All posts by n8rngtd.top

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Leicester City gem Harvey Barnes, as Eddie Howe bids to bolster his attack this summer.

It’s due to be a busy transfer window for the Magpies, who have powerful financial backing and a new-found pull due to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign.

The signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan fired Newcastle’s transfer dealings off to an impressive start, and the North East side could keep up the momentum by securing the signature of Barnes.

What’s the latest on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle?

As reported yesterday by the Daily Mail, Newcastle are ‘back on the trail’ of the Leicester winger, who has seen his future become a topic of interest for a number of Premier League clubs.

The report states that West Ham, Aston Villa and Tottenham have ‘enquired’ over the 25-year-old’s availability, with an exit from the King Power almost certain following the Foxes’ relegation.

The report speculates a £35m price tag has been put on the forward, making him an affordable option for the Magpies.

What could Harvey Barnes offer to Newcastle?

Despite enjoying an impressive season in the final third, netting 69 goals in 38 Premier League games, Howe is reportedly looking to add firepower to his attack this summer.

After scoring 13 goals in 34 appearances, Barnes stood out as a key player in Leicester’s underwhelming side, sparking rumours that he will depart with the aim to remain in the Premier League.

It’s clear to see why clubs are circling the Englishman, who was a constant threat for the Foxes on the flank, excelling as one of the league’s most dangerous wide men.

Signing players from abroad can be a risk, with there being some anxiety about whether the individual can adapt to the physicality and demands of the English top tier.

The bonus with signing Barnes is the fact that he is a ready-made Premier League proven talent, hailed as “unbelievable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Newcastle, like every club, have had to be patient with some talent as they adapt to the league, one being Miguel Almiron who has taken some time to show glimpses of his full potential after trading the MLS for the Premier League in 2019.

Last campaign, the Paraguayan finally signalled that he was at home on Tyneside, scoring 11 goals in the league in his best individual campaign since his arrival.

The 29-year-old managed to net just nine goals in his first three and a half years in the Premier League, repaying the patience of those around him last term.

Introducing Barnes could be productive for the former Atlanta winger, who could set the tone for the level wide players should be operating at, in the bid to inspire Almiron to remain consistent through competition.

Despite scoring 11 goals, the winger scored just two between January and the end of the season, showing his problems with consistency.

Deployable on either side, Almiron could form some healthy competition with the Leicester sensation, installing a raised level of performance in the attack.

The two are very similar in their ability, with Barnes displaying the edge in front of goal, averaging 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 to the Newcastle star’s 0.40, via FBref.

Howe could introduce fuel to the fire of his attack by signing Barnes, who in any regard would be an upgrade to the side, adding significant depth and power to the Magpies’ front line.

Crystal Palace are one of the clubs competing to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx, who could be available for a fee of around €9m (£8m) this summer, according to a recent report from Spain.

Who are Crystal Palace signing this summer?

With Luka Milovojevic and James McArthur leaving this summer, Palace have made bringing in a new central midfielder one of their priorities, having already agreed a deal to sign AFC Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma, who has now linked up with the squad.

Roy Hodgson seemingly has no plans to stop there, however, with Lyon's Romain Faivre also emerging as an option for the Eagles, and transfer expert Dean Jones thinks he could be a quality addition to the squad, saying:

"I think he’s a good level of player to be looking at. He's very confident on the ball. He’s very confident in his decision-making. He's got a bit of cheekiness about him too."

Palace had been keeping tabs on former FC Koln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, however, the Tunisian has now completed a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, so Hodgson is now considering another player from the Bundesliga.

According to a report from Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness), Palace are chasing Wolfsburg's Vranckx, but they are not the only Premier League club in the race for his signature, with Burnley and Fulham also said to be in the picture.

The central midfielder spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at AC Milan, but the Italian club have decided against making his stay permanent, and the door could now be open for a move elsewhere.

From the player's point a view, the goal is to move to England, however, he may also have the opportunity to sign for Celta Vigo, who are currently "well-placed" to win the race for his signature.

As the Belgian has three years left on his deal, Wolfsburg are still in a position to demand a fee to sanction his departure, and he could be available for around €9m (£8m).

Who is Aster Vranckx?

The Wolfsburg ace is only 20 years old, but he has already managed to rack up two senior caps for Belgium, and he has been playing first-team football for a number of years, having first made his breakthrough with KV Mechelen in the Jupiler Pro League.

Last season was a real opportunity for the youngster to kick on, but he did not make the impact he would've been hoping for at the San Siro, playing just 235 minutes in the Serie A across the entire season.

The maestro is now at an age where he needs regular game time if he is to fulfil his lofty potential, having been compared to Steven Gerrard by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has also lauded him as one of a number of "talented" Belgian midfielders.

Having captained Belgium at youth level, there are indications that Vranckx would be a positive influence in the dressing room, and his first-team experience in the Bundesliga suggests he could be able to make the step up to the Premier League, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and their plans to improve Ange Postecoglou's squad in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the club are in discussions with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign central defender Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Although, the Premier League side are also eyeing up VFL Wolfsburg enforcer Micky van de Ven as an alternative option if they fail to land the Burkina Faso star.

The reporter Tweeted: "Edmond Tapsoba remains in Tottenham list as talks are still ongoing. He's always been top target as new CB. #THFC Spurs are now working on both van de Ven & Tapsoba deals; up to the club to decide who they want to sign, also based on financial package."

It has been reported that a fee in the region of £61m would be required to sign the centre-back this summer and it remains to be seen whether or not Daniel Levy is willing to match that figure.

Is Edmond Tapsoba good?

The Leverkusen enforcer is an excellent defender who has caught the eye with his performances for his current club in the Bundesliga in recent seasons.

He is a dominant battler who also has the quality to build play out from the back and the 24-year-old titan would come in as a big upgrade on Davinson Sanchez for Postecoglou.

The above graphic, as provided by Opta, shows that the talented ace is one of the best players in his position when it comes to winning possession back for his team, whilst his duel success rate of 59% in the Bundesliga last term also shows that he is efficient at doing just that.

Tapsoba averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 over 33 league outings for Leverkusen last season, which would place him above the likes of Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Sanchez, and Clement Lenglet within the Spurs squad.

Meanwhile, Sanchez averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.76 across 18 Premier League outings, which suggests that the Burkina Faso titan would be an upgrade in terms of the general standard of his performances week-in-week-out.

The £61m-rated colossus would also offer more in possession. He has averaged 7.22 progressive carries and progressive passes combined per 90 over the last 365 days, which places him among the top 8% or higher of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions in that time.

Whereas, Sanchez has averaged 4.09 per 90 for Spurs and does not rank higher than the top 37% of centre-backs in either statistic, which means that the Colombian international is not an outstanding progressor of the ball.

This suggests that Tapsoba, who journalist Raphael Honigstein once hailed as "outstanding", would offer far more than the former Ajax man in possession due to his exceptional ability to drive his team forward, with passes and carries to get his side into better positions on the pitch to cause damage to the opposition.

Couple this with his defensive strength alongside his average performance level and you have a player with the potential to be an extraordinary addition to Postecoglou's squad if he is able to translate his Bundesliga form over to the Premier League next season.

By the time Romelu Lukaku ends his career, he can at least say that it was interesting, at times. The striker’s list of clubs seems to grow with each summer these days, without ever settling back into the incredible form that he showed for Inter Milan in the 20/21 season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.That impressive spell in Italy attracted the attention of Chelsea, of course, resulting in the Belgian making a move he has likely regretted ever since. Failing to make much of an impact at Stamford Bridge, an inconsistent loan spell back at Inter followed last season, leading us to now, where he could be about to stab the club in the back by joining rivals Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano.In a slightly awkward moment, however, Juventus fans have reacted to the rumours, with a number of supporters airing their concerns outside the club’s medical centre. While Inter supporters are raging too.

Juventus fans deliver verdict on Romelu Lukaku

As per Romano, Inter have pulled out of the race to sign Lukaku this summer, with Juventus’ bid for the Chelsea forward becoming valid if Dusan Vlahovic leaves this summer, amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ironically enough, PSG fans have recently staged their own protests about possibly signing Vlahovic, saying: “You come to Paris, we cut your three fingers off!“

Back with Lukaku, though, Serie A giants have Juve reportedly placed a €37.5m (£32.20m), plus €2.5m (£2.15m) in add-ons, bid for the Belgian, who may well find himself playing for Inter’s title rivals next season.

Of course, there’s still a long way to go in this saga, with the move relying on other players, too, but this hasn’t stopped Juventus fans from letting their feelings known.

Gathering outside the club’s medical centre, fans were heard chanting: “We don’t want Lukaku.”

To make things even worse, though, now due to these links, it appears Inter fans are furious with Lukaku. There was talk that he could join the club permanently after his loan last season with Chelsea hoping to get £38m.

Now it seems that deal could be off. Or at the very least, he’s not wanted by this Serie A side either with club fan group Curva Nord’s statement reading (via Romano): “Never see each other again, Lukaku.

“You have betrayed all of us. We always defended you in difficult moments, now you give us a stab.

“You are selling yourself to the highest bidder after kissing our badge. You’re not a real man”.

How many goals did Romelu Lukaku score for Chelsea?

When Lukaku signed for Chelsea in 2021 off the back of a 30-goal campaign for Inter, it looked as though the Blues would finally see their number nine curse come to an end, which saw the likes of Alvaro Morata, and Fernando Torres flop.

The curse quickly continued, however, as Lukaku scored just eight Premier League goals, and infamously shared his regret over the move midway through the season in an interview that all but ended his time at Chelsea.

In total, he scored 15 goals in his second spell at the Blues.

In the space of a season back in England’s top flight, the forward’s reputation took a significant hit. From a 30-goal striker, who was tipped for great things at Chelsea, potential suitors found themselves looking at a player who struggled, before creating controversy in the middle of a campaign with that aforementioned interview.

As shown in Italy, if a team can get the best out of Lukaku, then they’ll have themselves a consistent goalscorer.

Given Juventus’ need to get back into the Champions League next season, however, the question must be asked as to whether the Belgian is worth the risk.

They can ill-afford another season to forget, that’s for sure. After missing out on the Scudetto for three consecutive seasons, the last thing that they’ll want is to witness another team take the Italian crown. Getting back to their dominant best will be the number one priority for Juventus.

Aston Villa could continue their strong feat in the transfer window with a move for Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson.

The Villans have been linked to the playmaker for some time, however, Unai Emery and Monchi could finally secure the talent on the back of three impressive deals.

Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby have already made the switch to Villa Park, with more activity anticipated this summer.

Who wants to buy Brennan Johnson?

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month, both Villa and Brentford have an eye on the Welshman, who is valued at around £40m by Forest.

The 22-year-old has been of interest to the Midlands side since May, when FootballTransfers named the Villans as a potential suitor for him in the summer.

The Garibaldi have remained reluctant to sell their star man, however as per the Daily Mail’s report, the club may be forced to accept an offer to ease Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Rising through the academy at the City Ground, the Nottingham-born gem has found his feet in recent years, cementing himself as one of the club’s key players.

A loan spell at Lincoln City in the 2020/21 season brought the youngster's talent to light, where he scored ten goals and assisted 12 in 40 League One appearances.

From there, the intricate forward hasn’t looked back, playing a pivotal role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022, where he scored 16 goals and registered nine assists, as well as scoring twice in the play-offs, via Transfermarkt.

Johnson has truly worked his way through the ranks, with his form failing to slow down in the top tier, where he netted eight goals for Steve Cooper’s side in his debut term in the Premier League.

While the Welshman's form comes as a thing to be celebrated by Forest, it’s also gathered the type of attention that the club feared, with fellow side’s hoping to pry the 22-year-old away from Nottingham.

For Villa, Johnson could become a valued member of Emery’s squad, adding individual brilliance and providing a fresh outlet for others in the side.

Like the Wales international, Emiliano Buendia shone in the Championship, however, has struggled to transfer his form to the Premier League.

Lauded as “unbelievable” by national team manager Robert Page, the Villa target could prove to be the key to unlocking the Argentine’s past form in the Midlands, through his lively nature in attack.

The 26-year-old secured 17 assists in the Championship before making the switch to Villa Park, highlighting just how efficient he can be as a playmaker.

Clocking the second-fastest top speed in the league last season at 36.70 km/h, via OptaJoe, Johnson could be the desired presence in the side to give Buendia a deadly outlet to target in the final third.

In the 2020/21 Championship campaign, the former Norwich sensation averaged 3.31 key passes and 0.41 through balls per 90, via FBref, highlighting just how deadly he could be if given a pace-ridden spark like Johnson to release.

Emery could add a host of threats to his front line by equipping the Forest star in his side, in a move that could benefit the club on multiple dimensions.

Everton will have to throw the kitchen sink at Leeds United if they are to swipe exciting young forward Wilfried Gnonto from Elland Road this summer.

Is Wilfried Gnonto leaving Leeds?

According to Football Insider, an exit is "inevitable" following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League this year, and while Gnonto does not hold a clause permitting a loan move away – something that has seen Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen temporarily depart – a transfer may yet be sanctioned.

The Toffees are said to have tabled a €24m (£21m) offer already, though whether such a figure is enough to prise the Italy international away from Daniel Farke's side remains to be seen.

Sky Sports' Tim Thornton also recently discussed the latest murmurings surrounding the transfer saga, confirming that Sean Dyche's Blues have had an initial offer rejected and reaffirming Leeds' intention to keep the 19-year-old in West Yorkshire.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

Despite still residing in his teenage years, the Italian Gnonto has chalked up 12 appearances for his nation, scoring one goal, and registering two goals and four assists from just 16 starts in the English top-flight after signing from Swiss side Zurich for £4m one year ago.

He also ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 19% for tackles and the top 5% for blocks per 90, as per FBref, which illustrates a tenacity and forward-surging nature that Dyche would relish at having in his team, especially considering the club's 17th place Premier League finish last term – a fresh, positive face could pay dividends.

And having been hailed for his "electric pace, stature, low centre of gravity, mobility, bravery and powerful finish" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gnonto looks to boast the skills to swiftly cast aside the ostensible failure in the Goodison Park side's pursuit of Almeria's El Bilal Toure.

The 21-year-old Malian forward has been the centre of a transfer battle between Atalanta and the Toffees, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed last night that the Italian Serie A side are closing in on a transfer.

Having been described as a "major talent" by reporter Graeme Bailey, Bilal Toure scored seven goals and served two assists from just 15 LaLiga starts last term, and is viewed as the optimum choice to bolster the attacking ranks on the Blue side of Merseyside after another disappointing season, but looks set to leave Everton hearts aching.

However, should a deal for Gnonto be completed, the agony of missing out could swiftly fade into distant memory, with the "pocket rocket" – as he has been called by pundit Tam McManus – offering the dynamic ability to sharpen the squad's attacking edge.

Given his aptitude across the frontline, the £20k-per-week starlet could prove a worthwhile addition, and though he has yet to harness a prolific edge to his game, his expansive skill set alludes to a thriving future career, and Everton must now push to complete the transfer.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Benfica winger Rafa Silva, according to reports, as they look to replace Wilfried Zaha this summer.

The Portugal international scored 14 goals and provided a further 14 assists in an incredible campaign last time out.

What's the latest on Rafa Silva to Crystal Palace?

The London club are eyeing up a move for Silva this summer, as per Record, via Sport Witness, as they gear up for another Premier League season of survival.

Whilst negotiations may prove to be difficult due to how impressive Silva was last season, Palace may get a cut-price deal due to the fact that the winger's contract expires next summer.

If he doesn't sign a new deal at Benfica, then the Portuguese side will lose him for free in a years' time. From their perspective, if they are to lose Silva, then receiving a transfer fee would of course be preferable.

That's where Palace could come in. The London club desperately need to replace Zaha, who left upon the expiry of his contract to eventually join Galarasaray this summer.

As things stand, however, Palace are yet to make their first offer in what are likely to be tough negotiations, with the player thought to be keen to stay despite his contract situation.

Should Crystal Palace sign Rafa Silva?

Signing Silva would solve some key issues for Palace in the forthcoming season, especially if Michael Olise's reported £35m release clause is triggered this summer.

Without Zaha, in particular, it's difficult to see where Palace will threaten going forward without over-relying on Eberechi Eze, potentially making the arrival of Silva imperative in the coming weeks.

It could be argued that the Premier League side would even be getting themselves an upgrade on Zaha, with statistics leaning towards the Benfica man.

According to FBref, when compared to Zaha last season, Silva, who can play wide or as a number ten, was involved in more goals and made more progressive passes and carries. The only key statistic that the former Palace bettered the Benfica man was when it came to take-ons, making just four more throughout the season.

So, it seems like a no-brainer for Palace, who may well decide to push on for a deal this summer. If they are to negotiate with Benfica, they may be forced to pay a hefty fee, however – according to Transfermarkt, Silva is currently worth €22m (£19m).

The Portugal star has certainly earned praise during his time at Benfica, too, with journalist Zach Lowy saying back in 2021: "Luis Díaz has been the best player in Portugal this season for my money, but Rafa Silva really isn't far behind.

"Been absolutely spectacular for Benfica under Jorge Jesus, think he can be a real threat today especially with Sebastián Coates and João Palhinha both out."

So far this summer, Palace have signed just one player, with that being Jefferson Lerma on a free deal after the expiration of his contract at Bournemouth. And with the Premier League season fast-approaching, and no Zaha to call upon this time, Roy Hodgson and co may need to get busy in the transfer market if they are to avoid the drop once again.

Palace will certainly be an interesting side to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur seriously face missing out on Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo as he is "very close" to joining AS Monaco, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy are chasing multiple senior centre-back signings, following a Premier League campaign which saw them leak 63 goals against.

No other side above 15th in the table conceded more than that last term, making defence a top priority for Tottenham as we head into the final stretch of this window.

The Lilywhites have been linked with many central defensive options in the last month, perhaps most notably Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Adarabioyo, Barcelona ace Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus defender Gleison Bremer.

Postecoglou, speaking to the media candidly in recent weeks, even confirmed that the signing of a new defender or two is something his new club are working on behind-the-scenes.

"That's definitely our intention, absolutely," said the Spurs manager.

"We've been working on it for a while and we'll definitely try to get it done as quickly as possible.

"I don't think it's any secret about some of the areas we needed to strengthen. Some of it I identified early on. The goalkeeper was one and central defence is another.

"In terms of the other boys, we've got a big squad but my view is I wanted to bring them along and just work with them, get some clarity in my head and give clarity to them."

Whites defender Adarabioyo has been central to rumours linking him with a north London move in recent weeks, with reliable media sources like Alasdair Gold claiming Tottenham are expected to bid.

Gold also added that the former Man City starlet is keen on a move to Spurs, but according to Foot Mercato, he is actually nearing another club.

The French website, sharing a possible blow for Postecoglou in the race for Adarabioyo, state the 25-year-old is "very close" to joining Monaco as both them and Fulham near a full agreement for his transfer.

This comes after the Ligue 1 side quickly shook hands on personal terms with Adarabioyo, and while nothing is added beyond that, there appears to be a real danger of Tottenham being beaten to the punch.

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

The ex-Blackburn defender was one of Marco Silva's best-performers by average match rating last season, according to WhoScored, with no other Fulham player averaging more clearances per 90.

Called "magnificent" by members of the media over these last few seasons, Adarabioyo also won Fulham's second-highest rate of aerial duels per 90 in the top flight last term, just behind Aleksandar Mitrovic (WhoScored).

The towering 6 foot 5 defender has also been praised by Silva for his ability to break lines with his passing out from the back.

"And with Tosin, we know what we expect from him," said Silva to the media (via The Boot Room).

“Of course, quality on the ball in the first build-up, to find the players between the lines. Tosin had a good game and did what we expected.”

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and their chase for USA international Tyler Adams as a "replacement" could open the door.

Who will Spurs sign?

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all officially joined Spurs this summer.

The north Londoners, lead by new manager Ange Postecoglou, are in full preparation for the new campaign, which begins this Sunday with a trip away to Brentford.

Despite having signed six players already this summer, the likes of Veliz and Phillips will be more players for the future, so it's imperative Tottenham continue to strengthen.

The deadline is weeks away, but Postecoglou is fairly confident his side can add another new defender to their ranks before September 1.

The Australian says it's entirely possible Spurs sign an elite centre-back after van de Ven, but admits it will largely depending on outgoings.

"We've to see what happens with outgoings," said Postecoglou.

"But, the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven."

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Meanwhile, Spurs could look to reinforce their midfield options as well, according to reports, with star midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's move to Atletico Madrid still very much on.

The club have looked at Chelsea's Conor Gallagher as one of the options, with Villa's Luiz now seemingly coming as another.

That's according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, who say Spurs are keen on signing the Brazilian, and Villa's pursuit of Adams from Leeds as a "replacement" could open the door for Tottenham.

Luiz would make way for Adams at Villa Park, if a deal can be completed for the American. So, the former Man City star's potential move to Spurs could be one to watch over these next few weeks.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

The 25-year-old, according to WhoScored, stood out as one of Unai Emery's key players in the top flight last season.

Indeed, Luiz racked up six goals and six assists in the league, all while ranking among Villa's top two best-performers by average match rating.

He made 37 appearances in that time, again ranking among Villa's best-performers in terms of tackles made and successful interceptions per 90.

There is little question he could do solid job under Postecoglou at Tottenham, especially considering his abilities to contribute further forwards.

Former Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider on Marvelous Nakamba's injury return in 2022, revered Luiz for the "outstanding" job he did in his stead.

“Yes, it will be a boost,” said Agbonlahor on Nakamba's return, going on to comment on Luiz.

“But the last two games Douglas Luiz has been very good. He’s flying forward and getting into the box. He’s been outstanding and transformed.

“When there’s competition for places that means everybody’s performances go up. It will definitely be very good to get Nakamba back in the side. He looks like he will be back very soon so that’s good news.”

City boss Pep Guardiola is also an admirer of Luiz, having called him a "strong" player.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has provided an update on Arsenal's pursuit of a forward.

The club seem to be targeting the La Liga market for their new forward.

What is the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal are looking to make further additions after a strong start to this window.

The Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65m, Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £38m and Declan Rice for a club record £105m from West Ham United. The side are also close to sealing a loan move for Brentford keeper David Raya which would include an option to buy.

Reports are now linking the North London side with a potential move for a forward, with manager Mikel Arteta looking to provide more depth in his attack, namely his wingers in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

One name linked with a switch is Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati. A player who burst onto the scene back in the 2019/20 season for the Blaugrana with eight goals and one assist in 33 games at just 17 years old, his time since has been marred by injury problems that have forced the youngster to miss 84 games in the last three seasons. A versatile option, Fati has played over 100 times for his boyhood club and has recorded 29 goals and 10 assists whilst operating across all three positions in the frontline.

According to reports, Barca are willing to offload the attacker this summer, and it is claimed that Arsenal are admirers of the player once dubbed "amazing" by former teammate and arguable GOAT of the sport Lionel Messi.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Taylor revealed that Fati and Emiliano Buendia were names looked at by the Gunners, however, in the case of the Spaniard, the high price tag set by the Catalan club may scupper any potential move:

He said: "Buendia had been fantastic in pre-season before the injury, but I think that ship sailed now. Obviously, there was a point when Arsenal tried to get him from Norwich. Fati is one that would fit Arsenal stylistically, but I think Barcelona would be looking for a massive fee for him really. I just can't see Arsenal paying big money for another forward, and I think if they're going to sign anyone else it would probably be a sort of £40 million purchase. Is Fati available for £40 million? He might be but I can't really see that one, unfortunately.”

What next for Arsenal this window?

The North London side are looking to offload a number of players ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1st.

One player who could be departing is Scottish international Kieran Tierney. The defender was a regular starter following his arrival from Celtic in 2019, however, since the arrival of Oleksander Zinchenko from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 game time has been limited, and the arrival of Timber only seems to be further limiting. According to The Telegraph, Real Sociedad are interested in making a move for the player who earlier on in the window attracted the interest of Newcastle United.

Another player who looks set to depart the Emirates this summer is USA international Folarin Balogun. The striker enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Reims last season in Ligue 1, and has told the club that he doesn't want another loan spell or to be a backup option. West Ham United are reportedly fans of the player and weighing up a move whilst French outfit Monaco saw a verbal offer rejected by the Gunners following their pre-season friendly. The London side are asking for £40m to sell the promising youngster according to reports.