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Arsenal have produced their fair share of wonderful talents over the previous 25 years.

The likes of Ashley Cole, who went on to become arguably England’s finest left-back of modern times, Jack Wilshere, and Serge Gnabry have all come through the ranks at Hale End in recent times and enjoyed success either at the Gunners or elsewhere.

Recently, Mikel Arteta has been developing and creating an accessible pathway for youngsters thriving in the academy which will allow them to gain the recognition they deserve and have an opportunity to gain first-team football.

This has given players like Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun the chance to showcase their talents, and the Spaniard must be applauded for his long-term vision.

However, perhaps the finest player to emerge from Hale End in recent years is Bukayo Saka, with the 21-year-old already accumulating more than 150 senior appearances for the north London club and has emerged as not only one of the best players at the club but also in the Premier League, as evident by his form in the current campaign.

Across 20 league appearances this term, Saka has achieved a mesmerising Sofascore rating of 7.29/10, not only ranking him as the third-best performer in the Gunners’ squad but also as the 12th-best in the league as a whole, proving his class.

With 14 goal contributions (seven goals and seven assists) along with creating three big chances, making 2.4 key passes per match and taking 2.1 shots per game, its no wonder that Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the table, and the winger hasn’t even hit his peak yet.

His performances of late has seen the player valued at a staggering €110m (£98.5m) by the CIES Football Observatory, and it certainly appears that Arteta has hit the jackpot on the talented Englishman. Although he would love for the youngster to remain at Arsenal and build a team around the him, there are already potential suitors lining up, with Manchester City recently being linked with a move for Saka.

His career could have been at a crossroads at the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign after he missed a penalty in England’s shoot-out defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.

However, he rebounded superbly and Arteta had nothing but praise for the youngster, saying: “That was a big boost for him, to realise: ‘in difficult moments, these people are really going to give me support’ and the club did the same as his team-mates. Then it is about giving him that space. At his age what he is doing is phenomenal.”

If Arsenal manage to win the league this season and qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17, that could be a major boost in their hopes of keeping Saka, a player on whom the club hit the jackpot by granting him a first-team passageway and offering him a platform on which to excel.

Arsenal have a medical booked in for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and the player has even said goodbye to his teammates, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Deal agreed

The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Jorginho for an initial fee of £10m, with an additional £2m in add ons, as confirmed on Twitter by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

While Mikel Arteta will be delighted to finally bring in a new central midfielder, Arsenal may not be done there, as there have been reports that they could still look to bring in Moises Caicedo before the close of play.

And while supporters will likely have an anxious wait right up until 11pm to find out Caicedo’s fate, it seems Jorginho’s future is to be decided much sooner.

The Latest: Phillips’ update

In an interview this morning with GIVEMESPORT, Phillips confirmed that a deal could be done very soon, saying: “Jorginho expects to join Arsenal now. I’m told he even said his goodbyes yesterday at Cobham to the rest of the Chelsea players and the staff. Medical due any minute now.”

The Verdict: Shrewd signing

The fact that Arsenal could make two additions in the engine room today is great news, as the Italian would provide them with some additional depth and a proven track record in the Premier League, making 143 appearances in the competition for Chelsea.

An average of 1.63 interceptions per 90 over the past year is indicative of the maestro’s defensive qualities, while he also has something to offer on the front foot, given that he ranks in the 91st percentile for progressive passes compared to his positional peers, with an average of 5.44.

Granit Xhaka ranks in the 80th percentile for progressive passes while Thomas Partey sits in the 84th, so moving the ball forward quickly from those deep midfield positions is clearly vital to Arteta’s system, and it’s an area Jorginho excels in.

Given that he is approaching the twilight of his career at 31, the manager should still try to bring in a younger option like Caicedo, but if it is not possible, then the Brazil-born ace will still be able to hold his own until the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur could be one of the sides that could potentially lure Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer in the summer with his contract at Crystal Palace dwindling down.

What’s the latest?

Zaha is set to become a free agent this summer having spent almost nine years at Selhurst Park since returning to Palace after a spell with Manchester United.

The Ivorian’s current deal with the Eagles is set to run out at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and it does not appear, at least for now, as if the winger will be putting pen to paper on a new deal.

Despite his contract dwindling down to a conclusion, it is believed the 30-year-old is keen to remain at Palace this month and see out his contract before making a decision on where his future lies.

With the winger potentially being made available on a free transfer, journalist Ryan Taylor has spoken on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel about a move to north London being a real possibility:

(32:30) “Possible, I’d say. You know, expiring contract, we don’t expect him to sign a new deal with Palace. He could be one that, you know, given there’s no transfer fee involved. Definitely possible. Don’t envisage a move this month, but maybe at the end of the season.”

Paratici masterclass?

Interestingly, it was revealed that the attacker actually asked to join Spurs back in 2016, but a move never materialised.

It is believed Spurs are looking for another forward this month alongside a right wing-back, but we do wonder whether this is a deal which could potentially change that.

It sounds as if Spurs will have a set budget this month to address their two priority positions, however, we wonder whether Zaha’s potential availability in the summer could see Spurs put more of a focus on bringing in a right wing-back this month.

There is concern over the club not being willing to match Sporting CP’s valuation of Pedro Porro this month but with Dejan Kulusevski now spotted back in training, could a new forward be pushed back until the summer?

A potential opportunity like Zaha – hailed a “beast” by Yannick Bolasie – could see Antonio Conte handed a real threat to rival Son Heung-min who is currently struggling to find his best form in a Spurs shirt.

The Ivorian would bring vast Premier League six goals and two assists in the league this season.

Spurs have been struggling with injuries to Kulusevski and Richarlison, but with both hopefully returning in sooner rather than later, this could suddenly become a position Spurs do not find themselves struggling in.

After all, Bryan Gil has shown some promising signs of late and with this in mind, Zaha could suddenly become an attractive option for Spurs to strengthen their depth in the summer.

However, there will naturally be question marks as to whether Zaha would move to a club that he may not necessarily start. But if Tottenham have Champions League football to offer, then this could seem a viable option.

Fabio Paratici has already pulled off a fine free transfer in Ivan Perisic, could Zaha be his next?

Tottenham Hotspur wouldn’t have a problem convincing Kyle Walker-Peters to re-join, according to Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Spurs struggles

Tottenham may move to re-sign their former academy graduate Walker-Peters with their terrible defensive form potentially looking to be resurrected in the January window.

Antonio Conte’s side slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday night, the tenth game in a row they’ve conceded the first goal.

Unlike their previous encounter against Brentford, they were unable to overturn this two-goal deficit and failed to reclaim a top-four place after Manchester United leapfrogged them on Saturday.

The Latest: Walker-Peters touted

One glaring area for improvement at Spurs is the right wing-back role with Djed Spence a completely forgotten man with only four league appearances all season and Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty flattering to deceive.

The Athletic reported that the Southampton right-back would be a realistic signing, with O’Rourke telling GiveMeSport that he’d be ready to return.

“Southampton look like they’re in a real relegation dogfight now, so I think if Spurs did come calling for Kyle Walker-Peters, even though he’s already left the club once, he would find it hard to turn down the opportunity to return to the club.”

The Verdict: Get him in

Walker-Peters left Spurs on an initial loan deal that soon became a £12m permanent move with the Lilywhites bringing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg the other way.

After being stuck behind both Serge Aurier and Kieran Trippier whilst in North London, the 25-year-old has flourished on the south coast with him by far one of their best players as he was rewarded with his maiden England caps last season.

With the Saints embroiled in a relegation scrap, KWP would prove an interested and smart acquisition back at Spurs with him in the top 3% for dribbles completed amongst full-backs (via FBref), proving his attacking prowess in that role.

Crystal Palace will ‘absolutely’ prioritise signing a new right-back in January, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Squad transformation

The Premier League welcomed Patrick Vieira to the dugout 18 months ago, and since then, he has considerably changed the age of the squad, allowing multiple senior players like Gary Cahill and Andros Townsend to depart and replacing them with youngsters.

The Eagles, however, only have Joel Ward (33) and Nathaniel Clyne (31) at their disposal in that right-back position, so there’s a strong chance that the club will target strengthening this area in the upcoming winter market.

The Latest: Taylor’s prediction

Asked by GiveMeSport whether Palace will be looking at right-back options ahead of the New Year, Taylor said:

“Yeah, absolutely. I think Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward have done a really good job this season sort of locking that position down.

“Nathan Ferguson’s had a really tough time with injury, but if you look at Palace’s team, it’s an area you would probably pinpoint as one that needs a little bit of TLC.”

The Verdict: Is it Wan-Bissaka time?

Palace are reportedly hopeful of completing a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka next month, but given his recent record, we feel that the club shouldn’t pursue him any further.

The former Selhurst Park favourite has only made one league start at Manchester United this season so would likely need time to get up to full speed, not to mention that he only produced four assists during his previous spell in the capital.

Vieira needs to go for a player who is ready and raring to go and that can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, but who that could be yet remains to be seen.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou may well be preparing himself for the departure of wantaway striker, Giorgos Giakoumakis, with the Greece international currently the subject of notable speculation regarding his future at Parkhead.

The latest suggestion is that the 28-year-old has caught the attention of clubs in Saudi Arabia – as well as in both England and Germany – with the 11-cap ace potentially set to seal a ‘life-changing’ move next month.

This talk of an exit comes amid reports that the imposing marksman has failed to agree terms regarding a wage increase with the Old Firm outfit, with that fact having ensured that a parting of ways could occur in the New Year.

While the former VVV-Venlo man has never been the main man in attack for the Glasgow side over the last 18 months, with just 22 starts to his name in that time, it will still prove a sizeable task attempting to replace a figure who has scored 25 goals in 50 outings across all fronts.

One man who could well help to fill the void is Bristol City starlet, Antoine Semenyo, with reports last week suggesting that the Hoops – as well as rivals Rangers – have been watching the 22-year-old ‘extensively’ in recent times.

Reports over the summer suggested that the Ghanaian was a target for Postecoglou and co, albeit with his reported £15m valuation likely to have been a notable sticking point for the Bhoys.

According to recent speculation, however, the player could be available for closer to £5m in the January window, with just six months remaining on his existing deal at Ashton Gate.

That price tag would likely make the London-born ace a far more attainable target for those at Celtic Park, with the six-cap brute potentially set to prove a fine solution to the Giakoumakis problem for the club.

The one-time Sunderland loanee has warranted such interest due to his sparkling form in recent times, with the versatile forward – who can also feature on the flanks – having scored eight goals and laid on 12 assists in the Championship last season.

That remarkable, breakthrough campaign saw the highly-coveted ace lauded by Robins boss Nigel Pearson, with the experienced coach describing him as a “nightmare to play against” due to his breathtaking speed and strength.

The fearsome marksman – who has four goals in all competitions this season – could then well replace Giakoumakis as a focal point in Celtic’s attack, offering a more imposing alternative to that of the diminutive star, Kyogo Furuhashi.

Not just a mere goal threat, however, the Bristol speedster also offers real dynamism as a result of dribbling prowess, with that showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% across Europe’s ‘next best eight leagues’ in that regard among those in his position, as per FBref.

As such, bringing Semenyo to Scotland could well soften the blow of Giakoumakis’ potential exit, with Postecoglou no doubt set to love the chance to work with such young and explosive talent.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Edin Dzeko to the Premier League next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that Antonio Conte has identified the Inter Milan centre-forward as the ‘perfect replacement for Harry Kane’ next summer, with the England international being heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign.

However, the report goes on to state that the 36-year-old hitman would prefer to remain at the San Siro, although the Serie A side are yet to offer the Bosnia-Herzegovina international a new contract – with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2023 – something that could open the door for Conte to move for the forward.

Underrated

While it is undeniable that Dzeko is already well into the twilight of his career at the very top level of professional football, considering just how impressive the 36-year-old has been in Italy so far this season, it is clear that the six-foot-four target man is still very much capable of doing a stellar job up top.

Indeed, over his 15 Serie A appearances – only 10 of which have come as starts – in the current campaign, the £6.1m-rated talent has been in devastating attacking form, scoring six goals, providing two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.4 shots, making 0.8 key passes and winning 2.9 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £155k-per-week striker average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.09, currently ranking him as Simone Inzaghi’s fifth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football – with Emmet Gates dubbing the 126-cap star as “Inter’s MVP this season”.

The veteran attacker has also caught the eye over his six Champions League fixtures in 2022/23, scoring three goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 0.8 key passes and winning 4.2 duels per game.

These returns have seen the player who Sacha Pisani labelled “one of the most underrated strikers” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.23, ranking him as Inter’s fifth-best performer in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

Furthermore, with Dzeko having already proven himself in England during a five-year spell with Manchester City – bagging 72 goals and providing 38 assists over 189 appearances for the club, averaging a direct goal involvement every 100 minutes of football played for the Citizens – Conte knows the 36-year-old will have no trouble adapting to the Premier League.

As such, while Dzeko may not be a long-term solution as Tottenham’s potential Kane replacement up top, the Bosnian sensation would undoubtedly help to plug the 29-year-old’s goals in the short-term, leading us to believe that the signing of the Inter attacker on a free would be a very smart move for Conte to make next summer.

Arsenal full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to be fit enough to be named in Japan’s 2022 World Cup squad, according to journalist Simon Collings.

The Lowdown: Injury-plagued season

While the Gunners are flying this season, the 24-year-old has suffered a frustrating campaign so far due to various fitness problems.

Tomiyasu has been reduced to just four starts in the Premier League, with Ben White nailing down the right-back position and further hampering his playing time.

There may have been doubts about the defender going to the World Cup with Japan due to his injury woes and lack of club action, but a positive update has now emerged for the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Tomiyasu fit for World Cup

Taking on Twitter on Tuesday in sharing a corresponding article for The Evening Standard, Collings claimed that Tomiyasu is set to be named in his country’s squad for the tournament.

He tweeted:

“Optimism that Tomiyasu will go to the World Cup with Japan following initial assessment. Japan coaching staff already flown out to Qatar and staying in contact with Arsenal.”

The Verdict: Great news for TomiyasuWhile from a selfish point of view some Arsenal fans may have wanted Tomiyasu to be wrapped in cotton wool during the World Cup, this is great news for the player himself.Footballers dream of representing their country in the world’s biggest tournament and the Gunners titan will be no different, having been hailed as ‘dominant’ by Martin Keown.It is also a great chance for Tomiyasu to prove his fitness over a busy schedule, with his availability set to be vital to Arsenal as the season intensifies after Christmas, when Mikel Arteta’s side may well be balancing Europa League commitments and possibly a Premier League title charge.

Everton central defender Yerry Mina has reportedly been offered to as many as four clubs on a free transfer in 2023.

The Lowdown: Highest earner

Currently on £120,000-per-week at Goodison Park, Mina cost the Blues over £25m is the club’s highest earner (FBRef), but has barely featured at all so far this season.

The 28-year-old has been limited to just 70 minutes of Premier League football because of injury, and has suffered from constant injury problems throughout his career on Merseyside.

The Latest: Offered around

As per Torcedores.com, Mina has been offered to four clubs for free at the end of the season, once his contract with Frank Lampard’s side expires.

Atletico-MG, Boca Juniors, Club America and LA Galaxy have all been offered the chance to sign him, and could agree a pre-contract in the January transfer window.

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The Verdict: Get rid

Given his lack of game time in compared to what he earns, the Toffees simply need to get rid of Mina, even if it means not getting a transfer fee for him.

The Colombia international is too injury-prone, and the club bought in both Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in order to cover his absence.

The pair have formed a solid partnership, as the Blues have conceded just 12 goals in the top flight this term, the joint-sixth best defensive record.

Nonetheless, they also have the likes of Mason Holgate and Michael Keane as cover, so Mina would not really be missed.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce’s future is now ‘under threat’ after a disappointing start to the Championship season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Calls for the sack

The Baggies entered the relegation zone for the first time on Wednesday night after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Preston North End, with the 61-year-old now under even more pressure.

There were chants coming from the away end at Deepdale calling for the boss to be sacked, though it has since been confirmed that he will remain in charge for this weekend’s clash vs Luton Town.

The Latest: Bruce in the firing line

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that West Brom have been considering Bruce’s position at the helm for quite some time, despite not yet relieving him of his duties.

“He’s been under threat for at least a couple of weeks now, as I understand it.

“And you can understand why that would be the case because being in the bottom three now is just unacceptable.”

The Verdict: Time for a change

Whilst Bruce has proven himself in the second tier previously having won promotion with both Birmingham and Hull City, now is the right time for him to leave the Hawthorns.

The Corbridge-born coach has only recorded two victories in 14 matches across all competitions this season, and has an underwhelming points-per-game average of just 0.93 (Transfermarkt).

West Brom are already in a worrying position which could easily get worse if the poor string of results continue, so the hierarchy need to make a change before it’s too late to salvage the rest of the campaign.