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Despite not necessarily being at their free-flowing best yet, Arsenal are once again enjoying a fantastic season this year, and following their thrilling last-second win against Luton Town during the week, will remain atop the Premier League table going into the weekend's fixtures.

Mikel Arteta's men have found a way to grind out results this year and, in the process, have put together one of the best defensive units in the country.

However, just like every other team in the league, they too are susceptible to injuries and, unfortunately, are set to be without Takehiro Tomiyasu for up to two months following a calf injury he suffered against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

The Japanese international will be a big miss for the Gunners as they look to maintain and grow their lead atop the table, so it's a good thing they have been linked to one of the most exciting up-and-coming full-backs on the continent in his place: Jeremie Frimpong.

Arsenal transfer news – Jeremie Frimpong

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via CaughtOffside), the Gunners have been scouting the young Dutchman and consider the right-back position to be one of the priority areas heading into 2024.

The 22-year-old spent his youth career with Manchester City before signing for Scottish giants Celtic in 2019, where he would make 51 appearances in all competitions before joining current side Bayer Leverkusen in January 2019 on an £11.5m deal.

Any transfer in 2024 will likely cost Arsenal an awful lot more than that, with reports that he has a release clause of around £34m in his contract that becomes active in the summer.

Now, that is certainly a lot of money, but for a player who has been described as "breathtaking" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, due to his "speed & acceleration", it still sounds like a good deal for the north Londoners.

The stats to show Jeremie Frimpong would improve Arsenal

The Gunners are relatively stacked when it comes to right-back talent. Besides Tomiyasu, they can rely on Ben White, Jurrien Timber when he is back and even Cedric Soares, who is somehow still at the club – no, we aren't sure either.

That said, neither Tomiyasu, White, nor Timber are natural out-and-out right-backs like Frimpong is. So, his arrival would allow those players to fill in across the backline and provide even more competition on that right-hand side.

But how does the former Celtic spped machine stack up to White and Tomiyasu this season?

Well, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the "brilliant" young Leverkusen ace, as described by former Hoops boss Neil Lennon, actually comes out on top in the majority of statistics when compared to the Gunners' primary right-backs this season.

His attacking output is leaps and bounds above anything the Arsenal pair have produced so far this season, and you can only imagine the terrifying threat he and Bukayo Saka would create on that right flank.

However, he does seem to struggle somewhat with his passing in comparison, and while he wins more tackles than his Japanese competition, White leads the way in that area.

Fundamentally, there is a slight risk in signing a young prospect from the Bundesliga, but based on his performances this season, it looks like a gamble that would be well worth taking as even if the injury to Tomiyasu isn't too severe, Frimpong offers so much going forward and he could genuinely add that extra firepower the Gunners have been missing this year.

Nicolas Jackson admitted he missed too many chances as he analysed his performance in his maiden season for Chelsea.

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• Jackson opened up on his debut Chelsea season
• Slammed by critics for being wasteful
• Chelsea's second-highest goalscorer in 2023/24 season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Senegalese forward has been accused of being wasteful in front of the goal by pundits and fans, despite scoring the second-most number of goals for Chelsea in his maiden season at the club. Since joining the Premier League giants last summer, Jackson has netted 13 times across all competitions, 10 less than the team's top goalscorer Cole Palmer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Now the 22-year-old striker has admitted to his shortcomings as he claimed he 'missed' too many chances and failed to live up to the standards he had set for himself before heading to the Premier League last summer.

• WHAT NICOLAS JACKSON SAID

  Speaking to , Jackson said, "I think I should have scored more with the chances I missed. It’s good, but not what I wanted to be when I came – to play Champions League next season. Everything happens for a reason and we try to fight next year. Even if I scored 10 or 15, the most important thing is for the team to be as high as possible and make the fans happy. Then the goals will come.

  "Trying to improve every day. The most important [thing] is being available for the team, helping the team and playing. I miss a lot but I’m trying to create more chances and score more. Hopefully next year it’s going to be better."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Mauricio Pochettino's side will be next seen in action on Thursday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in an important Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Stoke City have placed another managerial candidate as a leading contender alongside John Eustace, according to an update from a reliable journalist.

Eustace emerges as Stoke frontrunner

The Potters made the decision to sack Alex Neil last weekend following their 1-0 Championship defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, and they have already held talks with several candidates to replace him, including Paul Heckingbottom and Michael Beale.

According to TEAMtalk, Birmingham City’s former manager Eustace is currently in pole position to secure himself the job, but if the following update is to be believed, he’s not the only available boss who is firmly in the running to take to the dugout.

Earlier in December, Sunderland relieved Tony Mowbray of his duties despite being on a positive run of form, and the 60-year-old has very recently opened up on his time in the northeast, alongside letting his admirers know that he is ready to begin a new role.

"I would like to thank the most important people at any football club, the supporters. I will forever be grateful for the amazing support that you gave to the team but also to me personally. As a native Teessider, the warmth that I received from Wearside was truly special. It is a bond that I genuinely appreciate.

"The atmosphere that you created at the Stadium of Light was inspirational and to those of you who travelled in your many thousands supporting the team around the country your support was phenomenal. I leave energised and enthusiastic for my next challenge."

Stoke eyeing Mowbray

Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett confirmed that Stoke have shown an interest in Mowbray, who the Coates family view as another strong contender to take to the helm at The Bet365 Stadium.

He wrote: "Former #bcfc manager John Eustace and ex #sunderland and #wbafc boss Tony Mowbray are among the leading candidates to take over at #scfc, I’m told. Ex #Fulham Slavisa Jakanovic is also on shortlist – though still lots of names in frame, as club determined to do exhaustive search."

Mowbray's "excellent" reign at Sunderland

While Stoke supporters may feel that Mowbray is an older profile of manager than they want, he’s got plenty of experience under his belt at the required level having had spells with the likes of West Brom, Middlesbrough and Blackburn, so he might be a more respectable option to consider than first imagined.

The Saltburn-By-The-Sea-born coach also knows what it takes to compete, be successful and most importantly get out of the division having previously achieved promotion during his time at The Hawthorns, which is something that the club haven’t managed to do since dropping down from the Premier League.

As described by Josh Bunting, Mowbray is still an “excellent” leader and there’s no doubt that he would first and foremost be capable of organising the squad before attempting to push the team up the table, so this could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.

Pizza chain Domino's savagely trolled England captain Harry Kane after his trophyless season for Bayern Munich.

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• Kane has trophyless season with Bayern
• England skipper's wait for silverware goes on
• Domino's pizza trolls former Tottenham man

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern's Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid in midweek ended the German giants' chances of winning silverware this season. Despite scoring more than 40 goals this term, the 30-year-old's wait for a trophy goes on – something Domino's pounced upon.

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• WHAT DOMINO'S SAID

  Domino's wrote on Facebook: "Introducing our new 'Harry Kane Trophy Pizza'.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane made a big-money move from Tottenham to Bayern last summer and despite all his scoring feats, the Bavarians will endure their first trophyless season since 2012. They suffered an early DFB-Pokal exit, lost the Bundesliga title to a still-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, and their Champions League dreams are over, too.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kane's Bayern side, who sit second in the Bundesliga behind champions Leverkusen, will hope to hold off third-placed Stuttgart in their final two matches of the season. The German giants host Wolfsburg on Sunday and are then away to Hoffenheim on May 18.

Luka Modric has reportedly communicated his decision about his future to Real Madrid amid contract impasse.

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• Modric's contract is valid until June 30
• A new deal is yet to be penned
• Midfielder willing to extend his stay at Real

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Ballon d'Or winner's future hangs in the balance as Real Madrid are set to embark on a new era fuelled by fresh blood in midfield. The 39-year-old has spent over a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu but his minutes have waned in the current season under Carlo Ancelotti which has raised further concerns about his stay. However, the Croatian continues to be a crucial cog for Los Blancos and has shown that he can still turn the tide after coming on from the bench in important fixtures – as was evident against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Modric has already "informed Real Madrid of his desire to stay at the club and sign a new contract." The Croatian is not concerned about his wages and has already turned down two massive offers as he awaits a response from the Real Madrid hierarchy.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Although Modric has made 43 appearances this season across competitions for Real, only 25 of them have been starts – an unimpressive figure given his high standards. However, the club faithful want him to stay and were spotted singing chants while Real Madrid gathered at the Cibeles to celebrate their 36th league championship triumph.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MODRIC?

  There have been reports suggesting that Real Madrid would hand both Modric and Toni Kroos fresh deals. The club is currently mulling over the possibility of holding on to both midfield veterans as Ancelotti has allegedly put his weight behind the duo.

  However, any decision is likely to be reached after the Champions League final as Los Blancos are focused on lifting a record-extending 15th title against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 at Wembley.

An "outstanding" Manchester United player could now reportedly leave in the January transfer window, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes his presence felt.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils' 2-1 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday was another low point in an increasingly poor season, as they failed to build on the 3-2 win at home to Aston Villa on Boxing Day. It again highlighted a lack of quality within the squad, which is why new signings could come in when the January window opens imminently.

VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy has emerged as a target, following an excellent season to date, but Newcastle United are providing competition for his signature. Meanwhile, defensive issues mean someone could be brought in at the back, too, with Sporting CP and Portugal ace Goncalo Inacio arguably one of the more-linked players.

Some may argue that injuries have been the biggest issue for United, and that not many new signings are required, but in order for Erik ten Hag's side to mount a genuine top-four push in the Premier League, at least one new face may have to arrive.

On the flip side, some supporters may be keen to see the back of certain players, and it looks as though one household name who played vs Forest could be on his way out of OId Trafford in the very near future.

Raphael Varane could leave Man Utd

According to a new update from Football Insider, Raphael Varane could leave Manchester United in January, with the club willing to listen to offers for him.

"Man United are prepared to accept offers for Raphael Varane in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. The 30-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer with an option to extend for an additional year if triggered by the club.

"As it stands, Varane is free to talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer in January which has caused concern among staff at Old Trafford. United do not want to lose another player on a free transfer and are therefore considering the sale of Varane next month if an appropriate offer is received."

Selling Varane in January could certainly be a risk, considering Lisandro Martinez's lengthy absence, but there is no question that his time at United has become increasingly disappointing. The 30-year-old, on £340,000-a-week, started against Forest on Saturday and was part of a shaky back-line that twice allowed their opponents to score too easily – he got a 5/10 rating from The Manchester Evening News – and he no longer looks like the player who has won four Champions League crowns and many other trophies, although he as been hailed as "outstanding" by former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos.

Man Utd being personally pushed to sign "outrageous" striker by Ten Hag

The Old Trafford board have been asked to make a move for an overseas centre-forward.

By
Chloe Chadwick

Dec 31, 2023

For that reason, should a big offer arrive for Varane in January, United should certainly consider accepting it, before bringing in a younger, less injury-prone centre-back as soon as possible, such as Inacio, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Leeds United could give the "green light" for a "brilliant player" to exit Elland Road in January, despite manager Daniel Farke praising him for his attitude.

Leeds losing ground in promotion push

After just one win in their last five Championship games, Leeds are slowly losing ground in their Premier League promotion push – currently sitting nine points behind second-placed Ipswich Town, who occupy the second automatic place.

Leeds now want to sign "flair" player who once scored late winner at Elland Road

He could add so much quality to Daniel Farke’s squad.

By
Henry Jackson

Dec 30, 2023

The Whites' form has taken a bit of a nosedive after their promising start to the campaign, and Farke will be hoping to resurrect it – and quickly – if they're to usurp Ipswich Town and Southampton to climb into the top two.

Leeds take on Birmingham City on New Year's Day, which represents a good opportunity to get back to winning ways against a side not exactly in great form themselves.

Farke's side could also look to strengthen their ranks in the looming January transfer window, with reports this week suggesting Leeds are eyeing a move for Bournemouth forward David Brooks.

Leeds' transfer plans may need to be bolstered financially by players moving the other way, though, and one player heavily tipped to do so is Wilfried Gnonto.

Leeds could green-light Gnonto exit

The Italian has featured in 19 of Leeds' second-tier matches, but just seven of those have been starts in what must be a frustration for Gnonto.

According to Il Romanista.it, Gnonto wants to leave Leeds and they may "give the green light" to his exit, with "several teams" from Italy tracking the player.

Lazio and Fiorentina are among his admirers, but Farke's men will only allow him to go in the event of a fair offer of around £13 million.

The Italian has scored just one goal and assisted one other this term, which is a far cry from his electric Premier League form last campaign.

Nevertheless, Farke has actually praised Gnonto's attitude in coping with a lack of chances to start.

"What I like a lot about Willy at the moment is his attitude," said Farke to the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this month (via LeedsAllOver).

"He was always used to shine, always the posterboy. It’s not easy when he’s on the bench, but when we score and do positive stuff, the first one celebrating on the pitch is Willy. I like our team spirit that we are also happy for the teammates. It’s also a good solution to find our best way back. He has to be stubborn and patient and keep going, and he will be back at his best, I’m sure."

Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, also expressed his surprise at Leeds not starting such a "brilliant player" more often.

"I'm really surprised a player that is this good is not in the starting lineup at a Championship club," said Jones.

"Especially when he was given a second chance at Leeds to make things work and was forgiven for that little moment he had in the summer. He is a brilliant player, but that has to be matched by the right mindset."

AC Milan ace Christian Pulisic has outlined the main difference between the Premier League and Serie A after playing in both divisions.

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• Pulisic spent four years at Chelsea
• Just finishing first season at AC Milan
• American contrasts two divisions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After more than four years with Chelsea, where he scored 26 goals in 145 games between 2019-2023, the United States international joined Milan last summer. In contrast with his sorry end at the Blues, the 25-year-old has scored 15 goals and bagged nine assists for the Italian giants this term, with 12 of his goals coming in Serie A. Now, he has spoken about the differences between the two leagues.

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  WHAT CHRISTIAN PULISIC SAID

  The USMNT star told : "My hypothesis is that Serie A is much more tactical, the English championship much more physical and technical. If you come from the Premier League with these qualities, you can immediately make the most of it."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pulisic has shown he is a big talent but, arguably, did not live up to the £58 million ($73.8m) Chelsea splashed out on the then-20-year-old back in early 2019. The former Borussia Dortmund star joined Milan for just £17m ($22m) and that has proven to be something of a bargain. The American ace will now have to continue to improve and take his game to the next level next season.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Pulisic will hope to feature in Milan's final Serie A game of the season when they take on already-relegated Salernitana on Saturday. The Rossoneri sit second in the division, a whopping 19 points behind champions Inter Milan.

Sister clubs Man Utd and Nice both qualified for the Europa League but multi-club ownership rules put their places in jeopardy.

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• Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns stakes in both Man Utd and Nice
• UEFA rules prevent both playing in same European competition
• Manchester City and Girona face a similar situation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  UEFA are reportedly set to let both Manchester United and Manchester City play in the same European competitions as their sister clubs this season. According to The Times, UEFA's Club Financial Control Board (CFCB) will issue the ruling on Monday, with certain conditions attached.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Current UEFA rules mean that no clubs can play in the same competition as another club that has shared ownership. Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns French side Nice, who qualified for the Europa League this season, as did Manchester United, who he also has a minority stake in. Girona, part of the City Football Group, finished third in La Liga this season, putting them in the Champions League, alongside Manchester City.

• WHAT UEFA ARE SET TO RULE

  According to The Times, UEFA will give approval to both Manchester teams to play alongside their sister clubs in Europe next season, so long as Nice and Girona are operated via a 'blind trust'. This will not be a long-term solution however, as the 2024/25 season will be seen as a transitional one.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  In regards to Ratcliffe's relationship with both Manchester United and Nice, the billionaire will have a close eye on UFEA's ruling, with the governing body widely expected to be changed for future seasons. Ratcliffe and INEOS own 27.7 per cent of the Red Devils and are expected to embark on a summer of transition this year, making plenty of changes to the playing, and potentially coaching staff.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly in talks to sign a versatile player, although he may not join until the summer.

Wolves transfer news

In the Premier League, the Old Gold are in a strong position following a positive festive period with wins over Chelsea, Brentford and Everton. After 20 games, Wolves are now in 11th place and appear to be on course for a stress free second half to the campaign.

Gary O'Neil now has the chance to add to the squad during the January transfer window after not having too much time to bolster his squad when taking the job in the summer, and there have been multiple rumours in recent weeks.

A new forward at Molineux has been mooted, with Wolves reportedly making another offer for Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia. A €12m "right of redemption" to buy the 27-year-old was made, however, the Serie A side have turned down that bid and are holding out for €20m.

Wolves could sign "electric" Cunha partner in January

Wolverhampton Wanderers could upgrade their attack with this signing, the new arrival slotting in nicely alongside Matheus Cunha.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 2, 2024

Elsewhere, Union SG striker Mohamed Amoura has also been linked with a move to Wolves, with the club also making an approach for Fenerbache right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel. Another new target has now emerged with the window officially open, and it looks as if Wolves are looking to get their first deal of 2024 completed relatively soon.

Wolves in talks to sign Rodrigo Gomes

Sport Witness relayed two reports on Tuesday regarding Wolves and SC Braga’s Rodrigo Gomes. It has been claimed that the two clubs are in talks over a transfer that could cost an initial €12m and then possibly rise to €15m if bonuses are included. However, Gomes is currently on loan at Estoril for the season, so he may not arrive at Molineux until the end of the campaign.

Gomes is just 20 years of age and appears to be an extremely versatile player who can play as a right-winger, left-winger or even as a right-back. Valued at €5m by Transfermarkt, his loan spell with Estoril appears to be going well, with the player scoring four goals and providing six assists in 14 Liga Portugal games. (Rodrigo Gomes stats – Transfermarkt)

Target scouting reporter Joe Pearce has also been impressed with Gomes this season, saying:

“Gomes is a smaller profile standing at 1.75m and has rapid acceleration and the stamina to make real lung bursting runs from deeper positions, when he spots space ahead, he attacks it and shows real intensity in wanting to break forward and anticipate second balls, attacking the back post and following up on shots looking for rebounds and has scored and assisted from this type of situation.

“His lower centre of gravity and quick feet accompanied with his acceleration allow him to shift effectively away from defenders and surge with the ball. Even from a standing start he can create separation to attack the byline before getting his head up quickly to spot and execute some impressive cutbacks or cut inside and shoot on his left.”

Speed appears to be one of his main attributes, and by the looks of things, he could be the next Portuguese player to make the move to Molineux, providing talks go well.