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Mikel Arteta has enjoyed a solid summer transfer window as Arsenal aims to claim a top four spot for the first time since 2015/2016 and make it back to the Champions League.

The Spaniard appears to be undertaking a massive overhaul of his playing squad, outgoings include Alexandre Lacazette, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Matteo Guendouzi, Bernd Leno, and Lucas Torreira permanently while the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have significantly strengthened the Gunners first team squad.

Arteta still looks like he wants to do more business, with interest in wingers Yeremy Pino and Moussa Diaby still ongoing, another addition to the frontline wouldn’t do any harm at all.

One move that doesn’t look like it’s going to materialise however is one for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, with the move now looking unlikely. Although the Gunners could land a dream alternative for the Belgian star, as the club have made enquires for AC Milan player Sandro Tonali.

Milan wants to keep the midfielder at the San Siro as he was one of their key performers in the side claiming their first Serie A crown in 11 years, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.02, placing him third in the Milan squad.

Tielemans offers a more direct goalscoring threat, netting six goals in the league compared to five for Tonali, yet the young Italian is much more solid defensively compared to his Belgian counterpart.

The 22-year-old made more pressures (576 to 489), and more interceptions (57 to 41), and was only dribbled past 0.6 times per match compared to 1.8 for Tielemans.

These stats prove that Tonali would be the better option in terms of defensive ability and with Arsenal conceding 48 league goals last season, they need someone with that extra bite in the midfield.

The £35k-p/w gem was dubbed “extraordinary” by former Brescia manager Eugenio Corini and even compared to Andrea Pirlo, showing just how much talent the player has.

If Arteta can convince him to swap Milan for London, then it will be another wonderful addition to the side.

The future of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos remains a hot topic for the Ibrox outfit this summer, with the Colombian once again linked with an exit from the Premiership.

What’s the word?

There is growing uncertainty regarding the Gers talisman with just 10 months remaining on his existing deal in Glasgow. The 26-year-old has unsurprisingly been tipped for a departure from the Old Firm giants after five seasons at the club, with a number of Premier League sides having been linked with the striker in recent years.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now provided his thoughts on the 11-cap predator’s future in an interview with Football FanCast, suggesting that it would be hugely significant if the former HJK Helsinki man were to stay at the club.

He stated: “Yeah it would be a huge boost to keep hold of their star striker. They’ve kept hold of him for the last few transfer windows which is obviously big news for Rangers as well and they can maybe persuade the Colombian to pledge his long-term future to the club.

“And if they can get the striker to pay in fresh terms what a boost that would be for Rangers going into this season as well”.

Huge boost for Rangers

For all the potential incomings at Rangers this summer, perhaps sporting director Ross Wilson’s best piece of business could well be keeping hold of the imposing Colombian brute for the new campaign, with the added sweetener of potentially seeing the £11.7m-rated man commit to a new deal.

As O’Rourke mentioned, it would represent a huge boost to the Light Blues if they were able to retain the services of their leading marksman, having already seen the duo of Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo depart for Ajax and Southampton respectively.

Losing yet another player who was a key figure in last season’s surge to the Europa League final could well prove a knockout blow to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s hopes of wrestling back the league title from bitter rivals Celtic this season, with the Dutchman no doubt keen to see his squad strengthened rather than weakened.

Morelos’ status as the club’s main man up top has been garnered following a hugely successful stint at Ibrox in recent years, the £33k-per-week menace having been signed for just £1m in 2017.

Since then, ‘El Bufalo’ – as he has been nicknamed in his homeland – has gone on to score 113 goals and provide 51 assists in 224 games in all competitions for the club, including a haul of 19 goals and eight assists in 42 games last term.

That tally would no doubt have been far greater had the 5 foot 10 marksman not sustained an injury in April, with that complaint ultimately ruling him out of the final few weeks of the season – leading to fears that he could well have played his last competitive game for the club.

Those of a Rangers persuasion will remain optimistic that he could line up in the famous blue jersey for the forthcoming campaign, with such a scenario seemingly the boost that Van Bronckhorst needs as the club’s 2022/23 season gets underway.

AND in other news, “Had contact…”: Journalist drops “unlikely” Rangers transfer claim that’ll delight Van Bronckhorst…

Nottingham Forest have made offers to sign Huddersfield Town duo Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo, according to a report from The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Summer influx

The Reds have been proactive in the transfer window following promotion to the Premier League, adding no fewer than six players to Steve Cooper’s squad already at a total cost of £62.1million.

Neco Williams became the latest capture for the Midlands club, arriving on a four-year deal from Liverpool having spent 15 years on Merseyside, where he was nurtured through the academy system.

Not content with the business already achieved, a fresh report has emerged claiming that Forest have already moved onto their next two targets and offers are even on the table…

The latest: EFL duo eyed

As per The Athletic, Forest have ‘made bids’ for Huddersfield duo O’Brien and Toffolo.

It’s claimed that the City Ground club are attempting to nab the pair for a combined £10-12million, although the Championship outfit want that as a standalone fee for midfielder O’Brien – who was described as possessing ‘Premier League class’ by journalist Leon Wobschall.

The report states that ‘talks are ongoing’ with Huddersfield unwilling to stand in the way of the ambitions of their two stars, after they were pipped by Cooper’s side in the playoff final in May.

The verdict: Stand firm

Signing both players for the mooted combined fee would be a superb piece of business from the Reds hierarchy, however, the club should be reticent to pay much more, particularly for Toffolo – who is in the final 12 months of a deal – as Forest have already added talented left-back Omar Richards to the ranks this summer and Williams can also operate in the position.

But, bringing in O’Brien to boost the boss’ midfield options after loanee James Garner returned to parent club Manchester United would be a smart move from the hierarchy, with the department currently lacking in top-level ready frontline choices.

Last season, the 23-year-old Englishman – who is on £8,000 per week at present (Salary Sport) – earned a 7.00 Sofascore rating across 43 league appearances, scoring three goals and registering three assists whilst making the Team of the Week on three occasions.

Although increased wages and indeed transfer fees go with the territory of becoming a top-flight club, recruitment chief George Syrianos must stand firm on what they believe to be a fair price for their targets and that goes for O’Brien and Toffolo alike.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to bring a new number nine to Ibrox in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Gers have agreed personal terms with Antonio Colak as Ross Wilson closes in on a £1.8m deal to sign the centre-forward.

The report claims that the Light Blues are planning to fly him into Glasgow for a medical and media duties as soon as they are given the green light by PAOK to do so.

It is stated that the Greek club would like to bring in a replacement before they allow the striker to leave, and that is the only thing holding up the transfer.

Imagine him & Ryan Kent

With this transfer seemingly on the verge of going through, just imagine what it will be like to watch Colak linking up with Ryan Kent in a Rangers shirt next season.

The pair have the potential to be an exciting duo at the top of the pitch, as the English winger can provide the deliveries that the Croatian predator needs in front of goal.

Swedish journalist Jonas Hansson recently claimed that the striker has the physique of a Greek “god”, and this suggests that the 28-year-old has the physicality to compete in the Premiership.

He also boasts the goalscoring pedigree which indicates that he has the finishing ability to thrive in a team which creates plenty of chances, as he has proven that he has the quality to score on a regular basis.

Colak netted 19 goals in 40 games on loan at Malmo last season and managed 51 strikes in 90 appearances for HNK Rijeka earlier in his career, demonstrating that he has the natural ability to find the net consistently.

Meanwhile, Kent has proven that he can be a consistent creator. He racked up a whopping 20 assists in all competitions last term, after providing 15 in the 2020/21 campaign.

The former Liverpool man has the quality to put chances on a plate for Colak week in, week out, and that is why they have the makings of a fruitful partnership for Rangers.

Just imagine Kent whipping in crosses and threading through balls for the Croatia international to run onto before dispatching to the net. They have the potential to be a deadly duo at Ibrox, and fans will surely be excited to see what they can do together.

AND in other news, GvB can form deadly duo as Rangers plot swoop for “inspirational” 37-goal monster…

Rangers’ reported hopes of signing Antonio Colak this summer have been handed a boost, with PAOK seemingly willing to sell the striker amid interest from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

What’s the word?

According to the Scottish Sun (7:58 am June 22), Rangers are keen to add to their attacking options this summer and the 28-year-old forward is wanted by van Bronckhorst.

The report claims that Rangers have already seen a bid for the frontman rejected, although it claims that the Greek Super League side are willing to offload him, which suggests that a deal could well be on the cards.

Supporters will be buzzing

If Colak does sign for Rangers and proves to be a success, then supporters may well forgive him for ending their Champions League hopes last season.

While on loan at Malmo, the Croatian forward hit a quickfire double at Ibrox to consign the Gers to the Europa League, and while Rangers would subsequently reach the final before defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, those at the club would surely have preferred the financial benefits and experience of a spot in the Champions League group stages.

With Alfredo Morelos’ future at Rangers still in doubt, signing a striker should be a priority for van Bronckhorst this summer and Colak’s record in recent seasons suggests that he could be a quality acquisition at Ibrox.

Last season saw the forward make 40 appearances for Malmo in all competitions, in which he contributed an impressive 19 goals and three assists, including five goals in Champions League qualifying, so he could be the ideal man to fire the Gers to Europe’s elite competition next season.

He also chipped in with three goals and two assists for PAOK when returning, but it seems clear that the Greek side aren’t that keen on keeping him, and Colak could find his feet with a permanent move away.

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Reports have suggested that Colak would be available for as little as £3m this summer, and with Cedric Itten having already departed for around half that, the Croatian shouldn’t be out of Rangers’ budget, so sporting director Ross Wilson should definitely consider bringing him in.

AND in other news: Agent delivers big transfer update that’ll leave Rangers supporters gutted

Newcastle United appear to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike after an interview with the French club’s president emerged (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having made a senior debut in 2020/21, Ekitike continued on a rapidly upwards trajectory last season, breaking out as one of the hottest young talents in French football

The 19-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals and four assists in 24 Ligue 1 outings and has even been compared to Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon Kylian Mbappe as a result.

Previously linked to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, it now looks as though Newcastle are set to prevail…

The latest: Bid on the table

Speaking to French outlet France Bleu, translated by SW, Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has confirmed there is a suitable bid already in place.

“Today is very concrete. And on the table, there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so.

“From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file. And if at the time of speaking this is not done, it is because his advisers have not yet wished to move forward with this club.”

Caillot went on to say that only offers of around €30-40million (£25-34million) would be deemed acceptable for the young striker who was hailed as a ‘very special’ talent by manager Oscar Garcia.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

There will certainly be high hopes from the North East that the aforementioned suitable bid has come from the St James’ Park hierarchy as all eyes remain on PIF and just how strongly the new owners will back Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth this summer.

One key area in need of improvement was the centre-forward department, as Callum Wilson’s injury record means the Englishman cannot be relied on and Joellinton’s successful positional switch leaves only Chris Wood as a recognised, regularly healthy frontman.

Capped twice by France at the Under 20 level, the talented teenager has also shown impressive versatility in a developing career to date, occasionally operating from the left wing and showing off battling qualities by winning an impressive 4.1 duels on average per game last term (Sofascore).

If the Magpies are going to compete amongst the elite of the Premier League, signing a potent attacker such as the 6 foot 2 Ekitike would be a huge boost to the project.

In other news: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Sergino Dest to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that Victor Orta has now added the Barcelona right-back to his list of transfer targets ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 Premier League campaign, with the Spanish sporting director believed to have identified the signing of a new full-back as one of Leeds’ priorities this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The report goes on to state that, while the 21-year-old – who has been made surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou by Xavi – has been offered to Manchester United, Orta is looking to make a move of his own for the USA international in the coming weeks.

Alphonso Davies 2.0

Considering just how exciting a talent Dest evidently is, it is not difficult to see why Orta and Jesse Marsch would be keen on a deal to bring the defender to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, according to FBref data, the £59.5m-rated talent ranks in the top 9% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for npxG per 90, as well as the top 31% for shots, the top 30% for assists, the top 26% for xA, the top 15% for npxG+xA and the top 30% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

The £99k-per-week American also ranks in the top 29% for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 3% for passes completed, the top 31% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 2% for dribbles completed, the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 14% for progressive passes received, the top 31% for pressures and the top 36% for tackles over the last year.

These metrics see the 21-year-old who Gregg Berhalter dubbed an “unreal” talent earn comparisons to some of the most prestigious full-backs in world football, with FBref statistics showing that the player Dest is most comparable to is none other than Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies.

As such, should the Barca defender indeed be available for a €25m (£21m) fee this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move for Orta to do everything he can to convince the former Ajax starlet of a move to Elland Road, as Dest quite clearly has the potential to develop into one of the leading players in his position in European football – something that Marsch and his side would undoubtedly benefit from on the pitch.

AND in other news: Orta can seal Leeds’ next £60m talent in bid for “exciting” £20k-p/w “assist machine”

The match-up for Sunday is an interesting one because it pits the most aggressive batting line-up of the tournament against the best bowling unit

S Rajesh and Srinath Sripath13-Jul-2019Several parallels have been drawn between the 1992 World Cup and the current one, so here is another: these are the only two World Cups in which the team winning the tournament would have lost more than two matches. Pakistan lost to West Indies, India and South Africa on the way to their title in 1992, and whichever team wins on Sunday would have lost three in their journey. England lost to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia, whereas New Zealand were beaten by Pakistan, Australia and England.Pace, swing and guile: New Zealand’s pace attack has stepped up at the World Cup•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe best batting line-up versus the best bowling attackEngland and New Zealand have both stumbled along the way in their campaign, but the match-up for Sunday is an interesting one because it pits the most aggressive batting line-up of the tournament against the best bowling unit. England’s tournament run rate of 6.43 is easily the best – Australia are next with 6.02 – while their average of 43.26 runs per wicket is bettered only by India. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s economy rate of 5.01 and their average of 27.12 are the best in the tournament.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe difference, though, is in the comparison between New Zealand’s batting and England’s bowling. New Zealand’s run rate is ninth among ten teams, and their batting average seventh, while England’s economy rate and bowling average are second only to New Zealand’s. That makes England the firm favourites going into Sunday’s final.Coming to the tactics, here’s where the 2019 World Cup final could be won and lost.How New Zealand neutralise England’s Roy-Bairstow advantageThe biggest difference between the two teams is their opening combinations. The last four times Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have opened the batting, they’ve put together 128, 160, 123 and 124 (which could perhaps lead to the argument that they are due a failure); New Zealand’s last seven opening stands read 1, 2, 29, 5, 0, 12, 0 – 49 runs at an average of seven.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn the matches where Roy and Bairstow have opened, England have usually bossed the Powerplays, while New Zealand’s batting Powerplay numbers are among the poorest. The bowling numbers, though, are pretty similar.