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Aston Villa are ready to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window, with new reports linking the Villans to one of the most in form forwards in world football.

Unai Emery’s side have made an astonishingly strong start to the 2023/24 campaign, sitting just one point outside the Premier League’s top four as Villa Park reinstates itself as a fortress.

Villa are unbeaten in 12 home games in the league, highlighting their progression under Emery, however it’s been suggested in the media that there are further squad improvements to be made.

In the summer, the Spaniard was joined by president of football operations, Monchi, with the task of recruiting the next wave of quality acquisitions to be part of his project in the Midlands.

Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres, Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet arrived during the transfer window, with additional resources now being scanned for the remainder of the campaign.

Aston Villa transfer targets

While the summer arrivals have mostly settled into life at Villa Park well, none of the captures can be identified as a centre-forward, which seems to be an area that Emery is plotting to expand in the winter.

One player said to be of interest to the Villans is a name already well-loved in the Midlands, with news in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, naming Tammy Abraham as a potential target in January.

The report claims that Villa are 'in the picture' for the Roma striker, who could be offloaded by Jose Mourinho’s side in the near future.

Abraham spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa under Dean Smith, with his 26 goals in the Championship being integral to the Villans earning promotion to the Premier League that year.

While the Englishman has a stellar reputation in the Midlands, he isn’t the most prolific striker that Villa have been linked to ahead of the January window.

Another forward that Emery’s side have been quoted with having an interest in is Stuttgart talisman Serhou Guirassy, who has been one of the most in-form strikers in Europe this season.

A report from TEAMtalk late last month referenced Villa’s interest along with that of Fulham, Spurs and Everton, as the hunt for the 27-year-old heats up in the Premier League.

Astonishingly, the accomplished forward is reported to have a mere release clause of just €20m (£17m), meaning he could be available for an extremely low fee in January.

Getting a player for cheap in the current state of the market is one strength, but just how good is Guirassy, and how could he fit in at Villa?

Serhou Guirassy’s playing style

Described as a player that is 'devouring Bundesliga defences' by scouting site The Analyst, the forward has found sanctuary playing under Sebastian Hoeness at Stuttgart.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the towering striker has a lot of skills in his locker, with his ability to hold the ball up and link with those around him being one of the most notable assets of his dominating frame.

Fellow scouting site Breaking the Lines lauded the 27-year-old’s 'ability to create goals out of nothing' as one of his strongest points, dubbing that element of his game as one that 'emphasises his genius'.

While pace is not his strongest point, Guirassy tends to find sanctuary in linking with the forwards without him, suggesting that he could be the ideal fit for Villa, who have no interest in replacing their talisman to welcome a new forward.

The stats that show Serhou Guirassy would be a good signing for Aston Villa

Comparable to the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland for his scoring proficiency by FBref, the Guinea international has been the most efficient goalscorer in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.

Averaging a mammoth 1.01 non-penalty goals per 90, the 27-year-old ranks in the top 1% in Europe over the past 365 days in that regard, telling of his clinical nature in front of goal.

Once lauded as “insane” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Guirassy is an undoubted presence in the final third, supported by his average of 3.34 shots on goal per 90.

In the Bundesliga, the forward has already improved his total of 11 goals last season this term, having netted a monstrous 14 goals in eight league games for the Bavarians already.

The Stuttgart ace could offer a host of benefits to Villa, particularly in Emery’s rotated formation of 4-4-2, which could see him fully utilise the duo leading the line by pairing Ollie Watkins with the £17m man.

How Serhou Guirassy could fit in with Ollie Watkins

Back in April, Emery told The Athletic of his “idea” to “add another striker” to play alongside Watkins in the summer.

While no identifiable centre-forward was acquired in the window, the Spaniard has found joy in unleashing club-record capture Moussa Diaby as the second part of the duo selected to lead the line.

In playing a 4-4-2, Emery could easily rotate his squad to accommodate Guirassy to play alongside Watkins, in a move that could not only benefit the front line, but Diaby too, who could once again assume his favoured position on the flanks.

Like Watkins, Guirassy enjoys linking with those around him to utilise his presence on the pitch and in the Englishman, he could find the perfect partner to join forces with.

Watkins vs Guirassy – 2023/24 league campaigns

Statistic

Ollie Watkins

Serhou Guirassy

Appearances

10

8

Goals

5

14

Scoring frequency

172 minutes

46 minutes

Shots on target per game

1.4

2.3

Conversion rate

16%

44%

Key passes per game

1.9

1.9

Figures via Sofascore

As highlighted in the table above, both players are reliable scorers for their teams, boasting the ability to not only put the ball in the net, but to link play also through their creative strengths.

The duo’s shared average of 1.9 key passes per game tells an interesting story of their capability to act as the playmaker, rather than just the hitman.

That element alone could see Emery extend his side’s productivity in the final third, by cloning Watkins to add more firepower in the form of Guirassy, whose goal-scoring presence could fuse with the tactical know-how of Villa’s star man.

The options are endless for the Spaniard with reference to how he could best utilise the duo, however with only Jhon Duran as the other recognisable centre-forward in the squad at present, welcoming additional reinforcements to that area could only bolster the front line going forward.

In signing one of the most in-form strikers in Europe, Emery could take his team to the next level, by expanding the squad and boosting the potential for goals at Villa Park.

Fernando Torres was tearing the net with some outrageous goals in Liverpool Legends training as Sven-Goran Eriksson watched on.

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• Torres back the AXA Training Centre
• Looked in fine scoring touch
• Will be in action against Ajax Legends at Anfield

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Liverpool legends were sweating it out in a pre-match session at the AXA Training Centre on Friday under the watchful eyes of Eriksson – who is set to see his Liverpool dream come true in a Legends clash with Ajax.

  Torres was in scorching form in training as he found the net on several occasions. He was seen scoring a trivela after a deft first touch, his second was a typical poacher's goal from inside the box, went on to pierce the net for the third time with an outrageous back-flick and completed his scoring spree with a bullet shot from outside the penalty area.

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  Apart from Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Martin Skrtel, Ryan Babel, Maxi Rodriguez and many more Liverpool legends went through their paces in Kirkby. It will be a special afternoon at Anfield as the stars from the past will get an opportunity to roll back the years in front of the Kop against the Ajax Legends.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It will be a packed house at Merseyside on Saturday afternoon as the charity match has been sold out. And if Torres can replicate his training form on matchday, the fans will be treated to a gala time before serious business resumes in the Premier League next weekend with a clash against Brighton lined up.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Fraser Forster has heaped praise on an arguably unsung Spurs player, saying he's been training brilliantly behind the scenes.

Spurs player ratings 2023/2024

Ange Postecoglou's table-topping Spurs side have quite simply blown away on-lookers. Some had them finishing in the bottom half after star striker Harry Kane quit for Bayern Munich in the summer window, but things haven't quite gone in that direction. Instead, the north Londoners find themselves unbeaten over their opening eight Premier League matches, winning six of them, and standing out as the division's most in-form side on paper.

Few could've envisaged this sensational start to the new campaign, especially after Kane's departure. A few star players have gone on to catch the eye under Postecoglou, too, perhaps most notably Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison. The latter has already bagged two goals and five assists in a Spurs shirt since arriving from Leicester City for £40 million.

“I always rated him [Maddison],” Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle told Premier League Productions (09/10/23 at 5:30 pm).

“I felt Tottenham three years should have gone and got him with Harry (Kane) in the team. I always felt that he was ahead of players who were getting ahead of him in the England squad when he was at Leicester. With better players around him, and certainly in that England team, I think you would see the best and that’s coming out of him now. He has matured. He’s got three or four years where he is going to be at his peak.”

The aforementioned have quite simply starred in a Lilywhites jersey, but one lesser-mentioned star of their starting eleven has been goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Guglielmo Vicario praise

The Italian, who was brilliant for Empoli last season, attracted Tottenham's interest over the summer transfer window as chairman Daniel Levy sought to bring him in for around £17.2 million. Since his arrival, Vicario has usurped long-serving number one Hugo Lloris as Tottenham's first choice keeper, going on to make some crucial saves against the likes of Luton most recently.

Back-up Spurs keeper Forster, speaking to Tottenham's Off The Shelf podcast, heaped praise on his counterpart and revealed that Vicario is training brilliantly.

"I think as you see this season, I think every game, even as a team the way we want to play, we look better and better at what we want to do because those relationships are coming and can only get stronger and better as the season goes on," said Forster, later praising Vicario.

"He's been brilliant," admitted the Tottenham goalkeeper. "I think his performances in the games have been very good and he's made big saves. [It's] not easy coming to a new club, new country. His English is very good which has really helped him.

"One of my mates from Celtic actually played with him at Empoli and he's raved about him for ages, so as soon as he was coming here he said he's a very, very good goalkeeper. Top guy. He's been brilliant in the games, he's been brilliant around the place, trains well and works hard, so it's a good start for him."

James Hildreth added a 50-over hundred to two already logged in the Championship in a memorable start to the season for the Somerset stylist

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2018
ScorecardJames Hildreth’s career-best one-day score of 159 propelled Somerset to an 83-run Royal London One-Day Cup over Glamorgan in glorious sunshine at Taunton.It was the 33-year-old’s seventh List A hundred. His brilliant 125-ball innings featured eight sixes and 13 fours, helping his side post 372 for 7 on a prime batting wicket after losing the toss.In reply, Glamorgan made 289 all out, Colin Ingram top-scoring with 85 off 70 balls. A crowd of around 3,500 saw 19 sixes in an entertaining match.Hildreth, who already has two Specsavers County Championship centuries to his name this season, shared a third-wicket stand of 98 with Peter Trego after Somerset had slipped to 49 for 2.Trego’s half-century occupied 54 balls, with 7 fours. He was looking set for a big score when looking to lift Graham Wagg over mid-wicket and picking out David Lloyd, who took a comfortable catch.Tom Banton’s first List A innings ended on 11 with an injudicious reverse sweep straight to Andrew Salter at short third-man. Somerset were 174 for 4 in the 31st over, with Hildreth having reached a 58-ball half-century.A key moment came with his score on 63 when he should have been caught by Jack Murphy at deep mid-wicket off Colin Ingram. Instead, the fielder let the ball slip through his hands for six.It proved a costly error. On 79, Hildreth brought up 5,000 runs in List A cricket and his stand of 86 with the impressive Abell took less than nine overs.Abell faced 25 balls for his 40, cracking 7 fours. When he fell to Wagg, Hildreth quickly moved to 100 off as many balls and then went into overdrive with some big sixes to pass his previous best one-day score of 151, made against Scotland in 2009.He eventually fell to a tired shot in the 48th over, but Craig Overton made sure Somerset maintained momentum to the end with 23 off ten balls.Taunton in all its glory•Getty ImagesGlamorgan’s only hope after losing two wickets in the first ten overs rested on a big stand between Shaun Marsh and Ingram, who both looked in menacing form.They added 63 before Marsh’s innings was ended by a fine running catch by Max Waller coming in from long-off, with Tim Groenewald the successful bowler.Ingram moved to a 41-ball half-century, but Glamorgan reached 30 overs with only 159 for four on the board and required a further 214.Somerset’s comprehensively outfielded their opponents and when Overton took a well-judged catch on the long-off boundary to dismiss Ingram for 85 it was 206 for 5, with the required run-rate well into double figures.Marchant de Lange (40) hit two of the first three balls he received for six and Wagg produced some defiant blows. But it was all in vain as Somerset made it maximum points from the first two South Group games.

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São meses de negociação, mas o acerto entre Diego Alves e Flamengo está mais próximo. As conversas avançaram e o goleiro está perto de renovar o seu vínculo com o clube da Gávea por mais dois anos. A informação inicial é do canal “Paparazzo Rubro-Negro”. O atual vínculo do camisa 1 vai até dezembro,

Sem atuar desde 30 de agosto – sofreu uma lesão no ombro direito, testou positivo para Covid-19 e, mais recentemente, teve uma lesão no joelho direito -, o goleiro viajou nesta segunda-feira para Porto Alegre, onde o time principal permanecer após o empate em 2 a 2 com o Internacional e se prepara para enfrentar o Athletico, na quarta-feira, nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

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Entre os principais nomes do elenco profissional do Flamengo, Diego Alves é o único com contrato se encerrando no dia 31 de dezembro. O meia Diego Ribas estava em situação idêntica, mas assinou novo termo válido até o fim de 2021.

O goleiro, por sua vez, deve ter oficializada a renovação por duas temporadas. São 151 partidas pelo Rubro-Negro, com 89 vitórias, 34 empates e 28 derrotas, e diversos títulos: Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sul-Americana, Supercopa do Brasil e dois Campeonatos Cariocas (2019 e 2020).

Selection questions over Temba Bavuma/Theunis de Bruyn and Lungi Ngidi/Morne Morkel highlight the delicate balancing act for South Africa

Firdose Moonda in Cape Town21-Mar-2018

Faf du Plessis congratulates Lungi Ngidi upon picking up his maiden Test wicket•BCCI

On the face of it, South Africa would seem to have two normal selection debates on their hands ahead of the third Test against Australia. They are deciding between Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma in the No. 6 spot and between Lungi Ngidi and Morne Morkel as the third seamer, and there are decent arguments to be made for all four.De Bruyn has only played five Tests but his first-class numbers show great potential. He has an average of 46.27, has played in six out of the eight franchise matches this season and has scored two daddy hundreds – 195 and 190. But he has only made more than 20 once in four innings in the series against Australia, which has opened the door for Bavuma, who has not played a Test since October and any professional cricket since mid-January after suffering a broken hand, to make a return.Bavuma’s first-class average of 37.40, and Test average of 33.13, belies his nuggety nature. Though he only has one Test century to his name, scored two years ago, he has eight fifties and most of them have dug South Africa out of deep holes. So the choice is between the man who is there and has not yet lived up to his promise and the one who has started well but needs to kick on at international level.At the other end of the spectrum, Ngidi has taken to international cricket like he was born to do it. He has 14 wickets from his three Tests at an average of 16.42, is able to find movement and bowls with accuracy. He is nursing a small toe niggle which may require him to sit out at Newlands but if he is fit, including him ahead of Morkel could be justified, as it was in the second Test. Even though Morkel has played 84 Tests and is three wickets from becoming the fifth South African to 300, Ngidi is a strong competitor to keep him out. In Morkel’s favour is his experience, the fact that he has found some of his best form in the latter part of his career when he has been more prone to pitching the ball up, and the nostalgia of his impending retirement.SA transformation numbers 2017-18

(Figures correct before Cape Town Test)
Total: 385 caps across all formats
Players of colour: 198 = 51.40%
Black African: 76 = 19.74%
Tests: 132 caps
Players of colour: 59 = 44.69%
Black African 25 = 18.93%
ODIs: 165 caps
Players of colour: 85 = 51.51%
Black African: 33 = 20%
T20Is: 88 caps
Players of colour: 54 = 61.36%
Black African: 18 = 20.45%

So, while South Africa seem to have a complex cricketing choice to make, dig a little deeper and they are also deciding between black and white.The reality of South Africa’s transformation imperatives cannot be ignored and, this season, CSA will miss the ministerial target.South Africa’s transformation numbers are calculated on an annual basis, from April to April, and require a minimum average of six players of colour, of which two must be black African, to be fielded by the national team over a season. That equates to 54.54% players of colour and 18.18% black African players in the XI.For 2017-18, across 12 Tests so far (with two to come), 15 ODIs and 8 T20s, South Africa have fielded 51.40% players of colour and 19.74% black African, thereby missing the first target but exceeding the second. The chief culprit in South Africa’s inability to meet the target is their representation in Tests, where they have only fielded 44.69% of players of colour – largely as a consequence of JP Duminy’s retirement and Bavuma’s injury – and although they have tried to make up for it in shorter formats, they have not been able to.Even if South Africa fielded an entirely non-white team in the remaining two Tests, they would still fall 13 caps short of the players of colour target. The consequences of their failure to meet targets have not been explicitly defined, especially since the sports minister has changed since the last time the audit was done.When South Africa failed to reach the target in the 2015-16 year, then-minister of sport Fikile Mbalula banned CSA from bidding for or hosting major events, which did not affect it because there was no ICC tournament in the calendar. Instead, it forced CSA to implement a national target, which was met in the 2016-17 summer. Tokozile Xasa is now the sports minister, having been appointed in February, and has yet to make any strong policy statements.While the suits wait to see Xasa’s reaction, CSA is likely to continue to impress the importance of taking steps to show an intention to meet the targets, rather than an indifference to missing them, as Faf du Plessis indicated. “As a guy that has a say in selection, I always strive to get that [targets being met],” du Plessis said. “So first priority will be to get those balances and targets right. If there were injuries that played a part then it’s difficult to make – for instance if Kagiso [Rabada] wasn’t available for this game then it’s a different story. But I also believe it’s my responsibility to look and see how we can achieve that.”That means Bavuma and Ngidi could get the nod, and it is important to note that they are both regarded as equally deserving of a spot as the men they would be displacing.As far as Bavuma is concerned, du Plessis said he had “a lot of confidence in Temba”, who he called a “high-quality” player that can slot straight back in despite not having recent game time. “Obviously he hasn’t got a lot of cricket under his belt, but the quality is there,” du Plessis said. “Ideally, you’d like guys to play cricket after an injury to get themselves back into form or time in the middle. It doesn’t always work like that. Temba hasn’t played cricket, but he looks good in the nets for a while and his hand is fully recovered.”But Ngidi’s participation is likely to rest more on his injury status than whether or not du Plessis considers him a better bet than Morkel, who is fully fit.”Lungi bowled really well in the previous game but he’s also got a little bit of a toe problem, which is probably why the consideration is happening. If he is not 100% then it is obviously an easy decision for us,” du Plessis said. “What counts in Morne’s favour is that he is a fit bowler and can bowl long spells. That’s really important going into this Test match, especially if we have three seamers and a spinner. We’ll have our three bowlers that have the biggest tanks when it comes to bowling a lot of overs.”With Morkel’s milestone of 300 Test wickets also looming and only two more opportunities for him to play, South Africa may also want to be mindful of getting Morkel over the line before sending him off. But coach Ottis Gibson expressed little sympathy with Morkel’s position, saying that selection in professional sport is only about trying to pick a team that can win.Gibson’s statement was ironic because in South Africa, that has never been the only consideration. Pre-democracy, there was only white, post-democracy there has been a push towards black and now there are all the shades of grey, when equally competent white and black players are in the mix.

A report in English media claims that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is now set to complete his takeover of Manchester United, and it could happen soon.

What's the latest Man United takeover news?

It was just last week that news surrounding the Glazer family and their potential sale of the Premier League club wasn't looking particularly promising.

After all, there was talk that Sheikh Jassim's bid of upwards of £5bn had not been responded to yet with brothers Avram and Joel potentially unwilling to actually sell their asset after all this speculation.

Indeed, Chief Manchester United writer Samuel Luckhurst wrote in his article for the Manchester Evening News: "Figures involved in a possible takeover of United are becoming weary with the process".

However, in a fresh update from The Sun, it has been reported that Sheikh Jassim is set to win the battle to buy Man United for £6bn ahead of rival bidder British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe of INEOS, who was willing to allow the Glazer family to retain a stake in the Red Devils with his offer.

Instead, the Qatari royal will complete a 100 per cent purchase of the club, thus finally seeing the Glazers depart Old Trafford after arriving in 2005 – news that will no doubt delight many fans.

The report adds that Sheikh Jassim’s team are now completing their due diligence on the English club and that this £6bn takeover is set to be completed by mid-October, while it could be officially announced as early as next month.

Who is Sheikh Jassim?

Born in 1982, Sheikh Jassim is the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank, one of the biggest banks in the Middle East, and is a member of the Qatari royal family. His father, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, was the Qatari prime minister between 2007 and 2013 and has been involved in the running of Paring Saint-Germain in the past (via Metro).

As per the Manchester Evening News, he and his family are believed to have a collective net worth of around £275bn. While that same report says it is estimated that he has a personal net worth of about £1.08bn.

He is also a lifelong fan of the club and has been to a number of Man United matches as a supporter – some of those have even been away from home, reports The Guardian.

Once the takeover is complete, the new Man Utd owner will supposedly wipe out the club's gross debt which is believed to be at £725m. Sheikh Jassim will then aim to

make renovations to Old Trafford, as well as their training centre at Carrington.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

No doubt fans will also hope and expect some big new signings to arrive in the upcoming transfer windows, with the January market potentially the first opportunity the Qatari will have to flex his financial muscle.

After months and months of speculation, it does finally seem as though this whole saga is at last about to find a conclusion. It will be interesting to see how quickly this moves now and if a deal really can be finalised as soon as mid-October.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided a positive update for Wolves fans regarding the future of Pedro Neto.

The Portuguese forward is one of the Midlands clubs brightest sparks.

What is the latest Pedro Neto transfer news?

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are considering whether to act upon their long time interest in Neto, who has made a comeback from a devastating knee injury suffered in 2021. The Gunners are in the market for some attacking depth to take some of the load off of Bukayo Saka, but a return for the former Lazio man would be a surprise considering he is without a goal contribution for Wolves in his last 21 appearances for the club. The Gunners were interested in the forward in the summer of 2022, however the £50m price tag pushed Arsenal away, however, they could move in for a cheaper price now due to the players disappointing form.

Wolves have had Financial Fair Play concerns throughout this summer, and have sold club captain Ruben Neves for £47m and starting defender Nathan Collins for £23m in an attempt to balance the books. Despite the young Portuguese attacker being a part of new boss Gary O'Neil's plans for Wolves this season, should the club receive a strong offer for Neto, they may take the cash in order to further ease the FFP constraints and give the manager funds to use elsewhere in the squad.

Neto isn't the only name being considered by the Gunners, with reports linking the North London side with a move for Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati as well. The Spaniard burst onto the scene in 2019, earning praise from Lionel Messi, however a major meniscus injury stagnated his career, and he could make the switch to the Emirates stadium in order to revive his career.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs revealed that whilst the Gunners have held interest in Neto previously, they have not attempted to move for him this summer to the delight of Gary O'Neil:

He said: "I think Arsenal have looked at Neto previously, but I'm not aware that they've gone back to the table for him at this stage. I think that Neto was phenomenal in the loss to Manchester United on the opening day and showcased almost everything that he can bring in that game – plenty of touches, duels won, a couple of shots on goal and more chances created, I think, than anybody else in the game. He was excellent in that opening game so, at this point, Wolves would like to keep the player."

How will Wolves end this window?

Despite the positive news regarding Neto, Wolves could face another transfer battle for one of their key players.

Mario Lemina is reportedly a target of Liverpool according to Foot Mercato. The Merseyside outfit are looking to strengthen their midfield department after the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, and the former Southampton man is a name being considered according to the report. The Reds aren't the only side interested, with two other Premier League sides as well as Saudi Arabian sides holding an interest in the midfielder who only joined the Midlands side in January of 2023 for £9.7m.

In terms of incomings, Wolves are reportedly pursuing a move for Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellestri. The Uruguayan has featured in both of the Red Devil's opening games, but could be given a loan move in order to give him more regular first team football. A host of Premier League sides are interested, including Bournemouth and Burnley, so Wolves would have to act quickly if they want to bring the talent to Molineux for this campaign.

MatériaMais Notícias

O empate de 2 a 2 entre Botafogo e Corinthians ficará marcado na história do clube de General Severiano. Apesar do frustrante resultado e o gol do Timão no fim do segundo tempo no duelo do último sábado, na Neo Química Arena, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, um recorde do Glorioso foi quebrado. Ao entrar em campo, Matheus Nascimento se tornou o jogador mais jovem a participar de uma partida pelo Alvinegro.

O atacante estreou profissionalmente com 16 anos e 6 meses, batendo o recorde de idade da era profissional do Botafogo. Antes, a marca pertencia a Galdino, também atacante, que entrou em campo com 16 anos e 9 meses no segundo semestre de 1971, quando o Alvinegro era comandado por Zagallo.

Diante do Corinthians, Matheus teve pouco mais de 10 minutos em campo. Com o Alvinegro em vantagem no placar durante a maior parte do tempo, não conseguiu mostrar muita coisa, com uma atuação de cinco passes certos, um corte dentro da área e uma falta cometida. No entanto, já foi suficiente para escrever o nome na história dos livros do Botafogo.

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O cria do Botafogo também entrou no pódio do Brasileirão. Matheus Nascimento se tornou o terceiro jogador mais novo a entrar em campo pela competição, atrás de Jô, que estreou pelo Corinthians em 2003 com 16 anos e 3 meses e Yuri Mamute, ex-Botafogo, que atuou vestindo a camisa do Grêmio com 16 anos e 4 meses em 2011.

– Ele está trabalhando muito bem, crescido, encorpado. Tem absorvido bastante os conceitos. Está com uma agressividade que, se agregar ao seu jogo, vai fazer mais diferença ainda. O trabalho está sendo feito de maneira cronológica. O Botafogo tem que começar a trabalhar com lógica, critérios, procedimentos, prática e estratégia no seu futebol – elogiou Paulo Autuori, após a partida contra o Corinthians.

Matheus Nascimento é visto como uma joia por dirigentes e membros da comissão técnica do Botafogo. Com mais de 150 gols nas categorias de base do Alvinegro desde 2015, o atacante assinou o primeiro contrato profissional em abril e vem treinando com os comandados de Paulo Autuori desde a retomada das atividades presenciais, em julho.

*A matéria só foi possível graças ao auxílio do pesquisador e historiador botafoguense Cláudio Falcão, criador. do blog “DataFogo”.

Arsenal are closing in on signing Brazilian playmaker Bitello, with reports claiming the Gunners have submitted an opening proposal for the 23-year-old.

Mikel Arteta has already added Kai Havertz and Declan Rice to his midfield this summer, however, the Spaniard isn’t expected to halt the activity just yet.

What’s the latest on Bitello to Arsenal?

As reported by journalist Rafael Pfeiffer, the north Londoners have made an opening offer to Gremio for Bitello.

The offer is reported to be in the region of €8m (£7m), a fee lower than the expected €10m (£8.6m) valuation by the Brazilian club, as told by Tuttomercatoweb.

Reports in Brazil (as relayed by Sport Witness), first linked the club and player earlier this month.

How good is Bitello?

Deployed primarily in central midfield, the creative-minded sensation has impressed in his home country since his graduation from Gremio’s academy.

In 14 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A, the 23-year-old scored three goals, maintaining an average match rating of 7.09, as per Sofascore.

Once hailed as “unique” by Talent ID expert Ben Mattinson, the midfielder is equally as combative as he is creative, as supported by his numbers.

The Arsenal target won an average of 6.9 total duels per game in the league, while recording an average of 1.9 key passes per game to showcase his ability to dominate the middle channel.

For the Gunners, the capture of Bitello could provide a positive addition to the depth in midfield, while providing a warning sign for those already at the Emirates to up their performance if game time isn’t already guaranteed.

One name that could be alarmed by the Brazilian’s arrival is Fabio Vieira, who has failed to impress since arriving in the capital last summer from Porto.

The fellow central midfielder arrived in north London with the status of a lethal asset in Portugal, registering six goals and 14 assists in his final season in Liga Portugal in just 27 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Whether it be a slow adaptation period or being a long way from home, the 23-year-old has failed to live up to expectation, being branded as “far too weak” by Sky Sports’ Connor Humm.

Across 22 Premier League appearances, the Portuguese talent scored on one occasion, earning just three starts during his debut campaign, via Sofascore.

The introduction of Bitello could threaten Vieira’s claim to rise up the pecking order, with the Gremio gem's numbers suggesting that he could be a more appropriate fit for the side than the Arsenal man.

While the role of a playmaker steers away from defensive duties, the former Porto whizz has been identified as a weak link in the middle of the park for his inability to protect possession.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old averaged just 0.3 tackles and won 0.9 total duels per game last term, highlighting his frailties in getting stuck into the opposition in a league that is identified for its physical demands.

In terms of creativity, the Santa Maria de Feira-born attacker fell short to the Gunners' target in addition to his lack of defensive competence, averaging 0.5 key passes per game in the Premier League.

The potential arrival of Bitello could prove to be negative reading for Vieira, who already has a battle on his hands to worm his way back among those in contention for game time next season.