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Arsenal are reportedly set to make a formal offer to sign Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per Goal Brazil, the Gunners have made a £43m bid to prise the 25-year-old from the Etihad, with the 54-cap international seemingly edging closer towards the exit door following the recent confirmation that fellow striker Erling Haaland will be joining the league leaders this summer from Borussia Dortmund.

The report suggests that negotiations are ‘close to an end’ with a deal likely to take place once the season is finished, with Pep Guardiola’s side still in the hunt to secure a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

Rumours regarding a switch to north London for the Brazilian gem originally emerged late last month, with his current teammate Raheem Sterling having also been heavily linked with a reunion with former City assistant, Mikel Arteta.

Answer to Arsenal’s prayers

News that the top-four chasing outfit are nearing a deal for the £45m-rated dynamo will come as a welcome boost for those at the Emirates, with the club currently in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.

Despite his recent heroics – including a brace last time out against Leeds United – academy graduate Eddie Nketiah faces an uncertain future at the club with his current deal set to expire in the coming months, while colleague Alexandre Lacazette is also nearing a departure on a free transfer.

With former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having also departed for Barcelona in January, a new centre-forward addition is seemingly of paramount importance, with Jesus set to offer undoubted, all-round quality that Arteta’s side have been sorely lacking.

The £91k-per-week sensation – who has been dubbed a “superstar” by pundit Steve McManaman – has struggled for regular game time this term, making just 19 top-flight starts thus far, although has still chipped in with eight goals and nine assists in the league to date.

His total tally in all competitions also stands at 13 goals and 12 assists, ensuring he has more goal involvements than any Gunners star so far this season – with Bukayo Saka leading the way at present with 18 goals and assists.

That haul also illustrates he is both a goal-getter and a provider, while he is also unafraid to do the dirty work when leading the line, with teammate Bernardo Silva recently lavishing him with praise for his impressive work ethic.

Having previously had to rely on the much-criticised Aubameyang – who was labelled “lazy” by club legend Martin Keown – it will be a welcome sight for those of an Arsenal persuasion to see Jesus working tirelessly in the forward line.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar must simply get the deal, with the player the answer to the club’s prayers.

In other news, Arsenal eye bid for £76.5m-rated “fighter” who “always creates”, he’s better than Saka

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly among four managers now eyeing up a move for Everton striker Richarlison in the summer.

The Lowdown: Everton’s saviour?

Richarlison has come up with some big goals in recent weeks, notably five in his last eight games in the Premier League, including the winner against Chelsea at Goodison Park (Transfermarkt).

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Recently dubbed a ‘huge talent’ by Frank Lampard, the Brazil international is finally starting to show his worth, after a slow start to the season.

The Latest: Wanted man

As per Goal Brazil, former Merseyside manager Ancelotti is now eyeing up a move to bring Richarlison to Real Madrid this summer, while Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The striker apparently wants to leave the Toffees, and the four European giants have all made contact over a potential switch.

This comes after reports earlier in the week claimed Richarlison’s camp are searching for a move to one of Europe’s elite.

The Verdict: Depends on price

Richarlison is still clearly a very important player to the team, and so the decision to sell him should be based on what each club offers in terms of price.

Of course, the Blues may not have much choice if they are relegated from the top flight, but if they stay up, then they could demand a significant fee given his age, position and the fact that he is a proven top level international.

However, a move to play European football looks like it may be too tempting for the 25-year-old, and so they may struggle to keep hold of him even if safety is secured.

In other news, find out what ‘nonsensical’ EFC claim has now been made here!

Sunderland have already begun talks for their first swoop of the summer…

What’s the word?

That is according to Journalist Pete O’Rourke, who claims the Black cats have made an enquiry for Spanish midfielder and former Mackems youth product, Alex Gorrin.

Taking to Twitter, O’Rourke said: “Sunderland have made an enquiry for Oxford United midfielder Alex Gorrin. Gorrin is out of contract next month and could leave on a free transfer, although Oxford are trying to tie him down to a new contract.”

It was claimed earlier this week that the 28-year-old is also wanted by Wigan Athletic, Burton Albion, Lincoln City and Portsmouth.

Neil will love him

Between the years of 2011-2014, Gorrin enjoyed a rise through the ranks at the Academy of Light and even captained the youth side for some time, before eventually being released by the Black Cats.

He has since tried his luck with a host of unique teams across a variety of leagues, having played for four clubs in the space of two years, before finding his feet at Oxford United.

As a midfielder, it’s clear that he offers more defensively, with his total of five goal returns in 101 appearances for The U’s clear evidence of his lack of direct offensive participations.

With an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 1.0 clearance per game, he is evidently more comfortable out of possession. Those are numbers that beat some impressive midfielders too.

Let’s use Wolves’ Joao Moutinho as an example who is beaten in two out of three of the aforementioned metrics, but Gorrin just about loses out to the Portuguese’s 2.1 tackles per game.

So, in this regard, he is matching that of a Premier League starter, with the rather large caveat that he’s operating within a lower standard of football – but still, this is a respectable set of metrics that Neil will surely love.

His solidity has seen him become highly rated in Oxford, with George Elek stating: “Amazing how often when Oxford concede when Alex Gorrin isn’t playing, you think, ‘That probably wouldn’t be a goal if Alex Gorrin was playing.'”

Similar sentiments were offered by the Oxford Mail’s James Roberts who described his play-style: “Ball winning, interceptions, reads the game well in defensive areas and is very combative.”He likes to get stuck in and win the ball on as many occasions as possible but also picks up a few yellow cards because of that, too.”

Having matched and slightly bettered the stats of 31-year-old Corry Evans, £225k-rated Gorrin could prove to be a slightly younger replacement at 28-years-old.

In other news: Major boost: Early SAFC Wembley team news emerges that’ll leave supporters buzzing 

West Ham United retain a ‘tremendous’ interest in signing Clermont Foot striker Mohamed Bayo, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: January target

The Hammers were originally linked with the Guinea international back in January when David Moyes was expected to strengthen the attacking ranks.

Ultimately, despite links to numerous options, no centre-forward arrived at the London Stadium and Michail Antonio finished the campaign as the only recognised senior frontman.

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Now, as Moyes looks to delve into the transfer market this summer in search of a striker to support Antonio, Bayo appears to be on the radar once again…

The latest: Major interest

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, West Ham, Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille are all cited as holding an admiration for the 11-cap ace.

The report claims that the east London club ‘tremendously appreciate’ Bayo who was heralded for a ‘breakout sensation’ following a stellar first campaign in the top-flight by journalist Zach Lowy.

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), it’s suggested that Clermont Foot could accept bids in the region of a bargain €10-12milllion (£8.5-10million) for their talismanic forward this summer.

The verdict: No brainer

Signing the Guinean hotshot at the mooted price would represent superb value for money as Moyes and transfer chief Rob Newman attempt to bolster the entire squad.

During 2021/22, the 23-year-old scored 14 times and provided five assists in 32 league appearances for the newly-promoted outfit, matching the direct goal contributions of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar in Ligue 1.

Standing at 6 foot 1, the France-born ace boasts stylistic similarities with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Andre Silva and previously linked Hammers target Boulaye Dia (Fbref).

Bayo would be a superb and cost-effective addition to the West Ham ranks.

In other news… a transfer insider has claimed that West Ham are set to make an official ‘offer’ for one of their summer targets

The agent of Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron has delivered a huge update on his future at St. James’ Park, and it’s one that fans might just want to hear.  

The Lowdown: Club-record signing

The Paraguayan first joined the Magpies in a club-record £20m switch from MLS side Atalanta United three years ago, where he has since gone on to become a fan favourite in the north east due to his work ethic, making 123 appearances during that time.

Despite still having two years remaining on his current contract with Eddie Howe’s outfit, there have recently been strong rumours linking the 28-year-old with a move away from the Premier League giants, with the likes of Everton and Fulham believed to be interested in securing his services.

The Latest: Campos addresses transfer rumours

Speaking during an interview with Versus Radio (as quoted by ChronicleLive), Almiron’s agent, Daniel Campos, has firmly addressed the transfer rumours and has insisted that his client won’t be going anywhere this summer unless a £60m release clause is met. He said:

“There are always rumours about players in the transfer market.

“However, we don’t have any definitive interest shown by any club. Usually, the clubs negotiate within themselves but don’t contact the agent. He has a release clause of £60m. He is happy to stay at the club and most importantly, he is playing.”

The Verdict: Improvement still required

The 41-cap international has become a regular feature of Howe’s starting XI this season, but even though he’s renowned for his excellent pressing and runs in behind, his goal return still needs upgrading.

The maestro, who was once described as “Henry-like” by BT Sport pundit Shay Given, only managed to score one goal in 32 outings across all competitions this campaign and provided zero assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As a result of his form tailing off, some supporters would have probably expected him to leave the club during the upcoming transfer window, but considering that now doesn’t seem likely to be the case, Almiron will most definitely have to up his game heading into next season if he wants any chance of retaining his place in the first-team come the beginning of August.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has dropped a huge Newcastle transfer ‘risk’ claim involving one of their summer targets.

Reliable journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some transfer news on Newcastle United target Christopher Nkunku.

The Lowdown: Nkunku wanted

As per The Daily Telegraph, the St. James’ Park outfit want to bring Nkunku to the North East this summer.

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Dubbed a ‘special’ player by his RB Leipzig teammate Tyler Adams, he has had a truly outstanding season, scoring no fewer than 35 goals and making a further 20 assists in 53 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Not coming…

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that Nkunku will be staying at Leipzig this summer, despite interest from the Magpies:

“Resolutely told Christopher Nkunku will not be sold in the summer by RB Leipzig amid reports Man United are lining up a bid next week and Chelsea and Newcastle are interested.”

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow to the Tynesiders to miss out on a player of Nkunku’s quality this summer.

His numbers quite frankly blow the rest of the squad away in terms of goals and assists, and at 24 years of age, it is crazy to think that he has not yet reached his full potential.

The France international is currently rated at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, and that figure seems certain to rise if he has another season like the one that he has just had.

Nonetheless, the Toon will still be able to attract other top targets, but it looks as if they will now have to be patient if they want to sign Nkunku.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now ‘watched’ ahead of a potential move here!

Liverpool are now unexpectedly desperate to sign a forward this summer after it was revealed that Sadio Mane wants to leave the club this summer, with a bid already rejected from Bayern Munich and another imminent.

Mane has been the linchpin in Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, since joining the side in 2016 the Senegalese winger has scored 120 goals and delivered 48 assists to lead the Merseyside club in winning the Premier League title for the first time ever, a Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

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As a result, it will be a hard challenge to fill the boots of the AFCON winner this summer, with not only his attacking output but his diversity and proven effectiveness across the front three positions which is an attribute rarely found in players combined with the goal contributions Mane has delivered in his time.

The Merseyside club have already been linked with a number of replacements and the names keep on coming with Christopher Nkunku one of the names to be added to their shortlist in recent months. That’s for good reason because he has had a phenomenal season for RB Leipzig.

The £64m gem who was dubbed “glorious” by journalist Andrew Dickson and called a “nightmare” by ESPN has impressively scored 35 goals and delivered 20 assists in 51 appearances with a goal contribution every 76 minutes.

However, it’s not just his scoring habits that are attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and the Reds.

Nkunku has created 16 big chances, made 1.9 key passes, won 5.9 duels and taken 2.4 shots on average per game as well as being successful in the large majority of his dribbles (67%), proving that he is an absolute nuisance for his opponents and offers more depth to his game than just goals.

Former Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch hailed the Frenchman in a review of Nkunku’s performances and style of play, saying in a press conference:

“Christopher has no weaknesses. He is young and still wants a lot more.

“Working with him is a lot of fun as he is really intelligent and has a lot of potential.”

Darwin Nunez has been another player who has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield but plays a much more restricted role as an out and out striker for Benfica.

Thus, signing Nkunku could be a much better like for like signing to replace Mane due to his diversity in positioning, something that Klopp likes to exploit when managing in-game.

The 24-year-old can play effectively as an attacking midfielder, striker, left and right winger whereas Nunez produces his best work deployed strictly as a number nine in the striker role with SofaScore rating his passing as a weakness, which could be an issue for Liverpool’s free-flowing forward line.

With that being said, signing up Nkunku could be a huge piece of business in Liverpool’s pursuit to find a replacement for Mane, bringing in a player who can play in the striker role as well as be effortlessly capable of switching positions when needed.

AND in other news: “Will go for…”: Fabrizio Romano drops LFC transfer update that’ll excite supporters

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans for their fringe players in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

When asked about the futures of Dwight Gayle, Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark and Matt Ritchie, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has revealed that the Magpies are expected to ship off some of their squad players ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The journalist has also teased that they may not be the only ones who depart St. James’ Park in the coming months as Eddie Howe wields his axe.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There might be a surprise among that list, but I do expect there to be a bit of a clear out and then they’ll need to bring in some fresher players, because a lot of those guys have been there a long time.”

Supporters will be delighted

The Toon supporters will be delighted by this news as it suggests that the club will finally be axing a number of players who are not making positive contributions on the pitch at Premier League level.

Darlow, for example, endured a shocking start to the 2021/22 campaign as he covered for Martin Dubravka. He averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.47 as he let in 1.9 goals per game across eight appearances, making one error directly leading to a goal and giving away one penalty.

This suggests that he is not good enough to be the club’s number two as he struggled badly when he was pressed into action in 2021.

Gayle, meanwhile, played eight games in the entire league season and averaged six minutes per match, failing to score or register an assist in his time on the pitch. Steve Bruce and Howe opted against handing him regular game time, which is why now could be the right time for him to move on.

Clark was left out of the squad for the second half of the campaign after a dreadful six months leading up to January. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.29 – the lowest of any outfielder in the squad – as he made 13 appearances in the top flight.

Fans will, therefore, be delighted by the prospect of the Magpies cashing in on these players, among others, as they have shown that they are unlikely to make a significant impact for Howe in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news, Howe can finally axe “shocking” flop as Newcastle eye move for “enormous” £17m machine…

Liverpool are interested in signing Nicolo Barella in a swap deal with Naby Keita this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour from Italy.

The Lowdown: Barella a top midfielder

The 25-year-old has matured into one of the best midfielders in Serie A, producing consistently influential performances for Inter Milan.

Barella started 36 of his side’s 38 league games last season, scoring three times and registering a hugely impressive 12 assists, highlighting his quality as he stood out as a top five players in the squad, per Whoscored.

The Inter man also tasted Euro 2020 glory with Italy last summer, drawing immense praise for his performance in the competition, and he is now being linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Latest: Reds linked with move

According to Calciomercato, the Reds are willing to offer Keita in exchange for Barella this summer, with Jurgen Klopp unable to pay the straight-up £77million that Inter want for his services.

The Liverpool manager is thought to be ‘bewitched’ by the Italian’s performance for Inter and wants to sign him ‘at all costs’.

The Verdict: What a signing he would be

Barella would be an outstanding signing for Liverpool, bringing so much natural ability to the midfield as he comes into the prime years of his career.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig had this to say last year: “Stamina, passion and determination combined with great technical skills. One of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world and he’ll get even better. Barella is awesome.”

Indeed, he is far more than just a luxury midfielder with technical qualities, averaging 1.8 tackles per game in the league last season, which would rank him fourth in the Liverpool squad.

Dubbed ‘really good’ by Klopp, who said he likes the Italian ‘a lot’ because he ‘can run for ages’, this certainly feels like a deal worth exploring given Keita’s extensive injury record.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an interesting Liverpool tactical claim. Read more here.

Manchester United are close to completing a deal to bring FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford as Erik Ten Hag’s first summer signing.

What’s the latest?

According to GOAL, a breakthrough has been made in the negotiations between the two clubs, with a compromise reached.

Despite only being rated at £54m, Barcelona initially wanted a fee close to £86m, but could now be willing to accept a deal worth £69m.

It would see The Red Devils enter the market for the first time this summer and begin the rebuild under new manager Ten Hag.

The former Ajax coach worked with de Jong during his time in Amsterdam, so it’s not surprising that he wants to re-sign him.

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He’s a big upgrade on Fred

Perhaps the biggest area of concern for United heading into next season is the midfield. Several players in this area have departed this summer following the expiry of their contracts with the club deciding not to renew many.

Unless they make additions, United will once again have to rely on the duo of Scott Mctominay and Fred. Whilst neither of these players are bad, the club need to be aiming for better if they are to bring back the glory days.

De Jong would represent that upgrade and could operate in a similar role to Fred but provide more quality.

When you compare him to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, he ranks in the top 8% for passes under pressure, so he has the composure required to succeed at the highest level.

He’s been labelled a “genius” by his current manager and Barcelona legend Xavi.

The Dutchman also shows his attacking qualities by ranking in the top 5% for carries into the final third, proving he is the complete midfielder the club need.

Fred hardly compares, he made 74 progressive carries last season which was outmatched by de Jong’s 199.

If United can secure his signature then it would represent a real coup, showing that despite not qualifying for the Champions League, they and their new manager have a unique pull that other clubs would struggle to match if they were in the same position.

AND in other news: Man Utd given green light for “highly talented” signing, supporters will be buzzing…