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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could dip into the market and snare a former academy prospect, bringing him back to the Emirates Stadium with a lucrative bid.

What’s the word?

90min are reporting that Valencia have initiated contract talks with their rising star Yunus Musah, who signed for the Spanish outfit in 2019, after departing from the Gunners academy. 

With Liverpool and Chelsea also emerging as potential suitors for the dynamic midfielder, Arteta will need to move swiftly if he is indeed to make his move for a player they have been tracking since 2019.

The report states that while Valencia would be open to sale, should they fail in their contractual offer, Musah’s release clause of €100m (£86m) could be a wall too insurmountable to overcome. 

Ramsey heir

Arsenal have gone from strength to strength across the past few seasons, and now top the Premier League table after 14 matches played, ahead of the formidable Manchester City by five points.

There is a desire to improve several departments of the team, however, with The Sun reporting earlier this season that Gunners owner Stan Kroenke will present the Spaniard Arteta with funds to target impactful additions, with the centre of the park and the wide flanks desired.

Musah played an integral role in the USA’s commendable World Cup campaign, where the side finished second in the group phase and lost in a thrilling round-of-16 encounter against the Netherlands.

As per Sofascore, the industrious midfielder recorded an 87% pass success rate in Qatar, making 2.0 tackles per match and aiding his team as the central focal point, linking the offensive and defensive departments with a refined presence that belies his tender age.

His tenacity in the centre offers shades of Aaron Ramsey, who starred for the Gunners, making 371 appearances for the London giants, scoring 65 goals and assists apiece and playing a vital role in securing three FA Cup trophies during his lengthy stay. 

Musah, who ranks within the top 7% for dribbles completed when compared to midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this term, as per FBref, displays a clear aptitude for seeking out forward transitions and instigating positive plays. 

Much like Ramsey, there is a knack for implementing a forward-thinking mindset into the game, and Arsenal would certainly welcome this approach back to the Emirates, with the “connector” – as Gregg Berhalter calls him – raising the performance of all his teammates when he’s fit and firing. 

Having already plied his trade at Arsenal at youth level, the door remains open for a return, and despite the deal likely being rather expensive, Arsenal would boast a newfound presence of dogged ubiquity in the middle, who could help them continue to rise.

Glasgow Rangers could potentially find a solution to their centre-forward problem at Ibrox in the form of Denis Undav, following speculation surrounding the striker.

What’s the word?

The Daily Record have speculated that the 26-year-old could potentially emerge as a target for Rangers ahead of the January transfer window, with the 5 foot 10 ace ‘likely’ to be on manager Michael Beale’s ‘radar’.

The new Gers boss has seemingly kept a close eye on the clinical marksman in recent times, with the Englishman’s former club believed to be one of those who are keeping tabs on the Brighton man.

While Undav – who only arrived at the Amex this summer after sealing a £6m switch earlier this year – still has three-and-a-half years left to run on his existing deal, the report suggests that a loan move could seemingly be a possibility in the New Year.

Solve Rangers’ big issue

A notable issue for the aforementioned Beale at present is the form of contract rebel, Alfredo Morelos, with the Colombian hotshot having scored just three goals in 19 games in all competitions so far this season.

The 26-year-old – who was dropped earlier this season by former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst due to concerns over his fitness and attitude – is facing an uncertain future in Glasgow with just six months remaining on his current contract, ensuring he could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club at the start of next month.

The latest suggestion is that the Light Blues have failed to come to an agreement regarding a new long-term extension for the polarising asset – with the 11-cap brute having demanded a salary of around £45k per week – with an exit now looking like a very real possibility.

That fact should well ensure that the Scottish giants are in need of another centre-forward addition to compete with the league’s top scorer, Antonio Colak, with the aforementioned Undav no doubt a fine option for the second half of the campaign.

While the £20k-per-week man has started just one game for Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season – scoring only once in that time – the ruthless asset has previously proven prolific throughout his career, notably scoring 45 times and laying on 18 assists in just 70 games for former club Union Saint-Gilloise.

That stunning stint in Belgium saw the Achim-born sensation notably net 27 goals and register 13 assists in just 41 games during the 2021/22 campaign, while his overall club career tally stands at a respectable haul of 116 goals in 243 games following previous stints in the lower divisions in Germany.

That record corroborates the player’s own claim that he can simply “score from everywhere”, with such an addition potentially set to be the lift that Rangers are in need of in the quest to close the gap on rivals, Celtic.

Given the controversy surrounding Qatar as the host of the FIFA World Cup 2022, it was difficult to imagine the tournament proving a success. It may come as a surprise, then, to hear that it may actually be worth consideration as the best ever. Here are some of the key reasons why.

The shocks

Shock results are always memorable, tending to elevate the quality of a World Cup in the mind. And Qatar 2022 certainly had its fair share. On only the second full day of games, Argentina were beaten from a winning position by the much lower-ranked Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, and in a very similar way, Japan inflicted defeat on both Germany and Spain. Later on, in the quarter-finals, pre-tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out by an ageing Croatia side. However, it’s arguably Morocco that will be remembered most fondly in this category, due to their unexpected victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, which saw them make it to the semi-finals.

The final

There are many who would argue that the measure of a World Cup’s greatness begins with its final. This one was to be contested by two heavyweights in Argentina and France, so perhaps it’s no surprise that it was watched by almost 20m people in the UK, and was the second most popular sports match of the year in betting in the US and other countries. Some online betting platforms had Argentina as the favourites.

It’s not uncommon for the games themselves to underwhelm. Occasionally, the reason for this is that the game is one-sided, which looked for the majority of normal time in this final to be the case, as Argentina dominated for the opening 80 minutes and held a comfortable 2-0 lead. But two quick-fire Kylian Mbappe goals for France, followed in extra time by another for each side – including Mbappe’s third – meant that it would be decided by penalties. Not incidentally, Mbappe became only the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. Nevertheless, in the end it was Argentina who emerged as champions.

The iconic moment

Iconic moments can also impact the perception of a World Cup. Down the years, they have often come from within a match, in the form of a goal, a save, a piece of skill, or even a controversial incident. Disappointingly, some tournaments can’t boast a truly iconic moment at all.

This one, though, will forever be associated with the image of Argentina captain Lionel Messi kissing and lifting the trophy. An extremely popular player – considered by the many to be the greatest footballer of the modern era – he had announced that this World Cup would be his last, and therefore his last chance to win the one major trophy that had eluded him. his success here will undoubtedly have made Qatar 2022 more popular in turn.

Photo by Unsplash

Celtic are planning talks with the representatives of Rosenborg striker Casper Tengstedt, according to journalist Mark Hendry.

The Lowdown: Striker search

The Hoops have already bolstered their defensive ranks by agreeing on deals for Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston.

Attention now seems to be turning to additions further forward after contract talks with Giorgos Giakoumakis broke down. Cho Gue-sung appears to be the club’s main target, while Ladislav Almasi has been linked again in recent days, but Tengstedt is also of interest.

The Latest: Tengstedt talks planned

Hendry shared a story for Football Scotland on Thursday morning, revealing that Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in Tengstedt.

The reliable reporter added that ‘initial conversations’ with the striker’s representatives are scheduled, with Tengstedt considered a ‘serious prospect.

The Verdict: In fine form

Tengstedt is just 22 years of age and can play anywhere across the front three, although the majority of his appearances during his career so far have come down the middle.

He has found the back of the net with ease for his current employers in 2022, scoring 15 times and registering nine assists in just 14 games to take his senior tally to 35.

Therefore, you could say that he may prove to be an excellent signing and potential replacement for Giakoumakis by Hoops officials, however, the club may need to act fast and beat multiple clubs to his services.

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to allow Bryan Gil to depart in the coming weeks having kept ahold of him in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

With Spurs looking to strengthen in the January transfer window, the Sky Sports News editor, Lyall Thomas, has suggested the Spanish winger could be a player who Spurs are looking to offload over the month.

It was reported the 21-year-old was close to leaving for a season-long loan to Valencia in the summer but was then denied the opportunity after Spurs did not bring in any more players.

Spurs are believed to be looking to strengthen their attacking options this month, with Alasdair Gold claiming the Lilywhites have their eyes on a number of players.

However, now a number of months on, Thomas believes should the opportunity become available for Gil again, he will likely be allowed to leave north London:

“I think if Spurs bring one in in an attacking position, I think it’s very likely that Bryan Gil will be able to go on loan.

“Obviously, that was on the cards in the summer.”

January headache at Spurs

Since joining Spurs, it has been reported that Real Madrid had shown an interest in signing Gil from the north London side showing just how highly rated the Spaniard is in his homeland.

Yet at Spurs, the 21-year-old has not really been handed much of an opportunity under Antonio Conte with his first Premier League start of the season coming against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Despite a lack of opportunities in north London, it is believed Spanish clubs continue to show their interest in Gil with some suggestions up to five clubs are looking to rescue Gil from Spurs.

In a Spurs shirt, the Spaniard has failed to provide a goal but has managed to return a single assist during his 27 appearances for the Premier League side (via Transfermarkt).

However, it seems he may have blown his opportunity to impress Conte on the weekend against Villa after being handed with a mere 4/10 rating by Gold.

Whether Gil has a future in north London or not, it is apparent he needs to get some regular game time under his belt. But with Spurs’ injury issues and last summer’s hesitance, it would have to be expected Conte will want to bring in some new faces before sanctioning departures.

Journalist Dean Jones believes that Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign another player in the same mould as Dejan Kulusevski.

The Lowdown: Conte wants new signings

Antonio Conte has certainly not minced his words when speaking about how he needs more money and signings in the upcoming transfer windows if Spurs are to be competitive under him.

If Conte’s demands weren’t enough anyway, injuries to the likes of Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Kulusevski will only have emphasised the need for additions this transfer window.

This is especially true in the case of the Swede, who has registered 19 goal involvements since making his debut last February, showing how crucial he’s become under Conte and Tottenham desperately miss his creativity when he is injured.

The Latest: Spurs need another Kulusevski

While Kulusevski is indeed still just on loan from Juventus, Jones has admitted on The Done Deal Show that Spurs already want another player like him signed this month.

He said: “The one I’m most intrigued by is the attacking player that they go for, here.

“When I’ve pressed people to try and get an idea of who I should be taking seriously here as targets, the message I get back from probably my best contact at Tottenham is that when Kulusevski’s not in that Tottenham team, it’s generally a big problem. And so, that creativity, that type of player, is what they will look for.

“When Richarlison suffered his injury, I think people expected that it was going to be a Richarlison replacement that would probably come in. I’m not told that that’s really the case, it’s more that they want somebody that can make things happen in a similar way to Kulusevski.”

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The Verdict: Levy must be bold this month

If Daniel Levy is to convince Conte that he’s got the backing of the club and should sign a new contract, he has to flex his financial muscles to hand the Italian boss what he wants, and if that’s someone similar to Kulusevski, they have to make that work.

It’s a testament to the way Kulusevski has been able to hit the ground running at Spurs that less than 12 months after his arrival, they are already looking for someone who can do what he does during his untimely absences.

When fit, Kulusevski has been an influential figure this season, managing to register one goal and five assists in the Premier League. The only issue for Spurs is that the Sweden international has only started eight league games thus far, which will likely be why Conte wants someone who can slot in and replace him when required.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Teun Koopmeiners over the last few weeks and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player during the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Tutto Atalanta, Liverpool have made contact with the Atalanta midfielder’s representatives with an interest in signing the player in 2023.

As per the report, Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of Koopmeiners and it is claimed that it would take just €40m (£35m) for Julian Ward and co to secure his signature.

He could save Liverpool’s season

There is no doubt that Liverpool are in some serious need of reinforcements in their team after a disappointing campaign so far at Anfield and the midfield in particular is becoming a pressing issue.

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League after an inconsistent run of performances, were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Manchester City and last night were subjected to an FA Cup replay due to a dramatic third-round clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers ending at 2-2.

Not only do the Reds need rapid improvements, but they are also in a position where they are set to lose at least three of their midfielders in the summer with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner set to be out of contract.

As a result, the signing of Koopmeiners could save Liverpool’s season if they can snap him up this month, with the addition of a world-class central player no doubt needed at Anfield given their lack of depth and quality in that area of the field.

The talented 24-year-old ranks incredibly impressively compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, sitting in the top 20% for shots on goal and shot-creating actions, suggesting he is a rather influential player in the final third.

Furthermore, he is also in the top 20% for touches and progressive passes received.

Over 16 Serie A appearances, the Dutchman – who was dubbed an “elite” talent by scout Jacek Kulig – has scored four goals, registered two assists and created three big chances.

On top of that, he has averaged 1.7 key passes, 1.5 tackles, 1.4 clearances and won 3.8 duels per game, proving he is both an attacking threat and defensively sound.

For context, of everyone in Liverpool’s squad to have started more than twice, only Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold can trump him for key passes per match.

With that being said, if Liverpool can secure the signing of Koopmeiners it would be a great piece of business ahead of the second half of the season. It would mark a seismic boost that the current squad needs in the centre of the pitch as they go in search of ultimately rescuing their campaign.

La Parisien journalist Benjamin Quarez says that Everton left-back Niels Nkounkou is in ‘advanced discussions’ to join Saint-Etienne on loan.

The Lowdown: Cardiff loan

Nkounkou is currently on loan at Cardiff City, where he has made 18 appearances in the Championship so far, scoring no goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

He has perhaps not had the kind of impact that he would have liked, with his team sitting just two points and two places outside of the relegation zone.

The Latest: Saint-Etienne talks

Taking to Twitter, Quarez says that Nkounkou is now in ‘advanced discussions’ to join Saint-Etienne on loan, therefore ending his spell at Cardiff:

“Saint-Etienne in advanced discussions for the loan of left side Niels Nkounkou. The OM-trained defender has been on loan from Everton to Cardiff since the start of the season. He could join Forez in the coming days.”

The Verdict: Get rid

Unfortunately for Nkounkou, it does not look like his long-term future is at Goodison Park.

The 22-year-old has only made a mere seven first-team appearances, and has not played since 2021 (Transfermarkt).

If he moves to Saint-Etienne, it would be his third loan spell away from the Merseyside club, and so his future would have to be seriously considered in the summer.

With Vitaliy Mykolenko already at the Toffees, they could look to make Ruben Vinagre’s loan deal permanent, providing them with enough cover in the left-back area, and therefore giving room to let Nkounkou move on to a club where he is going to get more game time.

Nicolo Zaniolo is reportedly a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur – and Sky Sports man Nubaid Haroon believes he would be a great fit for Antonio Conte’s side.

The Lowdown: Conte wants to be backed

Despite Conte’s public pleas to Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board that he needs to be backed in more transfer windows if the club are to be pushing at the right end of the table and looking to pick up silverware.

Spurs are yet to make a breakthrough in the transfer market which won’t have the Italian manager very happy, although according to reports out in Italy they are said to have lodged a bid for Roma ace Zaniolo. And, according to TMW, Spurs are the most likely destination.

It was reported last summer that Spurs were keen on Zaniolo, who’d just netted in the Europa Conference League final and while nothing ever came to fruition, that could soon change.

The Latest: Zaniolo would suit Conte

Given that Zaniolo is a player that’s extremely versatile and can play in a number of positions he would be someone that Conte would likely love to have and that’s what Nubaid Haroon has been speaking about live on Sky Sports.

He said: “He comes in as this sort of attacking player/second striker sort of role, maybe a little bit too similar to Son in terms of positioning in this Conte system, but when he first came on the scene in Italy, he was heavily built as the future star of Italy and then he’s had a few injuries at Roma, few off-the-pitch issues.

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“I think he’s now ended up being a little bit of a villain for Mourinho and for Italian fans in Rome, he probably needs a change of scenery. I think if you can bring someone like this in that Conte system, he’s devastating on the counterattack.

“I think back to the Atalanta game last season when he and Tammy Abraham tore Atalanta to shreds because he has got this ability to pick a pass and he can see things that other Spurs players probably can’t at the moment.

“I do wonder how much game time he would get, and if you pay £35m for a player, he’s going to have to play, but it is a Conte sort of player and a Conte sort of signing.”

The Verdict: Levy must seal the deal

If Levy wants to sign a young player with potential and for a low fee, while also handing Conte someone he will know from his time out in Italy so would likely trust, then Zaniolo is the perfect player for him.

With reports claiming that Roma are indeed open to selling Zaniolo, even on an initial loan deal, that should be exactly what Levy needs to hear to get this deal over the line and hand Conte another attacking option.

However, one thing that could be a big worry for Spurs and suggest why they may be coy on moving for Zaniolo is that he has a shocking injury record for someone so young, but with a loan deal option on the table, Spurs could essentially try before they buy.

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici could be about to repeat his Dejan Kulusevski masterclass…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Mediaset, the Lilywhites are trying to sign AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo on an initial loan with an obligation to buy of around €20m (£18m) based on certain conditions, such as qualifying for the Champions League.

The Serie A outfit want a permanent deal for around €40m (£35m), with less than 18 months to run on his current £78.6k-per-week contract at the Stadio Olimpico.

It’s believed that Paratici has opened talks with the Europa Conference League champions but Premier League rivals West Ham United, Newcastle United and Leicester City are also keen.

The report also states that Zaniolo has said ‘yes’ to moving this month, so the onus is very much now on Spurs and their recruitment staff.

Shades of Kulusevski again

This switch would very much have shades of last January when Tottenham landed Kulusevski on an initial loan from Juventus. As per Fabrizio Romano, it will become permanent for €35m (£30m), either by qualifying for the UCL or paying a fee outright.

The Sweden dynamo has become an instant hit in north London, having provided 20 goal contributions in his 35 appearances. This season, his influence in the final third has been crucial, leading the way for creativity with an average of two key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It does mean, however, that Antonio Conte’s side struggle in his absence, so adding more playmakers to the team would certainly be a smart move with a little over a week to go in the window.

Zaniolo could be the answer, earning statistical likeness to players such as Heung-min Son, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, per FBref’s model.

The Italy international is capable of playing anywhere behind the striker and whilst injuries have somewhat thwarted his progress this term, he has still delivered five goal contributions from 1,106 minutes of game time. That continues from last season’s returns of eight goals and nine assists across all competitions.

Such form and exploits have seen him lauded as a “frightening talent” by CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs and “explosive” by ex-Roma star Francesco Totti.

There is also a touch of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard about him, according to former Inter Milan coach Stefano Vecchi, so those comparisons – tied in with the aforementioned comparable trio – bode well for Zaniolo’s chances of making a successful transition to the Premier League, just as Kulusevski has done.

As such, with Spurs needing more creativity and depth, Paratici must push ahead with plans to sign the “lethal playmaker” – as described by journalist Zach Lowry – this month, given the evidence above.

AND in other news, “A wise move…” – Journalist backs out-of-work 50 y/o as “perfect” Conte replacement…