Manchester City have reportedly already begun sketching their plans for transfers in the upcoming transfer window this summer. The current Premier League champions have been linked with a number of players, as well as their plan to offload some stars at the end of the season.

What's the latest on Man City's interest in Alexis Mac Allister?

It has been speculated by 90min that the Citizens are attracted to Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister, as a potential target for the midfield engine room, with Ilkay Gundogan expected to depart this summer.

It's also thought that it could cost in the region of £70m to lure the Argentine to the Etihad this summer.

The German’s contract expires at the end of June this year and with no new plans put in place, it looks as though his seven-year stay in Manchester could be coming to a close. City have been linked with Jude Bellingham, who is one of Europe’s most favoured midfielders set to be on the move before next season, however, Mac Allister could pose as a worthy alternative.

What could Mac Allister bring to Manchester City?

The World Cup-winning machine has shone this season for Brighton, contributing to nine goals (eight goals, one assist) so far. The Argentinian has caught the eye of a handful of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, however, the 24-year-old could be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s plans.

While all attention is on the movement of Jude Bellingham, there is no guarantee that City would win the race for the Englishman, who is believed to be valued over the £100m mark and has gained interest from Real Madrid, making the saga an exciting, but uncertain one.

Mac Allister looks set to depart Brighton in the summer, with his father claiming to Argentinian outlet Ole that he will be “playing for another team by July”. An understanding from sources at 90min explains that a move within the Premier League would suit the midfielder’s plans more, with his price tag reportedly around the £70m mark.

When looking into what Mac Allister – who reporter Roy Nemer once lauded as "unplayable" – offer City, and the doubts over Gundogan’s future at the club, it’s important to highlight the areas that the World Cup winner could step up in his potential absence.

The 24-year-old is versatile in midfield, winning an average of 75% of his challenges per 90 minutes, as well as being heavily involved with the build up to goals.

Gundogan has registered 8.2 in build up to expected goals, which Mac Allister tops with 9.1xG build up. When considering the style of play of City, the midfielder would be a player ready to flourish in a fast-paced engine room, as well as being already accustomed to the demands of the Premier League.

Guardiola and Mac Allister have already agreed on one thing this season, and that’s the Champions League winning manager’s claim that there is “no team better” than the Seagulls at transitioning defence into attack – a style that is heavily implemented by Guardiola for all his players to follow.

If the Premier League champions cannot lure Bellingham to Manchester, then Mac Allister would be a worthy – if not perfect – alternative, given the evidence above.

West Ham United are searching for a new manager to take over at the end of the season, and Xabi Alonso is now a strong candidate for the job, according to a recent report from The Sun.

What's the latest West Ham manager news?

West Ham have identified a number of options to replace David Moyes, recently making an approach for Lille boss Paulo Fonseca, as they view him as the "perfect successor" to their current manager.

Reims boss Will Still is firmly in the running to take over at the London Stadium, having been a boyhood fan of the Irons, while Vincent Kompany has also entered the frame, in light of his fantastic spell as manager of Burnley, leading them to promotion.

The same report details the Hammers are set to replace Moyes at the end of the season, despite the fact the club are in the Europa Conference League semi-final, and he will still have one year left on his contract,.

The West Ham hierarchy seem to be adding a number of names to their shortlist, as The Sun report Alonso is now emerging as a strong candidate to come in at the end of the season, should they part ways with Moyes.

It is claimed the Scot has no intention of leaving the club, but the Bayer Leverkusen boss will be in the frame if he does, after putting himself on the club's radar by transforming the German club this season.

The 41-year-old is developing the reputation of a young and progressive coach, which has attracted the attention of the Hammers, despite his lack of experience.

Should West Ham appoint Xabi Alonso?

It is true the Spaniard does not have a greal deal of experience as a manager, however Jose Mourinho has tipped him to be a "very good coach", as a result of working under the likes of Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez as a player.

In his first season as manager of Leverkusen, the Tolosa-born tactician is proving Mourinho's prediction right, with his side currently in a good position to qualify for Europe next season, and into the final four of the Europa League.

Hailed as "fantastic" by journalist Josh Bunting, Alonso could be a very exciting appointment for West Ham, with some members of the media tipping him to be a "generational" coach, having transformed Leverkusen from being relegation-threatened to European contenders.

Arsenal talks to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice are certain to happen this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest on Rice to Arsenal?

The England international is reliably believed to be among Edu's top transfer targets as he looks to reinforce manager Mikel Arteta's central midfield options.

Rice has again starred for West Ham under David Moyes, even amid their Premier League struggles, and rumours suggest he could leave east London for around £75 million.

As well as the 24-year-old, Arsenal apparently hold an interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo and even Barcelona attacker Raphinha head into the next transfer window.

Rice is also apparently keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, as reported by multiple outlets, and if there was any doubt Arsenal are certain to attempt his signing, Jones has now removed it.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter claims Gunners talks to sign the England international 'will happen' – backing rumours that he is 'very interested' in joining Arteta next season.

He explained:

"He's very interested in joining Arsenal. Chats with the manager and the captain are good PR for him, and it's good for him to start relationship building ahead of the talks that will happen in the summer.”

Should Rice go to Arsenal?

The midfield colossus is, at least by the numbers, Moyes' star player – averaging a higher rate of interceptions per 90 than any other West Ham star whilst standing out as their best-performer overall (WhoScored).

Such form will attract both England and Europe's biggest sides and Arsenal look certain to be one of them. Called 'utterly sensational' by members of the media, it's crystal clear why Arteta has taken such a keen interest in signing Rice.

We believe it is inevitable he will depart the London Stadium this year, and it's past time he managed to secure his big money move.

Rice has made no secret of his desire to win major trophies, and Arsenal can help him achieve that, with the Three Lions ace saying this in an interview last year:

"Growing up as a kid I’ve seen all these top players win the trophies, win the Premier League, the Champions League.

“Me as a football fan and a player I want to win the best stuff, I want to win the Premier League, I want to lift that trophy, I want to win the Champions League, I want to win the FA Cups, League Cups, even with England, I want to win it all."

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been hailed for the changes he has made behind the scenes at Villa Park amid their impressive turnaround in the Premier League.

How good have Villa become under Emery?

The win on the weekend at Villa Park saw Emery's men climb to just six points off the Champions League places with only seven games remaining in their season.

However, the win alone was equally impressive as the dismantled one of the Premier League's most in-form teams from this season.

Eddie Howe's Magpies have been mightily impressive this season as they look to disrupt the 'big six' and earn themselves a spot inside the top four.

And the Toon went into the game with the record of the league's best defence, yet Villa ran riot against the Tynesiders as they put three past Nick Pope.

With the Premier League campaign coming to an end over the coming weeks, Villa find themselves in a rich vein of form which has been noted as a result of the influence of their Spanish manager.

Speaking to NBC Sports, journalist David Ornstein has revealed some of the changes off the field the 51-year-old has implemented since his arrival:

(3:35) "Now this owes everything to the amazing impact that Unai Emery has made on and off the pitch. And when you speak to people around the club like I do, they point immediately to his experience."

"They talk about his quality, they talk about his work ethic, he does not stop night and day. He is an absolute Trojan when it comes to that, his diligence, his attention to detail.

"And you hear stories of how Villa now hold more meetings than ever before because Emery really wants to drill home the style of play, the manner in which he wants his teams to operate to get to know his players better to develop them, they're spending more time in hotels in order for him to conduct those meetings."

How far can Emery take Villa?

The upcoming games for Villa will provide them with a real test with a spot in Europe potentially on the cards with just seven games remaining.

A lot of their remaining games will come against sides in and around them in the Premier League table so maintaining this sterling form would be mightily impressive.

However, there is no reason why Emery cannot guide them to a strong finish.

The game against Newcastle on the weekend could have easily seen Villa brushed to one side with Newcastle going into the game in such impressive form as they battle for Champions League football.

But Villa absolutely dominated the game. Emery's side ended the game having registered double the shots on target of the visitors and three times as many shots on target.

Alongside having a difficult run in, Villa will also have to contend with a build-up of games with three games in the space of eight days coming up.

Although this may be something Villa may not be used to, the experience of Emery – as Ornstein mentioned – will surely have this side in the best possible place both physically and mentally to go into the run of games.

Ornstein commented on the way Emery has changed the way the club approach match days and this could play a big part if Villa are to succeed in the remaining games of the season.

حلل دييجو سيميوني المدير الفني لفريق أتلتيكو مدريد، هزيمته أمام ريال مدريد، بنصف نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني.

وقلب ريال مدريد الطاولة على أتلتيكو مدريد، وحقق الفوز بتيجة 5-3 ليتأهل لنهائي السوبر الإسباني، حيث تستضيف المملكة العربية السعودية البطولة. 

وقال سيميوني عن حديثه للاعبي أتلتيكو مدريد: “قلت لهم إنهم قدموا مباراة رائعة، كنا قريبين جدًا وعلينا أن نتعلم من بعض المواقف التي حدثت للأفضل، الطريقة التي نتنافس بها هو ما فعلناه اليوم”.

وأضاف: “أنا سعيد جدًا لسماع الأشخاص من الوطن العربي الذين جاءوا لتشجيعنا، نشعر بأننا قريبون جدًا منهم في المدرجات وهذا مهم جدًا لنمو النادي، في 90 دقيقة لعبنا بشكل جيد للغاية”.

وأردف: “ولسوء الحظ في النهاية، في الدقيقة 86، استحق ريال مدريد التعادل بسبب إصرارهم، في الوقت الإضافي تمكنا من مواصلة المباراة، لقد كانوا أفضل وفي الوقت الإضافي كان فوزهم عادلاً”.

وإذا كان فريقه لم يتمكن من قراءة بعض المواقف في المباراة، أجاب: “سنتحدث عن ذلك، أعتقد دائمًا أن الإيجابية تأتي أولاً وهناك الكثير من الأشياء الإيجابية”.

اقرأ أيضًا | أنشيلوتي بعد الفوز على أتلتيكو مدريد: نتمنى مواجهة الأفضل في نهائي السوبر

واستطرد: “لقد حظينا بدعم كبير من الجمهور في الخارج، شعرنا بدعم الناس وأعطانا القوة للتنافس ضد أحد أفضل الفرق في العالم، كان من الواضح أننا نعرف كيف نتنافس”.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد مجددًا في دور الـ16 بكأس ملك إسبانيا يوم 18 يناير الجاري، وسُئل سيميوني إذا كانت هذه مباراة للانتقام بالنسبة له، ورد: “هناك دائمًا حديث عن الانتقام، لكن في كرة القدم لا يوجد انتقام، كل مباراة مختلفة”.

وشدد: “ما ضاع قد ضاع بالفعل، الخميس سيكون مباراة رائعة أخرى ضد منافس عظيم يتمتع بإمكانيات رائعة، نأمل أن نمنح اللاعبين الأسلحة التي يحتاجونها، إنها منافسة جميلة وآمل أن نتمكن من لعب مباراة جيدة مع جمهورنا”.

وعن الجانب الدفاعي، أفاد: “ربما كنا أقوى، نحن بحاجة إلى النمو وأنا الشخص الذي يجب أن يجد الأدوات اللازمة للحصول على تلك القوة الدفاعية التي كانت لدينا دائمًا لأن لدينا فريق رائع في القمة، كان الأمر كما هو الحال عندما وصلت إلى النادي، وسجل الفريق أهدافًا لكنه لم يدافع أيضًا، إنها مسؤوليتي”.

Tottenham Hotspur have shown a renewed sense of spirit under Ryan Mason. That much is clearly visible.

For a club that could not stop dropping points, it is at least commendable to see the 31-year-old force them to continue doing so with a little bit of heart, in an attempt to convince the fanbase that, against popular belief, these players do care about the club.

Battling from two goals down garnered a well-earned 2-2 draw with Manchester United before Sunday's blockbuster saw Anfield play host to a ludicrous 4-3 scoreline, where Liverpool ran out the eventual victors. This time, it was a three-goal deficit that they overcame before throwing it away at the death.

With some semblance of encouragement returning, despite still failing to pick up a win, it shows the foundation for a new manager to at least build from. That being said, this remains a squad that desperately needs gutting this summer.

Whoever Daniel Levy selects to take the hot seat in north London will likely demand wholesale changes in order to remove this loser's mentality that persists, whether it be under legendary management like Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte, or young and passionate fan favourites like Mason.

If Julian Nagelsmann is decided as the man to lead them into the future, as links persist, the German could offer a fine blend of both redeeming characteristics.

Will Julian Nagelsmann join Spurs?

Transfer insider Dean Jones gave his verdict on the potential appointment of the 35-year-old, and just how he would seek to alter Spurs' core issues: "I don't even know where you would begin apart from trying to get rid of half of them.”

Enjoying a high-octane, counter-pressing philosophy built around a 4-2-3-1 shape, the former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich boss demands attractive football that very often results in wins.

As such, across his short but successful manager career thus far, the young coach has won 221 of the 388 matches he has overseen, winning two Super Cups and a Bundesliga title too.

Despite this, and arguably the most important facet that could truly rid the Lilywhites of their suffering mentality, is the words uttered by the man himself: "Thirty per cent of coaching is tactics, 70 per cent social competence."

By prioritising the mental side of the game, he can expunge this mediocrity from within the dressing room with a thrilling play style billed as "high-intensity" by reporter Philipp Hinze.

Levy could do far worse than to hand huge amounts of control of the club to this young manager with a sparkling future ahead, that is hopefully set to be spent thriving in N17.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is attracting the interest of Arsenal.

What’s the latest on Marc Guehi's future?

According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are “maintaining a watching brief” on the 22-year-old and are looking to provide some serious squad depth in the next window.

Mikel Arteta is after a centre-back amid concerns over William Saliba’s long-term fitness, while questions continue to mount over Rob Holding’s quality.

This outlet also revealed that Tottenham Hotspur is keenly tracking the Englishman, but the defender only signed a five-year deal in 2021, so Roy Hodgson and the Eagles hierarchy are “under no pressure to sell.”

Why do Crystal Palace need to keep Marc Guehi?

The prodigy rose through the Chelsea youth ranks before he joined the south London outfit in July 2021 for a reported fee of £18m.

Since his signing, he has been one of Palace’s most reliable options, appearing in 69 of the last 72 top-flight games, whilst forming a solid partnership with Joachim Anderson.

Last season, he made 36 Premier League appearances and was the club’s highest-rated defender (6.77), as per WhoScored.

As a result of a string of impressive performances, Guehi made his international debut for England in a 2-1 win over Switzerland in March 2022.

He has continued that consistency into this season, and he registered 1.2 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, and 3.7 clearances per 90, according to Sofascore.

Former Eagles boss Patrick Vieira even chose the £50k-per-week star as captain on numerous occasions and has showered the youngster with praise for his potential and mentality.

He said: “What I am sure about is Marc has the potential. At a young age, he is one of our leaders.

“He plays with calmness, confidence, and strength. He’s been a really important player for us and will be a massive player in the future.

“He doesn’t show any kind of weaknesses and this is a really positive sign. He’s always open to a discussion, wants to learn, and wants to maximise his potential. He’s a really interesting player to work with.”

There has been much talk of Wilfried Zaha leaving too, with the Eagles wideman looking set to run down his contract this summer.

With ten goal involvements this term, losing him would be far from ideal. He is the star attraction of this Palace side but the former Swansea starlet is an indispensable component of the team too, and it would be a monumental blow if they both departed.

There is no doubt that Guehi would provide excellent competition to the current crop of centre-backs at the Emirates Stadium, as such, if Steve Parish and co could persuade the £44m-rated man to stay at Selhurst Park with brewing interest from a Champions League side, it would be nothing short of a masterclass.

Barcelona may have the upper hand in the hunt for Lionel Messi as the forward prefers to continue playing at a high level in Europe, according to Kaveh Solhekol.

What's going on with Lionel Messi?

The Argentina superstar has been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after flying to Saudi Arabia without permission, and is set to depart the club when his contract expires this summer.

It seems that the 35-year-old has three options: a move to Saudi Arabia, a move to MLS, or a return to Barcelona.

Given that Barcelona are still suffering financial problems, they would have to work hard to manouvre their wage bill in order to make space for Messi, but given that his ideal move seems to be a return to the Nou Camp, they may consider themselves in the driving seat.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Solhekol claimed that Messi still sees himself as able to compete in the Champions League, and an emotional return to Barcelona could be on the cards.

"Everything we're hearing is that he still feels that he can carry on playing at the very, very top level," he stated.

"He wants to carry on playing in Europe. Ideally he wants to carry on playing in the Champions League, so I've just got a funny feeling that if something can be sorted out with Barcelona, we would have this fairytale return of him going back to the club where his heart is."

Should Barcelona sign Messi?

Despite the hatred he is currently receiving from PSG fans, Messi has contributed 39 goals and assists in 37 games for the Parisians this season, and his performances at the World Cup showed that he can still deliver extraordinary moments at the top level.

Barcelona could have a clearout this summer, and wide players Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Raphinha have all been linked with moves away.

If they are able to generate funds from these attackers, they will have space for Messi to rejoin. The main question is, whether it would be worth selling three younger players for a 35-year-old.

All three players have garnered criticism at times this season, and depending on the level of bids received for them, they could all be smart sales if Messi can continue his high level of output in the short term.

If Barcelona are confident that they will not regret any of these sales, Fati in particular, given that he is a La Masia product who was handed Messi's number 10 shirt, then re-signing their greatest ever player to boost their Champions League hopes next season may be a gamble worth taking.

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, with his agents currently in the process of trying to seal a move away from the Serie A club, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have now joined the race for Lens striker Lois Openda, who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season, weighing in with 17 goals in 32 appearances, while Folarin Balogun could be allowed to leave, according to The Daily Mail.

The same report details that Mikel Arteta could sanction the departure of Granit Xhaka this summer, amid interest in West Ham United captain Declan Rice, and the manager is also willing to listen to offers for Kieran Tierney.

Tierney has failed to hold down a regular place in the starting XI since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Manchester City could look at signing the left-back, while Paris Saint-Germain are readying an offer for Bukayo Saka.

As such, there could be a great deal of change at the Emirates Stadium this summer, and one area that Arteta is particularly keen to strengthen is at striker, according to recent reports from Italy. (via Sport Witness)

The agents of Vlahovic are well aware the Gunners are chasing a new forward, and they have offered them the chance to sign the Juventus marksman, as he is not considering staying with the Serie A club long-term.

Bayern Munich have also been given the opportunity to sign the Serbian, though a major obstacle both clubs face is that Juve would only consider a sale if they receive at least €70m (£62m).

Would Vlahovic be a good signing for Arsenal?

If Arsenal had been offered the chance to sign the 23-year-old a year ago, fans would have had good reason to be very excited, given that he scored a remarkable 24 league Serie A goals last term, the second-highest amount in the division.

However, despite being dubbed "world-class" earlier in the campaign, the Serbia international has struggled considerably this season, and he is now without a goal in his last 10 Serie A games.

With his current club set to demand £62m to sanction his departure, we think the former Fiorentina man would be a very risky signing for Arsenal, especially considering they are already well-stocked in forward areas.

Gabriel Jesus has scored four goals in his last five Premier League games, and it makes no real sense to allow Balogun to leave in the summer, considering he has enjoyed a phenomenal season on loan at Reims.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Arsenal are still in with a chance of signing Raphinha this summer amid their past interest.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

It's no secret that the Gunners wanted to sign the Brazilian winger last summer when he opted to join Catalan giants Barcelona instead.

Indeed, Arsenal saw at least one offer for Raphinha rejected by Leeds United before he eventually headed to La Liga in a £55m transfer.

However, it sounds as though he could potentially be on the market at the end of the current season as Barcelona may have to sell some stars if they want to fulfil their transfer ambitions this summer.

Indeed, while speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs claimed that an Arsenal deal for Raphinha is "one to watch" as Barca consider a reunion with Lionel Messi.

He explained: (32:10): “To get Messi back, they're going to have to sell other players. Franck Kessie is another one. But again, Barca say they don't want to sell him.

"Eric Garcia might go, Ferran Torres might go, Marcus Alonso might go. They're going to need three or four exits. So there is a window of opportunity.

"I still think that if Raphinha becomes available on the market, Arsenal might be back, because they were really seriously interested in him, before Chelsea hijacked and agreed a fee, and then Barcelona came in and sort of usurped Chelsea.

"So they could be one to watch.”

Will Arsenal try to sign Raphinha again?

Raphinha, who was hailed as "spontaneous", has enjoyed a pretty decent first season in Spain as he's played regularly for manager Xavi, with 45 outings in total – scoring ten goals and providing 11 assists.

With that in mind, Barcelona might not have any huge desire to sell the 26-year-old. After all, it's not as if he's been a major flop.

However, the idea of bringing back Messi to La Liga seems to be an idea that excites the Spanish club very much.

For instance, Xavi recently told the press (via TalkSport): “I have already said that this is his home and his doors are open. He is a friend and we are in permanent contact.

“It will depend a lot on him, what he wants to do in the future, what fits in at the club. This is his home.

“The best footballer in the world and the story would always fit.”

With that being the case, Raphinha – who is reportedly on £210k-p/w wages – could be one way of raising money to fund a move for Messi this summer.

And so, perhaps Arsenal will be ready to pounce if the opportunity arises.