Journalist Charles Watts has been felt angered by the number of fouls made on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka that were not spotted by the referee this weekend.

What’s the latest on Bukayo Saka and AFC?

In their latest Premier League outings, the Gunners came back from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 4-2 away from home in dramatic fashion.
Indeed, two late efforts saw Mikel Arteta’s side pick up all three points in the game and Saka played his part, netting the first of Arsenal’s four goals.
However, the winger was on the end of some rough treatment being fouled three times (more than any Villa player) though he also got booked too.
While speaking on YouTube after the game, Watts couldn’t believe that the referee only called three fouls in the game, despite Saka getting “destroyed” by the opposition with their poor tackling.
He explained (2:48): “Bukayo Saka got absolutely destroyed at Villa Park by the Villa players on Saturday.

“The maddest thing was that I looked at the end of the game to see how many times he’d been fouled. And I honestly thought it was going to be eight or nine times. It was three, he got three freekicks given for all the treatment he received against Aston Villa.

“He even got booked because he reacted to one of the challenges now this is something we are seeing every single week. And Bukayo Saka was hurt on the weekend. I mean, I was convinced he was going have to come off at one point, he could barely put any weight on his ankle.

“It’s no surprise with the treatment he’s getting. And it happens every single week. And it has to be a big, big concern.”

What do the fouls on Saka mean for Arsenal?

At the moment, Saka’s durability has been one of his biggest assets. After all, he has managed to start every Premier League game so far this season.
Seeing as he has netted nine goals and provided eight assists in this time, it’s safe to say he’s been pivotal to the title charge too. However, if he keeps getting kicked about, he may soon pick up an injury.
This isn’t a recent issue too. Last season, according to fBref (via Arseblog) Saka was fouled 59 times. The next closest was Gabriel Magalhaes with 38, then Alexandre Lacazette with 29 – so you can see how opposition teams target the winger to try and stop him.
This term, Saka has been fouled 40 times and has made 26 of his own, getting booked five times (via fBref). Seeing as he is an attacking player, you’d think the margin between how many fouls he’s suffered and how many he has made would be much greater.
What’s more, in comparison, other exciting wingers like Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Rashford have been fouled 21 and 16 times respectively.
Clearly, the Arsenal ace is getting kicked around the pitch and this will certainly be a major concern for Arteta if these poor challenges keep on going unpunished.

Arsenal reportedly ‘will try’ to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer, as Mikel Arteta is ‘very interested’ in the 25-year-old.

The Lowdown: Arsenal interested in Tielemans

It was reported that the Gunners have held an interest in Tielemans right throughout the January transfer window until now, but the Belgium international preferred to stay at Leicester and see out his contract.

His current deal at the King Power Stadium is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

The Latest: Arsenal ‘will try’ for Tielemans

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Rudy Galetti says that Arsenal ‘will try’ to sign Tielemans on a free transfer this summer, as Arteta remains ‘very interested’ in the player.

The Italian stated: “Nothing has changed since Nov: #Arteta remains very interested in Youri #Tielemans.

“In the summer transfer market session, #Arsenal will try to convince for a free agent transfer the midfielder, who would like to stay in the #EPL.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for Arsenal to sign Tielemans on a free transfer this year.

Mohamed Elneny is out with a long-term injury, while Thomas Partey has been prone to injuries before and recently picked up one which has ruled him out of the last two Premier League games.

Tielemans would add quality cover in the middle of the park, with his manager Brendan Rodgers hailing him as an ‘outstanding’ player and even claiming that he is ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’.

Indeed, the 25-year-old ranks in the top 20% of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for a number of key metrics over the past year, including shot-creating actions, blocks, tackles and progressive passes, so to get him for free would be a real bargain for Arteta and Arsenal.

Newcastle have signed some world class players in their time, whilst also securing deals to forget, of course. But let’s focus on the positive.

The Magpies can boast some of the greatest goal scorers in Premier League history, as well as one of the best dribblers, and players that will forever appear on ‘streets won’t forget’ Instagram posts, which force us all to never stop thinking about certain players.

With that said, and a variation of players to look at, we ranked Newcastle United’s greatest signings of the Premier League era.

10) Hatem Ben Arfa – £5m

I think I speak for the majority when I say how surprised I am to see Hatem Ben Arfa featured on a list not centred around the streets not forgetting certain individuals, but here we are.

The tricky Frenchman, at his best, was out of this world, as remains one of Newcastle’s greatest ever signings. 

He came in and was capable of playing in a variety of roles, including attacking midfield and off the wing.

Ben Arfa ended his Newcastle career with 86 games under his belt, as well as 14 goals and 15 assists.

9) Yohan Cabaye – £4.3m

Speaking of great Frenchmen to play for Newcastle United, Yohan Cabaye was as classy as they come when at St James’ Park, and played a crucial part in what felt like a French Revolution under Alan Pardew.

Most Newcastle fans still have a soft spot for the midfielder and it’s little surprise. 

Cabaye played 93 times for the Magpies, scoring 18 goals and laying on 14 assists, which is a superb return given the small fee involved.

It is perhaps a surprise to see he actually played more games for Crystal Palace than Newcastle.

8) Demba Ba – Free Transfer

Before he was breaking Liverpool hearts, Demba Ba was scoring goals galore in an incredible striking duo with the soon-to-be-mentioned Papiss Cisse, having arrived for absolutely nothing. 

By the time he left the Magpies, he had scored 29 goals in 58 games to earn the bigger move to Stamford Bridge. 

He went on to impress at Chelsea, as well, although he could never quite recapture the magic of his spell at Newcastle.

He was some signing, having been snapped up from West Ham United.

7) Papiss Cisse – £10m

 We told you we’d get to him.

Whenever we think of Cisse, we think of that stunning, near-impossible, goal against Chelsea with the outside of his boot.

And that sums his time at Newcastle up, in a way. The sheer brilliance to produce what some thought was impossible. 

In the end, he scored 44 goals in 131 games for the club and is still going at the age of 37, playing for French club Amiens in Ligue 2.

6) Nolberto Solano – £2m

Newcastle’s talisman in all 315 of his appearances for the club, Nolberto Solano (still one of the best names in Premier League history) is one of the best to sign for the Magpies.

He arrived in January of 1998, before leaving his first spell in 2004, and joining again in 2006.

By the time that his second spell was over, Solano had 77 assists and 48 goals to his name.

He was an absolute bargain to start with, too, having been snapped up from the little-known Peruvian club Sporting Cristal.

5) Les Ferdinand – £6m

Where to start with Les Ferdinand?

The Premier League hasn’t seen many better strikers.

The Englishman scored 50 goals in 84 games for Newcastle United, and goes down as one of their best signings, before leaving for Tottenham. 

With a total of 149 Premier League goals to his name, only a handful of players have scored more in the so-called ‘promised land’ than Ferdinand.

4) Andy Cole – £1.75m

If Ferdinand was good, then Andy Cole was incredible.

During his time at Newcastle United, the forward netted a prolific 68 goals in 84 appearances.

And, by the time that he was ready to hang up his golden boots, he had scored 187 Premier League goals.

It might seem like Newcastle snapped him up for next to nothing, but they actually broke their club transfer record to get him in.

Only three players have scored more in Premier League history: Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, and Alan Shearer. We’ll get to one of them…

3) Gary Speed – £5.5m

Gary Speed’s name sparks happy memories, but also ones of someone who was taken from us all far too soon.

He remains one of the best players to have signed for Newcastle United, with 285 appearances for the club cementing the legacy of the left-midfielder.

He played for the club between 1998 and 2004 and was a loyal servant before joining Bolton Wanderers.

A top player who is sorely missed.

2) Peter Beardsley – £150,000

One of the most naturally gifted players on this list and in Newcastle history, Peter Beardsley was some player, and he was snapped up on the cheap. 

Whilst playing for the Magpies, he managed to score an incredible number of 118 goals in 314 appearances. To put it simply, Beardsley was phenomenal.

He didn’t win any team trophies at St James’ Park, but he did win the club’s Player of the Year award on two separate occasions.

A true icon of the game.

1) Alan Shearer – £15m

It was always going to be him at the top of this list, wasn’t it?

Every Newcastle fan’s hero; the biggest legend at the club; most impressive of all, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer with 260 goals, and briefly the most expensive player in the world. 

In English football history, not many strikers can match Shearer, he was that good, and remains Newcastle’s greatest signing of the Premier League era.

He may well see his record disappear eventually; Harry Kane is now 60 goals behind him, but for now, he stands alone.

So, there you have it, Newcastle United’s best signings of the Premier League era. From Pardew’s French Revolution, to some of the Premier League’s greatest goalscorers, there’s some incredible players on this list. Now, as one of the richest clubs in world football, the Magpies will be hoping to see recent signings go on to enjoy similar legacies at the club.

Arsenal’s academy system is one of the best in England right now, with Bukayo Saka the current shining example of what the Gunners can produce.

Meanwhile, over the years the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Ashley Cole and Serge Gnabry have gone onto have successful careers in north London and beyond.

One player widely thought to be next in line is midfield gem Charlie Patino, who has impressed during a loan spell at Championship outfit Blackpool.

Who could replace Martin Odegaard at Arsenal?

The 19-year-old dynamo has cemented his place at the Tangerines this campaign, registering a total of four goal contributions across 22 league appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Blackpool recently changed managers, yet still, the Gunners youngster remains highly thought of, with new boss Mick McCarthy hailing him after one game in charge.

“He has a right go at it, Charlie,” he said. “The willingness to do it is great. I’ve loved working with him for the last few days, he’s going to be a very good player.”

Patino has been moulded into an all-round type of midfielder by last season’s U23 boss Kevin Betsy, so eventually, he could one day usurp Mikel Arteta’s current no.8 in Martin Odegaard.

However, he won’t be the only one vying for that attacking midfield role, with Catalin Cirjan containing to make an impression despite numerous injury setbacks.

Who is Catalin Cirjan?

The 20-year-old, who hails from Domnetsi in Romania, scored against Reading U21s earlier this month in what was a fine attacking display, where he often arrived late in the box to provide the young Gunners with another option.

There is no doubt that Cirjan has plenty of admirers at London Colney, having signed a new deal with the club during the summer. Back in August, football.london revealed that he is highly regarded amongst his age group.

His time on the treatment table (around 480 days) actually allowed Patino to make his breakthrough at Hale End, with both players very similar in nature and come to next season when the latter is back from his loan, they will both be vying for that starting spot in the U23s – if not battling for a place in Arteta’s first-team.

Cirjan was a real standout at U18 level, managing three goals and three assists from 25 appearances and such form has led to high praise from those that have watched him in action.

Morning Star journalist Layth Yousif has described him as a “creative talent,” whilst Romanian football expert Emanuel Rosu once billed the 20-year-old as a “wizard.”

Over the last few years, Cirjan has had plenty of time to train with the senior squad, which will only bolster his credentials in becoming the next Saka or Emile Smith Rowe.

Now he’s back playing regularly, he will surely rival Patino in a bid to become the true heir to Odegaard’s throne in north London.

AND in other news, Edu had big Arsenal transfer blunder over £62m “magician”, just imagine him with Jesus…

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Roma defender Chris Smalling in the summer and the centre-back could be a big upgrade on Conor Coady in Sean Dyche’s side.

Could Everton sign Chris Smalling?

According to 90min, a number of Premier League clubs including the Toffees, Fulham, Leicester and West Ham are all keen on bringing in the former Manchester United man following his impressive performances in Italy.

The 33-year-old made the move to Roma, initially on loan in 2019, and has seen his career revived after a string of superb displays for I Giallorossi, with media personality Imoh Umoren dubbing him “one of the best defenders in the world on current form” in 2022.

His contract at Stadio Olimpico is currently set to expire at the end of the season, although the Serie A side do have the option to extend it by another year, something which the defender is clearly keen to do.

He said: “I am very confident [about staying]…I have an option to renew for one year but I hope to stay for more seasons.”

Would Smalling be an upgrade on Coady at Goodison Park?

Despite being 33, Smalling remains a hugely important member of Jose Mourinho’s squad at Roma. This season has seen the experienced defender make 23 appearances in Serie A, in which he has contributed three goals and averaged a strong 6.92 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the fourth-best player in Roma’s squad, so it is perhaps difficult to see Mourinho agreeing to let him leave on a free transfer in the summer.

For comparison, Coady has averaged a disappointing 6.43 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League, which ranks him as the 15th-best performer in Dyche’s squad.

The Wolves loanee has also averaged far fewer aerials won (1.1 vs 2.1), interceptions (0.6 vs 1.5) and clearances (3.7 vs 4.2) when compared to Smalling, despite the latter playing in a side who are doing far less defending than Everton are forced to do at the moment.

Recent sources have suggested that the Toffees will make Coady’s loan stay a permanent one but if they want to avoid another relegation battle again next season, provided they even remain in the Premier League, then Dyche surely needs to be looking for upgrades at the back.

Smalling’s experience and aerial ability mark him out as an ideal Dyche player and if the 6 foot 4 defender could be convinced to swap Rome for Merseyside this summer, then the statistics suggest he could be a far better option at the back than Coady.

Chelsea could look at the possibility of signing Joao Felix on a permanent deal in the summer following the conclusion of his short-term loan deal.

Do Chelsea have a buy clause for Joao Felix?

The Portuguese forward joined the Blues in the January transfer window on a loan deal which will take his stay in the English capital until the end of the campaign.

And it was a big-money deal which saw him move to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea believed to be paying in the region of £10m for a matter of months of service.

However, it is not believed the Blues have the option in Felix’s loan contract to make his stay permanent in the summer.

But speaking on the Meczyki YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested they could look to sign him anyway from Atletico Madrid:

(1:12:50) “And so Chelsea are really happy with Joao Felix. They don’t have a buy option, but they have a great relationship with Atletico Madrid.

“They feel at the end of the season, they can have a conversation with Atletico Madrid to keep the player in case they want and in case Joao Felix wants to stay.

“At the moment, the feeling is very good. The player is happy in London. The player is happy with the club. The club is really happy with the player and so I would not be surprised if Chelsea and Atletico Madrid will try to find a solution in the summer for Joao Felix to stay on permanent deal to Chelsea.”

Will Chelsea sign Joao Felix permanently?

It has certainly been a turbulent first month for the 23-year-old since he made the move to Stamford Bridge after he was shown a red card on his debut against Fulham.

Having served his three-game suspension, the forward has gone on to show some signs of promise with a stunning goal in their recent game against West Ham United.

There have been reports suggesting the Portuguese ace is already enjoying his life in England is wanting to stay put for next season with Chelsea already impressed from what they’ve seen.

“Receives in tight spaces, he’s very fluid in his movement. He brings people into the game, but at the same time, he can help us in the final third with goals and key passes,” said Graham Potter after their game against West Ham.

And the report from Spain has also suggested that Mason Mount could be used as a makeweight in a potential deal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Not having a clause in his contract could have its pros and cons for the Blues with it allowing them potential room to negotiate over a possible deal for the Portuguese ace.

However, if he continues to impress for Chelsea, then it could well bump up the valuation that Atleti may put on his head after originally signing him for £111m.

Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is the player that Newcastle United would ‘love most’ to sign this summer.

The Lowdown: Retained interest

It has been reported that Newcastle have retained their interest in signing Maddison ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

They have already had an offer of around £40m rejected by Leicester for him, and could look to go in for him again.

The Latest: Newcastle would love Maddison the most

Writing in his latest column for GiveMeSport, Jones says that Maddison is the player that these St. James’ Park outfit would love most to sign of all their targets this summer.

His future at the Foxes is ‘uncertain’ as he has begun talks over potentially signing a new contract, and the Tynesiders seemingly want to pounce on that uncertainty.

Maddison is one of ‘five’ new signings that they could make, but will rely on some ‘big hitters’ in the current squad being moved on, with Allan Saint-Maximin a ‘real possibility’ to leave.

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The Verdict: No-brainer

After letting Jonjo Shelvey go to Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, and with fellow midfielders Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff out of contract in the summer, signing Maddison as a new midfielder is a no-brainer for the Magpies.

Hailed as an ‘absolutely outstanding‘ player by his manager Brendan Rodgers, the Englishman has been a shining light in a struggling Leicester side in the Premier League, with nine goals and five assists so far this season.

Not only is he effective in front of goal, but he also has the capability of picking out the right pass from deeper in midfield, with journalist Raj Chohan lauding his vision as ‘unbelievable’.

Nonetheless, Madison would take Newcastle’s midfield to a different level alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Leeds United return to Premier League action today as they host Southampton in an all-important clash at the bottom of the table.

It represents Javi Gracia’s first match in charge at Elland Road, and the Spaniard will be hoping to get off to the best possible start as he welcomes the only team in the top flight who sit below the Whites in the table.

Having lost to Everton last time out in an abysmal showing on the road, there is hope that the home crowd can play a huge role in revitalising a Leeds team who never really troubled the Toffees on their travels seven days ago.

Meanwhile, the Saints come off the back of a famous win at Stamford Bridge, becoming the latest team to inflict misery on Chelsea. It makes this match all the more intriguing, with neither of the two sides offering any sense of predictability.

With injuries and a slew of poor performances for Gracia to consider, how could Leeds line up today?

How will Leeds line up against Southampton?

The new manager could make four changes in personnel from Michael Skubala’s side which surrendered to defeat at Goodison Park.

Illan Meslier will remain in goal despite his blunder costing the team a week ago. Equally capable of the spectacular as of the ridiculous, the Whites will need him to offer a more calming presence as they near the season’s run-in.

The return of club captain Liam Cooper could provide such stability, as he is expected to replace the injured Max Wober. With the Austrian having suffered what seemed like a dislocated shoulder, the £25k-per-week Scottish titan offers a fine alternative who can partner Robin Koch at the heart of the defence.

Cooper has won more headers and made more interceptions per game than anyone else at Elland Road, so his no-nonsense attributes could help to firm up a Leeds defence which has shipped 39 league goals this season, the fourth-most of any team in the top flight.

Luke Ayling’s stint in the team is set to end, with Rasmus Kristensen expected to be recalled after he returned to action off the bench at Goodison Park last week. Junior Firpo will retain his spot at left-back, a position where alternatives are sparse to non-existent.

The midfield core may finally see that all-American trio start, as Brenden Aaronson is expected to return to feature just in front of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. The former might even operate as a second striker, given how Gracia has enjoyed success with a 4-4-2 system in the past.

That would allow Jack Harrison to move out wide into his natural role as Crysencio Summerville drops to the bench. Whilst the former was particularly disappointing in their last game, it was the youngster who earned a lower Sofascore rating and should perhaps bedropped. Wilfried Gnonto will occupy the opposite flank.

Having finally earned a run in the team without injury, Patrick Bamford should also be omitted today, as he has gone five matches without a goal in the league.

There is no sense in leaving club-record signing Georginio Rutter on the sidelines, so he could come in to replace the man that journalist Fatteh Hamid had dubbed “wasteful” earlier in the season.

Leeds United predicted XI (4-4-2): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Harrison, Adams, McKennie, Gnonto; Aaronson, Rutter.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou leaving the Scottish Premiership is a ‘never say never’ situation, according to BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Attracting interest

The Australian will be out of contract at Parkhead at the end of the season and having not yet signed an extension, has been attracting interest from a trio of potential suitors.

Premier League pair Brighton and Leicester City both targeted the 57-year-old last year, whilst Leeds United were the most recent club to add him to their managerial candidate shortlist.

The Hoops boss, however, was quick to shut down any exit rumours in an interview in February, hinting that he could remain in charge for longer than expected.

The Latest: Hutton’s verdict

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton was asked whether he thought Postecoglou could be tempted to depart at the end of the 2022/23 term, to which he replied:

“You can never say never in football.

“You just do not know what is round the corner.

“One thing I would say is that what he has done is remarkable and no wonder there is other teams looking at him.

“The turnaround, the recruitment, the players that he has brought in have been excellent. He is performing at a high level and he comes across as a really genuine guy.

“At the cup final Ange came out the tunnel and walked right over to us and he stood and chatted for ten minutes. He was answering questions, he was talking about me and my career. I was thinking ‘how does he even know me?’.

“It felt strange but it was a touch of class. He did not have to do it. He talks a lot of sense so it does not surprise me that he is a really likeable guy.“

The Verdict: Tie him down

Postecoglou has worked miracles at Celtic since being appointed manager and it’s vital that the club tie him down before suitors start circling again.

The Bhoys coach has won 73, drawn ten and lost just 16 of his 99 games in charge, averaging an outstanding 2.31 points per match (Transfermarkt).

The Greek-born man has also led his side to three trophies, twice taking the Scottish League Cup and once the Premiership trophy.

Celtic are nine points ahead of their rivals at the top of the table so Postecoglou looks set to secure a second consecutive league title at the end of the season, making him the perfect person to remain in charge north of the border.

Southampton ‘could move’ for Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller, who is also wanted by Newcastle, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Saints youth transfer policy…

The Saints have adopted a transfer policy of signing young and exciting players in recent transfer windows with owners Sport Republic signing no players over the age of 25 last summer.

2022 saw a plethora of exciting starlets sign with Southampton as the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Romeo Lavia, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Samuel Edozie among others put pen to paper on moves to St. Mary’s.

The Premier League relegation-battlers seemingly have one on future seasons with these additions with news now emerging on their links to a ‘rising star’.

The Latest: Southampton eye Lennon Miller…

According to Football Scotland, Southampton have now joined Newcastle in their interest for Motherwell’s exciting teenager Miller.

The forward has garnered quite a reputation north of the border and it’s claimed Ruben Selles’ side ‘could move’ for him after adding him to their transfer shortlist.

The report adds that Eddie Howe’s billionaire club have also been linked with a move for the 16-year-old.

The Verdict: Exciting talent…

Miller stands out as a very exciting talent, already breaking club records.

Indeed, the teenager became Motherwell’s youngest ever player to make his senior debut this season, all the while impressing at international youth level for Scotland.

Tartan Army followers will recall a sumptuous goal against England with Miller lobbing the keeper from behind his own half way line – a strike which clinched him the 2021/2022 Scotland Goal of the Year award.

He also went on to represent his country at the Under-17 European Championship despite being just 16 with all signs pointing towards a future star.