All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers waved goodbye to Alfredo Morelos at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, as he departed the club alongside Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander following the expiration of their contracts.

It was the end of an era for the quintet, who all played an integral role in the Ibrox side claiming their 55th league title back in 2021, however, Michael Beale is keen to move away from sentiment and build a squad which fits with his ideologies.

Morelos’ goals will be sorely missed, with the Colombian hitman netting a total of 124 across 269 games during his six-year association with the Light Blues, and although his input dropped last term, scoring just 12 times, he emerged as something of a cult favourite along the way.

He will be hard to replace, and this is the challenge that Beale should embrace: aiming to find a forward who can offer as much as Morelos, without having to break the bank in the process.

The Gers have been linked with a move for striker Benie Traore, alongside Old Firm rivals Celtic, and he could cost the club around £4m, which seems reasonable given his age and vast potential.

Could Rangers sign Benie Traore this summer?

They may have to swat aside Celtic in the process, but there is certainly nothing stopping them from luring the youngster to Glasgow, and it could well be a repeat of the deal to sign Morelos back in 2017.

Traore currently plays for BK Hacken in Sweden, while Morelos was at Finnish side HJK Helsinki, having impressed after his arrival from Colombia – and exploring the Scandinavian market could pay dividends yet again for the club.

Since joining Hacken in 2021, Traore has established himself as a proper out-and-out scorer, netting 24 goals and grabbing nine assists in 56 games for the Swedish outfit. He is even able to operate on either wing if so required, which could be a bonus for Beale.

Adding more goals to the starting XI should be a key priority for the manager, as despite scoring 93 times across 38 Premiership games last term, the Ibrox side still fell way short of the 114 efforts that Celtic notched.

The 20-year-old has also gained international recognition, appearing once for the Ivory Coast U23 side, and in order for him to keep improving, a move to Rangers could be the spark which allows him to progress into a striker that can eventually replace the goals of Morelos.

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.

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?

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 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.

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 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.

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.”

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.

Sergio Aguero’s son, Benjamin, has trolled Paris Saint-Germain after the French side announced that Lionel Messi would be leaving.

Why was Messi booed at PSG?

Over the weekend, PSG officially confirmed that the World Cup winner would be leaving France this summer after two seasons with the club.

In a statement, Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. To see a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in the Rouge & Bleu and at Parc des Princes, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and inspiring our younger players has been a pleasure.

“His contribution to Paris Saint-Germain and Ligue 1 cannot be understated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future.”

In response, Messi said: “I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.”

The 35-year-old departs having scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 games, but wasn’t ever truly adored by the PSG support.

For instance, he was even booed during his final appearance, with fans unhappy that he couldn’t help bring the Champions League to Paris, as well as his recent unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

Well, it seems his godson, is still more than happy to defend Messi against any criticism. Indeed, after PSG posted a farewell message on Instagram, Benjamin Aguero replied to the message, simply writing: “He was too big for you.”

A screenshot was then circulated on social media by Barca Universal and fans quickly flocked to the post to offer their own thoughts on the matter.

Indeed, it seems many supporters were in agreement with Ageuro Junior’s brutal assessment of PSG. Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter.

People seemed pretty delighted to see Aguero’s son showing loyalty to the former Barcelona star.

While some suggested Kun Aguero was actually behind the post.

Everton were unable to see out their disastrous season with a win on the final day at the Emirates and will be thankful that their tight relegation battle didn’t go down to the last day after today’s performance.

Frank Lampard secured safety in the Premier League with the Toffees earlier in the week at Goodison Park against Crystal Palace, so going into today’s game there was no pressure on the side to take all three points from the game in North London against Arsenal.

Everton were completely dominated by the Gunners throughout with only 29% possession, 20 fewer shots on goal and over 400 fewer accurate passes than Mikel Arteta’s side who went out to win to compete with Tottenham Hotspur for the fourth spot but failed at the final hurdle despite their overwhelming 5-1 win.

It was a free for all in terms of scoring goals, Alex Iwobi gifted Arsenal their first opportunity with a handball inside the box leading to Gabriel Martinelli opening up the score-line 27th minute of the game.

After the hosts got their first goal they found their way to kill the game with Eddie Nketiah, Cedric Soares, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Odegaard all finding the back of the net to take their victory.

However, one returning player did make his mark on the game with Manchester United loanee Donny van de Beek finding the back of the net in the final moments of the first half, but it wasn’t enough for Everton to bow out with a positive result.

One player who failed to take his opportunity to prove his worth today was Dele Alli, who has already been linked with a move away from the club following a disappointing five months since signing on Deadline Day in a deal believed to be worth £40m.

According to SofaScore, Alli who was dubbed a “waste of space” by Simon Jordan made just six passes, losing 100% of his aerials duels and losing 80% of his ground duels. He also lost the ball every 2.7 touches before being brought back to the bench by the Toffees boss in the 67th minute.

With that being said, Farhad Moshiri must let Alli go this summer and invest in players that can be effective when they are called upon as major improvement is needed next season to ensure Everton doesn’t find themselves in a similar situation they have been in during the current campaign.

AND in other news: Lampard plotting Everton bid for £158k-p/w dynamo, he’d be a “joy to watch”

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Juventus midfielder Arthur this summer, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

What’s the word?

As per German outlet Wettfreunde, the Sky Sports transfer guru revealed that the Brazilian playmaker “could come to Arsenal” in the upcoming window, with his current side potentially set to try and cash in as they pursue other targets.

The report suggests that the north Londoners were keen on a deal for the 25-year-old in January – as backed up by claims at the time – and could continue that interest again at the end of the season.

Di Marzio does, however, suggest that Max Allegri’s side could ask for centre-back star Gabriel in return, with the Serie A side seeking a replacement for long-serving stalwart Giorgio Chiellini, who is set to leave the club in just over a month or so.

Supporters will be buzzing

If they can avoid having to let their current gem depart as part of the deal, a move for his compatriot Arthur would no doubt prove to be an astute piece of business for both Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu.

The 22-cap international – who joined the Turin outfit in a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic from Barcelona two years ago – has found game time hard to come by at the Allianz Stadium so far this season, making just ten league starts, although has shown enough quality previously to warrant the hype.

Even amid a difficult stint in Italy, the £18m-rated man has still produced some impressive statistics, ranking in the top 3% for completed passes among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in top 15 % for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Such quality in possession has previously seen the former Gremio man likened to Spain icon Xavi by former teammate Lionel Messi, while pundit Kevin Campbell also dubbed him a “baller” for his technical talent.

At present, Arteta’s men are crying out for new additions in the centre of the park, with a playmaking, midfield metronome seemingly required alongside the more defensive-minded Thomas Partey. As a result, any move for a player like Arthur would surely have supporters beaming from ear to ear.

He may be slightly older than last summer’s additions – with all six signings made under the age of 23 – although he still has plenty of time ahead of him to thrive in the Premier League, with links to both him – and 25-year-old Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus – perhaps illustrating an exciting change of tack in the transfer market from Edu and co.

IN other news, Forget Laca: Arsenal already have their new Saka in “deadly” 17-goal Hale End starlet…

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, at least one of Southampton’s three senior goalkeepers will leave the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Goalkeepers out of contract

Fraser Forster has played every minute for the Saints since coming back into the side in December as a result of Alex McCarthy picking up a long-term thigh injury,

However, he could now be on the move following news that the club are reportedly committed to keeping McCarthy as their first-choice shot-stopper, having only put pen to paper on a new deal at St Mary’s at the end of last season.

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Willy Caballero’s time could also be coming to an end under Ralph Hasenhuttl following a lack of game-time, with the 40-year-old having made just four appearances since joining the Saints.

All but McCarthy will be out of contract in June, and Barclay has suggested that at least one of them will be on the move over the summer.

The Latest: Saints likely to let one leave

When asked how he believes Southampton’s transfer business will pan out, Barclay told GiveMeSport:

“I’m not sure about a rebuild, because there’s a lot of good stuff being done, but adding a few and letting a few go would help. When you look at it, the goalkeepers, at least one of them will go.”

The Verdict: Johnstone an ideal replacement

While there seems little doubt that McCarthy will be in control of the gloves at the start of next season, Hasenhuttl will need to sign a suitable replacement should one of the existing goalkeeping trio depart, and that person could be West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.

The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer following the expiry of his contract with the Baggies, and it has been reported by the Daily Mail that the Saints are said to be interested in his services.

Johnstone has kept 15 clean sheets for the Championship outfit this season and has previous top-flight experience having been in the Premier League with Albion last term, so a possible move to a mid-table team like Southampton could have the potential to revive his career for both club and country.

In other news… the Saints have joined the transfer race for this ‘big player