All posts by n8rngtd.top

It was a wild first season back in the Championship for Sunderland this year and one that almost ended in play-off promotion back to the Premier League.

However, their fairytale was cut short by Luton Town's even more improbable rise up the football league pyramid, and so they've got to prepare for another season in England's second tier.

Even worse for the Black Cats is that one of the players responsible for their great end-of-season form, Amad Diallo, is heading back to his parent club, Manchester United for next season.

One of the players that could potentially replace the Ivorian winger in the northeast is Swansea City's Morgan Whittaker, according to Sunderland Nation.

What's the latest on Morgan Whittaker?

According to the report, the Derby-born winger is also on the radar of fellow Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle, where he enjoyed a fruitful loan spell for the first half of the season, having scored nine times and created seven assists in just 25 League One appearances, via Transfermarkt.

His excellent form for the Devon-based club caused Swansea to cut his loan spell short in January and bring him back to South Wales.

It obviously wasn't a decision the player was too happy with himself as he posted to his Instagram that he was 'devastated' to be leaving the Pilgrims at the time.

His return to Wales has yet to work out for him, however, having started just two games for the club, in which he has scored one goal.

The other team rumoured to be interested in the 6 foot 3 winger is Scottish giants Rangers. Michael Beale has been a longtime admirer of Whittaker after he lauded him as "excellent" back in January this year.

The Glaswegian giants are surely a more likely destination for the player, as Argyle does not have the resources to compete with the stalwart of Scottish football.

Sunderland, on the other hand, do.

Would Morgan Whittaker be a good signing for Sunderland?

Whilst his time back in the Championship hasn't been quite the success he nor Swansea might have been hoping for, he certainly looked impressive in the Southwest.

According to WhoScored, during Whittaker's time with Plymouth, he averaged an impressive match rating of 7.02, earning himself four 'Man of the Match' awards in just 19 starts.

His former boss Steven Schumacher is certainly a big fan of the player, saying in December: "He has a left foot to die for."

With the growing interest of Rangers, Sunderland better get a move on if they want to get this deal done for manager Tony Mowbray before it's too late.

Newcastle United could potentially turn their attention to the Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele as a possible option in this summer's transfer window.

The Toon qualified for the Champions League following their takeover by the Saudi Arabian backed PIF, and Bailey believes the club could make some big moves in the summer market.

Newcastle transfers news – Ousmane Dembele

The transfer journalist told the Chasing Green Arrows podcast that fans should monitor Newcastle’s interest in Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

Newcastle have already brought in one new face this summer in the form of Yankuba Minteh but he has been loaned immediately out to Feyenoord.

But Bailey has suggested if the Toon are to look at making a marquee signing this summer, they may turn their attention to the 26-year-old France international.

What has Graeme Baily said about Ousmane Dembele?

“Keep an eye on Ousmane Dembele as a marquee signing, especially for Newcastle.” Bailey told host Dean Jones.

“They [Newcastle] have talked to him. He came over if you remember and met the Sunderland chairman, and he did have contacts with Newcastle at that point. He's only got a year left at Barcelona And he does appeal to PIF as well."

“Eddie Howe talks about marquee signings, I think this left forward could be the marquee signing.”

Would Ousmane Dembele be a good signing for Newcastle?

Dembele signed for Barcelona for a fee of an estimated £115 million in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund but has not hit the heights he was expected to.

In his time at the Nou Camp, – the once hailed "wizard" – Dembele has featured 185 times, scoring 40 goals and providing 43 assists per Transfermarkt. Not a bad output but potentially a little underwhelming considering his price tag and what the club expected his potential to be.

The host of the Chasing Green Arrows Podcast, Dean Jones, believes Dembele could be a great signing for the Toon Army.

“I think it Ousmane Dembele is a good marquee signing, because he's not a Neymar, he's not somebody that you're going to have a pile of problems.” Jones said.

“Injuries might be the biggest problem you get with Ousmane Dembele.”

Injuries would be the biggest red flag for potential pursuers of Dembele. The French international has had a recurring hamstring injury that forced him to miss 17 games of the 22/23 season when he tweaked it at the end of January.

The same hamstring injury was a problem in 2020 when Dembele tweaked it in January which forced him to miss 19 games.

In a season where Newcastle have to contend with European football alongside the league, Dembele is a high risk potential signing but one that they could certainly reap the rewards from if he stays fit.

Arsenal are still "also pushing very hard" to sign Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan despite the advanced reports involving Barcelona, according to an update out of Spain.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

Mikel Arteta's side have many plates spinning as they attempt to bolster their ranks for the 2022/2023 Premier League season, with midfield additions and forward reinforcements in the pipeline.

West Ham star Declan Rice is a player of serious interest with Arsenal already having multiple bids rejected for the England international, though they remain determined to complete a deal and talks are ongoing (Dharmesh Sheth).

Meanwhile, the Gunners are believed to be nearing the capture of Chelsea star Kai Havertz, with reliable journalist David Ornstein confirming as much just today.

Lavia of Southampton is also apparently "most likely" to join Arsenal despite interest from Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of this month, has been heavily linked with a move to north London too.

The Germany international commented on his future recently amid links to Borussia Dortmund, saying there are talks happening behind-the-scenes.

"Of course I have a strong connection to Dortmund. I wasn’t surprised those rumours came up," said Gundogan.

"But the probability wasn’t too high for me. It wasn’t a big issue for me to return to the Bundesliga.

"Basically, there is no decision yet. Talks are going on in the background."

Both Arsenal and Barcelona are major suitors for the 32-year-old, who played a real role in helping City achieve monumental treble-win.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners are "also pushing very hard" for his signing alongside Barca, despite Gundogan sending "positive messages" to the La Liga champions.

They say those at Camp Nou are still awaiting a definitive decision from him, meaning Arteta's side are still firm contenders to steal him away despite reports this week suggesting he is on the verge of a deal with Barca.

How many goals has Gundogan scored for Man City?

Over his 300+ plus appearances in sky blue, Gundogan has racked up an impressive 60 goals and 40 assists, highlighting his real threat in the final third.

However, his real strength is making a mark on the big occasion, having most recently bagged a brace in the FA Cup final to seal an all-important victory over rivals Man United – a win which helped them clinch their treble.

He scored many crucial goals on City's way to retaining their Premier League title as well, leaving little wonder journalists have described Gundogan as "one of the most underrated big game players ever".

With Tottenham Hotspur having ended their protracted manager search following the appointment of Ange Postecoglou, the major talking point at N17 remains the future of free-scoring talisman, Harry Kane.

The England skipper – who bagged 30 league goals last season – is yet to commit himself to the Lilywhites with just 12 months left to run on his current deal, having been the subject of notable interest from the likes of Manchester United in recent months.

While Spurs are believed to be adamant that the 29-year-old that is not for sale despite that expiring contract, it remains to be seen if Kane will still be at the club in the long term, amid the prospect of deparing on a free transfer next summer.

That fact may ensure that Postecoglou and co will need to plan ahead and lineup a suitable successor to the 280-goal monster in the near future, with The Sun recent reporting that the north Londoners have been offered the chance to sign Benfica's £80m-rated marksman, Goncalo Ramos.

Should Tottenham sign Goncalo Ramos?

The Premier League outfit should no doubt jump at the opportunity to potentially snap up the Portuguese machine, with Ramos having been in sensational form of late, scoring 27 goals in all competitions in 2022/23.

While still in the early knockings of his senior career, the 21-year-old – who has been hailed as the "next [Karim] Benzema" by former youth coach Joao Fonseca – has made a strong impression over the past year or so, having notably bagged a hat-trick for his country at the World Cup back in December.

That stellar form both domestically and at international level has shown that the Olhao native is a truly clinical asset when leading the line, ensuring that he could potentially be the next reliable goalscoring presence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as the heir to Kane.

A further benefit of Ramos' arrival would be his creative quality, with the promising forward having also chipped in with 12 assists last season as a marker of his all-round ability when leading the line, with that trait also shared by Kane, who has recorded 64 assists throughout his time at Spurs.

With the latter man also set to turn 30 later this summer, there will come a time in the near future when a replacement will need to be found – even if he does sign a new deal – with Ramos therefore seemingly a dream candidate for Postecoglou and co.

Eventually having to replace Kane will be a hard ask for Spurs over the coming years, although the Benfica ace – who has "all the conditions to play in the Premier League" according to compatriot Bruno Fernandes – would certainly be a worthy option.

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.

Manchester United appear to be keen on possibly bringing Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to Old Trafford.

Are Man United interested in signing Robert Sanchez?

The Red Devils unveiled Mason Mount as their first summer signing on Wednesday, with the midfielder penning a deal until 2028 and the option of a further year in a deal worth a total package of £60m.

Arriving from Chelsea, the England international could be the first of many through the door ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, with a new goalkeeper now seemingly next on the agenda.

Reports have suggested that Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is a real target, with an Old Trafford contract already agreed upon between the player and United.

However, a fee still needs to be agreed with Inter and Man United have verbally proposed a new £39m offer for his services. The Serie A side want around €60m, though, which could result in United looking elsewhere, where Sanchez comes into play.

According to The Daily Mail, Man United and other Premier League clubs are circling over a potential move for Sanchez.

The Spaniard has fallen out of favour under Roberto de Zerbi, with Jason Steele number one on the south coast and Bart Verbruggen recently brought in from Anderlecht for £16.3m.

As a result, Sanchez could be on the move this summer, and United view him as a cheaper alternative to Onana as he is valued at £30m.

Who is Robert Sanchez?

Sanchez, who shares the same agency as Luke Shaw, first moved to Brighton from Levante back in 2013 and has come through the youth ranks with the Seagulls.

The 25-year-old, now a full Spain international, spent time out on loan with the likes of Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale during the early stages of his career, turning out on 17 occasions in League Two and 26 in League One.

He broke into the first team setup during the 2020/21 season and has made a total of 90 senior appearances for Brighton, keeping 29 clean sheets, one of which came in the FA Cup semi-final with the Red Devils last season.

He is under contract until 2025 and earns £25,000-a-week with his current employers, and he came in for praise from former Brighton boss Graham Potter, who labelled him as ‘powerful’ and ‘fast’ who has ‘everything to be a top goalkeeper’.

“He is a monster in terms of his physicality. He’s not just big but he is powerful, he is fast.

“In terms of attributes as a goalkeeper, he has got everything to be a top goalkeeper.”

As per WhoScored, Sanchez averaged more passes and had a better completion rate than De Gea last season, whereas he stopped more crosses and averaged a shorter average length of goal kick than Onana, as per FBref. This shows how he could suit Ten Hag’s style of playing out from the back, and by the looks of things, a move could be one to keep an eye on.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in desperate need of a striker this transfer window, with goal-scoring woes that could be eased by Elye Wahi.

The Montpellier striker was linked to the Old Gold earlier this summer, and could remain as a possibility for Julen Lopetegui to target following Wolves’ sufficient sales amounting to almost £80m.

Could Wolves sign Elye Wahi?

In the latter stages of June, journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter claimed that the Midlands club held ‘real’ interest in the Montpellier sensation.

Valued at €35m (£30m) by his club via Foot Mercato, the striker could depart Ligue 1 this summer, with news emerging today revealling that he has received interest from fellow Premier League representatives Chelsea, as per L'Equipe.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Wolves are in desperate need of a striker, as communicated by them cementing themselves as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers last season, having netted just 31 goals in 38 games.

Lopetegui’s side – inherited from Bruno Lage – averaged only 0.82 goals per match, with their favoured striker Raul Jimenez failing to net a single goal in his 15 game campaign.

Lauded as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Wahi scored over half of the number of goals the entire Wolves side last season, netting 19 goals in Ligue 1 at the age of 20.

In 33 appearances in France’s top-tier, the Courcouronnes-born gem contributed to 24 of his side’s goals, adding five assists to his individual goal tally to show his threat in the final third, via FBref.

The 20-year-old could be the perfect addition at Molineux, in a player that oozes a clinical swagger and a potency going forward, which are exactly the attributes that Lopetegui requires to bolster his squad this summer.

The Premier League houses some of the best strikers in Europe, and Wolves could harvest their own goal machine in Wahi, who has already been compared to one of the league’s top scorers based on his statistics.

As per FBref comparisons, the Frenchman is comparable to Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, who ended his individual term as the league’s fifth-highest scorer, with 18 goals for the Magpies.

Wolves could land their own answer to Wilson in signing Wahi, in a player who could be fundamental to the club’s overall form, just as the Englishman has been in the North East.

Newcastle secured Champions League football with a fourth-place finish, with the help of Wilson’s goals spurring them to new heights.

Wahi could act in the way that Wilson has for Newcastle, with the 20-year-old averaging similarly to the Englishman in terms of average goals per 90, registering 0.64 non-penalty goals to the 31-year-old’s 0.72 per 90.

Having already experienced the Premier League highs to secure a European place, Wolves know just how important it is to have a competent figure leading the line, just as Jimenez once did, scoring 30 goals over his first two seasons in the league.

At the age of just 20, Lopetegui could reignite the flame in the attack at Molineux by signing the Montpellier gem, who has shown signs that he could cause havoc leading the line when called upon.

Crystal Palace can take 'advantage' of the likes of Arsenal not being keen to take their interest in Perr Schuurs to the 'next level' by signing him at Selhurst Park, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Which clubs have showed interest in Perr Schuurs?

According to DAZN Italia via Italian Football TV, Crystal Palace have submitted a bid worth €35 million for Schuurs and are ready to offer him a four-year contract at Selhurst Park.

Football Insider report that Liverpool have identified the £29k-a-week as a 'top target' at Anfield and Schuurs is seen as a budget-friendly option for the Reds as Jurgen Klopp eyes defensive reinforcements.

Sporting Clube De Portugal central defender Goncalo Inacio and Micky van de Ven have also been linked with Liverpool, which could make the prospect of them agreeing a deal with Schuurs more complicated.

Arsenal have scouted Netherlands international Schuurs in the past and could look to land him in a surprise swoop this window, as stated on GIVEMESPORT, which read: "Torino’s Perr Schuurs is a left-field name to look out for if other plans do not work out, as they scouted him from a while back. He’s already been linked with a few clubs ahead of the window"

Last term, the 23-year-old made 36 appearances in all competitions for Torino, registering one goal and two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Crystal Palace could steal a march on some of their rivals to entice Schuurs to Selhurst Park.

Jones stated: "For some teams, certainly in the sense of Arsenal, I've just got a feeling that they haven't quite been willing to go the extra step to take their interest to the next level and if that's the case for Liverpool too, then Crystal Palace can take advantage of their situation. He is very highly-rated and also there's an opportunity here for Torino to make quite a big profit."

Who else is on Crystal Palace's radar this summer?

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson will be keen to strengthen his squad to equip them with the tools to enjoy an exciting 2023/24 campaign and help to build on the positive momentum generated in the second half of last term at Selhurst Park.

According to The Sun, Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as a target to strengthen the Eagles' forward line; however, he will cost in the region of £35 million to prize away from the Emirates Stadium.

Italian journalist Daniel Speranza has claimed that AC Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere is another name who has been mentioned in connection with a move to Crystal Palace, detailing on Twitter: "After West Ham and Crystal Palace, Everton have also conducted a poll for Charles De Ketelaere in the last few hours," he tweeted. "The Milan is firm on its requests: about 30 million are needed. Reflections in progress by the English clubs."

Manchester United forgotten man Donny van de Beek has been linked with a host of clubs this summer as he looks to revive his career and Crystal Palace have been mentioned as a potential destination for the Netherlands international, as per 90min.

Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto is accumulating interest in his services from clubs across Italy alongside Premier League outfit Aston Villa, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on signing Wilfried Gnonto this summer?

According to journalist Alessio Lento, Gnonto is being sought after by Unai Emery's Aston Villa alongside Everton, as he stated on Twitter: "Future in Premier League for the National of Mancini, Wilfried Gnonto : Everton insists, but Aston Villa of Emery has no intention of letting go. It's a hot hour."

Calciomercato claim that a move for Gnonto is being explored by Serie A sides including Inter Milan, AC Milan and Fiorentina, though his reported £17.1 million price tag is deemed as excessive by keen parties.

Leeds United will either need to lower the price for Gnonto or explore the possibility of letting him go out on a loan deal, which is a policy they have operated when sanctioning the exits of Brenden Aaronson and Robin Koch.

Sport Italia via The Sun previously indicated that Gnonto was 'very close' to joining Everton in a transfer worth in the region of £19 million and detailed that Manchester United and Arsenal had also expressed attraction towards his abilities, though no such finalisation of any agreement has taken place.

FootballTransfers have put forward information to suggest that Gnonto features on a three-man shortlist at Goodison Park beside free agent Moussa Dembele and Leicester City veteran Jamie Vardy as Sean Dyche looks to strengthen his options in the final third.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has signalled that Aston Villa and Serie A clubs are indeed open to adding Gnonto to their ranks.

Jones said: "I know that things fell apart in the end, but it would be a shame for the Premier League to lose him completely. There are teams in Italy that are keeping a little bit of a closer eye on the Gnonto situation right now, but Villa are having a strong push in this transfer window and a player like that would be really exciting."

Will Leeds United be able to keep hold of Wilfried Gnonto?

Stranger things have happened; however, it is hard to imagine that a fully fledged Italy international at Gnonto's age would be willing to drop down to the Sky Bet Championship to continue his career development.

Last term, Gnonto made a decent impact in his debut campaign at Elland Road, registering four goals and four assists in 28 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The £20k-a-week ace has also excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues regarding progressive carries, completing 4.39 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the top 20% for this metric, as per FBRef.

Cited by The Daily Mail, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville gave Gnonto some high praise in the aftermath of his performance in Leeds United's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa back in January, stating: "Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly."

Gnonto has a bright future ahead of him and it looks like Leeds United will have a thankless task on their hands to try and keep him at Elland Road.

So far, it has been a slow window for Crystal Palace that has been consumed by rumoured outgoings rather than any exciting incomings.

The club is still in limbo regarding Wilfried Zaha’s future. The Ivorian is officially a free agent upon the expiration of his contract last month, but he is yet to sign for a new club. He has been offered a new £200k-per-week deal and there is growing hope within the club that the attacker will accept.

However, Zaha has attracted interest from Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, Lazio, Fenerbahce, and Al-Nassr.

The Saudi Arabian raid of Liverpool’s midfield, which sees Jordan Henderson and Fabinho on the verge of departure, has also had direct implications on Palace, as the Merseyside outfit have expressed a keenness to sign Cheick Doucoure. Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up a sensational comeback for Marc Guehi after the confirmation of Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury.

Nevertheless, the south Londoners must juggle their priorities and avoid the same, unwanted fate as Leicester City by adding insufficient quality to the squad.

Last year, the Foxes lost club servant and captain Kasper Schmeichel, and their failure to replace him was arguably one of the catalysts for their surprise relegation.

Therefore, the Eagles have targeted David Soria as a possible new arrival, who could replace Vicente Guaita in goal.

What’s the latest on David Soria to Crystal Palace?

According to Marca (via Sport Witness), Palace have registered an interest in the Getafe goalkeeper as a possible replacement for Guaita, who is being eyed up by the La Liga outfit themselves should Soria move on.

Although it appears that a simple swap deal could be organised, the Eagles are being rivalled by Nottingham Forest for Soria’s signature as Steve Cooper’s side seeks a new No 1 after losing Keylor Navas and Dean Henderson.

Meanwhile, Guaita is in the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park after signing a new contract in January, so could be available on the cheap.

Would David Soria be a good signing for Crystal Palace?

The 30-year-old has a weird and wonderful career path that could eventually culminate in a Premier League switch. The Spaniard finished his youth career with Real Madrid, and following his release, he had unsuccessful stints at Leicester, Birmingham City, and Stoke City before returning to his homeland.

Soria was then second-choice at Sevilla before sealing a move to Getafe in 2018, where he has become one of the club’s most reliable and important performers. He has made 185 appearances in all competitions, keeping 68 clean sheets.

Last season in La Liga, he really excelled as he started every game and racked up 13 clean sheets, which was the third-highest figure in the division.

The £25k-per-week ace is arguably a far more reliable option than Guaita, as he outranks him in various metrics including goals against (1.18 vs 1.26), save percentage (75.3% vs 72.4%) and clean sheet percentage per 90 (50.0% vs 22.2%), as well as percentage of passes launched (75.1% vs 34.5%).

It therefore seems a logical option for Steve Parish to replace the 36-year-old with a more solid and technically astute option in Soria.