Defensive midfielders have been highly in demand in the current transfer window but Man Utd are yet to land their top target, Sofyan Amrabat.
The transfer saga has dragged on for months and it will be intriguing to see whether or not the Moroccan will move to Old Trafford from Fiorentina.
As per deadline day’s version of Corriere dello Sport (news image provided below), Man Utd are in talks with the Viola to lure the African play breaker today.
At first, the Serie A side agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest but the player rejected the move. Now, the auction is between Fulham and United.
Fulham’s main holding midfield star, Joao Palhinha, is linked with a move to German champions, Bayern Munich.
In such a scenario, the Cottagers have come up with a proposal of 30 million euros (£25.7m), however, CdS claim that ‘Amrabat wants United’.
Erik ten Hag has been trying to capture the player on loan but after the solid offer from London, Corriere dello Sport claim Man Utd are now forced to agree a fee worth £25.7m to sign the former Feyenoord midfielder from the Italian side.
Amrabat has been waiting for the three-time European champions to complete his signing and because of that, he has trained alone and not featured for Fiorentina this season.
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‘Contact made and deal agreed’: Man United gotten a major breakthrough after making contact to sign a player highly admired by Erik ten Hag
Manchester United have made contact regarding an experienced left-back who could be brought in to boost their numbers in the position before the transfer deadline, according to reports.
What’s the latest Man United transfer news?
The Red Devils have a shortage at left-back following injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and it looks like they could enter the market for another body to help remedy their current situation, as per 90min.
Several players have been offered to the club to accommodate their wish for a new left-back to come in and provide cover. Contact has been established between the Red Devils and Chelsea involving Marc Cucurella, while Tottenham Hotspur outcast Sergio Reguilon and Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso are two potential alternative solutions.
Free agent Ryan Bertrand has been placed on a shortlist as another option who could potentially provide depth on the left-hand side of defence, as per The Daily Express.
Bertrand has been available for nothing since leaving Leicester City at the end of last campaign and talks took place last week, albeit they were believed to be at the early stages of negotiations.
Brandon Williams would’ve potentially been in line for an opportunity to shine at Manchester United due to their dearth of available left-backs to call upon; however, he has since joined Ipswich Town on a loan deal for the duration of 2023/24.
Real Madrid youth product Alvaro Fernandez, who is a left-back, featured on the bench last weekend in Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, though was an unused substitute as the hosts clawed back a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic victory, as per BBC Sport.
Do Manchester United want to sign Leonardo Spinazzola?
According to Gianluca Di Marzio in the last 24 hours, Manchester United have initiated contact with Roma over 30-year-old defender Leonardo Spinazzola as their search for a new left-back continues to widen.
The report states that Spinazzola has also had a proposal from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab, providing competition for the Red Devils that they may need to overcome to complete any prospective deal.
Spinazzola, who has been labelled as “fast” and “technical” by Fiorentina full-back Fabiano Parisi, cited by Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, has made 117 appearances for Roma during his time at the Stadio Olimpico, registering six goals and 17 assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.
The Italy international has fared exceptionally well in comparison to his positional peers from Europe’s top five divisions in the art of progressive carries, having made an average of 5.39 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the 99th percentile for this metric, as per FBRef.
Providing a valuable attacking outlet down the left-hand side, Spinazzola, primarily right-footed, has already made his influence known this campaign in Serie A, producing around one completed dribble and one key pass in his opening two appearances, according to WhoScored.
Manchester United will need to act fast to ensure that their injury situation involving Shaw and Malacia doesn’t turn into a bigger issue than it already is, so bringing in someone like Spinazzola could be an excellent way to bolster the ranks and it looks as if t is one to watch.
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“I do not see it”: Rio Ferdinand thinks the Manchester United star lacks ‘strength’ in the game
Antony had an improved performance this weekend, but for Rio Ferdinand, he still hasn’t done enough.
The Manchester United Brazilian provided four key assists and created a big chance against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
This represents a huge improvement for the Brazil international at Old Trafford, a performance closer to what United expected of him.
However, despite this, he still hasn’t shown enough and although this was an excellent performance he needs to show it more often.
This is where most of his criticism comes from, with Rio Ferdinand among those urging Anthony to show more.
Rephrase
Ferdinand on Anthony
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand explained what he wants to see in the winger.
“He gets the ball 1v1 a lot during the game and as a fan you think ‘beat him, man’.
“He did it once this weekend, when he did it with his right foot outside, crossed and created a chance, and I said, ‘so you can do it,’ I want see him more.”
Ferdinand then went on to explain what he expects from Antony to improve his form.
“Strength, I don’t see, I don’t think he has the strength in his body at the moment so I want him to bring out his power, his explosiveness and I wonder if he can add that to the game. not my fight.” , we’ll see him improve again.
“I want results, I want opportunities, I want full-backs off the pitch… injured.”
Improve the performance
United’s No 21 has actually had a pretty impressive start to the season and it’s unfortunate that there hasn’t been a positive contribution.
He’s created two big chances this season that haven’t been converted, which is a huge improvement over last season. With that, many times his left foot almost sent the ball into the far corner.
Overall, his start to the season is reason to be excited about this season and we think he will only improve with the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund and as this new system becomes more flexible.
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‘The best striker ever’ – Erik Ten Hag admits he admires Harry Kane and why its taking so long to sign him
Erik Ten Hag has spoken publicly about his admiration for Harry Kane, stating that the Tottenham man could become the greatest striker ever in Premier League history.
After weeks of speculation, it now looks like we’ll see some concrete developments on the Kane front, with the Bayern Munich hierarchy traveling to London today to meet Daniel Levy (Ben Heckner).
Reports indicate that the German club hopes to finalize a deal for the Tottenham man (Florian Plettenberg) by the end of this week.
Manchester United have also taken an interest in Kane, with The Daily Mirror reporting last week that the Red Devils had been put on red alert after Tottenham decided to cash in on their star striker. Erik Ten Hag is said to have identified the England captain as his main target. However, the Manchester club have reportedly signed a £74million deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta (The Sun).
Harry Kane has the respect of Erik ten Hag
The Man Utd manager has now declined to reveal information about his club’s search for Kane, but he did have words of praise for the Spurs star.
When asked about the 30-year-old striker, Ten Hag told The Guardian: “I’m not talking about players from other clubs. I have to respect the club and respect the player. “I have a lot of respect for Harry Kane especially because he is a great striker, one of the best of all time. Maybe he can be the best striker of all time in the Premier League. “
Stimulates web opinion
From Ten Hag’s statement, it’s pretty obvious that Kane was his main target this summer but Daniel Levy probably refused to sell the striker to a Premier League rival.
United would have probably hoped that Kane himself would push for a move to Old Trafford, but the 30-year-old appears to have considered a move to Bayern.
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Arsenal looking to sign £40million David Raya and what this means for the outstanding Aaron Ramsdale
Oh, to be a fly on the wall for all of the Aaron Ramsdale and Mikel Arteta interactions this week.
Arsenal’s number 1 goalkeeper, hailed as ‘exceptional’ by his manager until April, would rightly ask some questions, rightly feel slightly hurt, and the England international will likely be seeking clarity on his whereabouts amid reports linking the club. to David Raya of Brentford.
Brentford want £40m for Raya, who has another year on his contract, while Arteta clearly want competition, a gauntlet challenge which looks hard to name at the moment.
Ramsdale has been Arsenal’s first choice since arriving in 2021 and played every minute of the last Premier League season, keeping 14 clean sheets to ensure a Champions League return to the Emirates – a great achievement, too if the championship title painfully eluded him.
The 25-year-old boasts three caps for England and would no doubt see next season as an opportunity to show Gareth Southgate that he should start for Jordan Pickford at Euro 2024. But nothing seems certain now and at a time when sure-fire goalkeepers are in demand – seeing Andre Onana over Manchester United – Arteta seems keen to expand his options and that he might even see Raya as an improvement in that department.
Raya was the Premier League’s busiest goalkeeper last season. Not only did he make 154 saves, the most in the league, but he also had to pass the ball more often than any of his peers.
That was 1,882 touches and 1,475 assists, another league high among goalkeepers last season, while 410 accurate long balls topped that ranking well ahead of Everton’s Pickford (294).
By comparison, Ramsdale landed 1,276 touches and completed 934 passes, including 138 accurate long balls, with an overall passing accuracy of 63%, a slight improvement from Raya’s 61%.
So it’s ambiguous and it’s not Ramsdale’s fault that he received the ball less often, even though his long ball accuracy was well below Raya’s 42 at 29% – Manchester City’s Ederson is the reference to 53%.
Ramsdale’s passing has also deteriorated noticeably in the 2022-23 season – falling below 60% accuracy just six times in the first 26 games and then six more times in the last 12 – while appearing to be stronger under pressure The season continued, although arguably most of Arsenal’s teams did so as the scale of the title fight took its toll.
Yet few questioned Ramsdale’s place in the starting XI and Arteta praised the former Sheffield United and Bournemouth keeper on his development a few months ago.
“He was really, really good and probably against all odds,” Arteta said. “Because if you look at his past and where he comes from, he’s been relegated twice, it’s hard to imagine.
“But we saw that he had that character, that charisma and that personality to play for our club and he has the potential qualities that can translate into the way we play.” If you look at the development he has made over the last two seasons, I think he is exceptional.”
From “against all odds”, Ramsdale could soon have his toughest fight yet at Arsenal if he manages to sign Raya, who was wanted by the club in 2020.
Raya is said to be interested in the move as he previously worked with Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana who was previously at Brentford. However, Bayern Munich would also like the goalkeeper. Whether Arsenal will live up to Brentford’s valuation is yet to be seen.
“He’s worth £40million,” Brentford boss Thomas Frank said on Sunday. “I would like to get him that. He was one of the four best goalkeepers in the Premier League last season. “What’s the price for a player with just a year left? Declan Rice joined Arsenal for £105m – is that a fair price? And Harry Kane who has a year left and you talk about 150 million pounds?
“Anyway, the good thing is that it’s not my fault. It’s always complicated.” Two sides of the coin when it comes to negotiations and we meet somewhere in between.”
This week should bring clarity to Arsenal’s interest, and if the move goes through for Sunday’s Community Shield match against Manchester City, gloves will certainly be on the line at Wembley – a number that another top side of the Premier League really has to face. Maybe that’s Arteta’s point then.
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Chelsea Vs Fulham ; Match prediction, Team news and Starting Line-up
The Fedex Field in Maryland is a friendly friend completely first Sunday evening when the western rival of London Chelsea and Fulham in the summer series The Framework of the Rival for Fulham.
The Mauricio Pochettino team took place in a 1-1 draw during its last force test by Newcastle United, while the Huttes of Aston Villa were sunk 2-0
Appreciate
The new Chelsea boys stole the show in the United States in the United States in the United States because Nicolas Jackson after the 4-3 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, with Christopher Nkunku, his good start in life under Pocsettino Wednesday Wednesday Newcastle.
The former man of Villarreal only took 12 minutes to take Chelsea at the head of Atlanta, but in the first half, Miguel Almiron handed over the blues and made sure that Newcastle saved equality against his colleagues from the capital. Pochettino is unbeaten since taking charge of Chelsea, picking up back-to-back wins over Wrexham and Brighton before a respectable draw against Champions League opponents. This gives Stamford Bridge reason to be optimistic if pre-season success bodes well for the future.
After playing exclusively against British opponents so far, Chelsea will complete their pre-season campaign against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago next month, following Sunday’s deal with Fulham, ahead of Liverpool’s baptism of fire in the Premier League. 2023/24.
With the Blues failing to appease Brighton with offers for Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo, youngsters Andrey Santos and Cesare Casadei continue to create valuable first-team chances in pre-season alongside the exciting winger Ian Maatsen.
Fulham have already met one of their London rivals, Brentford, in the current Premier League Summer Series, beating the Bees 3-2 in their pre-season opener, but against the Europa Conference League they had to get down to business – a bound mansion.
Marco Silva’s side, who secured their seventh and final continental qualification spot in the 2022/23 Premier League, failed in Orlando as Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Villa newcomer Moussa Diaby led the Lions to an easy 2-0. 0 win
An 80-minute kick-off delay due to thunderstorms did not help either Villa or Fulham, whose head coach Silva lamented his side’s understaffing after the match as the Aleksandar Mitrovic saga threatens to disrupt the Cottagers’ preparations.
Amid claims that Mitrovic has vowed to never wear the Fulham shirt again, the Cottagers have dipped into their cash reserves to hire ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man Raul Jimenez, who was unveiled on Orlando soil before Silva’s side fell to Villa’s superiority.
Fulham now renew hostilities with West London adversaries Chelsea after edging past the Blues 2-1 at Craven Cottage only six months ago, as Willian returned to haunt his former club, before Silva’s side also came away from Stamford Bridge with a point in a goalless draw a few weeks later.
Chelsea came through their recent draw with Newcastle without any fresh injury concerns to worry about, although Noni Madueke sat out that contest with a tight hamstring and is classed as a doubt for Sunday’s affair.
Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill also missed the stalemate with the Magpies as precautions, while Angelo Gabriel and Lewis Hall did not earn any minutes either, but the quartet should all have strong chances of being involved here.
The Blues have now officially waved goodbye to Marseille-bound Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi could be the next out of the door, but Pochettino is not missing that selection of out-of-favour attackers too much, as Nkunku and Jackson prepare to start in another formidable attacking line.
Speaking of recently-signed attackers, Fulham’s new number nine Jimenez is in line to make his debut for the Cottagers at FedEx Field, as Mitrovic continues to try to force a move through to Saudi Arabian powerhouses Al-Hilal.
Mitrovic is reported to be training alone as Jimenez prepares to battle Carlos Vinicius for a starting berth, but tough-tackling midfielder Joao Palhinha could be facing a spell on the treatment table after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder against Brentford.
Tim Ream (arm) and Andreas Pereira (ankle) are also on the long-term injury list for the Cottagers, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Antonee Robinson are touch-and-go after sustaining issues over the summer.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Chilwell; Santos, Fernandez, Chukwuemeka; Nkunku, Jackson, Maatsen
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, De Fougerolles, Mbabu; Reed, Lukic; Willian, Cairney, Decordova-Reid; Jimenez
PREDICTION
Full Time:
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Fulham may have avoided defeat in both of their Premier League contests with Chelsea last season, but a spate of injuries and distinct lack of depth should cost Silva’s side dear in Maryland.
Chelsea are hardly blessed with a fully-fit contingent either, but Pochettino’s attackers have gelled well in the United States and should help propel their side to a routine win.
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Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino has already discovered a major weakness Chelsea had last season
Mauricio Pochettino has identified the fitness of Chelsea’s players as a real weakness in the opening weeks of pre-season.
This is according to a report by The Athletic.
Mauricio Pochettino’s teams are known to be very energetic and strong runners, so it is no surprise that he is already getting the Blues team back into shape.
The Athletic say Pochettino identified Chelsea’s squad fitness as one area that really hurt them last season.
The level of the player is believed to have had an impact on performance in games and the number of injuries sustained. The report says Chelsea are now closely monitoring the exercises players undertake during pre-season this summer, including work in the gym.
We expect the Blues to have a very successful new Blues squad by the start of the Premier League next month!
Many fans will agree that Chelsea were disappointed in the latter stages of last season, but we doubt Pochettino will settle for that during his tenure at the helm.
It’s an exciting time ahead of the five friendlies of this summer’s pre-season tour of the United States.
The Blues have now arrived in the United States with a very young roster of 29 players, so expect a lot of energy and real enthusiasm in the squad.
Journalist Matt Law recently explained on the London Is Blue podcast that Chelsea staff felt Pochettino hadn’t run too much in the first few weeks of his tenure. We can only wish the players good luck with their time in the US if that’s the case.
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Arsenal could seal three USMNT transfers as Mikel Arteta enters the next phase of the summer semester
Arsenal are entering the next phase of the summer transfer market.
Mikel Arteta’s squad brought in Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice for the start of the club’s pre-season tour of the US, which cost the Gunners more than £200m. Arsenal still want to sign more players, but their focus is now on sacking those who are surplus to requirements.
Among them appear to be American stars Matt Turner, Auston Trusty and Folarin Balogun. Goalkeeper Turner has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest due to the Gunners’ apparent interest in Brentford stopper David Raya, while the Austin Trusty would be a target for Sheffield United following his loan spell at Birmingham City. last season.
football.london reported in June that Arsenal are ready to cash in on Trusty, who signed for the Colorado Rapids club in 2022, while Folarin Balogun will also be available for a transfer. Balogun scored 22 goals for Reims on loan at the French club last season, while Turner was a strong replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, but a move to Raya would not only help the Gunners
first-choice goalkeeper’s future in doubt but also effectively make the USMNT stopper third choice.
The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has said that Arsenal are ‘in talks’ with the Blades and if Trusty does leave, Balogun and Turner may not be far behind him. For Gunners fans it would mean three players whose first-team chances are slim heading out of the exit door and bringing in a good chunk of cash.
The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has said that Arsenal are ‘in talks’ with the Blades and if Trusty does leave, Balogun and Turner may not be far behind him. For Gunners fans it would mean three players whose first-team chances are slim heading out of the exit door and bringing in a good chunk of cash.
USMNT supporters, though, would see three of their national team’s top players leaving a big Premier League club. Having already seen Christian Pulisic leave Chelsea this summer, the profile of those stars could drop significantly.
It’s certainly one to watch for USMNT fans, who are hoping big things come from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in North America.
Man Utd to complete transfer deal immediately after Nottingham Forest clash
Dean Henderson is expected to sign for Crystal Palace after Manchester United gave him permission to have a medical following their clash with Nottingham Forest.
Henderson, 26, will travel to South London on Saturday night to complete a transfer which should prompt the Red Devils to sign a new backup goalkeeper, Fenebahce’s Altay Bayindir. The Turkey international has himself undergone medical tests with United staff, taking place in Greece earlier this week amid reports that Erik ten Hag’s side were also weighing up a move for Benfica shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Bayindir’s arrival hinged on Henderson’s future but now, according to the Telegraph, the Red Devils academy graduate is close to joining Palace. Personal terms are yet to be agreed, as are other formalities of the deal.
It’s unknown whether or not Henderson’s departure will initially be on loan or immediately permanent. Forest themselves, who took a surprise 2-0 lead within four minutes during their trip to Old Trafford on Saturday, were keen to sign the 26-year-old following a positive loan spell last season but couldn’t agree a deal with UniSpeaking last summer following his loan move to Nottingham, he appeared to slam former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian had installed Henderson as his No.1 goalkeeper towards the end of the 2020-21 season, only to revert to picking David de Gea when the new campaign began.ted.
Henderson was named on the bench for the Premier League clash, serving as new £47million signing Andre Onana’s understudy. Manager Ten Hag challenged Henderson to “fight” for his place in pre-season but the goalkeeper has been desperate to secure an exit in order to enjoy regular game-time in the lead-up to next summer’s European Championships.
Speaking last summer following his loan move to Nottingham, he appeared to slam former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian had installed Henderson as his No.1 goalkeeper towards the end of the 2020-21 season, only to revert to picking David de Gea when the new campaign began.
Discussing that nightmare season, during which he made just three appearances, he fumed in an interview with talkSPORT : “To be honest, it has probably been the toughest 12 months of my career. The conversation I had coming out of the Euros squad was, ‘You’re coming back here to be the No.1’.
“I got COVID, came back, so I should have still been the No.1, but then unfortunately nobody followed through with what they had told me. It was frustrating because I turned down so many good loans last summer for that reason, and they would not let me go. To sit there and waste 12 months, it is criminal really, at my age, I was fuming.”
