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Wolves Could Sign "Extraordinary" £21m-Rated Gem

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, as Julen Lopetegui eyes a midfield rebuild this summer.

The Midlands side have accumulated almost £80m in sales so far this transfer window, now, the time to make purchases may be on the horizon.

Could Wolves sign Arthur Melo?

As reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Wolves have knocked on the door of Arthur, who has just returned to Turin after a disastrous loan spell at Liverpool.

The report claims that the Old Gold are 'more than interested' in the Brazilian, who is expected to depart Juventus this summer for a new challenge after a tough introduction to the Premier League.

Valued around €25m (£21m) by FootballTransfers, Lopetegui could secure a bargain for a player rich in quality and experience, with Mundo Deportivo editor Javier Alfaro claiming that the coach and player would be a good match at Molineux.

Alfaro explained: 'Lopetegui’s taste for footballers of good ball handling undoubtedly plays in Arthur’s favour.'

How good is Arthur Melo?

Lauded as “extraordinary” by Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, Wolves could bolster their midfield with added quality by signing the 26-year-old technician this summer.

A fresh shot at experience in the Premier League could be vital to regaining form for the Brazilian, who failed to make a single appearance in the league during his season-long loan on Merseyside.

Just a month into his journey at Liverpool, Arthur required surgery for a muscle injury sustained in training, leaving him sidelined for four months and ultimately out of action for the entirety of his loan after being unable to reintegrate into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

Anfield’s trash could be Molineux’s treasure, however, with the former Barcelona ace being a competent figure to have in the middle of the park when in form.

Going back to the 2021/22 Serie A campaign, the 26-year-old showed glimpses of how beneficial he could be under Lopetegui’s watchful eye in the Midlands, shining in areas similar to the recently departed Ruben Neves.

Wolves’ former captain will leave a dent in midfield at Molineux, however his services are not irreplaceable, and the Goiania-born star could prove to be a dream successor to the Portuguese whizz.

In the 2021/22 season Arthur averaged an outstanding 90% passing accuracy rate per game for Juventus, as well averaging 5.99 passes per 90 into the final third, via FBref.

Similar numbers were hit by Neves last term, who averaged an 84% passing accuracy per game, and 6.02 passes into the final third per 90.

Playing in the engine room, the Brazilian is an assured presence to sit ahead of the defence, as highlighted by his average of 64% duel wins per game in Serie A, tackling an average of 1.22 dribblers per 90 from the middle of the park.

The 26-year-old could prove to be a more robust option for Lopetegui’s midfield than Neves, who averaged 53% total duel wins per game and tackled 0.95 dribblers in midfield per 90 last season for Wolves.

With redemption on his mind and a year starved of game time, Arthur could hit top form at a critical moment in his career should he be given a starting role at Molineux.

With an influx of departures pencilled in, Lopetegui could make a smart move in securing the signature of the midfielder, who would undoubtedly be a strong addition to his side.

Key Update Regarding Chelsea’s Pursuit Of £100m-Rated Star

Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to spend £100m on the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton this summer, with Blues chiefs only willing to go up to £80m.

How good is Moises Caicedo?

The future of the Ecuadorian has been a major talking point in recent months, and with the summer transfer window now open, the hope is that the Blues' move for him could accelerate.

He already has 45 appearances to his name in the Premier League, scoring and assisting twice apiece in that time, but it is more his defensive work and quality in possession that are his key attributes.

Respective averages of 3.5 and 2.7 tackles per game in the EFL Cup and league last season outline his tenacity as a player, and he would add the legs to the midfield that are needed after N'Golo Kante's departure from west London.

Indeed, Caicedo has been constantly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge before the start of the new Premier League season, among other clubs, but Brighton are ensuring that he won't be allowed to leave for anything less than a huge amount, especially having already seen fellow key midfielder Alexis Mac Allister join Liverpool.

It looks as though both the Seagulls and Chelsea will have to reach a compromise for the deal to actually go through – one that leaves all parties happy and earns Caicedo the move away from the south coast that he seemingly desires.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

What's the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, Chelsea are holding firm when it comes to not wanting to pay more than £80m for Caicedo's services this summer:

"Chelsea intend to hold firm during negotiations over Moisés Caicedo, with Brighton demanding at least £100m for the midfielder. Caicedo is Chelsea’s main target as they look to reinforce Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield.

"Although they hope about £80m will be enough to sign the Ecuador international, Brighton believe the benchmark has been set by Declan Rice’s impending £105m move from West Ham to Arsenal.

"Rice is closing on to become the most expensive British player, and Chelsea broke the British transfer record when they signed the Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández from Benfica for £106.8m in January. Those figures have not escaped Brighton’s attention and it is understood their demands have caused talks with Chelsea over Caicedo to move slowly this week."

Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the two clubs are finally in formal talks over a deal, so it seems we could see more clarity over the fee in the coming days and weeks.

In truth, the Rice situation has only made life harder for Chelsea in their quest to sign Caicedo this summer, as the report alludes to. Brighton will hold the Ecuador international to a similar standard to what West Ham did with Rice, and given his long-term ceiling as a footballer, they will feel that £100m is a fair amount.

That is a massive transfer fee, however, and if the Blues feel it is over the odds, they should consider walking away from the deal and looking to bring in a tailor-made alternative instead, such as Fede Valverde, albeit he won't be much cheaper.

That being said, there are arguably few players like Caicedo around currently, in terms of ticking so many boxes, so it wouldn't be a shock if they caved to Brighton's demands.

Arsenal Identify £77m Tchouameni As Priority Transfer Target

Arsenal have now identified Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as their priority transfer target, and they have decided to make an offer of €90m (£77m), according to a report from Defensa Central.

Who is signing Aurelien Tchouameni?

It has recently been reported that Manchester United are in the race for Tchouameni, with manager Erik ten Hag personally instructing the board to make a move for the Real Madrid midfielder, who is ready to leave this summer.

However, Man United are not the only Premier League club to be linked with a move for the Frenchman, with Liverpool previously being named as potential suitors, while Chelsea could also be in the mix.

It has recently been reported that Arsenal are keen on the 23-year-old, and it now appears as though they are ready to take that interest one step further, by lodging an official bid.

According to a report from Defensa Central, the France international has now become the priority target for Mikel Arteta, and they have decided to make an offer amount to €90m (£77m) in order to win the race for his signature.

The report stresses that the Real Madrid star is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market, however his current employers are not considering selling him, and the player himself wants to succeed at Real Madrid.

As such, while the Gunners are very interested in the £207k-per-week star, it does not seem likely he will be making the switch to the Emirates Stadium anytime soon.

Is Tchouameni signing for Arsenal?

Going off the aforementioned report, Arsenal do not stand much chance of signing the former AS Monaco man, however there have been other reports which indicate that he is keen to leave Real Madrid this summer.

If the midfielder makes it clear he wants to move on, that could potentially open the door for a move to Arsenal, and he could be a fantastic partner for Declan Rice, who is set to complete his medical soon, after cutting his holiday short.

Lauded as a "monster" by France U21s manager Sylvain Ripoll, the maestro could do a fantastic job sitting in front of the back four, given that he averaged more tackles and interceptions per game in La Liga than any other Real Madrid player last season.

With an average pass success rate of 93.5% in the 2022-23 La Liga season, Tchouameni ranked second only to Toni Kroos in terms of Real Madrid players who played a full 90 minutes last season, indicating he has all the qualities to be a success at the Emirates Stadium.

Man United Could Land Big Varane Upgrade In £51m Swoop

Brazil defender Gleison Bremer could be exactly what Manchester United need to take the next step as they seek to make improvements on the season just passed.

Erik ten Hag enjoyed a relatively successful first season in charge of Manchester United after his move from Dutch giants Ajax last summer.

The 53-year-old tactician won the League Cup by beating Newcastle United in the final at Wembley earlier this year and qualified for the Champions League with a third-placed finish in the Premier League.

He now has an opportunity to bolster his squad in the summer transfer window with a view to achieving greater success – hopefully in the form of more silverware next season.

One area in which the Dutchman is seemingly interested in strengthening is in the heart of his defence. Calcio Mercato recently reported that the club are keen on Juventus ace Bremer, who would cost at least €60m (£51m).

Who is Gleison Bremer?

The 26-year-old centre-back has been an excellent performer in Serie A and someone who could be an outstanding addition to United's squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

He could be a dream upgrade on current defender Raphael Varane based on their respective performances last term, and that is why Ten Hag must push to complete a deal for the Brazilian ace.

Bremer averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.11 across 30 league outings for Juventus in 2022/23 and showcased his defensive quality with 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside 1.63 blocks per 90.

Juventus central defender Bremer.

Varane, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.85 across 24 Premier League matches and made 1.5 tackles and interceptions per outing to go along with 1.05 blocks per 90.

These statistics indicate that the Serie A battler has the ability to perform at a higher level on a consistent basis whilst being able to make more vital defensive interventions to stop opposition attacks each game.

Whilst the obvious emphasis is – and should be – on their ability to prevent goals, Bremer would also come in and provide a threat at the top end of the pitch.

The Juventus titan, who was once hailed as "unbelievable" by journalist Ryan Taylor, ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs across the Men's top five Leagues and European competitions for non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assisted goals (xAG) combined per 90 (0.20) over the last 365 days.

He ended the 2022/23 campaign with 4.9 xG and 1.7 xAG, which resulted in four goals and one assist, and could offer far more than Varane, who was not directly involved in any league goals for United last term, while averaging just 0.05 combined non-penalty xG and xAG per 90 over the last 365 days.

Therefore, Bremer could be a big upgrade on the current United stopper in terms of the level of quality the 26-year-old talent is able to provide in both boxes.

Spurs: £50m Star Could Help Create A New Kane & Son

Tottenham Hotspur remain focused on their top summer target, with an update suggesting steady progress continues to be made…

What's the latest on James Maddison to Tottenham Hotspur?

Taking to his Twitter, it was once again transfer guru Fabrizio Romano who offered the latest update on Ange Postecoglou's pursuit of James Maddison.

The Leicester City maestro remains embroiled in this transfer tussle between Spurs and Newcastle United, but with the latter having moved on to other targets, it leaves the former in the driving seat for the man valued at over £50m by his club.

The Italian journalist wrote on Saturday afternoon: "Tottenham will push again for James Maddison next week — he remains the priority target for Postecoglou in that position."

Could James Maddison take Heung-min Son's place?

One of the few feel-good stories that have surrounded the Lilywhites in recent years has been the partnership struck up between Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

As a quality creator and finisher, and an often-unstoppable speedy winger, the two struck up a bond that captured the imagination, even surpassing Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba for goals exchanged between the pair.

The South Korean has recorded 225 goal contributions across his 372 games in north London, yet saw a notable downturn last term that will leave Postecoglou with cause for concern.

harry-kane-heung-min-son-spurs

Having notched 23 goals and a further 17 in the two respective seasons before the last, he would only muster ten league strikes most recently, leaving the England captain to shoulder most of the burden. His 30 goals marked an immense feat, as he took this weak side on his back.

However, he cannot be allowed to continue as the sole offensive threat.

The acquisition of Maddison could supplement his compatriot once again, especially given the 26-year-old managed 19 goal contributions in a Foxes side that fell to the drop. He too has shown his quality in a struggling outfit.

His ability to score and supplement from deep could see him ignite a new partnership in north London, where instead of speed being the main asset, a focus on technical excellence is preferred.

Either of these two creative stars could drop deep to pick out their advancing teammate, with whoever finds themself on the finishing end of the move likely to record an easy goal.

The former Norwich City star would likely prefer the former role, given Statman Dave's suggestion that he is a "magician". With 2.3 key passes and 1.7 successful dribbles per game last term too, a record better than Son's 1.8 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per match, this is a notion only emphasised further.

As the South Korean reaches the twilight years of his career, poised to turn 31 next month, Maddison is instead only just entering his prime years. He and Kane could replace one already legendary partnership with a new, fresh dynamic, to lay the foundations for Postecoglou's hopeful tenure.

Romano Claims “Magician” Is “Ready” To Make Arsenal Move

Arsenal have been in contact with Kai Havertz once again over the weekend and the German forward has reaffirmed his interest in making the move to north London.

How much is Kai Havertz worth?

This summer will present the Gunners with an opportunity to build on what proved to be a promising 2022/23 campaign in north London.

Mikel Arteta's men did not have enough firepower behind them to see their title charge over the line as Manchester City pipped them to the Premier League crown.

But the Spaniard – and the fans – will have a lot of positives to take from their displays in the 2022/23 campaign and provide them with a lot of optimism for the upcoming campaign.

However, having seen City land the treble in recent weeks, it will surely send a message to the board and Edu Gaspar that Arsenal may need to invest heavily if they are to dethrone the champions.

And it seems as if the Gunners are keen to do so this summer with links to the likes of Havertz who has reportedly been valued at around £75m by Chelsea.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the German has been in contact with Arsenal over the weekend where he was proclaimed his interest in a potential transfer:

"Kai Havertz has been very clear, also this morning [Sunday], in new contacts, he wants to join Arsenal.

"He has an agreement with Arsenal on personal terms, so everything is ready on player's side."

How many goals did Havertz score last season?

It was an underwhelming campaign for the Blues last season and Havertz is not a player who can be excused from their failings.

Despite playing the majority of the campaign as their centre-forward, Havertz was only able to provide the west London side with seven goals in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

Chelsea played the majority of the 2022/23 campaign without an out-and-out striker in their starting XI which can certainly be seen through their poor return in front of goal.

Kai Havertz Chelsea

And it has to be questioned whether Havertz has actually done enough to earn himself a transfer to a side who challenged so strongly for the Premier League title.

The Gunners will be playing Champions League football next season and, in Chelsea's European games, Havertz was only able to return two goals in his 10 Champions League appearances last season (via Transfermarkt).

He has been hailed as a "magician" by some in the media and the potential opportunity at Arsenal could allow him to rediscover his form shown in the Bundesliga.

Manchester United Launch Offer To Sign £42m-Rated Player

Manchester United could finally land Adrien Rabiot this summer, with the club having placed a concrete offer to the midfielder according to a report from Tuttosport, via Metro.

How many goals has Rabiot scored?

The France star has produced some of his best football for Juventus this season, bagging eight goals and four assists from the centre of the field in 32 Serie A games. It's the best production of the Frenchman's career to date, but it couldn't stop the Italian side from slipping down the division and finishing in seventh – a terrible season thanks to points deductions due to financial irregularities.

Despite this, the 28-year-old has stood out as one of the best in his position in Europe. When compared to other midfielders in the Men's 'Top Five' leagues, he ranks highly in a number of categories for his work over the last year. His non-penalty goals of 0.25 per 90 for example means that he has one of the best rates around and it places him in the top 4% of midfielders in that category.

In addition, his 2.40 progressive carries per 90 put him within the 84th percentile as one of the best midfielders at carrying the ball forward. It means that he is a player that knows where the back of the net is and likes to get on the front foot and create things offensively for his team – and is very good at doing so.

Juventus then won't be too keen to lose him but there has so far been no sign of him extending his current contract, which expires at the end of this month. According to a report from Tuttosport, via Metro, the player could be off to England and the Premier League, with Manchester United having made a contract offer to sign the Frenchman.

It suggests that the Serie A side want to try and ensure Rabiot stays in Italy but with the player having already rejected some contract offers – and with the Red Devils having made a bid of their own – he could be set for the exit door.

CIES Football Observatory suggest that Rabiot is worth around 50 million Euros (or £42m), which means that if United do manage to land the midfielder on a free, then it would be a shrewd bit of business by them, having tried to sign him both last summer and in January.

adrien-rabiot-juventus-man-united-transfers

Would Rabiot be a good signing for Man United?

The midfielder has excelled this season, as stated by his stats over the course of the campaign, and a deal to send him to Old Trafford could therefore be a good move by the club.

Former professionals have hailed the player for his performances for example, with David Trezeguet labelling the midfielder as "world-class" and "extraordinary" because of his showings for his country.

Not only is he adept at getting forward but he also puts in a shift defensively too, with the 28-year-old averaging 1.60 clearances per 90 and 1.37 blocks to boot. Rabiot then can do it all in midfield and he could certainly come in and boost the midfield for United if he did make the move to Old Trafford.

Everton Eyeing Loan Deal For "Exceptional" £28k-p/w Winger

Everton are interested in a deal to sign Manchester United forward Amad Diallo on loan this summer, according to reports.

Who is Amad Diallo?

Diallo is naturally a right-winger who first arrived at Old Trafford back in 2021 from Atalanta, but having made just nine senior appearances, has spent the majority of his time on the road having carried out two loan spells, the first with Glasgow Rangers and most recently Sunderland.

During his time at the Stadium of Light, the 20-year-old was a standout star and established himself as Tony Mowbray’s top-performing offensive player so he’s bound to have attracted interest ahead of the upcoming window.

The Red Devils ace still has another two years to run on his contract with Erik Ten Hag’s outfit and has even admitted that it’s his dream to play regular football under the Dutchman, but despite this, Sean Dyche is ready to swoop in a bid to bring him to Goodison Park.

Are Everton signing Diallo?

According to The Northern Echo, Everton are “keen” to take Diallo on loan ahead of the start of the 2023/24 term. The Toffees are expected to “target” the temporary market as a result of having an extremely limited budget. Premier League rivals West Ham United and newly-promoted Burnley have also been credited with an interest, alongside Sunderland, who would love to re-sign him.

Ten Hag “intends” to give the talented prospect a chance to prove himself in the senior fold, but it’s stated that the boss “will consider” letting him out on loan again should he feel that he’s not ready to step up at Man United.

Sunderland forward Amad Diallo.

At Sunderland, Diallo was hailed for his “exceptional” shooting skills by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and should he be able to replicate the same prolific form at Everton, he would be a top-class acquisition for Dyche on Merseyside.

United’s left-footed gem, who pockets £28k-per-week, posted 16 goal contributions (13 goals and three assists) in 37 Championship appearances last season, as well as recording 64 shots which was higher than any other member of Mowbray’s squad, as per FBRef, and this form saw him receive four man-of-the-match awards.

Finally, Diallo is a versatile operator having played in six various positions over the grass since first bursting onto the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline and even in the midfield, making him the perfect candidate to put pen to paper in the weeks ahead.

Rivals Confident Of Signing £80k-A-Week Chelsea Hero

Manchester United are reportedly increasingly confident of signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount during the summer transfer window.

Is Mount leaving Chelsea this summer?

The 24-year-old has been one of the most heavily discussed transfer topics in recent weeks, with his future still very much up in the air. Contract discussions with the Blues appear to have completely broken down of late, and with his current deal running out next year, he could move on to a new challenge this summer.

Mount may well have played his final game for Chelsea on Sunday – he was filmed walking across the Stamford Bridge pitch and gazing longingly at the stadium after the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United – and the £80,000-a-week isn't without suitors currently.

There has been lots of interest from the Blues' Premier League rivals, with United and Liverpool arguably emerging as the two front-runners to snap him up before the beginning of next season.

Chelsea'sMasonMount

Are Man Utd confident of snapping up Mount?

According to Football Insider, United are "growing in confidence about the potential signing of Chelsea’s Mason Mount this summer", even though Liverpool are "still keen on agreeing a deal". The report does go on to add that "Mount himself is yet to make up his mind on his future – despite the confidence of Old Trafford chiefs".

The latter part of the update may at least give Chelsea supporters some hope that Mount may stay put and sign a new deal at the club, although at this point, it does feel as though Mauricio Pochettino will have to do a lot of convincing.

It feels like the Englishman has decided that a fresh challenge makes sense, and the lure of playing Champions League football with United could swing his thinking, with both the Blues and Liverpool unable to offer him that next season.

The hope is that Mount signs an extension, of course, considering he has registered 70 goal contributions for the club (33 goals and 37 assists) – he has also been hailed as "unbelievable" by former Chelsea hero Joe Cole – but if he doesn't want to stay, it is a case of receiving as much money as possible for him and using the funds to bolster Pochettino's squad this summer.

At 24, losing Mount could be such a blow, with his best years likely to be ahead of him, but there is little that can be done if both parties are remaining stubborn over contract talks.

Arsenal Given Exciting Update On Pursuit Of "Dominant" £60k-p/w Star

Arsenal have now been given an exciting update on their pursuit of West Ham United captain Declan Rice by Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?

Football Insider have recently reported Rice has told his friends he has played his final Premier League game for West Ham, opening up the door for a move elsewhere in the summer, with Arsenal said to be in pole position.

Although the Gunners are currently leading the race, there will also be competition from Chelsea, as well as both Manchester clubs, but the report claims the Englishman wants to remain in London, which could give Mikel Arteta a real boost in the race for his signature.

The Mirror report that Arteta wants to bring in the central midfielder to replace the outgoing Granit Xhaka, while also adding that West Ham are ready to let him leave this summer, should their asking price be met.

That said, there will be fierce competition for the £60k-per-week star, as Plettenberg has recently told Sky Sports he is "at the top" of Bayern Munich's list of transfer targets for the summer, having already held a telephone conversation with Thomas Tuchel.

However, the Sky Sports reportes provides some exciting news for Arsenal fans, as he claims that Bayern are "running out of time", while also adding: "Arsenal are further along and he could switch to the Gunners immediately."

Will Rice leave West Ham this summer?

It appears as though the 24-year-old is edging towards exiting the London Stadium this summer, with manager David Moyes admitting he could leave, while he has previously outlined that he wants to play in the Champions League.

That could potentially open the door for a move to the Emirates Stadium, and he would be an excellent addition to Arteta's squad, having been the Hammers' best performer in the Premier League this season, averaging a 7.01 WhoScored rating.

West Ham United'sDeclanRice

As previously mentioned, Arsenal are looking at signing the England international to replace Xhaka, and he would be a real improvement defensively speaking, having averaged more tackles, interceptions and blocks per 90 than the 30-year-old over the past year.

Hailed as "dominant" by journalist Charles Watts earlier this year, Rice should now be coming into his prime years at the age of 24, and the Gunners should move swiftly to secure his signature, given that Bayern also appear to be seriously interested.

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