Barcelona hope they can put an end to Pedri's horrific injury record that stems back to his hectic 2020-21 season.
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Pedri suffered injury-hit careerBarcelona seek permanent solutionSpaniard was injured at Euro 2024WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona are trying to put an end to Pedri's constant injuries by using scientific advancements. The young midfielder has struggled with several problems after a monstrous amount of games played in 2020-21. This spell, in which the midfielder played at both the European Championship and the Olympics in the summer of 2021 after completing a full season for the Blaugrana, has been attributed to his injury woes.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
As per Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga giants have sought an end to Pedri's struggles. Barcelona asked for a genetic analysis of his muscles, which was carried out in the United States. The results suggested he should do strength work daily, and Pedri has been following this plan since returning from his latest knee problem.
DID YOU KNOW?
The plan appears to be working, with Pedri appearing spright for Barcelona this season. He has started their last three matches and also played in both of Spain's Nations League ties during the international break.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PEDRI?
Barcelona will be keen to manage his load due to worries that another injury is never too far away. If he does stay fit then Barcelona will have another incredible talent in their squad who adds a swagger to their midfield.
President of Barbados Cricket Association calls decision “inconsiderate and reckless”
George Dobell01-Jul-2020
West Indies head coach Phil Simmons•Getty Images
The president of the Barbados Cricket Association has called for the “immediate removal” of Phil Simmons as head coach of West Indies.Conde’ Riley, who is also on the board of directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI), has described Simmons’ decision to attend a family funeral as “inconsiderate and reckless” and claimed it has “endangered the lives” of the rest of the touring party.Simmons, who is based in the UK, was allowed to leave the West Indies training base to attend the funeral of his father-in-law at the end of last week. As a consequence, he was obliged to go into quarantine in the team hotel upon his return.In an email to board members Riley wrote: “I just heard on the radio that our head coach Mr Phil Simmons attended a funeral recently and is now being quarantined as a result. If this is true I am calling for his immediate removal as head coach.”I am being bombarded by concerned parents and members of the BCA. This behaviour is inconsiderate and reckless. It endangers the lives of those 25 young men in the UK and in fact the entire management team and cannot be tolerated.”The English press will have a feast on his judgement and I suggest we act swiftly.”Nine members of West Indies’ 14-man Test squad are from Barbados, as well as four of the squad’s 11 reserve players. Three further players – Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Darren Bravo – opted out of selection prior to the series due to their concerns about the pandemic.ALSO READ: Blackwood keen to prove himself against England attackA statement from CWI at the time confirmed that Simmons had gained permission to attend the funeral ahead of the tour.”The entire process of his exit and re-entry to the bio-secure location was approved and managed by the medical teams of the CWI and the ECB and strictly followed protocols set up prior to the tour which addressed such scenarios,” the statement said.”Following his return, Simmons has been in self-isolation away from other members of the squad, exactly as had always been planned. He has so far undergone two Covid-19 tests since Friday – both of which came back negative. He will have another test on Wednesday before he will re-join the squad as they prepare for the three-match #RaiseTheBat Series against England.”Simmons’ movements have been barely noted in the UK press as of now. Joe Root, the England captain, has been given similar dispensation to leave the training bubble to attend the birth of his second child. He will miss the first Test as a consequence.Riley’s email comes a week before West Indies begin the three-Test series in England with the first match scheduled from July 8 in Southampton. West Indies hold the Wisden Trophy after their 2-1 win at home last year, but have not won a Test series in England since 1988.There is wider context behind this. In 2019 Ricky Skerritt ended Dave Cameron’s six-year reign as CWI president, winning the elections by an 8-4 margin with voting conducted through a secret ballot. However, the BCA was one of the boards to nominate Cameron. Cameron now also wants to contest for the ICC chairman’s position, which is up for grabs after incumbent Shashank Manohar recently said he would not be standing for another term. Although the CWI is yet to take a formal stance on whether to support Cameron’s nomination, on Tuesday Riley told the , hosted on Starcom Network, a Barbados-based radio station, that he would “certainly” support the Jamaican.The relationship between Cameron and Skerritt’s administration has been tense, especially of late. Last month, Cameron threatened legal action against the board unless they handed over a copy to him of an audit which had been critical of Cameron’s time in office.Simmons was also sacked as head coach by the board during Cameron’s time as president, and was reappointed to the same post by Skerritt. The coach subsequently won a legal case for unfair dismissal against CWI and received a significant payout.
Rangers have been dealt a big blow with the news that a key player will miss the Scottish Cup final clash with Celtic, according to an injury expert.
Rangers gearing up for final showdown
The Gers' Scottish Premiership title hopes received a hammer blow over the weekend, with Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to Celtic leaving them six points adrift of their rivals and needing a genuine miracle to scoop the top prize from here.
A nightmare afternoon for John Lundstram saw him score an own goal and also receive a red card, with their chances of title glory now looking extremely slim thanks to a moment of madness from the soon to be free agent.
John Lundstram
All hope is not lost for Philippe Clement and his players this season, however, and if they do just fall short in the league, there is still another trophy on offer to add to their Scottish League Cup from earlier in the campaign.
On May 25th, Rangers take on the Hoops at Hampden Park on another massive occasion, in what could end up being a revenge mission for them. In order for them to have the possible chance of glory, however, they need as many key players available as possible, and one important individual now definitely won't be taking part.
Rangers handed injury blow before cup final
Speaking to Ibrox News, injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar said that Danilo will miss Rangers' cup final showdown with Celtic, after hopes had risen following images of him returning to the training pitches. Brar insists that given he is still away from the full team sessions in the images, a return this season is virtually impossible.
"Considering how long he’s been out and the fact he just got back to the field and is only doing straight line running, there could still be a bit of time before he’s back in first team training.
"I would expect him to be back at the start of pre-season and he may do some individual work ahead of time in order to get back his mobility. He does seem a month away from training with the same intensity as the rest of the team."
Glasgow Rangers striker Danilo.
While not necessarily the biggest shock, having confirmation that Danilo will play no part against Celtic certainly has an adverse effect on their chances of beating their biggest adversaries.
Sadly, injuries have robbed the 25-year-old of making a genuine impact this season, but he has still scored four goals in five Scottish Premiership starts – 12 appearances in the competition in total – showing that he has been fairly prolific when available. Clement is a big admirer, too, saying of him earlier in the campaign: "He has killer capacities in the box, he’s a goalscorer.
"I want to make him a striker who works hard not only thinking about scoring goals because that’s a part we need, he has the individual actions to make a difference."
James Tavernier
20
Cyriel Dessers
17
Abdallah Sima
15
Danilo
6
Todd Cantwell
6
Rabbi Matondo
5
The aim for Danilo, who is one of the club's highest earners, will be to get back to full fitness during the summer, before returning to the Rangers side next season and enjoying an injury-free campaign. Eleven goal contributions (six goals and five assists) in 21 appearances has been a promising start, but there is hopefully so much more to come.
Everton boosted their hopes of Premier League survival after claiming a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Toffees produced a professional display, limiting the Reds to minimal chances before being clinical when having the opportunity from distance.
Goals from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil secured a double over the Reds for Sean Dyche's side and extended the gap between themselves and Luton Town to five points with five games remaining.
The game was overshadowed by controversy after Nuno Espírito Santo's side were denied three penalties, with the club posting a strongly worded statement on social media after the final whistle.
The Toffees also suffered a blow during the win, with striker Beto being stretchered off after a nasty head collision with midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Despite all the drama surrounding him, one Everton player starred throughout, justifying Dyche's choice to reinstall him in the starting lineup this afternoon.
Everton's best player against Nottingham Forest
After missing the 6-0 thrashing against Chelsea last Monday, Dyche decided to recall midfielder Gueye from the off against Forest – a decision that proved to be a fantastic decision.
The 34-year-old Senegalese featured for the entirety of the encounter and scored the opening goal after a nervy opening to the game – understandable given the circumstances.
He also managed to win 75% of the duels he contested, plus winning four tackles as he played a pivotal role in breaking up any counter-attacks produced by the visitors.
Gueye also completed 34 of his 39 passes, at a completion rate of 87% – having the second-best rate of any outfield player behind fellow midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Minutes played
90
Goals
1
Duels won
75%
Passes
34/39 (87%)
Tackles
4
Interceptions
2
Dribble success
1/1
The former PSG man also managed to make two interceptions, as he was awarded an 8/10 rating for his display by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley.
Everton's relegation situation
Despite having five games left in the Premier League this season, Gueye's performance in the victory over Forest today has massively boosted the club's chance of securing survival and avoiding a repeat of a final-day showdown.
He may be coming towards the tail end of his career given the fact he's 34, but today's performance is evidence that he's still able to produce top-quality outings on a constant basis.
Everton midfielderIdrissa Gueye.
His goal and all-round positive play certainly have allowed Dyche's side to stretch their lead over the relegation places and have their Premier League status in their own hands despite all the setbacks the club have received this campaign.
Gueye must be a crucial part of the Everton squad between now and the final day on May 19th, with the Senegalese defensive midfielder proving to everyone he is a reliable player for the club as they aim to maintain their ever-present top-flight Premier League position.
Since being taken over by the Saudi consortium in October 2021, Newcastle United have seen a major overhaul within their squad, which has helped them reach a Carabao Cup final and qualify for the Champions League.
Since the takeover, Newcastle have spent hundreds of millions of pounds revamping their squad. As of 18th August 2023, they had spent exactly £425m on 14 signings.
This includes marquee additions such as Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, for £12m, Anthony Gordon from Premier League rivals Everton for £45m a year later, and Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a club record of £63m.
They have also managed to tie down key players such as Joelinton, who is currently sidelined through injury, to new deals. The Brazilian midfielder has siged a new four-year deal to extend his stay at St James’ Park, which was confirmed by the club on Thursday night.
However, it is not necessarily so easy to convince all your stars to stay at the club, with Newcastle failing to hit the heights expected of them this season. With big clubs across Europe potentially interested in a move, it means the club could be forced to sell some of their crucial players.
Manager Eddie Howe may be able to use Joelinton as a secret weapon in negotiations to keep one of the most important players at St James’ Park beyond the 2023/24 season.
Joelinton may convince star man to stay
With the summer transfer window approaching, rumours linking Bruno Guimarães away from Newcastle have begun to intensify. The club most strongly linked with the Brazil international is Paris Saint Germain. The French champions are rumoured to be interested in activating his £100m release clause, according to the Mail Online.
However, I Newspaper have explained that Joelinton’s commitment to the club “could act as part of a sales pitch to him to stay”. With Guimarães countryman Joelinton committing to staying at St James’ Park for another four years, Howe will no doubt be hoping to entice the other to stay, too.
It may well come as a surprise to Newcastle fans that their number 39 is interested in leaving the club, considering the midfielder signed a new contract himself last October. The former Lyon star signed a new five-year deal but also had the £100m release clause mentioned above, inserted into his contract.
Why Joelinton and Bruno make a dream duo
Sadly, Joelinton has been struck down with an injury and will be out for an extended period. However, as Newcastle fans can testify, he and Guimarães make an excellent duo in the midfield.
Both players are different types of midfielders, yet they complement each other perfectly. The latter is a 5 foot 11 creative machine, whereas Joelinton is a 6 foot 2 destroyer, who uses his physicality to his advantage on and off the ball.
Guimarães’ ability on the ball is second to none, and he is renowned as one of the best passers in the Premier League. The 26-year-old has five assists to his name in the league this season, and only two Newcastle players, Kieran Trippier (10) and Anthony Gordon (6) have more.
He has been pigeonholed as a more defensive midfielder in the past, but his time at Newcastle has debunked this myth. Instead, the midfielder is a wonderful final-third creator. According to Fbref, the Brazilian averages 1.95 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes this season, which ranks him in the top 3% amongst midfielders in Europe, and 1.66 key passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 15%.
Joelinton, on the other hand, is a wonderful ball-carrier. As per Fbref, he averages 1.56 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 7% amongst midfielders, and 0.61 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 6%.
It is an underrated aspect of Joelinton’s game, but his physicality when on the ball certainly gives him an advantage. It also helps him win aerial duels, averaging 1.65 per game, which ranks him in the top 16% amongst midfielders.
The Guimarães and Joelinton pivot is certainly crucial for Newcastle and has been important to Howe’s success, particularly last season. There is little doubt that the manager will be hoping Joelinton can convince his fellow Brazilian midfielder to stay at the club beyond this season, as they look to climb the table and compete for a top-four spot again.
A "senior" Arsenal source has described a striker who Edu is targeting as "phenomenal", with the Gunners planning to bring in a new number nine for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal's plan to sign forward despite scoring spree
The north Londoners, in terms of going forward, have arguably been 2024's best side – having bagged 33 goals in their last eight Premier League matches.
Edu prepared to pay release clause as Arsenal ready double-money offer
The Brazilian is moving with intent.
By
Emilio Galantini
Mar 15, 2024
Regardless, it is still believed that Arsenal are very much intending to sign a striker, with the likes of Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Brentford striker Ivan Toney regularly linked.
"It's no great secret that Arsenal want to sign a striker this summer," said journalist Charles Watts recently.
"When the window opens it will be the priority, along with a midfielder and potentially another wide attacker.
Arsenal's best-performing players in the league this season
Average match rating per 90 (via WhoScored)
Bukayo Saka
7.69
Declan Rice
7.40
Martin Odegaard
7.33
Gabriel Martinelli
7.10
Gabriel Magalhaes
7.04
"It will be interesting to see whether they move for Victor Osimhen. He, like Toney, is a player they like and I know that his representatives have visited Arsenal's training ground for talks with Edu. Those talks took place in the summer when Arsenal eventually signed Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was always the priority that year, but Osimhen was definitely a player they viewed as a serious alternative.
"That interest will remain, but the Nigerian could prove to be too costly an option in a summer given Arsenal want to spread their budget around as they look to take the squad to the next level."
Arsenal do have alternative options to the Napoli star and Toney. Indeed, reports have suggested Edu has an eye on RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko as one option, with another being Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.
Senior Arsenal insider blown away by "phenomenal" Gyokeres
The Swede has been in excellent form this term, bagging 19 goals and assisting nine others in 23 appearances.
Edu and co are said to be considering a move for him as a result, and a "senior" Arsenal source has described Gyokeres as "phenomenal" to Football Insider.
Both the north Londoners and Chelsea want to sign a centre-forward, with Mauricio Pochettino's side also in the hunt for Gyokeres who has come on leaps and bounds since swapping Coventry City for the Primeira Liga.
Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.
His transformation really has been something to behold, and Arsenal will have to invest significantly to bring him back to England.
"I know him well. We went to school together. He is incredibly strong and good at winning duels. It's nice to play with him," said Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski on Gyokeres.
"He's really good and I'm happy for him that things are going well at Sporting. He takes a lot of duels and then you yourself can focus on not taking the duels, but playing football, finding passes and teammates. He is really strong and fast. He is good in depth. A complete player."
Celtic are laying the groundwork ahead of the summer transfer window, with one journalist sharing an exciting triple update.
Celtic form under Rodgers
The Hoops haven’t had the best of campaigns by their high standards, with rivals Rangers currently top of the Scottish Premiership. Those across Glasgow also won the Scottish League Cup, with Brendan Rodgers appearing to be under pressure in the final months of the season.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looks on.
Celtic have dropped seven points in the league against Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts in recent months, allowing Rangers to take advantage, and it is believed that if the club don’t win the Scottish Premiership title, Rodgers will be sacked.
Rodgers has been talking like a man who expects to be in charge in 2024/25, though, recently saying:
“I’m really excited about next season, having now had a look at this group. I’ve seen players who were out for a while and I want to develop this squad.
“There’s a lot of work going on on that front. Is it a chance to put my stamp on it? Yeah, because I think we lost influential players (last summer) who make the game look different.
“Those players weren’t just good footballers but they were personalities. It’s hard when you lose that personality from the team.
“I had to give guys who were here an opportunity because they’d just come off the back of a Treble-winning season. But I also know because of my experience in football – especially at clubs like Celtic – that there’s a revolving door every three or four years.
“Even if you’re a winning team you have to fire up the squad again. That’s something we’ll look at doing in the summer.”
Should he remain in the Parkhead dugout, it appears as if multiple signings could be made.
Celtic summer transfer update
Journalist Pete O’Rourke shared a Celtic transfer update for Football Insider on Tuesday, revealing that the Hoops ‘are prioritising three positions as they lay the groundwork for a huge summer overhaul’.
Those at Parkhead ‘have made it a top priority to sign a new goalkeeper, winger and striker ahead of the 2024-25 season’. They are expected to be busy after falling behind Rangers, with Joe Hart set to retire in the coming months and a replacement needed for winger Liel Abada.
Dermot Desmond has eyes on specific Celtic signing after key development
It is seen as priority business for the Hoops this summer.
ByHenry Jackson Mar 10, 2024
In regards to specific targets, there has been talk this year over a move for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who could be tempted to make the move for regular first-team football over the summer. However, any transfer for the Reds ‘keeper could cost as much as £15m.
Meanwhile, a permanent move for loanee Adam Idah from Norwich City will cost Celtic big money, but after making a profit in the last 12 months following Jota’s move to Saudi Arabia and Abada’s switch to the MLS, the funds could be there for the Hoops in what is set to be a busy period.
Leeds United will aim to send shockwaves through the Championship when they host table-toppers Leicester City tomorrow, knowing that they have what it takes already to unnerve the Foxes.
Leeds inflicted a rare defeat on Enzo Maresca's side earlier in the campaign, Georginio Rutter the hero on the night for Daniel Farke's visitors with an instinctive second-half strike finding the back of the net at the King Power Stadium.
Farke's men will be even more confident of picking up a win, despite Leicester's sizeable nine-point advantage at the top of the division, owing to their terrific record at Elland Road this campaign – Leeds still unbeaten in the Championship on their own patch, picking up 12 impressive victories along the way.
Still, with the Foxes' might obvious for all to see in the second-tier standings, the German manager could look to switch up his Leeds lineup slightly to mastermind a big three points, with Joel Piroe being one possible casualty…
1 GK – Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier's starting spot in goal shouldn't be up for grabs anytime soon, the French shot-stopper onto three clean sheets in a row now in the league after keeping Plymouth Argyle at bay last time. out.
The towering 6 foot 7 goalkeeper could have his work cut out for him facing off against Leicester, but the Whites number one will relish the opportunity to shut the Foxes out.
2 RB – Archie Gray
Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray.
Archie Gray will also be kept in the side at right-back for the mammoth task of overcoming the table-toppers, the 17-year-old cool as you like under the strains of Championship pressure this season.
Making a combined seven interceptions and tackles against Argyle to help play his part in the win and clean sheet being picked up, Gray will be back on it again to nullify Leicester tomorrow night.
3 CB – Joe Rodon
Leeds defender Joe Rodon.
Joe Rodon impressed once more down in Devon last weekend, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee a firm fan's favourite in West Yorkshire ever since making the short-term switch.
Winning 100% of his aerial duels in the contest, on top of completing 80 accurate passes playing out from the back with confidence, Leeds will need Rodon at his A-Game again to thwart the likes of Abdul Fatawu foraying forward for Maresca's men.
4 CB – Ethan Ampadu
Rodon's trusted right-hand man in Ethan Ampadu should also stay in Farke's XI for the tough test of Leicester, the Leeds captain typically strong against Plymouth in the 2-0 win.
Losing just one of his six duels in the lunchtime kick-off, Ampadu's presence limited Ian Foster's hapless hosts to just one shot on target despite having the advantage of playing in front of the Home Park masses.
An unchanged defence will see Junior Firpo keep his spot in the side for the crunch clash with the Foxes too, the ex-Barcelona left-back dangerous when bursting forward on occasion against Ian Foster's Argyle.
Notching up one key pass in the comfortable victory, Firpo was also alert to the danger when Plymouth threatened to burst into life going forward themselves – winning seven duels in total in Devon, on top of completing two tackles.
6 CM – Ilia Gruev
Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev.
One positive of going on such an excellent run of form is the fact that Farke can rely on a settled side to get the job done, with Ilia Gruev likely to stay put in his holding midfield role tomorrow as well.
The ex-Werder Bremen midfielder would only win two duels in total versus Plymouth, but his calmness on the ball shone again to allow Leeds to dictate the possession in Devon.
Coming away from the 2-0 win with a 90% passing accuracy, Gruev helped Leeds have 58% of the ball to then never truly feel uneasy about the hosts coming back into the game.
7 CM – Glen Kamara
joe-rodon-glen-kamara-leeds-opinion
Likewise, Glen Kamara allows Leeds to have control over proceedings whenever he's fielded by Farke in a holding midfield spot.
The unflashy former Rangers man put in another competent display against Ian Foster's strugglers last weekend, even successfully completing one dribble attempt when pushing his side further up the Home Park pitch.
Misplacing just five of his 50 passes also, Kamara alongside Gruev are beginning to form a settled and reliable duo as anchors in this system.
8 RM – Daniel James
Leeds forward Dan James.
Farke could boldly bring Daniel James back into the starting XI for Leicester at home, knowing that he needs his big guns in from the start to overwhelm the Foxes from minute one.
James was deemed fit enough for a second-half run-out against Plymouth last time out, given 14 minutes to stretch his legs in which he managed to rattle the crossbar with a free-kick effort.
Described as being "deadly" earlier in the season by the Athletic's Phil Hay – with James onto ten goals for the season – Farke will want his £50k-per-week winger to shake off any injury concerns to star tomorrow night.
The German manager would have to reshuffle his attacking pack for this change of personnel to potentially work, but it's a risk worth taking if Leeds want to get the better of Maresca's formidable Leicester.
9 CAM – Wilfried Gnonto
Wilfred Gnonto of Leeds United scores in the EFL Championship.
Moved over to an unfamiliar position if looking just at his time with Leeds to date, Wilfried Gnonto has dazzled as an attacker positioned just behind the main striker elsewhere in his career.
Eight of Gnonto's 12 goals for FC Zurich, when he was with the Swiss club, came from playing in a second striker spot, meaning the Italian forward could shine in this role against the Foxes.
This tweak in the line-up would see Joel Piroe fall out of the starting eleven with Georginio Rutter then moved to the striker role, the ex-Swansea City forward weak up top against Plymouth despite assisting the vital second strike at Home Park.
10 LM – Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville.
There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Crysencio Summerville will walk onto the Elland Road turf to face Leicester tomorrow, Farke praying that another moment of magic from his crucial Dutchman means Leeds overcome Leicester and pick up a statement three points.
The tricky 5 foot 9 attacker wasn't at his explosive best against Plymouth, but with 16 goals and nine assists next to his name this season, Farke would be an absolute fool to axe Summerville for such a box office clash.
It's no secret that Arsenal want to sign attacking reinforcements, with Ivan Toney the main name mentioned among potential summer options for Mikel Arteta. Now, however, an alternative option has reportedly emerged.
Arsenal transfer news
Whilst the Gunners remain in the race to win the Premier League title, they've lacked a clinical forward at times with the output of their attacking front three painting quite the picture.
Stat
Bukayo Saka
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Martinelli
Starts
25
13
12
Goals
13
4
5
Assists
7
3
3
With that said, it's no surprise that Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention towards Toney, who could leave Brentford this summer in a deal worth as much as £80m. The forward recently returned from a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules, instantly finding his goalscoring boots to send reminders around the Premier League about his clear talent.
Reports suggest that the Gunners could turn to an alternative option, however. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have scouted Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres multiple times.
Romano said in his CaughtOffside column: "Although there are many clubs that are attentive to Viktor Gyokeres at the moment, none have made a move as yet, nothing is happening now. It’s one for the summer.
Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.
"His conditions are that he has a €100m release clause then we will see what happens in the summer – but we know how difficult is to negotiate with Portuguese clubs. Many clubs have also sent their scouts to watch him, Arsenal for sure multiple times – but also others are closely monitoring the situation."
With that said, when the summer window arrives, it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal choose €100m (£86m)Gyokeres over Toney.
"Outstanding" Gyokeres is one of Europe's best
Since leaving Coventry City last season, Gyokeres has been one of the best strikers in Europe, making the interest in the forward little surprise. It is the type of rise that analyst and former player Adrian Clarke saw coming too, having praised the Swede when speaking to talkSPORT last May.
Clarke said (via Football League World): “You two [Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist] know what a good striker looks like, and at that level, he is mustard. I think he’s Premier League-ready, actually. Viktor Gyokeres, he was outstanding.”
If Arsenal are looking for a killer in front of goal, then everything is pointing towards Gyokeres. The former Coventry striker is enjoying a season to remember in Portugal and is long overdue a move to the Premier League. As the Gunners weigh up their options this summer, it should be Gyokeres who stands above the rest, including Brentford forward and current target Toney.