Crystal Palace Monitor £120k-p/w "Top Player" To Partner Doucoure At Selhurst Park

It is a new era for the Crystal Palace midfield.

James McArthur, who spent nine seasons and made 252 appearances at the club, has announced his departure.

Luka Milivojevic, who had been at Selhurst Park for six years and captained the side since 2018, has also left the club upon the expiration of his contract.

Eagles owner Steve Parish now must act to fill their influential voids as the club hopes for another non-relegation-threatened season.

One player linked to be part of this fresh start is Donny van de Beek.

What’s the latest on Donny van de Beek to Crystal Palace?

According to 90min, the 26-year-old’s representatives have been in discussions with several European clubs regarding a permanent summer departure.

The report also says that the player’s camp is 'exploring a new challenge.'

Within the Premier League, Palace, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest are said to be 'monitoring' the situation.

The article that van de Beek’s other options include both Milan giants, Rome, Nice, and Celtic, as well as a possible return to Ajax.

Should Crystal Palace sign Donny van de Beek?

It is a real shame how the Dutchman’s move to Manchester United has materialised.

He joined the Red Devils in 2020, having enjoyed impressive few years at Ajax.

Upon his arrival, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said:

"Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United.

"His ability to see space, time his movements, and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position."

However, the former Ajax maestro has just 23 starts in all competitions, as his minutes have been limited by injury and the ruthlessly brilliant consistency of Bruno Fernandes.

The 19-cap international’s chance of immediate game-time has been further limited by the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea.

Prior to his underwhelming stint in England, the midfielder was a simply brilliant player for Ajax.

He was particularly impressive in his side’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season, notching five goal contributions in 12 outings.

Frank Lampard has previously described him as a “top player” whose talents include his “intelligence” and “work ethic.”

There is still time for the playmaker to flourish if awarded regular minutes to rescue his stuttering career.

Currently, at the base of the Palace midfield sits Cheick Doucoure, whose defensive acumen could allow a player like van de Beek freedom to showcase his creative repertoire.

Cheick-Doucoure-Crystal-Palace-tackling-Harry-Kane

Last season, the Mali powerhouse averaged the most tackles (2.3) and interceptions (1.6) in the Palace squad to underline his importance. He is a formidable protector of the backline and is a key figure that permits the artistic influence of Eberechi Eze to roam around the pitch.

The Eagles lost three of the four league games the 23-year-old failed to feature in, and he ranks within the top 19% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for blocks, interceptions, and clearances per 90.

We are yet to see what the £120k-per-week maestro can truly do in the Premier League when given continuous starts in a functional setup, so this could be an exciting move for all parties and therefore, Parish must look to get this deal over the line for Roy Hodgson heading into the new campaign.

Arsenal Have "Held Talks" With "Special" £50m Gem

Arsenal have already strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Kai Havertz, while Declan Rice is set to undergo a medical at the club and could be announced by the start of next week, as Edu Gaspar looks set to give Mikel Arteta all the tools at his disposal to challenge for the Premier League title.

The signing of the West Ham United skipper may not be the last midfield addition of the summer, however, amid the club's apparent pursuit of Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Is Romeo Lavia going to Arsenal?

Graeme Bailey of 90min has dropped a recent update regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of the Saints midfielder, saying: “Romeo Lavia is emerging as one of this summer's most in-demand players.

“Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all held talks, whilst former club Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle are being kept informed.

“Southampton want £50m…”

It’s evident that Edu faces stiff competition in order to lure him to the Emirates, however, Arteta could offer the youngster Champions League football next season, something which Liverpool and Chelsea can't and this may prove to be the main incentive for a player who is clearly ready to make the step-up.

Who are Arsenal interested in signing this summer?

Along with Rice, the Gunners look to be close to signing Jurrien Timber, while Dutch sensation Xavi Simons has even been offered to the club as the summer overhaul continues ahead of a season which will see the club play in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2016/17.

Lavia – who has been described as "special" by Manchester United's Jadon Sancho – could add some solidity to the midfield, screening the defence and acting as Arteta’s own version of Gilberto Silva, who shone under Arsene Wenger between 2002 and 2008, making 243 appearances and becoming a key part of the club's last title-winning side of 2003/04.

The World Cup winner was primarily deployed in a defensive midfield slot during his spell in London, similar to Lavia’s role at the Saints and his tenacious nature mixed with the ability to allow others to flourish, such as Patrick Vieira, made him a key player for Wenger – who lauded the Brazilian for bringing "tactical stability" to his side.

The Belgian exuded the qualities which made Silva such an important member of that wonderful era at the club as he ranked second in the Southampton squad for tackles made per game last season (2.1) while also ranking sixth for accurate passes per game (29.5) and seventh for interceptions per game (1.1), showcasing his defensive ability across a campaign which ended in relegation for the South coast side.

To put this into context, no Arsenal player achieved more interceptions per game or tackles per game than Lavia, with only Thomas Partey coming close, making 2.1 tackles per match and this suggests he could improve the Arsenal midfield.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Jean Kindermans, the head of the Anderlecht academy claimed that Lavia is “always calm on the ball” and this is what Arteta requires in order to dominate the midfield battle during matches and even though he isn’t even out of his teens, the Belgian could certainly play a key role in the Arsenal side which will aim to win at least one trophy next season.

Edu played alongside Silva during his time with the north Londoners, and it’s clear he sees the same sort of attributes in the former Manchester City youngster to spend £50m on him this summer.

Man United "Looking At" £30m World Cup "Monster"

Manchester United are "looking at" Firorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as a potential summer target, but any deal would be "contingent on sales", claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Manchester United transfer news – What's the latest on Sofyan Amrabat?

United have made a positive start to the summer transfer window, finally securing the signature of Chelsea academy star Mason Mount after their bid of £55m was accepted by the west London club following weeks of back-and-forth negotiations.

Chelsea's Mason Mount

As good a signing as Mount is for the Red Devils, to compete for the title again, they will need to add yet more talent, and that is exactly what it looks like they plan on doing after Erik ten Hag told the United higher-ups: "If you want to play top four, you have to invest."

That investment looks to be going towards additional midfield reinforcements following their recent purchase.

Morocco star Amrabat is a player in which the club is particularly interested and could be available for as little as £30m, per the Daily Mail.

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group F – Belgium v Morocco – Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar – November 27, 2022 Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat celebrates after the match REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

However, if the three-time European champions want to secure the signature of the 26-year-old, they will first have to free up the finances by selling several players in their squad, per Dharmesh Sheth.

He explained the situation on Sky Sports News, saying:

"We are told that he's a player that Manchester United are looking at and are aware of, it's thought though that anymore midfield additions at Old Trafford would be contingent on sales."

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

It's been an unbelievable last 12 months for the Huizen-born "monster", going from a popular and effective player in Serie A for club side Fiorentina to a worldwide superstar thanks to the crucial role he played in helping his national side make their fairytale run to the World Cup semi-finals.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

Either side of his performances in Qatar, he had a solid domestic season, with WhoScored giving the 6 foot 1 warrior an average rating of 6.46 across his 29 league appearances.

His underlying numbers suggest that there is even more to come from the battling midfielder.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 5% for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 11% for attempted passes, all per 90.

However, it was on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup, where he truly shone and demonstrated to the world just how good he could be.

So good were his performances for the Atlas Lions that journalist Nigel Adderley proclaimed him Morocco's "player of the tournament."

Sofyan Amrabat shields the ball for Fiorentina in Serie A.

It was his display against France that drew particular praise from ex-pro Stuart Pearce, who lauded the midfield dynamo, saying:

"His drive, his energy, his leadership, everything that he stood for today, the French didn't have in their ranks."

If United can secure Amrabat's signature and do it for a price as low as the reported £30m, it could end up being one of the deals of the summer and, combined with Mount, make their midfield so much stronger for years to come.

Man United Could Sign The ‘Next Benzema’

Manchester United will come close to Benfica's valuation for striker Goncalo Ramos this summer, believes Benfica president Rui Costa, via Correio da Manha.

Manchester United transfer news – will they sign Goncalo Ramos?

Correio da Manha reported, via Man UTD News, that Costa rejected €50m (£43m), plus €10m (£9m) in add-ons from an unnamed club for Ramos previously, and wants €80m (£69m) for his star forward this summer.

The hefty fee could see Manchester United back away from any potential deal, but the Benfica president believes that the Premier League giants and Paris Saint-Germain are well-placed to afford such a fee.

Given that Erik ten Hag's budget is reportedly just £120m this summer unless he clears out some deadwood, however, a deal for Ramos doesn't seem entirely likely at this stage. Though, there is still plenty of time for that to change this summer.

Nonetheless, it appears the Red Devils are finally making headway in the transfer market having agreed a £60m package with Chelsea for Mason Mount last night.

Would Goncalo Ramos and Mason Mount work well together?

Such is Ramos' goal-scoring ability, he is a striker that could be paired with just about any midfielder in Europe's top leagues. The particular quality of Mount would only result in more goals, though.

Last season, the Benfica forward netted 27 goals whilst making 12 assists in all competitions in what was an outstanding campaign. With numbers like that, Costa's price tag comes as little surprise.

Add a passer of Mount's ability into the mix, and you'd potentially have yourself one of the best duos in the Premier League. The Chelsea midfielder made over 5.36 progressive passes per game last season, as per FBref.

Ramos' Benfica teammate Rafa Silva, meanwhile, made 5.21 progressive passes per 90. Even with what may seem like a small difference, the forward could go up another level.

Mount also attempted more than double the number of long passes than Silva, which means that should Ramos spin in behind, the passing range of the England international would find him well.

For Mount, too, it would be a beneficial partnership. At Chelsea, he had the likes of Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling to assist, who scored a combined 13 Premier League goals last season, with seven and six respectively, despite the aforementioned passing range of their teammate in the last campaign.

Ramos, on the other hand, scored 19 goals in the Portuguese Primeira last season with an expected 20 goals in what was a clinical campaign in front of goal. Give Mount a player of the forward's finishing ability, and his numbers should increase.

Speaking about Ramos' quality, the 21-year-old's youth coach said: “I would like to see Goncalo Ramos as Benzema substitute at Real Madrid. I think he's perfect for that spot, he fits as 'next Benzema' in future in my opinion.”

Since then, Madrid have signed Joselu which could give Man United a freer run at the Portuguese forward.

It's a long summer ahead, but if Manchester United get their desired targets, then we could see an unstoppable partnership formed at Old Trafford next season.

Leeds Eyeing "Outstanding" £3.5k-p/w Brute This Summer

Leeds United are interested in replacing Illan Meslier between the sticks with Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who dazzled in the Championship this year.

What's the latest on Viktor Johansson to Leeds?

The latest reports come from Leeds Live, which underscore the Whites' interest in the player and state that the club are expected to sign a new 'keeper following Joel Robles' departure and Meslier's possible exit.

This follows claims from Football League World that the 49ers are keeping tabs on the Swede, who was central to the Millers' successful campaign in the second tier this past year.

Leeds transfer news has been somewhat sparse since the club's relegation from the Premier League, amid the wait for confirmation of the ownership takeover before commencing the systematic reconstruction that is inevitable following the club's bitter fate.

How good is Viktor Johansson?

According to Opta, no goalkeeper in the second tier prevented more goals than Johansson's 8.5, highlighting an innate shot-preventing prowess that has attracted Leeds' attention.

Having played 43 of the 46 matches this season, the £3.5k-per-week 24-year-old earned an average match rating of 7.11 – as per Sofascore – saving 74% of his shots faced – including one penalty – and keeping 13 clean sheets.

Millers boss Matt Taylor is certainly an admirer of the Scandinavian sensation, waxing lyrical over the calibre of his displays this term when asked who the standout star has been as Rotherham ended a tumultuous 'yo-yo' period over the past several years and retained their Championship status with a 19th-place finish.

Rotherham United goalkeeperViktor Johansson.

He said: “His level of performance has been above the level of other players, if not the level of the league, in every single game this season. He has saved us so many points. He has been outstanding.”

Indeed, Johansson claimed the Players' Player of the Season award and could now complete a transfer to Elland Road, with Meslier's future at Leeds uncertain after a subpar season that left him ousted from the No 1 role in the crucial closing weeks.

Describing himself as an "explosive" shot-stopper, Johansson could emulate his compatriot Pontus Jansson at Elland Road, with the 32-year-old centre-half making 120 appearances for the outfit across three seasons in the Championship before departing for Brentford in 2019.

Described as a "top defender" with "defensive robustness" by Bees boss Thomas Frank, Jansson seems to match his glove-wearing countryman with toughness and grit, who could inject such attributes back into the Leeds backline after several shoddy years defensively.

Chelsea Could Sign Outstanding £55m Caicedo Alternative

It is all change at Chelsea, particularly in the centre of the park.

N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are close to departing Stamford Bridge as the club is set for a completely new era under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues are very interested in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, however, Tony Bloom’s £120m asking price is a stumbling block and the deal is likely to drag out across the summer.

A cheaper and more attainable alternative to the Ecuadorian is Everton’s Amadou Onana.

What’s the latest on Amadou Onana to Chelsea?

Last week, Sacha Tovolieri reported that Chelsea could be in the market for Onana who may cost around £55m.

Now, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, reputable journalist Dean Jones has delivered his own thoughts on whether a move could go through, saying: “Onana's an interesting one. Ideally, Everton won't let him go. He's had a great season, but he's very young. He does fit the profile that we're seeing Chelsea go for at the moment.

"He's 21 and he's new to the Premier League. He's making his impact and, as part of that, he'll have huge resale value if he does come through the door. And this is part of Chelsea's new model."

How would Amadou Onana fit in at Chelsea?

After making a £33m move to Goodison Park last summer, the Belgian made 33 Premier League appearances in his debut year in England, averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 1.1 clearances per game in a solid defensive season.

Described as “outstanding” by journalist Connor O'Neill, the six-cap international ranks within the top 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for the aforementioned metrics, as well as the highest 7% for aerials won per 90, according to FBref, to underline his dominant presence.

As such, the 6 foot 4 colossus has the potential to form a formidable partnership with Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea.

Since the Argentine’s record-breaking £106.8m move to west London, he has flashes of his wondrous brilliance, particularly with his pinpoint long-range passing and close control. This is demonstrated by his rank within the best 3% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.

But, we are yet to see the best of the World Cup winner on a consistent basis as he has often been deployed as a lone pivot, where he has been exposed due to his lack of pace and dynamism.

Enzo Fernandez

In Onana, this ball-winning, athletic titan would therefore be able to take the burden off Enzo and their differing styles of play make for a perfectly curated combination in the middle of the park.

In a deal worth potentially just half of what may be paid for Caicedo, the signing of Onana would be a rarely astute piece of business under the new ownership.

Rangers Must Now Ditch Poor £6.1k-p/w Liability From Ibrox

This summer will see seismic change at Glasgow Rangers as they aim to put their troubles behind them and usher in a new era under Michael Beale, with the manager looking ahead to his first full season in charge.

Positives were few and far between during 2022/23, with failure to win any silverware and suffering a horrendous Champions League group stage campaign bringing the club down from the high of reaching a historic Europa League final at the end of the previous term.

Although the Gers ended up scoring 115 goals in all competitions, they were let down by the fact they shipped 70 goals throughout the campaign, with Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin conceding 51 and 18 goals between them.

The 41-year-old has now departed Ibrox, however, McLaughlin still has a contract until 2024, and Beale must move him on this summer in order to free up more of the wage budget and also bring in a small fee for the ‘keeper, especially due to his underwhelming performances.

Will Jon McLaughlin leave Rangers this summer?

Robby McCrorie played four matches towards the end of last season, conceding just one goal from four games, and he should play a more prominent role in 2023/24.

Beale has also secured the signing of Jack Butland on a free transfer and those two should battle it out for the number one spot, suggesting that the 35-year-old will be surplus to requirements.

The former Sunderland shot-stopper has tended to play second fiddle to McGregor during his three years at the Light Blues, however, he was given the nod to begin the 2022/23 campaign as number one.

Throughout August and September, he played ten matches and conceded 15 goals, with his displays against Celtic and Ajax within a matter of four days drawing criticism. Indeed, Jordan Campbell described his showing in the woeful 4-0 defeat to their Old Firm rivals as “a poor performance” and after conceding another four goals against the Dutch giants, he played just five more games.

Jon McLaughlin

The £6.1k-per-week liability was a solid enough backup option during his initial two years at the Gers, yet those inexcusable displays against Celtic and Ajax arguably stunted any momentum Giovanni van Bronckhorst had going, and it’s evident he should never pull on a Rangers shirt again.

The next few weeks will be crucial in terms of attracting interest as his time is now up at the club, especially now with Butland and McCrorie ahead of him in the pecking order.

Everton transfer news on Richarlison

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly now ‘targeting’ a move in the summer for Everton star Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Mbappe transfer twist

After a shock twist which has seen Kylian Mbappe snub a move to Madrid and sign a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain, Los Blancos will now be looking for another potential Galactico signing this summer.

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Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane from Liverpool, and Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco, have all been named as potential targets, along with a certain striker from Goodison Park.

The Latest: Richarlison targeted by Madrid

As per The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton, Real Madrid and Ancelotti are now ‘targeting’ a move for Richarlison in the summer.

The Brazil international played 59 times over two seasons under the Italian for Everton, scoring 20 goals and supplying four assists (Transfermarkt).

The Verdict: Keep him

With six goals and two assists in his last 10 games in the Premier League before the trip to Arsenal this afternoon, including a goal in the 3-2 win at home to Crystal Palace which secured their top-flight status (Transfermarkt), Richarlison has really shown his worth to the team.

Recently dubbed a ‘huge talent‘ by Frank Lampard, he is still only 25 years of age, and so he has probably not even hit his full potential yet.

The Toffees need to be keeping hold of their best players if they are to kick on next season.

In other news, find out what ‘significant breaking news’ involving the Blues has now emerged from Sky Sports here!

Pearce gives promising Liverpool update

Liverpool have been heavily linked with signing Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable Merseyside journalist.

What’s the latest?

Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce hosted a Q&A on the website for supporters to ask him anything related to the club after the game against Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.

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One supporter asked for an update on the highly exciting links to Monaco midfielder Tchouameni, and Pearce seemingly confirmed the club’s interest in the player by responding:

“Nothing new that I am aware of. Interest but Real also very keen.”

Spanish news outlet AS (via Sport Witness) have since reported that Liverpool are “very close” to signing the player and have “made an offer”.

Supporters will be excited

Although speculation has been high surrounding the potential move for Tchouameni, the fact that interest is confirmed by a reliable journalist like Pearce will surely be exciting for supporters to read, as the popular midfielder is in high demand when it comes to having his pick of Premier League clubs.

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked to the player over the last few weeks, so it would be a really impressive coup for Klopp and his team if they manage to pull off securing the young star’s signature this summer.

Tchouameni has to be held in high regard as a master of all trades when it comes to his ability to offer a huge impact on both defensive and offensive play for his current Ligue 1 side.

According to Soccerment, since the beginning of last season, the 22-year-old has scored five goals and contributed four assists, whilst proving he’s not shy when it comes to taking his chances with 104 shots attempted and 34 big chances created for Monaco, but it’s not just his attacking attributes that stand out.

Tchouameni ranks at number one for interceptions (96) of any midfield player in the top five European leagues this season alone, with a pass accuracy of 87% and a duel success ratio of 63.9% proving that he is exceptional in defensive transition as well as getting stuck in with the attacking press, something that Liverpool love to execute in their style of play.

With that being said, the young talent could easily slot into Jurgen Klopp’s midfield system with ease and appears to identify as the exact type of player that Liverpool are looking to add to their ageing midfield.

If the club can get the deal over the line this summer he will be a very exciting prospect to watch.

AND in other news: “I’m told” – James Pearce drops major Liverpool claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

Rangers could two keep two stars if they win Europa League

Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos may be inclined to stay at Rangers if they win the Europa League, Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

Rangers take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEL showpiece in Seville on Wednesday night.

The Gers missed the chance to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Scottish Premiership – that will go to arch-rivals Celtic – but there is a also group-stage spot up for grabs for Wednesday’s victor.

Kent and Morelos are both approaching the final year of their contracts at Ibrox.

Morelos publicly admitted earlier in the season that he hoped that he would ‘soon’ be allowed to leave, while transfer insider Dean Jones claims that Kent has his eyes on a Premier League move.

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The latest

O’Rourke says Rangers may be able to match the ambition of Kent and Morelos if they qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.

The two players could then be tempted to commit to the club ‘for the foreseeable future’.

He told GMS: “If you’re playing Champions League football, it’s going to help your chances of keeping hold of your best players, the likes of Morelos and Kent, who obviously would like to be playing at the highest level.

“So, if Rangers can go on and win it and they get in the Champions League, it’s only going to help their chances of keeping their best players at the club for the foreseeable future.”

The verdict

There’s no doubting that this pair are two of Rangers’ star players. According to Transfermarkt, they’re the two most valuable assets owned by the club at a combined £24.3million.

Morelos also tops the club’s earning charts on £33,000 per week, while Kent is in the upper echelons too on £18,000 (via Salary Sport). Taken together, the duo collect more than £2.65million per year.

And you’d have to say that reward is deserved given that Morelos is the club’s joint-top scorer with 16 goals, while Kent is second for assists (via BBC Sport). Between them, they have racked up 37 goal involvements this term.

They may have the chance to move to a stronger league than the SPFL, but will there realistically be another suitor who can offer them starting opportunities in the Champions League? That’s the key point.

In other news, Heart & Hand fumed over this UEL final update.

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