Newcastle United are reportedly open to the idea of signing a “complete” attacking player on loan during the January transfer window.

Newcastle transfer news

Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo continues to stand out as arguably one of the Magpies’ main transfer targets, with the Cameroonian already catching the eye so much in the Premier League this season.

There is no guarantee that Miguel Almiron will still be at Newcastle by the time the January window closes, but even if he remains at the club, reinforcements are needed on the right flank, in order to match the strength of Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the opposite wing.

Sporting CP superstar Viktor Gyokeres has also been linked with a move to St James’ Park, with the Swede one of Europe’s most-in form strikers in Europe on current form. Remarkably, he has already scored 21 goals in the Primeira Liga (16) and Champions League (5) combined this season.

Seventeen-year-old starlet Geovany Quenda has been backed to seal a switch to Newcastle, with the Sporting CP winger seen as a player with a bright future in the game. Despite his tender years, he has already played 18 times for his current club side at senior level, highlighting the strides he has made.

Newcastle open to signing "complete" PSG ace

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle are open to signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani on loan in January, having been linked with him in recent months.

It is noted that there is “appreciation” from the Magpies about his ability to “play along the front line”, providing Eddie Howe with more attacking options. West Ham are also believed to be interested.

Signing Kolo Muani on loan could be ideal, allowing the Frenchman a chance to shine but also not risking bringing him in permanently, should the move not work out.

There is no reason why the 25-year-old wouldn’t be a success at Newcastle, however, with none other than Kylian Mbappe saying of him: “He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play.”

Things haven’t worked out for Kolo Muani in a PSG shirt, with Luis Enrique reportedly willing to move him on, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t excel for Newcastle, having scored eight times for a star-studded France side to date.

He was even famously denied a World Cup final-winning goal in 2022 against Argentina, with Emiliano Martinez making an enormous save in the dying seconds of extra-time. He did score his penalty in the shootout, however.

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Kolo Muani’s versatility will no doubt appeal to Howe, and while his preferred central role is likely to mean he would play second fiddle to Alexander Isak, having the depth in reserve is vital, and he could still enjoy lots of playing time, proving to be a potential upgrade on Callum Wilson who has been missing through injury so far this season.

As Ruben Amorim looks to begin the hefty task of rebuilding the side that Erik ten Hag left behind at Manchester United, the new manager has reportedly asked INEOS to complete a double Portuguese swoop in 2025.

Man Utd transfer news

To say there is work to be done at Old Trafford would be an understatement. Amorim has so far seen just how difficult his task will be and was quick to reiterate the learning curves that his new side will be forced to face after being eased aside by Premier League title contenders Arsenal in midweek. The Gunners represent that transformation that the Red Devils so desperately need to undergo themselves.

That transformation won’t come cheap, with names such as Nico Williams and Viktor Gyokeres already stealing the headlines amid links to Old Trafford. Both players would undoubtedly sharpen what has been a blunt Manchester United attack at times, but they’re not the only names to have been mentioned in recent weeks.

INEOS now interested in £190k-p/w star who's scored 4 times vs Man Utd

This would send shockwaves through the Premier League…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 7, 2024

According to reports in Spain, Amorim has asked INEOS to complete a double swoop to sign Francisco Moura and Samu Aghehowa, who some may recognise more as Samu Omorodion. Two players enjoying excellent seasons at Porto, Manchester United could quickly put Amorim’s links to good use and lure the Portugal-based duo to Old Trafford when 2025 arrives.

Moura – a left-back – could instantly solve United’s problem down their left side and put an end to the position that the Red Devils so often find themselves in amid Luke Shaw’s injury issues. Aghehowa, meanwhile, has been one of the most in-form strikers all season and could finally be the No 9 that United so desperately need.

"Complete" Aghehowa would be an instant upgrade

Whilst Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund continue to deliberate over just who is willing enough to become Manchester United’s starring frontman, Aghehowa has been stealing plenty of headlines in Portugal and could yet grab hold of the role that the aforementioned forwards have been too inconsistent to earn. Described as “complete” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa is one to watch.

Since taking his goal total to 13 goals in 16 games – more than Hojlund and Zirkzee combined in all competitions this season – the Porto star seems like a no-brainer for those at Old Trafford. To hand Amorim the ultimate attacking boost, Manchester United should go all out to sign Aghehowa at the first chance they get and may even pick up Porto teammate Moura along the way.

في الفترة الأخيرة، يواجه محمد صلاح تحديات كبيرة على صعيد المستوى الفني، حيث لم يسجل أي هدف في آخر أربع مباريات مع ليفربول.

وهو أمر يعيشه محمد صلاح لأول مرة منذ أكثر من عامين، هذه الفترة الصعبة تؤكد تراجعًا لافتًا في أداء الفرعون المصري، الذي كان من أبرز هدافي الفريق على مدار فترات الموسم الحالي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بن فوستر لـ محمد صلاح وفان دايك وأرنولد: لا تكذبوا بشأن مستقبلكم مع ليفربول

الفرصة الوحيدة التي أتيحت أمام محمد صلاح كانت في مباراة فولهام، عندما أرسل لويس دياز كرة عرضية رائعة، لكن صلاح أضاعها بشكل غريب فوق العارضة، وهو ما أثار استغراب الجماهير.

هذا نفس ما حدث أمام إيفرتون قبل أيام في “أنفيلد”، الأمر الذي يُعد تراجعًا ملحوظًا في مستوى محمد صلاح الذي كان يعتاد على التسجيل في كل مباراة تقريبًا هذا الموسم.

بحسب شبكة “ليفربول إيكو”، مشكلة محمد صلاح لا تقتصر على تراجع الأهداف فقط، بل تشمل أيضًا غيابه عن صناعة الأهداف، ففي آخر ست مباريات، لم يصنع أي هدف، رغم مساهمته في صناعة 22 هدفًا هذا الموسم.

كما أن غيابه عن التهديف في آخر ثلاث مباريات مع ليفربول، خاصة في ظل التغييرات التكتيكية التي يقوم بها المدرب، آرني سلوت، يسلط الضوء على الأزمة الحالية.

الحديث عن تراجع أداء محمد صلاح ليس أمرًا جديدًا في مسيرته، فقد شهدنا تراجعًا مشابهًا في أواخر المواسم السابقة، ولكن المشكلة هذا الموسم تبدو أكثر وضوحًا مع غياب لاعبين مثل ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، الذي غاب عن التشكيل الأساسي في المباريات الأخيرة بسبب الإصابة.

كل هذه العوامل تشير إلى أن محمد صلاح يمر حاليًا بأحد أصعب فترات مسيرته، وهو ما يثير تساؤلات حول مستقبله مع ليفربول، خاصة في ظل تزايد الأنباء عن تجديد عقده مع النادي، الذي ينتهي بنهاية الموسم.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians dominou a Ponte Preta neste sábado (12), pela 11ª rodada do Campeonato Paulista. Não só pela goleada por 5 a 0, mas por ter dominado as ações durante os 90 minutos sempre se impondo contra um adversário técnicamente inferior e que luta contra o rebaixamento no Estadual.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansNo primeiro jogo com capacidade total de público permitida, Corinthians registra recorde do anoCorinthians12/03/2022CorinthiansNa estreia de Vítor Pereira na Arena, Corinthians goleia e coloca a Ponte Preta na rodaCorinthians12/03/2022DAZNVÍDEO! Assista aos cinco gols da vitória do Corinthians sobre a Ponte Preta, pelo PaulistãoDAZN12/03/2022

O técnico Vítor Pereira, que contra a Macaca fez a sua estreia em casa pelo Timão, deixou claro que o time sempre que puder vai jogar com as suas linhas altas, pressionando o adversário para o campo oposto. Ainda assim, Pereira deixou claro que essa não será necessariamente a identidade corintiana sob o seu comando.

– A identidade de uma equipe não se constroi alternando jogar baixo com jogar alto. Não podemos, em função do adversário, jogar com linhas baixas. A nossa intenção será sempre jogar alto, ter a bola, reduzir os espaços, mas evidentimento o adversário nos obriga a vir para trás, mas quero evitar ao máximo que a minha equipe venha para trás. Essa é a intenção desde o primeiro dia que eu cheguei – disse Vítor Pereira em entrevista coletiva após a vitória contra Macaca.

> TABELA – Confira e simule os próximos jogos do Paulistão
> GALERIA – Confira as campanhas do Timão no atual formato do Paulista

Ainda com o resultado elástico e a atuação contundente, com 51% de posse bola e 21 finalizações, sendo 10 na meta, Vítor Pereira notou o time descordenado em momentos de aumentar e abaixar a aceleração em campo.

-Concordo que houve momentos no jogo que aceleramos. As vezes o próprio momento do jogo que nos da um imput pra acelerarmos é o que senti que os jogaodres algumas vezes aceleraram o jogo, mas essa aceleração precisa ser no momento próprio, e precisamos evoluir um pouco para perceber o momento de acelarar e desacelarar – afirmou Vítor em entrevista coletiva.

– Tem o futebol que eu gosto de ver e o que essa equiupe tem que jogar. Não é jogar sempre no mesmo ritmo, nao é acelerar constantemente, porque aceleração constante implica em perda de bola, quando a decisão nao é a mais correta, e desacelarações constantes nos obriga a defender. A equipe precisa saber o momento de acelerar para dar momento para pensar e desacelerar. O jogo precisa ter cérebro e ser inteligente – acrescentou o treinador.

Vítor Pereira, no entanto, admite que para corrgiri esses problemas será necessário mais tempo de trabalho.

– Fundamentalmente é a correção dostimings de pressão, é isso que ainda tempos. Temos pouco tempo de trabalho, as vezes falhamos no timing, não fazemos a pressão de forma coletiva. Ainda falhamos um ou outro movimento porque naturalmente precisamos de tempo de trabalho. Temos que afinar a máquina para atingir uma possibilidade de melhorar –

Ainda assim, o treinador se mostrou contente tanto com o resultado, quanto com o desempenho do time.

– Fundamentalmente contente pelos gols marcados, por não ter tomado gols e fundamentalmente por ter tido intenção de determinada forma. Intenção de marcar alto, reagir na perda de bola e depois, a partir de determinada altura, nos primeiros minutos senti precipitação, mas depois, com personalidade, tranaquilidade, fazer o jogo que gosto de ver – disse o português.

Após o triunfo contra a Ponte Preta, Vítor Pereira deu folga para o elenco corintiano neste domingo (13). O grupo se reapresentará na segunda-feira (13) já visando o clássico contra o Palmeiras, nesta quinta-feira (17), às 20h30, no Allianz Parque, em jogo atrasado da sexta rodada do Paulistão.

Steve Parish is leading Crystal Palace’s transfer pursuit of a £62 million player and an approach has been made, according to a new report. The Eagles will be slowly putting plans in place ahead of the January transfer window, as it provides them with an opportunity to strengthen the team and help them get out of the trouble they are currently in.

Crystal Palace now in pole position to sign £10m-a-year defender in January

Palace are tracking a player who is not wanted by his current side.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 14, 2024 Crystal Palace transfer news

One win in their opening 11 Premier League games has Palace at the bottom end of the table, and struggling at both ends of the pitch, Oliver Glasner will be hoping more reinforcements arrive in the New Year.

Strengthening their back four appears to be a key target for the South London side, as they have their eye on a few defenders. The Eagles are showing “great interest” in IF Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe. The 23-year-old has emerged on Palace’s radar and could cost just £4 million to get him out of his current club.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed that Palace are in pole position to sign Ben Chilwell from Chelsea. The 27-year-old looks set to leave the Blues when January comes around, as he’s been frozen out by manager Enzo Maresca this season, playing just once, and that was in the Carabao Cup. Chilwell would be an impressive addition to the Eagles, but he is not the only Chelsea player that Parish has his eye on.

Parish leading Crystal Palace loan pursuit for Mudryk

According to Football Transfers, Crystal Palace have approached Chelsea about the possibility of signing Mykhailo Mudryk on loan in January. The Ukraine international joined the Blues in January last year as an exciting prospect, but has struggled to replicate the form he showed with Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 23-year-old had a really disappointing 2023/24 season, as he scored five goals in 31 games in the Premier League but was constantly in and out of the starting XI. This season hasn’t been much better so far, as he’s yet to score or register an assist in seven league games.

This report now states that Steve Parish is leading Palace’s pursuit of the winger, as Mudryk is seen as a potential “game changer” like Wilfred Zaha was at Selhurst Park. Mudryk has shown glimpses while in England of what he is capable of, and Parish will hope a change of scenery could help him really progress his career.

Apps

53

Goals

5

Assists

4

Mudryk, who cost Chelsea £62 million in 2023, is now way down Maresca’s pecking order and needs a fresh start, while the Eagles would get an exciting, attacking footballer who can help fill the creativity void left by Michael Olise.

Wriddhiman Saha “deserved honesty and clarity”, and Rahul Dravid’s chat about him potentially not being picked in India’s Test team going forward came from a “deep respect for Saha and his achievements and contributions to Indian cricket”, the head coach has explained.On Sunday, Saha told ESPNcricinfo that Dravid had indicated to him the team management’s inclination to groom a younger wicketkeeper as Rishabh Pant’s understudy following the South Africa tour, and that he could “take some other decision” if he wanted.Moments after India’s 3-0 series win over West Indies, Dravid was asked about the selection call and how he felt about a private conversation being played out the way it has, in public.”I’m not hurt at all,” Dravid said. “I have a deep respect for Wriddhiman Saha and his achievements and contributions to Indian cricket. My conversation with him actually came from that place, from my respect for him. He deserved honesty and clarity. I didn’t want him to hear about it from the media.”These are conversations I constantly have with players. I’m not hurt about it at all because I don’t expect players to always like all the messages or agree with everything I have to say about them. That’s not how it works. When you have difficult conversations with people – sometimes you have to have them with players – you don’t always expect them to agree with you or like you, but that doesn’t mean you brush it under the carpet and don’t have the conversations.”Related

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• Pujara, Rahane, Ishant, Saha dropped for SL Tests

Dravid elaborated on how he and Rohit Sharma, who has now been elevated to all-format captaincy, have ensured players are constantly being spoken to about their roles, and how those not in the XI are given reasons for their exclusion.”Before every playing XI is picked, even now, either me or Rohit will speak to the guys not playing and are open to answer questions on why they are not playing and what are the reasons a particular XI might play,” Dravid said. “It’s natural for players at times to get upset and feel hurt, but I just feel that because of the respect I have for them, my team deserved clarity and honesty, and that’s all I was trying to convey.”Saha last played for India in November 2021 against New Zealand in Kanpur, when the team management rested Pant. The 37-year-old Saha battled neck spasms to make a fighting, unbeaten half-century in the second innings to set up India’s declaration. It was in the same Test that KS Bharat, ten years Saha’s junior, stood in admirably as a substitute wicketkeeper and impressed with his neat glovework on a turning surface.Saha retained his place in India’s squad on the tour of South Africa, where he didn’t play a single Test, even as the chorus over the inclusion of a younger second wicketkeeper, Bharat, grew louder.India are scheduled to play five more Tests this year, two of which will be against Sri Lanka next month at home. The third Test, one that was postponed in Manchester last year following a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp with India leading 2-1, will be played in England in July, while two are lined up in Bangladesh later in the year.The squad for the Sri Lanka series was announced on Saturday, with Saha among four senior players – Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma the others – to be left out. This was the first time since MS Dhoni’s retirement in 2014 that Saha has been left out of India’s squad altogether, with the selectors preferring Bharat, a veteran of 79 first-class matches.”We have only three Tests [five] this year and with Rishabh Pant having established himself as our No. 1-choice wicketkeeper, we were looking to groom a younger wicketkeeper,” Dravid explained. “That was it. This doesn’t change my feelings or respect for Wriddhi or his contribution.”Like I said, the easiest thing for me is to not have these conversations or not speak to players about it, but that’s not who I am or what I am going to do. I don’t expect them to like it, but at some stage I hope they will respect the fact that I was at least able to front up and have these conversations with them.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has been that told he “played the student and the teacher” in GOAT claim, with Fabio Capello ranking Lionel Messi higher.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ronaldo billed himself as most 'complete' player
• Comments have generated lively debate
• Others considered to have stronger GOAT claims

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Portuguese superstar Ronaldo recently claimed to be the most “complete” player of all time, with the qualities that he possesses allowing a standing to be taken up above the likes of Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Said comments have generated lively debate, with prominent figures from across the footballing world offering their take on who deserves the ‘greatest of all-time’ title. Capello, who has managed Real Madrid and England in the past, has added his voice to that discussion.

• WHAT FABIO CAPELLO SAID

  Asked about Ronaldo’s bold statement, the Italian tactician told : “When someone claims that title, they mark it themselves, they've done their homework, they haven't listened to others, I think they've exaggerated a bit. In short, they've played the student and the teacher, haven't they?

  “A great player, built with desire, with will. But when I talk about phenomena, I say Messi, I say Pele, I say Maradona and I put Ronaldo the 'Gordo', Ronaldo the 'Phenomenon', right next to them. He's a hair below them.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi and Ronaldo are both still going strong in 2025. They are now on the books of MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr respectively. Capello added on big career calls that took two icons away from Europe, with Messi chasing the American dream: “It was a lifestyle choice for him, there were no economic problems.

  “It seems to me, at least from what you read in the newspapers about certain matches, that he has succeeded in raising his profile. Ronaldo raised the profile of Saudi Arabia and Messi raised the profile of the United States.”

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has a huge job on his hands trying to transform a side that has constantly failed to hit the heights many have predicted them to.

The hierarchy has constantly backed the managers during their respective stints in charge of Old Trafford, but their investments have been unable to change the club’s fortunes.

Previous boss Erik ten Hag spent around £600m on new additions during his two and a bit years in the North West, finishing third and eighth in his two full seasons in the Premier League.

That responsibility to succeed at a club that has gone over a decade without a title now falls onto the former Portuguese international, hoping to replicate his success at Sporting CP, which saw him win two Liga Portugal titles.

However, he will have many dilemmas over the coming months, including the upcoming January transfer window, with questions needing to be asked about the futures of numerous players in his first-team squad.

Amorim’s midfield dilemma ahead of the transfer window

Cost-cutting is on the agenda for United over the next couple of months, with the new-look hierarchy committed to saving the club money in any way possible.

However, their accounts were published over the last couple of days, showing that the cost of sacking Ten Hag and appointing Amorim set them back around £21m alone.

As a result, the first-team picture may need a little shake-up, putting the future of some players at risk given their below-par performances for the Red Devils in recent times.

Youngster Kobbie Mainoo and summer addition Manuel Ugarte will undoubtedly remain at the club, with Mason Mount likely handed another opportunity to impress after the new boss gave a glittering review of the Englishman upon his arrival.

The likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could find themselves in a precarious position, especially considering the former’s huge weekly earnings which see him pocket £350k-per-week at Old Trafford.

Such a fee sees the Brazilian pocket a staggering £18.2m in wages per year in Manchester, a massive amount given his lack of positive impact in recent months which has seen him hounded by Jamie Carragher.

As for Eriksen, he too earns a small fortune, at £150k-per-week, but unlike Casemiro, his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign with no new contract currently on the horizon.

Their combined yearly intake would see the hierarchy save £26m a season, undoubtedly fitting into the cost-cutting strategy they’re trying to implement which has seen icon Sir Alex Ferguson removed from the payroll starting from next summer.

However, the funds generated from any departure could allow for a key addition that would set United up for the present whilst also keeping one eye on the future.

Man Utd eyeing January move for UCL talent

According to GIVEMESPORT, Man Utd are one of a number of English sides targeting a move for PSV midfielder Malik Tillman in January.

The 22-year-old, who’s previously played for Bayern Munich and Rangers, also has admirers from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur after his impressive start to 2024/25.

The American has scored eight times so far this campaign, including three strikes in the Champions League, including in the comeback victory over Shakhtar Donetsk last night.

He’s a versatile talent, able to operate in a wide role along with attacking or central midfielder positions, making him a perfect fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Tillman’s impressive performances in Europe have led to comparisons to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham by FBref, a huge statement given the rise of the former Birmingham City star.

However, when delving into their respective stats from the Champions League this season, their PSV ace has matched or bettered the Englishman in numerous key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be for the Red Devils.

Games played

5

5

Goals & assists

5

1

Completed passes

41

39

Shot-on-target accuracy

40%

29%

Shot-creating actions

6

3.2

Take-ons completed

73%

46%

Tackles

3.4

2.3

Interceptions made

1.4

0.6

Aerials won

1.2

0.4

The “world-class” Tillman, as dubbed by ESPN host Hercules Gomez, has registered more combined goals and assists, whilst managing to place more of his efforts on target.

Despite being an attacking-minded player, the American has won more tackles per 90 along with more interceptions – showcasing his ability at both ends of the pitch as an all-action Bellingham-type midfielder.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Tillman will set the Red Devils back in January, he has been billed as a £120m player in the making by former Ajax man Kenneth Perez. On that basis, it’s certainly evident he possesses a lot of talents that could be of use to 39-year-old Amorim.

Their current situation on the field is far from ideal, with the PSV star having the tools to provide a superb option in a variety of roles and help lead the revival at Old Trafford.

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Nottingham Forest have launched a move to try and sign a new striker in January, it has emerged, and they have already had a response.

Nottingham Forest still pursuing a striker

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have enjoyed an excellent start to the 24/25 Premier League campaign, even with a defeat to Newcastle United in their most recent outing leaving them fifth in the Premier League at the quarter stage, after they had been as high as third.

Behind Arsenal and Chelsea only on goal difference, the Garibaldi have been spearheaded by the form of New Zealand striker Chris Wood, who has found the net a mammoth eight times and has the best conversion rate of any striker in the Premier League since Nuno arrived.

Now well beyond a traditional purple patch, the 32-year-old has emerged as one of the top flight’s most lethal marksmen, and accounts for over 50% of Forest’s goals this season so far.

Chris Wood under Nuno Espírito Santo
Appearances	28
Goals	18
Assists	1
Minutes per goal/assist	125

However, they remain keen to sign an alternative striker to provide cover and competition for the ex-Newcastle man, with the reliable John Percy explaining: “I think a striker has got to be the priority.”

“They obviously looked in the summer and sort of rained back a bit and thought, let’s just wait, which we’ve all said at the time was another sign of the evolution of the club and maturity. But I think that’s going to be the number one priority.”

Now, they appear to be trying to land one ahead of the January transfer window.

Nottingham Forest try audacious swoop for teenage star

That comes as reports in Germany [Via Sport Witness] claim that Nottingham Forest have approached Bayern Munich over a potential deal to sign Mathys Tel.

The teenager has seen his gametime limited at the Allianz Arena, racking up just 224 minutes under new boss Vincent Kompany despite his evident potential, with Football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as an “Elite level goal-scorer” on X, before adding that he is a “2-footed ball-striking machine” who is also a “clinical finisher” with “top movement”.

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By
Brett Worthington

Nov 13, 2024

And after reports that he could be available on loan in January, it appears that Forest wanted to test the waters over a potential mid-season switch. It is claimed that they offered to take the Frenchman on loan, but that Tel himself “rejected” the move to the City Ground, explaining that “he wants to join a top club” if he leaves Bayern this winter.

Tel himself is in no rush to leave, with the France U21 international still having almost five years left to run on his £80,000 a week deal in Bavaria, and keen to remain at the Allianz Stadium to eventually replace Harry Kane.

Though he is undoubtedly a quality striker, he would be a major change from Chris Wood and other physical strikers that Forest have chased in recent transfer windows, which could have had a knock on effect on their results across the remainder of the season. Perhaps, then, missing out on the teenager is for the best.

Arsenal are now in advanced talks to land a new face that Mikel Arteta knows well as they continue their quest for Premier League supremacy in the years to come.

Arsenal rocked by Edu Gaspar exit

It emerged as something of a shock to those in and outside the club when it was announced that current Sporting Director Edu Gaspar would leave the club in 2025.

The former Arsenal player had worked in lockstep with Mikel Arteta since his arrival in 2019, and the pair were regularly put into the same sentence when it came to transfer business, with both seemingly set on a clear plan of how to return the Gunners to the top table of English and European football.

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Arsenal are looking at strengthening their wide options in 2025.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Dec 2, 2024

“This was an incredibly hard decision,” said the Brazilian after the exit was announced. “It is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things.”

Keen for a larger role, Edu is now set to take up a role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, in which he will oversee a multi-club model that includes Forest, Portuguese side Rio Ave and Greek giants Olympiacos.

It means that, for the first time in Mikel Arteta’s time at the club, the Gunners will be on the hunt for a new Sporting Director in the months to come as they look to build upon the work done by Edu and finish the project to turn the north London side into title winners. Now, an update on that search has been forthcoming.

Arsenal in "advanced talks" with new Sporting Director

That comes as a report from France claims that Arsenal are in “advanced talks” to reach an agreement with Roberto Olabe to become their newest Sporting Director. Olabe announced earlier in the year that he would be leaving Real Sociedad at the end of the season, after eight years with the club in his most recent stint in San Sebastián.

Now, he has been tipped to take up a role in north London in the months to come, bringing with him his impressive eye for spotting talent. He already has experience with Mikel Arteta, having been Sporting Director (for the first time) when the Spaniard was coming through at Real Sociedad, while he could also bring another valuable relationship to the Emirates Stadium.

Olabe is no stranger to Arsenal either, having done several deals with them in recent years in both directions, while he also holds a strong relationship with Martin Odegaard following the Arsenal captain’s loan spell in northern Spain.

Roberto Olabe’s most impressive signings at Real Sociedad

Player

Cost

Alexander Isak

£12m

Takefusa Kubo

£6.5m

Mikel Merino

£10m

Martin Odegaard

Loan

Theo Hernandez

Loan

That comes as Sky Germany report that the Spaniard still has an “excellent relationship” with former Real Sociedad man Alexander Isak, who is currently at Newcastle United but is considered a major transfer target for Arsenal in 2025.

Olabe’s arrival could well be another boost in the Gunners’ pursuit of the Swede, who is seen as the perfect man to help bolster Mikel Arteta’s attack in north London.