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Arsenal are interested in a summer deal for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Arsenal eyeing winger

Mikel Arteta has recently tied down Gabriel Martinelli to a new contract, with the Brazilian signing a deal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2027, and agreeing new terms with Bukayo Saka is the next thing on the agenda.

Even so, the Gunners are still trying to bring in a new wide option in the summer transfer window, recently being linked to Nico Williams, with Arteta wanting to add a top-quality back-up to Saka on the right.

The Latest: Monitoring Sterling

According to a report from 90min, Arsenal are monitoring Sterling for a move this summer, with the manager keen to bring in players with European experience.

Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the winger, who he worked with during his time at Manchester City, with the Gunners boss particularly impressed by his ability to play across the frontline.

That said, the player himself is not believed to be looking to leave Chelsea, which could make a deal more difficult to orchestrate.

The Verdict: Get it done?

If the 28-year-old does become available this summer, he would be an excellent addition, capable of helping Arsenal to cement their place as one of the dominant forces in the Premier League.

Hailed as ‘world class’ by members of the media, the former City man was fantastic during his spell in Manchester, hitting double figures for top flight goals in his last five seasons with the club, even managing to get as many as 20 in the 2019/20 campaign.

Unfortunately for Sterling, his current season has been blighted with injury issues, suffering hamstring and knee problems which have forced him to miss a total of nine games, meaning he has been unable to properly settle in at Chelsea.

When he is fully fit, however, the 82-time England international is a top class player, and Arteta should continue to monitor his availability.

Manchester United hung on to secure a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, with Erik ten Hag’s side sealing a 13th consecutive win at Old Trafford in all competitions despite having been reduced to ten men in the closing stages.

Following what was a rather serene opening 70 minutes or so for the Red Devils – have led courtesy of goals from the deadly duo of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford – a moment of madness from midfield colossus, Casemiro, ensured a nervy end to proceedings for the home side.

With the experienced Brazilian having been dismissed for seemingly grabbing Will Hughes by the throat amid what was a mass brawl between both sides, United were then forced to dig deep to thwart the visitors from capitalising on their man advantage, particularly after Jeffrey Schlupp had sparked hope of a comeback with a clever, improvised finish.

Despite an agonising finale following a lengthy stint of added time, there was to be no equaliser for the Eagles as the hosts held on to secure all three points, with Ten Hag’s men marching on amid what is a relentless run of games across all fronts.

One notable standout performer on the day for the former Ajax boss was that of midfield machine, Fred, with the 29-year-old having been “particularly superb” in the centre of the park following his compatriot’s early exit, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

While there may well have been a clamour pre-match to see January arrival Marcel Sabitzer come straight into the side from the start, Fred showcased just why he will be no mere pushover in the battle to fill Christian Eriksen’s midfield void, having once again been a relentless presence in the centre of the park.

The all-action gem was at his tenacious best as he notably won six of his ten ground duels, including five tackles, against the south London outfit, having also been rather composed in possession after recording an 86% pass accuracy rate and laying on one key pass from his 63 touches.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk ace – who scored in the midweek victory over Nottingham Forest – also came close to adding to his tally for the season after guiding Wout Weghorst’s pull-back narrowly wide of the post, having illustrated his ability to make an impact in both boxes for his side.

Having so often been a much-maligned figure at the Theatre of Dreams since his arrival in 2018 – notably being described as “not good enough” by club legend Roy Keane earlier this season – the 32-cap dynamo has more than proved his worth under Ten Hag of late, with yesterday’s outing having been another indication of the vital role he can play moving forward.

With the likes of Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek all currently injured – and with Casemiro now suspended – the £120k-per-week “bargain”, as recently lauded by writer Casey Evans, could well be a key figure for United over the coming weeks and months.

Everton could reportedly be set to put an end to their striker issues with a shrewd January transfer…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Sunday Mirror (29/01, pg 76), who claim that the Toffees are among three Premier League clubs vying for Michail Antonio.

With just 18 months left on his £85k-per-week deal at West Ham United, it is suggested that the ageing marksman is willing to leave the London Stadium despite featuring heavily for David Moyes this campaign.

With Sean Dyche now all-but-confirmed as the new manager at Goodison Park, he could make his first deal a characteristic one, welcoming a tireless target man to underpin his philosophy.

Ashley Barnes repeat

Just two years after his appointment at Burnley, the 51-year-old went scouring the market in search of that perfect striker with which he could utilise as the foundation for his offence.

A staunch believer in the 4-4-2 system, its many variations make for an interesting tactical outlook that is far from the prehistoric ideals many would believe he employs. Despite this, Barnes was the perfect choice to occupy one of those two roles up top.

Whilst talking on The Coaches Voice about how he masterminded the Clarets’ win over Liverpool, he referenced one man in particular as integral in executing their game plan.

Fully aware of the high line, he noted that Barnes’ experience playing in non-league helped his understanding of the exploitative balls in behind that would trouble Jurgen Klopp’s men. It was he who won the decisive penalty, which he would go on to score, helping the Lancashire outfit end the Reds’ 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield.

Dyche could look to repeat the deal to sign Barnes by investing in Antonio, who too has seen a meteoric rise up the footballing pyramid to Premier League stardom and often outscored the consistent if unspectacular 33-year-old.

With pace and physicality in abundance, a willingness to run the channels plus a sensational ability with his back-to-goal, his presence could be integral in allowing a new system to be built on Merseyside that could ensure survival.

In fact, his strength was lauded by personality Godfrey Akoto Boafo, who lauded the “powerful” attacker as “carrying” his team.

The 32-year-old remains the Hammers’ all-time Premier League top scorer, which speaks volumes for his pedigree, but it was only last season that he was bagging ten times and assisting eight.

Should he recapture any semblance of that goalscoring form, combined with his consistent work rate and hold-up play, he can quickly become a fan favourite under Dyche. Antonio can once again become the “complete monster” that journalist Paul Brown once dubbed him.

With a similar rise to prominence through the football leagues, to their mirrored play styles that utilise their physical assets to perfection, this seems like the perfect deal to allow Everton’s new boss to repeat a masterclass of the past by signing his new Barnes.

Liverpool are surprisingly eyeing a move for Fulham’s robust midfield engine Joao Palhinha, and could swoop for the ace in 2023 after consistently eye-catching displays for the flourishing London outfit…

What’s the word?

According to a report from GIVEMESPORT’s Dean Jones, the Reds have been ‘keeping an eye’ on Fulham’s Portuguese midfielder, who has captivated supporters with his work in re-establishing the club as a solid Premier League force after promotion from the EFL Championship last year.

Having penned a deal with the Cottagers for £17m last summer, the industrious gem has arguably been one of the division’s signings of the summer, having started 17 of the 18 league matches and threading the defensive and offensive departments together, integral in the club’s laudable seventh place position after 18 matches.

While Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a multitude of high-profile central targets due to the Merseyside outfit’s languishing status in the English top-flight, the prospective acquisition of the 27-year-old Palhinha could prove to be a shrewd move indeed in instilling composure and a robust presence to charge down enemy attacks.

Henderson heir

Having failed to secure top-flight status on their past two terms in the Premier League, the pieces have fallen into place this time around and the west London club are set to not only secure their status in the division, but challenge for a coveted spot in the top seven: European qualification.

It is no mere coincidence that Palhinha’s arrival at Craven Cottage runs parallel with the fantastic form of late, with his all-encompassing and tenacious work in the centre of the park providing the likes of Alexander Mitrovic to flourish in the talismanic role, while also anchoring the ship in front of the defensive bedrock and easing the workload.

Having made 18 appearances for the Whites across all competitions, scoring three goals the former Sporting Lisbon brute has succeeded in grasping his opportunity in the Premier League and earning acclaim for his dogged work, with Sofascore ranking his average divisional rating at 7.16 – the highest of any midfielder in the side.

Incredibly, he has made 4.7 tackles per outing, illuminating his diamond addition to the team; with the rate of sweeping success he is having, it is no wonder that his team is flourishing.

Liverpool supporters can only lick their lips at the prospect of having such a tireless presence in their midst, with the current crop of Anfield players looking limp and lifeless, failing to emulate the intensity levels that have gone so commendably in tandem with Klopp’s Merseyside tenure.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has long been the industrious and diligent presence in the centre of the Liverpool squad, but with his age creeping toward the twilight period of a professional Premier League footballer, and his average league rating of 6.92 the first time he has dropped below the 7.0 mark for three campaigns,

Hailed as an “engine” by Statman Dave, Liverpool must move with swift conviction to clinch the signature of the 18-cap phenom; Henderson is now 32-years-old, and Palhinha can take the baton, breathing vibrant life into the ambitious squad once more.

Everton might have made an emphatic breakthrough in their pursuit of offensive reinforcements to get the club back on track, according to exciting reports…

What’s the word?

Everton are one point off the relegation zone, battered and bruised down in 17th place, and with just 12 goals from 16 appearances in the top flight this term, something needs to change up front.

And now, according to The Daily Mail, the Toffees have identified 20-year-old Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga as an addition that could magnificently bolster the frontal efforts.

Elanga is understood to be disconcerted at United following a lack of first-team opportunities and might look to depart the club on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

This could play into Toffees manager Frank Lampard’s hands with great effect, with the Merseyside outfit earning an exciting prospect to ply their trade at Goodison Park and a potential opportunity to forge a permanent deal in the future. 

“Great talent”

Elanga burst onto the scene with the Red Devils last year, scoring two goals and registering two assists in the Premier League after earning his shot in the latter stages and scoring against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.

This season, however, Elanga has found opportunities harder to come by, starting only six times across all competitions and registering one assist as his solitary contribution in the final third.

The £22m-rated Swede will certainly be disgruntled by the lack of action and success on the pitch since the turn of the football season, and at Everton, his fortunes could change.

Demarai Gray, Anthony Gordon, and Dwight McNeil – Everton’s three starring wide players – have all failed to clinch more than three goals this term, with the 376-minutes-per-goal Gordon the fastest striking rate.

Elanga, while not finding the net this term, has already demonstrated an aptitude for finding the net, and at just 20 years old he could nurture his skill set in a more central role at Goodison, slowly integrating into the squad and proving a new dimension to the attack.

With Everton attempting to ward off the threat of relegation, Elanga’s defensive metrics will do little to deter Lampard; as per FBref, the ace ranks within the top 22% for tackles and 24% for blocks, while also ranking within the top 9% for aerials won, when compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues this past year.

Once hailed as a “great talent” by his legendary Swedish compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Elanga will undoubtedly rue Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag’s decision to push him closer to the periphery, but a move to Everton could erect the perfect platform to kickstart a very promising career.

West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna could finally be on his way out of the club after recent reports linking him with a move abroad.

The Italian centre-back will see his contract expire at the end of the season following an eight-year stint at the London club, where he has played 212 matches across all competitions.

La Gazzetta Express have claimed that Ligue 1 side Marseille are interested in taking Ogbonna from West Ham during the January transfer window, with the French club looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the second half of the season.

Moyes can finally ditch Ogbonna

Realistically, it’s a move that makes complete sense for Moyes, with the 34-year-old currently earning £70k-per-week, and freeing up this sort of budget could allow the Scot to bring in someone who could form a key part of the future.

This season, Ogbonna has played just two Premier League matches, mainly being utilised in the Europa Conference League by the manager, playing seven games in total as West Ham sealed progress to the knockout rounds with ease.

Domestically, he has failed to impress, holding a Sofascore rating of just 6.6, and in a 15-minute cameo against Chelsea, the defender took just seven touches, lost possession three times, and made just two accurate passes.

With the likes of Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd arriving in the summer, Moyes will know exactly who he wants at the heart of his defence going forward, and Ogbonna doesn’t appear to be in his plans.

He was previously dubbed “woeful” and “overrated” by Andy Lapthorne and despite being a club stalwart while having survived numerous managers, the time has come to move on to pastures new.

The likelihood of him leaving at the end of the season was high, however, with Marseille’s interest in the player ahead of next month’s transfer window, Moyes could very well terminate his contract and free up some funds which could be invested elsewhere in the team.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were linked with Dominik Livakovic in 2021 and after such an impressive start to the World Cup in Qatar, the Old Gold might regret not bringing him to Molineux.

It was suggested last year that the Croatian shot-stopper could be the man to replace Rui Patricio as he completed a move to Italy to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma but, in the end, Wolves would sign Jose Sa.

While the Portugal international was a big hit at Molineux last season, his performances have dropped significantly so far this campaign, with him currently underperforming on his expected goals against, while Livakovic continues to stand out as one of the top goalkeepers outside of Europe’s top leagues.

The 27-year-old scores above the 90th percentile for his shot-stopping ability, save percentage and goal kicks when compared to other ‘keepers in Europe, which emphasises how good he is with both his hands and his feet.

After helping Croatia through to the knockout stages after clean sheets against Morocco and Belgium, Livakovic proved to be the “hero” in Zlatko Dalic’s side on Monday as they beat Japan on penalties to set up a quarter-final game against Brazil.

During normal and extra time, the Dinamo Zagreb man would contribute three saves, one punch and one high claim, as he regularly thwarted Japan’s dangerous attacks.

However, his status as Croatia’s hero was confirmed during the penalty shootout, as he saved three out of four penalties, denying Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida to send the Vatreni through to the next round.

Sofascore would award Livakovic a hugely impressive 8.1/10 rating for his performance, which ranked him as the best Croatian and second-best overall player on the pitch, which emphasises just how important he was in Dalic’s side progress in Qatar.

The Croatia manager was unsurprisingly full of praise for his goalkeeper following the game, saying:

“We had a fantastic goalkeeper. Today he was great, he saved each of the penalties in a very strong and stable manner.

“We practised penalties in training yesterday and he made several saves. When he had the penalty shootout today I was assured, yesterday he installed this confidence and I was sure he would show that capacity today.”

Livakovic’s value is certain to shoot through the roof after his impressive displays in Qatar and Wolves may rue not bringing the £15k-per-week star to the Premier League if he earns a big move next year and continues to shine.

Scottish champions Celtic face their final competitive test before the upcoming World Cup, with Ange Postecoglou’s rampant side looking to maintain their stranglehold on first place with victory over Ross County this afternoon.

The Hoops head into that clash at Parkhead having won 13 of their 14 Scottish Premiership games so far this season, with that near-perfect form having seen the Old Firm outfit open up a seven-point lead over Glasgow rivals Rangers at the summit.

The omens bode well for the Bhoys for this meeting with Malky Mackay’s side, having already beaten the Staggies twice this season in league and cup, with both of those triumphs having come on the road.

Looking ahead to today’s encounter at Paradise, here’s how we at Football FanCast predict that the hosts will line up:

Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Jenz, Taylor; Mooy, O’Riley, Turnbull; Maeda, Kyogo, Jota.

Postecoglou has been handed a boost in the build-up to the game with the 57-year-old confirming that he has no fresh injury problems to contend with following the midweek win over Motherwell, albeit with midfield pair Callum McGregor and James McCarthy still out of action.

With that in mind, we predict that there will be just three tactical changes from the side that ran out 2-1 winners in that VAR-dominated affair at Fir Park on Wednesday evening, ensuring that former England number one Joe Hart keeps his place in the sticks.

The only alteration to the backline could see summer signing Moritz Jenz introduced in place of Carl Starfelt, with it perhaps unwise to overuse the returning Swede following his recent injury absence.

A further alteration could well take place in midfield with David Turnbull set to come in alongside Aaron Mooy and Matt O’Riley, with the Scotland international having registered a stunning assist off the bench against the Steelmen.

The playmaker’s inclusion could well see usual starter Reo Hatate drop out of the side, with the Japan international – who was omitted from his nation’s World Cup squad – ‘not at his best’ last time out, as per Glasgow Live’s Ben Banks.

The same can be said of forward Liel Abada who was something of a villain a few days ago, with the Israeli international set to make way in place of midweek matchwinner, Daizen Maeda, the 25-year-old – who will be going to Qatar – having only recently been lauded for his “immense” contribution as a substitute by his manager.

The former J-League star will be joined by compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi and talisman Jota in attack, with the Portuguese gem having been at the centre of controversy regarding his ‘offside’ goal against Steven Hammelll’s side.

Tottenham defender Emerson Royal could be heading towards the exit door in the near future, according to an update from Spurs insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Emerson falls down the pecking order?

The 23-year-old was sent-off for a reckless foul in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal earlier this month, a mistake that won’t have endeared him to Antonio Conte.

His subsequent suspension has seen Matt Doherty handed opportunities to shine at right wing-back, with the Irishman impressing much like he did in the second half of last season.

It could even be that the Brazilian’s time at Spurs is drawing to an end despite his emergence as the first-choice to begin this campaign.

The Latest: Doherty’s place to lose

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham of insider news channel Lilywhite Rose talked up an exit at some point in the near future, admitting the former Barcelona starlet could struggle to get back in the team:

“I hope it is hard for Emerson to get back in now. I hope Matt Doherty continues to impress, he’s been incredible. At Man United last year, we had this really good run of form going into the game and Doherty had been playing really well.

“In that game, he had a poor time and Man United really targeted him so this game is a big test for him. If he comes through that with flying colours and we win then it will be very, very difficult to take him out of the team.

“I don’t think too many people would be upset by that because Emerson has been underwhelming for a while now. Spence played as well so if he can continue to get minutes it is hard to see how Royal gets back into the side.”

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The Verdict: Time to go?

Emerson has certainly shown glimpses in a Tottenham shirt this term – Lucas Moura has said his compatriot has a ‘great future’ – but there are lingering doubts over whether he is good enough, particularly offensively, with plenty of his displays last season coming in for criticism.

With Doherty and Spence both representing good options in the same position, it could be time to part ways with the defender at the end of the season.

These coming months could almost act as an audition for Emerson, Doherty and Spence, in terms of showing Conte who the best choice is moving forward, but with a contract running until 2026, the club may be tempted to cash in next summer if the former cannot force his way back in.

Everton made it three defeats on the bounce as they lost 1-0 against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.

Miguel Almiron’s first-half curler was enough for Eddie Howe’s side against a lacklustre Toffees team which once again failed to muster a single shot on target in the 90 minutes.

The result leaves Everton just one point above the relegation places in the top flight, with the potential for a first-ever relegation definitely there despite the recent unbeaten run, which has dramatically come to an end with three consecutive defeats.

While there were plenty of poor performances on show at St James’ Park, Alex Iwobi’s display in the middle of the park was a hugely disappointing one for Everton.

As per SofaScore, the Nigeria international would earn a shocking 6.1/10 rating for his performance, which was the worst of any player on the pitch from both sides.

During his time on the pitch, the former Arsenal man would manage just 34 touches of the ball, which was even fewer than the 41 managed by Jordan Pickford, which emphasises just how little Iwobi was involved.

The 26-year-old completed just 21 passes at St James’ Park, which was a significant decrease from the 39.9 passes he has averaged in the Premier League so far this season.

Iwobi also failed to contribute a single shot, key pass or dribble on Wednesday night, which again is a big decrease on the 0.7 shots, 1.6 key passes and one dribble he has averaged per game in the top flight, so it was no surprise when Lampard substituted the midfielder in the second half.

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The Nigerian, who has been one of Everton’s best performers in the Premier League this season according to WhoScored, also lost all of the three ground duels he was involved in, which shows that he was well and truly bullied by Newcastle’s midfield, who clearly had the better of him.

The Liverpool Echo also felt that Iwobi was poor against Newcastle, ranking him as a 5/10 for his performance, so it is clear that Iwobi definitely let Lampard down with his truly awful display against the Toon.