All posts by z3u9t.icu

Burnley will return to the Premier League in August with a completely different playing style, having been transformed in their first year under head coach Vincent Kompany.

Rather than grind it out in the top tier next season, it seems as though Kompany intends to double down by bringing in a high-profile name who is well-known for his passing ability.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who suggest Paris Saint-Germain central midfielder Fabian Ruiz is considered a priority target for the Clarets this summer.

What is the latest with Fabian Ruiz's PSG future?

Ruiz truly made a name for himself across four seasons with Napoli, where he racked up more than 160 appearances, prior to making a €21.5m (£18.5m) switch to PSG in August last year.

The Spain international has been used regularly this season, featuring 37 times in all competitions – 25 of those starts – as the Parisians reclaimed their Ligue 1 crown but fell disappointingly short of success in the Coupe de France and Champions League.

On the back of what was ultimately a poor campaign for PSG, it has been reported that a number of players will be moved on this summer, with Ruiz one of those that is most at risk of being sold, with Burnley reportedly lurking amid a surprise switch.

Ruiz will unlikely struggle for suitors if he is indeed no longer wanted in the French capital, with former Barcelona boss Quique Setien summing it up nicely when describing the Spaniard – who he worked with at Real Betis – as a "spectacular" player who is "tremendously humble".

Can Fabian Ruiz succeed in the Premier League?

Burnley supporters will be hoping that Ruiz is humble enough to take what has to be considered a backward step in his career by swapping the Parc des Princes for Turf Moor.

After all, this is a player previously described as a "football artist" by talent scout Jacek Kulig after the 27-year-old starred for Napoli against Atalanta in October 2019.

For those unaware of Ruiz's playing style, FBref lists Manchester City's Rodri as sixth on the list of players most similar to the former Betis midfielder.

Ruiz's 98 passes completed per game on average, with a completion percentage of 91.3, ranks him in the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues this season in both metrics.

Rodri, for comparison, has an identical pass completion percentage, while they also have an identical expected goals (xG) return of 0.13 per game, only highlighting further the similarities in their all-around games and positioning.

Four years into his Premier League career, it is fair to say Rodri has been a huge hit in English football. While Burnley may not have the riches of City, in Kompany they have a Pep Guardiola protégée and a manager who clearly knows exactly what he wants from his side.

It will likely take a club-record fee of around €30m (£26m) to land the silky midfielder, as per Football Observatory, but Ruiz may well be the difference-maker for a new-look Burnley if they are to make a successful leap from the Championship to the Premier League.

Juventus are interested in making a move for Leeds United youngster Wilfried Gnonto this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

How has Gnonto fared at Leeds?

The 19-year-old joined the Whites during last summer's transfer window, coming in as an exciting young signing with a potentially massive future in the game.

While Leeds' season was generally an awful one, as they suffered relegation from the Premier League after three years in the division, Gnonto was arguably one of the few brights parks. The £20,000-a-week attacker's form wasn't necessarily great every week, but he still scored twice and registered four assists in the league, often looking like one of his side's most dangerous and unpredictable players.

Like so many current Whites players, however, the Italian will now be weighing up his future, with Championship football not something that is likely to appeal to him. It could even be that he leaves in the summer, with a new claim proving to be a worrying one, in that respect.

Could Gnonto make quickfire Whites exit?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Juventus are keen on signing Gnonto before the start of next season, even though an official approach is yet to be made.

The report states that the Serie A giants were frustrated by Leeds' relegation, as it ended their hopes of Weston McKennie joining the Whites permanently, and therefore getting him off their wage bill. They are trying to use that negative as a positive, though, instead turning their attention and making contact with Gnonto.

The idea of Leeds losing the winger so soon after arriving is clearly concerning, considering he is already a 10-cap Italy international, while still being in his teens. He has been lauded as a "special" player by Michael Skubala, and had the Whites not gone down, he looked like he could be a key figure for a number of years to come.

It is hard to persuade any top-class footballer to stay put when the team gets relegated to the second tier, though, so it would be difficult to begrudge Gnonto a move away in the summer transfer window, especially if a club of Juventus' calibre come calling.

There is always the chance that the teenager could remain loyal, trying to help Leeds make a quick return to the Premier League, but the best that the Whites can realistically hope for now is to get good money for the youngster's signature.

Arsenal are eyeing a summer move for Leicester City's James Maddison, with the midfielder now set to leave, according to a report from The Mirror.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal have set their sights on strengthening their midfield this summer, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now claimed that Declan Rice could join "immediately", despite Bayern Munich making a late push for the West Ham United star.

Rice could replace Granit Xhaka, who is expected to complete a move to Bayer Leverkusen soon, but the 24-year-old is not their only midfield target, as they have an interest in Chelsea's Mason Mount, as well as Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth outlines Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo as another option for the Gunners, while they are also keen on strengthening in more advanced areas, with Maddison emerging as a potential target.

According to a report from The Mirror, Arsenal are eyeing up a move for the Leicester City star, but they will face fierce competition for his signature, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also being named as potential suitors.

Given that he only has a year remaining on his contract, Leicester may be forced to sell the Englishman for around £40m, although they are hoping that a bidding war will drive his price up to around £50m.

The Foxes are set to lose the 26-year-old following their relegation from the Premier League, and the Emirates Stadium is a potential destination, but Arsenal's number one target is Rice.

Should Arsenal sign James Maddison?

Hailed as "wonderful" by members of the media, the attacking midfielder impressed in a very poor Leicester side during the 2022-23 campaign, picking up nine assists in the Premier League, the joint-seventh highest amount in the division.

Not only that, the England international also showed a keen eye for goal, scoring ten times in 30 league appearances, displaying his versatility by playing through the middle and on both wings.

Given that Mikel Arteta already has the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka at his disposal, it may be difficult for Maddison to force his way into the team, but his ability to play in multiple positions should mean that he is able to receive regular game time.

With Arsenal heading into the Champions League next season, it is vital that they have top-quality back-up options, and the £110k-per-week star's attacking threat and versatility means he could tick plenty of boxes in north London.

Referee Robert Jones and his VAR team may have made a big mistake in the recent Manchester United win as they didn't send off Aleksandar Mitrovic for a headbutt.

What's the latest on Manchester United vs Fulham?

Having already secured Champions League football, the Red Devils were looking to finish third in the Premier League as they took on Fulham.

Marco Silva's men were destined to end the season in a very responsible tenth, easily smashing their pre-season aim of avoiding relegation.

Despite having nothing beyond pride to play for, though, the away team still played well and took the lead in the 19th minute as Kenny Tete headed in Willian's corner at the near post.

However, Man United hit back before halftime as Jadon Sancho finished from close range. A second-half strike from Bruno Fernandes was then enough to seal a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

In the 79th minute, with Fulham now chasing the game, they came forward with an attack which saw Mitrovic grappling with Tyrell Malacia to get on the end of a cross.

The opportunity came to nothing as the ball bounced out of a play but that didn't mean the two players were happy to let go of one another.

Indeed, with the pair on the ground, as Mitrovic tried to get back to his feet, he appeared to flick his head forcefully in the direction of Malacia – as seen in the Match of the Day highlights (1:21:49).

Did Mitrovic deserve a red card?

The Fulham striker was ultimately booked on what was a difficult afternoon as he also had a penalty saved by David de Gea. However, it's safe to say he was lucky to avoid a red card for this headbutt on the Man United left-back.

Seeing as though Mitrovic has only just returned from an eight-match ban after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh – incidentally in another defeat at Old Trafford – he would perhaps be wise to learn how to control his anger a little better.

On this occasion, it really does feel as though he got away with one, but evidently, the VAR assistant didn't believe it was quite bad enough for them to get involved and overrule the initial decision by referee Jones.

The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell took to Twitter to comment on the situation, noting how it had been "another bad day at Old Trafford" for the striker as he was subbed immediately after "shoving his head at Malacia".

Wolves are reportedly interested in making a move for St Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Ruddy moves on

Bruno Lage is sure to have a busy summer ahead of him, as he looks to bolster his squad options ahead of what will hopefully be a successful 2022/23 season.

John Ruddy will leave Wanderers when his current expires at the end of next month, meaning a replacement in his squad role will have to be found.

Now, a new claim has emerged regarding the hunt for a Jose Sa deputy.

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The Latest: Vasilj link emerges

According to a recruitment source speaking to Football Insider, Wolves are one of three clubs eyeing up a move for Vasilj in the coming months.

Celtic and West Brom are also battling for his signature. The trio will send officials to watch the 6 foot 4 giant in action for his country in this month’s Nations League games, with the 26-year-old winning five caps for Bosnia to date.

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The Verdict: Perfect Ruddy replacement?

Vasilj would be an ideal replacement for Ruddy but the only stumbling block could be whether or not he is happy to be on the substitutes’ bench most weeks.

In Sa, Wolves have a fantastic goalkeeper who isn’t going to be dislodged any time soon, so it could be domestic cup appearances at best for Vlasilj.

His experience speaks for itself, though – he made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga II last season and has kept 47 career clean sheets in 160 total games. He could be an ideal squad option for Lage if a back-up role is what he desires.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in the running to sign one striker. Find out who it is here.

Everton avoided relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth following a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Frank Lampard will be aiming for better things next season, if he is still in the job by then, and this may require a few new faces in his squad.

The likelihood is that there will be some outgoings as well, with Brazil forward Richarlison attracting interest from European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

It would be a blow to lose the 25-year-old, and with two years remaining on the player’s contract, Lampard doesn’t need to make an immediate decision on his future, although there could be an ideal replacement being lined up.

Chelsea forward Armando Broja is firmly in Lampard’s sights, and despite a price tag of £58m being placed on his head by Thomas Tuchel, it could be a wise piece of business to bring him to Goodison Park.

The 43-year-old gave Broja his senior debut whilst Chelsea manager and the Albania international has been in splendid form on loan at Southampton this season, scoring six Premier League goals.

Everton’s next Richarlison

Although a move for the 20-year-old would depend on receiving transfer funds from player sales, Lampard could unearth the new Richarlison with a move for Broja.

Both players are similar in their style of play, although the Everton star is slightly more versatile than the Chelsea forward.

Both men are nearly identical in their pass completion percentage (61.9% for Broja and 61.8% for Richarlison) whilst in terms of shooting, the Brazilian takes more shots per 90 (2.5) than the 20-year-old (2.19).

Richarlison (10) has scored more goals than the on-loan Southampton forward (six), but it seems beyond doubt that the young Albanian would net more frequently if he were in a team with higher-quality players providing him with better service.

The statistics show the two forwards are alike, and if the Brazil international does move on from Everton, then Broja – who has been described as “dangerous” by Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl – would appear to be the perfect replacement.

AND in other news, Everton plotting summer swoop for £17.5m “fabulous finisher”, Lampard will love him

Eddie Howe can sign off the season feeling accomplished as Newcastle United finish 11th in the Premier League despite losing their first 14 games in an incredible U-turn the manager has inspired.

The Magpies are the first team in Premier League history to avoid relegation after losing their first 14 league games, which has been a huge achievement for Howe and his team as they finish just seven points off a European spot.

However, there is now work to do to take the side to the next level and despite the victory over Burnley, there were some unconvincing performances within the team that will give Howe food for thought this summer.

Despite the game ending in relegation for Burnley, Newcastle United were unable to dominate possession (49%), had fewer shots on goal and made fewer passes over the game, but ultimately took their chances when they needed to, to win.

Callum Wilson was the star of the show scoring a brace on his second game back after a long-term injury proving that he needed no time at all to get back to goal-scoring form leading the forward line successfully but did lose his temper with one of his team-mates.

Miguel Almiron reportedly angered the striker for making a tight attempt on goal, and unfortunately, this wasn’t the only frustrating moment from the Paraguayan at Turf Moor, with the attacking midfielder struggling to impose himself on the hosts.

Instead of squaring the ball for the striker to prod home, he decided to shoot from a tight angle and ultimately miss his attempt, proving wasteful in possession.

According to SofaScore, Almiron lost 100% of his aerial duels, in fact, he only won 33% of his duels in total and made no tackles at all over his 87-minute performance today, illustrating the player’s disappointing performance in the final game of the season.

With that being said, now that Newcastle are the richest club in the world and in a position to strengthen their team at any cost, players will need to make sure they are doing their best to compete for their spot in the team and can positively impact games to be part of the project at St James’ Park.

Almiron will need to convince Howe that he is worthy of holding onto his place in the team with the summer transfer window the main focus for the Magpies now the season has ended.

AND in other news: Signed for £20m, now worth £9m: Ashley had a howler on “struggling” £50k-p/w NUFC dud 

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte holds a ‘massive advantage’ as he prepares his side for their blockbuster Premier League clash against Arsenal this evening.

The Lowdown: Season defining…

The Lilywhites face off against their bitter north London rivals tonight in what is, perhaps, the most crucial derby between both teams in recent memory.

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Spurs and the Gunners will be competing in the race for Champions League football and all riches which come with that, not least the major financial windfall through revenue for 2022/2023.

Qualifying for Europe’s most coveted competition could also present either side with a bigger pull in the summer transfer market, a more crucial aspect for Spurs, as they look to appease Conte and back his reported overhaul.

The north Londoners will need every boost possible against Arsenal and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson says they have one ‘massive advantage’ ahead of the clash.

The Latest: Conte has ‘massive advantage’…

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs goalkeeper claims playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of supporters could give Conte’s men a real boost.

However. he doesn’t personally believe this game is ‘season-defining’ despite what could be at stake – claiming both teams’ inconsistency could mean there are more twists to come.

He explained: “It’s a massive advantage being at home in a game of this magnitude.

“Is it a season-defining game? I’m not totally convinced that it is. If we were talking about Liverpool and Man City then we could presume that it is season-defining. But Spurs and Arsenal are so unpredictable you do not know what is coming.

“I was at the Arsenal game at the weekend and they struggled to beat a 10-man Leeds. It was not convincing by any stretch of the imagination. Spurs are exactly the same. They’re both too inconsistent.

“Listen, the north London derby is a huge game for both sides. But I wouldn’t put my house on both sides winning their two games after that.”

The Verdict: Correct call?

Arsenal could seal their place in Europe with victory over Spurs, while Conte’s men quite simply need to win all of their remaining games to claim fourth spot – including the looming derby (talkSPORT).

Taking this into account, we’re inclined to disagree with Robinson as this could certainly come as a season-defining encounter.

However, we do concur that the roar of Tottenham supporters at home will come as a big boost for the players who could certainly do with the ‘twelfth man’ for such a pivotal match.

In other news: Meeting held: Tottenham enter London talks with club chief as he offers out five players! Find out more here.

Pundit Alan Hutton has made a claim on injured Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Bamford set to return to the pitch this week

Bamford and Leeds have both had seasons to forget this year, with the striker limited to just seven Premier League starts. The last of those came back in March against Wolves, where the 28-year-old ruptured his foot.

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Jesse Marsch was hopeful Bamford could return for the final two games of the season and provided an update before the defeat to Manchester City, revealing he was due to return to the pitches at Thorp Arch this week.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI about Bamford and a possible return to action after hearing the update from Thorp Arch.

He admitted he understands that a fully fit Bamford would help Marsch massively, however, Hutton feels the forward could be used just as an ‘impact sub’, which would do him the ‘world of good’.

“I just think don’t rush it. With everything that he’s gone through, everything that’s happened this season, you’ve got four games left.

“I understand that having a fully fit Bamford who’s firing would help you, there’s no doubt about that. Can he come on and affect games, if he’s fit and ready, for maybe the last 15, 20 minutes?

“I think that’s probably the part that he will play moving forward. It will be very difficult just to throw him in at this level, against the teams they’re coming up against.

“I think if you can get an impact sub out of him, I think that would do him the world of good.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Marsch may have been hoping that he wouldn’t need to call upon Bamford after he suffered another injury back in March with the Whites all but safe, however, it looks as if he will be required.

The Whites are in serious trouble with just four Premier League games remaining and it looks as if they need to pick up points against Arsenal and Chelsea over the next seven days.

Having Bamford back to use as an impact substitute, as Hutton suggested, could be a huge boost in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop, especially with Leeds failing to score in their last two.

In other news: Leeds want to sign ‘X-factor’ attacker despite possible relegation.

Manchester United face Brentford this evening in the Premier League, in which a win for the home side is necessary if they aim to finish in the top six and guarantee Europa League football next season.

What’s the news?

Manager Ralf Rangnick has been given some good news ahead of the tie, as both Fred and Edinson Cavani could be fit to face Brentford.

Fred has been missing for the previous four matches since coming off injured against Everton with a calf injury as United only won one of these four games so a return tonight would be good news for the manager.

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Cavani could also make a return for the first time in a Red Devils shirt since the 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and will be desperate to get back amongst the goals for the Premier League side.

With his contract expiring at the end of the current season, the Uruguayan forward needs a solid last few matches to convince new boss Erik ten Hag to offer him a new deal.

The side have been plagued with injuries recently which hasn’t helped their form whatsoever. One step forward seems to be met with a couple of steps back and ten Hag will have a massive job to do in the summer.

Rangnick can secure Europa League football by winning their last three games, with a very faint chance of Champions League qualification, but this would require Arsenal and Tottenham to fade away significantly.

Any continental qualification will be a bonus for the incoming manager to get his teeth into, but the main aim is for three points against Brentford and see what happens from there.

Having both Fred and Cavani back will give the team and supporters a big boost.

AND in other news, Ten Hag plots major MUFC deal for “unbelievable” £29m “weapon”, he’s Beckham 2.0…