Arsenal return to Premier League action tonight as Mikel Arteta’s men take on West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.

The north London side currently occupy top spot in the table, five points clear of their nearest challengers Manchester City, and there is a genuine hope that the Spaniard could be the one to lead the Gunners to their first top-flight title in 19 years.

However, Arteta will be without forward Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian suffering a knee injury at the World Cup, and he is expected to be out for around three months, which is a blow for the manager and for Arsenal.

Despite concerns over William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arteta should have them available against West Ham. In midfield, another man who the manager should definitely unleash tonight in the Gunners’ first competitive match since 12 November is Granit Xhaka.

The Switzerland international has become a lot more dynamic this season, with Arteta moulding him into a midfielder who can push forward and utilise his attacking capabilities.

In 14 Premier League matches before the World Cup break, Xhaka registered three goals and three assists, matching his tally of goal contributions from his previous two league campaigns combined. Such a renaissance is one that “deserves an Oscar” in the words of Sky Sports’ Nubaid Haroon who has clearly been left staggered by his turnaround.

Indeed, the manager has certainly delivered a masterstroke in transitioning the player into a more attacking-minded figure.

The £100k-per-week earner has also averaged 1.4 key passes per game while succeeding with 67% of his dribbles, clearly proving that he is more confident in an attacking sense, and it has worked wonders for Arsenal this season.

Former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour has enjoyed the club’s start to the campaign and in particular Xhaka’s performances, saying that the 30-year-old has been “absolutely brilliant this year”.

Elsewhere, Arteta previously described the Swiss maestro as “phenomenal”, and it’s clear that he has become one of the team’s most integral players.

Xhaka carried his domestic form into the World Cup, averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.92 across Switzerland’s four matches in Qatar; and despite the Swiss crashing out at the last 16 stage to Portugal following a 6-1 defeat, Arteta will just be glad that his player returned to north London without any injury concerns.

Unleashing the 30-year-old against West Ham tonight after his break from club action could give Arsenal the edge in the midfield battle, and you wouldn’t put it past him to grab a goal or an assist either.

Everton have reportedly seen a loan bid for Aston Villa striker Danny Ings rejected but Frank Lampard’s side must now push to sign him on a permanent deal.

What’s the word?

Daily Mail journalist Dominic King revealed on Wednesday evening: “Everton have had a bid to sign Danny Ings on loan rejected by Aston Villa. The only way Villa will allow Ings to move is on a permanent deal. A number of other clubs are interested in him. Be a situation to watch.”

The former Liverpool and Southampton man showcased his ability in front of goal on Wednesday night as he rescued a point for Unai Emery’s side at home to Wolves and it is easy to see why Unai Emery would want to keep him at the club.

However, he has started just twice under his new manager and may seek a January move away if there is a promise of him being the first name on the team sheet, which given his goal record in the top flight, he surely would be at Goodison Park.

Lampard needs him

Despite starting just eight games in the top flight so far this campaign, Ings boasts six goals, which is twice as many as Everton’s current top goalscorers Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray, which already emphasises what he would add to Lampard’s squad.

The Toffees have scored 4.69 fewer goals than expected so far this campaign, which suggests that they need a clinical finisher in their side if they are going to stave off relegation once again this year.

Ings would certainly provide a finishing ability at Everton which Lampard currently lacks in his squad, as the former England international has contributed an impressive 68 Premier League goals in his career thus far.

Former Leeds United man Noel Whelan was full of praise for Ings and his partnership with Ollie Watkins when speaking to Football Insider last year, offering a glimpse into the sort of qualities he could offer alongside the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin if he joined the Toffees.

Whelan said: “He is a phenomenal finisher as well, and we’re really seeing that partnership work with Watkins. They’re building that telepathy, which is key to any good side.

“It’s what we’ve been asking for. They’ve had questions asked of them, criticism about the lack of goals – but they’ve shown exactly why Aston Villa paid the money to get them both in.”

Ings’ experience and ability in front of goal make him the ideal player to have in a relegation dog fight so after seeing their loan approach turned down, Everton must splash the cash on the 30-year-old forward this month. It could just be the perfect remedy they need in saving themselves from relegation.

The onus on replenishing the midfield ranks at Liverpool has never been more apparent, and the club might now turn to a former target to inject fresh life to save a fading season…

What’s the word?

Wolverhampton Wanderers completed the signing of Matheus Nunes in the summer in a club-record £42.2m deal that was considered a major coup for the club, following intense speculation that the 24-year-old could join Liverpool.

And now, according to The Telegraph, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp and Sporting Director Julian Ward could be poised to dive back in for the Portuguese maestro, who could be available for €50m (£44m), although any move is unlikely to happen until next summer’s window.

Nunes has not quite hit the ground running since his arrival at Wolves from Sporting Lisbon, with the club languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table and in real danger of falling back into the EFL Championship.

Midfield saviour?

Nunes has been lacklustre since commencing his exploits in English football, having made 14 Premier League appearances from his central position and registering just the one assist, having yet to find the back of the net.

And his average league rating of 6.74 leaves plenty of room for improvement, as per Sofascore, with his lack of direct goal involvement hampering his progress, although his 1.1 shots per match and 0.9 key passes, knitted together by a slick 81% passing accuracy, certainly allude to a promising career at one of Europe’s elite outfits.

However, Liverpool are in dire need of a new face in the centre of the park to lift the club back to prominence, with a lack of grip, tenacity and vibrancy combining to wreak havoc on the Merseyside outfit’s ambitious aspirations.

Nunes, despite his tepid start to life on English soil, boasts all the attributes required to flourish at one of the Premier League’s elite, and could indeed prosper in and amongst Liverpool’s deep pool of world-class talent.

As per FBref, the 11-cap star ranks within the top 4% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes received, and the top 16% for touches in the attacking penalty area, indicating a willingness to surge forwards and look to split the opposing defences apart with deft darting runs and provide from a creative standpoint.

Praised by his former Sporting teammate Goncalo Santos for his natural pace, power and elegance when gliding through the field before his departure last summer, Nunes possesses every morsel of talent required to forge an eminent career indeed.

Santos said: “It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once lauded Nunes as “one of the best players in the world”, and he could become just that at Liverpool, thriving and serving as the focal point from the centre, finally gifting the Kop it’s marquee midfield signing so desired over the past few years.

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in 2023 and his arrival at the Etihad could be a potential repeat of the Citizens’ signing of Raheem Sterling.

According to 90min, the Premier League champions have a long-standing interest in the England international and could be given the green light to sign him next year, should he fail to agree to a new contract with the Gunners, with his current deal set to expire in 2024.

The 21-year-old has been a key player for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this season, hitting four goals and six assists in just 14 Premier League appearances, which has helped him to an impressive 7.35 rating from WhoScored.

Danny Murphy was full of praise for the impact of Saka and fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli after they defeated Liverpool 3-2 earlier in the season.

He said:

“The two young lads playing left and right for them would be giving any defences in Europe or world football a problem. Great players can force teams into mistakes.

“They’re relentless. They’re so direct and so full of confidence at the moment.”

Despite his age, Saka looks set to be at the forefront of the Gunners’ title hopes this season and they will be desperate to tie him down to a long-term contract at the Emirates, especially if they have learnt anything from Liverpool’s loss of Sterling in 2015.

The winger would swap Anfield for the Etihad in 2015, after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title with the Reds under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013/14 campaign.

He would go on to make 339 appearances for the Citizens, contributing an impressive 131 goals and 95 assists, winning five League Cups, four Premier League titles and one FA Cup during his spell in Manchester.

While there is no doubt that Arsenal are an ever-improving side, Saka may well look towards Sterling’s career as the benchmark for winning trophies, and he could easily emulate the England star if he joined up with Pep Guardiola.

The prospect of signing another top talent from their nearest title rivals would surely reinforce City’s reputation as the dominant force in English football, so Txiki Begiristain should do all he can to bring Saka to the Etihad next year.

Newcastle United will reportedly try to convince Barcelona striker Memphis Depay to sign for them in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The 28-year-old’s contract at Camp Nou expires next summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent or sign for a another club in a cut-price deal in January.

A player with ample experience at the highest level, this could be a great opportunity for other clubs to sign him for a potential bargain.

The Latest: Newcastle will try for Depay

As per Spanish news outlet AS (via Sport Witness), Newcastle will ‘try to convince’ Depay of a January move to St James’ Park ‘in the next few days’.

They are the ‘most serious’ of all the clubs interested in signing him, although the Dutchman would prefer to leave as a free agent next summer instead.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done?

With Alexander Isak out injured at the moment, and Callum Wilson ill, Eddie Howe could use some more cover up top from now until the end of the season.

Having played in the Premier League before, Depay would need little time to adapt to life back in English football, although his first spell in the UK did not go well.

At Manchester United, the Netherlands international only managed seven goals in two years. However, he has since gone on to have a stellar career, scoring 190 senior goals in total for club and country combined (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as a ‘different beast‘ by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst since leaving Old Trafford, Depay would be a very smart signing by the Magpies, especially if they can get the 28-year-old for a reduced fee.

Wolverhampton Wanderers being interested in an audacious move to sign Isco make “a lot of sense”, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Isco’s future

The former Real Madrid and Spain international is a free agent after having his contract terminated by Sevilla in December just four months after joining.

Isco started 10 La Liga games for the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan outfit but failed to score and registered just two assists – a far cry from the creative expectancy his reputation perhaps serves.

The 30-year-old won 19 major honours at Real including five Champions Leagues, but now finds his career at a crossroads when he’s supposed to be in his prime.

The Latest: Lopetegui interest

Aside from his Sevilla spell, Isco had briefly played under Julen Lopetegui in the Spanish capital but perhaps more fondly when they won the U21 2013 European Championship together, with Estadio Deportivo reporting that he would welcome reuniting with his former manager.

And now Talbot has told GiveMeSport that Lopetegui could be the man to help him get his career back on track by bringing him to the Premier League.

He said: “A player will go to a club such as Wolves, and they get the right manager or someone they’ve worked with before and they can rediscover their form. If Lopetegui has a relationship with the player and he’s available on a free, and there’s a possibility he could rekindle that form that did so well for him, then it makes a lot of sense.”

The Verdict: Incredible coup

It would be fantastic business from Wolves if they were able to pick up a player who was one of the best creators in Europe just a few years ago. Back in 2018, the midfielder had a mammoth price tag of over £100m slapped on him at Real Madrid.

With 74 goals and 69 assists in a career spent entirely in Spain up until now, his overall impact alongside a final product would be greatly welcome at Molineux, as Wolves are the worst attacking side in the Premier League with only 10 goals scored in 17 games following the weekend’s results.

Alongside the confirmed arrival of Matheus Cunha with an obligation to buy for £43m, we think the pair would transform Wolves’ attacking threat and potentially turn the tide on their season.

Celtic managed to maintain their nine-point gap ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race on Monday afternoon, however, Ange Postecoglou’s side had it far from all their own way in a thrilling 2-2 Old Firm draw at Ibrox.

Indeed, after Daizen Maeda cooly slotted home with barely five minutes on the clock, it appeared as if Celtic were on track to secure a repeat of the 4-0 demolition of their Glasgow rivals earlier in the season, although this would not prove the case.

While the Hoops did maintain their lead until half-time, the Light Blues came flying out of the box in the second period, with Ryan Kent’s curling effort bringing the home side level on the 47-minute mark, before Carl Starfelt brought Fashion Sakala down in the box just six minutes later, with James Tavernier firing powerfully home from the resulting penalty to give Gers the lead.

However, while it was largely Michael Beale’s side on top as the game drew to a close, Kyogo Furuhashi salvaged a point for Celtic with just two minutes of normal time remaining, slamming home from close range after the ball broke free in the box.

Although, despite the result being much more favourable for Postecoglou’s men than Rangers, a number of the Bhoys’ individual displays will have disappointed the Greek-Australian coach at Ibrox, with Joe Hart and Josip Juranovic both poor on Monday.

Indeed, the latter was notably criticised by pundit Chris Sutton who claimed the Croat “would have struggled to impress any watching scouts” amid links of a move away from Paradise.

Having said that, it will perhaps be the performance of James Forrest that will be the 57-year-old’s biggest cause for concern, as the 31-year-old well and truly failed his manager’s trust after being handed a surprise start against the Light Blues.

Indeed, over his 61 minutes on the pitch, the £3.5m-rated winger offered his side next to nothing going forwards, taking no shots at Allan McGregor’s goal, failing with his one attempted dribble and making no key passes.

The £20k-per-week forward also enjoyed just 31 touches of the ball – the third-lowest of any outfielder to start the match – completed a mere 15 of his 23 attempted passes – at a success rate of just 65% – and gave the ball away on 12 separate occasions – meaning he ceded possession for his side with every 2.6 touches he had.

Rather unsurprisingly, these metrics saw the Scotland international earn an extremely disappointing Sofascore match rating of 6.5 – the second-worst of Celtic’s starting outfielders on the day – while The Celtic Way’s Tony Haggerty also awarded the winger a five in his own player ratings, as well as stated of Forrest’s performance:

“A surprise inclusion for many as he was given the nod over Jota and Liel Abada by his manager. That must have been a supreme vote of confidence for the wide man and the Aussie admitted that it was his sparkling form which dictated that he was in the Ibrox starting lineup. Helped out [Alistair] Johnston as much as he could but he was not really seen as an attacking threat.”

Indeed, while Kyogo’s late strike ultimately spared Celtic’s blushes at Ibrox, the display of Forrest could easily have cost Postecoglou’s side dearly in the Old Firm clash, as the 31-year-old “flopped badly” – in the words of journalist Stuart Hodge – on his chance to impress from the off against Rangers.

Chelsea have been put on high alert concerning the future of a touted target following recent reports, but the Blues will face stiff competition from Premier League competitors…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Everton and England No. 1 shot-stopper Jordan Pickford has not yet sealed a new contract with the Merseyside outfit, despite agreeing on an extension before jetting off to Qatar for World Cup duty.

Such revelations have piqued Chelsea boss Graham Potter’s interest, although the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also registered an intrigue in acquiring his signature.

With his current deal set for expiry in the summer of 2024, Everton will likely be looking to cash in on their coveted keeper before the start of next season at the latest if a renewal indeed fails to materialise.  

Pickford is better than Mendy 

Due to Everton’s woes over the past several seasons, certain casual observers would be forgiven for lamenting Pickford for his role in the club’s decline. 

The £24.8m-rated ace was central to the team that shipped 66 goals over the course of the 21/22 campaign, playing 35 of the 38 league outings, but despite a leaky defence that needed reinforcing, the Englishman’s performances maintained a level of respect. 

Signed for Everton for £30m from Sunderland in 2018, Pickford made 117 saves in the English top-flight last term, and his 62 parries this year is bettered only by Brentford’s David Raya.

A large proportion of his side’s woes lay in the hands of the shoddy defence in front of him, failing to deal with threats and offer protection that is imperative in order to thrive in the Premier League. 

Should Chelsea instigate a transfer, it is felt that Pickford might thrive in the hands of a more capable defence, with an upturn in performance this season already illuminated by Toffees boss Frank Lampard’s action in the transfer market to reshape the defence with the likes of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski.

Pickford would be a sterling improvement on the likes of Edouard Mendy, who has failed to replicate the resounding form that earned him the regular spot following his £22m move from Rennes in 2020.

As per Sofascore, the 28-year-old Pickford has recorded an average rating of 7.19 over the current league campaign, dazzling with an impressive 77% save percentage and keeping three clean sheets, also displaying his ball-playing acumen with a fine long-ball assist for Demarai Gray’s late equaliser against Nottingham Forest.

Mendy, in retrospect, has recorded a poor rating of 6.69, failing to demonstrate his prowess and consequently being demoted from his position in the team, with Kepa Arrizabalaga stepping up to the plate.

His save percentage of 68% is bettered by Pickford, with the Senegalese shot-stopper also making a direct error leading to goal.

And with both goalkeepers shipping goals at a rate of 1.3 per match this season, Pickford’s presence is highlighted – with Everton scraping for form at the bottom of the table, one can only imagine the upturn if situated at Stamford Bridge among world-class defenders. 

Once dubbed a “monster” by journalist Joe Crann, the 50-cap English colossus would be a fine addition to the Blues, and Potter must finally give him the move to prominence he deserves after years of stalwart service for Everton.

West Ham United are in a major slump, there is no doubt about it. David Moyes’ side have won just four times in the Premier League this season and are a far cry from replicating their excellent run last year where they finished in 7th position.

Since returning from the World Cup hiatus, West Ham have lost to Arsenal and Brentford while drawing with Leeds United and if they maintain this current league form over the next couple of months, they could find themselves fighting to retain their Premier League status.

The Hammers take on Brentford in the FA Cup this evening just eight days after their 2-0 defeat and Moyes will be aiming to take revenge and the tournament could provide relief from their poor league form.

Against Leeds, there were a couple of standout performers, with Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta getting on the scoresheet, yet it is the Brazilian star who must be let loose against the Bees today.

On the Chalkboard

Paqueta endured a tough start to life at West Ham, registering just three assists across all competitions before the World Cup, however, having impressed at the tournament for Brazil, looks ready to kick on and become an integral part of the squad as they look to find some form.

The £150k-per-week attacking midfielder put in arguably his best performance at the club so far against Leeds in midweek, averaging a 7.5/10 rating on Sofascore, which was the second highest on the pitch.

The 25-year-old scored his first goal for the club while making one key pass and having a further four shots during his 80-minute spell on the pitch.

He also contributed defensively too, winning 50% of his duels while making three tackles, one interception, and one clearance, proving that he can be an asset across all areas of the pitch.

Against Brentford last week, Paqueta made three key passes and took 86 touches throughout the tie despite West Ham losing, but there is no reason why he can’t dominate in the midfield again.

The Brazilian was dubbed a “warrior and wizard” by Squawka last year and he can certainly display those qualities in the FA Cup tonight as West Ham aims to forge a patch into the next round.

West Ham United are now trailing Leicester City in the race to sign Stoke City defender Harry Souttar, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s Souttar interest

It was reported back in December that West Ham were interested in Souttar after the defender impressed at the World Cup with national side Australia, finishing as the fourth-best performing player in the squad, as per SofaScore.

Wolverhampton Wanderers also have the Australian on their radar, with Stoke said to be bracing themselves for offers in January, but it has now been claimed that a different club is leading the way.

The Latest: Leicester in pole

According to a report from the Daily Record (via Leicester Mercury), Leicester are now in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, after conducting numerous scouting missions.

The Hammers and Wolves are both said to ‘fancy’ the 6 foot 6 giant, but they will now have to make up ground on the Foxes if they are to complete a January deal.

The Verdict: Get it done?

There is not yet any talk of an official bid being lodged by Brendan Rodgers’ side, so there is still an opportunity for David Moyes to win the race for the defender’s signature, and there are plenty of signs that indicate he would be a very good signing.

The 14-time Australia international has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, and his height makes him a towering aerial presence, displaying his dominance in the air by averaging 4.33 aerials won per 90 in the last year, in the 95th percentile compared to other centre-backs.

In truth, the Hammers’ defence has not been their main issue this season, conceding just 24 goals, but they could still do with a long-term replacement for Craig Dawson, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and is seeking a move further north.

As such, Souttar could fit the bill, given that he is just coming into his prime.