Arsenal 21 y/o Wanted By German And English Clubs

Journalist Charles Watts has revealed that young Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is likely to leave this summer having "caught the attention" of clubs in England and Germany.

Who will Arsenal sell this summer?

Mikel Arteta and co will likely be set for a busy summer with a number of new incomings expected. For instance, £200m might be needed to land targets Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

Of course, though, some exits will happen too and Granit Xhaka is one player who could bring in some money – around £13m to be exact – as he looks set to join Bayer Leverkusen.

The Premier League club will offload over lower-profile players too, and it seems as though 21-year-old goalkeeper Okonkwo could be on the list of summer departures.

Indeed, when talking on his YouTube channel, the journalist how the youngster has caught the eye both at home and abroad with some impressive loan spells.

He explained (5:40): "Arthur Okonkwo, obviously the very young goalkeeper at Arsenal – very highly rated.

"My understanding is there's lots of interest in him this summer. A move looks very likely, he's had a very good loan spell – two very good loan spells in fact.

He added (6:27): "He's caught the attention of a lot of clubs, both in England, but abroad as well, especially in Germany; I believe there's lots of interest in him. he's only got a year left on his contract."

Who is Arthur Okonkwo?

Last summer, the goalkeeper went on loan to Crewe Alexandra before then heading to Austria in January to finish the campaign with Sturm Graz.

He evidently impressed a great deal in that period as Watts now reports he has suitors in both countries ahead of a possible exit from Arsenal.

He played 26 times for the League Two side, keeping 10 clean sheets while in the Austrian Football Bundesliga, he has played 14 games, losing just four times and winning the rest with four clean sheets to his name too.

An England youth international at under-18 level (who can also present Nigeria), Okonkwo has been at the club since joining the Hale End Academy as an eight-year-old but has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners (but has played in pres-eason matches).

Aaron Ramsdale and Mikel Arteta

With Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner ahead of him in the pecking order though, he might feel as though his career will be better off if he leaves this summer with the promise of regular minutes at a new club.

Celtic: Ange Must Brutally Ditch £2.5m Flop Vs St Mirren

Celtic put in a disappointing performance last time out as they were beaten 3-0 in the Old Firm clash with their rivals at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.

Ange Postecoglou's side have already been crowned champions of the division for the 2022/23 campaign and allowed their standards to slip in the defeat last weekend.

The Hoops now have a chance to react to that result by putting St Mirren to the sword at Parkhead this afternoon in their 36th league match of the season.

Postecoglou could make a number of changes to his starting XI, however, after a number of poor individual performances against Michael Beale's team.

Will Hyeon-gyu Oh start against St Mirren?

South Korea international Hyeon-gyu Oh must be ruthlessly ditched from the side this afternoon after his woeful showing at Ibrox last weekend.

The centre-forward, who joined from Suwon Bluewings for £2.5m in January, was provided with a huge opportunity to showcase his quality in the Premiership's showpiece event and failed to grasp it.

Oh started ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi, who has scored 24 league goals this term, in what was a bold call and did nothing to prove that he should be starting more matches moving forward.

Celtic forward Hyeon-gyu Oh.

The 22-year-old played 63 minutes of the 3-0 defeat and struggled badly in and out of possession – as per Sofascore, the dud only had seven touches of the ball and missed one 'big chance' to go along with his solitary completed pass.

This shows that the Korean forward did not do enough to get involved in the match and was left isolated on his own up front, whilst the lightweight also flopped in the one moment he had to make an impact by failing to score the aforementioned 'big chance'.

Oh's lack of presence in the no.9 position was on full display as the striker lost 100% (2/2) of his physical duels and this shows that the attacker did not put his body about to cause issues for the opposition's defenders and that led to his lack of involvement in possession.

The January dud did not show enough of a desire to force himself into the game and Postecoglou must ruthlessly ditch him from the XI in order to bring Celtic's top scorer back into the side.

Kyogo has scored 24 goals in 29 Premiership starts this season and has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer for the Hoops, which is why he should start through the middle ahead of the underwhelming Oh, who flopped in the Old Firm clash, today.

USA, Canada set to revive Auty Cup rivalry

The oldest bilateral rivalry in international cricket is set to be revived later this year with the resumption of the KA Auty Cup series between USA and Canada, which has been tentatively scheduled in Los Angeles in October.The series was last played in 2013 as a two-day match, a 50-over game and a Twenty20 doubleheader in King City, outside of Toronto. The series was shelved in 2014 and 2015 as the boards of both countries ran into financial difficulties. However, discussions have taken place between Cricket Canada and ICC officials, acting in their caretaker role overseeing USA cricket, to restart it.”One of the advantages of the ICC being intimately involved here is that we care about all the members in the region,” Tim Anderson, ICC head of global development, told ESPNcricinfo. “We understand that Cricket Canada hasn’t had a lot of international exposure recently. So we thought that maybe it’s a good idea to get Canada involved with some preparation that helps them and helps USA.”Though Anderson says the series has not been confirmed, a source in Los Angeles has told ESPNcricinfo that a tentative agreement has been reached to play the Auty Cup at Woodley Park on the weekend prior to ICC WCL Division Four, which is set to be played at the same venue. Media reports out of Jersey – one of the six participants in Division Four along with USA, Bermuda, Oman, Italy and Denmark – state that teams have been informed that the tournament will be played from October 29 to November 5. ESPNcricinfo’s sources have confirmed being notified by ICC officials of the same dates, but the governing body has yet to make a formal announcement. The top two teams will be promoted to Division Three, where Canada currently sits with Uganda, Singapore and Malaysia.The proposed Auty Cup games would be the first fixtures of any kind for both countries since the 2015 ICC World T20 Qualifier in Ireland and Scotland last July. USA finished fifth in Group A with three wins and three losses while Canada went winless to finish last in Group B.The Auty Cup rivalry dates back to 1844 when Canada beat the USA by 23 runs in a three-day match in New York. Canada are the current holders of the Auty Cup, having retained the trophy after claiming first-innings points in a drawn two-day match in 2013. The last time the two teams squared off with the Auty Cup not at stake was in 2015 at the ICC Americas Division One Twenty20 championship in Indianapolis, where Canada won, also by 23 runs.

Tottenham’s 35 y/o Candidate Had "Ruled Himself Out" Of Vacancy

Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Julian Nagelsmann 'ruled himself out quite early' regarding the vacancy at Hotspur Way, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest news involving Julian Nagelsmann?

As per The Independent, Nagelsmann has given Spurs an ultimatum if he is to become the new manager of the club. The 35-year-old is said to want to take over in north London in the summer while also demanding that he has the final say on any incoming transfers at the Lilywhites.

The report states that if the German coach doesn't fancy taking up the opportunity of becoming Tottenham boss, then it is likely that Feyenoord's Arne Slot will come into consideration as the 'leading contender'.

Several other candidates have been linked with the role, such as Luis Enrique, Brendan Rodgers, Ange Postecoglou and Vincent Kompany.

Of course, Spurs have already engaged in a managerial shuffle on an interim level this week, as caretaker Cristian Stellini was fired following their dismal 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, being replaced by his assistant Ryan Mason who will take charge until the end of the season.

In his first game in charge, Mason and his side will take on Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, in a match that could be pivotal to keeping their slim hopes of Champions League qualification alive.

On the subject of Nagelsmann, journalist Crook has heard information that contradicts some media reports and isn't sure whether the former Bayern Munich boss would consider the Tottenham vacancy.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crook said when asked about whether Nagelsmann should be Spurs' preferred candidate: “I think if it's true, yeah. But it goes against what I've been told. I was told he ruled himself out quite early.

"So, unless it’s because he's not got the Chelsea job, and he's so desperate to get back in, I think there are more risks for Nagelsmann when taking that job than just waiting to see what else comes available.”

Would Julian Nagelsmann be a good appointment by Tottenham Hotspur?

Bringing Nagelsmann to north London would be an ambitious step by the Tottenham hierarchy that would show they mean business heading into 2023/24.

Despite being 35-years-old, Nagelsmann has already claimed a Bundesliga title as a manager with Bayern Munich in 2021/22 alongside two German Super Cup trophies in 2021/22 and 2022/23, as per Transfermarkt.

When he was at RB Leipzig, the German coach also made history in 2020/21, becoming the youngest manager in Champions League history to reach the semi-final stage at just 33.

Tottenham look to be a club in free fall at the minute and Nagelsmann could finally provide them with some long-term stability following a period of turbulence on and off the pitch.

Liverpool Ask For Updates On "Indispensable" £156k-p/w Star

Liverpool have made contact to ask for updates on the situation of Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch ahead of the summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Gravenberch to Anfield?

The Merseyside outfit have James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract at the end of the season, and with Arthur Melo also set to be returning to Juventus following his unsuccessful loan spell, reinforcements will be needed in that area.

The Reds have been long-term admirers of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham but they have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign him, as decided by Jurgen Klopp and FSG. Chelsea’s Mason Mount reportedly remains a priority heading into the upcoming window but 20-year-old Gravenberch is a new left-field name to have now been linked.

The Dutchman still has another four years remaining on his deal at the Allianz Arena, but having made just one start this season in the Bundesliga, he has fallen significantly out of favour and could therefore be on the move.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Thomas Tuchel’s star is on the shortlist of options at Anfield, alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo – and it would appear that they have already taken the first official step towards a potential deal.

According to 90min, Liverpool, alongside Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, have “asked to be kept informed” of Gravenberch’s availability in the weeks and months ahead. Bayern’s ace is currently “unclear” as to where he stands or whether he is even part of Tuchel’s plans moving forward, so he is therefore “set to analyse his chances” of gaining regular game time as the season draws to a close.

It is also claimed that Klopp’s side are looking to add up to three fresh faces to the centre before the start of the new term, and the £156k-per-week gem has been identified as a cheaper quality alternative to some of the other high-profile and in-demand targets mentioned above.

Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

Would Gravenberch be a good signing for Liverpool?

Gravenberch has only made two goal contributions since joining Bayern but that isn’t an accurate representation of what he’s capable of given his limited opportunities, and having been dubbed “indispensable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could yet be a fantastic acquisition for Liverpool.

The 6 foot 3 midfielder has posted 25 goal contributions (12 goals and 13 assists) in 103 senior appearances for Ajax as a teenager. Meanwhile, over the past year, he ranks in the 93rd percentile for shots and averages 3.47 shot-creating actions every 90 minutes among other players in his position (FBref).

Finally, Gravenberch knows what it takes to be successful, having already secured several senior trophies since bursting onto the scene at both Ajax and Bayern, so will hopefully be able to match the winning mentality of the current squad already on Merseyside.

Man United Could Find Caicedo 2.0 In "Monstrous" £44m Gem

While much uncertainty remains at Manchester United amid the prospect of a change in ownership, excitement is no doubt already brewing at the thought of high-profile additions arriving at Old Trafford this summer.

It would appear that Erik ten Hag and co are keen on landing a new centre-forward addition – amid current links to England skipper, Harry Kane – while Manchester Evening News have revealed that the signing of a 'younger midfielder' is also a priority.

The Red Devils did only recently bolster their midfield ranks with the signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro last summer, although with the pair having both turned 31 last month, there may need to be a fresh injection of youth to help complement such experienced figures.

According to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, one such talent who could well be on United's radar ahead of next season is Borussia Monchengladbach gem, Kouadio 'Manu' Kone, with both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also in the mix for the 21-year-old's signature.

As per Romano, the promising Frenchman could be one of the "big names" on the market this summer, with the Bundesliga side potentially willing to sanction a sale for a fee of more than €50m (£44m).

Should Man United sign Manu Kone?

The former Toulouse man has caught the attention since arriving in Germany ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, showcasing that he is a truly "monstrous box-to-box midfielder in the making", as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Also previously hailed as a "one-man army" by Kulig after starring against Bayern Munich back in August, Kone has no doubt warranted the intense interest that is flooding his way, with Ten Hag likely to be keeping a close watch on the youngster's rapid progress.

Any fears over whether the France U21 international can adapt to life in England should be eased by the fact that he is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Brighton and Hove Albion sensation, Moises Caicedo, as per FBref.

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo

That likeness notably comes from the fact that Caicedo has also been described as a "box-to-box midfielder" by Kulig, while the pair are also alike due to their ball-winning prowess, with the Seagulls man ranking in the top 14% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for tackles made, while Kone also ranks in the top 14% in that regard.

The duo's creative quality is also shown by the fact that the Gladbach ace has provided 136 progressive passes and 38 progressive carries from his 24 league starts this season, while Caicedo's record is undoubtedly similar, as the 21-year-old has provided 148 progressive passes and 21 progressive carries from his 23 league starts.

That comparison to the Brighton gem – who has been valued at around £80m amid interest from Arsenal – will be of particular interest to those at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Colombian dynamo having reportedly been a target for United last year, after the Red Devils previously fluffed the chance to sign the playmaker back in 2021.

While it would now seemingly take a hefty fee to prise Caicedo from the Amex, Ten Hag could find his answer to the exciting menace with the signing of a cheaper alternative, such as Kone.

Predicted Liverpool XI, team and injury news vs Bournemouth

Liverpool will hope to pick up from where they left off in the Premier League this afternoon, with a trip to the Vitality Stadium to contest against relegation-threatened AFC Bournemouth preceded by an incredible evening at Anfield last Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s outfit mauling Manchester United 7-0.

The resounding, record-breaking result has left optimism emanating around Merseyside once more, but the Reds will know that there is plenty of work still to be done in order to rectify the woeful campaign that has left the club fighting to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Against the Cherries, Klopp will be unlikely to make wide-scale changes after such a fluid and cohesive win, but with one eye on overturning a three-goal deficit against Real Madrid in midweek, a couple of alterations might be made.

Thiago Alcantara and Joe Gomez are still sidelined, while reports that Luis Diaz could be included are wide of the mark; the Colombian winger will return after the international break, with Liverpool not in action next week due to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

What will Liverpool’s starting XI be vs Bournemouth?

Considering this, here is how Football FanCast expects Liverpool to line up at the Vitality Stadium this afternoon, looking to build upon the magnificent victory over the Red Devils.

We predict there to be as many as three changes from the team that left Liverpool in joyous rapture last time out; the Reds’ German manager will be wary of damaging the balance of the outfit, but will consider a few fresh faces with Los Blancos indeed looming.

In goal, Alisson will retain his position between the sticks, while left-back Andy Robertson might be handed a rest in the stead of Kostas Tsimikas, who has been a fine stand-in for the distinguished Scottish marauder since his £12m arrival from Olympiakos.

The midfield looked far more robust against Erik ten Hag’s United, but the “outstanding” – as lauded by Jamie Carragher – teenager Stefan Bajcetic might return in place of Fabinho, who has looked more like himself over the past few weeks after struggling for much of the term.

Mohamed Salah will be joined on the wings by Diogo Jota, who will provide a rest for the “chance magnet” – as dubbed by Mark Goldbridge – Darwin Nunez, 23, after his imposing offensive display last week, while Cody Gakpo will be offered the chance to continue to grow his burgeoning talismanic aura up front.

Sunderland: Patterson set for Leicester bid

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is set to receive a formal offer from Leicester City this summer, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Patterson being monitored

The Black Cats shot-stopper has established himself as Tony Mowbray’s number one in the Championship which has seen him attracting interest from two potential suitors.

The Sun report that Leicester and Wolves have both made the 22-year-old a major target for the upcoming window, with a fee in the region of £10m potentially enough to cash in.

Now, the Foxes are ready to take their interest one step further if the following update is anything to go by…

The Latest: Leicester readying official bid

According to The Northern Echo, Leicester are ‘preparing a formal offer’ for Patterson upon the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.

Brendan Rodgers is set to ‘support a pursuit’ of the keeper, who is expected to have a ‘queue’ of Premier League clubs battling it out for his signature.

The Verdict: Don’t let him go

Patterson has been labelled a real ‘talent’ by journalist Josh Bunting and Sunderland need to do everything they possibly can to retain his services beyond the summer.

The North Shields-born star has kept ten clean sheets in 34 league appearances so far this season and ranks in the 93rd percentile for crosses stopped and penalty saves per 90 minutes.

The Black Cats colossus even has an assist to his name, highlighting his ability to contribute to his side’s efforts in the final third, so it’s vital that Mowbray tries to keep him at the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal: Arteta must unleash Tomiyasu

Arsenal slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Everton in their last Premier League match, although the gap at the top of the table remains five points due to Manchester City failing to take advantage, as Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 win against them.

Mikel Arteta’s side have a game in hand so the gap could stretch to eight points, but he may be worried by the performance against the Toffees, which featured a lack of cutting edge as the home side were given a major lift having just appointed Sean Dyche and the players certainly delivered.

Despite having 70% possession, Arsenal simply couldn’t find the back of the net, with Eddie Nketiah failing to shine, while Gabriel Martinelli delivered just one cross during his time on the pitch and lost possession 14 times.

It is Ben White, however, who will give Arteta the biggest selection dilemma ahead of the match against Brentford.

His last two Premier League matches have seen the Englishman achieve an average Sofascore rating of just 6.3 and it might be time for the Spaniard to unleash Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Will Tomiyasu play against Brentford?

The Japanese defender is a natural right-back, unlike White, and Arteta could well look to unleash him from the start this afternoon and drop White to the bench following his recent performances.

Since arriving for £16m in 2021, Tomiyasu has gone on to make nearly 50 appearances for the North London side and has emerged as a solid first-team player, who Arteta can be comfortable calling upon when required.

With White underperforming recently, a run in the starting XI might boost the 24-year-olds confidence and give the manager a major dilemma heading into the final months of the campaign.

Indeed, when he has played this term, Tomiyasu has been solid if unspectacular, although starting just four matches in the league doesn’t do much for rhythm.

An average Sofascore rating of 6.74 ranks him as Arsenal’s 17th-best performer this term, however, he does rank in the top five for clearances made per game (0.8) and in the top ten for tackles made (1.3) and clearances (0.8), suggesting he does provide a solid defensive option when called upon.

Mitchell Dijks – his ex-teammate at Bologna – dubbed the right-back a “warrior” while after a great display against Bodo/Glimt in October, football.london reporter Kaya Kaynak graded his performance as one of the finest on the night – ‘Got forward superbly and showed that he’s more than ready to fill the right-back spot if Ben White finds his standards slipping at any point,’ he wrote.

There is no doubt Tomiyasu could shine against Brentford and with a chance to secure a regular spot at right-back up for grabs, it might just be the chance he was waiting for and what the Gunners need to reignite their title charge after a loss last time out.

Newcastle favourites to sign Gallagher

Newcastle United are reportedly the current ‘front-runners’ to seal the signing of Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.

The Lowdown: Gallagher a wanted man

The 22-year-old was linked with a host of Premier League clubs during the January transfer window, including the Magpies, having not always been a regular for the Blues this season.

Gallagher has only managed nine starts in the league in total, with both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter often turning to other midfielders before him even despite injuries to players like N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.

While the Englishman stayed put at Chelsea beyond January, a summer move away potentially looks on the cards.

The Latest: Newcastle in pole

According to The Evening Standard, Newcastle are the current ‘front-runners’ to acquire Gallagher’s signature, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.

Crystal Palace and Everton are also mentioned as possible suitors, too.

The Verdict: Strong summer signing

Gallagher may have had a fairly frustrating season at Chelsea, only scoring once across 18 league outings, but he has shown in the past what a force he can be in the top flight in the past.

[freshpress-quiz id=“418867″]

A tally of eight league goals and two tackles per game on loan at Crystal Palace last season caught the eye, and at 22, he should only improve as a player, having been called ‘fantastic’ by Potter.

Gallagher, whose current deal expires in 2025, could give Newcastle something a little different in their midfield, proving to be a link man between defence and attack, ranking highly against other midfielders in terms of expected goals, expected assists and successful dribbles (FBRef).

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