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Carlton Palmer has exclusively told Football FanCast that Arsenal fans are soon going to lose patience with Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard has delivered the FA Cup in his first season in north London, but the Gunners league form since his arrival has been seriously concerning.

Arsenal finished outside the top-six when they came eighth in his FA Cup-winning season, with their victory over Chelsea securing their place in the Europa League.

However, a second eighth-place last term saw them fail to qualify for Europe for the first time in 21 years, with Tottenham’s final-day win at Leicester snatching their place in the UEFA Conference League.

Arteta has looked to improve his squad by making three summer signing, including the £50m arrival of Ben White from Brighton.

But White’s presence made little difference as Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 opening day loss at Brentford on Friday, with the daunting prospect of games against Chelsea and Man City now to come.

Asked whether he thinks Arteta’s job could soon come under threat, Palmer told FFC:

” I do. At some point, the fans are going to lose their patience. When you’re a supporter or a chairman, you look at an evolvement of the club.

“If you look at Ole, people wanted him out, but every time I watch him, I see an improvement, and I’ve not seen an evolvement at Arsenal since Arteta has gone in there.”

Crystal Palace have been linked with a shock move for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan as the Premier League outfit look to add further reinforcements to Patrick Vieira’s ranks.

What’s the story?

According to Football League World, the Eagles are one of three Premier League sides closely monitoring the Scotsman’s situation, with Burnley and Watford also credited with an interest.

The report claims that nothing is at a particularly advanced stage at this moment in time, but Palace are known to be in the market for extra players before the August 31 deadline, meaning a surprise transfer could be on the cards.

He’s not good enough

Palace have had a busy window so far, allowing several experienced campaigners to depart Selhurst Park on free transfers before replacing them with some exciting, young acquisitions.

However, new manager Vieira openly admitted that he wants the capital club to conclude some more business this summer as his squad is a little light in a couple of areas.

“When you look at the squad we are maybe a little bit more light on numbers, and we are working hard to improve the squad (with) the window are still open. We will try to bring players that can improve our squad.

“I think where we are maybe a little bit more short is upfront and in the midfield, I think it would be good to reinforce those positions,” revealed Vieira in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Nevertheless, targeting a player who flopped during his time in the Premier League and has spent the last six-and-a-half years playing in the Championship as a result is surely not what the Frenchman had in mind.

The last top-flight team Bannan actually played for was Palace in the first half of the 2014/15 campaign, but after only making two starts all season, he moved to Bolton Wanderers in the second tier in January.

Since then, the diminutive box-to-box dynamo has carved out a good career for himself with Sheffield Wednesday, making 262 appearances for the south Yorkshire outfit.

Yet at 31, he’s not the ideal target for a club in the midst of a squad overhaul, who are expected to be involved in a relegation scrap to retain their status in the top-flight.

Therefore, Palace chairman Steve Parish must avoid a potential nightmare and focus his attention on other midfielder options such as Will Hughes if he’s to guide the capital club into their 10th consecutive Premier League campaign.

And, in other news…Crystal Palace suffer transfer blow in pursuit of £7m machine, Vieira will be gutted 

An update has emerged on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Palace are set to intensify their talks with Arsenal over a deal for Nketiah.

The report claims Patrick Vieira is looking to bolster his squad before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline and a move for Nketiah is due to pick up pace in the coming days.

Imagine him and Benteke

Vieira could land a dream attacking partnership by signing Nketiah as he could form an excellent relationship with Christian Benteke. They could be the little and large duo at the top end of the pitch to cause opposition defences problems this season, which is why Palace must ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the Gunners forward.

The 6 foot 3 Benteke won an impressive 6.8 aerial battles per game in 30 Premier League appearances for Palace last term. Nketiah, meanwhile, has a career average of 0.4 aerial battles won per game for Arsenal, which suggests that he struggles with holding the ball up and winning flick-ons for his teammates.

This means that Nketiah may not be the ideal option for Vieira when playing with one striker on the pitch. However, playing him alongside Benteke could create the perfect foil for the attack, with the Belgian striker able to provide the out ball by holding off defenders and allowing Nketiah to use his movement and pace to get in behind or pick up the ball in pockets of space.

The English forward scored five goals in ten starts for Arsenal last season in the Premier League and Europa League, which suggests that he has the quality to score goals at the top level if given the minutes. In 2020, Mikel Arteta hailed Nketiah’s personality as ‘immense’ and said that he is continuing to develop as a player. He said:

“I want him to keep doing what he’s doing. The way he played last night against those players, in those difficult conditions, for me is extraordinary at his age.

“He has an immense personality to play, confidence, he’s powerful and is developing in every area, I think. I have a lot of faith in him.”

This shows that Nketiah also has the potential to improve further, which is another reason why Palace must sanction this deal. They could be getting a player who could work well alongside Benteke, whilst also making an investment on a talent who could grow and become more valuable in the future.

AND in other news, The Athletic drop big CPFC transfer claim that will leave Vieira over the moon… 

Celtic have received an official bid for talisman Odsonne Edouard from Rubin Kazan, whilst Everton have also registered an interest in his services [Sky Sports].

The Lowdown: Celtic wary of potential outgoings as window nears an end

With only a few days until the transfer window slams to a close, Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will be under no illusions that he could still lose star players between now and next week as his summer rebuild enters its final stages.

Of course, speculation around key men has dominated much of the narrative at Parkhead, with nervousness over the futures of influential figures such as Ryan Christie [Scotsman].

Celtic could now be braced for a potential bidding war, with Edouard once again in the headlines.

The Latest: Rubin Kazan submit £15.4 million offer

Rubin Kazan are said to have formalised an offer of £15.4 million for 6 foot 2 ace, whose contract at Parkhead is due to expire next summer [Sky Sports].

The Russian giants are looking to pay the fee in instalments, starting with an initial £8.5 million payment followed by two blocks of £3.4 million.

Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux are willing to match the sum, whilst Everton have are also keeping a keen eye on his situation.

The Verdict: Conflicting emotions for the Celtic support

Currently at risk of losing the Frenchman for nothing next year, securing some sort of fee for Edouard may make business sense for Celtic.

Despite this, the 23-year-old has started 2021/22 in commendable style, fashioning five goal contributions in ten appearances; three goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

His impact in the new term has been larger than the sum of three goals would suggest, as Edouard has turned in an average match rating of 7.71/10 in this timeframe [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘magnificent’ by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, letting go of Edouard would be a financially prosperous move, but would no doubt weaken the Hoops’ Scottish Premiership title charge [Glasgow Live].

In other news, Celtic could be about to land an Edouard replacement. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to move Serge Aurier on before tonight’s deadline…

What’s the word?

According to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (30th August, 15:37), the north London outfit are trying to find the 66-cap Ivory Coast right-back a new home so that they can sign Emerson Royal from Barcelona.

Italian outfit Genoa are the latest side to become interested in the 28-year-old, whilst Lille and the aforementioned La Liga side have also been mooted in the report.

It remains to be seen if Aurier will depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today – and for how much – with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at £18m, some four years on (to the day) from a £23m move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Paratici masterclass

This is a move that should have new sporting director Fabio Paratici absolutely lauded from the hilltops and it is one that will undoubtedly leave many buzzing in north London.

The Italian has only been at the Lilywhites for a couple of months now but he’s already identified Spurs’ problems and has looked to rectify them – out has gone several of the club’s long-serving players that have frequently let them down, such as the injury-prone Erik Lamela and the regressing Moussa Sissoko, among others.

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Aurier would be the next obvious candidate to face the chopping block and so he should after his revelation earlier in the window.

He told French publication L’Equipe of his intentions to leave Spurs this window, claiming: “Everyone knows that if I wanted to extend my contract at Tottenham, I’d have already done so. I’m not going to do that in six months’ time. I’ve experienced the Premier League and a Champions League final. I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere.”

On that evidence, it’s clear that Aurier does not want to be at the club, which is perhaps the reason why he is yet to feature for Nuno Santo this season.

Not that he warrants a place in the starting XI anymore, with Japhet Tanganga impressing in the role in recent matches.

Furthermore, the Mauricio Pochettino signing has regularly been lambasted for his performances on the pitch – for example, after defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup final, Jamie Carragher described him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

Indeed, it’s not the first time that the full-back has come in for criticism over his calamitous ways – former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara once brandished him “an absolute liability” on Twitter.

Spurs have since defeated the defending champions in his absence and whilst that may only be a coincidence, it’s a struggle to think he would’ve helped Nuno’s side at all.

Therefore, if Paratici can move him on before tonight’s deadline, then it’ll be a great move for all parties. This update from Sky Sports should leave many in north London thrilled.

AND in other news, Paratici dealt Spurs transfer blow over £22.5m-rated “young Pogba”, fans surely gutted…

Mike McGrath has revealed that Everton made a late enquiry to try to sign Kyle Walker-Peters in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Walker-Peters at left-back?

Predominantly a right-back, Walker-Peters has been playing on the left so far in the 2021/22 season (Transfermarkt).

With Niels Nkounkou allowed to leave on loan, perhaps the Goodison Park faithful were thinking that the Southampton ace could have been a suitable replacement.

The Latest: Enquiry

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, McGrath has revealed that the Merseyside club made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Walker-Peters during the final days of the window.

However, the Saints were not going to entertain the deal, and as such, he has stayed put at St. Mary’s.

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that Rafa Benitez’s team appeared to have missed out on the signing of Walker-Peters, given his versatility to be able to play at left-back as well as on the right.

Currently earning £50,000-per-week under Ralph Hasenhuttl’s management, he has plenty of experience of playing in the Premier League for both Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton (Transfermarkt).

At 24 years of age, Walker-Peters has not hit his peak yet, and being English, he would have also helped fill the homegrown quota.

Thus, it is a deal that the Toffees really should have made sure that they got done but it looks like they may have left it too late.

In other news, find out what transfer news has Blues talking here!

Some Manchester City fans have been reacting to reports that Pep Guardiola is keen on signing Theo Hernandez.

According to Italian journalist Daniele Longo for Get Italian Football News [via City Chief on Twitter], Guardiola has been keeping a close eye on the left-back’s progress as a potential incoming. Longo also stated that only a ‘big offer’ will tempt AC Milan in allowing Hernandez to leave for the Premier League champions, with the player apparently claiming that he is happy at the San Siro.

With Benjamin Mendy suspended, Guardiola has been utilising Joao Cancelo at left-back, and Hernandez could be a potential replacement for Mendy in the long run.

The 23-year-old has appeared 84 times for the Rossoneri since moving from Real Madrid in 2019, scoring 15 goals and grabbing 14 assists in demonstrating his abundant attacking qualities.

Hernandez, who is valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, has played every minute of Milan’s Serie A campaign so far as they have seen off Sampdoria, Cagliari and Lazio, while he made his senior debut for France in last week’s World Cup qualifying win over Finland.

Man City fans react to Hernandez link

These Man City fans have been reacting to the reports linking the Milan defender with a move to the Etihad ahead of the January transfer window.

“Idc you’re coming to City”

Credit: @MCFCTSaucy

“They all say the same thing before coming to City. This just confirmed it.”

Credit: @Jordan_dbe

“Big offer you say? Mendy swap. @acmilan Take it”

Credit: @Abdul_Moeez4

“Need this guy at the camp”

Credit: @don_papichulo__

“Sign him”

Credit: @PricelessKDB

“Said he was good in Milan”

Credit: @BluuMoonRising

In other news, journalist explains the reasoning behind loan spell away from the Etihad. Find out more here.

Manchester City kick off their 2021/22 Carabao Cup campaign with a clash against League One outfit Wycombe on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to defend the crown after beating Tottenham 1-0 in the final last season, when Aymeric Laporte’s goal was enough to secure the trophy for City against a Ryan Mason-led Spurs side.

They now head into this clash with Wycombe off the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Southampton at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League at the weekend.

One player who needs to be thrown into the starting XI is England international and City academy product Phil Foden. He is yet to start a match in any competition this season after a recent injury, but he made his first appearance in the league as a substitute against the Saints.

It could now be time for Guardiola to unleash the attacking midfielder from the start. Playing 70-80 minutes against lower league opposition could help to get him back up to speed after a number of weeks out, whilst his ability on the pitch could help City to victory.

Guardiola once hailed Foden as an ‘incredibly talented’ player, rejecting calls for him to be loaned out at the time. The Spaniard said: “The people say he doesn’t play too much. He is 18 years old and he has played a lot of minutes.

“The people say he should be on loan; Phil Foden will not be on loan. All the time he is here he will be close to me because he is an incredibly talented player.”

The 21-year-old can be a game-changer with his talent and has proven this for City on several occasions. Last season, he managed nine goals and five assists in 17 Premier League starts, with two goals and two assists in four Carabao Cup starts.

This shows that he has the quality to score and set up goals on a regular basis when unleashed from the start, which is why Guardiola must name him in his XI against Wycombe. Foden’s craft and guile could help to pick off the League One outfit and enable to him build up his match fitness ahead of important Premier League and Champions League matches.

AND in other news, 102 touches: Man City gem with two key passes was shining light for Pep vs Southampton…

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has revealed the mood at Thorp Arch has been damaged by the FA’s decision to reject Pascal Struijk’s red card appeal.

The Lowdown: Controversial

Centre-back Struijk will be unavailable for selection for the next three games after his red card against Liverpool was confirmed by the FA.

The 22-year-old defender replaced Diego Llorente, who limped off injured, but was then shown his marching orders after a challenge on Harvey Elliott resulted in the Liverpool midfielder sustaining a serious ankle injury.

Struijk will miss Friday’s trip to Newcastle United, as well as Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Fulham and the home game with West Ham United.

The Latest: Cooper feels ‘let down’

Club captain Cooper played the full 90 minutes at Elland Road on Sunday and has spoken to BBC Radio Leeds (via Leeds All Over) about the verdict by the FA.

The defender said: “It’s a tough one, I spoke to Pasc (Struijk) after the game. In my eyes, it’s a freak accident.

“Losing Pascal for three games is a big loss for us. He’s started the season unbelievably, he’s taken to the role unbelievably and he’s been great for us this season.

“To lose him for three games is disappointing. The authorities have maybe let Pascal down a little bit. I don’t see how, after seeing that, he hasn’t gone to hurt anyone, it’s not malicious, and knowing Pascal as I do personally, he would never do that.

“I think we have been let down a little bit.”

The Latest: Major hit

Leeds will be hoping that being without Struijk will not mean their winless start to the season continues. Coming up against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United is a great chance to earn their first win – the Magpies are yet to grab a three-point haul of their own too.

Struijk’s performances last season were impressive though and former United star Dominic Matteo even claimed the defender ‘has it all’, so he will certainly be missed.

With Llorente and Robin Koch also out, a winnable fixture for the Whites suddenly looks troublesome, so it is no surprise to hear Cooper admit to a feeling around Thorp Arch of being ‘let down’ by the FA.

In other news, this Sky Sports pundit believes this FA ban should have been overturned. Find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are desperate for the Reds to sign Italy star Federico Chiesa after a rumour linked him with a move to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men had a disappointing day at the office on Saturday, drawing 3-3 away to a spirited Brentford side. Some of Liverpool’s defending left a lot to be desired throughout the contest, but they were also wasteful in front of goal when they were 3-2 up.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Reds’ failure to sign another attacker this summer was hugely frustrating, especially with Sadio Mane continuing to struggle – the 29-year-old drew a lot of criticism from Kopites for his performance over the weekend.

Liverpool have now been linked with an exciting move for £63m-rated Juventus winger Chiesa, with Calciomercato claiming [via Anfield Edition on Twitter] claiming that the Merseysiders are showing “strong interest” in him.

The 23-year-old scored twice in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph and has been his club’s third-best performer so far this season according to WhoScored, averaging a match rating of 7.29. He also boasts a respectable goal return of 49 in 200 senior club career games.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans call for Reds to sign Chiesa

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to reveal their happiness at the rumour, urging the Reds to snap up Chiesa.

“With how Juventus are playing it’s very possible. Would be a great signing”

Credit: @LiamMooreLFC

“I’m begging, please sign him. Chiesa’s playing style legit will work under Klopp’s management”

Credit: @Kelroydaily

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @robertorebelo_

“Please”

Credit: @daniel_redv

“This kid is a proper footballer”

Credit: @Callie576

“Do it for the love of God. Incredible player”

Credit: @haroonshaw

In other news, some Liverpool fans were critical of one player’s performance against Brentford. Find out who it is here.