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Arsenal could turn their attention to Club Brugge’s Noa Lang, as an alternative for Raphinha.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, who notes that Mikel Arteta considers the Dutch winger his “plan B” after failed talks to sign the Leeds United winger.

As Chelsea appear to be finalising their deal for Raphinha, Arsenal will reportedly turn their attention elsewhere.

The Spanish manager will have already had Lang prepared as an alternative, as he quickly turns his attention towards signing him up.

Could be better than Raphinha

Lang could enter the Premier League with all the swagger and arrogance needed to succeed, and could even outperform that of the Gunners’ initial target.

Last season in the league, the 23-year-old recorded an impressive 19 goal contributions across 31 league games.

With the ability to play all across the forward line, this versatile attacker could bolster Arteta’s attack and provide healthy competition for every position. Nobody would be safe from being outperformed by this tricky youngster.

He also boasts an average SofaScore rating of 7.20, which is unsurprising given his fine goalscoring form. It is this form that led respected journalist Graham Smyth to label him an “exciting” prospect, who is a “goal and assist machine”.

For comparison, Raphinha only recorded a 6.97 average SofaScore rating, and 14 goal contributions in the league this year with four extra games than Lang.

His willingness to always attack is another aspect of his game that has drawn praise, as he ranks in the 98th percentile for progressive passes, and the 95th percentile for progressive carries.

The attacking desire and directness of the £19.8m-rated ace could only further what is an already potent Arsenal attacking force.

His arrogance and self-confidence erupted when he claimed “Believe me: Belgium will miss me when I’m gone. I gave your football colour. Next season you will pray that there will be a Noa Lang walking around in Belgium, who can also play football so well.”

His belief in his own ability could see him go one of two ways: he could either see himself rise to the stars or fall down in embarrassment.

If Arsenal are to take a punt on the forward, who would certainly cost far less than that of Raphinha, they could end up with a player who had a much higher ceiling and consequently could perform to a much higher level.

AND, in other news: Arsenal favourites to sign “elegant” £35m warrior after Jesus, it’s an Edu masterclass.

Manchester United have had a slow start to life under Erik ten Hag with the Dutchman unable to conclude any business in the transfer window so far.

They are fighting hard to sign one of the Dutchman’s former players in Frenkie de Jong but a move is taking a while to conclude.

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What’s the word?

De Jong isn’t the only player United are trying to sign right now with the club reportedly in negotiations to sign Leeds United forward Raphinha.

That’s according to an outlet in Spain, via The Faithful MUFC, who claims that the Red Devils have offered him huge terms while a bid has even been submitted to Leeds in order to sign him.

Raphinha is valued at around £60m so won’t come cheap this summer if a new-look Man United want to conclude a deal.

The player’s agent Deco, has received several phone calls from the English camp asking for information about his situation and willingness to move across the Pennines.

A player who ‘oozes class’

The race for Raphinha this summer is a hotly contested one with the likes of Barcelona, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal also eyeing a move for the Brazilian.

He has lit up the Premier League in his first two campaigns in England, scoring 17 goals and registering 11 assists in 64 games.

Those numbers aren’t out of this world but they paint a picture of a winger with a considerable amount of potential to progress further.

At the age of 25, he is now reaching his prime and pivotally from a United perspective, is a proven player in the English top-flight.

Those attacking numbers, however, would help what was an unconvincing top line for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick last term with Cristiano Ronaldo the only man to score more than ten goals in 2021/22.

Raphinha would certainly help boost that with the “magician” in the words of Dan James, rapidly improving.

Pundit Noel Whelan summed up the Leeds star, even suggesting that he’s better than one of the world’s greatest entertainers. He said: “There’s not many flair players who do as much as he does off the ball, either. He’s not afraid of digging in, doing the horrible work.

“You wouldn’t see Neymar putting in the work that Raphinha does, he’s better than him in that aspect.

“He oozes quality when he’s out there on the field, and he makes the whole stadium sit up and take notice.”

With that in mind, it’s hard to argue against him being a superb signing at Old Trafford. If ten Hag can seal a deal, it would be a significant coup and one that helps take them to the next level.

AND in other news, Man United could sign their “own Konate” as ten Hag plots bid for 6 ft 5 monster…

Manchester United have received a boost over one of their defensive transfer targets.

What’s the word?

That is based on a report from super-journo Fabrizio Romano, who via GIVEMESPORT, has revealed that a move to the Premier League for Pau Torres is a “serious possibility.”

As per the report, it is said that whilst this is the case, United are still considering all of their options right now as we move towards the mid-point of the summer window.

Speaking to GMS, Romano said:

“I see Pau Torres playing in the Premier League next season because it’s a serious possibility, but at the moment, it’s still not something advanced between clubs. So I think they are considering together with Erik ten Hag the best option and then they will jump into it.”

Ten Hag will be delighted

Romano’s latest claim around Torres comes as a big positive for United boss Erik ten Hag, who is prowling the market for a left-footed central defender who can slot seamlessly into his possession-based system.

25-year-old Spain international Torres fits the bill and represents a similar option to Lisandro Martinez, who was Ten Hag’s left centre-back at Ajax in the season just gone.

It seems as though the Dutchman is willing to mimic his Eredivisie title-winning approach, which in United’s case may start with a natural left-footed defender to help create sustainable build-up sequences from deep.

With five goals and one assist from 33 La Liga games for Villarreal this season, Torres has demonstrated his ability as a ball-carrier and offers stability in both phases of the attacking and defending phases of the game.

His match average of 4.71 progressive carries and 1.05 carries into the final third demonstrate his desire to progress the ball, whilst his average of 6.72 passes underline his comfort in keeping possession.

Interestingly, we’ve seen Torres shine both with and without the ball, playing in Unai Emery’s low-possession, counter-attacking Villarreal side against Liverpool in the Champions League, whilst featuring for Luis Enrique’s mass-possession Spain side in the same season.

Torres is versatile in his style and would shine under Ten Hag.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist drops big MUFC transfer update, it’s great news for supporters 

West Ham United manager David Moyes is now weighing major bids for a number of top Premier League players, including Leeds United forward Raphinha, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Moyes hoping for busy window…

The Hammers are believed to be closing in on their first major signing of the summer as West Ham edge nearer a deal for Rennes star and Morocco international defender Nayed Aguerd.

Moyes also wants to sign goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal from Paris-Saint Germain as the Scotsman hopes for what will be a fat busier transfer window than January.

West Ham must make new additions and strengthen in key areas if they wish to keep their place among England’s elite with 90min now sharing an update on who else they could move for.

The Latest: Moyes weighing Raphinha bid…

According to their information, the east Londoners, and by extension Moyes, are ‘considering’ a bid to sign Leeds star Raphinha among many others – including Josh Brownhill of Burnley and Championship starlet Keane Lewis-Potter.

90min add that the club are also ‘hopeful’ of fending off suitors for star duo Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen.

The Verdict: Make the move…

Lauded as a ‘big player’ by ex-Leeds man Noel Whelan and an ‘unbelievable’ one by former QPR keeper Paddy Kenny, the Brazil international has no shortage of admirers.

Raphinha, rated at around £40.5 million by Transfermarkt, was a star player at Elland Road over 2021/2022 – finishing the campaign as their most potent attacking threat by some way.

According to WhoScored, the South American forward was Leeds’ best player in terms of average match rating, shots at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 – leaving little wonder Moyes is weighing an offer.

In other news: West Ham enter pole position for ‘game-changer’ as GSB eye ‘frightening’ forward, find out more here.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news amid major reports surrounding Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Big claims…

In the last 24 hours, a really big claim emerged of a reached agreement between Middlesbrough and Spurs for the signing of Spence.

The Guardian stated yesterday evening that club chief Fabio Paratici and the Premier League giants had agreed a £20 million fee for the 21-year-old.

After they claimed manager Antonio Conte was closing in on his third summer signing after Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster, journalists like Alasdair Gold of football.london were then quick to rebuff the update.

Gold did state that there should be developments in the next 72 hours though, with Romano now sharing what he knows.

The Latest: Spurs talks ‘on’…

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According to Romano, sharing news on Twitter, Tottenham talks are still ‘on’ to sign Spence but things aren’t as advanced as the Guardian suggested.

He explained:

“Tottenham are interested in Djed Spence since long time but they’ve not reached full agreement to sign him yet despite rumours. Talks on – there are few clubs interested in the right back. THFC Discussions about Spence’s future will continue in the coming days.”

The Verdict: Make the move…

While a fee hasn’t been agreed upon yet, the fact Spurs are still in contention with talks ongoing is brilliant news for Conte and the club’s supporters.

Spence is arguably one of the most promising young players in England right now, having played a significant part in Nottingham Forest’s push for top flight promotion over 2021/2022 whilst on loan.

The exciting wing-back’s addition would also help to balance Spurs’ homegrown quota and provide them a further boost ahead of a long and busy summer window.

In other news: ‘Being negotiated’ – Club now want their ‘sensational’ star to join Tottenham…find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has swung his axe as the Lilywhites close in on a summer exit, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer reshuffle…

Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici met with Conte in Italy last week to discuss recruitment strategy ahead of what will be a very interesting window for the north Londoners.

The Lilywhites head coach secured a Premier League top four finish and Champions League football for the 2022/2023 campaign, prompting the club to green-light a major £150million equity increase.

Conte will benefit from the bulk of these added funds as Spurs look set to back their manager and ensure he has most of what he needs for his first full season in charge.

While new signings have been heavily tipped, so have exits from Hotspur Way, with Football Insider now sharing the latest development involving midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The Latest: Tottenham hold Lo Celso talks…

According to their information, a Tottenham ‘agreement is close to being reached’ over Lo Celso’s permanent departure to Villarreal with ‘extensive talks’ held.

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This comes as Conte swings his axe and deems the Argentine ‘surplus to requirements’.

As per this update, Spurs are keen to offload, so much so they’re willing to take a near-£10million loss.

The Verdict: Major update…

Dropping the asking price from £30million to around £20million, according to this report, certainly stands out as a major call.

Perhaps this is an indicator of Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy’s eagerness to back Conte and seriousness in going the extra mile to display a matched ambition.

Selling Lo Celso for that amount is generous to say the least, especially considering he thrived on loan under Unai Emery and was a key player on their run to the Champions League semi-finals.

In other news: Alasdair Gold says ‘exciting’ Conte target is now eyeing a move to Tottenham! Find out more here.

Celtic not only ended their 2021/22 SPFL season with the league title under their belt but they also did it whilst boasting the best-attacking record in the top flight.

Having played 38 games, the Hoops found the net 92 times, which is 12 more than their fierce rivals, Rangers, did.

One player that ended up playing a rather significant role in Celtic’s attack this season was Jota.

Signed on loan from Portuguese club Benfica back in the previous summer transfer window, the winger played in 29 league games for the Bhoys.

In those appearances, the 23-year-old scored ten goals and delivered 11 assists along the way.

Rather unsurprisingly, there have been reports claiming that the Hoops are looking to make the winger’s stay at Parkhead permanent this summer.

Should they be successful in those attempts, the focus can then shift to potentially bringing new players to the club and help strengthen Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

One figure that the Bhoys have been linked with recently that could form a scary attacking partnership with Jota is Ferencvaros striker Ryan Mmaee.

With 141 senior club appearances under his belt across all competitions, the 24-year-old striker has scored 49 goals and delivered 25 assists in the process.

This season saw the Moroccan rack up 19 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances for his current side, which included two games against Celtic in the Europa League.

This shows just how much of a deadly striker he is who can not only score goals but provide them as well.

It also backs up why he was described as being “prolific” for the Hungarian side by journalist Maher Mezahi on Twitter.

Having racked up the second-highest average for shots and dribbles per game in the Europa League this season for his current side, he clearly has the attacking talent to be a suitable addition to the Parkhead club’s ranks.

With all of this in mind, if Celtic can start their next campaign with both Jota and Mmaee in their side, it would give Postecoglou the chance to form a potentially frightening attacking pair that could give the Hoops a great chance to not only possibly regain the SPFL title but to go as far as they can in Europe as well.In other news: Celtic can replicate CCV masterclass by signing 25y/o gem who’s “one of the very best”

Journalist Niccolò Ceccarini has shared some exciting transfer news for Tottenham Hotspur supporters as their club continue to be busy just after the 2021/2022 Premier League season’s conclusion.

The Lowdown: Exciting times…

The Lilywhites, having confirmed a £150 million capital increase recently, apparently intend to back manager Antonio Conte with the significant financial windfall as their boss now decides to stay for next campaign.

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In a big boost for the club, the trophy-laden 52-year-old who guided them to a top-four finish has elected to take full charge of Spurs for the 2022/2023, as has been widely reported.

This comes after a summit to discuss the club’s summer recruitment in Italy with both Conte and official Fabio Paratici holding crunch talks to determine who will be targeted (Daily Mail).

One player who could be on his way in after Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who has apparently completed a medical, is Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.

The Latest: Ceccarini makes exciting Perisic claim…

Writing on Twitter and backing other reports, journalist Ceccarini has claimed that the soon-to-be free agent is ‘now destined for Tottenham’.

The reporter adds something we haven’t seen elsewhere though – Inter are already on the hunt for his replacement, as they could return for Genoa full-back Andrea Cambiaso.

The Verdict: Huge…

Alasdair Gold has already claimed that Perisic is a potential ‘big signing’ for Spurs and Conte, not least for his experience as a multi-title and Champions League winner, but also because he could mark a significant shift in mentality in north London (Twitter).

The 33-year-old arriving ‘early’ and ‘ready-made’, as per Gold again, is another boost for Tottenham in representing a ‘Conte-led change’.

We’re inclined to agree with the football.london journalist, this news is absolutely massive ahead of what will be a busy summer, as it proves the club are willing to stand back and let Conte, with Paratici’s guidance, lead the way.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

Bayern Munich are still hopeful of signing Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane this summer, according to reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Magnificent season for Mane

The Reds have had numerous standout heroes during a memorable season and Mane has undoubtedly been one of his side’s star men, having once been hailed as a ‘machine’ by Jamie Carragher.

The 30-year-old has thrived in a new central attacking role, scoring 16 times in the Premier League, not to mention netting huge winning penalties for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final and a World Cup playoff.

Mane has recently been linked with a summer move to Bayern, however, as they look to replace Robert Lewandowski and capitalise on a contract with just 13 months left to run.

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The Latest: Fresh ‘talks’

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany claimed that Mane is considering joining the Bundesliga champions and is already in ‘talks’ over a move:

“News #Mane: He can really imagine to join #FCBayern this summer! There is movement in talks with the player and his management. Next 3-4 weeks are decisive. Nagelsmann & Brazzo want him. Transfer fee probably less than €50m.”

The Verdict: Could he actually leave?

While it would be a surprise in Mane didn’t sign a new deal at Liverpool, this update does suggest that his exit is actually possible this summer.

At 30, the attacker may feel that he has one more big move in him during his prime, and it could be that he feels a fresh challenge will be beneficial after six years with the Reds.

That being said, Bayern are still not the proposition Liverpool are currently, in terms of their manager and standing in European football, so we feel a new contract is still to be expected.

In other news, one Liverpool attacker has been backed to stay at Anfield. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool are among a number of teams interested in signing Torino defender Gleison Bremer, according to a report from Torino Granata (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A outfit Clube Atletico Mineiro in 2018, the 25-year-old has made 110 appearances since arriving in Italy.

Uncapped by Brazil at any level, Bremer has emerged as one of the leading lights in the Serie A in recent years and was recently rewarded with a new deal until 2024 amidst interest from across Europe and indeed links to Merseyside.

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Despite the fresh extension, it appears that some of the biggest clubs on the continent remain interested in the powerful centre-back…

The latest: Reds’ interested

As per Torino Granata, translated by SW, Liverpool have ‘set their sights’ on Bremer ahead of the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing the man dubbed an ‘animal’ by defensive teammate Mergim Vojvoda.

The report also states that the Serie A side are ‘preparing the auction’ for the sale of their Brazilian ace, who holds a perceived market value of £27million (Transfermarkt).

The verdict: An unnecessary expenditure

Following the brutal 2020/21 campaign with injuries to all three frontline defenders in the shape of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, Jurgen Klopp has been relatively spoilt for choice this term with the addition of Ibrahima Konate.

Both Van Dijk and Matip returned to the peak of their powers almost instantly, whilst Konate has proven to be an extraordinary signing who has slotted straight in at Anfield, leapfrogging Gomez in the pecking order in the process.

Therefore, despite Bremer enjoying another stellar season in Italy, earning an impressive 7.13 Sofascore rating, winning 6.6 duels, making 4.0 clearances and 3.2 interceptions on average per game, Liverpool and new sporting director Julian Ward would be best served to allow the current quartet to carry the workload and spend the funds on improving other areas of the squad.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has delivered a huge transfer update involving one of Liverpool’s senior players.