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Wolverhampton Wanderers could be heading back to Barcelona for loan targets…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, due to Barcelona’s struggles with registering players, precocious youngster Nico Gonzalez has been touted out for loan.

Wolves are the club who have shown the most interest, with the relationship with both the club and Jorge Mendes said to be aiding matters.

The La Liga giants do not want to sell the midfielder, so Bruno Lage would have to settle for just one year of the Spaniard.

 He would add much-needed depth

Wolves’ connection with Barcelona could once again come to fruition here, as they look to add another body to a midfield going through something of a transitional phase.

With Joao Moutinho now 35 years old and Ruben Neves strongly linked with a move away from the club, the stability that this highly-rated youngster could bring to Molineux would be invaluable.

It would ensure the former that he would not be overused throughout the season, whilst reinforcing their ambition to Neves by shopping from football’s top shelf again.

The 20-year-old Spaniard had something of a breakout season in 2021/22, featuring 36 times for Barcelona’s first team across La Liga, the Supercopa, the Copa del Rey and both the Champions League and the Europa League. This one campaign has already seen him earn more high-level experience than many players obtain in a whole career.

The £10k-per-week maestro impressed greatly last term and was lauded as “spectacular” last summer by former Barcelona player Cesc Fabregas, a claim which is backed up by the youngster’s statistical returns.

He ranked in the top 1% for dribbles completed and top 4% for progressive carries per 90 among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, outlining him as a dynamic midfielder with the ability to drive his team up the pitch.

Allying this with 2.67 shot-creating actions per match further suggests that he could certainly add something to the Old Gold midfield, which has lacked such dynamism in recent years – Neves was the only Wolves player in that area to score more than two league goals last term.

Seen as part of a “very talented generation” at Camp Nou, a full season with some added Premier League experience could be beneficial for both clubs and for the player, whilst also strengthening Wolves’ bond with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Bruno Lage could definitely do worse than to have a La Masia graduate with the world at his feet dictating play in midfield, and the 20-year-old would likely push those already at Molineux to earn their places in the team.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on the signing of free agent Cheikhou Kouyate, with the Reds now in ‘advanced talks’ to acquire his signature.

The Lowdown: Kouyate linked with Forest move

The 32-year-old is currently without a club after his contract expired at Crystal Palace earlier in the summer.

Forest emerged as potential suitors for Kouyate at the beginning of this week, with Steve Cooper still eyeing up a dominant midfield signing before the end of the transfer window.

It now looks as though a move is closer than ever, following a significant update.

The Latest: Reds close to next signing

According to Football Insider, Forest are now in ‘advanced talks’ with Kouyate over a summer move, as they aim to ‘add some experience and steel to their squad’.

The midfielder tasted Africa Cup of Nations glory with Senegal earlier in the year, in what was arguably the crowning moment of his career to date, and looks likely to become Dane Murphy and Co’s 13th capture of the summer before the move for Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Verdict: Shrewd, experienced signing?

Kouyate could be a shrewd signing by Forest after their comprehensive 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United in the Premier League last weekend, with the midfield possibly in need of an experienced head.

The Senegalese veteran has registered 14 goals and assists piece in 258 Premier League appearances, highlighting his pedigree, not to mention playing 206 times for Anderlecht, too.

Kouyate is the type of player who could allow others – like Gibbs-White – to flourish further forward and provide stability in midfield, having averaged both 1.9 tackles and aerial duel wins per game in the league for Palace last season.

Everton have had a busy few weeks in terms of new signings, with five players joining the squad at Goodison Park, but they may now be starting to offload a few of the current squad as an update is revealed by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist and former Everton communications director Alan Myers, Dele Alli could be on his way out of the club before the transfer window closes on 1st September.

Myers tweeted: “As reported Dele Alli is in talks with @Besiktas over a move to Turkey, could be a loan or permanent move depending on how talks progress”.

When asked for the reason as to why the former Tottenham star was looking for an exit, the reporter claimed: “I think he wants to play more football”.

It’s the right move

With Frank Lampard keen to improve his squad this summer to avoid another relegation scrap at the bottom of the Premier League, it’s the right move for the club to offload players who can’t cut it, and Alli hasn’t shown so far that he is much of a prospect for the future at Goodison Park.

He joined the Merseyside club on the same day as Lampard himself on transfer deadline day in January but has been unable to make his mark on the team so far, accruing just 13 appearances averaging out at a mere 27 minutes apiece, with no goals or assists to show for it.

The 26-year-old flop joined Everton in a deal worth £40m after struggling to secure a starting spot at Spurs under Antonio Conte. It looks as if his current boss doesn’t favour the attacking midfielder either due to his lack of inclusion in the team, even though Everton had one of the worst injury crises in the Premier League last season.

Lampard recently spoke out following Alli’s performance in pre-season against Blackpool as he netted a brace against the Championship side (via Liverpool Echo), saying: “They are goals I want to see from him. It was a trademark of his as he broke through at Tottenham for a number of seasons, and we all know what has happened in between.

“But, if he is going to get back to the best of what we want from him he has to arrive into those areas and score those kind of goals. He also has to work on his general play and be part of the team and understand what we are trying to do. I saw some good things there.”

Since the start of the new season, Alli – who was branded “shocking” by Jamie O’Hara after Spurs’ defeat to NS Mura last autumn – has again not been favoured, playing just 19 minutes of football over the first two Premier League games.

With that in mind, it seeems clear that the 26-year-old is not prominent in Lampard’s plans this season, so a move away from Everton could be highly beneficial and the best outcome for both the player and the club.

Arsenal transfer target Pedro Neto could be available for a late move this window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min, who have delivered an update on the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger and his current situation at Molineux.

It’s thought that intermediaries have been in contact with other clubs to let them know that ‘Neto could very well be available at the right price,’ though it remains to be seen what that could exactly be.

CIES Football Observatory currently value him in the region of £17m but figures in excess of £50m were banded about last summer.

The Gunners, as well as their Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, are interested in the Portugal international.

Edu must move

Earlier this month, transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones claimed to GIVEMESPORT that the north London giants had actually enquired about the possibility of signing the Wolves man.

And now that manager Mikel Arteta has received a boost in their pursuit, it’s on technical director Edu Gaspar to get this deal over the line before deadline day on September 1st.

Neto would be quite the signing indeed, with the Gunners in the market for a new right-sided wing option. They missed out on a move for Raphinha, who swapped Leeds United for FC Barcelona, and the future of £72m club-record signing Nicolas Pepe is by no means certain.

The 22-year-old would be an ideal fit at the Emirates Stadium as FBref liken his statistical profile to current Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, who has become an integral part of the Arteta era.

Last season in the Premier League, Neto ranked within the top 1% of his positional peers for crosses (4.44 per 90), the top 2% for key passes (2.51 per 90) and the top 3% for shot-creating actions (4.44 per 90), via FBref, which suggests that he is a very creative presence on the flank, not only regularly proving balls in but also generating plenty of other chances for his side.

And those numbers were after his return from serious injury, only making them all that more impressive. Meanwhile, he enjoyed a full season of action in 2020/21, where he delivered five goals and six assists in 31 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s no wonder that he has been lauded as a “huge talent” by former top-flight talisman Alan Shearer, as well as “sensational” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Just imagine Arsenal’s starting XI with Gabriel Martinelli on the left, Neto on the right and Gabriel Jesus through the middle. It’s a mouthwatering prospect with their Brazilian duo already netting four times this season and only adds to the reasons why Edu needs to act fast.

£50m or possibly more is quite a sizeable investment but over the last few years, the Portuguese has proven his credentials in the Premier League and unlike with Pepe, who had never played in England prior to his move, there would certainly be less risk with Neto.

AND in other news, Signed for £6m, now worth 600% more: Arsenal struck gold with 33 G/A “real diamond”…

‘Aston Villa have approached Southampton’ over centre-back Jan Bednarek, according to Dan Sheldon and Gregg Evans of The Athletic. 

The lowdown

Villa may have been forced into the market for another central defender after learning that they would be without summer signing Diego Carlos for six months.

Carlos ruptured his achilles tendon on his home debut against Everton last weekend.

Bednarek, 26, has played 133 Premier League games for Southampton since he joined from Lech Poznan in 2017.

He seemingly features on a shortlist that also includes Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea.

The latest

Sheldon wrote on Twitter that Villa have established contact with the Saints ‘over a possible deal’ for Bednarek.

‘AVFC [are] keen to replace the injured Diego Carlos’ and crucially, Southampton are ‘open to selling the defender’.

He also notes that Bednarek isn’t their only option, with Villa ‘looking at other targets’ too.

The verdict

Bednarek isn’t necessarily someone who will make his presence felt in the middle third of the pitch through passing or ball-carrying, but he can make decisive contributions at either end.

He racks up a very high volume of defensive actions, ranking in the top 13 percentiles for aerial duels won, clearances, blocks and interceptions.

And he’s also a threat in the opposition penalty area, with his 0.13 non-penalty goals for 90 enough to place him in the 97th percentile (compared to fellow centre-backs).

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has called him ‘very aggressive’ in defensive duels but ‘calm’ in possession, and says ‘he’s a very good package as a centre-back’.

One player who might be able to endorse the Polish defender is Danny Ings, a former team-mate at Southampton.

Indeed, Bednarek says that he’s good ‘friends’ with the Villa striker, even after his move away.

Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici is a big admirer of Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, according to football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Strong window

Spurs have enjoyed a strong summer transfer window having welcomed seven fresh faces to Hotspur Way.

Unlike previous years when the club have been accused of selling-to-buy, it seems like a major change has taken place in the Lilywhites’ transfer strategy.

Therefore, even when fringe players have been on the cusp of leaving, it has been made imperative that an adequate addition comes in to take their place in the squad.

The Latest: ASM links

With Bryan Gil now expected to join Valencia on loan, Conte has reportedly demanded a direct replacement for the 21-year-old.

As such, reports have emerged linking various wide players with N17 moves in recent weeks.

Gold has weighed in on Tottenham’s possible transfer targets, revealing interest in a number of Premier League players.

And according to his report for football.london, Paratici is a big admirer of Newcastle forward Saint-Maximin.

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The Verdict: Great addition

Recently praised by Magpies boss Eddie Howe for his ‘electric’ performance against Manchester City on Sunday after he contributed two assists in the 3-3 draw, it is easy to see why Conte would want a Premier League proven speedster in his Lilywhites squad.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Frenchman ranks in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed and in the 87th percentile for progressive carries – illustrating his ability to terrorise defences at ease.

With Spurs now looking to build upon the strong foundations of their current squad, the addition of Saint-Maximin at Hotspur Way would provide fantastic depth and quality, sparking fierce competition amongst the attacking ranks at N17.

Arsenal have tabled a third and final offer for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Two bids from Arsenal

The Brazilian has been the subject of great interest on the final day of the summer transfer window, with a Villa Park exit potentially on the cards.

Arsenal have emerged as the clear front-runners to sign him before the 11pm deadline on Thursday evening, seeing two offers rejected so far and as Villa hold firm.

Luiz is in the final year of his current deal, meaning they could lose him on a free transfer next summer, but that doesn’t seem to have made NSWE any less stubborn.

The Latest: Third offer tabled

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sky Sports man Bridge claimed that Arsenal had made a third and final bid for Luiz’s services right at the end of deadline day:

“It’s now or never for Arsenal. One final bid has gone in for Douglas Luiz.”

The Verdict: Hold firm?

Luiz has become such an important player for Villa, providing energy and quality at the heart of the midfield – he has a 90.9% pass completion rate in the Premier League so far this season – so it is encouraging to see them not bowing to Arsenal’s pressure.

It seems clear that they are hellbent on keeping him for the remainder of the season, and with Leander Dendonker joining from Wolves, Steven Gerrard could suddenly have extra midfield depth at his disposal.

There may still be time for Arsenal to get their man but it could be that only a further improved fourth offer will be enough to prise him away.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) will reportedly now make James Maddison their top January target for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Failed summer move

Maddison was linked with a move to St. James’ Park throughout the summer transfer window, and they even reportedly had a bid rejected by Leicester City for the midfield maestro.

With the window now closed, clubs have to look to January if they want to strengthen their squad further ahead of the rest of the season, and it sounds like the chase for Maddison could well be reignited in the winter window.

The Latest: Top January target

Taking to Twitter, Magpies journalist for The Northern Echo Scott Wilson has revealed that the Tynesiders will now make Maddison their ‘number one January target’, adding that Eddie Howe ‘still wants’ a new attacking midfielder:

“#NUFC will make James Maddison their number one January target. Eddie Howe still wants an attacking-midfielder, and Maddison has entered final two years of current deal and was keen to move to Tyneside in the summer…”

The Verdict: Could be possible

Given Leicester’s poor start to the season, and the fact they are currently experiencing financial troubles, it is plausible that Maddison could be moved on in January for the right price.

Hailed as ‘amazing‘ last term by former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, the Englishman recorded the most goal contributions of any Foxes player in the division, tallying an impressive 12 goals and eight assists from midfield (WhoScored).

This campaign, he already has two goals and one assist in the Premier League in a struggling side, and would complete a dangerous Toon midfield that could see him play alongside Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Nonetheless, there are sure to be other clubs in for his signature, and so NUFC need to make sure that they are first in the race.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has withdrawn from the Guinea squad because of an injury. 

The lowdown

Guinea surprised Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp when they included Keita in their squad for their friendlies against Algeria and the Ivory Coast.

Klopp said that he did not expect Keita to be back in time for the international window, instead predicting a return ‘somewhere in October’ (via the official club website).

The former RB Leipzig man hasn’t played a single minute for the Reds this season as he struggles with a muscle injury.

The latest

The Guinean Football Federation have officially confirmed Keita’s withdrawal and return to Merseyside.

They say their ‘technical staff’ took the final decision and opted to follow Liverpool’s treatment protocols.

The verdict

This is a wise decision for both the player and the association. Rushing Keita back may have exacerbated his issue, and strained relations between the Guinean FA and Liverpool.

While there’s a lack of clarity around the exact return date, the Reds will hope that he can make a significant contribution prior to the World Cup as they face a stretch of 13 games in 42 days.

One competition the £120,000-per-week man won’t be playing in before the turn of the year, though, is the Champions League, after the Reds opted to omit him from the squad during his absence.

Arsenal’s youth academy is one of the best in the business and both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are shining examples of that.

The homegrown pair have gone from being mere Hale End prospects to England internationals in the space of just a couple of years, largely thanks to the clear path to the Gunners’ first-team under manager Mikel Arteta.

We got to witness another glimpse of that before the recent break when the Spaniard handed a record-breaking debut to 15-year-old prodigy Ethan Nwaneri.

The schoolboy midfielder became the youngest-ever player to feature in the Premier League after Arteta sent him on as a substitute in the closing moments of their 3-0 win over Brentford in west London.

Although he’s not the only young talent to receive such high acclaim in recent weeks as Nwaneri’s U18s teammate Omari Benjamin was named in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ list for 2022.

He follows the likes of Reiss Nelson (2016), the aforementioned Saka (2018) and Charlie Patino (2020) to have been named in the exciting showcase, all of whom have gone onto feature for the senior squad.

Both Nwaneri and Benjamin have a true potential to become the next Saka and Smith Rowe, given the pair have already struck up a fine understanding together at U18 level, as described by the Guardian’s Nick Ames.

The journalist has also described the Welsh 16-year-old as ‘dangerous’ from the left-flank and as having ‘exceptional speed and close control along with explosive finishing ability.’

Benjamin has been in fine form already this term, providing Jack Wilshere’s team with four goals from three outings, including a hat-trick against Spurs’ U18s, as per Transfermarkt.

In a similar fashion to the aforementioned Gunners duo, Benjamin is primarily a winger (like Saka) and Nwaneri is best deployed through the middle (like Smith Rowe), so this Hale End duo could genuinely be the next big thing to come from Arsenal’s famed setup.

Youth expert and journalist Jeorge Bird has tipped the teenager for big things, too, claiming that Benjamin is “prolific” and is “a good prospect,” whilst he has also described Nwaneri as “very skilful” with “excellent vision.”

It’s no wonder the young pair are hitting the headlines around north London this term, so in a few years’ time, Arteta could well unearth the next Saka and Smith Rowe in the exciting Hale End youth talents.

AND in other news, Arsenal handed potential injury boost ahead of Spurs, it’s great news for Arteta…