David Luiz uses just one word to describe Granit Xhaka as ex-Arsenal star shines at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal sold Granit Xhaka last summer and are witnessing the midfielder go to another level with Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland.

It’s fair to say that Granit Xhaka had an up-and-down relationship with Arsenal supporters.

Xhaka arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and Arsene Wenger was hugely excited about his arrival.

“Granit Xhaka is an exciting young player, already with good Champions League and Bundesliga experience,” said Wenger after Xhaka’s move.

“We have been watching him for a long time now and he is a player who will add quality to our squad. We wish Granit a good Euro 2016 with Switzerland and look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal ahead of next season,” he added.

Xhaka immediately became a first-team regular and scored an absolute thunderbolt against Hull City just a month into his first season.

The former Basel man continued to feature under Unai Emery but clashed with Arsenal fans back in 2019, infamously mocking Gunners supporters who booed him as he slowly walked off the pitch upon being substituted against Crystal Palace.

Xhaka rebuilt his relationship with the Arsenal fans and ended up shining under Mikel Arteta before heading back to Germany last summer.

David Luiz praises Granit Xhaka

Xhaka left Arsenal wish everybody’s best wishes – something which didn’t look likely in 2019.

The 31-year-old racked up nearly 300 appearances for Arsenal but decided to leave for Bayer Leverkusen.

The move worked out perfectly for Xhaka as Leverkusen won a domestic double without losing a single game.

Leverkusen’s only defeat of the season was the Europa League final, so Xhaka enjoyed quite the season under Xabi Alonso.

Xhaka is now excelling at Euro 2024 too, with his Switzerland performances making him one of the top midfielders in the competition.

Xhaka has been controlling games for Switzerland and will be looking to dump England out of Euro 2024 this weekend.

Arsenal fans still love Xhaka and have so much respect for him, and it turns out one of his former Gunners teammates feels the same way.

Xhaka took to Instagram to post an inspiration message, stating ‘Don’t make excuses for why you can’t get it done. Focus on all the reasons why you must make it happen.’

David Luiz – Xhaka’s former teammate at Arsenal – responded with just one word, calling Xhaka a ‘machine’.

Luiz, now back in Brazil with Flamengo, clearly hasn’t forgotten about Xhaka and still loves watching him to this day.

That ‘machine’ description certainly fits the bill with Xhaka proving himself as a mainstay over the side for Leverkusen and Switzerland, going deep in tournaments across the board.

Bukayo Saka will be looking to dump Xhaka out of Euro 2024 this weekend, but it’s clear that the midfielder is still so loved by those who crossed paths with him in North London.

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

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Exclusive: Celtic may have to double bid for 'immense' Rodgers fave, £4m offer falls well short

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have failed with an opening bid of £4 million plus add-ons for Norwich City striker Adam Idah with the Republic of Ireland international valued at around twice that fee.

Adam Idah joined Celtic on loan during the January transfer window and, immediately making a positive impression, proved to be a massive success in the green and white Hoops.

The speedy centre-forward netted nine goals in 19 games. It was the timing and the importance of many of those strikes, however, which truly secured Idah fans’ favourite status in Glasgow.

Without his stoppage time strikes against Hibernian and Motherwell in the league – plus against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final – a double-winning campaign could have become a rare trophyless one for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Celtic are now hoping that a deal can be agreed to bring Idah back to Scotland on a full-time basis.

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Norwich City reject opening Celtic bid for Adam Idah

HITC reported in June that Norwich were hoping to bring in around £8 million. That is twice as much as Celtic’s initial offer, understood to be worth £4 million albeit with add-ons.

The good news for Rodgers, however, is that Norwich do appear open to a sale at the right price.

The Canaries’ sporting director, Ben Knapper, admitted recently that exits would be considered by a club who have sold the likes of Max Aarons, Andrew Omobamidele, Emi Buendia, Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis for sizeable fees in previous transfer windows.

“There’s always pressure on us here (to sell) because that’s our model,” Knapper explains to the Pink Un. “Whether we have to (sell) or we don’t, we want to and that’s what we define as success as well.

“Of course, we always want to build a team that can win games and get promotion. That’s always going to be the ambition. But as well as doing that, in order to be sustainable we have to try (and raise funds via selling players).

“So we put pressure on ourselves to do that. Every summer is no different in that respect.”

Norwich’s new head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, however, is keen to take a closer look at Idah in pre-season. The man replacing David Wagner in the Carrow Road dugout believes it would be ‘stupid’ to make any decision on the Cork-born frontman so early in his reign.

Yet, if Celtic are willing to stump up closer to the £8 million fee Norwich want, that decision may be taken out of Thorup’s hands.

Brendan Rodgers a huge fan of the Hampden hero

“The board know how I feel on Adam. That was the reason for bringing him in,” Rodgers told The Independent after Idah pounced on Jack Butland’s error to claim a dramatic victory over neighbours Rangers at Hampden Park. “He’s been a real catalyst for us, especially over the last few months.

“He has all the attributes. He’s fast, dynamic, strong. And I felt, with better positioning, he’d get goals. What he’s done since coming in is show that he’s a goalscorer. He gets different types of goals.

“He has great movement in the box and he deals with pressure moments. (In the cup fina) he was like a real number nine sniffing in and around the box.

“He’s been absolutely immense for us and he’s clearly someone I’d like to do something with. I’ve seen development in him and that’s what the game’s about – players improving. I just know with Adam that he’s got such a high ceiling.”

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Daniel Sturridge sends message to Arne Slot, thinks Liverpool ace looks like a 'different player' at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will have a close eye on some of his players who are currently away on international duty.

Euro 2024 and Copa America continue to dominate the headlines this summer but the attention will be back on the Premier League soon enough.

Liverpool will be a fascinating watch as they begin life after Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds enjoyed a superb spell with Klopp in charge but the German decided to step aside at the end of the season.

Liverpool decided to move in for Arne Slot as their new boss, handing him a huge step up from Dutch side Feyenoord.

Slot won a league title in Rotterdam but now faces enormous expectation levels at Liverpool – and the almost impossible task of replacing Klopp.

Cody Gakpo praised by Daniel Sturridge

Slot will be looking to assess his Liverpool players over pre-season with a new era upon the club.

The Dutchman will ultimately already be familiar with some players and Cody Gakpo is a perfect example.

Gakpo was a sensation for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, racking up the goals right in front of Slot.

Now a key man for the Netherlands, Gakpo had a huge impact in a 3-0 win over Romania on Tuesday.

Gakpo scored the opener to set the Netherlands on their way before brilliantly teeing up Donyell Malen to add number two.

The Liverpool ace masterfully kept the ball in play when Romanian defenders appeared to have given up, putting the game out of sight.

That is now three goals in four games at this tournament and Gakpo is again showing his brilliance on the international stage.

Gakpo was exceptional at the 2022 World Cup, prompting a big move to Liverpool just a month later.

Now shining for the Netherlands again, Gakpo has been praised by former Reds star Daniel Sturridge.

Sturridge believes that Gakpo simply looks like a different player for the Netherlands having blown hot and cold for Liverpool.

Sturridge also called on Liverpool to get the best out of him moving forward, leaving that at Slot’s feet as he starts work at Anfield.

Slot certainly knows all about Gakpo’s qualities and he may view the Netherlands star as a key player moving forward.

Gakpo has excelled as a left winger for the Netherlands but has predominantly played as a striker in a Liverpool shirt.

Luis Diaz’s future appears a little unclear and Gakpo may well be able to nail down that spot under Slot having impressed in Germany this summer.

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

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Sources: The club Jean-Clair Todibo wants to join as West Ham makes offer

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 02, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Sources have confirmed to HITC that Nice have dismissed an approach from West Ham United for central defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been the subject of talks with Manchester United.

Manchester United are understood be keen on signing two central defenders as they are open to offers for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this summer.

The Red Devils have agreed personal terms with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite but have yet to agree a deal with the Toffees and have moved onto alternatives.

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt is attracting interest from the Red Devils but Jean-Clair Todibo is also a name that remains under consideration at United.

United prevented from completing Tobido deal with OGC Nice

United have been unable to finalise a deal for Todibo to move to Old Trafford due to Ineos owning both clubs and UEFA rules preventing teams in the same competition – Europa League in this instance – from doing deals.

HITC have previously reported that the Red Devils are exploring avenues to solve this problem with UEFA. One of the potential solutions include possibly taking up the issue with the Court of Arbitration in Sport to try and get Todibo his move to Old Trafford.

However, this delay has left other clubs, who may have an interest in the French defender, to step forward and attempt to get a deal over the line for the 24-year-old.

HITC is told that Todibo’s focus is on joining United, but he would like a move to the Premier League, and this could hand West Ham United a chance of his signature.

Ineos prepared to sanction sale but price gap emerges

If Ineos, who own both United and Nice, do not believe a deal can be resurrected to take the defender to Old Trafford, then they would sanction the sale of the defender elsewhere.

The valuation of the Frenchman is understood to be around £40 million, but this is currently some way away from West Ham’s proposal of £25 million.

A source at Nice has informed HITC that the French side dismissed the offer from the Hammers as soon as it arrived, they want £40 million.

West Ham are assessing the situation, but it is understood there is other interest from around Europe in Todibo, who enjoyed an excellent season in the south of France.

The post Sources: The club Jean-Clair Todibo wants to join as West Ham makes offer appeared first on HITC.

Daniel Levy is about to pull off one of his best transfer deals at Tottenham for Ange Postecoglou - opinion

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur are yet to really introduce themselves to the 2024 summer transfer window.

You just wonder what the expectations are of the fans because, whilst Ange Postecoglou has brought some much-needed life back into the team, you know there is always something to bring it down.

In years gone by, Daniel Levy might have been a marmite-like figure for some of his transfer deals or even the lack of them.

But ever since Postecoglou replaced Antonio Conte in the Tottenham dugout, he has been backed and that was proven last summer.

Before a ball was kicked, you could argue that the signing of the summer was James Maddison because he was a player the team very much craved.

Yes, as the season went on, players like Guglielmo Vicario and especially Micky van de Ven seriously impressed and became fan favourites.

But nothing beats the capture and signing of Maddison. Take away his injury lay-off that derailed his season, he was outstanding and a breath of fresh air for most parts.

However, could that possible deal now be beaten by the London club ahead of the new Premier League season?

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Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Archie Gray deal

Graeme Bailey has told TBR that Tottenham are closing in on a deal to sign Leeds United’s highly-rated talent, Archie Gray.

The 18-year-old played 44 Championship matches last term at right-back and in the middle of the park but Leeds were beaten by Southampton in the play-off final.

If Levy can pull this one off for Postecoglou, then it would be the best transfer deal he has done yet since he joined the club – sources have told HITC that they could beat Brentford to this deal.

Gray is an incredible talent and very much loved by the Leeds fans. Football is in his blood. His family name has repped the Yorkshire outfit through the decades.

But you must be excited if you are a Spurs fan as to what this player can transform into.

Archie Gray under Ange Postecoglou

There will be some pointing towards a certain Jack Clarke and how he struggled when he made this very same move in 2019.

Spurs were in a completely different headspace then. They were just overcoming the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, senior players were leaving and big changes were being made.

READ MORE: ‘Excellent…’ Ange Postecoglou lauds Tottenham Hotspur star’s performance at Euro 2024

It has taken a fair few years, but they now have a manager who suits their style of play and will be perfect for a player like Gray.

Postecoglou has a no-nonsense style about him. He will verbally batter you if he doesn’t like what he sees, but equally, he will also put his arm around your shoulder if need be.

That’s perfect for Gray, as well as playing in an attacking system where he can put his head up and express himself.

And just take a look at Postecoglou’s signings so far, they have all showcased promise, high quality and improved since moving to the club, so there isn’t any reason why Gray can’t do the same.

The post Daniel Levy is about to pull off one of his best transfer deals at Tottenham for Ange Postecoglou - opinion appeared first on HITC.

'Sends shivers': Gary Neville amazed by ‘really special’ Euro 2024 player Arsenal want to sign

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal know too well that they can’t leave no stone unturned in their quest to become champions of England.

The London club have done all they can to dethrone the might of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

But even after Arsenal spent a club-record transfer on Declan Rice last summer and had a pretty good injury record, they still missed out on winning the Premier League title on the final day of the campaign.

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What do Arsenal need to get over that line? Let’s be honest, you are talking about very small details here because there isn’t much in it.

Some would look towards the team needing to be stronger mentally, Arteta not affording to make even the smallest of tactical mistakes or even signing another top talent to take them to even higher heights.

Euro 2024 is currently taking centre stage, with the knockout stages now underway and teams already heading home.

Not many players and teams have impressed like Spain after they dispatched and destroyed Georgia 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals.

One of Spain’s key players is a man Arsenal want to sign this summer, as sources have told HITC, and that’s Athletic Bilbao star, Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old was much fancied to impress before the tournament started and he isn’t disappointing.

Gary Neville labelled him ‘really special’ and thinks Williams’ counter-attacking goal against Georgia, very different from their possession style, will be ’sending shivers down the spine of people’, as he told ITV Sport.

Nico Williams stars for Spain at Euro 2024

“The freedom these two wide players (Williams and Lamine Yamal) are playing with is incredible,” said Neville. “You watched Spain since day one and the possession is devastating and so difficult to play against.

“But when you add a counter-attack like this (Williams’ goal), then it really makes the football team because this goal is one that will send shivers down people’s spine. 

“All of a sudden, they have got this amazing threat on the counter. Nico Williams there, he just waits for the defender, the defender tries to commit himself outside of the box because he doesn’t want to give the penalty. Williams waits for the goalkeeper to go down, sits him down, a little delay, looks at him and then lifts it. These are two (Williams and Lamine Yamal) are two really special talents that are causing massive problems.”

Arsenal’s transfer interest in Nico Williams

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are the two players who occupy the left flank for Arsenal, with the latter having an outstanding campaign last time out and also being able to play down the middle.

The same can’t be said for Martinelli because his form dipped and you just wonder if Arteta will look to replace him.

READ MORE: Alan Shearer says player Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sold is now ‘bossing’ it at Euro 2024

Arsenal fans have seen this before with their manager. He isn’t afraid to be ruthless and make certain calls you don’t see coming.

That was proven when David Raya replaced Aaron Ramsdale, so there’s no reason why Arsenal shouldn’t push the boat out for Williams this summer because he would really excite the supporters. 

The post 'Sends shivers': Gary Neville amazed by ‘really special’ Euro 2024 player Arsenal want to sign appeared first on HITC.

’They couldn’t get near him’: Alan Shearer says player Arsenal sold is 'bossing' it at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on July 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Football can be a funny old game and Arsenal fans know that better than most.

Over the years, their emotions, from Arsene Wenger to Mikel Arteta, have swung around like a roundabout and you just don’t know where Arsenal were heading, at times.

Yes, now there is stability and they are pushing for the Premier League title once more ahead of the new season.

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But once upon a time, that wasn’t the case and one man truly summed up Arsenal as a football club.

Not many would argue that Granit Xhaka, who is now at Bayer Leverkusen, was a marmite-like figure in the Premier League and he went from zero to hero during his time at the Emirates.

Just as Xhaka was showcasing life and serious performances for Arsenal, he left, moved back to Germany, signed for Xabi Alonso and won a historic Bundesliga title with Leverkusen.

And now at Euro 2024, he is doing wonders in the colours of Switzerland because Alan Shearer thinks he is ‘bossing’ it for his country in the middle of the park, as he told Match of the Day on BBC One.

The former striker thinks Xhaka is ‘running the midfield’ and he proved that as the Swiss knocked out the reigning champions Italy.

Now that very same player and his Switzerland side will come up against England in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday.

Granit Xhaka at Euro 2024 for Switzerland

“Everyone knows their job, you could tell that how well organised and how well drilled they were, when they wanted to press, they all went and were fit enough to do that,” said Shearer.

“When you are on the ball. You have to have quality and they certainly had that. Xhaka ran and bossed the midfield.

“Everything was so simple. He just kept the ball moving. They couldn’t get near him. Every time they come for him, he passed it on, they were too late and slow.”

Granit Xhaka v Declan Rice

Arsenal fans never got to see the duo play in midfield together because they entered and left during the same summer transfer window.

But they will get to see how they compete and fair when they lock horns on Saturday for their respective teams.

READ MORE: ‘Get away…’ Sam Allardyce delivers harsh truth to England’s Bukayo Saka at Euro 2024

Xhaka is the man in form, both at club and international level.

Yes, Declan Rice has the quality and has been brilliant for Arsenal during the recently concluded season, but he hasn’t been able to transform that form onto the international stage as England struggle. 

The post ’They couldn’t get near him’: Alan Shearer says player Arsenal sold is 'bossing' it at Euro 2024 appeared first on HITC.