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Arsenal fans slam Lacazette vs Burnley

Many Arsenal fans have been slamming the performance of Alexandre Lacazette in their 0-0 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Frenchman was guilty of squandering a number of very good chances for the Gunners, including one in the second half where there was an empty net glaring and he poked his shot wide.

He did not have the best of games in general, being the only Arsenal player to record fewer touches (31) than his own goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (42), while he also lost out on three of his duels and gave the ball away eight times in total (SofaScore).

With two points dropped at home to rock-bottom Burnley, Mikel Arteta must be thinking about signing a top striker between now and the end of the January transfer window, considering the number of chances that Lacazette missed as he failed to hit the target with any of his three shots.

Arsenal fans slam Lacazette

These Arsenal fans slammed the 30-year-old’s performance on Twitter, with one Gooner going as far as to claim that he was ‘terrible’ today:

“Lacazette is costing us A TOP 4 FINISH”

Credit: @afcmyst

“Lacazette is terrible”

Credit: @Bilaal_Teebash

“Lacazette should just leave man. Its painful to see him playing for Arsenal”

Credit: @Elvo_L

“Lacazette having a stinker.”

Credit: @Ataguba

“Lacazette is useless as a striker”

Credit: @AFCTwimbo

“Lacazette is so so bad”

Credit: @afcdaniel17

In other news, find out whose display against Liverpool was slammed by many Gooners

West Brom begins talks with Connor Goldson

West Bromwich Albion are interested in a deal to bring Connor Goldson to The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scottish Sun, who claim that Valerien Ismael’s Albion side, as well as Nottingham Forest, are in talks with the Rangers centre-back regarding a pre-contract deal, with the 29-year-old having been free to discuss terms with potential suitors since January 1 as his contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season.

The report goes on to state that, despite the reigning Premiership champions being in talks with the defender regarding a new deal throughout the current campaign, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man looks certain to leave the light blues this summer, with Gers having already sealed Goldson’s replacement in John Souttar.

Goldson would solve a major issue

While it is true that Ismael currently has seven centre-backs in his first-team squad, the fact remains that, should West Brom go on to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, a number of the Baggies’ current options in the position will need upgrading upon.

Indeed, the performances of Cedric Kipre have been something of a problem for Albion this season with some claiming it’s inconceivable he’s still in the team, while Kean Bryan has also struggled to stake a claim on a starting spot in the Frenchman’s XI.

Furthermore, while Matt Clarke has been impressive when he has been fit – averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.89 – he will more than likely be heading back to Brighton upon the expiry of his loan deal this summer.

As such, it would seem a wise move for Ismael to address his issues at centre-back as quickly as possible, and, considering just how impressive Goldson has been during his three and a half year spell in Glasgow, the defender would very much appear to make an excellent addition to the Baggies’ backline.

Indeed, over his 38 Premiership appearances last season, the £7.2m-rated centre-back helped his side keep an astonishing 26 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, three clearances and winning 6.8 duels – at a success rate of 71% – per game.

The player who Steven Gerrard dubbed “outstanding” also chipped in for his side in an attacking capacity, scoring four goals, providing two assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 0.5 key passes per fixture.

These returns saw the £27k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.39, ranking him as the club’s third-best performer in the league last time out.

As such, it would indeed appear as if Goldson would be a fantastic signing for Ismael to get over the line this winter, particularly as the 29-year-old would not cost West Brom a penny in transfer fees.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops transfer update that will have West Brom fans buzzing

Leeds could still seal Aaronson move

Leeds United could still sign RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson in a dramatic late twist on deadline day.

The Lowdown: Aaronson wanted by Leeds

The 21-year-old has been continually linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks, as they look to seal a significant January reinforcement.

Leeds are believed to have had a number of bids for Aaronson rejected, with Salzburg still wanting him to play a key role in their Champions League campaign.

It was certainly beginning to look like the reigning Austrian champion would stay at his current club until the summer, with Phil Hay even reporting the Whites are prepared to wait until then, but a fresh twist has now emerged.

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The Latest: Late chance for Leeds

According to Calciomercato, Victor Orta and Leeds will make a ‘last attempt’ tonight to acquire Aaronson’s services in a dramatic move before Monday’s cutoff.

AC Milan are also believed to be eyeing up a late move for the USA international, however, in what could be a busy few hours at the end of the month.

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The Verdict: Major deadline day boost

If Leeds did manage to sign Aaronson on deadline day, it would feel like an almighty bonus at a time when midfield additions are required.

With Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw both out injured, Marcelo Bielsa is short of options at a key point in the season, highlighting why the Salzburg man’s arrival would be significant.

Not only that, the lift it would give the fans would be enormous, with many perhaps still reeling from the club’s infamous ‘don’t go to bed just yet’ tweet from 2014.

With 22 goals involvements in 51 appearances – 10 goals and 12 assists – Aaronson could bring much-needed guile and firepower in the middle of the park, at a time when only Raphinha (eight) has scored more than four Premier League goals for Leeds this season.

In other news, two key Leeds deadline day rumours have emerged. Read more here.

Wolves’ Neves eyed for summer transfer

Wolves recently said a temporary farewell to one of their key players in recent years, with Adama Traore moving to his former club Barcelona on loan until the end of the season and the possibility of a permanent move in the summer.

Amid that departure, it seems as though the Midlands club may be in danger of losing one of their other key players once the summer transfer window opens.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook was discussing the possibility of transfer interest from other clubs in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves during the summer transfer window.

He said: “The summer’s interesting because there’s a lot of big clubs in for Ruben Neves, not just Manchester United, but some big clubs on the continent as well.”

Wolves signed Neves in 2017 from FC Porto when the Old Gold were still in the Championship. Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make himself a crucial figure for the team by racking up 197 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with 22 goals and 11 assists along the way.

Fans will be sweating

Taking into account what Crook had to say on the matter and that the Portuguese international has been linked with a move away from Molineux in recent months, the summer transfer window could be a very tense period for Wolves fans who may be sweating over the 24-year-old’s future.

With fellow Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho seeing his current contract at the club expire at the end of the season, it would surely be a disaster for the Old Gold if both he and Neves ended up leaving in the same transfer window given how important they both are to Bruno Lage’s side, having played more minutes in the league than any other Wolves midfielders this season.

In terms of Neves, while his contract isn’t set to run out until 2024, it could be worth the Molineux hierarchy approaching him and his representatives to see if he would be willing to sign an extension to his current deal and pledge his future to the Midlands club, thus warding off any potential transfer interest from other prospective suitors.

In other news – Forget Dendoncker: Lage could save Wolves millions by unleashing “outstanding” 19 y/o

Newcastle transfer news on Blas

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘interested’ in signing Nantes midfielder Ludovic Blas in the summer.

The Lowdown: Salah comparisons

Mo Salah is having yet another remarkable season for Liverpool, as having already bagged the Carabao Cup, he is currently the outright top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals so far, while he has also made ten assists (BBC).

Thus, to be compared to him is some praise indeed, and that is exactly what former Reds man Pedro Chirivella has done when discussing Blas, putting his teammate in the same breath as ex-teammates Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho (So Foot).

He also described Blas as a ‘pure talent’ and an ‘incredible’ and ‘spectacular’ player (So Foot), and so the 24-year-old looks to have a very bright future ahead of him.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

As per Italian football journalist Rudy Galetti, the St. James’ Park faithful, as well as West Ham United, are now ‘interested’ in Blas, who ‘could leave’ Nantes this summer.

The Ligue 1 club value the attacking midfield player at around €20m (£16.7m).

The Verdict: Sign

Given his rave reviews, and the fact that he is only 24, Blas could turn out to be a real bargain at just under £17m.

He has scored no fewer than 12 goals and made a further two assists in 32 matches over all competitions, mainly operating from an attacking midfield role (Transfermarkt), which would be useful in easing the goalscoring burden off of the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Interestingly, he also shares the same agent as both Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, two players who were signed by the North East club in the January transfer window, and so this is a deal that should definitely be doable.

In other news, find out what ‘huge boost’ NUFC have now received here!

Huge setback in Man United manager hunt

Manchester United are still firmly locked into their manager search as they set out to find Ralf Rangnick’s successor to take over at Old Trafford this summer, but there has been some worrying reports emerging from the dressing room that could be a huge setback for the club.

What’s the word?

According to Manchester Evening News, the Manchester United dressing room is split over the potential appointment of Erik Ten Hag, who is currently one of the favourites to become the new manager at the club this summer.

The report suggests that many of the United players are feeling positive and excited at the prospect of working with the Dutch coach, however, sources close to some of the players say Ten Hag is an ‘underwhelming’ choice for the role.

Supporters will be furious

There is no doubt that Ten Hag has become one of the favoured choices to take the wheel at Old Trafford this summer amongst supporters, and this latest reported dressing room leak will surely leave fans furious.

To say Man United have had an underwhelming season after finishing second the season before is an understatement, with the side crashing out of every competition and struggling to gain a position inside the top four to qualify for Champions League football next season, now three points adrift from Arsenal and Spurs in 7th.

The Red Devils will now go another season trophy-less leaving them in their longest trophy drought in four decades, and the appointment of a manager like the Dutchman, who has led Ajax to two league titles, winning five Dutch trophies in the last four years, is becoming desperate for Man United who have fallen far from their winning ways of the past.

This is not the first time that there have been reported leaks from the dressing room either, with numerous reports coming out that 17 players wanted to leave the club back in January, with Rio Ferdinand claiming there are “bad eggs” who “make it uncomfortable for everyone” when reflecting on the problems behind the scenes.

With that being said, the lack of harmony in the squad could be extremely off-putting for Ten Hag as he is speculated to have a number of choices amid interest from other clubs this summer, and this latest setback with the players split over his potential appointment will surely not be helpful in the Red Devils pursuit of the 52-year-old manager.

In other news: Rangnick must wield the axe on “embarrassing” £180k-p/w MUFC dud this summer

West Ham: Insider makes Zinchenko claim

According to club insider Claret & Hugh, there has been an intriguing update out of West Ham United as GSB target versatile Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Lowdown: Moyes set sights on left-back?

While manager David Moyes has mostly been tipped to bolster West Ham’s central defensive and striking options, there have also been links to full-back targets in recent months.

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The likes of Antonee Robinson (Fulham) and Aaron Hickey (Bologna) are allegedly on Moyes’ radar with doubts surrounding Arthur Masuaku’s future in east London.

First choice Aaron Cresswell is also nearing the twilight phase of his career, meaning the Hammers may have to contemplate alternatives to the Englishman sooner rather than later.

Sharing an update, C&H have now shared some interesting news involving Zinchenko.

The Latest: Insider makes Zinchenko claim…

According to their Man City sources, the 25-year-old is ‘set to become the perfect target’ for GSB and West Ham as Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola reportedly sets his sights on a new left-back at Eastlands.

Indeed, as per the insider, this could make Zinchenko contemplate his future at the club and Moyes is personally a ‘huge admirer’ of the makeshift defender.

They also go on to say that City value their man at around £40 million.

The Verdict: Superb option…

Still young, possessing bags of experience and having played semi-regularly in a star-studded squad over the last few seasons, we believe Zinchenko stands out as an incredible option for the Irons.

The Ukraine international’s versatility could also be a great asset for Moyes with Zinchenko adept at full-back and almost anywhere in an advanced midfield role (WhoScored).

Called a ‘magnificent player’ by Guardiola this season, the utility man also played an underrated role in City’s run to the 2021 Champions League final – putting on an impressive semi-final display against Paris-Saint Germain in particular.

While a move may be difficult, with Zinchenko’s high valuation potentially coming as a stumbling block, there is little denying he would upgrade Moyes’ roster.

In other news: Moyes transfer plan takes twist as West Ham enter pole position for ‘sensational’ player, find out more here.

Leeds: Adam Pope shares details of transfer meeting

Leeds United correspondent Adam Pope has shared details of a transfer meeting between Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta.

The Lowdown: Next few months will be key

The Whites still don’t know what division they will be playing in for 2022/23 ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge at Elland Road.

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After Saturday’s trip to Watford, Leeds now sit nine points clear of the relegation zone with six games remaining.

Three points at Vicarage Road appear to have gone a long way in their attempts to avoid the drop, and Marsch and Orta met prior to the clash to discuss the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Pope on Leeds transfer plans

Pope, who was at Thorp Arch on Thursday afternoon for Marsch’s press conference, tweeted that both Marsch and Orta met on Wednesday to create profiles of who they want to sign.

He added that no decisions were made in regards to incomings and outgoings following discussions.

The Verdict: Good news

It is positive to know that Orta will now understand what type of player Marsch is seeking, and should the club remain in the top flight, it could be an exciting window for the Leeds faithful.

Reports have hinted that Brenden Aaronson remains a target, while a new striker, full-back reinforcements and finding cover for the exit-linked Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha could also be on the agenda.

They first need to guarantee a third season of Premier League football, but the club are already making transfer preparations under the American, which can only be good news.

In other news – 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move

Downie reveals Howe news at Newcastle

Keith Downie has revealed some enticing news that he has now heard from Newcastle United involving Eddie Howe.

The Lowdown: Another win for Newcastle

The manager won his eighth game in charge of the Tyneside club on Friday night as they beat Wolves 1-0 at St James’ Park thanks to a penalty from Chris Wood.

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They have had an amazing turnaround since the departure of Steve Bruce and now find themselves 10 points clear of the relegation zone with just seven games left to play this season.

The Latest: Downie reveals Howe effect

Speaking to This Is Futbol, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that Howe’s work ‘behind the scenes’ has been noted by the players. He stated:

“Without doubt, he puts so much work in behind the scenes and you hear that from the players who talk about him, and I think that has shown in the performances and the results.”

The Verdict: Enticing

It certainly is enticing to hear of how much Howe is committing to Newcastle and just how much his work is being appreciated by the players.

Things got pretty toxic in the end under Bruce, with reports of some players being ‘angry’ with him over his tactics and training schedule.

Nonetheless, they seem to have settled very quickly under Howe, which is impressive considering the number of fresh faces who came through the door in the January transfer window.

The Magpies now look all but safe from relegation in the Premier League, when the situation looked rather bleak before Howe came in.

In other news, find out which Toon target scored a goal and supplied an assist this weekend

Sunderland dealt double injury blow

Alex Neil has given a post-match update on injury issues on two defenders in the team and it’s bad news for Sunderland.

What’s the latest?

The Black Cats boss confirmed that Dennis Cirkin will be out for the last two games and gave an update (via Northern Echo) on Carl Winchester who was forced off the pitch against Cambridge early into the first half of the game.

“It’s an injury issue with Dennis. In terms of his return, providing we extend the season (get into the playoffs), then I’d be very hopeful that Dennis would play a part.”

“Winny has hurt his groin, but the extent of it, I can’t tell you at the moment,”

“If Dennis and Winny are going to be missing now, there may well be an opportunity for Callum to play.”

Bad news for Sunderland

Losing two key players at such a crucial stage of the season will certainly be bad news for Sunderland supporters and the team ahead of their final push for a playoff spot for a chance at promotion to the Championship in the last two games.

The Mackems are currently fourth in the League One table following their win over Cambridge United, however, the top six is so tight that there is only a point difference in Sunderland’s current position and the seventh spot currently occupied by Sheffield Wednesday, who like Alex Neil’s side have an extra game to play compared to the rest of the top six.

Winchester has only missed four games over the entire season and has been heavily relied upon by his new manager since his arrival in February playing every single game in the eleven-game unbeaten run Sunderland are enjoying right now. Thus, his loss will definitely be felt in the team if he won’t be available to play in the remaining games.

Cirkin has just missed eight games this season due to groin surgery earlier in the campaign but has again been heavily involved in the success since Alex Neil’s arrival, playing the full 90 minutes in every single game the Scotsman has managed so far. That has seemingly taken its toll in the final throws of the season as he is likely to be completely ruled out for the rest of the term.

With that being said, losing two crucial players in the backline will surely be a devastating blow for the side but Neil will be hoping that Sunderland have enough to take them over the line to secure a playoff spot over the final games.

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