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£110k-p/w Arsenal Man Remains Injury Doubt

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney didn't go down the tunnel for treatment amid injury concerns following the recent Scotland match.

What's the latest injury news for Kieran Tierney and Arsenal?

It was a brilliant outing for the 25-year-old on Tuesday night as his country stunned Spain with a 2-0 victory, with the defender playing a key role in the second goal – charging forward 70 yards before his cross eventually fell to Scott McTominay to score.

However, before full-time, the left-back was forced off with a possible calf injury, which has led to reports stating he could miss the Premier League clash against Leeds United this weekend.

While talking about the issue on his YouTube channel, Watts noted that some fans believed that Tierney actually went down the tunnel for treatment, but denied these rumours.

Indeed, he explained: "He did go off with about 15 minutes to go, again after a challenge with – who else – Rodri.

"Fingers crossed, it's nothing. It doesn't look too bad. I don't know. I can't tell you now what the issue is with Kieran Tierney, if there is an issue or not.

"But he didn't go down the tunnel. I saw people saying he went down the tunnel; he didn't.

"He sat down on the bench. He was out on the pitch celebrating afterwards. It doesn't look anything too bad. He might have just come off because he was knackered."

Has Rodri been trying to injure Arsenal players?

Incidentally, it was Rodri who also launched into a nasty tackle with captain Martin Odegaard in Spain's clash with Norway just days before.

Perhaps the Manchester City man is on a one-man mission to curtail Arsenal's season, with Pep Guardiola and co eight points behind the Gunners in the league.

Soccer Football – Pre Season Friendly – 1. FC Nuremberg v Arsenal – Max-Morlock-Stadion, Nuremberg, Germany – July 8, 2022 Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney REUTERS/Lukas Barth

However, Tierney – who earns £110,000 a week – at least got one over on Rodri with a Scotland win on this occasion, and it seems as though the Spaniard found this hard to accept.

After the game – much to the derision of fans online – he moaned about the opposition, saying: "It's the way they play… for me, it's a bit rubbish. Because it's always wasting time. They provoke you. They always fall. For me, this is not football."

It remains to be seen if Tierney will miss the Leeds clash this weekend, but at least it doesn't sound as though it's the most serious injury in the world.

Chelsea Interested In Signing Goncalo Ramos

Chelsea are interested in making a move for Portugal and Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Do Chelsea need a striker this summer?

The Blues have had a season to forget so far, with Champions League glory the only thing that can save their campaign, although that feels unlikely at this point given their form. Performances and results have simply not been good enough and there have been problems all over the pitch, from out-of-form goalkeepers to injured midfielders.

Another issue has been a lack of an out-and-out goalscorer leading the line. Kai Havertz has proved to be effective at times, but is not a natural in the role, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been cast aside completely. This summer, it is imperative that a top-quality No 9 comes in and solves this problem as Chelsea look to get back towards the top four next season.

The Blues have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks, with Napoli star Victor Osimhen arguably the standout attacking option, and now a new update has emerged.

Benfica's Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring their first goal.

Could Ramos move to Stamford Bridge?

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Chelsea will send representatives to watch Benfica in action against Porto on Friday evening, with Todd Boehly's presence even a "possibility". They will be there to view Ramos, although it is also stated that they will "take notes" on other players, too.

The Blues have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old attacker in the past and it looks as though he remains a primary target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ramos could be a really exciting signing for Chelsea if they manage to get a deal over the line considering the seven-cap Portugal international would likely arrive as a long-term acquisition as well as a key man amid their striking woes.

He has been a force in the Primeira Liga this season, scoring 17 times in just 22 appearances, but he also shone on a huge stage at the World Cup last winter, memorably scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland after taking Cristiano Ronaldo's place in the starting lineup – with Gary Lineker hailing his performance in Qatar as "remarkable".

While Osimhen would arguably remain the best possible option for the Blues to sign given the fact that he is slightly more experienced and enjoying a superb campaign for Serie A champions-elect Napoli, Ramos would also be a strong addition to the squad, bringing the goals, youth and natural attacking instincts needed at Stamford Bridge before the beginning of next season.

Chelsea Have Held Talks With Luis Enrique

Chelsea have held "face-to-face" talks with Luis Enrique over becoming their next manager, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Is Enrique in the mix for Chelsea job?

The Blues have a massive decision to make over who their next permanent boss is, with several candidates seemingly in the mix to come in. Graham Potter has been relieved of his duties and replaced by Frank Lampard, but the Chelsea legend is only in charge until the end of the season.

The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino have all been mooted as potential managers to come in at Stamford Bridge, but Enrique is another who is believed to be in the conversation. The 52-yeard-old left his role as Spain's national team manager after the 2022 World Cup and is now looking for a new challenge.

It appears as though progress has been made regarding Enrique potentially taking charge of Chelsea once Lampard's spell ends, with some new comments suggesting as much.

Spain's former boss Luis Enrique.

Could Chelsea swoop for Spaniard?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips claimed that the Blues have had positive talks with Enrique regarding taking over as manager this summer:

"I had that confirmed; he did have a face-to-face interview with Chelsea this week. This was after his agents had already sent an impressive presentation of his ideas and visions to Chelsea.

"Chelsea invited him over to London for an interview; he came and had that, it went very well on both sides. Chelsea were impressed with him, he was impressed with Chelsea's project and what they want to do, but the thing with Enrique is he wants to take time with this decision as well."

Enrique is certainly a strong option for Chelsea if they club decide to go with him as Lampard's successor, having racked up a huge amount of experience in the game. The Spaniard may have ultimately bowed out of national team duties in disappointing fashion last year, but he won the World's Best Club Coach award back in 2015, having guided Barcelona to Champions League and La Liga glory, as well as winning the league the following year, too.

The fact that such positive discussions have taken place can only suggest that Todd Boehly sees him as a strong option to be the next manager, and three Spanish Cup wins with Barca, in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively, are further proof of his pedigree at the top level.

Rangers Now Battling Celtic To Sign £4k-p/w Midfielder

Glasgow Rangers are set to battle it out with their Old Firm rivals to bring FC Koln midfielder Denis Huseinbasic to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

What's the latest on Huseinbasic's future?

Michael Beale has Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack all out of contract at the end of the season so central reinforcements will be needed should any of the trio depart, and it sounds like the 21-year-old has been identified as a potential target.

The German only joined Steffen Baumgart’s side in July 2022 from Kickers Offenbach meaning that his contract isn’t set to expire for another two years, and despite making 23 senior first-team appearances during that time, is significantly low down in the pecking order.

The Bundesliga star hasn’t started a league game since last November (before Koln's match against Hoffenheim) and has been fairly limited to substitute appearances off the bench towards the end of matches, as per Transfermarkt. So, Huseinbasic could be looking to move elsewhere to increase his game time.

According to Bild (via Sport Witness), Rangers and Celtic are both “in the picture” to sign Huseinbasic, with Beale and Ange Postecoglou respectively looking to “bring him” to Ibrox and Parkhead. The Light Blues “want” to secure the services of the midfielder where his “extraordinary” rise to prominence hasn’t gone unnoticed by the hierarchy.

The £4k-per-week ace is represented by a family friend but it’s believed that other unnamed “top agents” are aiming to “convince” him to find a new home this summer, and the fact that they are “trying to turn his head” could be a boost for his two admirers.

Koln manager Steffen Baumgart has told his gem to remain at the club beyond the summer, but it’s stated that his side do still “worry about losing their top talent”, with the pair of potential suitors set to “keep an eye” on his situation.

FC Koln midfielder Denis Huseinbasic.

Would Huseinbasic be a good signing for Rangers?

Huseinbasic won’t be known by many people having made a name for himself in his homeland, but he’s an excellent young player with bags of potential so he would be a fantastic signing for the long-term future at Ibrox.

The Puma-sponsored star posted, again before Koln's battle with Hoffenheim today, posted 33 goal contributions (21 goals and 12 assists) in 111 appearances throughout his career. Indeed, his club form has seen him earn a place in Germany’s U21s international squad where he made his debut in November 2022.

Finally, Huseinbasic would add wonderful versatility to Beale’s ranks with his ability to operate in all five positions across the midfield, so whilst his price tag is unknown, the board should be all over this deal should the opportunity to sign him present itself in the weeks and months ahead.

Tottenham: "Incredible" Manager Hold Talks With Rivals

Tottenham manager target Vincent Kompany has held a three-hour phone call with London rivals Chelsea recently, according to journalist Nathan Gissing.

What’s the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

There have been many, many different reports linking the Man City legend to Spurs in the last month, with some even suggesting that he is chairman Daniel Levy’s top target.

The Lilywhites parted company with former boss Antonio Conte last month after a mutual agreement, leaving interim boss Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason in temporary charge until the end of this Premier League season.

Kompany is on the agenda to replace Conte at Spurs with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano recently backing their real interest in the Burnley boss. Even though there are some reports of the 37-year-old being unwilling to leave Turf Moor, other conflicting claims state that he is open to talks with Tottenham.

Vincent Kompany

One common denominator among these rumours is Spurs do like the former Anderlecht boss, but they aren’t the only side, with Chelsea also eyeing a move for Kompany.

After sacking Graham Potter, the Stamford Bridge side are still well in the search for their new manager alongside Spurs – posing a threat to Levy and co as both clubs chase football’s most sought-after coaches.

Now, sharing an update on Kompany, reporter Gissing – who contributes to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s personal website – says Chelsea are moving for the tactician.

Should Spurs keep pushing for Kompany?

It appears that Chelsea could rival Spurs for another manager, coming after reports of their interest in Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino.

Leading Burnley back to the top flight at the first time of asking, Kompany is attracting real attention as a man in demand, with his stock never being higher.

The Championship leaders have scored more goals, conceded fewest and won more matches than any other side in England’s second tier – highlighting the remarkable job he’s done since taking the reins in Lancashire.

Pep Guardiola is certainly an admirer of his character and leadership, having called him an ‘incredible’ figure whilst holding the utmost respect for his former star.

Chelsea’s presence complicates a Tottenham move for Kompany somewhat, so it will be interesting to see if Spurs keep pursuing or move on to other targets.

Wolves Could Make Move For £40k p/w Premier League Ace

Wolverhampton Wanderers could end up targeting Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho this summer, says journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Fabio Carvalho?

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Carvalho's Liverpool future, stating: "Fabio Carvalho I am told is also leaving. We have to see what solution they will find but he is young and he is never playing so it is important to clarify these things.”

The Daily Mail interpret Romano's comments as signalling that he will be made available for a loan exit this summer, which could be initiated to help clear space for the prospective arrival of Ryan Gravenberch, who is said to be a top target for the Reds in the forthcoming transfer window.

As per The Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp has recently praised Carvalho for his work ethic in training, stating to reporters: "He's training exceptionally, Fabio Carvalho is training exceptionally."

Earlier this year, The Sun claimed that Wolves pair Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes were on a shortlist of potential midfielders the Reds could sign this summer, something which journalist Jones believes may potentially send the £40k-per-week ace heading in the opposite direction to Molineux on a loan basis.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “There is uncertainty about what happens with Fabio Carvalho. Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that he will not give up on making it with Liverpool. He’s very driven to ensure the move works out long-term.

“But this has been a tough season for all involved, and chances could be just as limited for him next season because Liverpool have to bounce back. That is going to mean top-level recruitment.

“I think a loan will be discussed for Carvalho. Fulham hoped it would become an option when he left them, but it never did. Marco Silva helped hugely with his breakthrough, and I’m sure he would welcome him back if the player is open to it.

“It is difficult to take a decision like that. From Carvalho’s perspective, it may feel like admitting defeat, and I did check out other moves that could be on the table.

There has been nothing yet, but it sounds to me like Wolves could become an option. They are in an uncertain moment with players like Matheus Nunes and Ruben Neves, and an opportunity to sign someone like Carvalho, who is an adaptable attacking midfield player, would be a good fit.

“At least one of those two will leave Wolves, and of course, Liverpool are interested in both, so again, there could be room for negotiation around this. There are also doubts about players like Adama Traore and Joao Moutinho. So, this is a squad that is going to undergo maintenance in the summer. It is early days, and there are so many discussions to be had at every end of this, but one thing for sure is that Carvalho will have good options.”

Would Fabio Carvalho be a good signing for Wolves?

Carvalho is a bright young talent and could add some versatility to the Wolves midfield, given his capacity to operate in an attacking midfield, central midfield or on the left flank.

In the 2022/23 season, the 20-year-old has made 20 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions and netted three goals in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef also note that the youngster compares well to his positional peers across the top five European leagues in the metric of touches in the opposition penalty area, with Carvalho having had an average of 6.13 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the top 1% of midfielders in this statistical realm.

If Wolves are indeed to part ways with either Nunes or Neves in the summer, Carvalho would be a sound addition to the ranks that would help to soften the blow.

Man United Want To Sign £60m Premier League Magician

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in signing Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison, with the Englishman looking set for a summer exit from the King Power Stadium.

What's the latest on James Maddison's future?

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils – as well as both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be keen on signing the 26-year-old, with the report suggesting that it is now looking 'inevitable' that the former Norwich City man will move on at the end of the season.

The piece adds that the two-cap ace 'is set to be sold' even if the struggling Foxes are able to stave off relegation, with any potential suitor needing to cough up between £45m and £60m if they are to secure his services, with just over a year left to run on the player's current deal.

The Coventry-born gem does appear to have been a long-term target for those at Old Trafford, with Manchester Evening News reporting back in February 2020 that Maddison was the club's 'prime playmaker target' for that forthcoming summer, with the player himself said to have been keen to make the switch.

How would Maddison fit in at Man United?

While the highly-coveted talent is part of a Leicester side that has been desperately underwhelming this season – with a return to the second tier potentially on the cards for the Midlands side – the midfield maestro has still been something of a shining light, with nine goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League games so far this term.

That follows what was a standout 2021/22 campaign for the clinical "magician" – as hailed by Statman Dave – as he contributed 30 goals and assists in 53 games across all fronts, including 20 goal involvements in the top flight alone.

Although Maddison has done much of his damage off the flanks of late, the versatile asset could also slot into Erik ten Hag's side in a creative, midfield berth, ensuring he could represent a potential upgrade on experienced ace, Christian Eriksen.

Leicester City's James Maddison

There's no denying that the latter man has been an astute capture since his free transfer arrival last summer – having racked up two goals and nine assists in 38 appearances to date – although there may be concerns over the 31-year-old's ability to be a long-term solution in midfield, particularly amid his recent, difficult return from injury.

The Denmark international was notably replaced on the hour mark in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after being restricted to just 26 touches on the day, while having also 'shook his head in frustration at his own performance' against Aston Villa on Sunday, according to MEN's Samuel Luckhurst.

As such, turning to Maddison could potentially represent something of a long-term, midfield upgrade, with the England international's dynamic quality showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 12% among his European peers for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons, while Eriksen, by contrast, ranks in just the top 35% and the bottom 19% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Equally, Maddison's innate creativity is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received – further rubberstamping his forward-thinking and probing approach – while the current United man ranks in just the top 33% in that regard.

The Leicester sensation also potentially offers more in a defensive sense having averaged 1.6 tackles per game in the league this season, while Eriksen has averaged just 0.6 for that same metric, further proving what a potential upgrade Maddison could be for Ten Hag.

Chris Kavanagh Booed As Newcastle Lose 2-0

Journalist Ciaran Kelly has noted that the entire Newcastle United home crowd booed referee Chris Kavanagh after the full-time whistle against Arsenal.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Newcastle United?

With both teams inside the top three coming into the encounter, it wasn't a surprise to see the Premier League game played with real intensity and competitiveness.

Indeed, the Magpies are still fighting to confirm Champions League qualification while the Gunners are working to keep their title hopes alive.

In the end, Arsenal managed to outclass Eddie Howe and co as they took their chances and won the game 2-0 thanks to a fine effort from Martin Odegaard and then an own goal from Fabian Schar.

Understandably, the St James' Park faithful weren't happy with the result, but it seems they were also left annoyed by Kavanagh's refereeing performance.

Indeed, reporting from the stadium, journalist Kelly wrote on Twitter: "Boos from all four corners as referee Chris Kavanagh makes his way off at full-time.

"Nufc just didn't take their chances in a niggly, feisty game. Stay in third and remain three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand. Leeds away next.

How did Chris Kavanagh do against Newcastle?

Perhaps the most obvious contentious issue was when

VAR helped the referee to overturn a penalty early on in the game.

Kavanagh had actually pointed to the spot but replays showed that the possible handball by Jakub Kiwior had actually hit his thigh.

No doubt it would have annoyed fans to see this decision changed and with fans not able to get replays of the incident in the game this could explain the boos at full-time.

The home crowd were also likely angered by Arsenal's dark arts as well as the Gunners looked to waste time and hold on to the three points late on in the affair.

Arsenal's Jorginho in action with Newcastle United's Callum Wilson

Football writer Henry Winter explained: "AFC time-wasting/game-management annoying #NUFC players and fans. Burn complaining to fourth official Taylor. Botman and Joelinton complaining to ref Kavanagh. Trippier's fuse burning."

It's interesting the perspectives different viewers can have on the same game of football, however, as journalist Charles Watts noted that Arsenal were "kicked" throughout the game.

Indeed, he said on Twitter: "That's a really, really fantastic win by Arsenal. That was a hell of a game. They were kicked all over the place and they stood up to it. Proper performance."

Newcastle fans can complain all the like but they shouldn't forget that they have won many points this season – including one at the Emirates – by employing the "dark arts" too.

And in the end, the away team just had more quality to pick up the win.

Pochettino May Already Have Problem At Chelsea

Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino may not have full control over player sales this summer, journalist Paul Brown has claimed.

What's the latest Chelsea news with Pochettino?

The former Spurs boss looks set to take charge of Chelsea at the end of this season, following a campaign of chaos which has seen four different managers guide the Blues to a low 11th place in the league.

The squad needs urgent trimming down after multiple high-spending windows, and this may impact what the Argentine plans to do with the current options in the squad.

Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic are amongst the players entering the final year of their contracts, and if the club receives offers for them, they could be sold even if Pochettino wants to keep the midfielders.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Brown stated that Pochettino may not have full control over sales given the desperate need to reduce the size of the squad.

"I'm honestly not sure how much control Pochettino is going to have over who leaves Chelsea," he stated.

"He could very well come in and draw up a list of players and say look, these guys probably don't really fit my style of play or my system, if the club wants to sell players you should be trying to sell these, that would make perfect, logical sense.

"Unfortunately, the world and his wife knows that Chelsea needs to sell players this summer."

pierre-emerick-aubameyang-chelsea-premier-league

Who could Chelsea sell this summer?

Mount and Kovacic are two obvious candidates to sell, given their contract situations and the teams interested in them, but there are many more parts of the squad that need replacing.

One of the two goalkeepers could leave, with David Raya and Andre Onana linked as replacements, whilst older players such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling may be tougher to shift given their high wages.

Players out on loan such as Romelu Lukaku could also be sold to generate funds when they return to the club, and other inconsistent players such as Kai Havertz and Marc Cucurella may have uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge.

Hakim Ziyech was close to departing on loan in the January transfer window, and the Moroccan could be one of the first out the exit door in the summer, as the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk will have limited his minutes even further.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks certain to leave, and Chelsea will almost certainly have to take a loss on the striker, who has failed to deliver following his arrival from Barcelona. There are plenty of candidates for departure as Pochettino aims to get the squad back on track, and a lack of European football next season means a smaller cohort of players will be easier to manage.

£17k-p/w Celtic Man Slammed After 2-2 Draw

Journalist Alan Galindo has slammed Celtic winger Jota for his "quiet afternoon" as the Bhoys failed to win in their most recent game.

What's the latest on Celtc vs St Mirren?

Ange Postecoglou and co required a late equaliser to ensure they kept their unbeaten domestic home run alive, extending it to 51 games in a row with a draw against St Mirren on Saturday.

Indeed, Celtic fell behind after only four minutes as Curtis Main opened the scoring before Kyogo Furuhashi slammed the ball home to make it 1-1 ten minutes later.

Main, however, put the away team a goal ahead before half time and it took until the 81st minute before Callum McGregor rescued a point with a late equaliser.

As you can see from the result, the Bhoys clearly weren't at their best on the day and it sounds as though one man in particular failed to make much of a positive impact.

Indeed, as noted by Galindo in the player ratings for Glasgow Live, Jota delivered an underwhelming 6/10 display and had a: "Quiet afternoon by his standards."

What award has Jota won for Celtic?

While there have certainly been more damning criticisms fired at Celtic players in the past, this sub-par display of Jota's catches the eye because he is usually so good.

Against St Mirren, the SofaScore stats show just how poor he was as he gave the ball away with real regularity, losing possession 26 times – which was more than any other player on the pitch.

He also failed to have a single shot on target, with three attempted; was successful with just two of nine attempted crosses; and was dribbled past as well.

This is hardly what we've come to expect from the £17k-p/w Celtic winger who was recently awarded the PFA Scotland goal of the season award for his superb chip against Rangers in that 4-0 Old Firm victory last September.

Celtic winger Jota

After the game, manager Postecoglou certainly didn't seem to happy with the overall standards shown by his side on the day.

Indeed, he told the press (via BBC Sport): "It was a tough game. St Mirren worked hard as they have all year and that's why they are what they are.

"We've gone off it a little bit the last couple of weeks, particularly the defensive side of the game, and when you do that, it's very hard then for us to play the football we want to.

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