Premier league clubs

Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard could suffer a drop-off in performance this season while he is not convinced by the club’s midfield options. The Gunners opened the new Premier League season with a 2-0 victory away to Crystal Palace on Friday night at Selhurst Park – a ground where they suffered a heavy loss last season that damaged their top-four hopes. Arsenal sparkled in the first half-hour, taking a deserved lead through Gabriel Martinelli, though Palace had chances to level the scores through Odsonne Edouard and Eberechi Eze. With time running out, Bukayo Saka’s cross was diverted into his own net by Marc Guehi to seal the victory for the Gunners. Ferdinand, though, was not exactly blown away by Arsenal’s performance and feels Odegaard looked out of sorts after being handed the captain’s armband, while he also questioned Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. ‘I reckon you nailed it with Odegaard, I reckon that captain’s armband weighs … [Read more...] about Rio Ferdinand has concerns over Martin Odegaard and suggests two Arsenal stars can’t be relied on

Manchester United ’s surprise pursuit of Marko Arnautovic has been mocked by football pundit Chris Sutton. The Red Devils have been strongly linked with the Austria international forward in recent days, and the clamour for new arrivals has been heightened by their inept home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon. Similar problems beset United despite new boss Erik ten Hag taking charge of his first competitive fixture since joining from Ajax earlier this summer, with an insipid attack, feeble midfield and incompetent defence gifting the away side their first ever victory at Old Trafford. New signing Christian Eriksen began the match as a false nine in the centre of the frontline, while wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo began the match on the bench, but the only goal United managed to score was when Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister put through his own net. ‘[Ten Hag’s] use of Christian Eriksen as a false nine didn’t work, but this club’s problems run much … [Read more...] about Man United’s Marko Arnautovic transfer approach mocked by Chris Sutton

Adrien Rabiot is not the only midfielder Manchester United are currently working on a deal for with the Red Devils also in talks over two further options, according to reports. Having spent most of the summer unsuccessfully pursuing a deal for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong – who does not want to leave Camp Nou – United’s hierarchy appear to have finally moved on to alternative targets. That has seen a surprise move for Juventus midfielder Rabiot, with United agreeing a deal in principle for the Frenchman worth around £15million. Personal terms have yet to be negotiated, however, and the 27-year-old’s mother – who is also his agent – is notorious for being a stubborn and difficult person to deal with. But Rabiot is not the only player on United’s radar, with Spanish newspaper AS reporting that the club are also looking at Argentina international Guido Rodriguez. The Real Betis man, who was part of his nation’s Copa America-winning squad, is well regarded … [Read more...] about Manchester United working on deals for two midfield alternatives to Adrien Rabiot

Premier League transfers update SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Manchester United target Adrien Rabiot is set for imminent talks with Erik ten Hag in order to discuss two potential caveats regarding his proposed move to Old Trafford, according to reports. Rabiot has emerged as a target in midfield for the Red Devils over the last few days, with those in power frantically trying to improve their options in the centre of the pitch before the summer transfer window slams shut. Related articles Man Utd 'offered Morata' in latest transfer twist to engulf Red Devils Liverpool target Nunes 'waiting' for offer with surprise cash boost Talks are thought to be at an advanced stage between United and … [Read more...] about Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘to speak with Adrien Rabiot’ about two crucial transfer demands

Cody Gakpo has responded favourably to Manchester United ’s approach and would welcome a move to Old Trafford this summer, according to reports. The Red Devils are ramping up their efforts to bring in new players before the transfer deadline at the end of the month, with their Premier League opening weekend defeat at home to Brighton underlining the need for reinforcements. Erik ten Hag has long wanted to add a new attacker to his frontline options, though met resistance when he tried to take Brazilian winger Antony with him from Ajax . There were suggestions the Eredivisie champions would only accept an offer in the region of £80million, meaning United’s efforts to bring in a winger were put on the backburner while more pressing positions were focused on – such as midfield. But the match against Brighton highlighted the need for a new attacker, with Ten Hag forced to field Christian Eriksen as a false nine due to Anthony Martial’s injury and Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of … [Read more...] about Cody Gakpo’s stance on joining Manchester United revealed as Erik ten Hag link emerges

Erik ten Hag is not to blame for Manchester United ’s struggles and even Pep Guardiola would struggle at Old Trafford, says ex-Liverpool man Steve Nicol. Ten Hag took charge of United this summer but his first Premier League match ended in disaster, with the Red Devils beaten by Brighton at Old Trafford. The Dutchman had been expected to make a big impact at United following a disappointing 2021-22 campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick , as the side fell to a sixth-place finish and once again failed to land any silverware. But former Liverpool right-back Nicol feels no-one can point the finger at Ten Hag, and even Guardiola would struggle at the club if he switched across from Manchester City. Guardiola took over as City boss in 2016 and has led the team to four Premier League titles, four League Cup wins and lifted the FA Cup in 2018-19. ‘This Manchester United team, this squad of players, absolutely confirms that it doesn’t matter how good … [Read more...] about ‘They’d still get beat!’ – Not even Pep Guardiola would save Man United, says Steve Nicol

Crystal Palace v Arsenal: Pictures This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka claims that he has spoken to the club about bringing crowds to training sessions so they can see how much players care. The Swiss has endured a rocky relationship with Gunners supporters in years gone by and previously admitted that a 2019 incident changed the dynamic forever. Related articles Arsenal may move fast to sign transfer target after Liverpool blow Ferdinand has two-player Arsenal concern and responds to Saliba claim Xhaka's Arsenal career looked dead and buried when he was … [Read more...] about Granit Xhaka made Arsenal request to mend relationship with fans – ‘It’s bulls***’

Ryan Taylor is back with the latest from the summer transfer market (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Hello again everyone! Not long to go now until the transfer window closes on September 1 and there will be plenty of late deals in the works for Premier League clubs, who will be keen to scramble some business over the line in the final few weeks of the transfer window. Once you've read this week's column, be sure to head over to my YouTube channel where I uploaded a quick Transfer Q&A on Monday evening. There will be a link at the bottom of the article, should it be of interest... Related articles Chelsea target Wesley Fofana in telling Leicester gesture at full-time Arsenal handed perfect Pedro Neto … [Read more...] about Taylor’s Transfers: Chelsea work on three signings, Arsenal trio exit talks, West Ham deal

Former Chelsea winger Gustavo Poyet believe the club should sign Barcelona striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to replace as the ‘perfect’ replacement for Timo Werner. Germany international Werner is set to return to RB Leipzig on a permanent transfer in the coming days, having only moved to Stamford Bridge from the Bundesliga club two years ago. The 26-year-old has won the UEFA Champions League , Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in that time, but has generally disappointed with his performances and scored a meagre 23 goals in 89 appearances, far fewer than would have been expected when the Blues agreed to pay his £47.5m release clause under previous manager Frank Lampard. With Romelu Lukaku having been loaned back to Inter Milan after his own disappointing second spell with the club, the Chelsea squad no longer possesses a traditional striker, and new signing Raheem Sterling started up front in the opening day 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. That … [Read more...] about Thomas Tuchel told to sign Chelsea’s ‘perfect’ Timo Werner replacement by Gus Poyet

Klopp impressed by Nunez's rapid progress at Liverpool SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Ian Wright believes Liverpool players will be pushing for Jurgen Klopp to hand Darwin Nunez his full debut. Summer signing Nunez grabbed a goal and an assist when he came off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Fulham in the Reds' opening Premier League game of the season. Related articles Four players Liverpool could buy to ease Thiago burden after injury Rabiot 'makes demand in order to join Man Utd’ with De Jong up in air The Uruguay international also scored in the Community Shield win over Manchester City a week earlier, again as a substitute. Nunez will become a club-record signing for Liverpool once … [Read more...] about Ian Wright feels Liverpool stars will be pushing Jurgen Klopp to change starting line-up