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Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who had the following to say to GIVEMESPORT on the Argentine:

“The player is pushing with Ajax because Ajax are asking for a €50 million fee and the player is pushing for them to let him go this summer as he wants this Premier League move as soon as possible.”

With Manchester United also interested, Mikel Arteta must act quickly to secure another summer signing.

Supporters will be buzzing

The Gunners appear to have been embroiled in this transfer battle for weeks now, as they trade blows with their bitter Mancunian rivals over who will get the player and the bragging rights.

However, with this newest revelation, it appears the saga draws to its conclusion. The player will join the Premier League, it is just a matter of which club.

If Arteta was to tempt the Argentina international, it would prove a smart coup and add some bite to an otherwise soft Arsenal defence. He won 69% of his total duels last season for Ajax, further outlining his aggressive nature and love of defending.

Boasting an impressive average SofaScore rating of 7.61, it is certain that the defender would add consistency as well as incredible versatility. The 24-year-old can feature across the whole back line, and even deputises in midfield on occasion.

With regards to his nastiness, despite his 5 foot 9 frame, he still loves to get stuck into a tackle. It, therefore, fits the bill that journalist Casey Evans would label him a “bulldog”.

He sits in the 99th percentile for tackles per 90, averaging a further 1.9 interceptions and 2.8 clearances. His gritty and workmanlike play style is married with a capability to progress his team, as he also sits in the 99th percentile for progressive passes per 90.

Supporters can begin to delight in the prospect of this hard-working South American joining the Emirates, however, Arteta will have to be wary that the pull of Erik ten Hag does not tempt his main target away for a reunion at Old Trafford.

AND, in other news: Arsenal favourites to sign “outrageous” £25m “phenomenon”, supporters will love it.

According to reliable journalist James Hunter, Sunderland are now in pole position to sign Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard.

The Lowdown: Burnley move breaks down

A product of the Gunners youth system, the 22-year-old had recently come close to signing for Burnley and even made the trip to Lancashire to put pen to paper on a deal with Vincent Kompany’s Clarets, but the move broke down at the last minute due to not being able to agree personal terms.

And the Black Cats, alongside Championship rivals Blackpool and Millwall, the two clubs where the centre-back had been on loan, were all said to be interested in securing his services.

With the news that the Stevenage-born talent is officially back on the market, it now sounds as if the Stadium of Light outfit are intensifying their efforts in a bid to try and fend off their competitors.

The Latest: Sunderland in pole position

In an article written for ChronicleLive, Hunter claims that Sunderland are now ‘leading the race’ for Ballard, with the club having ‘stepped up their interest’ following Burnley’s setback.

The source further states that whilst the deal is ‘not yet done’, the hierarchy ‘remain hopeful’ that they can convince him to complete the move to Wearside.

The Verdict: Rock at the back

Alex Neil will now be looking to bolster his ranks with some new additions as he revamps his squad ahead of Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the second tier, and Ballard would be an impressive signing to get over the line.

The Northern Ireland international, who’s recently been dubbed an “outstanding” potential signing by journalist Josh Bunting, was an absolute rock at the back for Millwall last season, winning 3.9 of his aerial duels and averaging 3.4 clearances per league 90 minutes, via WhoScored.

Once a teammate of the Black Cats’ Elliot Embleton when they were both on loan together at Bloomfield Road, a reunion for the duo could soon be on the cards in the north east.

Everton will not countenance a double bid for Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, according to Alan Myers of Sky Sports News.

The lowdown

It emerged earlier this month that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the Brazil international, who is valued at more than £51m (via The Athletic), but it now seems that Antonio Conte’s side have also set their sights on the 21-year-old Goodison Park academy graduate.

The Liverpool-born winger, who is under contract until the summer of 2025, is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt.

Myers also reported that Spurs are ‘putting together a package’ to try and take both players from Goodison Park.

The latest

The reporter shared Everton’s stance on the mooted approach in a tweet on Monday afternoon.

Myers wrote: “My understanding is that Everton have zero interest in entertaining any double bid for Anthony Gordon and Richarlison from any club.”

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The verdict

Richarlison has already established himself as a star at Everton. Last season, he was the Toffees’ top scorer with 11 goals, four clear of his nearest challenger Demarai Gray.

That haul included decisive goals against Leicester City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace during the run-in as the Toffees successfully staved off relegation.

By contrast, Gordon has only played 60 senior games for the club up to this point, netting four times, but losing him would still hurt because he has so much potential. He has been capped seven times by England at under-21 level and was recently named the club’s Young Player of the Season.

Everton are right to stand firm in the face of Tottenham’s interest in the pair. They shouldn’t let their 2021/22 hero and arguably their brightest prospect leave Goodison Park in the same transfer window, as that could leave a cloud hanging over them heading into the new season.

Leeds United will need to pay €22m to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Leeds bid

The Whites haven’t wasted any time this summer when it comes to first-team signings, with midfielder Marc Roca now officially becoming the third addition.

Attention has since turned to a deal for Kalimuendo, with The Independent revealing that Leeds have made a bid in the region of €20m (£17.1m).

The 20-year-old forward scored 12 goals in 27 starts in Ligue 1 on loan with Lens last season, and any switch to Elland Road would likely include a buy-back clause.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Aouna took to Twitter on Thursday lunchtime following the news of the ‘official offer’ that was reported ‘in England’.

He added some more ‘info’, claiming that PSG will now demand a €22m (£18.9m) fee to part ways with Kalimuendo.

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The Verdict: Good move?

European football expert Antonio Mango has hailed Kalimuendo as a ‘superstar in the making’, and should he arrive in Yorkshire, he would provide Jesse Marsch with a much-needed centre-forward option.

Patrick Bamford missed 30 games through three separate issues last season, and there is little depth behind the England international.

The Frenchman would also be able to provide cover on the left wing or in a deeper central role, but it seems as if Leeds will need to up their initial offer slightly to get a transfer over the line.

Transfermarkt currently has a probability of a move going through at 63%, so it looks like this one does have legs, especially with reporters abroad such as Aouna now getting additional scoops on the news.

In other news: £25m: Leeds now want ‘complete’ Phillips replacement; just waiting for Radz green light. 

Nottingham Forest have been boosted in their efforts to sign Neco Williams this summer, with Liverpool reportedly willing to let him leave.

The Lowdown: Forest keen on Williams

Steve Cooper is on the lookout for new signings ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League, and one player with whom they have been linked is Williams.

The right-back spent half of last season on loan at Fulham, helping them achieve promotion from the Championship, with Jurgen Klopp struggling to give him minutes at Liverpool.

It now looks as though Williams will again be on the move this summer.

The Latest: Williams given green light to leave Liverpool

According to The Mirror, the Reds will allow the Wales international to leave on loan, which could mean that a potential move to Forest is on the cards.

They are mentioned in the report, along with Fulham, with the 21-year-old now behind both Trent Alexander-Arnold and new recruit Calvin Ramsay in the right-back pecking order at Anfield.

The Verdict: Potential Spence replacement?

Williams could be a superb prospective loan signing by Forest, possibly filling the sizeable void left by Djed Spence if he fails to agree a permanent move to the City Ground.

The Liverpool man possesses similar levels of attacking quality and energy, registering two goals and two assists at Fulham last season and being hailed as ‘fearless’ by journalist Henry Winter after an impressive performance for his country last November.

It could be that a temporary move to Forest becomes permanent further down the line, but they should certainly be looking at pipping Fulham to Williams’ signature, given his burgeoning talents and Liverpool’s willingness to loan him out again.

In other news, another fresh Forest transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here

Despite pulling off the sensational signing that is Erling Haaland, Manchester City are looking to build for the future by signing a young French centre-back.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from L’Equipe, via The Mirror, who claim that teenage Le Havre defender Isaak Toure is set to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

It is said that Manchester City faced competition for his signature from the likes of Newcastle United and Marseille, but have “beaten the competition for the prospect.”

As per the same report, it is relayed that Toure had “offers to leave Le Havre last year with interest from Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.”

The 19-year-old will be loaned to Ligue 1 side Troyes for the forthcoming season.

The new Laporte

Having reportedly beaten the competition for his signature, Guardiola may have just future-proofed the City squad for the role of left centre-back, in what seems to be a slightly unorthodox signing from the Spaniard with Toure standing at a whopping 6 foot 9.

If Guardiola is still with the Citizens next year, it will surely be the tallest player that he has managed and by signing a prospect at such a height, it seems that the influence of Graham Potter and Brighton has rubbed off on the managerial great.

Whilst the height of the player makes for an unorthodox Pep signing, it is indeed a move that makes more sense when the other physical components are fairly analysed.

Toure is reminiscent of Laporte in the fact that he is a left-footed centre-back who is not only strong defensively, but possesses strength physically, with talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a “physical phenomenon.”

But whilst the similarity is there, especially considering the French nationality (of which Laporte has switched from), it’s a style of central defender that City do not truly possess, so the acquisition makes for an interesting one tactically speaking.

In other news: Man City submit formal bid to sign “superb” £60m titan, Pep will be buzzing 

David Moyes is reportedly now looking to raid his old club Everton for Michael Keane.

The Lowdown: Poor season

Keane has come off the back of a poor season at Goodison Park, where he was criticised by both pundits and supporters for some of his performances.

In truth, he has lost his way from the player who impressed so much at Burnley, as Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand once likened him to a ‘sponge’ for the way he is constantly hungry to learn and improve, after earning his first senior England cap.

Now, central defender James Tarkowski looks set to sign on a free transfer from Burnley, which could pave the way for Keane’s exit.

The Latest: West Ham interest

As per Football Insider, former Toffees manager Moyes is now interested in bringing to Keane to West Ham United this summer, as the Scot is a ‘big admirer’.

The Hammers have made an enquiry over the Englishman, with the view of potentially acting on their interest now that the window is officially open.

The Verdict: Sell

With Tarkowski set to come in on a Bosman deal, the Blues can afford to let Keane go, especially if they can get a good price for him.

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He is 29 years of age now, and so is likely to decline over the next few seasons, meaning that the summer is the optimum time to cash in.

Keane is currently earning £69,000-per-week, and it would also be handy for Frank Lampard’s team to get those wages off of their books.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible’ star EFC have now reached out to sign here!

Manchester City are reportedly close to securing a transfer to sign Brighton & Hove Albion full-back Marc Cucurella ahead of the upcoming summer window.

What’s the news?

According to reports in Spain (via City Xtra), a deal that would see the Spaniard make a move to the Etihad Stadium could be confirmed as early as next week after it was revealed last month that the Manchester club were interested in signing the player.

After working his way through Barcelona’s youth ranks, the defender had spells with Eibar and Getafe before finally leaving Spain and joining Brighton back in the previous summer transfer window.

During his debut season with the Seagulls, the 23-year-old ended up playing more minutes in the league than any other outfield Brighton player.

This highlights just how important he quickly became for Graham Potter.

In those appearances, the left-back scored one goal, delivered one assist and earned himself an overall performance rating of 6.94/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player in Potter’s squad.

Guardiola would be buzzing

To further highlight how impressive Cucurella was throughout the latest Premier League season, the full-back racked up the highest number of crosses (94), blocks (72) and combined number of tackles and interceptions (160) in Brighton’s ranks.

On that evidence, City would be securing a defensively solid player who is capable of dealing with the demanding nature of the top-flight.

But it’s arguably his attacking prowess where he really stands out with the defender ending the campaign with more shot-creating actions (78) under his belt than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo (76), Emi Buendia (74) and Gabriel Martinelli (70) among many others.

Taking this into account along with the pedigree that the Brighton star has having come from Barcelona’s youth ranks, having him in City’s squad would surely leave Pep Guardiola elated given his connection with the Spanish club.

With the Citizens having already secured deals for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, it seems as though the club are keen on adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks but with a player that is clearly capable of being an attacking threat as well from the wide areas.

Bearing in mind how City’s chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak recently revealed that the club are aiming to add two more signings to their squad this summer, it seems as though Cucurella could be the first one through the door.

In other news: MCFC can find their next David Silva by signing “fearsome” 21 y/o, Pep would love him

The Premier League is an exciting league, some would say the best league in the world. Each year many sports news channels are reporting new records being set as teams perform better, transfer records are broken, or the teams doing badly set another record (they probably didn’t want to). In the 2021/2022 season, a few records have already been broken – Paul Pogba became the first Premier League player in history to provide four assists in an opening week fixture. Pep Guardiola managed to get to the 500-point milestone in just 213 games, the quickest by any manager. And Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk sets the Premier League record for most home games unbeaten since his debut.

So what records could be broken in the coming 2022/2023 premier league season or the season after that? Below we look into some of the records currently set and whether they may be beaten in the coming seasons.

Most Premier League points in a season

Currently, Manchester City (much to Manchester United’s misery) sits on the throne for the most Premier League points in a single season. In 2017/2018, Manchester City managed to get an impressive tally of 100 points.

With the Premier League becoming more competitive each year, can this be beaten in the years to come? It’s going to be challenging, especially with even more talented players joining lower ranked clubs than they used to. This could be a record that is going to be in the record books for many years to come.

Most Premier League titles

Man United have won the most Premier League titles since it’s been called the Premier League. At the moment their record stands at 13 titles, with Chelsea and Manchester City currently at five and Arsenal have won 3 titles

This record is here to stay for a few more years at least. With 5 being the closest to Man United’s 13, we will be waiting for another 10 years or so until we start talking about this record being broken. Manchester City is performing incredibly well at the moment and with the transfers they are doing, are showing that they are here to stay. Maybe they will be the team to hold the record one day.

Fewest Premier League points in a season

You have to feel sorry for whoever holds this record but at the moment it is Derby County with 11 points in the 2007/2008 season. Sunderland is second with 15 points in 2005/2006 and Huddersfield is third with 16 points in 2018/19.

Will the record be broken in the seasons to come? We will have to wait and find out! 11 points are particularly low and would require a very disastrous season to be on less.

Most Premier League points in a season without winning the title

In the season where Man City made the record for most points in one season at 100, Liverpool came very close in second. In the 2018/19 season, Liverpool managed to achieve a total of 97 points, falling just 3 off City. This was agonisingly close and in many other seasons would have won Liverpool the title. The consolation prize is that they won the award for most Premier League points in a season without winning the title.

Could this point tally be beaten in the years to come? Liverpool and Manchester City are still very close and competing at the highest of levels. It’s possible but the teams around the two of them are strengthening each year making the competition even harder. Some would argue the Premier League is the hardest it has ever been.

Most consecutive Premier League wins

The record for most consecutive Premier League wins is currently a draw with both Manchester City (26 August 2017 – 27 December 2017) and Liverpool (27 October 2019 – 24 February 2020) both on 18.

Deep down both teams would love to beat this record. Both Liverpool and City are at a very similar level and competing for all the trophies at the moment. If they could win this record, it’s another thing they can boast about and take away from their rival. That said, with the overall standard of all the teams in the league improving, this record is only going to get harder as the years go by. Could the new transfers that Pep Guardiola wants help them reach new heights? They have already signed Erik Haaland who is bound to be a big success for City just like Jack Grealish currently is.

The Premier League is full of statistics which get broken each year. What statistics do you think will be broken in the years to come? Are there any which you particularly want to see broken? Have we missed some that you think should be added? Let us know in the comment box below.

Photo by Unsplash

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of centre-back Diego Carlos, with Sky Sports sharing the development live on air.

The Lowdown: Quick start

NSWE and Steven Gerrard have made a head start on their summer business and have already secured permanent moves for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara.

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Villa have turned Coutinho’s loan move into a full-time deal, while Kamara will officially be on the books in the Midlands from July 1 when his Marseille contract expires.

It now looks as if Carlos will be the next to officially sign despite links only first emerging on Wednesday morning.

The Latest: Carlos agreement

Villa confirmed on their official website on Thursday evening that they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for Carlos.

The Brazilian still needs to complete a medical and finalise personal terms though, and Sky Sports shared live on air that Villa are ‘on the verge’ of completing those finer details.

The Verdict: Big

Carlos is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, but it looks as if Villa will pay just £26m for his services in what appears to be another big coup and a huge £14.5m saved.

Gerrard is clearly now at the heart of a major Villa Park rebuild, and it seems as if Carlos will have a big role to play in his first full season. The 29-year-old has bundles of experience at the top level in France and Spain as well as in the Champions League and Europa League.

His arrival could spell trouble for either Ezri Konsa or Tyrone Mings, with their futures thought to be up in the air, so Villa’s focus could soon be on exits before any more signings.

In other news: After Carlos: Sky Sports journo reacts as Villa close in on ‘phenomenal’ star; Gerrard’s ‘a fan’.