Mauro Zarate has it all. Top-notch skill, the ability to score goals and a shoal of vociferous support at all the clubs he has played at.

But as he completes a £1.6million move to Serie A outfit Fiorentina, is this just another case of a young footballing talent corrupted by an ego to match?

Zarate’s move to back to Italy somewhat resonates what a large part of his career has been about – ongoing club changes – he just can’t seem to settle. He’s a player laden with talent, and when he first broke onto the scene at hometown club Velez Sarsfield aged 17, he took the league by storm.

In his first full season, he shared the top-scorer award with no other than Rodrigo Palacio, now at Inter Milan.

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So much was hoped from the youngster and when he completed a move to Qatari outfit El-Sadd for £14million, many were scratching their heads. This move was motivated by money, and it sets the tone for the rest of Zarate’s career.

This was the time to make a big move, this was the time to move to a recognisable league where he can dominate headlines. A move to money-rich Qatar was never going to do this and he was quickly shipped to then-Premier League Birmingham City.

He endeared himself to the Bluenoses and for the first time in his career, people were beginning to shout his name from the terraces. Unfortunately the Blues were relegated and we completed a loan deal to Lazio- where he would have the best spell in his career.

He excelled and was playing the best football of his career, which was beginning to take off. But off-field-antics soon appeared in Zarate’s game and after making an alleged fascist salute whilst on the bench against Bari, Zarate was slated in the Italian press.

Keen to clear their name, Zarate was sent on a fruitless loan to Inter Milan for a year and upon his arrival back at Lazio, he was repeatedly fined and frozen out of the side for poor attitude and lateness.

This was a pattern that continued to emerge for what was an evidently talented but uncontrollable young man. He had talent beyond his years, but an inability to put a cap on his explosive attitude.

A return to homeland club Sarsfield did the trick, where he finished top scorer in the 2013-2014 season. Fortunately for Zarate, Premier League outfit West Ham were set to gamble on the Argentinian bad-boy and give him his permanent chance in the biggest league in the world.

WANT MORE? >> West Ham transfer news | Latest transfer news

After a goal on his debut, it looked like things may have finally settled down for Zarate, but the Hammers sent him straight on-loan to neighbours QPR, where again, things nosedived.

After being left out of the starting line-up, Zarate voiced his displeasure, with his inability to control his emotions visible yet again for the umpteenth time in his beleaguering career. This resulted in more time on the bench and another spell where his reputation was tarnished.

And that brings us back to the present day. After some good form under Slaven Bilic at West Ham, he was ultimately sold again for £1.6million this month to La Viola.

At 29, Zarate should now have the head on his shoulders needed to compete at the top level. He’s a player that can perform when he wants to and it’s now-or-never for one-time Argentinian wonderkid.

One can only imagine where he would be playing now if he had the same attitude as his fellow countryman – Lionel Messi.

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Stoke City are seventh in the Premier League, only one place away from European football. Surprised?

Perhaps you are, but the Potters have been creeping towards the top end of the Premier League for weeks now and they have given them every chance of grabbing a last-gasp Europa League place.

And they owe it to a certain few individuals in particular, but none more so than forward Marko Arnautovic, who has been key for them this campaign.

The Austrian signed for Stoke back in 2013 and he failed to have a huge breakthrough upon his arrival, but this season he has kicked into a world of his own. Ten goals in 31 games has helped push Stoke towards the right end of the table.

Whilst the same old names grab the headlines though, Arnautovic has plodded along, doing his thing and helping Stoke push on without being in the limelight. Which leads some to ask, why hasn’t the Austrian international attracted more public attention?

Again, part of it has been the magic of Leicester City, etc. Whilst the majority of neutral football fans have been cooing over the Foxes’ attempts to win the Premier League, teams like Stoke have been widely ignored.

But Arnautovic has every right to be in the limelight as much as his Premier League co-stars. What does he bring to the Potters that he could potentially add to someone else’s squad?

Firstly, he has untold passion. Despite a slightly difficult-to-control temperament, Arnautovic is an extremely passionate footballer who wears his heart on his sleeve. Take this to a side like Arsenal, for example. They seem to be lacking some battle and fight right now, and their defeat to Swansea in the week proved that.

If you added the Austrian to the Gunners, they would have a mean, up-for-it player in their ranks. He doesn’t hold back and sometimes his passionate approach can win you games, and bring out moments of extreme brilliance.

He’s also extremely versatile. He can play as an out-and-out striker or as a winger, which is an extreme coup for the Potters, and has proved effective for them on a number of occasions this term.

Having the ability to play the robust striker role and as a winger is very important in today’s game and Mark Hughes has been able to work between Bojan, Arnautovic and Diouf as central forward players this season – a big part of Stoke’s success.

But all of these skills and qualities will, one day, be recognised by potential suitors. He’s played in some of the top leagues in Europe for the likes of Werder Bremen, Inter Milan and FC Twente and that has really reflected in his play.

If he was to make a move, it would be pretty damning for Stoke. But if he can keep up his good form and alongside his team-mates, keep getting good results, the Potters could make the Europa League – and then, why would he leave?

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In the final fixture of a thoroughly entertaining weekend of Premier League action, Manchester United play hosts to Everton at Old Trafford in a 4pm kickoff.

The official starting Xis came through on Twitter around half an hour ago and one major talking point has emerged – Roberto Martinez’s decision to recall prodigious Toffees duo John Stones and Gerard Deulofeu.

The English defender’s seemingly uncontrollable ball-playing instincts have attracted much criticism of late and he’s not actually played a full ninety minutes for the Goodison outfit since the end of January, starting just one of their last nine fixtures across all competitions.

Likewise, injuries have limited winger Deulofeu to just two substitute appearances in the last two months, although he’d previously amassed an impressive two goals and eight assists in 23 Premier League outings.

Both are considered to be amongst Everton’s most exciting prospects but Toffees fans have produced mix reactions on social media. Here are some of the best responses to their inclusion for the visit to Manchester United.

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New Celtic signing Kristoffer Ajer has said he is prepared to put in the hard graft to succeed at Celtic and make sure any new manager will take notice of his performances.

The Norwegian was signed by current manager Ronny Deila, yet the young striker isn’t concerned by his countryman’s decision to leave Celtic Park at the end of the season:

WANT MORE? >> Celtic transfer news | Scottish Premiership transfer news

“I knew that Ronny’s job was unsafe. It’s a club that has a lot of managers. Now I will join Celtic with a new manager and my performances will determine whether I can play or not.” He is quoted by the Daily Record.

“I don’t see Ronny not being at Celtic as a disadvantage. He is a fantastic coach who is second to none, but I will have to impress someone else now.”

“I’ve tried to toughen up for my move to Scotland. I have five games left here and I want to give everything for Start before I leave.”

Ajer is currently playing for IK Start in Norway, but will be leaving the Norwegian club this summer to make his move to the Scottish club.

The 18 year old usually plays in an attacking midfield role, but has been played as a striker for Start since the beginning of the Norwegian Tippeligaen season to improve his strength and make better use of his 6 ft 4 frame.

He has scored one goal in 10 games so far this campaign, which came in a 8-0 win over Donn in the Norwegian Cup.

Start sit bottom of the table and have not won in the league so far this season with four draws and four defeats.

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Manchester United winger Memphis Depay’s dream move from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United has developed into a nightmare.

The 22-year-old joined for a fee that may rise to £31million last summer, but has been unable to even live up to a fraction of his price-tag.

Depay has been given chances to impress by manager Louis van Gaal time and time again, with the player unable to replicate the feats shown during his time in the Dutch top flight.

He is now being linked with an exit, and Man United could be forced to cut their losses. Yet some people still believe the best is yet to come from this young star.

Maybe he is under too much pressure to showcase his talents in a squad still in transition, or is even pushing himself too hard to live up to his expectations as the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the number seven shirt on his back, is this attacker wasting his time playing for United?

Let’s have a look at FIVE key reasons why Memphis Depay is wasting his career at the club!

Fans have lost faith in him

Simply enough, most players struggle to perform if the fans have turned their back on them. Experienced players tend to benefit from criticism as they look to prove their doubters wrong, but for Depay, he looks to be trying too hard to take the game into his own hands.

Despite his hefty price-tag, if he continues playing the way he has been, United may be forced to sell him for a cut-price fee. We aren’t saying that he will never come good, but we are saying he might be better off playing elsewhere, whether on loan or permanently.

The emergence of fellow starlets

When he joined Manchester United, Memphis Depay was seen as a key player capable of taking them to the next level following an impressive campaign in the Dutch league. However, everyone soon realised that that wasn’t the case as they have now turned to other members of the squad for success.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were able to make instant impacts, while Jesse Lingard has also been pushing his way into a regular role. The emergence of the three players has seen Depay become a fringe option that could do with a lot more game time.

The managerial instability

Given the managerial situation at Old Trafford, Memphis Depay will be directly affected every time there is a change. Without a permanent role in the squad and lack of chances, he may need to be on his toes in order to continue to try and prove his worth to whomever is in charge, whether it be Louis van Gaal or even Jose Mourinho.

He is still unable to establish himself as a main attacking outlet for the Red Devils, and a switch to another club could instil him with the confidence he so desperately needs. United are still in transition, meaning if Depay wants to win any silverware with this current side, he may need to wait a while longer.

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The expectation to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo

Upon his arrival Memphis Depay was the centre of attention, and everyone had high expectations for him. However, as the season drew on, it became clearer and clearer that faith had been somewhat misplaced.

We have often seen Depay show-boating, with the player eventually unable to take on fellow Premier League defenders. His career is now being wasted with the intentions to try and become the next Ronaldo for United, something he is still rather far from achieving.

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His overall attitude

As we have seen with many footballers, Memphis Depay has fallen victim to the lavish lifestyle that comes with playing for a club like Manchester United. With his wages of £90,000-a-week, he is being paid more than Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane (£50,000-a-week), who has 28 goals to his name this term compared to Depay’s seven.

He is now being paid so much money to sit on the bench and feature as a substitute, it seems that he is more focused on his fashion sense and car collection than football. Unless United can change his attitude off-the-field, he is bound to struggle on it.

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With Roberto Di Matteo installed as new Aston Villa manager, fans of the club are anxious to see whether the club can get back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

It would seem that Roberto Di Matteo is doing all he can to make that happen; with the club being linked with a host of new transfer targets, with several set to go through imminently.

There are also a few long term targets that the club are still looking at, as they look to beef up their squad after a disappointing campaign last time out.

Some of the team’s key stars look set for the exit door this summer, and so Villa bosses are set to bring in talent up and down the pitch as they bid for a return to the top flight.

Here are SIX additions to complete Di Matteo’s promotion chasing Aston Villa XI…

Patrick Bamford

The first addition comes in the form of a loan deal, with the club looking to sign up Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford on a year long temporary transfer.

English football fans will be well aware of the young striker, who despite having a very poor season last year, was absolutely prolific during his few years on loan in the Championship in the last few years.

Di Matteo is seemingly ready to use his Chelsea connections to snap up the young striker as he looks to build a threatening strike force to fire his side right to the top of the Championship.

If this Villa side can capture the ex-Championship Player of the Year it would be great business, with the striker almost guaranteeing goals next year.

Ross McCormack

It would seem that Di Matteo is not putting all his eggs in the same basket however, with the manager desperate to get at least one new striker in this summer.

He has reportedly drawn up a long transfer list of potential targets, with Fulham star Ross McCormack near the top of the pile.

The Scottish star has been in fine form for the London side, having scored 23 league goals for them last season.

If Villa can capture McCormack he, like Bamford, would guarantee goals next year.

Rickie Lambert

For a side that need goals desperately next year, Villa would be hardpressed to find someone more prolific than Rickie Lambert.

Di Matteo is reportedly looking at the long term Villa target as he searches for a new forward.

Lambert exploded onto the scene with Southampton a few years ago, and despite his goal tally slowing down in recent times, there is no doubting his quality.

He is getting on, but as a short term stopgap; Villa could do no better than this experienced forward.

Costel Pantilimon

Another player that Di Matteo is reportedly desperate to capture is experienced shot stopper Costel Pantilimon.

Currently plying his trade for Watford, after a long spell with Manchester City, the towering goal keeper would be a huge upgrade in goal for this Villa side.

A reliable man between the sticks will be essential for this Villa side next season, and they would struggle to do better than Pantilimon.

The Daily Mirror are reporting that Di Matteo sees the keeper as his sides new number 1, and will therefore do everything he can do to sign him this summer.

Pierluigi Gollini

It would seem that Pantilimon is not the only goalkeeping target for Pantilimon however, with several news outlets reporting that Pierluigi Gollini will sign for the club imminently.

The sought after keeper will reportedly sign for the club imminently, adding some much needed depth and prowess to the Aston Villa back line.

It remains to be seen whether Di Matteo sees him as a first choice keeper, or if he would rather bring in Pantilimon as well – but it seems clear that Di Matteo sees Aston Villa’s current goalkeeping choices as a weak spot heading into next season.

Aaron Tshibola

Another player that looks set to imminently sign for Aston Villa over the next few days is Aaron Tshibola.

Currently starring for Reading, the centre back is the subject of a £5 million bid from Villa, which has reportedly been accepted by their Championship rivals.

Di Matteo seemingly deems Aston Villa’s defense in desperate need of back up, and so the defender seems a perfect fit.

At just £5 million some have called the deal a steal, with the defender oozing class and potential. A great signing.

It is nearly here, the Premier League is upon us which means the Fantasy Premier League pandemonium also returns this weekend. After hours and hours locked away toiling over your XI we’re ready to throw some curveballs at you and cause yet more stress.

Balance is key in the world of fantasy football, having the nous to spot some cheap point scorers is a rare and invaluable trait for a fantasy manager.

Every team needs a star, the one man you know will rake in the points and make the headlines week in, week out, the likes of a Sergio Aguero, but you can’t have eleven of the little Argentine.

What is needed are a few canny additions that no other will have given a thought to, the differentials, those men that can make all the difference come the end of the season.

With that, here are FIVE that you should be getting straight in that line-up for the opening weeks of the FPL season…

Fraser Forster

Value – £5.0m

The towering England international had a sensational season upon his return from a long term injury and was key in a strong finish to Southampton’s campaign.

An opening day home fixture against Watford should bring a 20th Premier League clean sheet for the former Celtic man, who has astonishingly only been picked by 4.9% of managers.

Danny Simpson

£5.0m

The Premier League champion has only been selected by 2.9% of managers so far and with 15 clean sheets and 120 points last season, would be a superb addition to any side.

The Foxes open their title defence against the managerless Hull City, who are woefully under-prepared going into the new season and should offer no threat to Ranieri’s side, get Danny in now.

Jordon Ibe

Value – £5.5m

Having recently made the move to Bournemouth from Liverpool, Ibe is a man with a point to prove and an exciting talent, the 5.7% that have chosen this man could have picked a winner.

The Cherries don’t have the easiest opener, facing Mourinho’s Man Untied at the Vitality Stadium, however, Howe’s men are always good for a surprise and Ibe could really pick up some points in the opening weeks with West ham, Crystal Palace and West Brom on the horizon, all winnable games.

Callum Wilson

Value – £6.5m

Sticking with the Bournemouth theme here, Calum Wilson was one of the stories of the season before he picked up his long term injury last year.

The Englishman turned heads with five goals in four games, including a hat-trick away at West Ham – who the Cherries face in gameweek two – leading to many calling for the 24-year-old to be given international recognition.

The 96.1% of managers that have ignored the former Coventry man will be kicking themselves soon.

Vincent Janssen

Value – £8.0m

The former AZ Alkmaar man is a bit of an unknown quantity for FPL managers, reflected in the fact the he has only been picked buy 3.1% of managers ahead of the new season.

Pochettino put a lot of work into bringing to 22-year-old, who bagged 27 goals in the Eridivise last season, to White Hart Lane, which means he won’t just be sat on the bench, could be a dark horse this season.

Whilst most of the attention this weekend is being afforded to the evening game on Saturday between Arsenal and Chelsea, there’s the small matter of Manchester United against Leicester City to kick things off at lunch time.

Leicester come into the game on the back of a convincing 3-0 victory against Burnley as they look to make a real go of defending their title whilst United go into it on the back of a loss against Watford.

During the week in the EFL Cup the two sides had contrasting fortunes as United beat Northampton Town and Leicester lost at home to Chelsea but this game is the better marker for where these two sides are at the moment.

United are a bit of a wounded animal after the last couple of weeks whilst no-one really knows what the Foxes are going to do this season and that’s what makes this game so intriguing.

There are going to be plenty of battles out there come Saturday and here at Football FanCast we’ve got the three you need to look out for most:

Riyad Mahrez v Marcus Rojo

Luke Shaw came in for a fair bit of criticism last weekend being at fault for one of Watford’s goal and he’s also picked up an injury, so may not play in this game. Rojo played at left back against Northampton Town so it makes sense to expect him play and it’ll be interesting to see how he does. Mahrez sparked the end of Mourinho’s Chelsea reign last season and could cause some damage again this year.

Wes Morgan v Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic won this battle when the two sides met in the Community Shield earlier this season and so Morgan will want to make it even. The talismanic striker has been one of the players United can rely upon this season so the Foxes captain could have his work cut out keeping him quiet but should he manage to do so, the Red Devils could be in trouble.

Marcus Rashford v Danny Simpson

Rashford is a nailed on starter down the left side and that is testament to his ability to grab every chance he takes. Another goal during the week saw him dig United out of a hole in the League Cup and Danny Simpson will have to be on top form to keep him out of the game. Rashford looks adept out on the left and whilst he’d rather be down the middle, he’s still got the chance to cause a lot of damage.

The West Ham supporters at the Football Transfer Tavern have mixed feelings about the start of the season.

There has been a lot of injuries and an exit from the Europa League, but the West Ham faithful in the Tavern have also enjoyed some big money signings and some brilliant moments – most notably with the side winning their first Europa League and Premier League games at their new home the “London Stadium”.

In the absence of key stars like Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, a number of Slaven Bilic’s men have been forced to make the step up in order to keep West Ham competitive, and they definitely deserve credit for that.

Dimitri Payet’s return, in particular, has the West Ham fans here in the Tavern dancing on the pool tables; but they must not forget the players that have over performed in his absence.

With that said, here are THREE West Ham players playing out of their skin – Do you agree?

 Michail Antonio

The former non-league winger has played so well that he has managed to force his way into Sam Allardyce’s England squad.

Slaven Bilic did use him as a right back for long periods last season, but since he has moved Antonio back onto the wing – he has really excelled.

He has also managed to bag a couple of goals thus far, against Bournemouth and Man City respectively – proving to the West Ham fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern that he is not a one-trick-pony.

Antonio is definitely one for the future – but this season he has proved that he can hang with the best of them.

 Ashley Fletcher

When Ashley Fletcher was signed, he was thought of as a player for the future by the West Ham fans in the Tavern – and as a result, not a lot was expected of him in the short term.

However, he has really impressed since joining the Hammers and was rewarded with a start in the game against Manchester City – and looked good in doing so.

His energy and technique on the ball make him a very useful player and he has now forced his way into Bilic’s plans long-term.

New signing Simone Zaza will have a job on his hands to replace him.

 Adrian

Like Antonio, Adrian’s recent form has earned him a maiden international call-up, with the Hammers keeper recently being included in the Spanish national team squad.

He has already made some incredible saves this season, with one from close range against Domzale in the Europa League a particular highlight.

The roars went up in the West Ham section of the Tavern when he pulled that one off.

He has competition from Darren Randolph but will be determined to keep hold of his starting spot. He has looked excellent thus far.

According to reports from AS, Liverpool are interested in signing Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams.

What’s the word?

Liverpool fans may remember the 22-year-old from the January transfer window, when he was linked with the Anfield outfit, along with Arsenal and Spurs, by The Daily Mail. That was a consequence of Williams’ impressive form at the time, netting 13 goals across all competitions last season, and his incredibly modest £15.3million release clause.

Instead of moving to the Premier League, the one-cap Spain international signed a new contract at San Memes until 2021, raising his release clause £44.46million. But AS have unexpectedly put the Reds back in the frame to sign Williams – claiming the Merseysiders are ‘knocking on the door’ in an interview with the pacey attacker.

What was said?

To directly quote the publication, they put the following question to Williams; “You signed a contract extension with Athletic last season with your retention fee set to 50 million euros, but Liverpool are back knocking at the door. How long will we keep seeing you at San Mamés?”

But the Bilbao star replied; “Like I said at the time. I’m happy at Athletic, it’s where I want to be. I am very grateful to the fans, the club and my team-mates. I want to continue here for many more years. I want to be Athletic’s furture No.9 – the player who raises the roof at San Mamés every week and scores lot of goals.”

How good is Williams?

Famed for his sheer athleticism (dubbed the fastest player in La Liga by The Mail) and ability to find the net, Williams seems like a natural fit for the Premier League – not to mention Jurgen Klopp’s high-pressing game. The 22-year-old has slightly struggled for form this season, bagging one goal and two assists in nine La Liga appearances, but he was fantastic last term and his overall development since becoming a Bilbao regular in 2014/15 has certainly been impressive.

Indeed, he’s already established himself as one of Bilbao’s first-choice wide-men, although seemingly seeing his future in a more central capacity, and picked up a debut cap for Spain in May after representing La Roja eight times at U21 level. Here’s a look at how Williams has fared in La Liga over the last three seasons, courtesy of Squawka, based on per-game metrics.