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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally wants to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal linked with?

The Gunners and transfer chief Edu are thought to be planning for the 2023/2024 Premier League season already and reportedly have their eyes on a few transfer targets.

Reports in the last fortnight have suggested that Leicester City star Youri Tielemans is of interest as the midfielder's contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Indeed, central midfield is thought to be a top priority for the club, as West Ham star Declan Rice is repeatedly linked with a move to north London.

Brighton ace Moises Caicedo has been billed as an alternative to the Englishman with Barcelona star Raphinha also on Edu's list of potential signings. However, reinforcing the striker position is certainly not out of the question either, as rumours surrounding a possible move for Vlahovic are still prevalent.

The Serbia international is a player who Arsenal tried to sign from Fiorentina before he opted for his Turin move, yet according to an update by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arteta is still very keen on the idea.

According to the Italian news outlet, Arsenal are listed as a 'suitor' for Vlahovic after their attempts to prise him away from Fiorentina, with Arteta personally 'attracted' to his playing style. The Spaniard apparently believes there isn't a player like him in Arsenal's current squad, which is playing a role in Arteta's interest.

The north Londoners are also boosted in their chase for Vlahovic by their near-certain qualification for the Champions League next season. The report does state to 'keep an eye' on Chelsea, though, who are firmly in the race with Todd Boehly's backing.

Should Arsenal sign Vlahovic?

The 23-year-old has ten goal contributions to his name this season, scoring eight goals with a further two assists, which may not seem outstanding but Juventus on the whole have struggled this year. Vlahovic is still a bright spark in the forward areas when at his very best, averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any other Juve player in Serie A this season (WhoScored).

Journalist Pete O'Rourke certainly believes he would be a good fit, recently stating to GiveMeSport:

"He's a proven striker; he's done really well in Serie A and also on the international scene as well, so that'd be a big-name signing and it would just continue to show the progress that Arsenal are making that they are actually able to make these types of signings."

If Arsenal can prise him away from Italy, he could be a brilliant capture.

Tottenham Hotspur have discussed offering Ryan Mason the manager’s job on an interim basis until the end of the season, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Conte on thin ice

In the wake of Antonio Conte’s explosive rant after the 3-3 draw at Southampton at the weekend, during which he also appeared to take aim at the board, Tottenham are believed to have held crisis talks with their manager.

Conte is said to have explained his comments were only aimed at the players, rather than senior figures at the club, which Daniel Levy appears to have accepted, given that he still remains in his job as of today.

However, that has not stopped other managers being linked to replace the Italian, and there is an indication Spurs could look to make an appointment from within to carry them through until the end of the season.

The Latest: Mason discussed

According to a report from Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Conte’s reign was coming to an end even before his comments on Saturday, and he has since done himself no favours, with a well-placed source saying “it’s over”.

As we now enter an international break, one potential immediate option that has been discussed is Mason, who is currently in a coaching role.

The 31-year-old has long been regarded as a future Spurs manager, and could be appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the campaign, given that he is respected in the dressing room and is close to key player Harry Kane.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The former Spurs player has previous experience acting as interim manager, taking charge for seven games during the 2020-21 season, during which time he averaged 1.71 points per match, and mainly utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation.

This level of experience is nothing in comparison to Conte’s, however it could be vital that he is well-respected by the group, with a number of players said to be getting frustrated by the negativity of the current manager, which could derail their hopes of finishing in the top four.

If Mason is truly viewed by the board as someone capable of taking on the manager’s job on a permanent basis, now would be the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself, and his appointment could inject fresh life into the squad as we head into a crucial stage of the season.

Journalist Paul Brown has ripped into Neal Maupay, calling his goal numbers ‘absolutely woeful’ and labelling the signing as a ‘total disaster’ for Everton.

The Lowdown: Just one goal…

Maupay has managed just Premier League since arriving for £15m from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.

The striker has only started 10 games in the division so far this season, and the Goodison Park outfit would have expected a lot more from him upon his arrival.

The Latest: Maupay criticism

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown has called Maupay’s Toffees career a ‘total disaster’ so far, and labelled his goal record as ‘absolutely woeful’:

“Maupay’s Everton career so far has been a total disaster, really, from his point of view and the club’s. He’s scored one goal from his last 46 shots, apparently, in the Premier League, which is absolutely woeful.

“When they signed him, it looked like quite a smart signing. He was someone that you’d expect to score in double figures every year, coming from a club that had done pretty well. He had a bit of spikiness about him, which is what they needed when Richarlison left, but he’s not at all what they need.”

The Verdict: Cut your losses

It is harsh to sell any player after just one season, but for the Merseyside club, they must look to cut their losses on Maupay and sell him this summer, considering that he may still hold a sizeable market value given that he is 26 years of age and has a contract until 2025.

Aside from his lack of goals, he also ranks behind the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ellis Simms for average aerial duels won, dribbles and through balls per game in the top flight, and is behind a large number of his team-mates for other key metrics (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Blues should be looking to cut their losses on him in the next window, and use the money to invest in a better forward if possible.

Manchester United’s shocking 7-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool saw summer signing Antony produce yet another ineffectual display on the flanks, with the fleet-footed Brazilian once again showing little to warrant his hefty £86m price tag.

Although the 23-year-old cannot be blamed for the mammoth nature of that fee, it is not unreasonable to demand more from a player who previously provided 46 goal contributions in just 82 games during his time at Ajax, with there having been little evidence that the forward can replicate those feats in the Premier League.

The former Sao Paolo man – who has failed to score in the top flight since October – has showcased a distinct lack of quality in the final third during his time in England to date, with that having been evident at Anfield as the wide man produced a multitude of ‘dire crosses’, in the words of Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Those woes were laid bare by the fact that the struggling asset failed to complete any of his five crosses and lost possession on 18 occasions from his 41 touches, with that seeing him record a measly match rating of just 5.7, as per Sofascore.

As journalist Nathan Ridley noted, the 5 foot 9 trickster was also somewhat “pathetic” in a defensive sense after winning just two of his 13 duels, while pundit Micah Richards suggested that it was as if United were “playing with ten men because Antony wasn’t doing his work down that side.”

That lack of application must surely see the 15-cap dynamo taken out of the side in the coming games, albeit with Erik ten Hag’s options on the right flank rather limited, particularly with both Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri having rarely been trusted of late.

An alternative option in that role could well have presented itself in the youth ranks, however, with teenage sensation Ethan Williams currently making his mark at academy level.

Who is Man United starlet Ethan Williams?

The promising Englishman will likely be hoping to take inspiration from Alejandro Garnacho – who is now a permanent first-team fixture – by forcing his way into Ten Hag’s thinking, with the 17-year-old having proved his quality as a result of his standout displays in the youth set-up.

The Manchester native – who can feature on either flank – has illustrated his finishing prowess by racking up five goals and six assists in just 15 U18 Premier League games this season, having enjoyed a particular hot streak of late with six goal involvements in his last five league outings.

That includes a goal and an assist in the recent 3-3 draw with rivals Leeds United, while Williams was also able to provide an assist during the club’s FA Youth Cup run, albeit with the Red Devils failing to emulate last season’s success in the competition after crashing out to Stoke City.

The teen gem has also been deployed in a full-back berth on occasion this season, with that perhaps suggesting that he could be able to offer greater defensive traits to that of Antony if he is to be selected any time soon.

Such form has clearly caught the attention of Ten Hag and co as the exciting youngster was pictured taking part in first-team training back in November, with that perhaps an indication that a senior bow may not be too far away.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal missed out on Ivan Fresneda due to some “issues” where his club did not want to loan him out.

What’s the latest?

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Real Valladolid right-back throughout the January transfer window. But it looks as though no deal will be completed.

With Cedric Soares possibly heading to Fulham on loan for the rest of the season – a deal that now looks close to being done – Fresneda could have been viewed as a replacement in the squad.
However, it seems as though any deal they tried to get done in January failed to get across the line because they couldn’t offer terms that were agreeable with Valladolid.

While talking about it all on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Fresneda is a top talent, born in 2004, playing for Real Valladolid.
“Arsenal we’re thinking of him in case the Cedric deal was going through with Fulham, but then they had some issues.
“Also, Borussia Dortmund were thinking of Fresneda – they are always very good with talents.
“But then what happened is that Real Valladolid said no to loan bids. And so the player he’s saying. I think in the summer Fresneda will go to a very important club. I don’t know which one yet but I think he will go to a very important club.”

Missed opportunity?

With Cedric heading off to Fulham, the club are left with Ben White and Takehiro Tomaiyasu as options at right-back so they do have some depth there but one injury to either of those two could have Mikel Arteta sweating.
It remains unclear what exact terms Arsenal offered but there were reports that they wanted to sign him now but loan him back to his current club for the rest of the season.
Clearly, though, whatever they did end up putting on the table wasn’t enough to convince Valladolid to do business. Perhaps they will come to regret that over the coming months but at least the deal isn’t dead in the water just yet.
Indeed, just as Romano points out, the talented youngster will almost certainly be on the move in the summer and so the Gunners will potentially be able to complete a deal in the future.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Calum Chambers to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail (via West Ham Zone), who claim that David Moyes is looking to add cover at centre-back to his current Hammers squad over the final hours of the January transfer window, with the 59-year-old believed to have identified the Aston Villa defender as a last-minute target.

This would appear to back up a claim made by Dean Jones in a recent column for GIVEMESPORT, with the transfer insider also suggesting that the Irons are plotting a deadline day swoop for the 28-year-old.

“Outstanding”

While it is true that Chambers has somewhat struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Villa XI following his £8.5m move to the club back in January last year, with Craig Dawson having recently departed east London in a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, it is not difficult to see why Moyes would be keen on a last-minute swoop for the former Arsenal defender.

Indeed, despite his lack of game-time, the £9m-rated talent still managed to impress over his 13 Premier League outings last season, helping his side to keep three clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.6 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, 3.8 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

The £50k-per-week Englishman also caught the eye going forwards last time out, hitting the back of the net once, as well as enjoying an average of 54.3 touches, making 0.4 key passes, playing 2.7 long balls and completing 35.6 total passes – at a success rate of 83% – per match.

These returns saw the player who The Independent’s Tom Peck once dubbed “irrepressible” and legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger previously labelled “outstanding” average an extremely impressive Sofascore statistical rating of 6.90, ranking him as Villa’s seventh-best performer in the top flight in the 2021/22 campaign.

Furthermore, the former England international’s incredible positional versatility is another major positive, with Unai Emery stating of the 28-year-old after a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in 2019: “He helped us in the training, in the dressing room and when you need him to play right-back, centre-back, left-back like tonight, and we can use him in the midfield also. His performance is starting with his attitude and his attitude is amazing.

“After that is his best position, but tonight for example I was telling him, when he was playing left back, be calm here, help and support Bukayo [Saka], give the ball to Dani Ceballos and he was overlapping a lot of times with Bukayo! He did one very good pass for the goal with [Reiss] Nelson. He didn’t listen to me!”

As such, considering his proven Premier League ability and his capability to play in a number of different positions in defence and midfield, it would indeed appear as if Chambers’ late arrival on transfer deadline day would be an outstanding deal for Moyes to pull off – especially with a Dawson-shaped hole to fill at the back for West Ham.

Chelsea have Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez ‘high up on the list’ of potential signings, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Chelsea’s goalkeeper issues

Since the arrival of Graham Potter in September, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the preferred choice between the sticks for Chelsea, with the Spaniard starting 12 of his team’s last 14 games in the Premier League, although he has received criticism for some of his recent displays.

The 28-year-old was slammed by Peter Crouch on BT Sport for making a ‘massive error’ against Fulham (via Daily Mail), while Edouard Mendy, the Blues’ other senior option in goal, has been criticised by Shay Given for a ‘terrible mistake’ against Leeds United earlier this season.

The Latest: Sanchez targeted by Chelsea

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips claimed that Sanchez is one of the players being considered by Chelsea to come in as the new first-choice goalkeeper, with Brentford’s David Raya also reportedly being targeted.

The journalist said: “David Raya definitely isn’t the only one. There’s probably a good handful on the shortlist of goalkeepers that could come in.

“High up on the list is Robert Sanchez from Brighton as well. He’s another one Chelsea are taking a closer look at.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Potter knows that he can trust Sanchez given his previous history of working with him at Brighton, during which time he described the 25-year-old as a “monster” who’s “got everything to be a top goalkeeper”.

The Spaniard is particularly adept at stopping crosses, ranking in the 94th percentile in this area compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months. He also weighs in with some vital saves, recently making three from inside the box in Albion’s 3-1 win at Southampton a month ago.

While it appeared as though Chelsea had found a top goalkeeper in Mendy, his recent performances have left a lot to be desired. He ranked as the worst player on the pitch in Senegal’s World Cup meeting against England with a 5.8 SofaScore rating, and Sanchez would appear to be a discernible upgrade for Potter between the sticks.

Southampton could make a move for Dinamo Zagreb star Mislav Orsic, Alex Crook has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Saints are currently bottom of the Premier League and are in need of attacking reinforcements, and the Croatian winger could be available for around £8m.

Orsic stood out at the World Cup, scoring the winner in Croatia’s final game as they finished third, and has previously impressed in Europe against Spurs and Chelsea.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Crook claimed that Southampton were keen on the 30-year-old as they aim to inject goals into their side.

“They’re certainly trying to bring players in, in this window. I’ve spoken to sources this morning, they’ve said they’ve got a lot of plates spinning there but hopefully some positive news soon,” he stated.

“One of those plates is Mislav Orsic, who came on for Croatia at the World Cup.

“I think it’s interesting looking at the policy over the summer of bringing in young players, and Orsic is certainly not a youngster.

“The fee would be around £8m as I understand it, so not exactly expensive but not cheap either.

“I think you might see that they’re going to try and sign a bit more experience in this window.”

Since Crook’s comments, it has recently emerged that Southampton had agreed a deal to sign the Croatian on an initial £6m deal.

Extra threat

Southampton have really struggled for goals, with just 15 in 17 games, but Orsic can help change this as he would bring an extra dimension in the final third.

The attacker has scored 91 goals and provided 40 assists in 214 games for Dinamo Zagreb, and given that he has previously performed in the Champions League against English sides, he could adapt quickly to life in the Premier League.

Southampton’s top scorer this season is Che Adams with just four goals in the league, and an additional goal threat being added to the side could be the difference between survival and relegation under Nathan Jones.

Football Insider pundit Kevin Campbell has reacted to news claiming Leeds United will make a move for PSV Eindhoven defender Philipp Max.

The Lowdown: Max move

The Whites could well be looking to bolster their left-back ranks in January with centre-back Pascal Struijk turning out in the position due to Junior Firpo’s struggles for fitness in recent months.

Recent reports have claimed that Leeds are plotting a move for Max as they look at targets who could slot straight into Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

The 29-year-old is under contract with PSV until 2024 and has made 12 appearances for the Dutch side this season.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Leeds’ reported planned swoop for Max. He appeared to welcome the news, suggesting he could be ‘a good signing’ at Elland Road.

“A bit of experience is what is lacking at Leeds.

“The experience they have seems to be on the treatment table a lot, and that’s not right. You can’t legislate for that, but it’s not right.

“This team is very young. It needs a bit more seasoning to it, and that’s what Philipp Max would bring.

“He’s an international, he’s seen it all in two top leagues – he’d be a good signing.”

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The Verdict: Needed

Struijk has coped well at left-back and has been the club’s best-performing player, as per WhoScored, however, his long-term future seems to be at centre-back.

Therefore, bringing in someone like Max, who has plenty of experience, could be just what is required going forward to rival Firpo.

The German can also provide cover in multiple areas and has even turned out as a centre-forward during his career, and it looks as if a transfer will be one to watch in 2023.

Leeds United are reportedly keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund defender, Raphael Guerreiro, with a move in the January transfer window potentially on the cards.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey, via TEAMtalk, who suggested that the Premier League outfit are keen to strengthen their current left-back options, with sporting director Victor Orta viewing the Portugal international as a top target.

The transfer insider stated:

“As it stands, it appears Guerreiro is not in a hurry to depart Dortmund. Despite no new deal agreed, he knows clubs such as Leeds are watching. Indeed they were in attendance in the last few weeks,

“He is going to get through the World Cup finals and then assess the situation. Dortmund have a host of issues to resolve, like Moukoko and Bellingham, but Guerreiro is another very much towards the top of their agenda.

“Leeds like Guerreiro a lot, and they think he would be an ideal fit. If he was available in January, I believe they would do it – but they are happy to wait for him until the summer.

“However, I would not rule out the possibility of a loan move although Pascal Struijk has been performing well – he is very much a defensive full-back rather than a wing-back and I believe they may look for another option, although the return of Stuart Dallas could get them through until the summer.”

This follows a recent report from 90min that claimed the Elland Road outfit had sent scouts to watch the 28-year-old in action in Germany, with the France-born star facing an uncertain future with the Bundesliga side with his existing deal set to expire in the summer.

‘Amazing’ signing

A new addition on the left of the defence has arguably become something of a necessity as far as Orta and co are concerned, with the Whites having been left distinctly short of options in that role this season as a result of injuries to both Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo.

That fact has forced the ever-versatile Pascal Struijk – who can also operate in central midfield or at centre-back – to slot into that full-back berth, although the 23-year-old is seemingly not a natural fit in that role, while also offering little in an attacking sense with just one goal and one assist so far this term.

With teenager Leo Hjelde the only other option to take on the left-back vacancy, it has laid bare the need for a quality, senior addition such as Guerreiro to help bolster Jesse Marsch’s ranks in the New Year, with such an acquisition potentially set to prove vital in the battle to stave off the drop.

The 58-cap dynamo – who is currently representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar – has been a truly consistent presence for Dortmund over the years, with the £59k-per-week ace having scored a remarkable 37 goals and registered 39 assists in 206 games to date for the club.

That includes an impressive haul of three goals and three assists in all competitions so far this term, including two goals in just four Champions League appearances, having regularly been producing the goods at a high level on the biggest stage.

As pundit Paddy Kenny suggested, adding such an asset to the Yorkshire side could well prove to be an “amazing January signing” for the club, particularly with the chance to land Guerreiro on a cut-price deal amid his contract uncertainty.

While it may prove hard to tempt the player into leaving Champions League football for a possible relegation scrap at Leeds, Orta must surely do all he can to get a deal over the line.