen what will happen come the off-season.

Loanees Arnaut Danjuma, Dejan Kulusevski and Clement Lenglet also find themselves in situations that need to be clarified in the forthcoming window, making it a busy time for whoever Spurs' new boss may be.

Warner, bowlers script Australia's comeback win

David Warner set up Australia’s 36-run win against South Africa at Basseterre with his sixth ODI hundred, and first outside Australia

The Report by Brydon Coverdale11-Jun-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIf there is any venue outside Australia where David Warner should feel at home it is the ground in Basseterre on the island of St Kitts. It is tailor-made for him with its short boundaries and hard surface. It is even named Warner Park. In his first international match at his namesake venue, Warner struck his sixth ODI hundred, and first outside Australia, to set up a 36-run victory over South Africa.Australia thus became the first team to win two games in this tri-series, which has now moved on from the slow, spinning surfaces of Guyana. Steven Smith had no hesitation in choosing to bat first and Warner’s 109 was the dominant contribution of the match, setting Australia on the path to 288 for 6.South Africa’s bowlers seemed to have done well to keep Australia under 300, but those same bowlers also formed a long tail that was unable to offer much resistance after Australia’s attack got through the middle order. Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood picked up three wickets each and the lower order collapsed, the last seven wickets falling for 42 runs.For a while, South Africa looked to be cruising in their chase. They had lost Quinton de Kock early, when he pulled Hazlewood to deep square leg for 19, but Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis set about building a typically solid platform that should have been adequate. They made it to 140 for 1 in the 26th over before Amla (60) was sharply taken by Smith at cover off Hazlewood.Life became tougher for the South African batsmen as Australia’s fast men found some reverse swing, which helped Starc get rid of du Plessis, who sliced to backward point for 63. AB de Villiers and JP Duminy then had the job of steering the rest of the innings, but de Villiers was also done by reverse swing when Hazlewood tailed one in to bowl him for 39.The loss of Duminy, through a somewhat lax sweep to deep midwicket off Zampa for 41, precipitated the lower-order collapse. Zampa had Farhaan Behardien lbw for 4 and had Wayne Parnell caught at long-on for 3, leaving too much work for the tail. Kyle Abbott had already been bowled, done by Starc’s reverse swing, before Aaron Phangiso also fell to Starc and Imran Tahir was run out to end the game.South Africa’s seamers had found almost no reverse earlier in the day. Like Australia, who dropped Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell, South Africa strengthened their pace group at the expense of their spin attack, and while Abbott and Parnell especially were tight enough, they couldn’t manage to string enough wickets together, even after ending Warner’s innings.Warner’s previous five one-day international hundreds had all come in Australia, where the quick and bouncy pitches tend to suit his preference for the ball coming on to the bat. He started this one with two boundaries in the first over of the game and in all struck 11 fours and two sixes, and he was typically harsh on any width offered by the quicks.His opening partner, Aaron Finch, found no momentum and was bowled for 13 off 28 when he missed an attempted sweep off an Imran Tahir straight ball. Warner and Usman Khawaja put on 136 for the second wicket and a total well in excess of 300 looked like a strong possibility.Warner brought up his hundred from his 109th delivery when he cut a single off Abbott, and two deliveries later Khawaja raised his half-century from his 58th ball, but neither man was to go on much further. The second drinks break came at just the right time for South Africa, as Warner pulled Parnell to midwicket off the first ball after the resumption.Khawaja had swept the spinners effectively but the shot eventually brought his downfall on 59 when he top-edged off Phangiso and skied a catch that was taken by Amla from short fine leg. George Bailey was lbw to Tahir for 11 and Mitchell Marsh holed out deep midwicket for 10 off an Abbott full toss, and South Africa’s fightback was looking strong.However, Smith managed to steer the Australians into the high 200s with a half-century at better than a run-a-ball, with some assistance from Matthew Wade, who scored 24 off 14 balls. Smith ended up unbeaten on 52 from 49 deliveries, and Australia had enough to hold off South Africa.

India A to play quadrangular one-day series in Australia

Australia had announced that their A side and National Performance Squad would play a quadrangular one-day series against South Africa A and another international team at the start of May, which has now been confirmed as India A

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jun-2016At the start of May, Australia had announced that their A side and National Performance Squad would play a quadrangular one-day series against South Africa A and another international team. Cricket Australia has now confirmed that the fourth team would be India A. Townsville will host the first six matches of the series; the remaining six and the two finals will be played in Mackay.One-day quadrangular schedule

August 13 South Africa A v NPS
August 14 Australia A v India A
August 16 Australia A v NPS
August 17 South Africa A v India A
August 20 Australia A v South Africa A
August 21 India A v NPS
August 24 NPS v Australia A
August 25 South Africa A v India A
August 27 NPS v India A
August 28 Australia A v South Africa A
August 30 Australia A v India A
August 31 South Africa A v NPS
September 3 Final 3 v 4
September 4 Final 1 v 2

India A are also set to play two four-day matches against the hosts in Brisbane in September. Australia A and South Africa A play a couple of four-day matches as well in July-August.”This is an important series for developing and growing the depth of talent in our pathways,” Australia’s team performance manager Pat Howard said. “Players in the Australia A and National Performance Squad have been identified as having the potential to play for their country and the national selectors will be watching this series with interest.”Pat Cummins is expected to make a comeback to competitive cricket after injury, during the limited-overs leg, while several emerging batsmen like Matt Renshaw, Sam Heazlett, Alex Ross, Travis Dean, Kurtis Patterson and Jake Lehmann, the son of national coach Darren Lehmann, have also been called up to the 24-man squad.The A sides from Australia and South Africa A had been in India to play two unofficial Tests each and a 50-over triangular series in July-August 2015. Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns produced standout performances on that tour and have since had success in international cricket as well.Australia A won one of the four-day matches while the other was drawn. They made the final of the one-day tri-series but lost to India A. The South African side was unable to win any of their six matches on the tour. Several of their squad members had been affected by food poisoning, which had contributed to the slump.Four-day matches schedule
July 30 to August 2: Australia A v South Africa A, Brisbane
August 6 to 9: Australia A v South Africa A, Townsville
September 8 to 11: Australia A v India A, Brisbane
September 15 to 18: Australia A v India A, Brisbane

Eddie Howe May Replace £40k-p/w Newcastle Starter

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Newcastle United may look to sign an "elite centre-back" to replace Fabian Schar this summer.

What's the latest NUFC transfer news?

The Magpies have had a brilliant season and consequently, look to be in with a great chance of playing Champions League football next term.

If that happens, Eddie Howe will no doubt feel as though his squad will need to be strengthened to handle the additional demands of playing European football mid-week.

And while Schar has been a favourite for the manager this season – playing in all but two of the club's Premier League games so far this term – it sounds as though his position in the team could be at risk

Indeed, while speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs outlined a few of the players who will be trusted next season but hinted at some doubt over the Swiss centre-back.

The insider explained (6:13): "As good as the Newcastle squad is, can you get better? And that's where I think Eddie Howe has to understand, who does he want to bring in to kind of add to the dynamic?

"Where does he just want depth and where is he prepared to maintain [what he has already], because the starting eleven players he's got are just good enough.

“So [Nick] Pope, for example, is going to stay and quite clearly so is [Kieran] Trippier and [Sven] Botman.

"And I think many would argue Schar as well. But there could be another elite centre-back that you replace Schar with.”

Is Fabian Schar going to be at Newcastle next summer?

The £40k-p/w defender has been part of an exceptional team this season, losing just three games in total when he's featured in the Premier League. He has started 37 games in all competitions.

However, at 31 years of age, the centre-back has never played in the Champions League before so it remains unclear if he can step up to that level while also having to perform domestically week in, week out.

With that in mind, even if Howe didn't want to sell Schar, you can certainly see the argument for Newcastle to sign another defender who is potentially better suited to play in Europe's top competition.

Newcastle United's Fabian Schar in action with Arsenal'sGabrielJesus

Interestingly enough, touted centre-back target Kevin Danso has recently told the press (via ChronicleLive) that he wants to play in the Champions League.

Indeed, he said: "I have a contract with Lens until 2026, my goal is to play regularly in the Champions League. I keep concentrating only on my performance, So I have – in quotation marks – I’ve arrived in world football."

And so perhaps this is a little message for Howe as the NUFC boss potentially considered an upgrade on Schar.

Manchester United "In The Race" For £7.1k-p/w "Top Talent"

Manchester United are “in the race” to sign Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest on Sutalo's future?

The Premier League outfit have Phil Jones out of contract at the end of the season and captain Harry Maguire is facing an uncertain future having been linked with an exit due to his lack of game time, so if one or both of the duo were to depart, Erik Ten Hag will need to enter the market to find replacements, and the 23-year-old has been identified as a potential ideal candidate.

The Croatian international is an academy graduate at the Maksimir Stadium having worked his way up through the youth ranks which saw him get promoted to the first-team back in 2020, as per Transfermarkt, making 77 senior appearances since that time.

The Red Devils target still has another five years to run on his deal so a transfer would be far from cheap to complete, but being Igor Biscan’s second top-performing defensive player and third overall with a match rating of 6.74, has caught the eye of the hierarchy at Old Trafford.

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Manchester United are firmly in the running to sign Sutalo during the upcoming window, but are set to face stiff competition from several other admirers. He wrote:

“Arsenal put in their sights Josip Sutalo, Dinamo Zagreb centre-back. AFC scouts are expected to travel to 🇭🇷 soon in order to watch him closely, as first reported by @lorenzooleporee. Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Wolfsburg and Man Utd [are] also in the race.”

Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo.

Would Sutalo be a good signing for Ten Hag?

Standing at 6 foot 3, Sutalo would add some great height to Manchester United's defensive backline, and having been lauded a "top talent" by journalist Fabrizio Romano, he would definitely be a fantastic addition to the squad for Ten Hag.

The World Cup and Europa League participant is currently averaging 4.3 clearances, two tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the Champions League, via WhoScored, and would provide the boss with some versatility having also operated at left-back alongside his natural centre-back position.

Sutalo, who pockets £7.1k-per-week, has also clocked up ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in 77 senior appearances for Dinamo Zagreb so is capable of being a threat at the opposite end of the pitch when it comes to set pieces and launching long balls for his fellow teammates, so the board shouldn't even have to think twice about wrapping up a deal should the opportunity present itself this summer.

Predicted Leeds XI And Team News Vs Fulham

Leeds United travel to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, with a positive result a must for the Yorkshire outfit after two morale-sapping defeats in recent weeks.

Javi Gracia's side were embarrassed at Elland Road last time out and have been dragged right back into the thick of the relegation battle, and will need to perform far better if they are to take anything from Craven Cottage in Saturday's early kick-off.

The Whites have been boosted by the return of Max Wober and Wilfried Gnonto to full fitness recently, while defensive changes seem likely after the concession of 11 goals in their last two outings.

How should Leeds line up against Fulham on Saturday?

Here is how Football FanCast expects Leeds to line up against Fulham this weekend, with four changes from the team that started against Liverpool on Monday night.

(4-4-2): Robles (GK); Kristensen (RB), Cooper (CB), Struijk (CB), Wober (LB); Harrison (RM), McKennie (CM), Roca (CM), Sinisterra (LM); Rodrigo (ST), Gnonto (ST).

The first change is a controversial one, which sees Illan Meslier miss out on the starting side for the first time this season, as he has now conceded more goals than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

The young Frenchman is surely low on confidence and perhaps cannot be relied upon as a solid option for the predicament that Leeds find themselves in, so Gracia should hand Joel Robles his first Premier League appearance of the season.

Selecting Rasmus Kristensen or Luke Ayling at right-back is like choosing between a rock and a hard place for Gracia right now, but the Danish full-back gets the nod despite his role in the display against Liverpool.

On the opposite flank, Wober makes his first start after returning from injury, replacing Junior Firpo at left-back, in the hope that the Austrian can help to solidify Leeds' defence.

A final change in the back four sees captain and "leader" Liam Cooper handed a rare start at centre-back, with the £25k-per-week defender partnering Pascal Struijk in the heart of the backline, and his leadership could prove vital in preventing another heavy defeat for the Yorkshire outfit.

Tyler Adams is still sidelined through injury so Gracia is struggling for options in central midfield, which suggests that Marc Roca and Weston McKennie could keep their spots at Craven Cottage.

Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison also keep their starting positions on the wings, although they could drop a little deeper in order to accommodate a change to 4-4-2, which allows the dangerous Gnonto to return up front.

He partners Rodrigo in attack, with Brenden Aaronson dropping out, in the hope that his speed alongside the experienced Spaniard can cause Marco Silva's side problems and earn Leeds a massive three points this weekend.

Rangers Must Sign "Really Skilful" Titan This Summer

Glasgow Rangers need to undergo some major rebuilding during the summer transfer window if they wish to overcome their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Premiership table next season.

Michael Beale has enjoyed a solid start to life at Ibrox. However, heading into this weekend, the gap between them and Celtic sat at 12 points – and this is unacceptable.

There has been progress, with the likes of January signing Todd Cantwell settling in well, and he could certainly be the figurehead of a new era under Beale.

One area the Englishman must get right is that of a good solid goalkeeper, as Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin have been poor this term. The duo have conceded 46 (1.4 per game) and 18 (1.8 per game) goals respectively this term, and with a combined age of 76, the time has surely come to bring in someone slightly younger.

Beale could plump for a player who looks set to become a free agent this summer, and having played in the English Premier League during his career, Jack Butland could be an ideal signing.

Could Rangers sign Jack Butland?

Rangers were linked with Butland last summer; however, a broken finger suffered in pre-season ruined any chances of a deal going through.

We think Beale should try and make a move for the ‘keeper, especially as the current Manchester United loanee is set to become a free agent this summer as Crystal Palace are seemingly happy with their options heading into 2023/2024.

This could prove to be a major coup for the Gers, with Butland only 30 years of age, he could become the No 1 for the foreseeable future, and with plenty of experience in England, it could be considered a no-brainer to offer the 6 foot 5 titan a deal.

Across his career, Butland has appeared 87 times in the English top flight, keeping 21 clean sheets in those games.

Jack Butland warming up

There is no doubt that the goalkeeper hailed as "really skilful" by Erik ten Hag has a wealth of experience, also winning nine caps for England. Meanwhile, Joe Hart has proved that moving from England to Scotland later in your career can generate excellent results, as he has enjoyed a resurgence since turning out for the Hoops.

Beale will surely be keeping tabs on the Palace shot-stopper, and hopefully he makes his move sooner rather than later as the Gers aim to reclaim the SPFL title next year.

Newcastle Eye Swoop For £35m Premier League Star

Newcastle United have taken huge strides since their Saudi-led takeover in 2021 and could now look to continue their pursuit of success at St James' Park by adding more talent to their squad this summer.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Kaoru Mitoma?

According to The Telegraph's Northern football writer Luke Edwards, Newcastle are interested in several Premier League players this summer with Brighton and Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma named as one of the potential targets.

As per the report, despite concerns surrounding the club's Financial Fair Play obligations, both sporting director Dan Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe have stressed the importance of being bold in the transfer window to maintain the high standards they have set throughout this season.

It is claimed that Mitoma is just one of many players that the club are looking to bring in this summer, with Ivan Toney, Declan Rice and James Maddison also named as players already discussed as potential targets.

Will Newcastle sign Mitoma this summer?

There is no doubt that the Newcastle boss will be absolutely thrilled with the phenomenal form his squad have been in over the last nine months, with Champions League football next season becoming a huge possibility for the club ahead of schedule.

The Magpies are currently fourth in the top-flight table after chalking up just four defeats over their 30 fixtures so far and conceding the fewest number of goals (24) in the entire league, which is an incredible achievement for the team.

However, should the North East club find their European football dreams become a reality, it would be advantageous to add some fresh legs and perspectives to key areas of the pitch to ensure they are capable of comfortably competing at the highest level whilst juggling multiple competitions.

As a result, the signing of Mitoma would be a fantastic coup for the club to provide star striker Alexander Isak – a man with five goals in the last month – with a partner in the forward line who can offer high-quality opportunities and further increase their creativity in the final third.

Premier League, Newcastle United, Newcastle transfers, Newcastle transfer news, Newcastle team news, NUFC news, NUFC latest news, NUFC transfers, NUFC transfer news, NUFC team news, NUFC update, Kaoru Mitoma, Eddie Howe, PIF

The Brighton winger – who has a reported price tag of £35m – has had an outstanding season and has been one of the Premier League's stand-out performers for his contributions to the Seagulls' impressive campaign.

Mitoma ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers in the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, pass completion, progressive carries, touches and tackles.

he matches that dazzling quality and work-ethic with goal involvement too, scoring seven times this term, as well as registering four assists and creating seven big chances over 24 Premier League appearances.

The Japanese forward's huge influence on the pitch has not gone unnoticed, with Brighton's CEO Paul Barber signing Mitoma's praises on The Beautiful Game Podcast last month:

“Obviously, he’s [Mitoma] another player that will be in the spotlight in the next transfer window.

“He is so exciting to watch – a throwback to old-school wingers.”

With that being said, Howe could form a dream strike force for the Magpies this summer by acquiring the services of Mitoma. Indeed, he would fit perfectly alongside their energetic and incisive striker Isak next season to spark more goal contributions and add quality depth to the forward line.

Arsenal Could Make Move For £199k-p/w Star

Arsenal could make a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Despite their remarkable performance in the Premier League so far this season, the Gunners are looking at new options all over the pitch for the summer, with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund on the agenda, in a deal that could be worth over £44m.

In central midfield, Declan Rice remains a key target, and it has also emerged that the West Ham United captain is pushing for a summer move – according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook – which could make a deal easier to orchestrate.

The Gunners are said to have a three-man shopping list of potential options in the engine room, with Moises Caicedo and Amadou Onana also being considered, although Rice remains their first choice.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, O'Rourke has claimed Mikel Arteta could also make a new attempt to sign Raphinha in the summer, having failed with a €70m (£61m) offer in the January transfer window.

The journalist said: "I think there's a possibility they could revisit the situation with Raphinha; it seems Arsenal sporting director Edu is a huge admirer of his fellow Brazilian; a lot will depend on what's going on at Barcelona this summer. If they need to sell players to raise funds, which it looks likely, Raphinha could be made available on the market and I'm sure that will pique Arsenal's interest if they think they can land the former Leeds man on a cheap deal."

Should Arsenal sign Raphinha this summer?

The Brazilian has a proven track record in the Premier League, having scored 11 goals and bagged three assists in his final season with Leeds United, and he has made a solid start to life in La Liga.

In 25 league games, the £199k-per-week earner has weighed in with six goals and four assists, which indicates Barca would be unwilling to let him go, if not for their concerning financial situation.

Journalist Muhammad Butt has also hailed the former Leeds man for his capabilities at the back, describing him as a "defensive monster" in February, while praising his work-rate and ability to drive the ball forward.

Arsenal are likely to be well-stocked in wide areas, given that Bukayo Saka is expected to sign a new contract, with Gabriel Martinelli already committing to a new deal.

However, Arteta will want to compete on all fronts next season, with the Gunners almost certain to be back in the Champions League, and Raphina would provide the Spaniard with fantastic strength in depth.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus