The summer transfer window officially opens for business this week and Aston Villa could be in the market to bolster their squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Unai Emery was able to add Jhon Duran and Alex Moreno to his roster in January and now has multiple months to work with the club to add more quality across the pitch.
The Spanish head coach is set to lead the Villans into European football next term after qualifying for the Europa Conference League and the prospect of playing in that competition could tempt the manager to improve his options in the coming weeks.
One player who could come in as an upgrade on what Villa already have at their disposal is Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, who could be put forward to the club by agent Jorge Mendes this summer.
How did Ansu Fati perform his season?
The 20-year-old winger found it difficult to nail down a regular starting spot with the Spanish giants but his performances in LaLiga suggest that he would offer far more than Leon Bailey in the final third.
Fati started 12 games in the league for Barcelona and contributed with seven goals and three assists from out wide, whilst he also produced three goals in seven domestic cup appearances.
The forward, who has racked up 22 goals and four assists in 32 LaLiga starts since the start of 2019/20, has shown plenty of promise in his limited game time with Xavi's side, whereas Bailey has struggled to be a consistent performer in the Premier League for the Villans.
In 22/23, the Jamaica international scored four goals and provided four assists in 26 starts with that coming after the 25-year-old scored one goal and assisted two in seven starts in the previous campaign in the top-flight.
Therefore, the Villa dud has averaged a direct goal contribution every three starts in the Premier League. Whereas, Fati has only needed 1.23 starts on average to register a goal or an assist in LaLiga for Barcelona.
Barcelona forward Ansu Fati.
These statistics suggest that the Spain international, who is also five years younger than Bailey, has the potential to make a bigger impact on matches for Emery next season.
The £230k-per-week wizard, who was described as a "generational" talent by Xavi, ranks in the top 1% of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues over the last 365 days for non-penalty xG per 90, meaning that the forward is excellent at putting himself in good positions to generate goalscoring opportunities.
Bailey, on the other hand, is not in the top 35% in the same group of players, suggesting that the Villa winger is not as intelligent at creating chances for himself with his movement in the box, something that is also reflected in their respective goalscoring records.
Therefore, Emery could land a big upgrade on the former Bayer Leverkusen ace by securing a deal to sign Fati from Barcelona this summer.
Arsenal return to Premier League action tonight, as they host Southampton in what is a must-win clash; although, with just seven games left as they battle for the title, every game has taken on such importance.
That is what makes their recent slips against West Ham United and Liverpool all the more frustrating, especially given they squandered leads in both.
Tonight, however, they face a wholly different challenge, as they welcome the 20th-placed team in the division with the hopes they can use it as a return to form. With a trip to face Manchester City on the horizon, tonight marks a fine opportunity to bolster confidence in preparation for such a monumental game.
However, they are to once again be without William Saliba, as Mikel Arteta admitted:
"He’s not progressing as quickly as we hoped and it is a bit delicate so we want to be certain that when we push him, he’s ready to absorb the load and the risk that we’ll take, and that’s not possible at the moment."
Whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko is at a more advanced stage in his recovery, a start tonight also seems unlikely given the risk it would pose in a fixture they should be able to win without. However, his absence could pose an interesting opportunity for a tactical shift.
How could Arsenal line up against Southampton
Arteta could make as many as three changes to the side that drew 2-2 at the London Stadium, with alterations made both due to necessity and with one eye on Wednesday's crunch match.
Aaron Ramsdale will be seeking to put aside his disappointment from last week with a fine showing tonight, but will have to remain sharp when his moment comes. The 24-year-old made just one save last game, yet shipped two goals.
The back four is expected to remain largely unchanged, but after his struggles to perform in the inverted full-back role, Kieran Tierney could drop out. Given Granit Xhaka deputised in his position after his substitution last time out, perhaps Arsenal could seek to add such a fine creative presence to the defence given their expected dominance of the ball.
Ben White will occupy the opposite flank, whilst Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes retain their spots through the middle.
Seeing the Swiss general move into the back four opens up an opportunity for Fabio Vieira to take his chance beside Thomas Partey. They will offer a defensive foil to supplement the creativity of captain Martin Odegaard.
arsenal-west-ham-united-odegaard-goal
As mentioned, their dominance in tonight's clash should see them through without needing a full-strength side, especially when the likes of Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith-Rowe are the alternatives to replace Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Seeking to keep the star men fresh, so they can truly wreak havoc next week, perhaps handing the 22-year-old his first league start of the season following a return from injury could be the injection of enthusiasm needed to put this game to bed early.
The Belgian's inclusion needs no explanation, with the £40k-per-week maestro having already garnered praise despite only joining in January. Journalist Richie Mills, who reports on Brighton and Hove Albion, will know more than most just what a "magic man" the 28-year-old can be.
These two will flank Gabriel Jesus, who has made a seamless return to first-team action after his own lengthy lay-off, scoring four in his last three.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Holding, Xhaka; Vieira, Odegaard, Partey; Smith-Rowe, Jesus, Trossard.
Chelsea are on course to reshuffle and reshape their dysfunctional attack.
It has already been confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t wish to make Joao Felix’s stay in the English capital permanent, Romelu Lukaku prefers to spend another season in Italy instead of returning to Stamford Bridge, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to depart after a disastrous stint in West London.
However, the possible transfer of Kai Havertz to Arsenal is the most surprising storyline thus far, to leave the Blues extremely light up top.
Nevertheless, Nicolas Jackson has been linked to sparking the Chelsea rebuild and replacing the aforementioned quartet as the focal point next season.
What’s the latest on Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea?
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 2021 Champions League winners have decided to activate the release clause for the Villarreal striker and are set to pay €35m (£30m) in instalments for the 21-year-old.
Three unnamed clubs are also reportedly tracking the player, but Jackson wants to play in the Premier League and the Blues are planning to offer a long-term contract.
The Guardian has stated that the Senegalese has already agreed personal terms with the West London outfit.
Can Nicolas Jackson replace Kai Havertz?
The attacker made 26 La Liga appearances this year and registered 16 goal involvements (12 goals and four assists) which has attracted Chelsea to his glistening talent. He was the top scorer for a Villarreal team that secured a fifth-place finish in Spain.
Considering that this is the 6 foot 1 ace’s first full season at the first-team level in senior football in Europe, this return makes for impressive reading.
Across the continent, the £9k-per-week man ranks magnificently, as he sits within the top 11% for non-penalty goals, assists and progressive carries per 90, and his quality and effervescence could be of insurmountable importance to Pochettino.
The one-cap international has been described as “extraordinary” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig and his profile as a traditional number nine could be far more useful than the more fluid and unpredictable Havertz who scored just nine goals across 47 outings last term.
Kai Havertz Chelsea
The German has been at Chelsea since 2020 and his career has involved flashes of mercurial brilliance with the highlighting being his winning goal in the Champions League final two years ago.
However, the rest of his exploits in England have been largely unforgettable and despite making 139 appearances for the West London outfit, his best and most effective position is still a subject that is hotly debated.
Last season, under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, he was often tasked with acting as the focal point, but his distinct lack of physicality and dynamism, as well as a damaging inability to hold up play, meant he often cut an isolated figure.
The addition of Jackson, therefore, is an intelligent move, and he could the key source of firepower for Pochettino.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.
What's the latest on Adarabioyo to Tottenham?
According to respected insider Alasdair Gold, writing on Twitter, the north Londoners are seemingly keeping tabs on the 25-year-old amid their search for a new central defender: "Understand Tosin Adarabioyo remains high on Spurs' list of potential central defender moves this summer after some extensive scouting last season."
In his attached piece for football.london, Gold went on to add that the Lilywhites are 'weighing up' a move for the 6 foot 5 sensation after monitoring his progress over an extended period of time, albeit with a raft of clubs across Europe also interested in the one-time Manchester City asset.
The piece adds that the former England youth international is being considered alongside the likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven in the quest to bolster the backline, although Adarabioyo is likely to prove a cheaper option as he has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?
As Gold's report noted, it is Bayer Leverkusen star, Tapsoba who is Ange Postecoglou's 'main central defensive target' at present, although the signing of Adarabioyo – who made 25 Premier League appearances last season – could represent a dream alternative having already proven himself in English football.
The towering asset has seemingly been tipped for big things ever since emerging through the youth ranks at the Etihad, with City boss Pep Guardiola having said of his talents back in 2016: "He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass."
Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo
Also dubbed "immense" by former boss Tony Mowbray during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2019/20 campaign Adarabioyo was particularly impressive for the Cottagers last season amid their return to the top-flight, with his 6.89 average match rating the sixth-highest among his teammates.
The Manchester native offers a real dominant presence in the heart of the defence having won 69% of his aerial duels in 2022/23, with that a far better record than what Tapsoba achieved during his 33 Bundesliga outings (56%).
While the latter man is particularly adept at playing out from the back – as he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for progressive passes at an average of 5.76 per 90 – Adarabioyo is no slouch in that regard, having averaged only slightly lower at 4.10 per 90 across the last 365 days.
With the Fulham man clearly comfortable on the ball as well as being an imposing asset defensively, he could offer an all-round package to Postecoglou and co, hence why the £40k-per-week menace could represent a possible bargain alternative to Tapsoba this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are heading into the international break off the back of a defeat after their 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
How did Wolves lose to Palace?
The home side took the lead in the 56th minute after a relatively quiet first half as Tyrick Mitchell's low cross into the front post area was prodded into the back of the net by French centre-forward Odsonne Edouard.
Hwang Hee-chan soon levelled the scores less than ten minutes later as Pedro Neto's corner was diverted into the far corner by the South Korea international.
However, Gary O'Neil's side failed to push on to go and win the match as Palace took control and made it 3-1 by the 84th minute thanks to two superb goals from Eberechi Eze and Edouard, who both found room within the box to slot the ball past Jose Sa.
A 96th-minute consolation goal from Matheus Cunha had no bearing on the match as it came far too late for the away side to mount a comeback in the closing stages.
How did Fabio Silva perform against Palace?
One player who should be in danger of losing their place in the starting line-up is Fabio Silva after his disappointing performance at the top end of the pitch.
Wolves striker Fabio Silva.
The 21-year-old marksman struggled, once again, to prove that he is ready to lead the line and offer a goal threat for Wolves. As a result, he must be ditched from the starting team in favour of Hwang, who has proven he is able to chip in with goals at this level.
Silva played 74 minutes of the game and offered very little in and out of possession. His lack of presence through the middle was evident as he lost four of his six ground duels and his only aerial battles throughout the clash.
The youngster also failed to register a single effort on target and accumulated a woeful 0.04 xG and 0.07 xA, showing that the Portuguese striker did not get into strong goalscoring positions or provide his teammates with opportunities in front of goal.
The former Porto starlet has started three of Wolves' four Premier League matches so far this season and has so far contributed with zero goals and has also failed to create any big chances for teammates.
His lack of strength has been on display throughout the campaign so far as the former PSV loanee has lost 100% of his aerial duels and 55% of his battles in total, whilst he has been unable to make up for that with his play in possession having missed two 'big chances'.
This underwhelming start to the season comes after Silva managed four goals and one assist in 14 Eredivisie matches for PSV last term, in which time he lost 65% of his physical contests and spurned four 'big chances' for the Dutch outfit.
Consequently, O'Neil should drop the talent from the XI after the international break as they host Liverpool at the Molineux. Instead, Hwang should be unleashed from the start.
How good is Hwang Hee-chan?
The £30k-per-week hotshot is far from a prolific number nine but his form at the start of this season suggests that he has the quality to offer considerably more than Silva at the top end of the pitch.
Wolves striker Hee-chan Hwang.
Goals have been hard to come by for Wolves in recent times as they only hit the back of the net 31 times in 38 Premier League matches last term and they have only managed four in four so far during the 2023/24 campaign, with two of those coming from the South Korean.
Hwang has showcased his qualities off the bench with two goals and one 'big chance' created for a teammate in three substitute outings, alongside a start in the only league win so far against Everton.
He has averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.13 for the club with only two players – Jose Sa and Pedro Neto – having averaged higher ratings within the squad. It shows that the former RB Leipzig man has been one of the team's outstanding performers in spite of his limited time on the pitch.
The 27-year-old produced three goals and one assist in 12 top-flight starts during the 2022/23 campaign and five goals alongside one assist in 20 starts throughout the previous term. Again, hardly outstanding but there is untapped potential just waiting to be unleashed.
Over the last 365 days, Hwang ranks in the top 9% of his positional peers throughout Europe's top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.41), showing that the talented frontman has been an efficient scorer compared to the minutes he has played against other strikers in Europe.
His superb level of production off the bench in recent weeks suggests that the versatile star, who can play on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward, is able to offer far more than Silva, both as a scorer and a creator.
Hwang could also be a big upgrade on the young forward when it comes to putting in the hard yards for the team to do his defensive work against the ball.
During the 2022/23 campaign, the South Korean ranked within the top 11% or higher of his Premier League positional peers for tackles (1.59) and blocks (1.43) per 90, whilst he also made 0.40 interceptions per 90, as per FBref.
For context, Silva ranked within the bottom 38% or lower of his Eredivisie positional peers during his loan spell with PSV for tackles (0.44), blocks (0.59), and interceptions (0.15) per 90.
Evidently, the former RB Salzburg man offers far more than the 21-year-old striker out of possession to cut out opposition attacks at source. This is no doubt a valuable trait as it helps to prevent the other team from creating regular chances.
Therefore, O'Neil must unleash Hwang, who was once described as a "dangerous" forward by ex-Arsenal ace Kevin Campbell, from the start after the international break.
He'd certainly improve Wolves' attack to give them the best possible chance of scoring enough goals to pick up the points that they will ultimately need to beat the drop.
Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action today, in what promises to be a hotly-contested clash with Newcastle United.
With the hosts boasting the more favourable position, as they sit three points ahead with a game in hand, a win on the road for Cristian Stellini's side would certainly make for an enthralling end to the season as both sides battle for that elusive fourth-place spot.
Despite enjoying some fine form, Aston Villa showed the rest of the league exactly how to negate the Magpies, as they dismantled them 3-0 in their last game. However, Spurs too have been left reeling after their heartbreak at home to AFC Bournemouth.
Having led early, two goals on either side of halftime transformed the game for the travelling Cherries. A late Arnaut Danjuma scorcher made it almost certain that the points would be shared before Dango Ouattara struck even later to claim the win.
It marked just one of numerous miserable results for Spurs this season, who squandered a fine opportunity to gain vital points on Eddie Howe's men.
They will not get a better chance to do so than today when they face head-on at St James' Park.
Having struggled all season, it is a wonder how they find themselves in contention for such a position. However, to give themselves the best possible chance today, they must call on Danjuma from the start.
Will Arnaut Danjuma play vs Newcastle?
Having been poached from Everton at the eleventh hour, the Dutchman moved to north London as a top asset sure to test the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-min Son.
However, he has instead been reserved for short cameo appearances and starts in cup competitions, which they have since been knocked out of. The £53k-per-week speedster is yet to even make a Premier League start for the club.
After his goal last weekend, that could be about to change.
arnaut-danjuma-tottenham-hotspur-bournemouth
This would come after the pleas of journalist Rob Guest, who took to Twitter to write: "Arnaut Danjuma demonstrated on Saturday against Bournemouth that he can more than make an impact on the pitch for Tottenham. Baffling that Antonio Conte only turned to him four times despite the team's attacking woes."
These woes could now be solved by a man who scored 16 goals in all competitions as his side reached the Champions League semi-final.
Such pedigree cannot go unnoticed, and former Premier League marksman Kevin Phillips would exacerbate his need for a start by branding him a "nightmare for defenders" last year.
With Son only recently finding form, scoring three in his last five, Kulusevski has instead recorded just one goal contribution in his last 11.
Something has to change, especially for a game of this magnitude, and Danjuma's introduction could provide just that.
Glasgow Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has reportedly made goalkeeper Jack Butland his ‘preferred target’ this summer.
The Lowdown: Out of contract
Butland is out of contract in June, meaning that he can leave Crystal Palace as a free agent once it expires.
He is currently on loan at Manchester United until the end of the season, and will then return to Palace to see out the final days of his contract, with no plans of a renewal.
The Latest: Wilson interest
As per Football Insider, Rangers are plotting a move for Butland this summer, with Wilson making him his ‘preferred target’.
He has been on the radar at Ibrox for ‘some time’, and is thought to be ‘keen’ on the potential move.
The Verdict: No-brainer
It would be a no-brainer for the Gers to sign a player of Butland’s quality and experience on a free transfer.
The six-foot-five colossus has made nine times by England.
At 29 years of age, Butland is much younger than 41-year-old Allan McGregor and 35-year-old Jon McLaughlin, and so could establish himself as the number one for Michael Beale’s side for years to come, should they decide to sign him this summer and potentially part ways with one or both the veteran goalkeepers.
Everton are now in the driving seat to complete an ambitious summer swoop for Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire, with Sean Dyche offering the England international a lifeline to rekindle his career.
Is Harry Maguire going to Everton?
According to Football Insider, the Toffees are now leading the race for Maguire after presenting an enticing offer, with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United retaining interest.
It is believed that the Red Devils want £35m for the 30-year-old, who has lost his starting role and captaincy at Old Trafford, after the Hammers saw a £20m offer rejected in July.
Defensive duo Yerry Mina and Conor Coady have departed Goodison Park this summer, whilst exciting young ace Jarrad Branthwaite's future is up in the air, and as such, Dyche will need to bolster his backline ahead of the new campaign.
How good is Harry Maguire?
Everton narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League last season after a 1-0 victory on the final day of the campaign ensured Leicester City's victory over West Ham proved fruitless, relegating the Foxes.
While the Toffees were far from the desired standard, they conceded 57 goals in the league – the fewest of any side in the bottom six – and will hope that a well-placed move for someone of Maguire's ilk could bolster the backline and allow the attack to flourish.
And while Maguire has fallen by the wayside at the Theatre of Dreams of late, he still played a major part in the club's Carabao Cup triumph this year and has completed 175 appearances for the club since finalising a £80m transfer from Leicester City in 2019.
Once hailed as a "colossus" by talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan, albeit also branded a "bit of a liability", the £190k-per-week defender ranks among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 19% for successful take-ons, the top 11% for blocks and the top 12% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref.
Also described as an "unbelievable player" by teammate Luke Shaw, he would prove to be the non-nonsense and assured presence Dyche covets to take his defence to the next level, and would thrive as the centrepiece of the Toffees' defensive structure.
With Maguire forging a steely partnership with James Tarkowski in front of Jordan Pickford's goal, it could allow Amadou Onana to take the next step in his own development, having impressed during his maiden term with Everton despite the club's issues.
Onana joined on a £33m transfer from Lille last summer and captured the awe of Merseyside Blues, making 33 Premier League appearances and earning an average match rating of 6.92 – as per Sofascore – completing 84% of his passes, averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances and interceptions per match and succeeding with 59% of his ground duels.
The Belgian midfielder, who has been also dubbed a "colossus" himself by the Daily Mail's Dominic King, is a composed passer of the ball and a robust defensive force, also aerially dominant, ranking among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for aerials won per 90.
His ability to take control of the middle third would alleviate the burden on Maguire's shoulders, in what would prove to be a move to restore Everton's equilibrium and finally pave a pathway to success after several years of instability and strife.
Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior this summer.
The Lowdown: Brace for England
Iling-Junior scored a brace for England U20s in their 2-0 win against Germany on Wednesday night as the Young Lions prepare for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia this summer.
The 19-year-old plays his club football at Juventus, and has broken into the first team this season, with two assists in 11 games in total over all competitions.
The Latest: Newcastle interest
Co-writing in his latest piece for 9omin, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, are all taking an ‘interest’ in Iling-Junior ahead of a potential move this summer.
Both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also thought to be fans of his, but he has recently signed a contract extension at Juve until 2025.
The Verdict: Another bright prospect
Iling-Junior is certainly another bright prospect that could join the growing pool of talented youngsters at St. James’ Park.
21-year-old Harrison Ashby moved to the North East from West Ham United in the January transfer window, while teenage prodigy Garang Kuol, who recently scored his first senior goal for Australia, joined last summer.
Nonetheless, Iling-Junior is already making a name for himself at a European giant in Juventus, and being English, would also settle in quickly on Tyneside, providing that the Magpies can strike a deal of course.
It will be difficult with the level of competition for his signature, so the Toon would be getting themselves a real coup should they get him to sign on the dotted line.
A number of Arsenal fans online have all praised the substitute cameo made by Takehiro Tomiyasu last night in the Europa League as he came on and impressed at left-back.
What’s the latest on Takehiro Tomiyasu at Arsenal? The Gunners faced Sporting CP away from home in the first leg of their last-16 European match this week and found things pretty awkward in Portugal.Indeed, even though they took the lead thanks to William Saliba, they were pulled back level just 12 minutes later when Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner.Then Sporting actually took the lead through Paulinho in the second half and it took a huge slice of luck when Granit Xhaka’s pass deflected off Hidemasa Morita and into the back of the net to draw Arsenal level at 2-2.With Kieran Tierney absent through illness, Tomiyasu was asked to come on at left-back for the last 27 minutes and he really helped steady the ship for Mikel Arteta’s men.As per SofaScore, he finished the game with a 7.3 match rating (the best of any substitute from either team). What’s more, he also made one interception, won one tackle, won five out of five ground duels and two out of three aerial duels, and also pulled off one key pass and completed three out of three successful dribbles.Clearly, he had a pretty impressive cameo and it’s safe to say the Arsenal fans enjoyed seeing him fill in at left-back. Here are some of the best responses online…[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/_philcosta/status/1633908357756010499?s=46&t=hH2NiXoN5Q53lPpbpDhPRA[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/ltarsenal/status/1633930184188473348[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/Fragiie_Millz/status/1633930163372032003[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/Cgancgan/status/1633930005188165633[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/trickyreds14/status/1633937317458235393[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/goonernumber31/status/1633937505543176192[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/lolgoil/status/1633939280396468224[/EMBED_TWITTER]