According to reports from The Daily Mail, Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is considering offers to join the coaching staff at Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spaniard has registered 148 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, captaining them since Thomas Vermaelen’s move to Barcelona in summer 2014.
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But after finding a goal from the bench against Aston Villa yesterday afternoon, the 34-year-old exploded into tears upon the final whistle.
Arteta’s Emirates contract expires at the end of the season and having struggled with continuous injury problems in recent campaigns, he now looks set to hang up his boots and move into coaching.
As quoted by The Daily Mail, the veteran playmaker told reporters after yesterday’s game; “I am going to leave (it open) by one per cent because in football one per cent is a lot and things can twist very quickly.
“But I have different options now to be related to football which I am very grateful for. It is very unusual to have opportunities at this level.
“As well, that made me think it was probably time (to retire) and the way I have been watching football in the last few months – or probably over a year – it was not as a player, it was more as a coach. Then you have to think about it.”
According to the British newspaper, Arteta has three options to kick-start his coaching career. He could join the staff at Arsenal, join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City or controversially switch allegiances to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
He said; “I don’t want to say clubs but I have three very different options and I am very proud because it is not common.
“I have so much respect for this club, what they think about me and what they have shown in the last few weeks that they want to do with me, that I cannot talk about any other things.”
Jose Mourinho needs to make an impact at Manchester United this summer.
As if his arrival on the scene opposite his sparring partner at City wasn’t enough, Mourinho knows that the Etihad club will be spending big to win the title next season.
Therefore, the new United boss will have to match him and go like-for-like. As with all clubs at this time of the year, some players will go and some will come in, so it’s more the who is coming in that excites the Old Trafford faithful.
There are a number of good players at United, but Mourinho will want them playing his way and that will mean bringing in his own targets.
With a reported £200m to spend, just who will Jose bring in?
They will need to be quality, to add the extra ingredient that was missing last year and he will need to build a spine that he can trust.
Here are five players that Jose just can’t miss out on this summer…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The 34-year-old Sweden international is a winner and Mourinho has worked with Zlatan before, so he knows the player inside and out.
The striker has won more titles and trophies in various countries than most and more importantly, he scores goals. Manchester United lacked this commodity last season, but Zlatan is a virtual guarantee of the ball hitting the back of the net.
His charisma and arrogance isn’t to everyone’s liking, but he is an experienced striker on the European and world stage and brings qualities to United that just aren’t there currently.
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen calls him “the perfect fit” because of his record as a serial “winner”.
Peter Schmeichel claims the striker is “born to play for Manchester United”.
The man has a reputation that would put the fear of God into most Premier League defences.
Paul Pogba
The Frenchman isn’t having the best Euro campaign, but there are flashes of why teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid want to spend millions on him.
The Juventus midfielder is likely to leave Turin this summer with Real leading the way, but Pogba has unfinished business at Old Trafford.
With Mourinho at the helm, Pogba may be swayed by his charm into signing and being a part of a new dawn. Jose wants Pogba so badly that he is willing to offer Matteo Darmian as part of the deal.
£60m is what United want to pay, but Juve want more for the 23-year-old.
John Stones
If ever there was dead cert transfer this summer, Stones to United is probably it.
Mourinho couldn’t buy him when he was at Stamford Bridge, as Everton dug their heels in, but now the England defender is sure to move away from Goodison Park.
Stones is seen as a special talent and full of potential by many in the game. However, last season under Martinez, his game took a decisive nosedive and whilst the cultured youngster likes to play out of defence, that is where he got caught out so many times.
He has the poise and the quality and only Mourinho at this stage can knock him into shape.
N’Golo Kante
The Frenchman is someone that Mourinho really doesn’t want to let slip from his grasp. The Leicester sensation is on course to depart The Foxes and a host of top clubs are eyeing the 25-year-old.
Not only Manchester United, but PSG are now interested and Mourinho will need to fight hard to win his signature.
Kante was the heartbeat in the Leicester team and works hard with his tireless running. He was key to Leicester’s system by winning the ball before attacking players had the chance to do anything with it. T
his is exactly where he thrives. Kante also spends quite a lot of time out on the wing, helping to protect full-backs and when he noticed space out wide to be exploited, he was there.
As Ranieri says: “He never stopped running in training. I tell him, ‘One day, I’m going to see you cross the ball, and then finish the cross with a header yourself”. He’s unbelievable.”
Former Manchester United star Paul Parker believes Jose Mourinho needs to make at least three more signings or the club could finish the season outside of the Premier League’s top four.
The Portuguese has certainly been busy during his first transfer window at Old Trafford, already splashing out the best part of £150million on four new players.
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That includes a world-record £89million deal for Paul Pogba, who returns to United following four years at Juventus.
Likewise, Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived from PSG on a free transfer and has already opened his Red Devils account with the third goal in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth last Sunday.
Mourinho has revealed his plan for this season is to challenge for the Premier League title, which would be the fourth of the former Chelsea manager’s trophy-laden career.
But former right-back Paul Parker, who made over 100 league appearances for the Red Devils, believes that United could even miss out on Champions League qualification unless Mourinho makes more signings.
Paul Parker, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, said; “They still need a centre forward and a centre-half and another midfield player. Manchester United aren’t finished yet; they can’t be because that present squad just isn’t going to win the league and Mourinho is all about winning the league.”
“Would you say United can even finish top four after what we saw in the Bournemouth game? I’d have to say not really. Liverpool look good and Arsenal will improve. Tottenham and Chelsea are hard to break down and will be in there. So United have some work to do between now and the end of August to bring in at least three players to guarantee a Champions League spot and maybe win the league.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Paul Parker, including his thoughts on how Paul Pogba may not live up to the price-tag
Whilst Liverpool’s attack is one frightening the rest of the Premier League and has reaped the most goals in 2016, their defence is far less assured.
This weekend’s match versus Leicester City exposed some of the weaknesses of this current Liverpool side. After finding themselves in a commanding 2-0 lead, Lucas Leiva inexplicably gifted Jamie Vardy a gilt-edged chance which he simply couldn’t refuse.
The Reds reasserted themselves on the Champions though and went on to win 4-1 in very impressive style but there is very little defence of Liverpool’s leaky defence!
However, manager Jurgen Klopp is aware of that too and has tried to address the problem this summer by signing the impressive centre-back Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg.
The 30-year-old Estonian has made over 350 league appearances in a number of countries and Klopp will be hoping his experience can sure up their porous defence.
The enigmatic boss knows the centre-back half well from his time in charge of Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and is obviously fond of his talents.
We here also think it’s a shrewd signing for the reds, and here’s why…
His experience
Klavan is not someone Klopp has signed with the view to a promising future.
The German has brought in the centre-back to shore Liverpool’s leaky defence and he wants that sorting immediately.
Klavan is expected to settle quickly in England given his experience elsewhere. He has been at Augsburg for four years and led them to their highest ever finish in the German Bundesliga.
If Klopp can help the centre back adapt to the rigours of English football, we may be seeing a wise head at the back of Liverpool’s defence.
His strength
The Estonian has forged a reputation for his tough tackling back in Germany.
The centre-back starred in his former side’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Europa League last season and Klopp was clearly impressed.
In fact, Klavan and co kept Liverpool largely at bay during the second leg too, but eventually succumbed to a 1-0 aggregate defeat.
He is very muscly and big in build and will be hopeful of bullying some of the Premier League strikers this season.
His reliability
The centre-back is not just a brute tackling machine, though. He is actually very reliable and is a calm head to have as leader of the back four.
On average last season, Klavan made less than one foul per match and picked up just two bookings.
For someone who’s job it is to tackle and stop the attacks, that is an astonishing record and all the Liverpool fans will be hoping he can emulate that form this season.
His height
His height and aerial prowess again make him a defender you wouldn’t want to mess with.
Klavan stands at 6 ft 1 and whilst not the tallest centre-back in the Premier League, he tends to be dominant in the air, winning the majority of aerial duels he finds himself in.
There’s definitely still work to be done with Klavan to make him a perfect Premier League centre-back but Liverpool can be confident they have a one in their ranks.
His goalscoring
Not something crucial for defenders but always a nice bonus when it comes along.
Klavan has been known to pop up with a few goals in his career, netting nine during his Augsburg career. He also scored nine times whilst at AZ Alkmaar so don’t be surprised if he makes the net bulge at Anfield a few times.
He attacks the ball very well in the air and will certainly be a threat from set-pieces this season.
Newcastle have taken to the Championship like a duck to water with Rafa Benitez’s side sitting comfortably at the top of the table. Much was made of the Magpies’ controversial relegation last term but Benitez has ensured the club remains in a position to achieve promotion after an inconsistent start.
After a troublesome and somewhat frightening beginning – the Toon failed to win their first two games before the visit of Reading to St. James’s Park in August – Newcastle’s despair turned to delirium as a run of 11 wins in 13 games has catapulted them to the summit of the league and the last 16 of the EFL Cup.
Preston are presented with the task of bringing down the in-form Tynesiders, with Simon Grayson’s side in a similar run of form. The Lancashire club have beaten Norwich, Huddersfield and Aston Villa in recent weeks despite their poor start to the campaign.
Even with both teams in good form, it’s still Newcastle who remain clear favourites for the contest. Rafa Benitez is an expert in such situations, so with that in mind, here is our expected Newcastle XI to beat Preston.
GK: Karl Darlow
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Karl Darlow has become one of the best young goalkeepers outside of the Premier League following his consistent performances for Newcastle in recent months.
Despite Newcastle’s relegation, Darlow remained at the club with Benitez committing himself to securing promotion. He originally struggled to maintain a foothold in the Newcastle squad but is undeniably their best goalkeeper at present.
Darlow started the last two EFL Cup games so hes’s expected to start for Newcastle against Preston.
RB: Vurnon Anita
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The consistent Anita may come in at right-back for Newcastle.
Preston will present no easy task for Newcastle, so a number of experienced players such as Anita will be expected to line up for the Toon.
CB: Grant Hanley
Hanley made the move from Blackburn Rovers to the North East this summer as Newcastle aimed to secure promotion at the first attempt.
The Scotland international has not been ever-present for the Magpies with just four league appearances in 13 games. But Hanley has played in the previous two EFL Cup ties so his place in the team looks all but assured ahead of the visit of Preston.
Should Hanley provide a solid performance, it may secure his place in the starting XI this weekend.
CB: Chancel Mbemba
Mbemba has proven his quality in England over the past 15 months and has become a key component to Newcastle achieving any success recently.
The DR Congo international defender was signed in 2015 and formed a partnership with Fabricio Coloccini before the Argentine departed the club in the summer.
LB: Achraf Lazaar
The Moroccan left-back could be set for a rare start for the club following a summer from Palermo.
Lazaar was highly thought of in Italy before his move to the North East, but the form of Paul Dummett has kept him warming the bench as Newcastle have continued their push up the league table.
A first appearance for the club came in the third round tie against Wolves and he will be hoping for a similar victory to secure his side’s place in the next round.
CM: Jack Colback
The ‘Ginger Pirlo’, Colback has become a pivotal part of Newcastle’s success this year and the Geordie remains the highest profile local player currently in the Newcastle squad.
Colback famously made the move from Sunderland in 2014 and received a lot of abuse for his career choice, but his dedication and commitment to Newcastle cannot be questioned.
CM: Mo Diame
This is now Diame’s second season in the Championship after he turned down Premier League football with newly-promoted Hull City to move to St. James’ Park.
Diame has been a colossus for Benitez’s boys this season and his ability to play in a number of positions makes him the perfect squad player. After making two appearances in the previous rounds, Diame is being tipped for a return to the first-team this Tuesday.
His ability to defend and attack will ensure Preston’s midfielders will need to remain at their very best.
RM: Christian Atsu
It wouldn’t be harsh to state Christian Atsu’s career has failed to live up to expectation as of yet.
The Ghanaian winger has been impressive for his nation since making his debut in 2012 but is currently struggling to find a club willing to provide him with the platform of regular first-team football.
Rafa Benitez opted to make a loan move for Astu this summer to strengthen his squad in the hope of achieving promotion. Atsu has struggled to make much of an impact but will probably get his chance to shine against Preston.
CAM: Ayoze Perez
When the transfer window slammed shut it came as a surprise to see Perez continuing to represent Newcastle.
Although the Spaniard is certainly inconsistent, his ability is endless. Perez was devastatingly good for Newcastle against Ipswich on Saturday and is expected to be given an opportunity to continue to impress against Preston.
Five goals in 12 games in all competitions is not a bad return for the 23-year-old.
LM: Yoan Gouffran
When Gouffran scores for Newcastle, they don’t lose. The French winger recently made his 100th league appearance for the club and continues to score important goals for the Toon.
Gouffran was expected to be frozen out of the squad this season but he has played in both EFL Cup games as well as 11 league matches.
His three goals have all come at crucial times, and the Newcastle faithful will be hopeful of another against Preston.
ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic
The Serbia international has rarely been witnessed near the first-team in recent weeks as the form of Dwight Gayle has been that impressive.
Mitrovic’s Newcastle career has regularly been halted due to conduct issues on the pitch but it’s now time the giant centre-forward focuses on scoring goals instead of clocking up red cards.
A goal or two against Preston this week and Benitez will have some selection headaches this weekend.
A lot of criticism has fallen at the feet of Sir Alex Ferguson for allowing Paul Pogba to leave United in 2012 on a free transfer.
Pogba returned to Old Trafford for £89million this summer, and many consider the deal the worst business ever made by a football club.
Sir Alex Ferguson was a major contributor to Pogba leaving four years ago, but the Scottish manager was correct to allow the midfielder to leave despite the fact that Pogba achieved resounding success post-Manchester United.
United’s position under Ferguson was a far cry from the mess the club currently finds themselves in. Four years ago, Ferguson had United at the summit of the league, which was a position they spent two decades at. Re-signing Pogba was a must for United this summer as the club were required to make a statement of intent.
But here are three reasons why Sir Alex was right to wave goodbye to the French midfielder in 2012…
Played under better managers at Juventus
At Manchester United, Pogba would have been guided by Ferguson’s tutelage for just one season before the Scot retired. David Moyes famously replaced the United legend before being sacked just months later. Louis van Gaal was expected to be saviour. when the reality was he was even worse than Moyes.
At Juventus, Pogba was guided by tactical masterminds such as Antonio Conte and Max Allegri. Their outstanding success at the Old Lady proved Pogba would learn from better managers in Italy, than in England.
Mino Raiola’s control
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One thing that ensured Ferguson’s supremacy at United was the fact he never beckoned to player demands during his 26-year stint.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola was dictating situations behind the scenes in 2012, which is something the United boss refused to tolerate.
Raiola’s demands for his client not unreasonable at the time, but they left a sour taste in the manager’s mouth. Ferguson could never have lived with himself had he let the Frenchman and his agent overrule him.
Italy improved his overall game
The Italian league is notorious for player development and turning average players into world class performers. This was certainly the case in Pogba’s situation, as the French international became a household name for his performances at Juventus.
Marcos Alonso recently branded Italy a “footballing University” and in Pogba’s case, he graduated with a first-class honours degree. He has returned to England a far better player, with the foundation of his success being based on the Italian approach and defensive strategy.
During the north London derby on Sunday afternoon, you may have noticed Jan Vertonghen tug on the shirt of Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka in the Tottenham penalty box as the ball came over from a corner. This time last year, we may not have thought too much about it afterwards, but thanks to a new start of season initiative to penalise shirt pulling in the box – and its application, most notably by Mike Dean, in the first few weeks of the campaign – you may have heard BT Sport’s commentators wonder what on Earth had happened to that new direction given to referees.
‘It seems to have died a death,’ remarked main commentator Darren Fletcher, whilst co-commentator Steve McManaman lamented, ‘I liked it when they gave penalties for those,’ as though pining for some far off erstwhile reality in which Mike Dean was a figure of reason and hope.
Whether or not you think that ‘grappling’ should be worthy of a penalty or not, we can probably all get behind the idea that two months ago, that Vertonghen shirt pull would have been penalised – or at the very least, been the catalyst for a moan about the consistency of refereeing.
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So, what happened?
The new initiative was talked about at the start of the season, before it all kicked off in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium on the second weekend of the season. That, at least, meant that players knew the risks they were taking before they did it.
The difference the application made – two penalties given in that City Stoke game – was drastic, and it seemed to make Mark Hughes change Stoke’s approach to dealing with set plays. They switched to marking zonally for a few games, presumably to prevent Ryan Shawcross from grabbing hold of a man he was supposed to be marking.
But recently that crack down does indeed seem to have ‘died a death’ since then. Stoke and champions Leicester City, who had been some of the most high profile offenders in that area last season are now starting to pick up more points than they did at the start of the season (that’s probably not solely due to the relaxation of the rule, but both sides did concede heavily from set-pieces at the start of the season, and perhaps the fact that penalties aren’t being given as readily means they are more confident at dealing with corners and free kicks as a result).
There’s no doubt that it was farcical at the start, but perhaps that’s the problem with making change when it comes to any of football’s ills. If you give red cards for diving, or if you give penalties for shirt pulling, what you’re trying to do is stamp out a side of the game no one wants to see. Cruel punishments in the short term to make the game kinder in the long run.
The problem isn’t with the theory, though. Remember that in England, referees don’t come out after the game to explain themselves, they come to referee the game and stay away from the spotlight. Only, any dodgy call thrusts them directly into the spotlight without any chance to defend themselves – and anger only breeds more anger.
We can’t stamp out the things we hate about the game until we give referees more respect, or until we stop fetishising their mistakes. It’s time to grow up. It is too easy for fans and media cheerleaders to blame their team’s defeat on a dodgy decision – referees are humans and make mistakes, just like footballers do in every game. When footballers make mistakes, we criticise them and that’s fair enough: but we don’t hang them out to dry in the same way as we do with referees, and we almost always try to explain why they did what they did, even if it doesn’t excuse them. We do not afford the same respect or understanding to referees when we criticise them
The media scrutiny and the pressure on referees to be robots and get every decision right without recourse to the technology that ‘rips the soul out of the game’ is why bad things happen to good initiatives. This is why we can’t have nice things.
Manchester United know they need just a point against Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine on Thursday night to guarantee their qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
While the Red Devils have been victorious in all of their Group A fixtures at Old Trafford, defeats away at Feyenoord and Fenerbahce mean that their fate is still to be decided, and another loss on their travels could spell the end of their European campaign.
Things haven’t been going well for Jose Mourinho’s men in the Premier League, with the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday being their fourth in their last five matches, which has left them in sixth position in the table and 13 points behind leaders Chelsea.
They are also nine points from the Champions League spots and winning the Europa League could prove to be their best chance of reaching Europe’s premier competition next term on current form.
Here is FootballFanCast’s United XI that should get past Zorya…
GK: Sergio Romero
The Argentine stopper has made three appearances for Man United this season, and with two of those coming in the Europa League – including the home match against Zorya Luhansk – he should get the nod in Ukraine, especially with Mourinho’s men hosting Tottenham on Sunday.
Romero secured two clean sheets in those Europa League fixtures, and keeping a third would be enough to see the Red Devils through to the knockout stages of the competition.
RB: Matteo Darmian
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As we mentioned previously, with United facing a big match against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, Mourinho could choose to rest Antonio Valencia for a fixture that United need only a draw from, which could mean that Darmian is given a rare start in his preferred right-back spot.
The Italian played on the left-hand side against Everton on Sunday, but he should revert to the opposite side in Ukraine, where he will look to offer the side an attacking threat, as well as staying solid defensively.
CB: Eric Bailly
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After missing more than a month of action because of a knee injury suffered in the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea in October, Bailly was back on the substitutes’ bench for the clash against Everton and he could well be given a start at Zorya as he looks to get his match fitness back.
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have started the last five matches at centre-back, but at least one of them is likely to be rested with the Spurs match in Mourinho’s mind. Bailly should be the man to step in.
CB: Marcos Rojo
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The Argentine defender has started the last five matches alongside Phil Jones at the heart of United’s defence because of injuries to the likes of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, and he could be named in the line-up again for the trip to Ukraine.
Rojo was fortunate not to be red-carded for a two-footed tackle on Everton’s Idrissa Gueye on Sunday, and he will need to be more disciplined for what could be another tough away trip for the Red Devils in Europe.
LB: Daley Blind
Luke Shaw has often been preferred at left-back in Europa League matches this term, but with the England international having picked up a knock, Mourinho might not want to risk him for the trip to Ukraine.
Blind has played in a number of positions during his United career, but he could find himself in his more familiar left-sided role in Eastern Europe.
He was an unused substitute against Everton which should mean that he has the energy to make an impact at both ends of the pitch at Zorya.
CM: Ander Herrera
With the likes of Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini to choose from in central midfield, Herrera has found first-team minutes hard to come by at points this season.
However, the Spaniard started in the draw with Everton on Sunday, and he could be given the nod in the middle of the park again on Thursday night with Carrick – and maybe even Paul Pogba – getting rested ahead of the clash against his former team Tottenham at Old Trafford this weekend.
CM: Marouane Fellaini
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Fellaini was public enemy number one for United fans on Sunday after clumsily giving away a last minute penalty in the 1-1 draw against Everton on his 100th appearance for the club.
The Belgian midfielder was brought on help protect his side’s lead and to deal with the Toffees’ direct play, but his mistake saw the Red Devils drop two points.
Fellaini will be desperate to put things right and he may well get the chance in Ukraine as he seems to be more suited to European matches.
RAM: Jesse Lingard
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After starting the season in the XI, Lingard has found first-team minutes harder to come by in recent weeks and he has often been sat on the substitutes’ bench.
However, with United needing only a draw in Zorya and with the Ukrainian side taking just two points from their five Europa League group matches, Lingard should be given the opportunity to impress and put himself in contention for a start against Spurs.
CAM: Wayne Rooney
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The former Everton man was suspended for his current club’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday, and that break from action should see him reinstated into the starting XI on Thursday night.
The England captain is just one goal short of matching Sir Bobby Charlton’s total of 249 for United, and he will want to match and beat that as soon as possible, as well as adding to the 39 times he has netted in Europe – another club record.
LAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
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Jose Mourinho deemed the Armenia international unready to play for United’s first-team following a disappointing display in the defeat to Manchester City in September, but Mkhitaryan has certainly proved he can cut it in recent weeks and he will hope to provide the spark the club needs in Ukraine.
The attacking midfielder was named as the Man of the Match in the wins against Feyenoord and West Ham in the Europa League and EFL Cup respectively, while he also impressed against Everton, too.
ST: Anthony Martial
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The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer has limited Martial’s time on the pitch this term, but he should be given the chance to impress in the striker’s spot in Ukraine.
The French forward comes into this Europa League clash in good form having scored twice in the 4-1 win against West Ham in the EFL Cup last week, while he also assisted Ibrahimovic for his strike against Everton on Sunday.
Following the departure of striker Rudy Gestede to Middlesbrough for a fee in the region of £6.5m last week, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce could be searching for a replacement for the tall attacker before the end of theÂtransfer window, although some of his targets may not be available until the summer.The Benin international joined the Villans from Blackburn Rovers in 2015 and with an impressive scoring record during his time at Ewood Park, hopes were high that he could fire for the Midlands outfit. But it never happened and he departed the Championship side having netted just tenÂgoals in 55 appearances.
With Bruce’s preferred option up top – Jonathan Kodjia – and fellow forward Jordan Ayew away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and summer signing Ross McCormack’s future seemingly uncertain after he has struggled to break into the starting XI, buying a striker could be a priority for the Villa manager this month.
Here are FOUR that could replace Gestede at Villa Park…
Ashley Fletcher
Britain Football Soccer – Manchester United v West Ham United – EFL Cup Quarter Final – Old Trafford – 30/11/16 West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher celebrates scoring their first goal Reuters / Phil Noble Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representativ
Following a successful loan spell with Barnsley last season, in which he scored nine goals in 27 appearances, the striker would have been confident of making an impression at West Ham after sealing a move to the London Stadium from Manchester United during the summer.
However, the 21-year-old has found first-team minutes hard to come by in an Irons side that has largely struggled, and he may need to look for another temporary move away for the remainder of the campaign.
The tall attacker is surely one that would be on Steve Bruce’s radar, and if he wants to strengthen his frontline this month, then Fletcher could be one of the best options on the market right now.
Sam Gallagher
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Blackburn Rovers continue to struggle at the wrong end of the Championship table, but one of the bright sparks of their season has been the form of Southampton loanee Sam Gallagher up top.
The 6ft. 4″ striker, who made 18 appearances for the Saints in the Premier League in the 2013/14 campaign, has impressed with his hold-up play for Rovers this term, while he has also netted an impressive nine league goals.
With his height and his goalscoring ability, as well as the fact he is still just 21, the young attacker could be the perfect replacement for Gestede, although any deal would have to wait until his loan deal at Ewood Park ends in the summer.
Jordan Rhodes
Football Soccer – Bolton Wanderers v Middlesbrough – Sky Bet Football League Championship – Macron Stadium – 16/4/16Jordan Rhodes celebrates scoring Middlesbrough’s first goalMandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed SykesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your
Despite Middlesbrough struggling to score goals this season – they have netted just 17 in their 20 Premier League matches, which is the joint-lowest alongside Hull City – the previously prolific Jordan RhodesÂhas struggled to get many first-team minutes under Aitor Karanka.
The arrival of his former Blackburn Rovers team-mate Gestede at the Riverside Stadium seems to have sealed his future, and the Scottish attacker is surely one that Steve Bruce will be keeping a close eye on.
The 26-year-old scored 83 goals in 159 Championship appearances during his time at Ewood Park, and Bruce will know that he is getting a player that is proven at this level if he brings Rhodes to Villa Park.
Tammy Abraham
Football Soccer Britain – Bristol City v Hull City – EFL Cup Fourth Round – Ashton Gate – 25/10/16Bristol City’s Tammy Abraham looks dejectedAction Images via Reuters / Matthew ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further
Not too many people would have heard of Tammy Abraham before the start of this season, but they certainly have now.
The Chelsea striker has scored 17 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions on loan at Villa’s Championship rivals Bristol City this term and as well as his impressive record in front of goal, he also stands at 6ft. 4″ tall – coming in at a similar height to Gestede.
While any deal wouldn’t be done until the summer, the battle to sign Abraham could be a big one following his performances this season, and the current Premier League leaders might even want him back if he keeps this form up.
Arsene Wenger seems to be quietly confident that Mesut Ozil will secure his future to Arsenal and stated the German’s recent comments have been misinterpreted.
What’s the word?
Mesut Ozil made headlines last weekend with comments in German publication Kicker, where he suggested he wants to know what Arsene Wenger’s future is before he puts pen to paper on a renewal.
Ozil’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire in 18 months time, whilst Wenger sees his deal come to a close at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will extend his 21-year stint at the Emirates Stadium.
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However, despite the seemingly bleak outlook, Wenger suggested that Ozil’s comments have been misinterpreted and seemed quietly confident the World Cup winner will remain at the Emirates Stadium.
What was said?
“He would like to know what happens, of course, on the managerial front. But I don’t think that’s the main part of his decision. It is part of it, but it’s not the only thing. There are many other ingredients in any negotiation, and hopefully we’ll find a conclusion very quickly with him.”
“I do not want to go too much into detail on that because that can be quickly interpreted in the wrong way. We have to keep that as quiet as possible and try to find an agreement, and at the end of the day respect our line of conduct that we always have.”
Will Ozil extend?
It’s anyone’s guess at the moment but Ozil seems more likely to pen a new deal than Alexis Sanchez, although both superstars will need to be convinced of the Gunners’ ability to compete with the best clubs in Europe.
The second-half of the Premier League campaign and the return to Champions League action will be crucial this season, whilst Arsenal will continue to push for a breakthrough behind the scenes.