All posts by z3u9t.icu

Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of the clubs interested in Ian Maatsen, as Steve Cooper looks to add quality to his squad this summer.

Forest left it late to confirm their safety from relegation last season, leaving the Welshman under pressure to avoid another battle at the bottom of the table next campaign.

Could Forest sign Ian Maatsen?

As reported by The Athletic yesterday, Forest have emerged as one of the potential suitors for the young Chelsea starlet.

The 21-year-old is being chased by Burnley, who want to re-sign the left-back on another loan deal after failing to meet the Blues’ £20m asking price for a permanent switch.

After an impressive campaign in the Championship, the Dutchman has a wave of clubs knocking at his door, with the Tricky Trees, as well as West Ham United, Benfica, and Wolfsburg named as those that have ‘expressed interest’.

How good is Ian Maatsen?

The versatile left-back could be just the player Cooper requires to take Forest forward, in a young talent displaying strengths in an inverted wing-back role due to his attacking spark.

Last season was a memorable one for the 21-year-old, who helped Burnley towards promotion to the Premier League, making 39 appearances in Vincent Kompany’s side.

Based on his numbers accumulated over that period, it’s clear to see why clubs are on his tail this summer, with him showcasing the versatility wanted by many coaches due to the progression of the role of full-backs in today’s game.

Averaging 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per game in the Championship, the Dutchman highlighted his defensive durability, seeing him hailed as “incredible” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

While having defensive strength is pivotal, the left-back showed just how far his talents can stretch through his contributions in the final third, while balancing his duties at the back.

The youngster registered an impressive 10 goal contributions, scoring four and assisting six to show his expertise going forward.

Chelsea have a real talent on their hands, warranting a £20m price tag for an academy player that can really do it all, portraying his added bonuses in his distribution with an average of one key pass per game and a mammoth 6.14 progressive passes per 90 last season.

For Forest, the inclusion of Maatsen could be critical, particularly with reference to the departure of Renan Lodi, who returned to his parent club Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer before being snatched up by Marseille permanently.

The quality of the Brazilian gave the City Ground a taste of the importance of having a dynamic full-back, who has in the past been praised as “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his ‘dynamism’.

Despite the quality of the former Atletico Madrid gem who made 28 Premier League appearances for the Reds, Cooper could replace him with the Chelsea starlet, who could well prove to be an upgraded copy.

The Brazilian bettered the numbers of the former PSV youth defender when it came to some defensive attributes, averaging 2.11 tackles per 90, the Dutchman ran clear of the former Forest man for his progressive play, with Lodi averaging just 1.26 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League last term, via FBref.

With plenty of suitors available for Maatsen, Cooper must act fast should he wish to cash in on a player with the potential to be special.

Tottenham Hotspur have already started strongly this window, making five permanent signings already, although two of those were just shoring up loan deals.

Additions like James Maddison are sure to get fans excited, whilst the acquisition of a new goalkeeper in Guglielmo Vicario could help bolster a defence that struggled under Antonio Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason.

Whilst it could be argued that the latter should be a priority, given the 63 goals they shipped in the Premier League last season, it is hard to turn down the opportunity to welcome a star forward to truly capture the imagination.

Therefore, reports linking them with Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt should fit this category perfectly, as the tricky French attacker is arguably one of the hottest prospects in Europe and a target of the Lilywhites.

His talents are so coveted that his club is set to command a mouth-watering €80m (£68m) fee for his services, which could prove a true statement of intent from Ange Postecoglou who is seeking to usher in a new age in north London.

How many goals has Randal Kolo Muani scored?

Having turned 24 in December, last term marked a true standout for this French star with a frightening future ahead of him.

As a natural centre forward, who often tends to operate from the left flank, the former FC Nantes ace recorded an astounding 40 goal contributions across all competitions last season for a team that finished just seventh in the Bundesliga.

His exceptional ability to take the team on his back even draws parallels with Harry Kane, who scored 30 league goals of his own for a struggling Spurs side.

However, it is likely not the England captain and instead Heung-min Son who would have to fear for his position in the team should Postecoglou push through this move, given the disparity in quality between the two over the last year.

The South Korean, who has normally been such a dependable source of goals for the Lilywhites, instead went missing for large parts of one of the club's toughest seasons in recent history.

Scoring just ten league goals, four of which only came in the final nine matches, the 31-year-old fell off dramatically from his 23-goal tally from the season prior.

It seems time is finally catching up with the wide man who relies heavily on his blistering speed.

Whilst the former Bayer Leverkusen gem might be seeing his powers wane, Kolo Muani is instead just rising to prominence. With one goal and one assist in the recent World Cup too, as he begins to announce himself as a mainstay in the national team, there is no better time to invest in the future of this talented forward who already has 62 goals during his career.

His prowess in front of goal has even earned praise from German legend Lothar Matthaus, who noted: "Kolo Muani is a major asset for the Bundesliga. He has remarkable technical ability, he's ice-cold in front of goal and he really throws himself into challenges. The most impressive thing is that he's performing in every game. I can't remember a match where he's played badly. That's the mark of a future superstar."

If Postecoglou is truly serious about rebuilding this team into a force that can challenge for elite honours, this kind of addition will go a long way towards realising that promise and replacing the older stars with a new generation of unlimited talent.

Crystal Palace have made contact to enquire about a summer deal to sign Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin, according to reports.

Is Allan Saint-Maximin leaving Newcastle?

Since joining from Nice back in August 2019, the left-winger has been a regular feature of Eddie Howe’s first-team clocking up 124 appearances to date, but ever since last season, he’s started to drop significantly lower down in the manager’s pecking order.

The Frenchman was limited to just 12 starts in the Premier League, being forced to come off the bench on 13 occasions following the arrival of Anthony Gordon in January and shift of Alexander Isak into the left-wing role, so despite his contract not expiring for another three years, there’s a chance that he could be on the move.

Back in April, TEAMtalk reported that Magpies chiefs don’t believe that the 26-year-old is deserving of being offered fresh terms which was then further backed up by talkSPORT, who claim that the hierarchy are ready to cash in on him to keep on the right side of Financial Fair Play rules, and it seems that his situation has alerted Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles have so far only brought in Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth so are yet to splash the cash on any fresh faces, but that could all be about to change because the boss has earmarked the black and white stripes attacker as a potential transfer target.

Are Crystal Palace signing Allan Saint-Maximin?

According to 90min, Crystal Palace have "checked on" Saint Maximin's situation alongside Everton ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Overseas, AC Milan and Marseille have also "shown an interest", whilst Saudio Pro League clubs Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli are additionally considering a summer swoop.

Newcastle's forward is "considering his options" after learning that he won't be tabled a new contract and it's believed that he would bring in a "big sale" should he depart.

How many goals has Allan Saint-Maximin scored?

For Newcastle in the Premier League last season, Saint-Maximin posted six goal contributions (five assists and one goal) in 25 outings, which shows that whilst he wasn’t given a fair amount of game time, he’s more than capable of producing the goods when handed the chance, so the left winger would be an exciting signing should he put pen to paper at Crystal Palace.

The Magpies’ £70k-per-week earner ranked in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons during the previous campaign and was averaging 5.22 shot-creating actions per top-flight game, which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, via FBRef, so he loves to use his quick feet, strength and pace to take on his marker and produce chances.

The Puma-sponsored ace would also provide Hodgson with plenty of versatility having operated in seven different positions around the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so he’d be a great option for the boss to have at his disposal.

Wilfried Zaha has now become a free agent upon the expiration of his contract, and whilst he’s been offered a new four-year deal to remain in SE25, Saint-Maximin could be the perfect successor should he start a new adventure elsewhere having been dubbed “unstoppable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to continue their revolution under Ange Postecoglou, with one more creative target having piqued their interest.

What's the latest on Hakan Calhanoglu to Tottenham?

The latest player in question is Hakan Calhanoglu, with his links to a north London switch coming courtesy of InterLive.it.

Appreciated by the Lilywhites among other English clubs, the report suggests that Inter Milan must keep an eye out on the growing Premier League interest, with special reference to Spurs.

This is due to the €35m (£30m) bid they could be set to make, in an effort to force the hand of the Nerazzurri.

Would Hakan Calhanoglu improve Tottenham?

With a past as a leading attacking midfielder, but having since reverted into more of a well-rounded deep-lying playmaker of late, the Turkey international could offer impeccable balance to Postecoglou's new-look side, and hand James Maddison a perfect new partner with which to kickstart his career at this club alongside.

The early parts of his career in the number ten role have afforded this 29-year-old magician remarkable technical prowess, however with a work rate and defensive know-how that few would have predicted to emerge, Calhanoglu has arguably never been as influential as he is right now.

He starred in the heart of Simone Inzaghi's side that reached the Champions League final, whilst also thriving in the Serie A too.

In fact, his 7.31 average rating in the league was the highest in the entire division. This was a figure largely buoyed by his nine goal contributions, 88% pass accuracy, 2.2 key passes and 1.5 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

This has hardly been a surprising season though, as former boss Stefano Pioli always expected big things from him. Especially given he had branded him a "leader on the pitch and "an intelligent player" only in 2020.

Having slowly slipped further down the pitch as he has grown older, it is hard not to draw comparisons with another ageing creator in Christian Eriksen.

The Denmark international spent seven fine years in north London, recording 159 goal contributions across 305 games, and becoming a fine fan favourite before his eventual exit to the Milan club in question. The 2016/17 season arguably saw him at his offensive best, with his 7.46 average rating feeding into the eight goals and 15 assists he would record in the league, via Sofascore.

Given the 31-year-old now plies his trade at Manchester United, in a role similar to the one Calhanoglu occupies for Inter, these similarities are only intensified.

To place him alongside Maddison, who would offer a much-needed injection of goals to the Spurs midfield, could see them strike up a fine partnership which is both balanced enough to defend, but potent enough to threaten opposition defences.

Last term the former Leicester City man notched ten goals and nine assists in a league campaign where his team would fall to the drop. However, averaging 1.7 tackles per game suggest he is more than capable of operating alongside another, to share both the offensive and defensive workload.

As Postecoglou has earned success in the past by deploying two attack-minded eights within his systems, these two creative leaders could provide the ideal balance to spearhead a press and back up the imperious Harry Kane.

Arsenal are set to make another bid for Jurrien Timber, and the player is keen to move to the Emirates, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Timber?

Mikel Arteta is keen to sign the Ajax defender to add another option to the right side of his backline. The 22-year-old has played at both centre-back and right-back in his career, and will add quality depth following Arsenal's collapse after injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal reportedly are close to agreeing personal terms with the Dutch international, and have already had a bid knocked back, but seem confident that they will land their target.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claimed that Timber is excited for the move, and that a new offer is being prepared.

"To close in on Arsenal situation, they will bid again also for Jurrien Timber, Arsenal are preparing a new proposal," he stated.

"They want to bid again, they want to reach an agreement with Ajax, they already have an agreement with the player [approval]. Timber considers the Arsenal project perfect for his idea and [he's] really excited."

Where could Timber play for Arsenal?

Given that both William Saliba and Ben White were outstanding for Arsenal last season, it will be a big ask for Timber to arrive as an immediate starter ahead of either established defender.

However, Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities were shown when Rob Holding had to take Saliba's place following his long-term injury, and this was arguably the main reason for their collapse in the title race.

The Gunners conceded 13 goals in six games with Holding in the starting XI, a rate of 2.16 per game, compared to 30 in the 32 matches without him, a rate of 0.93 per game, and this significant difference is an area of weakness that needs addressing this summer.

Between White, Tomiyasu, Saliba and Timber, minutes on the right-side can be shared around, which will be particularly important as Arsenal return to the Champions League, and extra rotation may be necessary.

Timber ranks near the top of his peers for his ability on the ball as per FBref, and this could prove crucial in both defensive positions as he aims to cover one of Saliba or White.

At 22, the Ajax vice-captain will be a signing who can make an impact in the long-term, and he could prove to be a vital option within the squad as Arsenal aim to challenge Manchester City for the title again.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to return to a familiar face, in order to bolster their side and kickstart a revolution…

What's the latest on Cameron Carter-Vickers to Spurs?

This latest rumour comes courtesy of the Sunday People (25/6; page 61), who suggest that Ange Postecoglou is keen on raiding his old club in order to improve his new one.

Whilst few of Celtic's side would improve this Spurs outfit, there are a select number who might offer fine options to fight for places within the Premier League.

One such example is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is being eyed up by the Australian boss with a view to organising a reunion.

Given the USA international came through the youth ranks at N17, there are multiple layers of credibility to this story, that could suggest it is a move worth making.

However, the Scottish giants remain in a position of great power, given the 25-year-old still has three years left on his £24k-per-week deal at Celtic Park.

How good is Cameron Carter-Vickers now?

Whilst it is unlikely that many from the Scottish Premiership would come and immediately take English football by storm, the mediocrity of some of the starters for the Lilywhites have certainly merited being dismissed from the starting lineup.

Eric Dier is one such example, who endured a torrid campaign in which he was even branded "not good enough" by pundit Darren Ambrose.

Whilst he has been struggling, maintaining a 6.86 average Sofascore rating in the league, Carter-Vickers has been excelling in what is just his second year in Scotland.

His 7.14 average rating blows the 29-year-old out of the water, as he completely outperforms the England international as a ball-playing asset. Defensively the 6 foot 1 ace is arguably on par, with his 1.1 interceptions matching that of Dier's, and 2.9 clearances per game just falling short, via Sofascore.

It is worth noting that playing for the champions often leads to a defender having fewer defensive actions to make as he is instead conducting the play from the back, having the bulk of the possession.

When comparing their ability on the ball, this notion is emphasised. Their academy graduate maintained a 92% pass accuracy last season in the Scottish top flight, with his dribble success rate standing at a mouth-watering 100%. The former Sporting CP star could only dream of such figures, as he could muster just 86% and 60% in those areas respectively.

Opta's player analysis tool succinctly sums up how these are shortcomings for Dier in a neat chart too, as his dribbles attempted and defensive actions are left wanting.

it seems that this dud could easily be replaced by a man who once seemed to be the hottest property in north London.

Spurs favourite Jan Vertonghen had been particularly effusive in his praise for Carter-Vickers during his time at the club too, as he noted: "He's still young but he's an absolute beast. He's a real defender. He's strong one-on-one, in the air, he's not afraid and he can play from the back. That's the style the gaffer wants to see from him."

This echoes the sentiment of Chris Sutton, who also branded him "immense". All of this praise combines to compound the inevitable ditching of Dier.

An upgrade is needed, and by returning to a familiar face they could reignite his passion for the club and finally usher in a new age in north London.

Fulham are now "serious contenders" to sign Southampton star James Ward-Prowse, and it is believed he is keen to make the move to Craven Cottage.

Who will join Fulham this summer?

Marco Silva is keen to make sufficient squad upgrades after a very successful first full campaign back in the Premier League.

Fulham secured an impressive mid-table finish and were never in any real danger of the drop. The Whites also contended for a European spot over much of the season, but were ultimately beaten to it by Brentford, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

As a result, star players of theirs like midfielder Joao Palhinha are attracting serious interest from the likes of West Ham, Liverpool and Man United – but Fulham won't be bullied and are set to demand around £90 million for his services.

When it comes to who Fulham could actually sign this summer, rumours have been circulating the past week involving United midfielder Fred, Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres and Norwich full-back Max Aarons.

Silva and club chiefs appear to be chasing options defensively, further forward and in the centre of midfield – with a new target in Ward-Prowse now coming to light.

According to the Belfast Telegraph and PA news agency, Fulham are "serious contenders" to sign the Englishman this window and could be in pole position above the likes of West Ham.

This is because Ward-Prowse actually favours a move to west London over the Hammers, who would come in as a replacement for Palhinha if he were to depart.

The Saints skipper is interested in making the move to Fulham, mainly because he sees Silva'a brand of football as the best fit for him as he seeks a route back into the top flight.

Who is James Ward-Prowse?

Ward-Prowse, as proven by his 22/23 performances at St. Mary's, is Southampton's star player.

As per WhoScored, the 28-year-old racked up 13 goal contributions and stood out as their best-performing player by average match rating.

Former Southampton manager Nathan Jones, speaking to the press, also called him "vital" last season.

"He’s vital, I like to get to know my captains and have a real relationship with them, a real personal relationship so they understand decisions we make," said Jones.

“Sometimes we’ll make tough decisions, out there tactical decisions, but he is one that takes everything on board and understands. You see how the group is."

Aston Villa are thought to be in pole position to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo this summer.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Villa have already made a start on their transfer business this summer by reaching an agreement with Youri Tielemans. The club have since confirmed that former Sevilla sporting director Monchi has been brought in as Villa’s president of football operations and will work closely with manager Unai Emery and report to owners NSWE.

One of his first moves could well be for Arthur, who has seen his Transfermarkt valuation drop from a career-high €70m in 2019 to €15m today.

According to reports in Spain, relayed by Tuttomercatoweb, Villa are in pole position to sign the midfielder this summer and are the side who are most interested.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also named as a side who are keen, with the player open to leaving Juventus on a permanent basis.

Who is Arthur Melo?

Arthur is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a deeper role if required. The 26-year-old began his career in his native country of Brazil before moving to Barcelona in 2018 from Gremio.

He made a big money move to Juventus in 2020 after making 72 appearances at the Nou Camp and has gone on to turn out on 63 occasions for the Italian side.

Arthur, on £110,000-a-week, joined Liverpool on loan last summer, however, he made just one appearance at Anfield, but it looks as if he could remain in England with a move to Villa Park.

Should Monchi seal a move for the Brazilian, Emery will be looking to get the player back to his best, with Arthur known as a fine technician and once hailed as "extraordinary" by Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri.

It could well be a busy summer at Villa Park ahead of the new season which will include Europa Conference League football. You may argue that a move for Arthur could be a gamble due to his injury history which included surgery last season, but it appears as if this is one to keep an eye on.

Manchester United have Sofyan Amrabat on their wanted list this summer and are set to battle Barcelona to get a deal done, as reported by Calciomercato via Sport Witness.

Who is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat has once more been a regular first-team player for current club Fiorentina this season, managing 29 league appearances for the club with one assist. He's now played more games for the Italian side in the league than any other club over the course of his career too, with 83 outings to his name to date. It shows just how important the midfielder has become to the side since his move from Club Brugge in Belgium.

In fact, the 26-year-old has now become one of the most impressive players in his position for passing in the Big Five leagues. His 67.12 passes per 90 means that he is in the 89th percentile for that figure (or the top 11%). Even more impressive is that despite attempting so many passes, he actually ranks in the top five percent in his position for pass completion rate and the top eight percent for progressive passes.

His vision and ability to control the player and get the ball forward with his excellent passing range has now caught the eye of two big European sides. According to a report from Calciomercato via Sport Witness, both Manchester United and Barcelona are keen to sign the player after he said "goodbye" to his current team following their Europa Conference League final defeat.

However, the report adds that United may have the upper hand though because of their financial power compared to the Catalan outfit. Fiorentina have slapped a 40 million Euro (or £34m) price tag on his head and the Red Devils are more able to pay that fee compared to Barcelona.

Should Amrabat join Man United?

The midfielder could certainly help bolster the Premier League side's ranks in the centre of the field if he was to join. Erik Ten Hag would be getting a player that is not only a good passer of the ball as previously shown but can also get the ball forward himself, with a knack for dribbling and driving the play forward himself. His rate of 1.62 progressive carries per 90 mark him out as better than average in his position (67th percentile) for example and his 70.6% successful take on rate show that he is able to not only get the ball forward but beat his man too.

In addition, football journalist Josh Bunting has previously hailed the player as "outstanding," admitting that during the Europa Conference League Final the midfielder "ran the game."

Amrabat then is certainly talented and his ability to dictate the play could come in useful at Old Trafford if they did sign him.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice is unlikely to join Bayern Munich instead of top clubs in the Premier League, Simon Jordan has claimed.

What's the latest on Declan Rice?

The England international looks set to depart east London this summer, and Arsenal have made him their top target.

The 24-year-old has attracted interest from German champions Bayern Munich, as Thomas Tuchel is keen on the midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether Rice would elect to leave England and the Premier League.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jordan slammed any talk of Rice joining Bayern, claiming that the £60k-per-week star would not turn down a move to some of England's top clubs to move to the Bundesliga.

"Declan Rice is not going to Bayern Munich," he stated.

"He's going to go to one of the big clubs in England to try and win the Premier League with an English club.

"He's got no reason to go to Bayern Munich, it's fantastic indexing and a great bit of leverage for other football clubs in England to get their act together to pay the price that West Ham may well want, but I'll be absolutely gobsmacked if an established England player, who is perceived to be one of the best players in his position, will be out of the Premier League playing in Germany, in a league that's particularly dominated by one football club."

Where should Rice go?

All signs are pointing towards a move to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. The Gunners are the only London side to have qualified for Europe this season, and should he wish to stay in the capital, they are arguably the best option for him.

Arsenal have made great progress this season, with their highest finish since 2016, and could challenge Manchester City at the top of the league again next year.

With Granit Xhaka set to depart, Rice could slot into the Arsenal midfield as a ready-made replacement, and he will be joining a team that looks ready to compete for major honours.

He has also been linked with Chelsea, but their nightmare season which saw them finish in the bottom half, as well as a lack of European football, makes Stamford Bridge a less appealing destination.

Although there may be some temptation to join a heavyweight like Bayern, if the midfielder's preference is indeed to stay in the Premier League, then a move to the Allianz Arena looks unlikely to materialise.