Arsenal transfer news: £15m goal machine wanted as Mikel Arteta contacts potential midfield signing

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Here is the latest transfer news coming out of the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal continue to chase potential signings.

Arsenal are yet to make a move in the summer transfer market but fans are expecting new additions.

The Gunners just came up short in the Premier League title race and Mikel Arteta will be keen to take Arsenal a step further next season.

New signings are needed, so let’s take a look at some of the latest Arsenal rumours…

Nico Williams

Another winger appears to be on the wish list for Arsenal this summer and Arteta could move for fellow Spaniard Nico Williams.

The Athletic Club star has made a real name for himself in La Liga and is currently on international duty with Spain at Euro 2024.

HITC understands that Arsenal are interested in activating the £43million release clause in Williams’ contract, but have been left shocked by his £300,000-a-week wage demands.

Caught Offside now claim that Arsenal are ready to pay the release clause in a real push to bring Williams to North London.

Arsenal are now expected to hold further talks with Williams’ representatives as a host of other clubs – such as Chelsea and Manchester City – hold an interest.

Pedro Neto

Williams isn’t the only winger on the Arsenal radar though.

Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto has been linked with Arsenal for years now and appears to still be on the radar.

Football Transfers now suggest that Wolves are willing to sell Neto for £43million – much less than the £80million wanted in January.

Arsenal allegedly remain keen but are concerned about his injury record – and want a full medical assessment before proceeding with an offer.

Neto has picked up a number of injury problems in recent years and that is an understandable concern for any suitor.

HITC understands that Newcastle United have been in contact about signing Neto too, whilst also targeting Wolves teammate Max Kilman.

Serhou Guirassy

Arsenal are also expected to target a new striker this summer and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy is being linked with a move to North London.

HITC understands that Guirassy was offered to Arsenal in January and he is being mentioned for the Gunners once again.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claims that Guirassy has now decided to leave Stuttgart this summer and has communicated that decision to the Bundesliga club.

Plettenberg suggests that Arsenal are in the mix alongside AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, but Chelsea are now out of the race.

Guirassy hit 28 goals in 28 Bundesliga games this past season and is ready to make a big move at 28 years of age.

Now able to leave thanks to a €17.5million (£15million) release clause in his contract, Guirassy is a man in demand this summer.

Mikel Merino

Arsenal could go for another midfielder amid questions over the future of Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey.

A left-sided central midfielder to truly replace Granit Xhaka could be targeted but fans may be surprised by links to Mikel Merino.

Spanish newspaper SPORT claim that Arteta has contacted Real Sociedad midfielder Merino over a move.

Barcelona are understood to be keen but Arteta is allegedly looking into a move himself.

Merino joined Newcastle United in 2017 but failed to make a lasting impact in the Premier League and headed to Real Sociedad after just a year in England.

Now 28 and with 23 Spain caps to his name, Merino has excelled for Real Sociedad and appears to have put himself on the Arsenal radar.

Joshua Kimmich

Another midfielder is on the Arsenal wish list with HITC understanding that the Gunners have joined the race to sign Joshua Kimmich.

The Germany star has just one year left on his Bayern Munich contract and he is open to exploring his options away from Allianz Arena.

Arsenal are now considering a move too with Arteta no doubt attracted by Kimmich’s versatility to play at right back and in midfield.

Manchester City and Liverpool are eyeing Kimmich too but Arsenal are paying close attention to his contract situation in Bavaria.

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

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‘Really good footballer’: Conor Coady wowed by Euro 2024 midfielder Arsenal want to sign

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal proved last summer what a difference a top-quality midfielder makes to their team.

After months and months of speculation, Mikel Arteta got his wish and the club paid a club-record transfer for Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain proceeded to be Arsenal’s best player in his debut campaign despite the club missing out on the Premier League title on the last day.

But Arsenal need to go again because it’s not easy moving the trophy-winning machine of Manchester City and the London club probably need two high-quality players for each position.

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Many midfielders have been tipped to secure a transfer to Arsenal this summer, with HITC revealing that they have joined the race of Bayern Munich star, Joshua Kimmich.

But he isn’t the only one tipped to join the Gunners because there is also interest in Everton star, Amadou Onana.

The 22-year-old was lauded for his performance at Euro 2024 as Belgium picked up their first win in the competition when they beat Romania.

Conor Coady labelled Onana, who he played alongside at Goodison Park for a brief period, as a ‘really, really good footballer’, as he told Match of the Day.

The former centre-back added that Onana is ‘fantastic’ at breaking up play and then allowing the forward-thinking players to do their work.

In Belgium’s case, he let Kevin de Bruyne and Youri Tielemans sing and dance in the final third and maintain their team’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Amadou Onana at Euro 2024 with Belgium

“I played with Amadou at Everton and he is a really, really good footballer,” said Coady. “We all knew how much he loved playing for Belgium.

“He’s fantastic at that. Breaking up play. Big, long legs and he can cover the pitch. But he is massive and he can run. He is a fantastic player. Whenever those two went forward, de Bruyne and Tielemans, he was the one sitting.”

Arsenal linked with Amadou Onana

There is interest in Onana from Arsenal and you could see Arteta working wonders with a man of his quality.

With the ball, in possession and causing issues in the final third, you feel there is work to do, but you could see him improving at Arsenal.

READ MORE: Cesc Fabregas says Arsenal now have a ‘great leader’ who reminds him of himself

The only thing is the price tag that would be on his head and can Arsenal splash the cash in big ways again?

There is a Premier League tax on Onana’s head, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements for that reason.

The post ‘Really good footballer’: Conor Coady wowed by Euro 2024 midfielder Arsenal want to sign appeared first on HITC.

‘I am more disappointed’: David Moyes slams Liverpool star during crunch Euro 2024 clash

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool duo Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai were in action for their respective nations during a crunch Euro 2024 clash on Sunday.

This was their final group game, with Scotland knowing a win would seriously aid their chances of progressing through to the knockout stages and Hungary hoping for a similar miracle.

Liverpool fans have seen what Andy Robertson is all about on the domestic circuit because, for years and years, he has provided winning performances after winning performance under the now-departed Jurgen Klopp.

Whilst those very same supporters are still yet to see the true worth of Dominik Szoboszlai because his debut campaign in the Premier League was pretty mixed.

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As you would expect, it was a pretty cagey affair given what was at stake, including Scotland trying to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

In the end, it was heartbreak for the Scots because they were knocked out of Euro 2024 in the cruellest of ways after Kevin Csoboth scored a 100th-minute winner.

During the match, David Moyes was critical of Robertson because he wanted more from the Liverpool man, from an attacking sense, as he told Match of the Day on BBC One.

The former West Ham United boss highlighted how Robertson ‘delivers brilliantly well’ from an attacking sense when in Liverpool colours, but he wasn’t seeing the same deployed in his national colours.

From a defensive aspect, you can’t be critical of Robertson because he was his old self, aggressive and winning his duels, including stopping Szoboszlai from shooting on the edge of the box with a brilliant tackle.

But he was subbed off towards the end and then Scotland went on to suffer a very late defeat.

Andy Robertson at Euro 2024 during Scotland v Hungary

“I am more disappointed that Andy Robertson hasn’t given a chance with a couple of opportunities to cross it in,” said Moyes.

“He delivers brilliantly well for Liverpool and I am expecting him to put the ball in the right areas because we have people who can head it and then we have the chance to score. But we haven’t put that ball in the right areas to give us that opportunity.”

Andy Robertson heading home after Scotland knocked out of Euro 2024

Robertson is heading home early and it’s going to be a bitter pill to swallow for the all-action left-back because they were very close – he now starts a new chapter under Arne Slot.

Just that one goal was needed against Hungary and they had the chances towards the end, only to commit too many men forward in stoppage-time and they were punished.

READ MORE: Paul Merson agrees Euro 2024 star Liverpool sold ‘doesn’t look like a footballer’

But the fact of the matter is, Steve Clarke’s side weren’t good enough in their opening game. Way too defensive and they were smacked 5-1 by Germany.

It’s a success for Scotland to be reaching the European Championships because it isn’t the norm for them, but this defeat is going to sting very much.

The post ‘I am more disappointed’: David Moyes slams Liverpool star during crunch Euro 2024 clash appeared first on HITC.

‘That’s crazy': Frank Leboeuf reacts to Euro 2024 star possibly returning to Chelsea

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Chelsea fans are probably feeling a little deflated as they listen and watch the transfer rumour mill throw up deals that could be concluded this summer.

It has been pretty obvious as to what the plan from the powers that be at Chelsea has been ever since they replaced Roman Abramovich.

Todd Boehly has come under fire and, whilst they have signed some hugely talented stars, fans want those experienced heads through their doors, so they can make a return to the Champions League.

But young star after young star has been linked, including the most recent suggestion that they are closing in on Aston Villa youngster, Omari Kellyman, with Ian Maatsen set to move to Villa Park.

Yet, those Chelsea fans watching Euro 2024 must be thinking ‘what if’ because a certain former player is ripping it up.

Two games N’Golo Kante has played for France and picked up two Man of the Match awards after leaving Stamford Bridge and joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last summer. 

Frank Leboeuf was asked about Kante possibly making a return to Chelsea and he thinks it was a ‘huge mistake’ to let him go in the first place.

The former World Cup winner even joked that Kante would ‘cost them too much’ and thinks it’s ‘crazy’ he is no longer at the club, as he told ESPN.

The 33-year-old earned hero status at Leicester City after helping them win a memorable Premier League title and then took his game to even higher heights in West London.

But injury problems curtailed the latter months of his Chelsea career and now Leboeuf has shut down the possibility of a return.

N’Golo Kante to return to Chelsea? 

“It would cost them too much, even for Boehly,” laughed Leboeuf about Kante re-joining Chelsea.

“I don’t think Kante wants to go back. That’s crazy. He shouldn’t have left. That’s for sure. But that isn’t part of Boehly and his fellow friend’s idea of what they want to bring in the future of Chelsea. He was too old for them, so it was time to get rid of him, which was the biggest mistake. 

“They needed, as I always said, experienced players. Kante should have stayed and signed for life.”

N’Golo Kante at Euro 2024

The World Cup winner is proving that class is permanent because he has probably been the standout performer at this summer’s European Championships.

It needs to be remembered that France have Real Madrid and Champions League-winning duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni to pick from. 

READ MORE: Chelsea confirm agreement to sign Brazilian wonderkid for £60 million, teenager to join up next summer

Yet, they have been benched by Kante who is playing like he never left European football.

Some felt that moving to a so-called lesser league would probably hamper the sharpness and speed of his game.

But it has been far from that because Kante is looking as good as he has ever looked. 

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‘Makes total sense’: Shaka Hislop reacts to West Ham United transfer rumour

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

West Ham United will begin a new chapter next season after the departure of David Moyes.

In recent seasons, West Ham fans have been used to the team finishing in Europe, or even better, winning the Conference League.

That’s why there is huge pressure on Julen Lopetegui and he is going to need the summer transfer market to enhance his squad.

But whilst many fans will be eagerly waiting to see who the club could bring in this summer, amid suggestions that they are keen on Max Kilman.

West Ham have to keep hold of the players currently at the club and that’s where a certain Edson Alvarez comes into the picture.

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The Mexican star moved to the London Stadium last summer and enjoyed an encouraging 12 months in Claret & Blue colours, even if it was a poor campaign from the team as a whole.

But it has been suggested that Manchester United could be keen on the defensive-minded midfielder.

Shaka Hislop thinks that Alvarez moving to Old Trafford, who will be playing Europa League football next term, ‘makes total sense’, as he told ESPN.

The former West Ham goalkeeper highlighted the 26-year-old’s disciplinary issue and how that is a problem in his game.

Alvarez played 42 matches in all competitions last term and picked up 17 yellow cards, but didn’t get sent off, amazingly enough.

Edson Alvarez to Manchester United?

“Edson Alvarez makes total sense to me,” said Hislop. “There are question marks about Casemiro and his future. And Saudi Arabia’s interest.

“Edson Alvarez has really been that good for West Ham. The complaint being he gets himself into disciplinary problems on the field. Picking up too many cheap yellow cards, and therefore, missing too many games, cheaply and without need. Without question, I think he is talented enough.”

West Ham United need to keep hold of their top players

Yes, they are without any European football and that does put them on the back foot if the teams higher up come knocking.

From Euro 2024 star Jarrod Bowen to Alvarez in midfield. This is the time to keep these players, build and then try to get back into Europe.

READ MORE: £17m striker liked by West Ham and Crystal Palace spotted arriving for medical

It’s going to be very difficult because the queue of teams wanting those top seven spots is pretty incredible.

It needs to be noted that Manchester United might be playing Europa League football next term, but they still finished eighth and their FA Cup final win was huge in them rescuing their campaign.

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‘Very weird’: Don Hutchison expecting Newcastle to sign PL star amid triple Aston Villa transfer deal

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Aston Villa and Newcastle United would ideally like to spend how much ever they want in the transfer market.

But PSR (profit and sustainability rules) and FFP (financial fair play) simply don’t allow it, which leaves the fanbases of those clubs very frustrated.

Newcastle United secured Champions League football last term after Eddie Howe did a remarkable job in his first full season in charge of the club.

And Unai Emery followed suit 12 months later by helping Aston Villa to Europe’s elite competition.

But before Villa fans can enjoy that, they have to part ways with Douglas Luiz, who is expected to join Juventus.

Two players are expected to head the other way – Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea – added to that, in a separate deal, the Midlands club are also set to sign Chelsea fullback and Borussia Dortmund Champions League finalist, Ian Maatsen.

This was described as ‘very weird’ by Don Hutchison because he feels those players don’t start for Villa, even if they are hampered by PSR.

The former midfielder also mentioned that Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be leaving Everton and joining Newcastle United for the very same reasons, as he told ESPN.

The rules are clearly the issue here and it wouldn’t be a surprise if it changes after the window slams shut, but it has still left Hutchison perplexed.

Aston Villa to sign Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea and Ian Maatsen

“It’s just very weird, apart from the money side of it and PSR, it’s very weird that you could be bringing three players in, who in my opinion, don’t start in your first team,” said Hutchison about Villa’s incoming players. 

“Iling Jr doesn’t start for them. Barrenechea is a player at Frosinone where he played a handful of games. Three games I think for Juve and went there and done quite well. But he’s not ready to step into an Aston Villa side. Yes, they are in the Champions League and that’s another body. Maatsen had a really good season, but he is up against Alex Moreno and Lucas Diane, so he has got competition to try and start.

“The footballing side of it. You are bringing three players in who are potentially just going to be squad players. But the PSR and the accounting rules are where these deals are getting done because we are starting to see maybe Dominic Calvert-Lewin going from Everton to Newcastle, with another player going in the opposite direction. The window isn’t even open yet. It’s all accountancy. It’s very, very weird and well above my head.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin to join Newcastle United from Everton?

This is an interesting one and it probably indicates that Callum Wilson will leave after another injury-hit campaign.

The only question fans will ask is why replace one injury-prone player for another?

READ MORE: ‘I like him’… Wayne Rooney speaks out on Newcastle United ace

Calvert-Lewin has had issues of his for many years now, but still managed to play 32 Premier League matches last term.

He scored seven goals and ironically enough ended his goal drought at St James’ Park.

It does need to be noted that Calvert-Lewin just turned 27 and Wilson is 32, so from that sense, it allows Howe to possibly still state that the best-ever season from the Everton man is yet to come, sources have told HITC that they are in talks.

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‘At Celtic’: What Ange Postecoglou said about Callum McGregor and Andy Robertson at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is hoping to make history with Scotland at Euro 2024 and he has a fan in Ange Postecoglou.

The Tottenham Hotspur boss enjoyed a fruitful and successful spell during his days at Celtic, including winning the Treble.

That spell in Glasgow for the outspoken coach has resulted in Ange Postecoglou admitting that ‘I am on the Scotland bandwagon’ at this European Championships in Germany.

After getting thrashed and humiliated by Germany on the opening night of Euro 2024, Steve Clarke’s side bounced back by fighting their way to a point against Switzerland. 

Celtic captain Callum McGregor received a lot of criticism for his opening performance, but he answered those critics by providing the assist for Scott McTominay’s goal against the Swiss, as John McGinn and Robertson were also back to their best. 

But now, if the Scots beat Hungary on Sunday in their final group game, then there is a strong chance that they progress to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Postecoglou stated that they will ‘relish’ this opportunity against the Hungarians and he highlighted the performances of certain players.

The Greek-born Australian namechecked the likes of Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor and how they were back to harassing their opponents and playing with ‘real energy’, as he told ITV Sport. 

And Postecoglou feels another dose of that makes Scotland a ‘good bet’ to create history.

Scotland v Hungary at Euro 2024

“I have to declare, I am on the Scotland bandwagon,” said Postecoglou. “I follow them since I was up at Celtic for a couple of years.

“They got blown away in their first game. It’s always hard when you are facing the hosts, the first game of the tournament, it could go either way and the hosts could be nervous. But you could see that Germany were really flying. That’s probably as passive as I have seen the Scottish team in quite a long time. 

“Their strength, and they showed it in the second game, it’s just the capacity to run, harass and real energy. Robertson, McGinn, McGregor, Billy Gilmour and McTominay. If they can bring that, then they can cause any team problems. I think they will relish that (against Hungary). Spoken about making history, and getting through the group phase (for the first time in their history) and I think they are a good bet for that. I do (miss the Scotland fans). That’s part of the reason I am on the bandwagon. The atmosphere they create.”

Can Scotland progress at Euro 2024?

It’s all great people waxing lyrical about Scotland’s response to the Germany defeat, but they still didn’t win.

They now have to find their shooting boots and stop gifting goals to their opponents because they have done that in their two games.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton praises Celtic star who ‘refuses to hide’

You suspect the same XI that started the last game will line up for the final game, apart from the forced change of Kieran Tierney missing out after his tournament-ending injury.

There have been some suggestions that Tierney could possibly return to Celtic, but another injury has further dented his chances of making a move this summer, especially if his injury is serious. 

The post ‘At Celtic’: What Ange Postecoglou said about Callum McGregor and Andy Robertson at Euro 2024 appeared first on HITC.