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Arsenal have been handed an almighty boost in their pursuit of their top target.

What’s the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?

That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who spoke on the House of Champions Podcast about the Gunners’ pursuit of Declan Rice.

He shared an update on the widespread interest, noting that the north London outfit might just have pulled out in front in the race: “Yes, (Ten Hag is) an admirer and I think that’s normal, but it is the same with Mikel Arteta and I still think that Arsenal are the favourites to sign Declan Rice.

“They have been working on that deal, it was in January when they discussed Rice internally. They’ve already had him at the top of their list for the midfield, so I’m sure Arsenal will make a bid for Declan Rice in the next weeks.”

Despite the clamour surrounding any progress, his mouth-watering £120m price tag still looms ominously over a potential deal.

Would Declan Rice improve William Saliba?

It is common knowledge that a good midfield partnership to protect the back four is what truly allows the latter to flourish.

For every Rio Ferdinand, there was a Roy Keane patrolling ahead, just like with Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell and even Rodri and Ruben Dias today.

Now, in north London, it is William Saliba who will be hoping to gain such solidity with the West Ham United captain just in front of him.

Having enjoyed a fine debut year in the Premier League, starring at the heart of a squad that has conceded just 43 goals in 37 games, this has been with the exploits of Thomas Partey as the Frenchman's screen.

The Ghanaian has maintained a 7.10 average rating, upheld through defensive excellence that has included 2.1 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Meanwhile, Rice improves upon all those attributes, boasting a superior 7.20 average rating paired with 2.2 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, alongside six goal contributions, via Sofascore.

Such consistency, continuing on from last year’s successes where he was branded a Hammers “legend” by Ray Parlour, only emphasises just how influential this deal could be in taking them to the next level.

Whilst offering a colossal defensive presence, the England international somehow also manages to be a creative threat too.

The expectation would be that by placing these bolstered defensive numbers in front of him, Saliba could build upon an already admirable 6.96 average rating in the league to reach the levels of the likes of Ferdinand and Campbell.

Having already been branded one of the top centre-backs in the division by pundit Darren Bent, perhaps the presence of such a solid and reliable midfield general could be that legendary asset akin to Keane and Vieira, affording the 22-year-old that license to truly reach outstanding levels on his way to Premier League glory.

Leeds United may still be completely unsure of the division they'll find themselves in next season but that hasn't stopped reports linking them with big-money new signings ahead of the summer window.

One man who has been linked with a move to Elland Road recently is Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli, and the 21-year-old could prove to be a dream successor to Wilfried Gnonto, should he move on to bigger things.

Could Leeds sign Abde Ezzalzouli this summer?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Leeds would be willing to pay €40m (£35m) to sign the Morocco international this summer as Barcelona look to cash in on some of their young talents in order to balance the financial books.

The Yorkshire outfit have been linked with him in the past, with reports claiming that Leeds held talks with his agent in April, which suggests that he is certainly on their shortlist of potential signings ahead of the summer.

The prospect of spending so much with an impending relegation seems unlikely but if Leeds were able to retain their Premier League status this season, perhaps they could invest some money in Ezzalzouli, in the hope that he could reach his potential at Elland Road.

Should he arrive at Leeds, he could prove to be a replacement for Gnonto, who looks increasingly likely to depart after catching the eye in his debut campaign in England, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea all linked with his signing.

Would Ezzalzouli be a good replacement for Gnonto?

While Gnonto has endured an up-and-down season with Leeds that started so promisingly before he was inexplicably benched by Javi Gracia, he does boast two goals and four assists in just 22 appearances so far this term.

An exciting dribbler who likes to cut inside, the Italy international has consistently gotten Leeds fans off their seats in another disappointing campaign, and it would be frustrating for fans to lose him after just one season in Yorkshire.

However, Ezzalzouli – also known as Ez Abde – could be a similarly exciting prospect for the Elland Road outfit given that he has already made 12 appearances for Barcelona's first team, and has contributed six goals and two assists in a loan spell with Osasuna this term, with Barca boss Xavi singing his praises last season.

"Extraordinary Abde, Gavi and Nico. They are supporting the team in difficult moments. The effort is extraordinary. Young people make a difference and that is difficult to digest. It is positive and negative because they will not always perform excellently because they are young," he said.

"Abde’s game is spectacular, and also Nico and Gavi’s. Abde is a differential player. He can make a difference, it is not because of the goal. He is a dagger. A marvel."

Like Gnonto, the Moroccan's most dangerous attribute is arguably his dribbling as WhoScored suggests that he is very strong at it, so the youngster could be a dream replacement in this Leeds side, should they fail to keep hold of their Italian teenage wonderkid this summer.

Sharing some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news, journalist Dean Jones has lifted the lid on a Clement Lenglet belief from inside the club.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes new centre-back…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte has already been backed with the double-signing of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals ahead of what will be a very interesting 2022/2023 Premier League season.

Next on the agenda, it is believed that a left-sided central defender is high on Conte’s list of priorities and there is no shortage of names being linked with a north London move.

Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Stefan De Vrij and Lenglet have all been under consideration at Spurs with Jones now sharing an update on the latter man.

The Latest: Lilywhites insiders hold Lenglet optimism…

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According to Jones, writing for GiveMeSport, ‘some sources’ inside Spurs believe Barcelona’s ace will emerge as their ‘most attainable’ signing this summer.

It is added that the La Liga giants no longer want Lenglet with the Lilywhites, and by extension transfer chief Fabio Paratici, exploring a loan deal.

However, it is also believed the Frenchman’s wages could be an obstacle.

The Verdict: Make the move?

His salary, as per The Times, is reported to be around the £170,000-per-week mark – potentially too lofty a figure to bring Lenglet in for Conte.

The window has just opened and Spurs have months to weigh who exactly is their best option at centre-half.

Even though Spurs and transfer chief Paratici want business done early, transfers must still be considered with caution and a measured approach, and we’re not so sure paying the big wages in a temporary deal for Lenglet would be worth it.

In other news: Conte offered Tottenham chance to sign ‘perfect’ £55m star! Find out more here.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is edging closer toward a move to Bayern Munich, according to a claim from Reds writer Dave O’Connell. 

The lowdown: Anfield icon

Signed for £34million from Southampton in 2016 (BBC), Mane has been nothing short of sensational for the Reds in six years on Merseyside.

Under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, the 30-year-old Senegal star played a huge part in ending the 30-year wait for a top-flight title, whilst also lifting the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Sup during a trophy-laden period at Anfield.

In that time Mane has scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists, taking the versatile attacker to 14th on the club’s illustrious all-time top scorer charts.

The latest: O’Connell drops update

Taking to Twitter, amidst much speculation about the end of the Senegalese international’s time on Merseyside, O’Connell has claimed that Mane and Bayern Munich have already agreed on their end of the deal.

He said: “Sadio Mane has agreed a three year contract with Bayern Munich. PSG and Barcelona were also interested. He has spoken directly to Julian Nagelsmann. Now up to clubs to agree a fee. Liverpool and Bayern Munich began official talks yesterday.”

The verdict: Time to say goodbye?

Whilst the breaking up of what has been a nigh-on untouchable front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane had to happen at some stage, losing the 86-cap ace at this juncture so soon after Premier League and Champions League heartbreak is a huge blow to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

During the recently concluded 2021/22 campaign, the powerful frontman was reborn in a central role following the arrival of left-wing sensation Luis Diaz, ending the season with 23 goals and five assists from 51 appearances across all competitions.

One sticking point on the deal being conducted in a swift fashion appears to be the fee, with initial reports suggesting somewhere in the region of €30million (£25.5million) could be enough. However, Liverpool seem certain to demand more for the £72million valued attacker despite his dwindling contract.

Albeit replacing the man once hailed for his ‘monstrous’ performances by Arsene Wenger is no mean feat, under Klopp and the ownership of FSG, Liverpool have been the envy of the world when it comes to recruitment and Julian Ward will no doubt be charged with the task of finding a suitable striker successor.

In other news: Liverpool identify ‘intelligent’ forward to replace Mane, read more here

Rangers undoubtedly had a rollercoaster 2021/22 season with plenty happening on and off the pitch at Ibrox.

Having said goodbye to the former boss and hello to Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their new manager, the Dutchman got Rangers to the Europa League final and secured the Scottish Cup in his final game of the campaign.

One player that was a rather prominent figure for the Ibrox club this season was midfielder John Lundstram.

After making the move to Rangers in the previous summer window on a free transfer from Sheffield United, the 28-year-old went on to make 47 appearances for the Gers across all competitions in his debut season.

With a passing success percentage of 90.2%, the Englishman has shown how capable he is on the ball as well as how much of a useful defensive figure he is by racking up an average of 1.3 tackles per game in the league.

Now that this very busy season has finally come to an end, the focus can now turn to the summer transfer window and give Van Bronckhorst the chance to make whatever changes to the squad that he sees fit.

With that in mind, one midfield figure that has been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks that could be a good fit next to Lundstram is Abdoulaye Sissako.

Since joining Belgium club Zulte Waregem back in 2019, the £4.5k-per-week midfielder has gone on to make 63 appearances for the Belgian club across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and eight assists along the way.

Having racked up an average of 1.7 tackles per game in the Belgian league this season, the Frenchman certainly has the defensive capabilities to be a solid addition to Van Bronckhorst’s squad.

This, therefore, could make a midfield duo of Sissako and Lundstram a rather scary prospect for Rangers’ opponents next season given the duo’s individual difficulty to play against.

Taking into account how his current side have been close to getting relegated from Belgium’s top division, this could pave the way for Rangers to pounce this summer and try and convince Sissako to make the move to Ibrox, helping them to win trophies domestically and in Europe instead of sticking with his current struggling side.

In other news: “Would be surprised”: Journo drops behind-scenes Rangers claim, it’s bad news for GvB

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly likely to listen to offers for defender Cedric Kipre during the upcoming transfer window, according to BirminghamLive.

The Lowdown: Growing frustration

The 25-year-old first made the move to the Hawthorns from Wigan Athletic two years ago for a fee believed to be in the region of £900k, but having grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities, joined Belgian Pro League side Charleroi on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season.

It would now appear that two clubs in particular are said to be interested in securing the Frenchman’s services, which increases the possibility that he will be departing the Midlands outfit this summer.

The Latest: Kipre ‘in discussions’ with West Brom

In a new article published by BirminghamLive, it’s claimed that Kipre and his representatives have been ‘in discussions’ with the West Brom hierarchy behind the scenes, with a parting of ways now seeming ‘likely’.

Europa League finalists Rangers are believed to have ‘tracked’ the centre-back since his spell at Motherwell, whilst newly relegated Norwich City are also ‘showing an interest’, with the player ‘on the Canaries’ radar’.

The source further states that Steve Bruce is planning to rebuild his squad ahead of the start of next season, meaning that the colossus is ‘set to make way’ to make room for new additions.

The Verdict: Lack of game time

It comes as no surprise to see Kipre looking for a move away from the Baggies, especially considering the fact that he hasn’t been given a look in since Bruce took charge.

The 6 foot 3 talisman was a regular feature of Valerien Ismael’s match-day squad prior to his sacking, having started 16 games across all competitions, but following the arrival of the 61-year-old back in February, has made zero appearances under the new boss.

Kipre, who was once dubbed an “assassin” and “Rolls-Royce” by former West Brom coach Tommy Wright, clearly has a lot of potential still to give, but it seems as though the next chapter of his career will be starting somewhere far away from the Hawthorns.

In other news… a journalist has dropped a ‘wildcard’ transfer claim surrounding one West Brom first-team star.

Liverpool look set to lose defender Joe Gomez as Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to boost his squad ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Mirror, who have revealed that the 24-year-old is a transfer target for Villa as their Liverpudlian manager plans a major overhaul of his defence.

Villa were linked with a loan move for the England defender in the January transfer window although nothing materialised, but Gerrard is aiming to get his man in the summer.

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With Gomez’s market value currently set at £19.8m and his contract not expiring until 2024, the Midlands club might need to lash out a significant sum to sign him.

Jurgen Klopp could face Liverpool disaster over Gomez

Klopp has led Liverpool to the brink of one of the finest club seasons there has ever been, with a chance to win an unprecedented quadruple.

His excellent use of the transfer market and ability to rotate the squad effectively has worked wonders in their chase for glory.

Gomez has only made 20 appearances for the Reds in all competitions as he has slipped down to fourth choice centre back, with Joel Matip and new signing Ibrahima Konate above him in the pecking order to partner Virgil van Dijk.

The ex-Charlton man has provided adequate cover at right-back for Trent Alexander-Arnold this season, and this is where the bulk of his appearances have been made. The £85k-p/w defender is still only 24 and arguably yet to hit his peak.

Klopp is a big fan of the Englishman and has described him as a “sensational player”, while the club would need to spend big in order to replace him, so it makes sense for him to continue his development at Anfield.

Compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Gomez sits in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won (4.37 per 90 minutes) and the 94th percentile for interceptions (2.69), proving that whenever he plays, he is an important figure at the back for Liverpool.

Kopites would be livid if the 24-year-old were allowed to leave, and it may very well take a significant bid from Villa for Klopp to even consider it.

AND in other news: “I’m told” – James Pearce drops major Liverpool claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

Liverpool want to offer out-of-favour centre-back Joe Gomez a new deal at the end of the season, according to a key update on Saturday morning.

The Lowdown: Gomez struggling for minutes

The 24-year-old has found himself down the pecking order for much of this season, struggling to oust the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.

In fact, Gomez has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League and it has led to speculation over his future, with Aston Villa linked with a summer move.

The defender’s current Liverpool deal expires in 2024 but a big update is now doing the rounds with regards to his Reds future.

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The Latest: Contract claim emerges

According to The Liverpool Echo, sharing news in the early hours before Saturday’s clash with Spurs, the Reds will offer Gomez a new contract this summer.

It is stated that the club have ‘tasked Julian Ward with looking to tie down the defender’, with Jurgen Klopp still seeing him as an important part of his plans.

The boss has described Gomez as a ‘sensational’ footballer in the past.

The Verdict: Big decision for defender

This is great news from a Liverpool perspective, although Gomez will need to decide whether or not to extend his stay, having become a squad player these days.

With the World Cup approaching, he may feel he needs regular minutes in order to make England’s squad, and he could also want to be a key starter somewhere well beyond this winter’s competition.

If Gomez is content with his current role, however, slotting in at both centre-back and right-back from time to time, it is a no-brainer to keep hold of him and it would be a huge positive seeing him stay.

In other news, a key Liverpool injury update has emerged regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are reportedly ‘on pole’ to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.

The Lowdown: Nunez links with Man Utd

New United manager Erik ten Hag is set to make a start on the club’s summer targets soon, and it looks as if a star striker is high on his wish list.

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Benfica’s Darwin Nunez has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with recent reports suggesting that Ten Hag has made an ‘express request’ to sign the Uruguayan.

United are now ‘one of the best-placed clubs’ to land the  22-year-old striker this summer, but it looks as if another marquee forward could arrive in Osimhen.

The Latest: Osimhen transfer latest

Sport Witness relayed an update from La Repubblica regarding United and Osimhen.

They claimed that the Red Devils are currently ‘on pole’ to sign the Nigeria international, although Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also ‘ready to go crazy’ for the Napoli star.

A €90m (£76.8m) figure was mooted for the 23-year-old, who was labelled ‘highly unpredictable’ during his time at Wolfsburg.

The Verdict: Sign them both?

You could argue that United could do with signing both strikers this summer, with Edinson Cavani set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Ten Hag could be left with Cristiano Ronaldo as his only senior centre-forward, although Anthony Martial will return from his Sevilla loan spell in the summer.

Nunez and Osimhen have both had outstanding seasons in front of goal, and with the former able to play out wide and in a deeper second striker role, they could both possibly find a spot in Ten Hag’s side.

However, the pair would come at a big cost, potentially more than £150m combined, a figure which is thought to be just about within Ten Hag’s budget.

In other news: Man Utd want to hijack Man City’s move for ‘explosive’ star who ‘has no weakness’. 

A big claim has emerged on Rangers and a player that they could potentially bring to Ibrox in the coming months…

What’s the talk

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has tipped the Gers to go back in for one of their former academy starlets in the upcoming window.

He has claimed that Billy Gilmour is a player who can make a big impact at Ibrox, a few years after he left Glasgow to move down south.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He would be a massive signing for Rangers. Obviously, Gilmour came through the ranks at Rangers before being lured away to the Premier League by Chelsea as well.

“He is a really talented player. Obviously, he’s gone to Norwich this season and it’s been a bit of a mixed season for him because he’s been in and out of the team. But, I think, on his day he has proved that, for Scotland, he’s a top, top player.”

Forget Aaron Ramsey

Forget current Juventus loanee Aaron Ramsey, Gio van Bronckhorst must target a swoop for Gilmour instead to bolster his midfield options heading into next season.

The Scotland international has spent a difficult campaign on loan with Norwich in the Premier League, with the Canaries recently seeing their relegation from the English top-flight confirmed.

He has found the physicality of regular first-team football a challenge, losing more than half of his individual duels for the Yellows this term, whilst making just 0.8 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game as a combative midfielder.

This suggests that Gilmour still has some growing to do on the physical side of his game, but he has shown great promise on the ball. He has completed 83% of his passes for Norwich and created 1.1 chances per game across 21 appearances for the club, demonstrating his ability in possession.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane previously dubbed him “world-class”, and the 20-year-old could be that for Rangers, as he has certainly stepped up on the world stage for his country. 

Across seven World Cup qualifiers for Scotland, Gilmour has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.13. He has created 1.1 chances per game and won 53% of his duels for his nation, consistently delivering quality displays in the middle of the park.

Forget about re-signing Ramsey, who has struggled badly with injuries, and instead get excited about the potential capture of Gilmour from Chelsea. This is a deal that Van Bronckhorst must pursue in the coming months, as the 20-year-old can be a superb addition to the squad at Ibrox, given his performances for Scotland and the promising signs within his Premier League outings.

AND in other news, GvB can now axe Rangers “shambles” by signing £1.8m-rated gem with “huge potential”…