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An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Alphonse Areola in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to RMC Sport live feed, via The Sun, PIF are in contact with PSG are they attempt to negotiate a deal to snap the Frenchman up ahead of West Ham.

Areola spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan to the Hammers and they are said to have an £11m option to make it permanent, but the Magpies are now in talks to usurp them.

The Sun add that the club are trying to cash in on both Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman as they look to provide Martin Dubravka with more competition.

Eddie Howe would love him

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would surely love the French shot-stopper at St. James’ Park next season as he would be an excellent addition to his goalkeeping unit.

Despite playing second-fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski in the Premier League, he caught the eye whilst playing for the Hammers last term.

In the top-flight and in the Europa League over the last 365 days, he ranks in the 99th percentile for goals conceded and goals conceded in comparison to post-shot expected goals per 90 and this shows that his shot-stopping was amongst the best in Europe.

He also ranks in the 91st percentile for clean sheet percentage and in the 95th percentile for save percentage, showing that he was exceptional when called upon by David Moyes.

In his Fozcast podcast (5:05) with Jarrod Bowen, ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster dubbed Areola an “absolute specimen” in terms of how he is built. His strong physique may be a factor behind his impressive displays in Europe and indicates that he has the build to excel in the Premier League against powerful strikers.

He proved this in the 2020/21 campaign as he played 36 matches in the division on loan at Fulham and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.94. The gem saved 71% of the shots against him and kept nine clean sheets as he showcased his talent in the English top-flight.

Howe would, therefore, love to have him at Newcastle as he is a proven goalkeeper at the top level who will be able to come in and push Dubravka for his place. He has shown that he can perform in the Europa League and the Premier League and the head coach will know that he can trust him to deliver on a regular basis.

AND in other news, NUFC can land their own Foden in deal for “explosive” £30m dynamo, he’s “dangerous”…

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic’s head could be turned by a summer move to the Premier League, according to former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Juranovic a strong performer

The Hoops clinched Scottish Premiership glory last season and Juranovic played his part in his side’s success, proving to be a consistent performer.

The Croatian made 26 appearances in the competition and dovetailed nicely with Anthony Ralston, as the pair battled for playing time at right-back.

Recent reports have suggested that Juranovic could leave Celtic this summer, as he potentially looks for a new challenge.

The Latest: Defender backed to leave

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, now a pundit with Sky Sports, claimed that the lure of the Premier League could be too great to turn down, while also admitting ‘surprise’ at the interest:

“If he is being courted at Premier League level in England, I would say that’s the best league in the world.

“That has to turn a player’s head. Juranovic has only had one season there and that’s quite a surprise to hear Premier League clubs are interested.

“If the richest clubs in the world come in, it is hard to turn them down, that’s just a fact. They just can’t match the revenue in Scotland.”

The Verdict: Hard to say no to PL

Losing Juranovic would be an undoubted blow for Celtic, considering what a solid performer he has been, with an average of 1.4 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game in the league last season.

The Premier League is arguably the best league in the world, in terms of both quality and exposure, so it wouldn’t be hard to see the Hoops man’s head being turned by a move, sadly.

The hope is that the thought of playing in the Champions League for Celtic next season also appeals, though, and that he continues to thrive for Postecoglou’s team before potentially moving on for a much larger fee somewhere down the line.

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of Arsenal starlet William Saliba…

What’s the word?

As per the respected journalist, the Frenchman is set to be a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans at the Emirates Stadium next season and could even be offered a new deal, with the Gunners seemingly unwilling to sanction another loan departure for the 21-year-old.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer guru stated: “William Saliba situation. Rumours on loan move are wide of mark, Arsenal board and Mikel Arteta both count on Saliba as part of the team for next season.

“Been told situation could only change in case of crazy bid. Arsenal trust him – keen on discussing a new contract.”

The five-cap France international joined the north London club on a £27m deal from Saint-Etienne in 2019, although he is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the Premier League outfit, having spent the last three seasons on loan in Ligue 1.

Supporters will love it

The situation regarding the 6 foot 4 colossus has been a hot topic among the club’s supporters ever since his arrival three years ago, with many having been perplexed at Arteta’s continued refusal to bring him into the first-team fold.

After the club invested so heavily in the centre-back as a teenager, it remains something of a headscratcher that Saliba is yet to be offered the chance to shine in north London, with the player himself having been critical of his treatment by the Gunners boss.

One notable bone of contention among some supporters was the Spaniard’s decision to exclude the youngster from his Europa League squad for the 2020/21 campaign, with the £27m-rated ace eventually going on to shine for Nice in the second half of that season.

A temporary switch to Marseille in the most recent campaign also saw the £36k-per-week giant impress, as he averaged 2.2 clearances, 1.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, while also keeping 13 clean sheets from his 36 league outings at the Stade Velodrome – all of which came as starts.

However, it is his quality in possession which has also set pulses racing at Arsenal, as he ranks in the top 2% for pass completion among his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, along with the top 2% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for progressive carries.

Seemingly one of the most impressive players in his position in that regard, it would seem that now is an opportune time for the defender to be handed the chance to compete for a starting berth in Arteta’s side. Indeed, Arsenal are in need of increased quality and depth at centre-back, with limited options beyond Ben White, Gabriel and Rob Holding.

As per Romano’s update, it appears that the highly-rated prospect – who is already a part of the senior setup for his country – is in line for that long-overdue chance, with supporters finally set to get what they have craved for so long.

At present, Saliba is almost something of a mythical figure whose status has ironically been bolstered by not having played a game for the club, although now is the time to see if he actually warrants the hype.

AND in other news, Arsenal now plotting record-breaking bid for £100m gem, he’d be a “superstar” signing

Soon-to-be free agent Christian Eriksen is considering a number of Premier League contract offers, including one from Newcastle United, reports The Times (via NUFC360).

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s return to football

Brentford signed the Denmark international in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season after Serie A medical rules forced Inter Milan to terminate his contract in December (via The Athletic).

However, the midfielder’s contract with the Bees is set to expire in the next few days, leaving the 30-year-old able to move elsewhere on a free transfer.

As a result, a number of Premier League clubs have joined the queue to secure the Dane’s signature ahead of next season.

The Latest: Newcastle’s offer

According to a report by The Times, as shared by Magpies Twitter channel NUFC360, Eriksen is considering contract offers from a number of clubs, including Newcastle, Everton and Leicester.

As previously reported by football.london’s Alasdair Gold, Tottenham, Manchester United, West Ham and Brentford are the other English sides to have offered the former Inter Milan playmaker a contract.

The Verdict: Great signing

Hailed by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp as ‘exceptional’ for his performance for Brentford against former club Spurs in April, Eriksen has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, having totalled 237 appearances in the English top flight.

He has made his mark at that level, too, scoring 52 times and setting up another 71 goals.

With a current market valuation of £18m, the skilful midfielder would be a fantastic signing for the majority of clubs in the Premier League.

Therefore, with such quality available on a free transfer, this would be a tremendous addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Transfer insider and talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Joe Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The Nigeria international only has one year left on his contract at Ibrox, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side risk losing him on a free transfer next year if he does not sign a new deal with the Premiership giants in the meantime.

Therefore, the Rangers board will need to contemplate whether to cash in on him this summer, as his market value will surely start to decrease the closer it gets to his contract expiry date.

The Latest: Aribo exit ‘likely’

Taking to Twitter, Crook has revealed that Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Rangers this summer, and Southampton are among a number of clubs in the Premier League who are ‘interested’ in his signature.

The talkSPORT reporter tweeted: “#SaintsFC are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing #RangersFC midfielder Joe Aribo. Is into the last year of his contract so a summer move away from Ibrox is likely.”

The Verdict: Keep him!

Of course, the Light Blues run the risk of letting Aribo go for free next summer, but he is simply too important of a player to the team right now, so they must look to keep hold of him at all costs.

Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ for club and country by Vavel journalist Jack Koblitz, the Nigeria international played no fewer than 70 times last season, showing what an incredible engine he has.

He also ranked as Rangers’ third-best performer on WhoScored and boasted the team’s second-highest dribbling average (1.4) per match in the Premiership, so replacing the 25-year-old this summer would likely be a very difficult task for Van Bronckhorst and co.

Newcastle are reportedly interested in a move for Espanyol striker Raúl de Tomás.

The Lowdown: Striker wanted

The Magpies are clearly keen to add a striker to their ranks alongside their pursuit of a wide forward, as Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo recently revealed interest in a double swoop for both Moussa Diaby and Armando Broja.

Broja isn’t the only forward on the agenda, with Dan Ashworth seemingly doing some shopping in La Liga as links to Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak intensify.

Alongside Isak, PIF are also keeping their eyes on a cheaper option in de Tomás, as major Latin sports outlet Relevo have now revealed the Spaniard’s availability.

The Latest: Newcastle interested in de Tomás

Writing on Twitter, one of the outlet’s reporters had this to say: “Newcastle interested in Raúl de Tomás. Juventus has also been informed about the situation of the Espanyol striker, who could leave for around 35 million euros.”

A move for Isak would reportedly require the Magpies to smash their transfer record, so the £29.5m valuation on de Tomás could make him a viable alternative if a deal for the Sweden starlet proves too costly.

The Verdict: Don’t rule it out

While the 27 year-old may not bring the glamour of a record-breaking move for Isak, he certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Having risen through the ranks in Real Madrid’s academy, the 5 foot 10 hit-man had various successful loan spells before leaving permanently in pursuit of first-team football, eventually landing at Espanyol.

All in all, de Tomás has bagged 107 senior goals in club football, earning himself four Spain caps, and has really hit form in recent seasons, finding the net 40 times in 71 league games over the last two campaigns.

Holding a stylistic likeness to Luis Suarez, he ranks in the 99th percentile for forwards across Europe when it comes to pass completion, as well as the 81st percentile for dribbles completed, showing a well rounded skill-set to accompany his clinical instincts in and around the box (FBRef).

Known for his movement and positional intelligence, journalist Josh Bunting has gushed over the ‘excellent’ striker for his ‘calm and composed’ nature – he would provide real quality and experience if the Magpies decide to pursue a deal.

Glasgow Rangers could be set to lose highly-rated defender, Calvin Bassey, to Ajax, according to a report from Dutch outlet Voetbal International (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: On the radar

This follows initial reports from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook claiming that both Ajax and Brighton and Hove Albion were keen on Bassey.

The 22-year-old Nigeria international enjoyed a breakout campaign at Ibrox and was an integral part of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side en route to the Europa League final – making a whopping 14 appearances in the competition.

However, now it appears as though the Gers may face a monumental battle to retain Bassey for the start of the 2022/23 season…

The latest: Contact made

As per Voetbal International, translated by SW, Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder is believed to have spoken ‘exclusively’ to the six-cap star.

It’s claimed that the Dutch Eredivisie giants have Bassey ‘in mind’ as a replacement for Manchester United-bound Lisandro Martinez, having admired the versatile defender for a ‘long time’.

The report also states that Schreuder is ‘charmed’ by the powerful left-back, who was hailed by ex-Hearts ace Michael Stewart as a ‘tremendous player’ after a standout performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Seville showpiece, containing four clearances, three interceptions and two blocked shots (Sofascore).

The verdict: Difficult to stop

Ultimately, should valuations be met this could be a deal that gets completed rather swiftly with the lure of UEFA Champions League action on the table, particularly when Ajax welcome a huge financial windfall of a mooted £46million from the sale of Martinez.

Standing at 6 foot tall, operating as a left-back and central defender in almost equal measure, Bassey was a tower of strength in Van Bronckhorst’s ranks throughout the duration of the 2021/22 season, impressing with his athleticism, work rate and determination whilst making a mammoth 50 appearances across all competitions in what was a gruelling campaign.

Holding a market value of £9million and under contract at Ibrox until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the Gers hierarchy are at least in a strong place when it comes to demanding the highest possible fee for their influential defender and should perhaps already be eyeing up potential replacements given this latest revelation.

Leeds United have been boosted in their bid to sign Charles De Ketelaere this summer, with AC Milan potentially turning their attention elsewhere.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere rumours ongoing

The Club Brugge youngster has stood out as one of the Whites’ biggest transfer targets of the summer, with endless reports linking the 21-year-old with a move to Elland Road.

De Ketelaere is considered one of Belgium’s brightest up-and-coming young players, having scored once in eight caps for the senior national team to date.

Leeds have been battling Milan for the attacking midfielder’s services, with the Serie A club seemingly favourites at one point, but a new update suggests that the Whites could now be the front-runners to sign him.

The Latest: Leeds receive De Ketelaere boost

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Milan are now focusing on signing Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech instead of De Ketelaere, paving the way for Leeds to potentially have a free run at snapping him up.

The Whites are willing to meet Brugge’s demands for the 21-year-old, so everything appears to be moving in the right direction from the Premier League club’s point of view.

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The Verdict: Big opportunity for Leeds

The lure of Milan remains great for many players, given their huge stature and prestige as a club, as well as being Serie A champions, so this update comes as a big boost for Leeds.

If true, it means that the Whites may look more likely to acquire De Ketelaere’s signature now that the Rossoneri are shifting their attention towards Ziyech.

The Belgian wizard has already scored 25 goals and registered 20 assists for Brugge, despite his tender years, and he is someone who could give Leeds’ team some extra magic in the final third, not to mention improving squad depth dramatically.

Milan’s focus towards Ziyech could now give Jesse Marsch and co a glorious opportunity to finally win the race for De Ketelaere.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Inter striker Edin Dzeko recently and the former Manchester City man could form a dream partnership with Pedro Neto in Bruno Lage’s attack.

Reports from Italy have suggested that the likes of Wolves, Everton and Leicester City are all interested in signing the Bosnian hitman, who could be set to leave the San Siro, despite an impressive debut season at the club.

The 36-year-old signed from Roma after a prolific spell with I Giallorossi and contributed 17 goals and ten assists in 48 appearances, which emphasises that he still has the ability to produce at the top level.

It is no surprise to see Wolves linked with such a consistent goalscorer, considering their lack of goals in the top flight last season, with only the relegated sides scoring fewer.

Raul Jimenez has not been the same player since his head injury, while Fabio Silva has left for Anderlecht on loan after failing to find the net last season, so a new striker is definitely required.

Should the Old Gold convince Dzeko to make the move to Molineux, the veteran striker could excel alongside Portuguese winger Neto, who may well feel like a new signing after missing much of the last campaign through injury.

The 22-year-old made just 13 appearances in the Premier League last year having been one of the star performers in the 2020/21 season, and he will be hoping to make a similar impact in the upcoming campaign.

Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for Neto last season, saying:

“He’s not going to be a good player, he’s going to be a world-class player once he comes back from injury.

“You could see last year when you were watching him he was developing every single week.”

With Neto’s pace and ability on the wing, he is sure to create goalscoring opportunities next season, and who better to put them away than the “fantastic” Dzeko.

AND, in other news: Wolves plotting bid for £20m target who’s “full of assists”, he’s Lage’s dream signing

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Emmanuel Dennis throughout the transfer window and now a reliable source has given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Nottingham Forest have now held discussions with the Watford forward’s agent Drew Uyi.

As per the report, no concrete offers have been submitted to Watford for Dennis as of yet but Everton, Southampton and West Ham United join Forest in the race to acquire the player’s services ahead of next season.

It’d be a huge coup

Despite signing 12 new players so far, Steve Cooper has reportedly identified the striker role as one of the key positions that still needs strengthening this summer, and if Forest can secure a deal for Dennis it would be a huge coup for the newly-promoted side.

Despite being relegated with Watford last season, the Nigerian forward has proven he is more than capable of offering a consistent and reliable attacking threat in the Premier League and was the club’s top goal scorer in their ill-fated campaign.

Over 33 Premier League appearances, Dennis scored 10 goals and contributed six assists, with 2.13 shots per 90 mins, 91 shot-creating actions, won the majority of his tackles (28/46) and successfully received the majority of his passes (62.9%).

The 24-year-old who has a reported price tag of £25m has been lavished with praise following his outstanding performances and progression over his career, with a member of the Nigeria coaching staff Tunde Adelakun hailing Dennis as “very skilful” in an assessment of the player’s style of play with The Athletic:

“He (Dennis) is a very skilful player and confident in his abilities with a cocky attitude on the pitch that he can do anything that he wants to do with the ball.”

If Cooper is indeed looking for another forward to bolster his front-line when Nottingham Forest make their long-awaited return to the top flight, then Dennis could be a great option for the Reds as he clearly has a lot of talent and strengths that the Welsh manager can take advantage of.

With that being said, the signing of Dennis should be a priority for Forest because they will need to make sure they have enough talent and creativity to covert their chances going forward next season and the Watford star could be the perfect profile of player to deliver that.

AND in other news:, “Terms agreed”: Forest closing in on 13th signing after Mangala, Cooper will be elated…