Arsenal Midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong looks set for another loan spell at Wolves as the player continues to make his comeback from as serious knee injury, according to the Daily Express.
The 20 year old had a brief spell at the West Midlands outfit last season making 5 premier league appearances there, before his time was cut short as he ruptured his cruciate ligament which kept him out for the season.
The youngster who has appeared for England at u16 and u17 level has re-joined training with the Arsenal first team squad but is still a fair distance off competing for a place in the starting XI.
It is believed that a move to the Championship club could reignite the midfielder’s development with Frimpong commanding a starting berth at the beginning of the 2011/12 season, both domestically and in the Champions League.
A move to Wolves could be beneficial for both sides with Solbakken looking to add more steel to their midfield.
Frimpong recently told the Daily Express “I don’t want to push myself if I’m not ready – I don’t think I am ready for the Arsenal first-team yet.”
However, he is open to any offers he has to improve his fitness on loan, and its believed that Wolves are not the only championship club showing an interest.
Emmanuel Frimpong developed a reputation for being a tenacious midfielder, drawing comparisons to his former team mate Alex song as well as a host of African midfielders who are known for their pace and stamina. It is thought that once Frimpong realises his potential he can fulfil the ‘Essien’ role for Arsenal.
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It has emerged in recent weeks that Tottenham defender Danny Rose could be on his way out of the club, after telling Sky Sports that his position is unclear. Well, with Tottenham reportedly keen on a move for long-term target Ryan Sessegnon, it’s understandable why this may be the case. Still, a quick glance below at his form across the season suggests perhaps Tottenham should not be looking for a replacement at all.
Firstly, let’s discuss the potential move then. To Sky Sports, Rose said: “If I’m back at Tottenham next season, great, if I’m not – great.” It doesn’t exactly strike as desire, or even intention, to stay. Indeed, the former Leeds youngster added that his age, being 28-years-old, was a factor in this, despite being happy with his increased game time this season.
According to the Evening Standard, his comments have taken the Tottenham hierarchy by surprise. Pochettino was reportedly very impressed by the left-back this season, who played 26 league matches alongside eight in the Champions League this season, after all.
When looking at the stats, it’s not hard to see why Pochettino was so impressed. One can make a quick comparison to Tottenham’s other left-back, Ben Davies. Surprisingly, the Welshman (per WhoScored) actually played more matches than Rose this season, with 27 league appearances and nine in the Champions League. Yet, during his games at left-back, the team conceded 10 more in the league and he failed to contribute to a single goal, whereas Rose claimed four assists.
Now, you could say Ben Davies is perhaps not the ideal comparison – and fair enough. But when comparing Rose to Ben Chilwell, who started England’s Nations League semi-final and could be subject of a potential big-money move to Manchester City, his numbers are again admirable.
Chilwell conceded an average of 1.19 goals per game last season, where Rose only conceded an average of 0.62. Additionally, he made just one more assist in ten additional appearances, had a lower cross accuracy, created less big chances, had a lower tackle success percentage and lost significantly more duels (stats via PremierLeague.com).
Granted, Chilwell kept more clean sheets, won more duels and made no errors leading to a goal, where Rose made one but the point remains. The Leicester star, after all, is a man who The Telegraph report is a prime target for Guardiola and would cost more than the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.
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With that in mind, it’s not as if he had a much better season than Rose at all. Yes, there are going to be fewer chances to sell him as he gets older, but Rose still retains the kind of quality to make him one of the best left-backs in the league. If there’s a chance to keep him, it shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.
Tottenham fans, what do you think? Would you like to see Rose at the club next season? Or is it time to freshen up? Comment below.
West Ham travel to Anfield this evening in the hope of pulling off an impressive double over Liverpool, having beaten the Carabao Cup winners 3-2 at the London Stadium earlier this season.
However, David Moyes is without four players – Angelo Ogbonna (knee), Arthur Masuaku (knee), Vladimir Coufal (hernia) and Andriy Yarmolenko (compassionate leave) – while Ryan Fredericks (groin) is also a doubt.
Tomas Soucek suffered a deep cut above his left eye against Southampton and was initially considered a doubt, but after seemingly making himself available for selection via social media, it is expected that he will be in the squad later.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted West Ham line-up for this evening:
We expect Moyes to deploy the same 3-4-1-2 formation he has used in the last two games, particularly to counter the threat of Liverpool’s full-backs and front three in an effort to contain them and hit them on the break.
The 58-year-old is likely to make just two changes from the team which lost at Southampton in the FA Cup in midweek, with Alphonse Areola dropping out of the team in place of Lukasz Fabianski, and Aaron Cresswell coming in for Issa Diop.
On-loan Areola – who was once described by his former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel as “exceptional” – had a night to forget on Wednesday, conceding three goals and making just one save, with SofaScore giving him a match rating of 5.9, while Cresswell missed out through injury.
He and Fabianski return, with Diop and Areola dropping to the bench, while Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson retain their places in the team.
Ben Johnson and Pablo Fornals continue as makeshift wing-backs, with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek marshalling the midfield, and Manuel Lanzini just behind Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.
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The likes of Nikola Vlasic and Said Benrahma will likely be called upon to provide a spark off the bench, while the leadership and experience of Mark Noble could prove crucial should he come on as a substitute to help the Hammers protect a lead or gain a draw.
In other news: West Ham handed huge injury boost pre-Liverpool as exciting Rush Green image emerges
Leeds United’s communications chief Jay Mooney has been reacting to Tyler Roberts’ injury on Twitter.
The Lowdown: Roberts out for the season
The 23-year-old was named on the bench in Jesse Marsch’s first game as manager against Leicester City and came on with 14 minutes remaining.
Unfortunately, the Welshman suffered a hamstring injury shortly after coming on but didn’t come off despite the fact he was seriously struggling.
Late Monday night, it was confirmed by the Whites that Roberts has undergone surgery on a ruptured hamstring tendon which is set to keep him out of action for three months.
The Latest: Mooney reacts
The club’s official Twitter post received plenty of interaction on Monday evening, including from head of communications Mooney.
He replied using his personal account, labelling it as ‘sad news’.
“Sad news but Tyler will come back fighting. Unbelievably good soul, always happy to go the extra mile for the club.”
The Verdict: Unfortunate
Roberts has made just seven Premier League starts this season, contributing to two goals in 974 minutes of action.
He may have been in line to feature more regularly under Marsch, though, due to the American’s 4-2-2-2 system, so the injury update is extremely unfortunate for the player ahead of 11 make or break fixtures starting against Aston Villa on Thursday.
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The good news for Marsch is that Patrick Bamford is set to make a return after a lengthy period out, so it is a case of one in and one out on the treatment table at Thorp Arch.
In other news: Phil Hay drops huge Leeds news from Thorp Arch before Villa.
As per Calciomercato, it appears Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola have re-joined the race for a familiar target in Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Lowdown: Tagliafico targeted in 2020…
Reliable reports back in 2020 tipped Guardiola and the Sky Blues with a real interest in signing Argentina’s left-back back in 2020.
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Sky Sports claimed that City had earmarked Tagliafico as a player on the shortlist to replace makeshift defender Oleksandr Zinchenko if he were to leave Eastlands.
The broadcast giant were told of ‘early’ interest in the Eredivisie ace even before sporting director Txiki Begiristain made a decision on Zinchenko with City’s ace eventually staying in Manchester.
At the time, they would have had to invest substantially to acquire Tagliafico, with Sky journalist Rob Dorsett claiming that Ajax valued their man at £40 million.
Now, as reports suggest they will sell for as little as €7 million (£6m), it appears Guardiola’s men have re-entered the race for Tagliafico as that initial price tag plummets by 85%.
The Latest: Man City re-join Tagliafico race…
According to Calciomercato, the Premier League champions are back in the picture for Ajax’s full-back as City keep tabs alongside Napoli and Barcelona.
The Italian source adds that Tagliafico could now leave at the end of June, with his contract expiring in 2023.
The Verdict: Why?
The player is approaching 30-years-old and seemingly won’t have that much longer at the top level or in a physically demanding division like the Premier League.
Guardiola’s side also have Joao Cancelo who can operate on that side with the Portuguese star standing out as one of City’s most untouchable players this season.
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In place of the 27-year-old, Nathan Ake, Zinchenko and even Aymeric Laporte are capable of slotting in at left-back when required – begging the question why Tagliafico’s signing could be necessary?
Despite being labelled a ‘big-name’ and ‘good standard of player’ by former Premier League full-back Alan Hutton , we believe City have more than enough of those on that side.
In other news: Man City now preparing bid to sign new forward target in ‘special’ £67m man! Find out more here.
Gio van Bronckhorst guided Rangers through to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 3-0 win away from Ibrox on Sunday.
The Gers sealed an Old Firm meeting in the last four by beating Dundee at their own ground, thanks to goals from Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Fashion Sakala.
This match offered Van Bronckhorst the chance to hand some minutes to academy players and he did just that as Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann both came off the bench on the day.
Save millions
The latter was making his second senior appearance for the first team and he is a player who could save the club millions in the summer.
He came on for Juventus loanee Aaron Ramsey and that substitution could also be made in the summer as McCann replaces the Wales international in the Rangers squad for the 2022/23 campaign. Instead of splashing out millions to sign the ex-Arsenal man on a permanent deal or going into the market to sign a replacement, Van Bronckhorst can unleash the 19-year-old academy gem.
Rangers signed him for £750k from Manchester United last summer and his record for the Red Devils was impressive. He managed 17 goals and six assists in 62 appearances for the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides, which suggests that he is capable of being a difference-maker in the final third from midfield – much like Ramsey has been throughout his career, with 142 goal contributions for Arsenal and Juventus combined.
McCann recently confirmed that he will be representing Northern Ireland at international level, having played with the Republic of Ireland’s youth teams, and their manager Ian Baraclough hailed the young midfielder, saying: “I’ve had good conversations with Charlie’s family and Charlie himself. He could be at no better place than at Rangers working with Davo [Steven Davis] and they are in constant dialogue.
“We’re very strong in the midfield area and he’s aware of that but he’ll be hooking up with the Under-21s to start with where he will be desperate to get some game time and then go back to his club and do well. If he does the right things, which he will because he is that type of boy, he’ll have a really good career both at club and country level.”
Reacting to the news, reporter Mark McDougall tweeted: “Disappointed to see Charlie McCann decide to play for Northern Ireland. A terrific footballer who would have slotted right into a Stephen Kenny team over the next couple of years.”
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These comments and his form south of the border suggest that the 19-year-old has a high ceiling as a player, and that is why Van Bronckhorst could benefit from offering him game-time in the Premiership between now and the end of the season to see if he can make the step up. Alternatively, the manager can continue to give him minutes in the cup before using him throughout pre-season in the summer with a view to him playing a larger role in the team.
If McCann can step up and make an impact – and his statistics at youth level suggest that he can – the teenager would duly save Ross Wilson millions in the transfer window…
AND in other news, “Special player..”: Expert makes exciting Rangers transfer claim which will delight Van Bronckhorst…
Barcelona are ‘well advanced’ in talks with Raphinha over a summer move from Leeds United, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Constant Raphinha rumours
Sadly for the Whites, endless reports are linking the Brazilian with a summer exit from Elland Road, as he seemingly weighs up his future.
Barcelona appear to be the current front-runners to snap up Raphinha at the end of the season, as new manager Xavi looks to add more quality to his squad.
Now, Romano has provided an update that further suggests the winger’s future may lie at the Camp Nou.
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The Latest: Romano makes fresh claim
Taking to Twitter on Friday, the renowned journalist claimed that talks are ongoing and ‘advanced’, although nothing will be agreed quickly:
“Barcelona are in well advanced talks with Deco for Raphinha as summer target since one month, but the official negotiation with Leeds won’t start now – it will take some time.”
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The Verdict: Turning the screw
Once a club of Barca’s history and stature show interest in a player, the end result is invariably a formality, which is clearly concerning for Leeds.
A recent claim made by transfer expert Dean Jones does at least suggest that Raphinha, and Kalvin Phillips for that matter, could still stay put but it is clear that the Catalan giants consider the former a primary target.
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It is easy to see Raphinha slotting in seamlessly at Barca with some superb players around him and he may see it as a perfect opportunity to boost his chances of starting for Brazil at the World Cup later this year.
In other news, Beren Cross has dropped a key update regarding one Leeds player. Read more here.
Leeds United midfielder Tyler Roberts’ future at the club could be in doubt as they look to improve on him this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Roberts struggles to impress
The Whites have endured a season to forget in the Premier League, with Marcelo Bielsa losing his job and relegation still more than a possibility.
Roberts is one individual who has struggled to find a good run of form, scoring just once in 23 league appearances despite his attack-minded nature as a player.
Bielsa called him ‘very important’ and handed him 107 of his 108 Leeds appearances, but despite his fondness for the player there was speculation surrounding the Welshman leaving Leeds in the January transfer window.
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The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Jesse Marsch may look to make an upgrade on Roberts this summer:
“You do get the feeling that his position is one of those that will be targeted in the summer to be strengthened.”
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The Verdict: Time to be sold?
While Roberts is still only 23 years of age, there is a feeling that he isn’t good enough for Leeds moving forward, particularly in terms of being a regular starter.
His record of nine goals in 108 Whites appearances is far from prolific and Marsch may feel he could bring in reinforcements that will provide more cutting edge.
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Someone like rumoured Leeds target Brenden Aaronson could be perfect, with the American netting 12 times in 60 games for RB Salzburg in a similar role, bringing a level of midfield guile and end product that Roberts simply fails to.
In other news, one journalist has dropped a big Andrea Radrizzani claim. Read more here.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has revealed a massive team news boost ahead of the Toffees’ clash against West Ham on Sunday.
What’s the latest?
Taking to Friday’s press conference ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, the 43-year-old provided an update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin which will be music to Evertonian ears.
Speaking to the club’s official website about the 25-year-old, Lampard said: “He’s in a really good place. The break has been positive for Dominic (Calvert-Lewin).
“We’ve worked well, really closely with him over the past couple of weeks. Without putting unnecessary pressure on him, because it’s tough to be a striker with expectation. He’s in a really good place.”
Huge boost for Everton
Lampard’s latest update regarding Calvert-Lewin comes as a huge boost for Everton. The Toffees have often struggled in front of goal this season and, with just 29 goals in the Premier League, find themselves ranked as the joint-fourth lowest scorers in the top flight.
It is clear that Everton have missed their 25-year-old talisman this season, as indeed any team would be badly affected if they had to do without a player who netted 16 goals in his most recent league campaign and began this term with three in as many matches before injury struck.
Extra clarification of how poor Everton’s goalscoring numbers have been this season comes in the form of Liverpool superstar; Mohamed Salah. So far this season, the Egyptian has 30 goal contributions to his name, in the form of 20 goals and 10 assists. In other words, he has been involved in more goals on his own than Everton have scored as a team this season, a stat which will no doubt infuriate Toffees fans.
Lampard’s side find themselves in a precarious position in the table and will need all help they can get if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Calvert-Lewin’s return also adds some enhancements which cannot be quantified, such as his ability to act as a focal point and create space for a team-mate, or his ability to hold up the ball in the attacking third; giving his team-mates the chance to make runs out wide. Whilst his end product should certainly aid Everton in their hunt for Premier League survival, his playing style as an out-and-out physical striker could indeed prove to be the difference between staying up and going down for the Toffees.
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His impending return is undoubtedly a huge boost for Everton and will eave Lampard ecstatic ahead of a testing fixture this weekend against Europa League quarter-finalists West Ham.
In other news – Everton must finally unleash £19.8m “freak of a talent” who has been “destroyed”
It wasn’t pretty, but Chelsea secured their place in the semi-finals of the League Cup by just about getting past Cardiff City on Tuesday night.
Enzo Maresca’s side looked miles off the pace for the entirety of the first half, and were it not for an impressive display from Alejandro Garnacho in the second 45, they could well have faced penalties.
There were poor performances across the board for the Blues, but someone who once again stood out for all the wrong reasons was Jamie Gittens.
The Englishman has not had a great start to life at Chelsea, and if reports are to be believed, could well be in danger of being replaced by one of the club’s transfer targets.
Chelsea target Gittens upgrade
Maresca was probably hoping that a start against League One Cardiff would present Gittens with the perfect opportunity to find some form on Tuesday night.
Transfer Focus
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Unfortunately, by the time he was replaced in the 66th minute, the 21-year-old looked lower on confidence than he did at the start.
It’s not hard to see why, though, as during his time on the pitch, he failed to take a shot on target, create a big chance or complete a dribble.
Gittens’ game v Cardiff
Minutes
66′
Shots on Target
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Crosses
0
Accurate Passes
21/25 (84%)
Touches
41
Lost Possession
10
Dribbles (Successful)
2 (0)
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (2)
Aeria Duels (Won)
2 (0)
All Stats via Sofascore
So, with performances like that, and those that came before it this season, it’s not all that surprising to hear that the Blues are looking for a new winger.
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are still very interested in Kenan Yıldız.
The report has revealed that, alongside Arsenal, the West Londoners are ‘leading the Premier League interest’ and are looking to capitalise on the stalling of contract talks between Juventus and the player.
Furthermore, according to the story, the Blues have established contact with the player’s camp.
A price is not mentioned in the reports, but stories from earlier this year suggest that a fee of around £88m might be required to tempt the Old Lady into selling.
It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a significant upgrade on Gittens.
How Yıldız compares to Gittens
Now, one advantage Yıldız has over Gittens from right out the gate is his positional versatility.
Unlike the Chelsea ace, he can and has played all over the pitch, from both wings to second-striker, attacking midfield and even up top.
However, his primary position is on the left, so his primary competition for game time would be the Englishman.
Although when comparing the two players’ output over the last season and a half, it’s hard to call it a competition.
For example, in 52 appearances last year, the Turkish wonderkid scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.47 games.
The former Borussia Dortmund star, on the other hand, scored as many goals but provided just five assists in 49 appearances, resulting in an average of a goal involvement every 2.88.
Things have been even more one-sided this season.
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In 21 appearances, the Regensburg-born star has provided 12 goal involvements, averaging one every 1.75 games, lending credence to the claim that, in the words of the player himself, he is “considered one of the best talents in Europe.”
The West Londoners’ 21-year-old winger, on the other hand, has produced just six goal involvements in 20 appearances, which is an average of one every 3.33.
Finally, if the difference in their output doesn’t make it clear who the better player is, their underlying numbers will.
Yıldız vs Gittens
Statistics per 90
Yıldız
Gittens
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.45
0.31
Progressive Passes
3.57
1.67
Progressive Carries
4.50
5.00
Shots
2.56
1.88
Shots on Target
1.09
0.42
Key Passes
2.48
1.88
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.55
1.25
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.47
0.21
Goal-Creating Actions
4.66
3.98
Shot-Creating Actions
0.54
0.63
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
According to FBref, the Juventus gem comes out comfortably ahead in practically every relevant metric, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes, key passes, shot-creating actions, crosses into the penalty area and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Gittens could still come good, but if BlueCo do end up signing Yıldız next month, his Chelsea career could be over before it’s even really begun.
Dream for Estevao: Chelsea want to sign "one of the best wing-backs in the PL"
The Premier League star would be an incredible signing for Chelsea and would help get even more out of Estevao.