All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

It's patently clear that West Ham United are eager to start a new chapter in east London and replace David Moyes in the dugout when his contract expires next month, though the whole process is rather nebulous at this stage.

But that's okay. The Hammers have almost a month of Premier League football still to play and, while unlikely, a concerted effort must be made in fighting for European qualification.

The Athletic's David Ornstein sent Irons social spheres into a frenzy when revealing that highly-coveted Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is the club's "top target", bringing him to London for face-to-face discussions.

However, Portuguese outlet Record believes Amorim will not be appointed by either West Ham or Premier League rivals Liverpool this summer, and thus plans are being drawn up to identify and obtain the perfect successor to carry on the work completed under Moyes.

West Ham eyeing Ruben Amorim alternative

According to GiveMeSport, West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten has mapped out three possible successors to the manager's role at the London Stadium, with Amorim not included.

Whether this is because this week's negotiations hit a standstill is unknown, but the list is comprised of some exciting names: Bayern Munich's Thomas Tuchel; Lille manager Paulo Fonseca; and Marco Silva of Fulham.

The latter might be viewed as the most pragmatic option, but the Portuguese has worked wonders at Craven Cottage and could be the perfect heir to Moyes' position.

Why West Ham are eyeing Marco Silva

Silva, 46, was reportedly on Tottenham's shortlist last season as the north London outfit sought to rebuild, and while Ange Postecoglou was appointed Silva's credentials were underscored after a masterful return to the top flight with the Cottagers.

Lauded for his "sensational" work by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke last season, finishing in the top half, Silva's Fulham have not quite had the same gusto about them this year but are on course for a comfortable finish, 13th in the standings with a 17-point buffer over the relegation zone.

Citing ambition and courage as the foundation of his philosophy, Silva demands hard graft of his players, instilling discipline and defensive unity. He's not a negative manager though, simply focused on building a steely base to allow his attacking outlets to find space and success in attacking sequences.

Fulham, while boasting an ostensibly inferior attacking contingency, have only scored four fewer goals than West Ham this season, who boast Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio.

He wouldn't differ wildly from Moyes' system but he would refine and polish it, sprinkling some much-needed attacking impetus and refreshing the ranks.

Given that Silva – who secured the double over West Ham in the Premier League this season – has been of long-standing interest to the Irons and has demonstrable prowess on English shores, he might just prove to be the perfect successor to Moyes' place at the helm.

He's not going to implement the kind of gushy sparkling football that Amorim would ostensibly bring from Portugal, but he might just be better suited to West Ham's brand. An upgrade on Moyes, but not a radical revamp.

£108m duo sign: How West Ham's lineup could look under Ruben Amorim

The London Stadium could look very different indeed come August.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2024

It has been a tough week for Arsenal Football Club in their hunt for major silverware under Mikel Arteta, and they were dealt two major blows to Premier League and in particular, Champions League hopes.

The Gunners lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa last Sunday, with a defeat leaving them reeling in second place, two points behind Manchester City. However, with six games still to go, they are not out of the title race by any stretch of the imagination.

On Wednesday, however, Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League by German side Bayern Munich. Thomas Tuchel’s men overcame Arsenal 1-0 at the Allianz Arena, winning 3-2 on aggregate and sending Arteta’s side home to set up a heavyweight semi-final clash against Real Madrid. It was a devastating result for Arsenal, who will now have full focus on trying to catch Pep Guardiola’s City side in the Premier League.

Arteta will have to ensure his side can climb this stumbling block and rectify the result against Wolves on Saturday. It could well be the case that the Spaniard tinkers with his team ahead of their trip to Molineux, following some disappointing performances in Germany, particularly from one of his star wingers.

Gabriel Martinelli's stats vs Bayern Munich

It was certainly a disappointing performance from Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli on Wednesday. He had a big chance in the first half to make it 1-0 to Arsenal, which could have swung the tie, but his effort was saved by Manuel Neuer.

However, crucially, Martinelli let Bayern goalscorer Joshua Kimmich peel away from him and score an unchallenged header which won Tuchel’s men the game. It was a frustrating error from the wide man and one that ultimately cost Arsenal their place in Europe.

Off the ball, Martinelli struggled, winning just three out of his ten ground duels, according to Sofaccore. Frustratingly, he didn’t touch the ball near enough to have a major impact on the game, which was not his fault, but rather a lack of supply from teammates.

Indeed, only Kai Havertz (26 touches) of any starter on the away side had fewer touches than Martinelli's 32. However, he did look after the ball well, completing 100% of his 13 passes.

Martinelli’s error was enough to warrant a 4/10 past match rating, from Goal.com’s Charles Watts. Whilst he did acknowledge Martinelli “worked so hard all night”, the 22-year-old’s mistake for the goal earned him a disappointing overall rating.

The best replacements for Martinelli

In truth, it has been a frustrating season for Brazil international Martinelli, who has only scored eight goals and registered five assists in 38 games in all competitions so far this season. If Arteta does decide to rotate his side and give another player a chance out wide on Saturday, he isn’t short of options in the squad.

The most likely option Arteta could turn to is Leandro Trossard, who has been impressive so far in 2023/24. The Belgian has scored 13 goals and has two assists this season, but has only played 1,830 minutes, the equivalent of 20 full 90s.

In dropping Martinelli, Arteta could perhaps be worried about losing a threat in one-vs-one scenarios. However, Trossard’s take-on numbers stack up well against Martinelli. The 29-year-old has a take-on success rate of 53.8% per 90 minutes in the Premier League, placing him in the top 14% of positionally similar players, as per Fbref. In comparison, the club's no.11 has a take-on success rate of just 34.3% per 90 minutes, placing him in the 17th percentile, according to Fbref, a stark difference.

Trossard may also offer a better option off the ball, too. In the league this season, he ranks in the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90 minutes, with 5.08. In contrast, Martinelli places in the 38th percentile, making 4.08 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. Against an energetic Wolves side, the Belgian could well prove to be the better option for Arteta out of possession.

Arteta’s other options include Reiss Nelson, whose fleeting appearances this season have yielded just one goal and two assists, none coming in the Premier League. The Gunners boss could also start Emile Smith Rowe, who has registered two Premier League assists this term, including one in a superb performance against Luton recently.

Certainly, Arteta has options should he wish to change things up on the left-hand side. Trossard seems the most apt replacement for Martinelli, and could well get a start at Molineux on Saturday night after a good season so far.

Arsenal could've beat Bayern by subbing on star who's made for UCL nights

Mikel Arteta’s substitutions were questionable against Bayern Munich.

ByMatt Dawson Apr 18, 2024

West Bromwich Albion haven't been the most entertaining team to watch in the Championship this season, lacking a Crysencio Summerville-style figure in their ranks like Leeds United possess to regularly wow Baggies supporters.

With the likes of Ipswich Town also scoring 90 goals plus compared to West Brom's goalscoring numbers finishing at just 70, the West Midlands outfit have been steady if a little unspectacular under the careful approach of Carlos Corberan this campaign.

Baggies supporters would love to turn back time and have this explosive star back on their books therefore to raise current excitement levels, with the player in question dazzling second-tier defences for fun when donning a West Brom strip in the early noughties.

Jason Koumas' time at West Brom

Joining in 2002 from Tranmere Rovers, attacking midfielder Jason Koumas would later go down as a cult hero in West Brom quarters for his efforts at the club.

The skilful Welshman would relocate to the West Midlands having bagged 33 goals from 200 games playing in the Wirral, keen to kick on and star for the then Premier League Baggies after leaving his former League One employers behind.

He wouldn't ever really shine at that level for West Brom – only managing to fire in six Premier League goals across his entire career – but it was in the Championship where Koumas would start to pick up stunning goal after stunning goal to add to his Baggies back catalogue.

Koumas' final campaign for West Brom would prove to be his most impactful, picking up an impressive nine goals and 15 assists from 44 games in all competitions before then moving on Wigan.

Going on to be capped 33 times by his country, the only real regret on Koumas' end – who was once described as "mercurial" by Guardian journalist Leon Barton – when his career was over must have been his ineffectiveness to continue playing at the very top in England after making the Championship his playground at points.

The Baggies certainly reaped the rewards from the bargain £2.25m deal in 2002 regardless of Koumas cursing his luck at Premier League level, pulling off the golden move at the best possible time according to Totally Money's Transfer Index.

Jason Koumas' transfer value in 2024

If the same deal between Tranmere and West Brom happened today with inflated costs taken into account, Koumas would cost £11m and no longer look like such a steal.

That would make the now-retired midfielder the most expensive asset in the current West Brom camp by some distance, with Jed Wallace coming in at an inferior £3.5m according to Football Transfers expected transfer value model as the most costly member of Corberan's troops.

West Brom arguably got everything they could out of Koumas as the perfect possible time therefore, with the ex-Cardiff man still remembered to this day for being a maverick at the Hawthorns from his four enthralling seasons at the club before leaving for Wigan.

Grady Diangana can play this role of being an explosive and unpredictable attacker on his day like Koumas in the present, but Corberan will want more of his men to step up and excite supporters, especially with the lottery of the Championship playoffs up next.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

With the transfer window edging ever closer, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first proposal to sign a future star for Eddie Howe to get the Magpies' summer started with a bang.

Newcastle transfer news

PIF certainly aren't messing around ahead of the summer window, having paid such a price for their insufficient squad depth in the current campaign, and look destined to get some of their business done early. According to reports, that business will start with Lloyd Kelly, who is set to leave Bournemouth as a free agent at the end of the season.

Newcastle join the race to sign "one of the best defenders in the world"

What a signing he could be for the Magpies.

ByHenry Jackson May 7, 2024

The left-back, who can also play as a central defender, has reportedly reached an agreement with Newcastle and will complete his switch to St James' Park in the coming months. Following ACL injuries to both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, Kelly's arrival couldn't be better timed to finally ease Newcastle's defensive woes come the start of the next campaign.

The trend of bargain buys will only continue from there too, with Newcastle looking to reinforce their squad and stay clear of any Financial Fair Play punishment at the same time by potentially landing a future star.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have made their first offer to sign Amario Cozier-Duberry on a free deal upon the expiry of his Arsenal deal this summer. The deal is not yet sealed and Arsenal are still in talks over fresh terms themselves, but the proposal is certainly a positive sign of what could be on the horizon.

Still just 18 years old, Cozier-Duberry's potential move to Newcastle could quickly turn into a bargain deal if he reaches his potential in years to come.

"Exciting" Cozier-Duberry can replace Almiron

Whilst Cozier-Duberry's first aim should be to gain some first-team minutes in some way, shape or form if he completes a move to Newcastle, the end goal should be for the winger to replace Miguel Almiron. The teenager can provide the spark down the right-hand side that Almiron has otherwise lacked compared to the last campaign, perhaps indicating that now is the time for a change.

Those at Arsenal, still looking to keep hold of Cozier-Duberry, haven't been shy in their praise, with Jack Wilshere telling The Athletic: "Amario is very exciting and Mikel likes him. He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he's definitely exciting. In some moments he's unplayable.

"You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you've got individuals like that you've got a chance."

Now, it is Newcastle who could be left benefitting from a future star who could be ready to replace Almiron as soon as possible at St James' Park.

Senior officials at Newcastle United are reportedly confident that the club have found the perfect off-field addition this summer, with the decision now in the individual's hands.

Big changes at Newcastle this summer

It looks as though Eddie Howe has done enough to stay on as manager of the Magpies, overcoming a rocky period earlier in the season to eventually come seventh in the Premier League. A sudden change of manager cannot be completely ruled out, should PIF have a big change of heart, but more focus is likely to be on backroom appointments and new signings on the pitch after the boss arrested a mid-season slump.

One of the biggest stories surrounding Newcastle has been the future of director of football Dan Ashworth, who has now been on gardening leave for a number of months, ahead of what looks like a move to Manchester United this season. Work is being done to find a replacement for the highly-rated 53-year-old, with Crystal Palace transfer ace Dougie Freedman emerging as the front-runner to come in.

In terms of signings that could come in before the start of next season, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is reportedly wanted by Howe, as he eyes a reunion with his former player at Bournemouth. An audacious triple raid of Palace trio Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise has also been mooted, which could be more likely to happen if Freedman arrives at St James' Park.

Newcastle table offer for backroom figure

According to a new report from Football Insider, Newcastle have tabled a deal to Freedman to become their new director of football after Ashworth.

The update claims that senior figures at St James' consider him the "perfect replacement" for the Englishman, in what could be a significant appointment. It is stressed that "Palace remain hopeful of keeping the Scotsman and are making attempts to convince him to stay at the club", however, so there is no guarantee that the Magpies will get their man.

It is clear at this point that Ashworth will be United-bound if an agreement can be reached with all parties, but finding a successor is tough, given his reputation in the game. In Freedman, however, the Magpies could have a fantastic successor, with the Scot also a renowned figure in his field who got Guehi, Eze and Olise for a combined £46m in transfer fees

The trio are now thought to be worth a whopping £170m between them, and Palace owner Steve Parish has also heaped praise on the 49-year-old, saying: "[He’s been] really important. He’s a brilliant guy. He was the second manager I had at the club. He was instrumental in us getting promoted. He’s been instrumental, he saved the club [as a player] when we were about to get relegated from the Championship with a last-minute goal at Stockport. He got us promoted while playing for Wolves."

Freedman could see Newcastle as the natural next step in his career, no doubt enjoying his time at Palace but wanting to join a team who are playing in Europe next season.

Player

Signed from

Cost

Mamadou Sakho

Liverpool

£26m

Adam Wharton

Blackburn Rovers

£18.5m

Cheick Doucoure

Lens

£18m

Marc Guehi

Chelsea

£18m

Matheus Franca

Flamengo

£17m

Eberechi Eze

QPR

£16m

Joachim Andersen

Lyon

£15m

Dean Henderson

Manchester United

£15m

The fact that he could also bring some talented Eagles stars with him would be an added bonus, and the importance of nailing his appointment as soon as possible cannot be downplayed, allowing him to get to work on masterminding new additions for Howe.

After sealing promotion to the Premier League, Southampton have reportedly set their sights on a new forward for Russell Martin, with a La Liga ace now added to the list.

Southampton transfer news

Having defeated Leeds United at Wembley to seal play-off promotion, the Saints can set their transfer ambitions higher than they may have been prior to that Wembley trip, which has already seen a number of names linked.

Among those names, for example, has been Jack Clarke, who took the Championship by storm once again at Sunderland last season. Now reportedly ready to leave, it could be Southampton who benefit.

If last season is anything to go by too, promoted sides must get their spending right this summer. Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United all paid the price for summer windows to forget in the end, with all three heading straight back down to the Championship in ruthless fashion. Looking to avoid the same fate, Southampton have seemingly turned their attention towards La Liga.

Southampton could seal "monstrous" ace who'd star alongside Lallana

Southampton won’t be slowing down on the transfer front anytime soon.

ByKelan Sarson May 28, 2024

According to Jack Rosser of The Sun, Southampton are now eyeing a move to sign Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal this summer. The Chile international spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United but has now returned to his La Liga parent club, before potentially heading for the exit door once more this summer.

Having got a glimpse of what the forward can do, the Premier League may get a season-long look at Brereton Diaz's quality if Southampton make their move. After failing to keep Sheffield United up, the former Blackburn Rovers man may feel he has unfinished business in the top flight. With Che Adams yet to sign a new deal at St Mary's too, despite reported new hope, Brereton Diaz could ease Southampton's striker concerns.

"Intelligent" Brereton Diaz can ease Adams blow

Whilst reports suggest that Southampton could yet keep hold of Adams, the Saints would be wise to prepare for the Scot's potential exit this summer, which is where Brereton Diaz could come in. A player with international and Premier League experience, Brereton Diaz, who earns a reported £35k-a-week, is also still just 25 years old and may finally rediscover his best form in a full season in England's top flight.

What's more, the Chile international has certainly impressed since switching nationalities, with former manager Eduardo Berizzo saying via The Lancashire Telegraph: “Brereton is very intelligent in his movement and found himself behind rival defenders several times. He was not given the goal, but he is a footballer with many qualities, he did a great performance despite the fact that his league in England stopped a long time ago."

With six Premier League goals in 14 games on loan at Sheffield United, it's clear that Brereton Diaz has the quality to step up to the Premier League on a permanent basis, potentially going a long way to helping Southampton keep hold of their rediscovered top-flight status.

Liverpool have a problem, and his name is Darwin Nunez. Of course, the nature of a problem suggests that there is a solution, and the Uruguay international has a superabundance of quality to point toward a long and prosperous future at Anfield.

But Liverpool have a problem. It lies at the centre of Nunez's stylish skill set, pervading like a stain. The club's record-fee striker is not clinical enough, scoring just 20 goals from 65 appearances in the Premier League after transferring from SL Benfica for a fee rising to £85m in the summer of 2022 and missing a staggering 47 big chances across his two league campaigns.

Poor finishing and questionable conduct at the end of Jurgen Klopp's reign have left Nunez alienated somewhat, with fans polarised and transfer rumours now surfacing concerning centre-forwards.

Michael Edwards, FSG's CEO of Football, has the trust of the Reds faithful, a proven negotiator and an astute marksman in the market, and an exciting Nunez replacement to charge Arne Slot's system has emerged.

Liverpool lining up Slot favourite

According to TV Azteca, Feyenoord centre-forward Santiago Gimenez is disillusioned by Slot's departure and now wishes to try his hand in a top division such as the Premier League, having forged a name as one of the Dutch Eredivisie's standout strikers.

Suitors for such a talented player are hardly few and far between, and lo and behold, Slot's Liverpool are among the contenders for the Mexican's signature, with Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Southampton also registering an interest.

The fee required to prise Gimenez away from Feyenoord has been changeable over recent months but GiveMeSport speak of an £87m outlay to convince the 2022/23 Eredivisie champions to part ways.

Santiago Gimenez's style of play

Gimenez would provide Liverpool with the closest thing to a first-choice out-and-out centre-forward since the days of Daniel Sturridge, such has been the fluidity and dynamism of Klopp's frontline over the past near-decade.

Standing at 5 foot 11, Gimenez is not the most physically imposing of strikers but he does use his body and movements to emphatic effect, ensuring that his innate shooting quality is harnessed, chances unearthed in excess.

And this is backed up by some astounding shooting numbers, scoring 49 goals and adding 13 assists from just 85 matches for Feyenoord – including merely 66 starts – with 21 goals and eight assists arriving during the recently completed campaign.

Indeed, as per FBref, the 23-year-old ranks among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to the Eredivisie over the past year for non-penalty goals scored, the top 7% for assists, the top 2% for touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 21% for progressive carries and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.

Last season, during Slot's brilliant league title triumph, the Argentina-born Mexico international scored 28 goals in all competitions but found a role from the outset just 21 times in the Dutch first division, clearly improving and earning greater trust from Slot, his now-former manager.

He had joined Feyenoord from Cruz Azul that summer, swiftly proving himself a fierce goalscorer and leading Dirk Kuyt to hail him as "the best striker in the Eredivisie".

High praise indeed, but supporters will rightly be wary of parting with a significant sum for a player from the Netherlands after the litany of wayward arrivals to the Premier League in recent years, notably Manchester United's £86m transfer of Antony from Ajax.

But Gimenez boasts the swagger and skill to score goals on tap at a team such as Liverpool, which has been begging for a top-class finisher this season, having created the most big chances in the English top flight this season (102).

Nunez has been at the epicentre of criticisms regarding the Anfield side's profligacy, but with a player like Gimenez installed as the focal frontman, there's no telling how slick Slot's set-up might be next term.

Why Slot wants to reunite with Gimenez

While it might feel like Slot's arrival on Merseyside would see loose stories surrounding former players filter through, such is the nature of the rumour mill, there is a measure of believability behind Gimenez's possible transfer.

The sharpshooter offers a clinical threat beyond that of Nunez, without a doubt, but he has also avoided more than a smattering of injury concerns since moving to Europe.

Apps

96

85

Starts

59

66

Goals

33

49

Assists

17

13

G/A Rate

0.52

0.73

While the Premier League plays at a level higher than that of the Eredivisie, Gimenez boasts some positive underlying numbers that suggest he is ready for the step up, not least because of his proven track record under Slot, significantly outperforming Nunez in regard to goals and assists and even been hailed for his "unstoppable" striking by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Nunez, it is important to note, scored 34 goals and added four assists from 41 matches during the 2021/22 season, his last with Benfica, and scored against Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

But he's lacking in composure and temperament when falling into promising positions, something that Gimenez has proven to avoid tarnishing his skill set.

The club aan de Maas striker has scored 38 goals and missed 39 big chances in the Eredivisie since initially linking up in 2022. To put that in perspective, Manchester City's Erling Haaland has scored 63 Premier League goals across two campaigns but he has also missed 62 big chances.

What does that tell us? It certainly reveals Gimenez's natural goalscoring quality, something that Nunez – if you hark back to the start of the discussion – is missing, having converted just 20 of his 67 big chances in the league for Liverpool.

Gimenez is hardly a poacher either, eager to drive the ball forward and enjoy plenty of possession. If Feyenoord will accept and acquiesce to their striker's desire to raise the bar in his career, Liverpool might just be the perfect destination.

£85,000-a-week Liverpool "lifesaver" could repeat Henderson blow for Slot

This would be a frustrating start for Slot.

ByTom Cunningham May 31, 2024

The summer transfer window officially opens for business later this month and Arsenal appear to be in the market to land a new centre-forward to bolster their squad.

Mikel Arteta ended the 2023/24 campaign with Kai Havertz as his preferred number nine, despite the former Chelsea man starting the season in a central midfield role, eventually bumping Brazil international Gabriel Jesus down the pecking order.

The German attacker ended with a respectable 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances for the Gunners in his first year at The Emirates.

However, his impressive form in front of goal has not been enough to prevent Edu from pursuing alternative number nine options who could come in and lead the line next term.

Decision coming soon on big Arsenal target

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal believe that they are the favourites to secure a deal to sign RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko during the summer transfer window. The report claims that Premier League rivals Chelsea and teams from Saudi Arabia are also interested in snapping up the Slovenia international, with six clubs in the running to land his signature.

It also states that the player's representatives have indicated that they want to have a decision on his future wrapped up before the European Championships start later this week, in order to ensure that his concentration is solely on the upcoming tournament.

This means that a final call on Sesko's next club, or if he will remain with the German side, is coming over the next few days, and the Gunners seemingly believe that they are in the driving seat right now.

The 21-year-old marksman has a £55m release clause in his current contract with the Bundesliga outfit and any of the interested parties will need to activate that in order to sign him, but they may not wish to do that until the player has made his decision this week.

Why Arsenal should sign Benjamin Sesko

This latest update should come as good news to Arsenal supporters, as the Slovenian starlet could be a fantastic addition to Arteta's squad ahead of next season. The Gunners should sign the young gem as he is a ruthless finisher who could provide them with a reliable number nine, who can more than make the most of the chances are created for him.

Declan Rice

3.79

7

3.21

Leandro Trossard

8.92

12

3.08

Ben White

1.36

4

2.64

Oleksandr Zinchenko

0.67

1

0.33

Takehiro Tomiyasu

1.9

2

0.1

As you can see in the table above, neither Havertz nor Jesus were among the most efficient finishers within the Arsenal squad in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Sesko rifled in 14 goals from an xG of 8.02 in the Bundesliga, which is an overperformance of 5.98. That would have placed him top of the list for the Gunners as the most ruthless goalscorer in the team.

Arsenal ready to make offer for £102m-rated Thomas Partey replacement

Arsenal are looking to replace Thomas Partey this summer.

ByJosh Barker Jun 10, 2024

The Leipzig star, who was hailed as a "menace" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has showcased his potential to be incredibly efficient in front of goal, which is why he could be a fantastic signing to bolster Arteta's attack and improve the team ahead of next season.

Everton are believed to be readying an approach for a "special" player in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Everton transfer news

The Blues continue to be linked with new signings ahead of next season, with Newcastle United youngster Yankuba Minteh a player who was being looked at, though he now seems set to join Lyon.

Iliman Ndiaye is a target who has been lined up as a replacement for the possible loss of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the Marseille ace described as a "ridiculously talented" footballer who could add quality and unpredictability in the final third.

Meanwhile, Wilfred Ndidi stood out as one of the leading midfielders in the Championship last season, playing an important role in Leicester City returning to the Premier League, and he is being looked at as an upgrade on the ageing Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park at Goodison Park.

Midfield additions could also be important for Everton before the 2024/25 campaign gets underway, and Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove is also reportedly wanted by the Blues, being seen as a player who could link effectively with Jack Harrison.

Everton want "special" Championship winger

According to Football Insider, Everton are "readying an approach" for Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto this summer, with the Blues "turning their attention to a new move" for the Italian.

The Merseysiders came close to snapping up the £20,000-a-week attacker last summer and "have continued to closely monitor his progress at Leeds". It is also believed that he is "keen to move on after failing to secure promotion back to the Premier League with the Whites".

Gnonto could be just what Everton and Sean Dyche are looking for in terms of attacking reinforcements in the summer window, standing out as a young player with a huge amount of potential.

Admittedly, the youngster was outperformed by Crysencio Summerville for Leeds last season, but that's not to say that he didn't impress for the Whites, too, scoring eight goals in the Championship, which is more than any Blues player managed in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, former coach Michael Skubala has lauded him in the past, saying: "He’s a great lad, he’s a special player. He’s a credit to Leeds, he’s a credit to himself and he’s a really nice player to work with."

At just 20, Gnonto is still raw in aspects of his game, but his all-round end product should only improve with age, and Everton could end up enjoying the best years of his career.

Imagine him & Minteh: Everton one of the favourites to sign £20m star

The Toffees are at the front of the pack for this Premier League star.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2024

To be a 13-cap Italy international this quickly says a lot about his ability and long-term ceiling, and if the Blues can beat others to his signature this summer, it could end up being a wonderful piece of business as the years pass.

Whisper it quietly, but things are starting to fall into place at Goodison Park. Everton are far from out of the woods concerning their ownership situation and the fears surrounding breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability (PSR) rules have not faded away entirely.

Still, with Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey recently sold, focus has been turned to bringing in fresh faces, with reports suggesting that the Toffees are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Hull City winger Jaden Philogene.

Matches played

32

Goals

12

Assists

6

Pass completion

83%

Big chances created

7

Shots per game

3.6

Key passes per game

1.6

Dribbles per game

2.7

Ball recoveries per game

4.2

Tackles per game

2.4

Duels won per game

7.6

The 22-year-old Philogene has been praised for his "unbelievable" performances by The Second Tier podcast host Justin Peach, and for the mooted £16m price tag, it could be a steal for the Merseysiders as they look to build a team tailored for success.

Indeed, last term the tricky winger found the net on 12 occasions, further registering six assists. Simply, this would be a superb signing for the Toffees.

However, while Everton are hoping to bring in talented targets such as Philogene, retaining the services of the top talents in the current crop is arguably way more important.

There's even one, who like the Hull star, had an earlier education in the EFL.

Jarrad Branthwaite's transfer situation

You never know, Jarrad Branthwaite might still be plying his trade on Merseyside's blue half next season, with Everton's shrewd transfer dealings over the past several weeks mitigating PSR concerns.

The Toffees know all too well the dangers of breaching the Premier League's financial boundaries, having being hit with an eight-point deduction last season. Despite this, the dreaded dotted line remained safely in the distance and the Toffees avoided the depths of the division.

Fans hope to see some greater attacking intent but know that sustaining Dyche's steely base is imperative to any success, and retaining Branthwaite's services would go a long way toward achieving this.

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Manchester United failed with a lowball £35m offer earlier this summer but recent developments suggest that a £160k-per-week contract has been agreed between the Red Devils and the player.

However, Everton are holding out for much, much more, serving as a glowing representation of Branthwaite's rise to the forefront of the defensive game.

Jarrad Branthwaite's market value in 2024

A veritable wall at 6 foot 5, Branthwaite played an instrumental role in Everton's successful 2023/24 campaign, forging a rock-sold partnership with James Tarkowski and keeping 12 clean sheets across 35 Premier League matches.

1. William Saliba

18

2. David Raya

16

3. Gabriel

15

4. Jordan Pickford

14

4= James Tarkowski

14

4= Ben White

14

4= Martin Odegaard

14

8. Jarrad Branthwaite

12

9. Manuel Akanji

11

9= James Garner

11

9= Rodri

11

He also ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs in the English top flight last season for tackles, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 18% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, backing up the claim of talent scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".

If that's not enough, the England international also came out on top in 68% of his contested duels, making 5.9 ball recoveries per game to emphasise his robust athleticism.

This all comes together to form the archetype for a pretty brilliant defender, and it's hardly a surprise that Manchester United have a vested interest in his signature after observing such skills over the past year.

For that reason, Everton are probably justified in demanding that they are presented with an £80m proposal if they are to part with their talent. That's quite the fee for a player who arrived from Carlisle United in 2020.

That lofty valuation actually marks Branthwaite as five times more valuable than the earlier-mentioned Philogene, who is a highly sought-over talent in the Premier League right now.

This shows just how good Everton's prized defender really is. The outfit's record sale still stands as Man United's £75m signing of Romelu Lukaku in 2017, and there's a good chance that Branthwaite could pip the Belgium to top spot with a move to Old Trafford.

Everton won't want to sell their jewel, but regardless, Branthwaite is truly one of the glittering gems on the Premier League scene – his club have hit the jackpot and then some, whatever happens next.

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