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Arsenal have been dealt a huge injury blow regarding Brazil centre-forward Gabriel Jesus.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to sporttv via the Daily Mail, who claim that, after being withdrawn in the second half of the Seleção’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon on Friday evening due to a pain in his right knee, the Gunners striker will now miss the remainder of the Qatar World Cup as a result of injury.

The report went on to state that the forward is set to spend a gut-wrenching three months on the sidelines with back up striker Eddie Nketiah now the sole option in that area of the pitch.

A blow to their title hopes

Considering just how important Jesus has been for the Gunners since his £45m move to The Emirates this summer, the news that the centre-forward has picked up a relatively serious injury during Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Mikel Arteta.

Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances so far this season, the £103m-rated talent has been in sensational form, having already scored five goals, registered five assists and created five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.6 shots – 1.1 of which have hit the target – making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.9 dribbles – per game.

These returns have seen the £265k-per-week star average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 7.11, currently ranking him as Arteta’s seventh-best performer in the league, as well as the joint 49th-best player in the top flight of England football as a whole.

As such the loss of a player as important as Jesus will certainly be a colossal blow to their title hopes as the difference the Brazil international has made since arriving in north London has been seismic.

His all-round play has been exceptional with his dribbling and ability to draw opponents close to him has been unlike anything we saw from a languid and tired-looking Alexandre Lacazette last term.

Now, they will have to rely on Nketiah, a man with zero Premier League goals all campaign. It does not bode well for the Islington outfit at all.

Reported Liverpool target Son Heung-min ‘would love’ to move to Anfield from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to former Scottish Premiership striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Liverpool plotting Son swoop

Despite still having more than two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at Spurs, recent reports have suggested that the 30-year-old would be open to leaving N17 in a bid to secure silverware, with the Merseyside giants interested in a deal.

When the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in May, Jurgen Klopp was pictured speaking to the forward after the final whistle, so it doesn’t come as a massive shock to learn of the rumoured attention, with the Reds reportedly keeping tabs on the South Korea star.

The Latest: McAvennie’s admission

Asked by Football Insider whether Liverpool could make a move to sign Son in 2023, McAvennie replied: “I heard that Liverpool are in for him and I think he would go.

“He is not going to win anything at Tottenham. You are going to be challenging to get into the Champions League but I cannot see them winning it, not with that team.

“He would be an absolute star at Liverpool, the way they play. I think he would love to go. I think he would want to stay in the Premier League, he loves it. Liverpool would be great for him.“

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The Verdict: Get it done…

FSG making a swoop for one of Spurs’ standout performers next summer should be a no-brainer if the opportunity were to arise, given his outstanding track record. Indeed, he netted in both games against Liverpool last season.

Son, who will be in action for South Korea at the World Cup later this month, has made a remarkable 212 goal contributions in just 344 appearances for Antonio Conte’s side, and he averages 2.8 shots and 2.2 key passes per league game (WhoScored).

Just two players in Klopp’s squad have a better shots-per-game ratio, while only Mohamed Salah can surpass the Korean’s key passes average at Anfield (WhoScored).

The Tottenham star would surely flourish playing alongside the likes of the Egyptian and would be an excellent addition to the Reds’ attacking department if they can bring him to Merseyside.

Leeds United will remain in Europe during the World Cup having initially planned a trip to America, reliable journalist Phil Hay has confirmed.

The Lowdown: World Cup fast approaching

The Whites have three more Premier League matches to come before the World Cup gets underway next month, starting with Saturday’s trip to Liverpool.

It is a huge period for Jesse Marsch, who knows that he will likely be out of the job after the tournament ends, should performances and results not improve, with next week’s match against Bournemouth perhaps the major breaking point.

Leeds were planning to cross The Atlantic during the World Cup and enjoy a training camp in California, friendlies with Mexican teams and a visit to the club’s minority shareholder in San Francisco, but a fresh update suggests that the club have had a change of heart.

The Latest: Leeds to stay in Europe

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Athletic‘s Hay confirmed some changes to the training schedule through the international break, including cancelling the trip to San Francisco:

“Few EPL teams are more in need of the World Cup break than Leeds United, to reset and regroup. So changes afoot. Club now planning to stay in Europe during it, rather than heading to the US. Time off for players not involved in the World Cup to be cut.”

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The Verdict: Right call?

While a trip to California may have had its benefits, allowing the non-World Cup players some warm-weather training and potentially growing the club’s popularity in America, this sounds like a more logical option.

It means less travel for Marsch and his squad, assuming he is still in charge at that point, and possibly a more settled time of things for the players without a long excursion, as they look to work on solving their current issues.

It’s also unlikely fans would be too delighted to see their players frolicking around in the California sun given their current predicament.

Either way it is going to be a vital period in Leeds’ season, in terms of working on tactics and recharging the batteries, as they look to fend off the threat of relegation.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is waiting on a last-minute decision as to whether he will be involved in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Copenhagen, according to injury analyst Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Rodri’s injury

Ahead of Sunday’s 6-3 demolition in the Manchester derby, the Spain international sustained an injury in the final training session before the game, leading manager Pep Guardiola to leave him out of the match-day squad.

The boss added he did not want to risk the 26-year-old with City’s busy upcoming Premier League schedule ahead of the World Cup taking place in November.

The Latest: Dinnery’s news

Ahead of City’s Champions League fixture against Copenhagen, Dinnery has shared an update on Rodri’s availability.

Taking to Twitter, the injury analyst reported:

“Kyle Walker is out of the Champions League tie with FC Copenhagen. Rodri ‘feels better’ and a decision on his involvement will be made after the final session this afternoon.”

The Verdict: Huge boost

When looking at Rodri’s underlying stats, it is clear to see how important he is to Guardiola’s setup at City.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the midfielder ranks in the top one percent for passes attempted and in the top two percent for pass completion, also ranking in the top six percent for aerials won.

Hailed as an ‘absolutely incredible’ player by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, news of Rodri’s return will come as a relief to City fans, with the defensive midfielder having averaged an impressive 7.20 match rating in the Champions League this year.

Leeds United would still like to sign PSV forward Cody Gakpo in January but could find a transfer ‘difficult’, according to Tim Thornton.

The Lowdown: Gakpo links

Victor Orta flew out to the Netherlands looking to bring Gakpo to Elland Road in a dramatic late summer move.

However, as we know, a move failed to materialise, with Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal thought to have played a part in Gakpo’s decision to stay with PSV.

The 23-year-old, hailed as a ‘sensational player’ by Football Oranje editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell, has contributed to an impressive 19 goals in just 13 games this season, and looks destined to represent his country in the upcoming World Cup.

The Latest: Thornton’s comments

Sky Sports reporter Thornton was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Leeds and Gakpo in a story shared on Tuesday evening.

He said that Leeds, in an ‘ideal world’, would still like to move for Gakpo in 2023, however, he said that a move could prove complicated if the player impresses in Qatar with the Netherlands.

“In an ideal world, would Leeds like to sign him in January? I think, yes. Will they get him in January? Well, there were lots of clubs interested in the last window and if he goes to the World Cup and does really well, then it might be a more difficult deal to get done. It will depend on what happens in the next few months.”

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The Verdict: Spot on

You’d expect that a number of other clubs are already looking at Gakpo following his unbelievable 2022/23 form that shows no signs of slowing up, and that may only increase should he star in the World Cup.

Therefore, the ship may have already sailed when it comes to Orta landing Gakpo, but it appears as if Leeds may be willing to try again.

He can play anywhere across the front three, so could be an inspired signing, however, with his Transfermarkt valuation at a career-high £31.5m, any move could come at a record fee for Leeds.

Leeds United are still pursuing a move for Cody Gakpo…

What’s the word?

That’s according to their chairman Andrea Radrizzani, who tweeted about the PSV Eindhoven winger as the Yorkshire outfit looked to be closing in on a move for Marseille frontman Bamba Dieng.

“Let s welcome Bamba Dieng and we will continue to work on Gapko. Now it’s time to focus on the pitch and support our new project and the great job Jesse and the staff are doing,” he tweeted in response to one Whites supporter.

The 22-year-old Senegalese forward would have cost Leeds around €10m (£8.6m), as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who also revealed that Dan James would be joining Fulham on a season-long loan. However, a deal has now remarkably fallen through with the player joining Nice instead.

Meanwhile, PSV were reported to have rejected Leeds’ most recent bid for Gakpo this morning after director of football Victor Orta travelled to Eindhoven last night to try and complete a deal.

Romano, in another update, suggested that the Dutch international was set to remain at the Eredivisie side until January, at the very least, but Radrizzani’s latest comments could hint that the Yorkshire side aren’t done with the pursuit just yet.

Huge coup

Bringing in Gakpo, who was available for £34m, would be something of a huge coup for the Italian chairman, Orta and manager Jesse Marsch, particularly as the 23-year-old is capable of playing in multiple attacking positions.

Such versatility has seen him already likened to Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, two of the best to ever do it in the Premier League.

“I always refer to Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie – he’s not at that level yet. But they came into the Premier League as left wingers and were turned into strikers under Arsene Wenger and did very well,” claimed Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan to Sky Sports News.

“He is slowly being transitioned into a striker because he has had some good coaching from [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy.”

Last season, Gakpo set pulses racing in Holland as he delivered a whopping 21 goals and 15 assists from 47 appearances in all competitions, and he looks to have continued that form into the new campaign, where he has already provided PSV with seven goals and six assists from nine outings, per Transfermarkt.

It’s evident that the 6 foot 2 talisman is a super talent, given the likes of Manchester United, Southampton and Arsenal have all been keen on signing him too, so if Radrizzani can seal a move for the attacker – who journalist Josh Bunting recently dubbed “electric” – then it would certainly be something of a mouthwatering end to the summer transfer window.

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The likelihood is, however, that it’ll be a deal that is either completed in 2023 or one that has an advanced look ahead to January, perhaps a loan back until then.

That said, this tweet from the Leeds chairman should still leave the Elland Road faithful absolutely buzzing indeed.

AND in other news, Leeds “are interested” in swoop for “unreal” £26k-p/w talent, Marsch badly needs him…

Sunderland have been hit with an injury blow to central defender Daniel Ballard after Championship action at the weekend.

What’s the latest?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has hinted at the summer signing’s knock from the 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers at the weekend being a serious one.

The centre-back was forced off after suffering an injury to his foot in the ninth minute and the Scottish head coach has confirmed that it does not look good for the youngster.

He told the Shields Gazette: “It’s a massive blow.

“Dan is a key player, we’ve spent money on him to improve the squad. We’ve lost him, and it just shows where we are. We’re light.”We’ve lost a signing we’ve brought in, if you look at the squad today we’ve only had two starters from who we signed in the summer, and now we’ve lost one of them.”It doesn’t look good for Dan.” Frustration for Neil

The Black Cats boss will surely be left frustrated by this injury blow for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it was caused by a challenge from a QPR player that did not result in a free-kick to Sunderland. The referee deemed there to be nothing wrong with the tackle and now the club may be without Ballard for a number of matches, although no exact timeline has been placed on his return.

Neil will also be frustrated by this knock because of the potential Ballard has to be a standout performer for him in the Championship.

It is difficult to judge his performance so far as he has only played two-and-a-bit matches whilst settling into a new team, but he enjoyed a superb spell on loan at Millwall last term.

In the second tier in 2021/22, the former Arsenal man averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.95 and recorded scores of 7.00 or higher in each of his last five appearances. The gem won 64% of his individual duels in that time as he stood up to the physical tests of the division at the age of 22.

This season, Danny Batth has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.47 and won 54% of his battles, whilst Dennis Cirkin has averaged a rating of 6.57 and only won 48% of his duels.

These statistics suggest that Ballard could be a huge upgrade on the pair once he gets back from injury and is able to reach the levels he hit last term. Such is his perceived importance to the side, journalist Josh Bunting has Tweeted that the club “simply can’t afford to lose (Ballard) this season”.

Therefore, Neil will be frustrated that he will now have to cope without the 22-year-old for an undetermined period of time.

Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked with a move for Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, and now a new update has emerged about the player’s future that could spell a setback for Steve Cooper.

What’s the latest?

According to Midlands football journalist Alex Dicken, Wolverhampton Wanderers have no interest in selling their young midfielder this summer.

Dicken tweeted:

“Heard the Morgan Gibbs-White to Nottingham Forest rumour earlier. Was told Wolves are ‘not in dialogue’ with Forest over MGW at the moment.

Wolves expect offers – but they don’t want to sell him.”

Cooper will be gutted

So far Steve Cooper has been spoilt as the powers at The City Ground have given him several new players to improve the team ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, however, there’s no doubt the Forest boss will be gutted he may not be able to sign Gibbs-White.

The Wolves midfielder who has a reported price tag of £30m, has been attracting a lot of attention from the football world following his outstanding season-long loan at Sheffield United, with his performances earning him the Player of the Year award at the club.

Gibbs-White scored 12 goals, delivered 10 assists and created 16 big chances, ending the season as the second highest scoring player in the team from his midfield position, with his contributions during the Championship campaign and play-offs challenge have earned him high praise.

Barnsley head coach Poya Asbaghi was in awe of the player when his team took on Sheffield United last season telling Yorkshire Live:

“He’s a really good player. I think Sheffield United have a lot of good players, but he is the most outstanding one.”

“He is so good when he drops in-between the centre backs and the midfield to receive the ball to attack the spaces from there.”

Of course, Cooper is no stranger to the talents and ability of the 22-year-old after working with him in the England U17s team and signing him up on a six-month loan at Swansea City, which only further proves that the Welsh manager is clearly a big fan of the young midfielder.

With that being said, Forest must do everything they can to convince Wolves to part ways with Gibbs-White this summer by making them an offer they cannot refuse, as he could make a huge difference in their Premier League campaign next season if he can emulate his form with the Blades.

AND in other news, Forest eyeing £6.7m bid for “extraordinary” gem, he can be Cooper’s own Nkunku…

Leeds United won’t bid for RB Salzburg midfielder Mohamed Camara as things stands, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Camara links

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for Camara in recent weeks, with an outlet in Austria going as far as saying a big-money transfer was ‘imminent’.

Leeds reportedly made a breakthrough in talks over the weekend in a deal that would have cost around £30m with bonuses.

However, it seems as if RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams will be the man to arrive at Elland Road, according to Romano, after a total £20m fee was ‘100% agreed’.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide updates on both Adams and Camara.

He claimed that a move for Adams was ‘done and sealed’, adding that ‘if nothing changes in the coming weeks, Leeds won’t bid for midfielder Camara’.

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The Verdict: Both needed?

Kalvin Phillips is now officially a Manchester City player, so you’d expect Adams will come in and fill the void left by the boyhood Leeds fan.

However, Jesse Marsch will have just Adams and fellow summer signing Marc Roca as senior defensive midfielders, so you could make an argument that Camara is also needed at Elland Road.

Manchester Evening News podcaster Conor McGilligan believes Camara is already ‘on KP’s level’, so having options of Adams, Roca and Camara may well prove to be smart business, but it looks as if a move isn’t ‘imminent’ as reported over the weekend.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is believed to be eyeing a deal for Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, although could face stern competition from another Premier League side…

What’s the word?

As per The Scottish Sun, the Midlands outfit are named as one of the clubs that are potentially interested in a move for the 25-year-old, albeit with newly-promoted outfit Nottingham Forest said to be the frontrunners in the race for his signature.

Steve Cooper and co have already wrapped up the signing of Aribo’s Nigeria teammate Taiwo Awoniyi on a club-record £17.5m deal, although could now turn their attention to the Gers man, with the player having impressed since his £300k move to Ibrox in 2019.

The report suggests that the player is unlikely to sign a new deal, with just 12 months remaining on his current contract, hence opening up the possibility of a departure from the Old Firm giants.

Gerrard loves him

Despite that reported competition from Forest, Villa will no doubt be hoping that the player’s previous connection with Gerrard could prove key in getting a deal over the line, with £9m-rated gem having flourished under the Englishman in Glasgow.

The 42-year-old had been the man to bring the 6-foot machine to Scotland three years ago from Charlton Athletic, with the midfielder eventually going on to prove an integral part of the side that ended rivals Celtic’s nine-year title dominance in 2021.

During the Liverpool legend’s time in charge – prior to his return to the Premier League in November – Aribo netted 20 goals and provided 18 assists in 112 games in all competitions for his current side, having been dubbed a “joy to watch” by the former Three Lions skipper.

In his absence, the £14k-per-week machine has continued to impress under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, notably netting the opener in the eventual Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt back in May, before starting the Scottish Cup triumph over Hearts a few days later.

Those at Villa Park will be hoping that will prove to be his last outing for the Scottish Premiership outfit, with the “special” talent – as dubbed by one journalist – seemingly ready to make that step up to a more competitive and prestigious league.

Reports have suggested that sporting director Johan Lange is on the hunt for a new central midfield addition, despite having already brought in Marseille youngster, Boubacar Kamara as one of four major summer deals this summer.

The hope will be that Aribo’s name can be added to that list in the coming weeks, with the chance to work under the Villa boss once again no doubt appealing.

As for Gerrard, the Reds icon will be keen to have a familiar face in tow next term, as he plots something of a squad overhaul with his new club.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez