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Arsenal are reportedly edging closer in their pursuit of Declan Rice, with the midfielder being the talk of the Gunners’ summer as the transfer window approaches.

What’s the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?

As reported by CBS journalist Ben Jacobs after West Ham United won the Europa Conference League on Wednesday, the north Londoners are ‘preparing a formal bid’ for the midfielder.

Jacobs claimed that Arsenal remain hopeful of agreeing a deal under the £100m mark, with Sam Dean from the Telegraph reporting that the Gunners will ‘step up’ their pursuit with a fee of £92m.

What could Declan Rice offer Arsenal?

Having won the Conference League trophy this week, the Englishman wrote himself into West Ham folklore by becoming the first Hammers captain to lift a European trophy since Bobby Moore in 1965.

The midfielder has been one of the club's top performers over the past few years, and could be a revelation at the Emirates should he make the switch from east to north London this summer.

Arsenal have had their share of British players over the years, and medalled with the idea that they could operate a British core with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park during the latter years of Arsene Wenger's reign.

The duo played alongside each other in north London for ten years before the Englishman departed, however, they had little opportunity to showcase their partnership during this time with both players suffering their fair share of injury troubles.

Hailed as “unbelievable” by Ramsey, Wilshere had a career tainted by injuries but was still able to shine when given the opportunity at Arsenal and was adored by all associated with the club.

The once anticipated duo weren’t able to live up to their expectations as a pair, however, the essence of their presence at the club could see their on-pitch potential fulfilled by the next generation of British talent at the Emirates.

Signing Rice could hand Arteta his answer to Wenger’s Wilshere, with the retired midfielder claiming that the West Ham man would be a ‘perfect fit’ in the Spaniard’s project.

Lauded as a “monster” by former Chelsea ace Frank Leboeuf, the Englishman averages 2.1 tackles per game this season, comparative to – but slightly better than – Wilshere’s 1.3 tackles per game in the 2013/14 campaign. The Hammers star has seen his ability to carry the ball improve throughout the years too, a quality that undoubtedly mirrors Wilshere's.

Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe has been tipped to have a future at the club, and could one day be the Ramsey to Rice’s Wilshere, to emulate the potential shown by the duo under Wenger.

In his impressive 2013/14 season, the Welshman averaged 1.3 key passes per game, as well as netting ten goals and registering eight assists from the midfield, via WhoScored.

Similar numbers were hit by Smith-Rowe last term as per WhoScored, who averaged 0.9 key passes per game, scoring ten goals and assisting two in just 21 appearances.

A potential duo of Rice and the 22-year-old Hale End graduate could be influential to Arteta’s midfield, operating in a similar way to the likes of Wilshere and Ramsey in fusing defensive and offensive attributes to create a perfect balance in the engine room.

With the deal expected to progress now that West Ham’s season has closed, this could be a huge deal for the Gunners.

Manchester United's interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer is believed to have cooled, according to a fresh update.

Is Osimhen linked with United?

The 24-year-old enjoyed a memorable season for Napoli, proving to be arguably their star player en route to them winning their first Serie A title since 1990. He scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances, as well as five in as many starts in the Champions League, cementing his reputation as one of Europe's leading strikers.

Osimhen has been constantly linked with a summer move to the Premier League in recent months, with United seen as one of the front-runners, as they look to bring in an elite attacker to lead the line. They aren't alone in showing an interest, however, with Chelsea also eyeing a move for him.

Now, a key update regarding the Nigerian's future has emerged – one that suggests the Red Devils could be set to look at different options moving forward.

What is the current situation with Osimhen?

According to TEAMtalk, United and Chelsea's interest in Osimhen isn't as strong as has otherwise been reported, due to Napoli demanding £150m for his services:

"Manchester United and Chelsea have cooled their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after the Italian club placed a £150million price tag on his head, TEAMtalk understands.

"United and Chelsea are ready to end their interest in Osimhen due to Napoli’s inflated valuation of him. The Serie A champions have no intention of selling Osimhen as they want to keep him for next season’s title defence and Champions League campaign. This is why they have given him that huge £150m price tag, and the scare tactics seem to have worked exactly as they were intended."

While Osimhen could be an outstanding signing, considering his performances in 2022/23 and the fact that has been called "phenomenal" by Walter Mazzarri in the past, United could be wise to walk away from the deal because of the fee that is being mooted.

It is an enormous amount of money to pay for one player, especially one who has still only had one genuinely world class season in his career, and it would eat up a vast chunk of the Reds' summer transfer budget.

Should Napoli accept a lower offer, it should be all systems go for United, but if not, finding a cheaper alternative makes sense, with Harry Kane a potential option and someone who has been linked with making a switch to Old Trafford.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Newcastle United are now ‘pursuing’ a move for RB Salzburg midfielder Luka Sucic.

The Lowdown: One to watch

At just 19 years of age, and described as a ‘gem’ in the list of the 50 most exciting wonder-kids in world football back in February (FourFourTwo), Sucic is certainly one to watch.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has previously claimed that he has ‘big potential’, and the six-foot-one powerhouse showed that on numerous occasions last season, scoring 11 goals and making a further five assists from midfield for Salzburg over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Newcastle pursuit

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘pursuing’ a move for Sucic this summer:

“Told Newcastle are pursuing RB Salzburg’s teenage midfielder Luka Sucic. Interest in the 19-year-old dates back to last year when the club met with intermediaries of then Freiburg defender Nico Schlotterbeck – same reps – regarding a possible move.”

Expanding in his piece for Football Transfers, the journalist also added that both clubs are ‘in talks’ over a potential switch, and that Sucic is set to cost around €20m (£17m).

The Verdict: Get it done

In the next step of this exciting rebuild of the Tyneside club, PIF look set to secure the permanent signing of loanee Matt Targett, with Pete Graves of Sky Sports revealing a medical is expected on Wednesday.

However, the new owners will surely be looking to invest in gems for the future not just stars for the here and now, in order to build a sustainable project, and Sucic would certainly fit that bill.

They have recently let fellow midfielder Isaac Hayden go out on an initial loan to Norwich City, with an obligation to buy if specific performance-related criteria are met. The 27-year-old looks to be on his way out for good, and so replacing him with the 19-year-old Sucic would help kickstart the long-term project of the new owners.

Sucic can play pretty much anywhere in midfield, per one chance created and 1.6 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, showing excellence on both sides of the ball at the elite level even at such a young age.

This is one to get excited about.

In other news, find out what big NUFC transfer claim Luke Edwards has now made here!

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been left wowed by some Everton transfer news involving Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Gallagher interest

As per The Daily Star, the Goodison Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Gallagher this summer.

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He has now returned to Chelsea from his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: O’Rourke wowed

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke was left wowed by the prospect of Gallagher joining the Toffees, claiming that it would be a ‘huge signing’ for them, while also drawing comparisons with Mason Mount:

“You can see similarities though slightly different players. You’d say Mason Mount’s more of an attacking midfielder, but I think Conor Gallagher’s had an outstanding season for Crystal Palace. If Everton were to get him, he would be a huge signing for them.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Even though he only spent one season at Selhurst Park, Gallagher instantly became a favourite with the supporters.

His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate, and he has since recorded three senior caps for the Three Lions.

The comparisons with Mount are warranted, as he too made a name for himself out on loan, before developing into a star at Chelsea and becoming a full England international as well.

Nonetheless, there is bound to be plenty of interest in Gallagher once the transfer window heats up, and so Frank Lampard’s team need to make sure that they are the first in line for his signature.

In other news, find out what significant financial update involving the Blues has now emerged here!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Raheem Sterling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Antonio Conte is extremely keen on a move for the Manchester City winger in the coming months, with the 27-year-old said to be considering his options as he enters the final year of his current contract at The Etihad.

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Previous reports had suggested that, should the England international fail to put pen to paper on an extension with the Premier League champions, Pep Guardiola’s side would be willing to part with the forward for a figure in the region of £50m this summer.

Salah 2.0

Should Sterling be made available to sign in the summer transfer window, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the winger to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 30 Premier League appearances this season – only 23 of which came as starts – the £60m-rated forward proved a constant threat in the City attack, scoring 13 goals, registering six assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £200k-per-week winger also impressed over his 12 Champions League outings – five of which were starts – bagging three goals, providing two assists and creating one big chance, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per fixture.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 27-year-old also ranks in the top 7% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90, as well as the top 12% for npxG, the top 18% for xA, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 3% for dribbles completed, the top 15% for tackles and the top 21% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

These metrics have seen the former Liverpool star come in for a great deal of praise, with Tony Cascarino stating his belief back in April that the 74-time capped international was in better form than Mohamed Salah, as well as saying of the City sensation:

“Raheem Sterling has just been frightening. The year he has had since the Euros – he was brilliant then… left or right, he is ripping people apart. Raheem is playing the best football of his career. Better than he was at Liverpool and better than at any time at City.

“Mohamed Salah was fantastic at the start of the season. At the AFCON he didn’t play so well and he’s had a few tricky times in international football and he’s not played as well in the last month or two.

“If I’m taking from the start of the season, and even going back to the Euros, I can’t think of a player that has played better than Raheem Sterling.”

And, with FBref showing that Salah and Sterling’s respective outputs over the past year have been incredibly similar, should Conte manage to convince Daniel Levy of a move for the 27-year-old this summer, the Italian coach could well have landed his very own Egyptian in north London – something which will undoubtedly be an extremely exciting prospect for everyone involved with Spurs.

AND in other news: “Tottenham will..”: Fabrizio Romano reveals big development, supporters surely buzzing

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared some ‘good’ news for supporters ahead of their blockbuster final day clash with Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Super Sunday…

It’s been 10 years to the month since Sergio Aguero scored that iconic 93:20 title-winning goal, clinching City their first Premier League crown in unrivalled fashion.

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Today, quite fittingly, the Sky Blues could win it on the final day yet again, a decade on from one of the finest moments in the club’s history.

City face off against Steven Gerrard’s side in the hope of beating rivals Liverpool to domestic glory, with just one point separating Guardiola and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. A win would guarantee retaining the title, but anything else and the Eastlands side will be relying on a big favour from Wolves.

The English champions have had to cope without key defensive figureheads during their final run of games, with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker all having been sidelined through injury.

However, in a refreshing potential boost, Guardiola has now shared a significant update on the latter duo as City gear up for their most important clash of 2021/22..

The Latest: Pep shares ‘good’ news…

Indeed, in some ‘good’ news, City’s head coach confirmed that both Walker and Stones made ‘partial training’ having ‘recovered’ from their injuries, praising the club’s ‘incredible’ medical staff.

Guardiola also hinted that the duo could now be involved against Villa at the Etihad Stadium in what could be a huge uplift.

He stated (via Simon Bajkowski): “We have incredible doctors and physios and they recovered. They made partial training and we will see tomorrow but it is good for us to have them back”

The Verdict: Massive…The England internationals returning could be massive given their importance, particularly Walker.City’s right-back has been a sore miss, particularly with the absence of his pacey recovery runs, and the 31-year-old’s return could help to nullify Villa’s real threat on the break posed by the likes of Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.Stones also comes as a solid and reliable alternative to Fernandinho and/or Nathan Ake in the centre of defence besides Aymeric Laporte, backed by his phenomenal campaign next to Dias last year and his brilliant performances when called upon this season.Given all that is riding on this final day battle for the Sky Blues, Guardiola’s latest update comes as a much-needed bit of good news.In other news: Man City officials travel to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered a double transfer claim involving Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: United interested in Laimer and Nkunku

United have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Konrard Laimer, according to a recent report from The Mirror, as the Old Trafford squad prepares to undergo a summer overhaul.

Elsewhere, according to German publication Bild, the Red Devils have also made contact with the Bundesliga outfit regarding highly-rated forward Christopher Nkunku, who is also wanted for a return to Paris Saint-Germain.

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After incoming manager Erik ten Hag sacrificed a post-season tour to the Caribbean with Ajax in order to start work in Manchester, one reputable journalist has suggested that the proosed double raid on Leipzig could be a sensible one.

The latest: O’Rourke talks up double swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that a move for 24-year-old pair Nkunku and Laimer could be on the cards for United, particularly given the links between their current club RB Leipzig and Old Trafford consultant Ralf Rangnick.

The journalist outlined the rationale behind the potential double swoop: “I think they would be two good signings. Obviously, they’ve got the links with Rangnick there because of RB Leipzig; he knows all about these players as well. So, they’re players that he knows and trusts.”

The verdict: Smart moves

Despite the continued on-field woes since the arrival of Rangnick as interim manager, the experienced operator is expected to play a part in the new era at Old Trafford in his forthcoming consultancy role.

Although Ten Hag hasn’t stepped foot inside the United dugout as of yet, it appears that the Dutchman’s fingerprints are already across those linked with a move to the club this summer.

The 52-year-old is widely expected to oversee a major sea change on player departures and incomings with the help of newly-appointed Austria coach Rangnick, particularly focusing on clearing out deadwood and signing youngster alternatives.

With 34 goals and 20 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions this term, Nkunku would be a sensational capture for the Dutchman’s new-look squad.

Meanwhile, Laimer – who holds a strong stylistic likeness to Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham (as per FBRef) – would serve as an adequate replacement for the exit-bound Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

Valued at a combined £81.8m by Transfermarkt, the double swoop would be an expensive one for United, but one which could certainly kick-start a much-needed revival at Old Trafford.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘world class’ Premier League star. Read more here

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in USA defender Cameron Carter-Vickers heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to American outlet SBI, a source close to the player has revealed that PIF are eyeing up a deal to sign the centre-back from Tottenham, who is currently on loan at Celtic in Scotland, at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that the Magpies have joined the list of teams keen on acquiring his services, whilst Celtic have an option to sign him permanently for a package worth $12.3m (£10m) in total.

Get it done

PIF must ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the defender as Jan Vertonghen once dubbed him an “absolute beast” and that is exactly what he would be for Eddie Howe.

The Belgium international, who played with him at Spurs, previously heaped praise on the American, saying: “He’s still young but he’s an absolute beast. He’s a real defender. He’s strong one-on-one, in the air, he’s not afraid and he can play from the back.”

Carter-Vickers’ statistics in Scotland this season suggest that he would be an imperious figure for the Toon as he has dominated the Premiership for Ange Postecoglou. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has described him as “immense” and his form backs that up as he has averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.34 in the league.

He has been outstanding defensively for the Hoops as he has won a whopping 68% of all of his duels throughout the campaign. This includes an impressive 72% of his aerial battles as he has proven that it is a tough ask to out strength him on the pitch.

Celtic have kept 16 clean sheets in his 31 appearances as he has averaged 4.2 clearances and 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game. These statistics suggest that the gem has the potential to make the step up to the Premier League with the Magpies next season, as he has been sensational in Scotland.

At the age of 24, he also has plenty of development left to do. He can work with Howe to hone his skills over time and this means that can be an investment by PIF as well as a player who can come in and immediately become a ‘beast’ at the back with his dominant defensive work.

AND in other news, Howe plotting NUFC swoop for £9m-rated “goal machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Wood…

Leeds United are interested in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, 90Min report. 

The lowdown

Burnley paid £9million to sign Brownhill from Bristol City midway through the 2019/20 season.

He’s now approaching the final two years of the £40,000 per week deal he signed on arrival.

Brownhill has established himself as a mainstay in the Clarets’ line-up this season, starting 28 of their 34 Premier League matches.

Burnley and Leeds are battling with Everton for Premier League survival, with only goal difference (in favour of the former) separating them at this stage.

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The latest

90Min’s Toby Cudworth writes that Burnley may struggle to hold onto Brownhill even if they secure survival, as the midfielder could apparently be on the market for a fee in the region of £15million.

Victor Orta and co. are ‘keen’ but do face plenty of competition, above all from long-term admirers and current favourites West Ham.

Aston Villa, Everton and Wolves are also in the running, along with newly-promoted Bournemouth.

The verdict

Brownhill recently scored a goal that could actually hurt Leeds’ survival prospects. He completed his side’s dramatic late turnaround away to Watford last weekend with an 86th-minute winner. Burnley reporter Andy Jones hailed him as a ‘sensational man’ in the aftermath of the strike.

It was his fifth goal involvement of the season, which ranks him joint-fourth in the squad behind Maxwel Cornet, Jay Rodriguez (both nine) and Matej Vydra (six).

What’s more, Brownhill has wowed supporters with moments of skill, ‘breaking the ankles’ of Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur with ‘NBA-style’ footwork (in the words of Jones).

He also ranks in their top three for tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, highlighting his all-round strengths.

In other news, a Leeds source shares a worrying Dallas update. 

Dean Jones has dropped an update on the future of former Leeds United transfer target Rodrigo de Paul.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist and transfer insider stated his belief that, despite recent reports suggesting that the central midfielder is looking to secure a move away from Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old would more than likely be out of Leeds United’s price range this summer.

However, Jones did go on to state that Victor Orta, the man who saw a €35m (£29.5m) bid rejected for the Argentina international back in the summer of 2020, would still love to bring De Paul to Elland Road.

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When asked whether the Whites could once again launch an offensive for the Atleti midfielder this summer, Jones said: “Victor Orta loves him, but I just think he’s beyond their reach at the moment.

“I mean, financially, I’m not sure that they can go there at the moment. He’ll be linked with some massive clubs and be on big wages. So, while I’m sure they would love him, I would imagine he’s beyond their reach at this point.”

Orta must move

While it is true that the player who Atletico spent €35m (£29.5m) on and handed a five-year contract on a reported £107k-per-week last July will not likely come cheap this summer, considering just how talented a player De Paul quite clearly is, if the midfielder is available this summer, Orta simply must make a move for the 27-year-old.

Despite not enjoying the best campaign of his career at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium this season – having started just 21 LaLiga fixtures under Diego Simeone – the £59m-rated dynamo nevertheless proved during his final year at Udinese that, when given the opportunity, he can be a key player for his club.

Indeed, over his 36 Serie A appearances last term, the Argentine was in breathtaking form for the Bianconeri, scoring nine goals, registering nine assists and creating a quite astonishing 20 big chances – the joint-most in the league – for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 2.3 key passes and completing 3.4 dribbles per game.

The 39-time capped international also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 40.7 passes, 0.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 4.5 long balls and winning 8.1 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Charlie Wilson dubbed “absolutely sensational” and Roy Nemer labelled both a “monster” and “unplayable” average an incredible SofaScore match rating of 7.53, not only ranking him as Udinese’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also as the second-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, should there even be the slightest chance of Leeds signing De Paul this summer, Orta simply must make a move for the 27-year-old, as he would undoubtedly help to transform the Whites’ midfield under Jesse Marsch next season.

AND in other news: Phil Hay reveals yet another “massive blow” for Leeds, Jesse Marsch will be devastated