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In pursuit of further reinforcements in the January transfer window, Liverpool now reportedly want to jump ahead of rivals Manchester United in the race to sign a defensive addition.

Liverpool transfer news

After a quiet summer that saw just Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa arrive, with the former sent straight back on loan to Valencia, Liverpool have turned their attention towards what could be a far busier winter window. What has, of course, helped the Reds to shift their focus so quickly is the strong start that Arne Slot has made to life at Anfield.

100% aerials won: 8/10 Liverpool star is now as undroppable as Gravenberch

Arne Slot’s side climbed to the top of the Premier League on Saturday…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 22, 2024

The Dutchman has lost just one game so far, which came in shock fashion at home to Nottingham Forest before his side put things right with a midweek victory against AC Milan in the Champions League followed by a routine afternoon against Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Not resting on their laurels though, the Reds reportedly want to sign both a defensive midfielder and a left-back to provide cover for Andy Robertson in 2025, which could see one target arrive.

According to reports relayed by The Express, Liverpool now want to jump ahead of Manchester United to sign Antonee Robinson in a heavyweight battle which could commence as early as the January transfer window.

Looking to land a potential successor for 30-year-old Robertson, Liverpool would be wise to welcome 27-year-old Robinson, who has picked up where he left off in the last campaign to endure an excellent start to the new season at Fulham.

If not replacing Robertson, the Reds could look to land a backup option, perhaps replacing Kostas Tsimikas in the process, Robinson represents an ideal candidate to turn towards.

"Great" Robinson can replace Robertson

To say that Robertson is one the best left-backs that the Premier League has ever seen would be no exaggeration, as time will likely tell, so replacing the Scotland captain will be no easy task. Of course, at 30 years old, he won’t be ready to step aside just yet, but Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could take advantage of the opportunity to sign Robinson before he heads the way of Old Trafford.

Starts

5

5

Assists

2

0

Progressive Carries

6

10

Ball Recoveries

16

22

Whilst Robertson remains on top when it comes to his all-round play, Robinson’s two assists in five games highlight that he’d have no trouble in slotting straight into the way of Liverpool full-backs on the opposite side to chief creator Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Fulham boss Marco Silva won’t exactly be keen to lose the American, however, having said via The Express last month: “The way he started last week [vs Man United], he’s a great athlete. He’s a crucial player for us.

“If he keeps improving then it will be another big season ahead for him. A great assist, great decision to do it first time for Iwobi. He has to really like his performance.”

Still looking to improve their midfield choices, Liverpool are reportedly battling to land a former Manchester United gem who is currently on course to become a free agent in 2025.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds had an interesting summer and one that didn't pick up until the latter stages. It looked as though they were set to go the entire transfer window without handing new boss Arne Slot a single fresh face before Giorigi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa arrived. Whilst the latter will play a part as soon as possible, however, Mamardashvili has been sent back on loan to Valencia for the season.

Those arrivals have still left room for some unanswered questions though. As things stand, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to leave as free agents next summer in what would spell disaster for those at Anfield. Losing all three star men would be the ultimate blow but seemingly an avoidable one, given that Van Dijk and Salah have at least reiterated their desire to stay put.

What's more, there are still questions to be asked about Liverpool's midfield following their failure to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer; questions that could yet receive a surprise answer.

Liverpool ace was meant to be the new Sterling, now he’s a free agent at 28

The talent has endured a rapid decline in recent years.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2024

According to reports relayed by The Metro, Liverpool are now battling to sign Angel Gomes, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the campaign following the expiry of his current contract at Lille.

A Manchester United academy graduate who rejected a large contract offer before leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2020, Gomes has also reportedly attracted Newcastle United, who are weighing up a January bid, while Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham are also considering a move.

The central midfielder recently impressed on his full England debut in a 2-0 victory over Finland and could now make his return to the Premier League as a player ready to hand Manchester United the ultimate regret.

"Impressive" Gomes is Premier League-ready

After quietly transforming into a technically flawless midfielder away from the creator that he became at Old Trafford, Gomes is ready to take a permanent place back in the spotlight of English football once again, especially after making his debut for the Three Lions.

Of course, Liverpool would be a controversial move, but rivalries aside, he may well be the midfielder that Slot is looking for to finally complete his midfield next summer. Given that Gomes will be a free agent too, the deal certainly makes sense on the spending front.

If the 24-year-old does get a move, then analyst Ben Mattinson will undoubtedly be among those full of praise, having described Gomes as "always impressive" for Lille last December.

With a number of clubs reportedly eyeing a move, Gomes is set to have the most important decision of his career so far to make next summer, which could end with a controversial Anfield switch.

Newcastle United have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2024/25 campaign thus far, despite Eddie Howe failing to really strengthen the first-team squad during the summer transfer window.

Seven points from nine in the Premier League while reaching the next round of the EFL Cup is certainly considered a more than decent start, but will the lack of investment in the team during the summer come back to haunt the manager as the season progresses?

Several players have stepped up and performed superbly during the opening few weeks of the season, most notably Anthony Gordon.

Anthony Gordon’s statistics this season

The Englishman enjoyed a wonderful 2023/24 campaign, registering 23 goal contributions – 12 goals and 11 assists – in all competitions for the Magpies as they narrowly missed out on European football.

These performances meant he was called up by Gareth Southgate for a space in the England squad ahead of the 2024 European Championship, although he featured just once during the competition, coming off the bench in the group stage game against Slovenia.

This experience will stand him in good stead, however, as he looks to become a permanent fixture in future England squads.

Gordon has played in all three league matches for the Toon this term, scoring once in the draw against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago.

The winger has been in electric form in the top flight. Aside from his goal against the Cherries, the 23-year-old has also created one big chance, averaged 2.7 key passes per game and succeeded with 0.7 dribbles per match, showcasing his attacking qualities.

Shots on target

3

Big chances missed

1

Accurate passes

27/30

Key passes

2

Successful dribbles

0

Big chances created

1

Among his teammates, Gordon also ranks fourth for shots on target per game (0.3), along with ranking second for scoring frequency (a goal every 248 minutes) and first for expected assists (0.79) in the Premier League.

If the Magpies wish to return to the top six, or even the top four, Howe will be hoping one of his prized assets can maintain this current form once the international break is over.

Despite the left-winger shining for the club, could the manager have signed a player who has already outshone Gordon during the early weeks of the season? Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was a prime transfer target during the summer.

Newcastle missed out on Noni Madueke

The club were linked with numerous targets during the transfer window but failed to sign any of them.

With Howe aiming to bring another winger into his squad, particularly on the right flank, Madueke was an option that was being considered. They would have been forced to fork out a fee in the region of £40m in order to lure him north, however, and the move didn’t materialise.

In hindsight, this looks like a major missed opportunity for Howe, as there is no doubt the Magpies could have afforded the fee.

The English gem has started the season off in sublime fashion and has even outperformed Gordon in several metrics, proving why the club should have made a more concrete effort to sign him.

Noni Madueke’s season in numbers for Chelsea

Despite starting just three matches so far for the Stamford Bridge side, Madueke has scored four goals, which included a stunning hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

These displays should ensure he is thought of as a main option by Enzo Maresca heading into the next few weeks of the season, yet it proves exactly what Newcastle missed out on during the summer.

Across his two league matches, Madueke has averaged 4.5 shots per game, missed two big chances, created a big chance, averaged one key pass per game and succeeded with one dribble per match.

Said to be “one of the best young players in Europe” and a "mentality monster" by technical coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, he's certainly living up to that hype in 2023/24.

Despite the interest from other clubs in the transfer window, it now looks as though Chelsea did the right thing by keeping the former PSV winger, as his goals could be vital this term, both domestically and in Europe.

How Noni Madueke compares to Anthony Gordon

If Madueke joined Newcastle, he wouldn’t be fighting it out with Gordon for a place in the starting XI as they operate on opposite flanks, but the England youth international is enjoying a better campaign in the top flight than the Toon star.

Not only does Madueke have more goals than Gordon, but he has also averaged more successful dribbles, key passes and shots per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the Chelsea sensation also has a better shots on target percentage per 90 than Gordon (66.7% vs 50%) in the top flight, along with averaging more goal-creating actions (1.03 vs 0), achieving a higher percentage of successful take-ons (50% vs 25%) and performing more progressive carries (5.26 vs 3.33) per 90.

These statistics clearly prove the Chelsea gem has enjoyed a better start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, demonstrating how effective Madueke is in the final third.

If Howe had managed to bring the Englishman to St James' Park in the summer, he could have formed a devastating wing duo which could have terrorised opposition defenders all over the country.

Gordon is still one of Howe’s key players, but he doesn’t have anyone as effective at performing on the right wing.

Failing to sign Madueke could turn into a mistake by the club, especially if he continues to impress for the Blues as the weeks progress.

Newcastle should take plenty of confidence from this excellent start they have enjoyed, but imagine how better it might have been if they had someone like Madueke performing at his very best for the Magpies.

Newcastle could regret selling £1.8m ace who outscored Gordon in 23/24

He’s gone on to have a successful career away from St James’ Park.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 8, 2024

Aston Villa will be featuring in the Champions League for the first time in a generation this season – an unthinkable feat before the appointment of Unai Emery.

The former Arsenal boss has transformed the club in just a couple of years, giving the fan base an experience they will never forget with their European adventures in the Europa Conference League last season, and also in the Champions League this year.

However, the added fixtures will cause congestion during some parts of the campaign, increasing the risk of injury and fatigue to the club’s first team.

On the flip side, it may allow numerous fringe players to gain a needed run in the side, with one player hugely benefitting from the European run this season.

Jhon Duran’s stats in 2024/25

Despite not starting a single game in the Premier League this season, striker Jhon Duran has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign for Emery’s side.

The 20-year-old has already scored twice in just 82 minutes, outscoring number one forward Ollie Watkins, showcasing his excellent abilities in front of goal.

The Colombian was strongly linked with a move to join West Ham United this summer, before landing the hammer blow as the Villans claimed a 2-1 victory over Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Villa’s decision to keep hold of Duran this summer looks to be a great call, with the talent having the ability to provide excellent cover to Watkins, whilst also pushing the England international for a starting role.

However, the same can’t be said for one player who has struggled in recent times, with the club potentially needing to offload the big-money signing at the next available opportunity.

How much Diego Carlos earns in 2024

After joining Villa in a £26m deal from Sevilla back in 2022, centre-back Diego Carlos has struggled with injuries and fitness during his time at Villa Park, with the Brazilian often spending time on the sideline.

During his two-year stint in the West Midlands, the 31-year-old has only made 43 appearances in all competitions, missing the start of the new campaign with yet another injury setback and thus failing to feature at all.

However, he was subject to interest from Fulham during the transfer window, with the club needing to offload him given his injury record coupled with his high weekly wage.

The former Sevilla ace earns a whopping £100k-per-week as per Capology, a figure that is nearly three times more than teammate Duran, who only earns £30k-per-week despite his stellar start to this season.

Emi Martinez

£150k-p/w

Boubacar Kamara

£150k-p/w

Youri Tielemans

£150k-p/w

Ollie Watkins

£130k-p/w

Lucas Digne

£120k-p/w

Leon Bailey

£120k-p/w

John McGinn

£120k-p/w

Diego Carlos

£100k-p/w

Given his ludicrous weekly incoming, the club desperately need to cut ties with Carlos and invest in a less injury-prone talent who can lead them further up the Premier League table.

With concerns over their PSR standing, a departure could allow Emery’s side to free up funds, potentially avoiding a repeat of this summer which saw them sell star man Douglas Luiz to Juventus.

There is no denying the defender's quality, but unfortunately, if the club are to reach the next level under Emery's guidance, they have to be brutal in their decision-making, with Carlos one player who could find himself on his way out of Villa Park.

Aston Villa struck gold on free signing who's now worth more than Martinez

The club have certainly bagged themselves a gem.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 3, 2024

Leeds United will no doubt still be reeling following their return to the Championship at the end of last season, with a rather turbulent 2022/23 campaign having ended in relegation after just three years back in the top flight.

That being said, the club will now be hoping for a brighter future under their prospective new owners – with the 49ers Enterprises having agreed a deal last month – while a new face in the dugout also appears to be on the horizon, amid rampant speculation that Daniel Farke is likely to be named as the permanent manager at Elland Road.

If and when the one-time Norwich City boss is handed the reins, the German will likely be in need of reinforcements in order to help oversee a push for promotion, with intrigue building as to just who will be welcomed through the door over the coming weeks ahead of the start of next term.

There has been speculation of late that Leeds are interested in a move for Swansea City marksman Joel Piroe, with the Yorkshire outfit having previously been linked with the 23-year-old – who has just a year left on his existing deal – last summer.

The club are, however, likely to face competition from fellow relegated side Leicester City in the bid to sign the Dutchman, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 6 foot 1 ace could be available for a fee of around £12m.

Should Leeds sign Joel Piroe?

The former Netherlands U20 international has warranted that interest in his signature after enjoying a standout 2022/23 campaign in the second tier, having scored 20 goals and provided two assists in 45 games in all competitions.

The one-time Sparta Rotterdam loanee had previously recorded 30 goal involvements for his current side the year prior, ensuring he boasts a respectable haul of 44 goals and eight assists in just 92 games during his time at the Liberty Stadium.

As talent scout Jacek Kulig stated, the impressive marksman has proven something of a "surprise" following that stellar hot streak, having previously been "unwanted" at former club PSV Eindhoven, where he made just 14 first-team appearances.

As Kulig also noted, Piroe was part of a "very interesting generation of PSV academy players born in 99" alongside the likes of his compatriot, Cody Gakpo, with the latter man having also previously been a target for Leeds a year ago.

Reports last summer indicated that Gakpo had even agreed a move to Elland Road only for the Eredivisie outfit to rebuff an approach from the Whites, with the towering forward subsequently going on to join Liverpool on a £35m deal in January.

Since then, Piroe's ex-teammate has quickly impressed at Anfield after bagging seven goals in just 21 league games in the second half of last season, having thrived through the middle and on the flanks for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Like his fellow Dutchman, the Swansea ace also possesses the ability to feature in a number nine berth or on the flanks if required, offering a useful creative force in that central role having averaged 2.40 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days, with Gakpo only just ahead having averaged 3.28 in that regard.

That should indicate that the signing of the "clinical" menace – as hailed by ex-Swansea boss Russell Martin – could prove to be Leeds' answer to Gakpo if a deal is to come to fruition, with the club having frustratingly missed out on the Reds ace prior to his move to Merseyside.

Aston Villa are closing in on Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres, as Unai Emery eyes a reunion with his former star.

Monchi will be hoping to deliver a strong summer of signings in his opening spell as president of football operations, with the La Liga gem having the potential to be a marquee capture.

Villa’s quest for the Spaniard extends back to January, where 90min suspected that the defender could follow Emery to the Midlands.

News this week reported by Spanish outlet Sport claimed that the 26-year-old’s next destination is in the ‘final stretch’, with both Villa and Bayern Munich named as the clubs that have made ‘firm offers’.

It was reported by Football Insider that the Yellow Submarine require a figure succeeding the £40m mark to see Torres depart.

What could Pau Torres offer to Aston Villa?

Ranking as one of the best centre-backs in Europe for his progressive play, the Villarreal ace has excelled this season and could be a thrilling asset for Emery to integrate into his side.

Lauded as “extraordinary” by former coach Javi Calleja via The Athletic, Torres placed in the top 1% of central defenders on the continent with an average of 2.24 progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, showing his competency on the ball.

Winning 61% of his total duels in La Liga this campaign, the Spaniard is a colossus in defence with a presence that could take Emery’s side to the next level.

Introducing a talent of the calibre of Torres could inspire Villa to hit further heights than what was achieved this season, in a way similar to the influence fellow centre-back Virgil Van Dijk had when signing for Liverpool.

The Reds captured the Dutchman’s signature in the January window of the 2017/18 season, in a campaign that saw Jurgen Klopp's side finish fourth.

The following two campaigns highlighted the importance of the controlling defender in the side, taking them to their sixth Champions League trophy in his first full term and then on to winning their first Premier League title the following season in 2020.

Hailed as “the best defender in the world” in 2019 by pundit Paul Merson via Sky Sports, Van Dijk was integral to Liverpool’s rise to success, acting as a true leader at the back and excelling in his defensive duties.

As per Sofascore, the Dutchman won an astounding 75% of his total duels in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, recording an average of 1.1 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per game, being dribbled past an average of just 0.2 times per game.

Similar numbers have been hit by Torres this season in La Liga, recording a per-game average of 4.1 clearances and being dribbled past only 0.4 times, via Sofascore, showing the levels the Spaniard is operating at.

Villa had a fantastic campaign in clinching European football under Emery, and could potentially replicate the rise of Liverpool’s form by introducing their own world-beating centre-back.

The Villa boss described the 26-year-old to football.london as being a player he’d “never seen” anyone like, posing as a dominant figure to have in central defence and an individual that could inspire the squad at Villa Park to reach further heights. Indeed, like Van Dijk, he is progressive, composed and a titan at the back.

Pep Guardiola could be about to pull off another stroke of genius in the transfer market after winger Riyad Mahrez was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Man City transfer news – Riyad Mahrez

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mahrez has been subject to an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Romano stated that the Algerian winger had been the target of a bumper bid from Saudi Arabia as clubs from the country target top talent in Europe with the help of the nation’s Public Investment Fund.

Mahrez has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, so the European champions would look for a sizable fee from Al-Ahli to let the winger leave the club.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti confirmed the approach and expects a decision on the future of Mahrez to be made soon.

"We know for sure he received a big offer from Al-Ahli three weeks ago that he rejected. But a few days before the Champions League final, the Saudi Arabian club presented a new huge bid. The response of the player has not yet arrived and is expected soon," he said.

Could Guardiola repeat his Gabriel Jesus masterstroke?

One of the reasons Man City and Guardiola have been so successful in recent seasons is their ruthlessness in the transfer market.

Unlike rivals like Manchester United and Liverpool, City don’t fear letting club legends and fan favourites walk before their sell-by date, and Mahrez – who was previously hailed as a "genius" by both The Guardian's Barney Ronay and his former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri – could be the next player to depart, despite still possessing much of the magician-like quality a treble-winning side needs.

The club continue to rebuild and reshape the team even while the team is performing on the pitch, as opposed to changing things once it is desperately needed.

Take the sale of Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, for example.

City offloaded the Brazilian striker to their Premier League rivals for £45m last summer after signing him back in 2017 for an estimated £27m from Brazilian club Palmeiras.

The Spaniard let Jesus walk in his prime at the age of 25, and eyebrows were raised over the sale.

City wasted no time in replacing him, snapping up Julian Alvarez the same summer after agreeing a deal for the Argentinian in the January window.

Alvarez cost just £14m and has shown fantastic potential playing behind arguably the best striker in the world in Erling Haaland.

City legend Richard Dunne praised City for their remarkable work in the market.

Speaking to Virgin Media Sport, Dunne stated:

“The whole recruitment, they don’t make many mistakes.

“They did get it wrong at the start maybe with a couple of players here and there but now over the last three or four years every single player who has come in, you look at Alvarez, he was £15m, £16m so well affordable for the whole of the Premier League and most of Europe, but City were the ones who went out and got him."

The sale of Jesus not only made the club a significant profit but replacing him with the cheap option of Alvarez has worked wonders and created City more breathing room under the Financial Fair Play rules.

Mahrez, who cost £60m in 2018, could be another man who leaves the Etihad Stadium despite still having significant potential to help the side. It’s a smart business decision from Guardiola and City and allows more funds to be made available to City to spend this summer.

One priority position that Manchester United may be looking to strengthen this summer is the goalkeeping ranks, with speculation rife as to whether long-serving asset, David De Gea, will be kept on beyond his current contract.

With just a matter of weeks left to run on the Spaniard's existing deal, there have been reports that the 32-year-old is set to be offered an extension on reduced terms, albeit with manager Erik ten Hag unlikely to guarantee that the former Atletico Madrid man will remain his first-choice pick ahead of next season.

The £375k-per-week man has arguably become a "big problem" for the Red Devils – according to pundit Jamie Carragher – having been culpable for Ilkay Gundogan's winner in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

According to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst, that inability to deal with the German's 'saveable' attempt is another reason why De Gea 'needs moving on', with the question now as to just who could usurp the Premier League title winner at Old Trafford.

One potential surprise option that has emerged of late is that of Everton and England stopper, Jordan Pickford, with The Sun claiming that Ten Hag is eyeing a move for the 29-year-old, even if De Gea does stay at the club.

The report suggests that despite the former Sunderland man having only recently signed a new long-term deal at Goodison Park, a fee of around £30m could be enough to seal a deal this summer.

Should Man United sign Pickford?

While the experienced 'keeper has arguably been "outstanding" for his country in recent years – according to pundit Jamie O'Hara – after starting in the last three major tournaments, the jury is out on whether he can be relied upon on a consistent basis at club level.

In the view of BT Sport's Chris Sutton, the £125k-per-week asset is a "strange goalkeeper" and something of a "liability" between the sticks, as he simply "makes too many errors".

The 52-cap maverick notably made two errors leading to goals in the top flight in 2022/23 – the same tally as De Gea – with it clear to see that such a move would not be without risk for United.

The Old Trafford hierarchy may also be fearful of getting stung once again with the signing of a high-profile addition from Goodison, having memorably sealed an ultimately flawed deal for Romelu Lukaku from the Toffees back in 2017.

The Belgian international – who notably missed a gilt-edged chance for Inter Milan in Saturday's Champions League final – did score 42 goals in 96 games during his time in Manchester, although the towering marksman was unable to truly impress through the middle, having been lambasted by Luckhurst for his "woeful" and "costly" finishing in 2018.

Club legend Paul Scholes was also heavily critical of the striker's link-up play after suggesting that the one-time Chelsea man's "control isn't great", while fellow treble winner Gary Neville went as far as to claim that he was "delighted" when Lukaku was eventually sold to Inter for a fee of around £74m in 2019 – having been signed for a similar price two years earlier.

With those at the Theatre of Dreams evidently not warming to the Antwerp-born powerhouse, there may be fears that a similar disaster could occur if Pickford is to plot the same path this summer.

Arsenal are still potentially in the market to launch moves for both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo this summer as they aim to bolster their midfield.

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Although Mikel Arteta and his men may have narrowly missed out on landing the Premier League title, it seems they are not looking to dwell on what could have been.

It was a mightily impressive 2022/23 campaign for the north London side until the final stages of the season where their grip on the title faded.

However, looking ahead to the summer, it seems as if Arsenal are looking to make some significant upgrades to their starting XI to launch another title charge for next season.

Indeed, the Gunners have been strongly linked with a potential move for West Ham United's captain with reports claiming they have their opening bid at the ready for the £100m-rated midfielder.

But it also seems as if the north London club could look to add more than just Rice to their midfield this summer with the Brighton & Hove Albion man also on their radar.

And speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has suggested this could be the case with Arsenal potentially launching what would be a huge double swoop this summer:

"Arsenal are still there. I wouldn't rule out Arsenal signing both Declan Rice and Caicedo because we know that Granit Xhaka is going to leave Arsenal. Midfield was an area where they looked a bit light at the end of the season anyway."

What is Arsenal's transfer budget?

According to reports, Arteta is set to be handed a £150m transfer kitty ahead of the summer window which would leave Arsenal seemingly needing to sell a number of players to fund a potential double swoop.

It has also been suggested that Brighton will be looking for a deal in the region of £80m for their Ecuadorian midfielder.

But there is the belief that Arsenal are already eyeing up a number of potential departures from the Emirates Stadium over the coming months.

Indeed, the likes of Jorginho and Granit Xhaka are two midfielders who could soon be packing their bags to join a new club over the summer.

Although that may provide Arsenal some much-needed funds if they are to pursue these two Premier League midfielders, it may not quite be enough.

Neither West Ham nor Brighton will feel pressured into allowing their star talents to depart for a cheaper fee to accommodate Arsenal's transfer budget.

This will potentially leave Arsenal with a decision to make as to whether they need to spend in the region of £180m on two midfielders or whether the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Leeds United have just been handed a huge boost in their hunt for a new manager, with Andrea Radrizzani looking to make the club as attractive as possible in preparation for a likely sale.

What's the latest Leeds manager news?

French outlet RMC Sport detail OGC Nice's interest in Graham Potter initially, before outlining a host of alternatives.

With a few English clubs vying for his signature, it is expected that the former Chelsea boss would prefer such a move, as Crystal Palace and Leicester City circle.

However, the Whites are another option touted, who could tempt the 48-year-old to Elland Road in an effort to escape the Championship at the first time of asking.

Is Graham Potter better than Marcelo Bielsa?

In snagging this progressive long-term coach, it seems like the Yorkshire club are truly serious about building a brighter and more sustainable future than the one Marcelo Bielsa conjured.

After all, despite the huge success he achieved in returning this club to the Premier League, his methods were what ultimately let him down. Stubbornly standing by a smaller group of players, he forged closer bonds but left himself wide open to an injury crisis.

Around the time of his sacking, he had been without Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips for large parts of the season, yet he retained his aggressive all-action style that was leaking goals for fun.

That year, when they narrowly avoided relegation, his side shipped 79 goals across the 38 games.

Meanwhile, Potter was quietly making a name for himself at Brighton and Hove Albion, spearheading their steady progression that has culminated in their Europa League finish in the most recent campaign.

Whilst Roberto De Zerbi will earn all the plaudits for finishing off the job, it was the Englishman who led them from a side that escaped the drop by just two points the year before his appointment.

His fluid 3-4-2-1 system allowed him to nurture his squad into a group of high-quality and versatile players, all able to play various roles well above their expected levels. This culminated in their highest-ever top-flight finish in his last full season (until this year), and when he left for Stamford Bridge, the Seagulls sat in fourth.

Such were his achievements, even the great Pep Guardiola sought to laud him, noting: "I am a big fan of Graham Potter. From the first time at Swansea, it was a joy to analyse his teams but also a concern when you play them. His players have the courage to play, they all know what to do. The first thing I would tell my players is: 'We have to be at a high level against them.'"

Although De Zerbi has since proven the following statement wrong, it was a testament to his work at progressing a club far smaller than Leeds that journalist Sam Morton spoke so highly of Potter: "It was a shame to see Cucurella and Bissouma leave Brighton but Graham Potter is the only irreplaceable asset at the club, you feel. The man is a genius."

Although he had his struggles in west London, many would argue that he was given particularly unfavourable circumstances with which to work. Perhaps a return to management where he could awake a sleeping giant under Radrizzani, could be the perfect place to rebuild his reputation and surpass Bielsa's legacy by earning promotion and a sustainable future in the top flight.