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Arsenal remain interested in Bruno Guimaraes but they may have to wait until the summer to sign him…

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano delivered a series of updates over the Gunners’ interest in the Lyon midfielder over the weekend. He first claimed that the north Londoners had been “following him since long time” before later adding:

“Arsenal are working to sign a new midfielder. Bruno Guimarães appreciated but currently not discussed as January target – deal too complicated, €45m fee.”

Goal linked Arsenal with a move for the Brazil international back in July, also suggesting that they tried to sign him in January 2020, so clearly, he’s a long-term target for Mikel Arteta and co.

Sign him up

A number of circumstances this month have seen Arsenal’s priorities change in the transfer market.

Both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are unavailable for selection due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst the club have sanctioned the exit of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to AS Roma.

It makes Arteta very light on midfield options, leaving him with only livewire Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga for the two deeper roles in the engine room.

Therefore, it would be wise to consider Guimaraes now, rather than waiting for the end of the season.

The £27m-rated midfielder has excelled for Lyon in recent seasons, and last term he rated out as one of their most consistent performers – as per WhoScored, he averaged 2.3 tackles per game and an impressive 90.5% passing accuracy, earning a seasonal rating of 6.81.

His form has gone up a notch this season as he rates out as the French outfit’s second-best performer, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.04.

The 24-year-old enforcer, who stands at 6-foot, has a similar playing style to that of Wolves’ Ruben Neves and former Gunners target Manuel Locatelli.

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes the Brazilian is an “elite talent” with “world-class potential”, so it’s no wonder Arsenal have been keen on him for quite some time.

On the above evidence, he would be a fine addition to the squad and one that Arteta badly needs this month. Edu Gaspar must make a U-turn and consider making his move, sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, Arteta could finally axe Arsenal’s £110k-p/w flop by signing £16.2m-rated “big talent”…

After suffering their first defeat under new manager Steven Gerrard in midweek with their 2-1 loss against Manchester City, Aston Villa welcome Leicester City to Villa Park this Sunday for their next Premier League fixture.

Ahead of the match against the Foxes, it seems as though the Villans could have a double injury boost handed to them just in time for the clash, which will have lots of fans thrilled.

What’s the news?

Speaking after the City defeat, Gerrard shed some light over the injury that Villa left-back Matt Targett picked up which forced him off the pitch in the second half against Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Villa boss revealed that the 26-year-old had “a little bit of a knock” but will “hopefully” be available for the match against Leicester, which should put to bed any concerns that some fans may have had on the defender.

Additionally, Gerrard said that they were “protecting” Jacob Ramsey by not playing him against City so that he will also “hopefully” be fit enough to feature at the weekend.

Taking this into account, it seems as though there is reason to be optimistic for everyone at Villa that Targett and Ramsey will be fit enough to play against Leicester so that they can get back to winning ways after their midweek setback.

With Gerrard set to speak to the media at some point before Sunday’s clash, lots of Villa fans will undoubtedly have their fingers crossed that the 41-year-old will have a definite answer as to whether the duo will be fit enough to play this weekend.

Having played in all but one of Villa’s Premier League games so far this season, Targett has shown how useful he is for the side. It will be a big boost for them if he’s fit enough to play on Sunday, having averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.3 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game in the league.

Similarly with Ramsey, the 20-year-old had only missed one league game this season prior to the City match as he tries to cement himself as an important midfield option for the Villans.

Looking ahead to the clash against Leicester, with Brendan Rodgers’ side only winning one of their five previous league games, Gerrard will definitely see this as a great opportunity for his team to pick up three points, hopefully with Targett and Ramsey being able to play a part in the process.

In other news: This Villa man was an “absolute revelation” v Man City…

With seven wins, one draw and nine defeats under their belt so far this season, Aston Villa have had a mixed season so far that has seen Dean Smith replaced by Steven Gerrard at the helm.

One player that has been a pivotal figure for Villa this season is striker Ollie Watkins, who has played in 15 of their 17 Premier League games, scoring five goals and providing one assist in the process.

In recent days, Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal player Alan Smith shared his thoughts on the current striker situation at the north London club and the possibility of Mikel Arteta’s side targeting a move for Watkins in the future as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

He said: “In terms of his movement, maybe Ollie Watkins is a striker I’d have thought Arsenal would look at but are they looking at him? I’m not sure Steven Gerrard would be letting him go in a hurry. However, that kind of mobile central striker that will really threaten in behind defenders, perhaps, is a bit more like it.”

Since joining the Midlands club back in the 2020 summer transfer window from Brentford in a deal worth a reported fee of £28m, the Englishman has made a total of 55 appearances for the Villans across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists along the way, proving just how important he is for Gerrard’s side.

With this in mind, it would be nothing short of a catastrophe if Villa were to sell Watkins, who is currently valued at £28.8m according to Transfermarkt, anytime soon to another Premier League club.

Having been labelled as a “magnificent” player by Alex McLeish, Watkins’ current contract at Villa isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2025, which could put to bed any concerns that some Villa fans may have about the 25-year-old’s future.

Moving forward, the best way to make sure Watkins doesn’t get tempted to move away from Villa would be for the club owners, Johan Lange and Steven Gerrard to remind the player just how important he is to the team and that their ambitions are to play in Europe.

That could be a significant factor in keeping Watkins at the club for the remainder of his contract, especially if they manage to do that by the end of the current season.

In other news: Gerrard could land the next Yaya Toure at Villa with move for “dynamic” £14k-p/w beast – opinion

Paris Saint-Germain may have a readymade replacement if Mauricio Pochettino is lured to Manchester United.

The Telegraph’s Jason Burt reported that the Ligue 1 leaders have been made aware that former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane would be keen on the job at the Parc des Princes.

Is Pochettino to United now on?

This could be a crucial development because, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, PSG will let Pochettino go to United if they have a successor lined up for the Argentine. Conveniently, he also says that Zidane is their preferred candidate.

Incidentally, the former Real Madrid boss has himself been ‘repeatedly linked’ with the Red Devils.

No need to wait?

United’s initial plan following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was to appoint an interim manager to lead the team until the end of the season, but it seems as if the prospective appointment of Pochettino could be fast-tracked, with Zidane now said to be waiting in the wings.

Fan feed utdreport relayed Burt’s update, and here’s what a selection of supporters said in response, with many voicing excitement over the potential chain reaction which would see the Argentine coming to Old Trafford soon.

“I’m starting to get excited about our club again”

Credit: @koreen_didier

“This now looks inevitable. we need to get it sorted before Chelsea.”

Credit: @stefanduro

“Get it done”

Credit: @ellis22szn

“Get in”

Credit: @niarra4v

“Ok that works. Let’s do that. Everybody wins.”

Credit: @TheRealRobLaw

“It’s all coming together…”

Credit: @UtdLG

In other news: What of Erik ten Hag? These Man United fans have flocked to an update on the Dutchman.

Rafael Benitez won’t be able to call upon any returnees for Everton’s Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard told the press on Tuesday afternoon that “the group of players are the same” that he had available for the defeat at Brentford on Sunday, which means that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes all remain sidelined.

The Toffees have scored just nine goals in the 10 matches since Calvert-Lewin, last season’s top scorer at Goodison Park, sustained a fractured toe.

There is some positive news, though, with the manager confirming that Gomes has returned to training. Richarlison will also be back from the yellow card suspension that kept him out last weekend.

Can Everton halt the slide against the Reds?

Everton are going in search of their first win since they beat Norwich City 2-0 towards the end of September. Liverpool, who are just two points off top spot, represent a daunting opponent, having scored 10 goals without reply in their three matches since the November international break.

The official Everton Twitter channel posted a clip of Benitez’s team news update ahead of the derby, and here’s how some Toffees fans reacted.

Many Everton fans bemoan Mersey derby team news

“If Rondon and iwobi start tomorrow I won’t go to another game this season. Period.”

Credit: @CraigJo02234279

“Mate how is Yerry still not fit??? He’s been back in training for about 3 weeks”

Credit: @Ginge_________

“No DCL or Mina… I hope this is another Rafa lie”

Credit: @MollyOHarrison

“Ah, so his plan to Torres the life out of DCL with an early return didn’t work then”

Credit: @ConnorBennet14

“We are doomed”

Credit: @Gwedlid

“Swear Mina is just a permanent injury”

Credit: @samgriffith001

In other news, many Everton fans have reacted to this link with a prospective successor to Benitez

With two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, pressure has started to build somewhat on Aston Villa manager Dean Smith ahead of tonight’s clash against Arsenal.

The Villans followed up an impressive 1-0 victory away at Old Trafford against Manchester United with a pair of losses against Tottenham and Wolves respectively, with the latter in particular being something of a sucker punch.

Smith’s side were leading 2-0 with just ten minutes remaining before a late collapse saw them concede three goals and somehow snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

The 50-year-old may duly look to change things up for the clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight, and with that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up in north London.

In goal, Emi Martinez will be hoping to keep a clean sheet on his return to the Emirates, having shut the Gunners out twice last season in the Premier League as Villa pulled off the double over his former club.

Smith may opt to go with a back four against Arsenal, having seen his experiment with a back three being picked apart by Spurs and Wolves, and that could see Axel Tuanzebe drop out, as we discussed in detail.

The midfield could also see a tweak, with Jacob Ramsey in line for a start to try and match up with what Arsenal may deploy in the engine room.

Further forward, Leon Bailey’s return to fitness could see him make the starting line-up if Smith feels that he’s shown enough in training to prove his fitness. That could see the Villa boss make the bold call of dropping Ollie Watkins, who has been in poor form in recent weeks, with just one goal all season.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Buendia, Ings, Bailey.

Meanwhile, here’s why Villa must start this £7.2m-rated ace v Arsenal…

Manchester United enjoyed a successful summer transfer window, but their struggles on the pitch since have seen them linked with a move for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils are interested in securing the highly-rated 24-year-old’s services as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add further reinforcements to his faltering forward line.

Chiesa was linked with a switch to the Premier League following his impressive exploits during Euro 2020 before eventually staying put in Turin, but United’s woes in the opening weeks of the current campaign could see them make a move over the coming months.

Imagine him and Rashford

The Italy international spent last season on loan at Juve from Fiorentina, but the Old Lady made the deal permanent after splashing out €60m (£51.44m) following an eye-catching maiden campaign by the youngster.

In 46 appearances in all competitions, Chiesa bagged 15 goals and provided a further 11 assists for his teammates before carrying his form onto the international stage with the Azzurri.

He was a crucial component of Roberto Mancini’s victorious side at the European Championship, finding the back of the net on two occasions during his seven outings as Italy were crowned champions.

And Chiesa has continued to dazzle his opponents upon his return to the Allianz Arena. After he scored the winner against Chelsea in their recent Champions League encounter, pundit Rio Ferdinand claimed his English suitors had missed out on a star after not signing him during the summer.

He told BT Sport: “He’s a huge player and he’s been linked with a few clubs in England. I’m sure they’re thinking ‘why didn’t we get him?’. He’s just a fantastic footballer.

“The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament. It’s his pace, his drive. He’s the one who is the threat, he’s potent, he wants to run in behind.

“He’s that modern-day striker who can play anywhere across the front line and he’s as comfortable out wide as he is through the middle. He unnerves defenders with that pace, he’s so direct,” added Ferdinand.

With Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo deep into the twilight of their careers and Mason Greenwood expected to fill the void up front when the pair eventually depart, United may well be in the market for another winger sooner than expected.

And Chiesa could be the ideal candidate to wreak havoc down the flanks, with Marcus Rashford on the opposite wing.

The duo could form a formidable partnership at Old Trafford for many years to come, and the £76m-rated gem has the potential to fire the 20-time English champions back to their former glory, especially as Jadon Sancho’s struggles continue.

And, in other news…Murtough must seal MUFC swoop for “complete” £58.5m-rated beast, fans will be excited 

Flocking to Twitter, lots of Manchester City supporters have gone wild over news coming out of Eastlands involving Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz.

The 18-year-old, who is now emerging as of the hottest prospects in European football, has enjoyed a stellar start to the new season, with four goals and four assists in just three Bundesliga starts (WhoScored).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

His sensational run of form has attracted attention from top Premier League clubs, and Man City appear to be one of them.

Despite the plethora of attacking midfield talent already at the Etihad Stadium, manager Pep Guardiola appears to have his sights set on another as Bild journalist Christian Falk shared news (via Sport Witness).

The German insider claimed that Guardiola has personally sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old ‘time and time again recently’ with the Sky Blues ‘very specifically’ interested among the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

As news of City’s intense interest emerges, these Sky Blues supporters have gone wild and pleaded for sporting director Txiki Begiristain and co to get a deal done, with one of them calling it the “best news” they had heard today.

Check out some of their verdicts from Twitter below.

Man City fans go wild over Wirtz news…

“Serious baller”

Credit: @emperor_teejhay

“I beg we get this done”

Credit: @McfcRobbo23

“Yes please”

Credit: @Centurion_City

“Praying”

Credit: @hipyjon

“YESSSSSSS”

Credit: @XeVeYT

“Best news I’ve read this morning”

Credit: @SatieMCFC

In other news: ‘Insanity’, ‘No way’…Man City fans erupt as Txiki sets sights on £103.5m ‘machine’ who is ‘better than Lewandowski’, find out more here.

Everton could soon have ‘a decision to make over Yerry Mina’, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland writes. 

The lowdown

Rafael Benitez currently has four senior centre-backs at his disposal – Mina, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate.

The former two have been his most commonly used partnership so far, but the Colombia international was left on the bench for Sunday’s defeat against West Ham United after playing three games in seven days for his country.

He has won praise for his performances this season from the likes of Michael Ball, who called him ‘fantastic’ and a ‘monster’ when he’s on form.

Boyland’s colleague Greg O’Keeffe wrote recently that Everton could look on to offload one of their four central defensive options come next summer, although he believes Holgate looks the most vulnerable of that quartet.

The latest

Boyland believes that Mina has become ‘increasingly important’ to Everton’s hopes, leaving Benitez and others at the club ‘facing a dilemma’ over the 27-year-old’s future. His contract is up at the end of next season, so the club will ‘soon’ need to decide whether to offer him a new deal or look to cash in on him.

The journalist tweeted: “Everton have a decision to make over Yerry Mina. Two years left on his deal, future uncertain over the summer, but once again missed yesterday. He’s becoming increasingly important to the side’s hopes,” in accompaniment to a link to a corresponding article for The Athletic.

Intriguingly, Mina was actually told during the summer that he would be free to leave Goodison Park ‘if the right offer came in’.

The verdict

Benitez might want to put his own stamp on the Everton defence with a fresh face, but Holgate’s relative lack of action suggests that he and not Mina might be the one to make way.

Everton should probably offer the Colombian a contract extension as reward for his impressive performances in blue.

Both Boyland and O’Keeffe cited the defender’s injury issues as a concern, though, so perhaps Everton will wait to see how he holds up over the course of the campaign before making a final decision on his future.

In other news, some Everton fans blasted this man’s performance against West Ham

James Rodriguez was handed a historic £250,000-per-week contract when he joined Everton, Football Insider has revealed.

The lowdown

The Colombian left Real Madrid to join Everton on a free transfer ahead of the 2020/21 season and it was Carlo Ancelotti who brought him to Merseyside as part of his efforts to lead the Toffees into Europe.

However, the Italian suddenly returned to Los Blancos at the end of the campaign and his successor Rafael Benitez has deemed James surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.

Everton tried to offload the 30-year-old to FC Porto late in the transfer window, hoping to lure Luis Diaz the other way, but James’ wages made the move ‘very difficult’ (via Carlos Aleman).

The latest

Football Insider claimed that James inked a contract worth around £12m per year upon his arrival at Goodison Park. That’s a full £5m higher than an earlier estimate from Marca.

Sporting director Marcel Brands agreed to make him the highest-paid player in Everton’s history and that proved to be the stumbling block in their attempts to offload him as the Blues tried to replace him with players ‘more suited’ to Benitez’s style.

The verdict

James’ return of six goals and four assists from 21 starts in last season’s Premier League was reasonably good, but there’s ever more reason to question the wisdom of the move.

With that salary, there was always a risk that Everton would find their hands tied if their gamble didn’t work out.

Some will argue that James ought to be reintegrated into the team so that the club get some value for those £1m monthly payments, but it’s hard to see any way back for him given that he hasn’t even made a matchday squad so far under Benitez.

In other news, Everton are set to revisit this move in January.