This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Tottenham Hotspur are poised to bid £50m for Lyon attacker Memphis Depay, per The Daily Mirror.
What’s the word?
Depay has been in fine form for the French club since his arrival from Manchester United in 2017.
He has scored 41 goals and provided 32 assists in 99 Ligue 1 games since his move and has been scouted on two separate occasions by the north London club, per the report.
Spurs are said to be keen to bring in another forward and are preparing a big bid for the Netherlands international.
Exactly what Spurs need
Forget the Depay that played for United, this is a different player.
He has been a revelation in France, scoring goals at will and is also a creative force who can play both up front and on the left wing.
Per WhoScored, in the league, Depay averages 3.9 shots per game, 1.9 key passes and 2.3 dribbles. He has also already hit seven goals in just nine starts.
As it is, Spurs have just Harry Kane as their senior striking option and bringing him in some support, in the form of a player who has a point to prove in the Premier League, should be top of the club’s priority list – especially if they want to make the top four.
Indeed, Depay scored just seven times for United in 53 outings but one has to believe that he would have the bit between his teeth to prove he is made of sterner stuff were he to move to north London.
It could be an excellent move and, while £50m is expensive, Spurs spent more than that on Tanguy Ndombele just last summer. The money is there; spending it on Depay would be a smart move.
Arsenal travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby this afternoon, looking to return to winning ways after their draw against Brighton before the international break.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side will be without record-signing Declan Rice, after the England international was dubiously sent off for a second bookable offence against Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
The Gunners are also set to be without the creative spark of Martin Odegaard after the Norwegian star picked up an ankle issue on international duty.
He’s since been pictured on crutches, making him highly unlikely to feature at any point during the local derby this afternoon.
It leaves Arteta with a huge call on who to bring in to replace the former Real Madrid star, with one player hugely touted with a first start for the club.
Ethan Nwaneri’s chances of starting the NLD
17-year-old talent Ethan Nwaneri is a player who boasts huge potential, with the youngster undoubtedly one to watch for the future.
Over the last couple of years in the club’s academy setup, the midfielder has starred in front of goal, scoring 26 goals at various youth levels since 2021.
His subsequent form in the academy saw the youngster be rewarded with a first-team appearance, coming off the bench in the victory over Brentford back in September 2022, becoming the club’s youngest-ever appearance maker in the process.
However, Nwaneri is yet to make another senior appearance since, but given the circumstances of the club’s lack of midfield options – he could be handed a rare opportunity to make a start.
It would be a huge call, but given his age and the significance of the meeting, it would be a shock to see Arteta opt to start with the 17-year-old.
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri
Instead, he could turn to another senior member of the first-team squad, potentially operating in a slightly unnatural role.
The man to replace Odegaard against Spurs
Whilst Leandro Trossard is primarily an attacking option for the Gunners, the recent issues with the club’s midfielders, the Belgian may be forced to operate in a slightly deeper role.
The 29-year-old “wizard”, as described by journalist Charlie Haffenden, previously featured in a three-man midfield under Arteta, but his talents in attacking areas could see the Spaniard still utilise the former Brighton man at the top end of the pitch.
He could feature centrally alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, which could see Kai Havertz drop back into midfield – a role he’s previously played at Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen.
Whilst the German has often been utilised as a central striker, scoring two goals already in 2024/25, he may have to operate in a deeper role to fill the gap left by the respective absences of Rice and Odegaard.
Games played
3
3
Minutes played
94
270
Goals
1
2
Pass accuracy
72%
83%
Shots taken
4
8
Tackles won
75%
100%
Duels won
6
15
The situation is less than ideal for Arteta and Arsenal, but the introduction of Trossard could allow for various players to operate in numerous positions, providing a surprise element against their local rivals.
The Belgian and Havertz are both more than capable of featuring in midfield or as a central striker, with their movement and ability in possession potentially causing Spurs problems if they were to rotate and share the midfield role.
It's not Nwaneri: Arsenal could unearth their own Yamal in Hale End star
He could be the next superstar out of the club’s academy.
Aston Villa currently have several players away on international duty, and they will be hoping they can return injury-free ahead of the Premier League resuming this weekend. One of those away could be ready to address his future given what has happened this week too.
Everton hit by injury scare to "amazing" £55k-a-week ace before Aston Villa
It’s another setback for Sean Dyche.
1 ByHenry Jackson Sep 8, 2024 Aston Villa players away on international duty
Villa, like all the Premier League teams this past week or so, are praying that their international players can make it back to the club in one piece, as important fixtures are on the horizon. Ezri Konsa will be hoping to start England's match against Finland on Tuesday, after watching from the bench as Trent Alexander-Arnold filled the right-back role against the Republic of Ireland.
England international Ezri Konsa
John McGinn has featured in both of Scotland's games, which ended up in disappointment – the midfielder was unable to prevent his country from being beaten by Poland 3-2 in the first game and then 2-1 by Portugal on Sunday evening.
Villa face Everton this weekend, and Unai Emery will be keen to have all his players back in one piece, especially Emi Martinez and Jhon Duran, who have been playing in South America for their respective countries and face long trips back to the Midlands.
£120,000-a-week star could sign new deal at Aston Villa
According to French outlet L’Equipe, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne could sign a new deal at the Premier League club. The left-back has received his first call-up back to the France squad since June 2022.
Digne was called up by manager Didier Deschamps after Ferland Mendy suffered an injury and was therefore unavailable. This summer the defender considered his time with France "had ended", but the left-back is now back in the squad and was an unused substitute in the game against Italy.
L’Equipe is reporting that while the £120,000-a-week star’s contract runs out in the summer of 2026, Digne “could be tempted” to sign a new deal at Villa Park. If the player can cement his place with France, then he will likely sign a new deal given his time at Villa is what's earned him his second chance.
Apps
96
Goals
4
Assists
11
Digne has been capped 46 times by France, with the defender yet to get on the scoresheet for his country. He has been with Villa since January 2022, and during that time he has played nearly 100 games for the Midlands side.
Leeds United lost a number of their key players after the team failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season.
The Whites lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley in May, after finishing third in the division, and are now in their second campaign in the Championship.
Daniel Farke had to watch on as Archie Gray, Georgino Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Glen Kamara all moved on from Elland Road on permanent deals.
It was reported that Gray and Rutter both had £40m release clauses, which were activated by Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, and it was recently claimed that a current Leeds player wants to copy them.
Illan Meslier's contract situation
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT last week, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Illan Meslier would like to have a release clause in his contract in West Yorkshire.
The report claimed that the left-footed shot-stopper would like to protect himself in the event that Leeds fail to earn promotion again, with a clause that would allow him to join a top-flight side.
Meslier is currently contracted through to the summer of 2026 and this means that, if the Whites opt against cashing in on him, the Frenchman could remain in the second tier for another two seasons, barring a promotion.
Jacobs, however, added that the 49ers are looking to remove such clauses from current contracts and are reluctant to insert them into future deals, which suggests that the French goalkeeper may not get his wish in negotiations over fresh terms.
49ers must finally ditch Illan Meslier
With this recent news in mind, the 49ers and Leeds must finally cash in on the dud because he is seemingly already thinking about moving on from the club if they fail to win promotion.
After watching so many key players move on due to release clauses this summer, the Whites cannot allow their assets to control their own future and potentially leave the team shorthanded when teams come in to activate the clause.
Therefore, the 49ers should brutally ditch Meslier and bring in a goalkeeper who is committed to the long-term cause under Farke, whether that is in January or next summer.
Appearances
44
Save success rate
68%
Goals prevented
-4.49
Error led to shot
1
Error led to goal
1
Red cards
1
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old dud significantly underperformed as a shot-stopper by conceding 4.49 more than expected based on the xG of the efforts on his goal, whilst he also made two direct errors that led to a shot or a goal.
Meslier kept 18 clean sheets in the Championship last season, sharing the Golden Glove with West Brom's Alex Palmer, but these statistics suggest that the Leeds defence deserved that accolade more than the Frenchman.
The Whites liability also let in a staggering 28.6 more goals than expected based on the post-shot xG against him across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Premier League seasons.
Farke could unearth Clarke 2.0 in Leeds teen who outscored Gnonto in 23/24
The Whites youngster appears to be a promising talent within the academy.
ByDan Emery Sep 10, 2024
These statistics do not suggest that Meslier's performances have been good enough in recent years to warrant wanting a release clause for a bigger move, which is another reason why the 49ers should look to ditch him and sign a better, and more committed, goalkeeper.
Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson is on the “verge” of completing a loan move to Union Berlin, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
When did Brenden Aaronson join Leeds?
The Whites’ attacking midfielder only arrived at Elland Road last summer from RB Salzburg and was a regular feature during his debut season in LS11, making 28 starts across the reigns of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and most recently Sam Allardyce.
Being a fairly new recruit, the 22-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire for another four years, but after suffering relegation to the Championship, the 49ers will be aware that they could lose several of their prized assets during the ongoing window.
In Yorkshire, Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison and Robin Koch to name a few are just some of the first-team seniors that have been heavily linked with an exit as they will no doubt want to join a club back in the top-flight or overseas rather than staying put in the second tier.
The United States international had been attracting interest from Premier League side Fulham, who The Daily Mail report made an approach to see whether they could accquire his services, but if the following update is to be believed, he’s instead chosen to complete a temporary switch to Germany.
Is Aaronson leaving Leeds?
Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Leeds are set to lose Aaronson who is closing in on a loan move to the Bundesliga to join Union Berlin ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:
“Yes, Brenden Aaronson is on verge to join @fcunion – confirmed. First call: @mcgrathmike. Details: One year loan without an option to buy. No medical yet. Last paperworks have to be finalised."
Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Are the 49ers right to let go of Aaronson?
Leeds will know that Aaronson could have contributed more to efforts in the final third having recorded just three assists and one goal in the top-flight last season, but his work rate was obvious and that’s such an important attribute to have in the second tier, so the 49ers could be making a mistake by letting the attacking midfielder go.
The World Cup participant, who pockets £45k-per-week, recorded a total of 41 shots and whipped 72 crosses out to his fellow teammates, both statistics being the third-highest total in his squad, as per FBRef, so he’s always looking to create moments of quality for his peers even if he can't get himself on the scoresheet.
The Medford native, who has “immense” control on the ball according to journalist Josh Bunting, also brings wonderful versatility to the side having operated in four different positions during his opening campaign in Yorkshire, including everywhere across the frontline alongside his usual role, which is yet another useful attribute to have in the building.
Leeds won’t yet know who their new manager will want to include as part of his long-term plans, but Aaronson is definitely a player that had a positive impact on the team last season so he will be a miss should he secure an imminent departure.
Crystal Palace have “made contact” to sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to reliable journalist Graeme Bailey.
Is Folarin Balogun leaving Arsenal?
Balogun is an academy graduate at the Emirates Stadium having worked his way up through the youth ranks to be handed a chance to enter the first-team fold, but having only made ten senior appearances for his boyhood club, his future is extremely uncertain.
The United States international has been sent out on two loans throughout his career in the hope of receiving more regular game time, the first being at Middlesbrough and the most recent at Stade Reims last season, where he excelled, being their top-performing offensive player in Ligue 1.
The Gunners’ 21-year-old product still has another two years remaining on his contract in N7, but having reportedly rejected the chance to discuss a new deal, there’s a strong likelihood that he will be on the move during this window, potentially to link up with Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.
Are Crystal Palace signing Balogun?
Taking to Twitter, Bailey revealed that Crystal Palace have submitted an enquiry for Balogun but should they want to get a deal over the line this summer, are set to face stiff competition for his services from other rivals in the Premier League. He wrote:
“Arsenal tell Folarin Balogun to step up search for new club. Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, Fulham and Everton are among the clubs to have made contact, whilst Lille and RB Leipzig are also keen.”
Expanding in his column for 90min, Arsenal reportedly value their attacker at "over" £30m.
Stade Reims striker Folarin Balogun.
Should Parish & Freedman submit a bid for Balogun?
Crystal Palace will have no doubt been watching Balogun at Stade Reims to have felt the need to enquire about his services, and considering the prolific threat he would bring to that centre-forward role, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman should absolutely table an offer.
Sponsored by Adidas, the attacker clocked up an impressive 24 goal contributions (21 goals and three assists) in 37 Ligue 1 outings last season alongside recording 121 shots, which was higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef.
Arsenal’s “golden” striker, as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same agent, Elite Project Group, as Malcolm Ebiowei, so this existing connection that Balogun’s representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage over their competitors.
Liverpool target Arda Guler is one of the hottest young prospects in Europe this summer, but Fabrizio Romano believes the young attacking midfielder may extend his contract and stay at the club another season.
Romano told his Youtube channel that the youngster may extend his deal with the Istanbul club out of respect for the platform they have provided for him so they can get a higher transfer fee either this summer or next.
Who is Arda Guler?
The 18-year-old ‘The Turkish Messi” has clubs around Europe circling attempting to gain his signature. Former teammate Mesut Ozil stated the young prospect can become a “world star” and it comes as no surprise that Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up the young talent.
Born in 2005, the youngster can play in central midfield, attacking midfield and on the right wing, per Transfermarkt.
The left-footed playmaker has four Turkish caps to his name already, scoring his first goal for his country with a stunning strike against Wales.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Arda Guler?
arda-guler-liverpool-transfer-news-premier-league
Romano told his Youtube viewers: “The release clause in the contract of Arda Guler at Fenerbahce is €17.5 million (£15 million) for this fantastic talent.
“Guler is a monster and he's showing his fantastic skills every single week. But what I wanted to tell you is that the feeling at Fenerbahce is that there is a chance for the player to extend the contract.
“The deal would be to respect the club, and so to extend the contract and maybe leave if not the summer, next summer, or in any case, also this summer back for more than €17.5 million because it looks like an incredible fee for a top talent and he's probably worth €40 million (£34 million).
“Guler wants to respect Fenerbahce and he will consider the possibility to extend his contract and allow the club to get more money in the right way."
How good is Arda Guler?
The youngster, who likes to drift out onto the right-hand side of the pitch and use his creativity, shone in the Turkish Super Lig this season, delivering an average match rating of an impressive 7.84 per Sofascore.
Guler provided four goals and four league assists for Fenerbahce and will no doubt improve as he gets older, stronger and more experienced playing first team football.
His development could be helped by staying one more year in Turkey with confirmed first team football, but no doubt Europe’s elite clubs will be after him next summer if he does stay.
Tottenham Hotspur have "emerged" as "surprise" contenders to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher after Ange Postcoglou's transfer meeting with chairman Daniel Levy, according to reports.
Who could join Spurs this summer?
Following a disappointing 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, one which ended trophy-less and without European football qualification, this summer comes as a crucial one.
Spurs could be set for a major overhaul with many players being tipped for the potential axe, including Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).
Dier and Dejan Kulusevski are also still to convince Postecoglou, as per recent claims, with Levy believed to be targeting an array of signings for key areas of the squad.
Long-serving number one goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could be replaced this summer, with Brentford's David Raya believed to be of serious interest at Spurs. Meanwhile, the north Londoners are thought to be pursuing the likes of James Maddison and a star central defender after Postecoglou's approval.
Now, according to football.london and journalist Lee Wilmot, Tottenham are also targeting Gallagher from Chelsea. Indeed, it is now believed that he could join Spurs, after they "emerge as surprise contenders" for his signing.
Conor Gallagher warming up for Chelsea
The Lilywhites apparently hold an interest after Postecoglou held talks with Levy last week, with transfer priorities discussed and Gallagher finding his way on to their shortlist of targets.
Postecoglou favours a three-man midfield, with two of them being attacking players, and Gallagher may well fit the bill alongside other targets like Maddison.
Who is Conor Gallagher?
The 23-year-old was a regular for Chelsea last season but his best performances perhaps came on loan at Crystal Palace over the 2021/2022 season.
As per WhoScored, he racked up 11 goal contributions in 33 starts for the Eagles last season, standing out as one of their best-performing players.
Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, commenting on his form back then, was effusive in his praise for the talented playmaker.
"His development is extraordinary and outstanding," said Tuchel.
“He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and he has made a huge step in his development up front.
“He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general and so much work-rate to give that he can of course be a big help and a big influence.”
Manchester United need to improve in a few areas this summer if Erik ten Hag wants to challenge for the Premier League title and to go on a deep run in the Champions League.
Signing a top-class centre-forward is a must, with Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst netting just 11 goals between them in all competitions, with the burden falling onto Marcus Rashford to give United that edge in front of goal.
The midfield could also be rejigged, as with Marcel Sabitzer finishing his loan spell and Scott McTominay linked with a move away from the club, Ten Hag will be aiming to sign a couple of reinforcements before bigger challenges await next term.
But could he bolster his full-back area too? The Red Devils are interested in signing Monaco right-back Vanderson during the summer transfer window, according to Brazilian outlet Zero Hora.
The report explains that the Old Trafford side have made a potential offer to Monaco for the defender, although it falls short of the €50m (£43m) valuation that the Ligue 1 side have stated.
Would Vanderson be a good signing for Manchester United?
United have recently given Diogo Dalot a contract extension until 2028, with the Portuguese full-back looking like he could be a key part of Ten Hag’s revolution at the club.
However, signing Vanderson may well mean Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be on the move this summer as there wouldn’t be much room for three senior right-backs in the squad, and with the Dutchman looking for a more ‘attacking’ option on the right side of defence, according to The Athletic, the Brazilian could even be an upgrade on Dalot.
Indeed, this season, the 21-year-old has registered more goals and assists (five to three), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.52 to 2.17), goal-creating actions (eight to two) and touches in the attacking penalty area (583 to 390), clearly suggesting that the Monaco starlet is a more potent threat in front of goal than Dalot, while also getting into the opposition penalty area more over the course of a season, utilising his attacking abilities.
Monaco's Vanderson
It isn’t just going forward that Vanderson could offer an upgrade either, with the right-back ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for tackles and interceptions per 90, whereas Dalot ranks in the top 29% and 13% for the same metrics respectively compared to the Monaco sensation.
He was lauded for a display against Lyon in 2022, with Statman Dave saying it was an “exceptional performance” as he won 70% of his duels, won all of his tackles and completed 89% of his passes – and Ten Hag must act swiftly in order to bring him to Manchester this summer.
Crystal Palace are “set to complete” the imminent signing of Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Are Crystal Palace signing Lerma?
The Colombia international made 184 appearances at the Vitality Stadium after joining from Levante back in 2018, but with his contract expiring this summer, it’s recently been confirmed that he won’t be extending his stay and has now become a free agent on the market.
The Cherries’ former talisman started 37 out of 38 Premier League games last season and established himself as Gary O’Neil’s third best-performing offensive player which quickly attracted interest from several clubs in the top-flight.
TEAMtalk credited the Eagles, West Ham United, Leicester City, Fulham and Nottingham Forest all with an interest in the 28-year-old last month, but after pondering over the next stage of his career, it sounds like Roy Hodgson’s side have won the hot pursuit to bring him to Selhurst Park.
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Crystal Palace are expected to finalise an agreement to sign Lerma for absolutely nothing following his departure from Bournemouth, with an announcement predicted imminently. He wrote:
“Crystal Palace are set to complete Jefferson Lerma deal on free transfer. The agreement is finally at the final stages, here we go expected soon. Lerma has left Bournemouth as his contract expires at the end of the month.”
Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma.
Could Lerma be a positive addition at Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace have played against Bournemouth and indeed Lerma several times in the Premier League so will know what he’s capable of, and the fact that they are set to acquire the defensive midfielder’s signature for free rather than entering the market and splashing big cash on a high-profile target is an absolute bargain.
The El Cerrito native is extremely strong in the natural aspect of his game, ranking in the 99th percentile for clearances and recording 50 tackles over the course of the previous campaign which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, form which has seen him hailed a “confident” and "outstanding" player by journalist Josh Bunting.
The Nike-sponsored gem, who can also contribute to efforts in the final third having netted five goals in the top-flight last term, is additionally a versatile operator with his ability to play in six different positions over the grass, including four in the midfield, at centre-back and right-back, so overall, he would be a fantastic addition to the central ranks in SE25.