Arsenal target Fedor Chalov is a far more realistic target than Wilfried Zaha or Pepe

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are interested in a move for CSKA Moscow forward Fedor Chalov, who is also attracting the attention of Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Gunners seem to have the prolific Russian in their sights, although they face a lot of competition to land the striker.

Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are also keen, whilst Monaco and Sevilla have one eye on the situation.

Chalov enjoyed an excellent 2018/19 campaign in which he finished as the Russian Premier League top scorer with 15 goals – he also netted against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Check out 5 reasons why Arsenal need Wilfried Zaha in the video below…

The 21-year-old also weighed in with seven assists in the league, whilst grabbing two goals in his six Champions League appearances last term to make his total tally for the season an impressive 17.

His exquisite campaign has seen him rated at £20m, and you can certainly see why so many top clubs are keeping tabs on him.

A more sensible target for Arsenal in this market

As we all know, this current market is a little bit crazy.

You’ve got players like Harry Maguire and Sean Longstaff valued at £90m and £50m, so finding real quality additions for a realistic price tag has proven fairly difficult.

However, a move for Chalov would be far better for Arsenal rather than seeing them continue to punch well above their weight financially with moves for Nicolas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha.

David Ornstein has revealed that the Gunners don’t have enough to land the €80m-rated Pepe, whilst Zaha’s camp have expressed doubts over the north London-based side’s financial capacity to land the Ivory Coast international.

There is no point wasting time pursuing deals like this. Chalov is rated at just £20m in comparison and although he’s a front-man rather than a winger, he’s the type of player Arsenal should be targeting this summer instead of well-known stars with huge valuations.

Panini Tabloid Sticker Pack – Everton fan Sarah Halpin gets Lucas Digne

Lucas Digne settled into the Premier League brilliantly following his summer arrival from Barcelona, turning in a number of excellent performances for the Toffees throughout the season and finishing his debut campaign with four goals and four assists from left-back.

The 25-year-old also scored some belters, with special mention going to his volley against Manchester United.

Sarah Halpin, who can be seen in the video above filling out her Panini Tabloid, stated that Digne was the best left-back in the league last season while she reminisced over Everton’s 4-0 victory over the Red Devils – their biggest win versus the Old Trafford outfit since 1984.

Check out Sarah’s thoughts on Digne and the Goodison Park romping in full in the video above.

The Premier League Panini Tabloid is a special commemorative newspaper sticker collection celebrating the exciting new partnership between the greatest league in the world and the legendary name in football publishing, Panini. As the official collectable licensee to the Premier League, Panini are delighted to bring consumers a new era of collectables and the best collecting experience. See more here: http://bit.ly/PaniniFFCEditorial

West Ham fans react to reported Under-21 scouting mission

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According to club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham United have sent a number of scouts to the European Under-21 Championships this summer.

The competition is currently taking place in Italy and San Marino.

According to ExWHUemployee, the Hammers are closely watching the France team although there are no indications of any potential signings at this point.

West Ham signed Pablo Fornals from Villarreal earlier this month and the midfielder has been in fine form for Spain’s Under-21 side at the tournament thus far.

France Under-21s, meanwhile, beat England Under-21s in the group stages last week with Lyon’s Moussa Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain’s Colin Dagba and Celtic’s Olivier Ntcham amongst those featuring against the Three Lions.

It will certainly be interesting to see if anything comes of the scouting mission.

The fans in the video below had some very strong words for Michel Platini who was detained over alleged corruption this week…

The West Ham fans have been on social media offering their views on the tweet from ExWHUemployee and a selection of their reaction is available to view below:

Man United fans suggest Lukaku swap deal

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Romelu Lukaku’s troubled time at Manchester United could be nearing an end with Inter Milan interested in the Belgian’s services, although United fans on Twitter think the club should use Inter’s interest to negotiate a deal that would see Mauro Icardi head the other way.

Inter Milan are preparing to embark on a new era with Antonio Conte at the helm and according to Sky Sports, the ex-Chelsea manager has set his sights on Lukaku.

A promising debut season at Old Trafford gave way to a frustrating second campaign as Lukaku found the net just 12 times in 32 Premier League appearances, while the striker saw his place in the team questioned at points in the season.

Icardi, meanwhile, endured a troubled season of his own as he was stripped of the Inter captaincy for disciplinary and behavioural reasons.

The Argentine marksman scored 11 Serie A goals in 28 appearances just one season after notching 29 league goals and reports have stated that he has no interest in signing a new contract at the San Siro.

With both strikers struggling for form and popularity a swap could benefit both sides and many United fans are eager for a deal that would send Lukaku to Italy and Icardi the other way.

Check out the best of the reaction below!

West Ham: Nathan Trott’s inclusion in Toulon Tournament is encouraging

Nathan Trott could achieve big things with West Ham United in the future.

The young goalkeeper has been developing rather well in the academy and looks destined to have a bright future, although it remains to be seen if that is with the London Stadium outfit.

However, with the recent developments regarding the 20-year-old, all the signs are suggesting he could be in line for an opportunity within the senior Hammers side in the future.

The club’s official website has announced that he has been selected for England’s 2019 Toulon Tournament that will be played at the beginning of June.

And, being included in that team should be a sign of how highly-rated he is at a national set-up, let alone just at club level.

We all know he is regarded in high esteem at West Ham, as the club only recently rewarded with a new contract and have extended his stay to 2022.

However, there has been transfer talk in recent weeks regarding a new goalkeeper coming in to deputise Lukasz Fabianski. Indeed, Tuttomercatoweb are claiming Bartlomiej Dragowski whilst Football Insider are suggesting Neil Etheridge are both two possibilities for the Hammers this summer.

Admittedly, Trott is probably too young to be considered a back-up for the first-team at this present moment, however, age is nothing but a number when it comes down to things on the football pitch and if he proves himself, it could leave Manuel Pellegrini with an interesting decision to make in the summer.

It is likely a new and experienced shot-stopper will arrive in east London during the transfer window, however, if given the chance to perform and impress for England in the tournament, then demands for his services may go through the roof and the Hammers will be able to loan him out and take a closer look at him in action at a more senior level if they deem it necessary.

West Ham fans, do you think Trott has what it takes to make Pellegrini have a think about him? Let us know your thoughts below!

James Maddison claims his FIFA TOTS card is too slow

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James Maddison was rewarded for his excellent debut season in the Premier League with a Team of the Season card on FIFA. He has, however, claimed that his pace stat is too low.

After posting a photo alongside Wilfred Ndidi, hordes of his followers provided comments about his Team of the Season card, prompting a tongue-in-cheek reply from Leicester’s playmaker-in-chief.

The England Under-21 international’s card has 81 pace, which is probably about right for a player who does not rely on his speed to be effective in games.

This should not deter from the fact the former-Coventry City man has settled into the Premier League and made a real impact for the Foxes, scoring three direct free-kicks on his way to a total of seven, while also providing seven assists.

There were calls for him to be called up to the England Nations League Squad, but Gareth Southgate decided that he would be better off going to the European Under-21 Championships in Italy instead.

This indicates that Southgate wants the Leicester man to get some tournament experience before he is to be considered for a role in his England squad.

Maddison signed for £20m last summer from Norwich City and has proved to be one of the signings of the season. He has added some real creative spark to the Leicester midfield and that has culminated in this unique card on FIFA.

The 22-year-old can look back at this season with pride, even if he thinks his card should be faster.

Rangers: Gerrard should forget Jake Hastie and nurture Middleton instead

Rangers need to build a squad of young talent for the future, but promoting youth from within should be how the club do this. Frankly, Glenn Middleton’s career will stall if Jake Hastie comes to Ibrox next season.

Middleton has been bright this season and has looked comfortable when he’s been called upon, even in the Europa League. His two goals and three assists from 14 goals appearances demonstrate the potential he has if he gets more game time next term.

However, the 19-year-old could see his development stunted by the purchase of Motherwell winger Jake Hastie. The 21-year-old has made 41 appearances for his side this season, including 19 in the league, scoring 11 goals, according to Transfermarkt. As a result, Football Insider reckon Rangers are after him.

He’s out of contract at the end of the season, so he’d be brought in for free, but that doesn’t mean the signing is risk-free. If he’s brought in it would mean Middleton has another more senior player ahead of him in the pecking order and he might see that as his cue to move on.

Rangers aren’t exactly blessed with huge money, so when there is an opportunity comes for a young player to break through and make the first-team regularly, Steven Gerrard should make the most of it. It sends a poor message to the rest of the youth team if he doesn’t, and that could be costly in the long term.

Gerrard must think carefully about signing Hastie, because even though he’s clearly an exciting talent, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. He should stick with Middleton and let him continue what he’s started this season.

Rangers fans, would you like to see Glenn Middleton make more starts next season or would you prefer Gerrard to bring another player in? Join the discussion by commenting below…

The Chalkboard: Shan must not throw Field in at the deep end

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James Shan’s tenure at West Brom so far has been mixed to say the least. There have been some fantastic performances, no less than against Preston. But displays against Bristol City and most recently against Reading have shown there are still lingering problems from Darren Moore’s time at the Hawthorns.

Shan chose to rotate against Reading so it’s hardly a surprise that they drew 0-0, but some individual performances will have given him a lot to think about.

One of the major dilemmas the 40-year-old will now have to think about is his midfield. He’s been able to settle upon a three-man defensive system but you sense he still doesn’t know his best team. So in the time he’s got left at the club, which is until the end of the season as things stand, what can he do about it?

On the chalkboard

A stand out performer, of which there weren’t too many against Reading, was 20-year-old Sam Field. Given he’s a product of the flourishing Baggies academy it will have pleased the supporters no end.

His display was mature and he offered plenty of protection to Albion’s back three. He played in a midfield two with Rekeem Harper and it was an intriguing experiment from Shan to see him go with two less experienced players.

It was a game that ultimately didn’t mean too much, but for the futures of both players, it said a lot. Field was considerably better, whereas Harper showed why the club may be better off not renewing his contract.

Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…

However, despite the performance of the former, Shan can’t throw him into the deep end just yet. With the play-offs lingering and so much riding on an instant return to the Premier League, it’s time for Albion’s more experienced heads to stand up instead.

They may have just lost Gareth Barry to injury and Jake Livermore’s form may have been questionable, but a midfield pairing of Chris Brunt and Stefan Johansen would be the best way to go. Both men have been mightily impressive under Shan and they have to be preferred to Field at this stage in the season.

New deal for Samir Nasri could end West Ham’s pursuit of Jack Grealish

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West Ham are poised to offer Samir Nasri a new contract, reports Football Insider.

The former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder moved to the club on a free transfer in December, initially signing a deal until the end of the season.

What’s the word?

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have barely seen the best of the Frenchman, who has played just five times in the Premier League thus far this season. He has provided two assists from those games, against former club Arsenal and Huddersfield Town.

Despite his limited game time, Football Insider claim that Nasri has impressed manager Manuel Pellegrini to the extent that the Irons are set to offer him a two-year extension to his current deal, on which he earns £75,000-per-week.

The report comes after a claim earlier this week that West Ham could make a move for Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish.

The Daily Mirror reported that the Irons have joined Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth in the race for the England Under-21 international.

One feels that the Irons could have a decision to make this summer regarding their playmaking situation.

Potential vs experience

Grealish is a more exciting option than the French veteran.

He has been setting the Championship alight in recent weeks since his comeback from injury; Villa have gone unbeaten in the four games following his return.

Nasri, however, offers the experience that Grealish lacks and has been there and done it all.

He has not yet managed to impress at West Ham, though, and this news is slightly confusing from an Irons perspective.

It suggests that the move for Grealish won’t happen, with the Hammers instead placing their faith in a 31-year-old.

Fans may not be too happy with that decision; Grealish could now instead move to Spurs, the club’s bitter rivals.

Between the Lines: Weah’s comments open the door for another Celtic swoop

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Celtic loanee Timothy Weah has been speaking about his time at the club, and it certainly sounds like he is open to extending his stay in Glasgow.

Celtic fans have been largely underwhelmed by their club’s transfer business in recent windows, but the Bhoys secured two excellent loan signings in January.

Oliver Burke has scored four times in 14 games for the club while Weah has grabbed three goals in 12 appearances.

Now, Weah has spoken out about his happiness with the move to Parkhead and in doing so has opened the door for Peter Lawwell to make his move.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

What has he said?

“The players and the coach accepted me very quickly,” the 19 year-old said.

“The integration was easy, because I speak English although I continue to speak French with Odsonne Edouard, Dedryck Boyata and Olivier Ntcham.

“The people are really very nice. It’s easy for me there. I live incredible things through football right now.”

And the wonderkid even admitted there is something special about Paradise that he can’t get in Paris: “There is an amazing atmosphere at the stadium. In Paris it’s similar, but there’s something different at Celtic Park, which is an old stadium.

“I have never seen this. The team are playing well. I’m happy to be there, it’s a very good choice.”

In reference to his father, George Weah, he added: “In Glasgow, it’s not the same with my father. I am known as Tim Weah, the player. My dad did not play here, so people do not talk about that much.”

He’s fallen in love

Indeed, it can’t be easy following in the footsteps of the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, so it’s fantastic to hear the teenager say he can forget about such ridiculous expectations and just focus on his football for the Hoops.

He has also clearly fallen head over heels in love with the atmosphere at Parkhead, something the customers that occupy most of PSG’s Parc des Princes on a weekly basis could only dream of matching.

While Weah made no direct reference to extending his staying green and white, this is about as close to a come-and-get-me plea as it possibly could be.

The American international is an immense talent, even if it is mainly down to his father that he is so well-known internationally, and was included on GOAL.com’s NxGn list of teenage talents, coming in at number 17 on their top 50.

Whether it be another loan move, which is the likely option, or a pricey permanent deal, Lawwell and the club must use Weah’s infatuation with Paradise to their advantage and secure at least another year of his services, because players like this don’t come around too often.

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