All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham have had a £14.6m bid for Strasbourg forward Habib Diallo rejected, according to a key update from journalist Papa Mahmoud Gueye.

Who is Habib Diallo?

The 28-year-old has been an impressive performer for his current side since arriving from Metz back in 2020, shining in their attack and producing a consistent end product.

Last season, Diallo scored a highly impressive 20 goals in 32 Ligue 1 starts for Strasbourg, also winning an eye-catching 3.6 aerial duels per game (as per WhoScored), showing what an excellent focal point he was. His overall tally currently stands at 41 strikes in 103 appearances, with six assists also thrown in for good measure.

The Senegalese's current deal expires in the summer of 2025, and while next year would be the last chance for Strasbourg to realistically earn good money for him, now could be the best opportunity to receive the biggest amount possible.

West Ham have been linked with a move for Diallo recently, seeing him as someone who could potentially transform their attack, but a new update has now emerged regarding their pursuit of him ahead of the new Premier League season.

Have West Ham bid for Habib Diallo?

According to Gueye, journalist from Senegalese outlet Taggat [via Sport Witness], the Hammers have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Diallo in the summer transfer window:

He wrote on Twitter: "West Ham have just seen their offer of 17 million euros (£14.6m) for Habib Diallo refused by Strasbourg."

This is clearly a setback for West Ham as they look to bring in a striker this summer. The Hammers were not exactly prolific in the Premier League last season, only scoring 42 times in 38 matches. No player scored more than six goals for the Hammers in the competition, with Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma leading the way with that amount.

Meanwhile, Gianluca Scamacca failed to set the world alight in his first campaign at the London Stadium and has been linked with Roma over recent weeks.

It does suggest that the east Londoners are still pushing hard to snap up Diallo, however, and the hope is that a bigger offer is tabled soon – one that could sway Strasbourg's thinking and persuade them to accept a bid, allowing West Ham to seal the signings of someone currently at the peak of his powers.

Either way, a new centre-forward has to make the move to the London Stadium in order to improve West Ham next season, and the huge fee received for Declan Rice's signature will certainly generate plenty of transfer funds, allowing David Moyes to improve in several key areas.

Diallo is an 18-cap and four-goal Senegal international, and Strasbourg coach Frederic Antonetti recently praised the impact he had made over the past 12 months, saying:

"Habib Diallo is simply confirming his good season and all the good things everyone thinks of him. I told you… that he was reliable, and he's proved it again."

Diallo looks prepared to test himself in the Premier League, and the hope is that his future belongs at West Ham rather than elsewhere.

So far, Liverpool’s midfield rebuild is taking a wondrous shape.

The club has completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, who is seen as a dual replacement for Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Whilst Dominik Szoboszlai is finally the attacking threat that mirrors Philippe Coutinho’s midfield creativity, whilst also possessing the attributes to play on the wing.

The Reds are also been heavily linked with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as the youngster operates from a deep-lying, defensive pivot berth and would be projected to take over from Fabinho in the future.

The next player tipped to be the latest part of this extraordinary revamp is Federico Valverde.

What’s the latest on Federico Valverde to Liverpool?

According to reports in Spain, the 24-year-old was tempted to depart Los Blancos last summer and Jurgen Klopp became 'obsessed' with this addition and did 'everything possible' to get the deal over the line, even tabling an offer of €80 (£77m).

However, that was never considered by Florentino Perez and was immediately rejected, without even the possibility to negotiate.

The player himself also shunned the move, stating that he didn’t want to leave the Santiago Bernabeu and was “comfortable with life” in the Spanish capital.

Nevertheless, 12 months later, a very different backdrop has reportedly formed as Liverpool is 'convinced' that a move could materialise.

Klopp firmly believes that the Uruguayan would 'fit perfectly' into his style of play and has tipped him to become the star of the team, alongside Mohamed Salah.

Therefore, the six-time European Champions are supposedly readying a new and improved bid to retest the waters.

Why would Federico Valverde be a good signing for Liverpool?

The 49-cap international made a mammoth 56 appearances in all competitions last season, recording 19 goal contributions.

He has established himself as one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most popular, trusted, and influential assets, proving to be an offensive threat and a formidable athlete. This is portrayed by his rank within the top 9% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries per 90, total shots per 90, and non-penalty goals per 90.

Chelsea legend Joe Cole feels that Valverde is an elite footballer and said: “He's standing right at the top of the tree with Bellingham in the young players, and he's on the verge of becoming the best.

“He's box-to-box, he scores goals, he's a technician.

“His stats this year are unbelievable, his goals, assists, goal involvements, incredible player and we talk a lot about Bellingham in this country, but this kid is every bit as good as Bellingham.”

The pundit also highlighted the South American as the “unsung hero” of the 2022 Champions League final, in which he provided the tournament-winning assist for Vinicius Jr against Klopp's side.

Valverde possesses an expertly curated profile that is capable of succeeding Jordan Henderson in the future. The 33-year-old skipper has been at Anfield since 2011 and has appeared on a mind-boggling 492 occasions for the Merseyside outfit.

Nevertheless, the Englishman is slowly declining, as in the 2021/22 season in the top flight he averaged more tackles (1.0 vs 0.9), interceptions (0.7 vs 0.6), key passes (1.1 vs 0.9) per game than in the most recent campaign, as his dynamism and energy are beginning to dwindle.

Whilst Henderson undoubtedly remains an essential component of the dressing room, it would be smart to gradually reduce his involvement in the side and pave the way for the dazzlingly exciting Valverde.

Arsenal have begun their summer transfer business with a bang, securing a move for Kai Havertz, who joins from Chelsea, while a deal to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates looks set to be announced anytime soon.

With the Gunners finishing second behind Manchester City in the Premier League last season, Mikel Arteta will be hoping to go one better during 2023/24 and improving his first-team squad is vital this summer.

They could even make a move for Moises Caicedo in order to give their midfield that extra edge, although it appears as though Chelsea are frontrunners with regard to that move.

If a move for the Ecuador international doesn’t occur, it appears as though the Gunners could potentially launch a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni according to one report.

This could cost Arsenal around €100m (£86m) however, with the La Liga side looking to recoup the fee they paid AS Monaco last summer.

Could Arsenal sign Aurelien Tchouameni this summer?

Although it does seem unlikely, anything can happen in the transfer window and with Arteta keen to build a squad which will be able to challenge the might of City, the Frenchman could be a stunning addition.

He enjoyed a relatively solid debut campaign for Madrid, ranking seventh across the squad for his overall Sofascore rating (7.13/10), while ranking third for accurate passes per game (47.8), first for tackles per game (1.9) and interceptions per game (1.5), underlining how important his defensive attributes were to the club.

The Frenchman is among the finest on the continent for a host of defensive metrics, ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90, top 8% for clearances per 90 and top 11% for aerials won across Europe’s big five leagues.

Carlo Ancelotti lauded him towards the end of last season, saying: “The future will be bright too; we have top talents like Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde, Ceballos… and they will make history too. It’s different than the others but they’ll be great”.

Madrid appears to be keen on retaining his services ahead of next season, and there is no doubt the young "monster" – as described by France Under-21 boss Sylvain Ripoll – will get better, taking a while to settle into the demands of playing for a club the stature of Real.

He could certainly be a viable Caicedo alternative if Arteta was to secure a wonderful move for the French midfielder, and it would send a big statement of intent out to their rivals, indicating that last season was no fluke, and they are ready to win trophies.

Manchester United may be dealt a blow in the transfer window as Brighton register their interest in Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Kudus?

The Ghana international has attracted a lot of transfer interest this summer following an outstanding campaign in the Netherlands, in which he scored 18 and assisted 6 times in all competitions.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs, including United, as Erik ten Hag eyes up another star from his former club.

Kudus has played in a variety of positions, excelling as winger, forward and midfielder, and could prove to be an excellent acquisition for whoever secures his signature.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Brighton are pushing to sign Kudus, having qualified for Europe for the first time.

"On, Mohammed Kudus, Brighton are very serious on Kudus. It's a difficult deal, so I'm not saying it's going to happen, there are also other clubs, but Brighton want Kudus, and this will be a really huge one. Let's see how it will evolve, but he is a top target for Brighton," he stated.

Should Man United move for Kudus?

United are currently in negotiations to sign Mason Mount, and are also hunting a forward this summer.

With Harry Kane now looking unlikely to move to Old Trafford this summer, Kudus could be an alternative option in a number of positions.

Kudus appeared under Ten Hag 42 times for Ajax, and the Dutchman will be well aware of his quality. He could initially arrive as a centre-forward, in the hope that United could potentially strike a deal for Kane or Rasmus Hojlund further down the line, and he could also present himself as an alternative option as a winger or advanced midfielder.

At just 22, Kudus has a lot of potential to develop, and given his strong record in front of goal in the Champions League this season, is arguably an upgrade on Jadon Sancho and Antony as wide options.

With a reported price-tag of around £40m, a relatively cheap figure compared to Sancho and Antony before him, it could be a low-risk deal for United to complete, which would also leave them with room to sign their other main targets.

However, United need clarity over their ownership situation soon if they are to compete with league rivals for such a deal, and if they are unable to act quickly, they could see their target move to another club competing for a European spot.

Arsenal have already enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to get his business done early in order to get them immediately integrated within his squad.

The Gunners enjoyed a fine recent campaign, but it concluded with little to show for it but their Champions League qualification. For all their progress, their Spanish manager will be far from content in allowing his team to slow down now.

Kai Havertz and Declan Rice are poised to be huge additions to his squad should they get both get secured, however, they each come with hefty price tags.

This makes the failed move for Ilkay Gundogan all the more frustrating, given his immense quality and availability this summer on a free transfer. Their interest was long-standing, but in the end, the allure of Barcelona proved too much.

In an effort to secure someone in a similar mould, perhaps the north London outfit could seek to reignite a rumour that has lost pace in recent weeks, by swooping for Dominik Szoboszlai.

Having showcased their willingness to spend big, the reported €70m (£61m) release clause could prove a minor stumbling block for the free-spending Gunners.

Is Dominiz Szoboszlai similar to Ilkay Gundogan?

The German proved to be an instrumental figure in Manchester City's recent treble success, starring in the Premier League and captaining the side to immortality.

He operated as the cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's revolutionary system too, occupying a role as a second number ten beside Kevin De Bruyne. Fortunately for Arteta, Szoboszlai is also well-versed in such a position and could offer fine balance to play next to Martin Odegaard within a similar philosophy.

Although the two boast varying physical profiles, they share an elite skillset and silky play style that has seen both shine in their respective leagues.

Gundogan recorded 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions last campaign, and yet when compared to other central midfielders across Europe, also ranked in the top 12% for pass completion, the best 17% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, via FBref.

When using Opta's player analysis tool, this same penchant for playmaking and dictating is outlined in the 22-year-old who posted 23 goal contributions of his own across all competitions, as he sits in the top 4% of positionally similar players in Europe for chances created.

Szoboszlai clearly excels with regard to creating chances, whilst his goalscoring and shots taken are similarly admirable. He could pose a true offensive threat under Arteta, and his youth makes him malleable, prepared to be turned into a world-class star.

After all, journalist Marcel Moeller had suggested he was a "generational talent" back in 2020, and he has only grown since then.

Offensively exceptional and with his whole career in front of him, the Hungary international has all the attributes to emulate Gundogan's success last season and even surpass him technically one day.

Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville has told chiefs that he wants to leave Elland Road, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

When did Crysencio Summerville join Leeds?

The Dutchman first arrived in Yorkshire back in September 2020 when he joined the U21s from Feyenoord's U19s, before getting promoted to the first-team the following summer, but he’s never quite been able to receive the regular game time he needs.

During the 2022/23 Premier League season, the 21-year-old was only handed 12 starts from 38 games and was viewed as more of a fringe player, so is obviously out of favour when it comes to getting consistent minutes under his belt.

The Whites’ right-sided winger may still have another three years to run on his contract but suffering relegation to the second-tier has seen several big names, including Tyler Adams, Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison, all linked with exits. The young attacker could be another following in their footsteps if the next update is to be believed.

Is Summerville leaving Leeds?

According to Dutch outlet 1908 (via Football League World), Summerville has “informed” Leeds that next season he “does not intend” to play his football in the Championship.

The LS11 academy graduate has already “made his position clear” regarding his future having told the hierarchy that he “will not be with the team” beyond the summer transfer window.

The Elland Road ace is attracting interest from the likes of Everton and former side Feyenoord so he won’t be short of potential suitors should he depart which, at this stage, is looking highly likely.

Should the 49ers keep or sell Summerville?

Leeds will know that Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce didn’t favour Summerville enough last season so he wasn’t given a proper chance to show what he’s capable of, but when he was in action, he more than displayed why he should be in the starting squad.

The Wasserman client, who pockets £15k-per-week, posted six goal contributions (four goals and two assists) in 28 Premier League appearances and was his outfit’s fourth best-performing offensive player, highlighting the positive impact he made in such a short space of time.

The Netherlands U21s international, who has the versatility to operate in five various positions across the grass, has also been hailed an “explosive” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his creative flair in the final third, so the 49ers Enterprises should definitely try to retain his services and bring in a manager that will allow him to get a more consistent run in the team next season.

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for Wolfsburg midfielder, Felix Nmecha, with the German maestro potentially set to be available on the cheap this summer.

What's the latest on Nmecha to Man United?

According to SPORT1, the Red Devils are said to have 'thrown their hat into the ring' with regard to the signing of the 22-year-old, with the Premier League giants ready to rival Borussia Dortmund in the battle for the playmaker's signature.

The report suggests that United have already held talks with the player's father ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford, with the youngster potentially set to be available for as little as €15m (£13m), due to his expiring contract.

This comes amid reports that Newcastle United are also readying a bid for the former Manchester City youth product, ensuring that Erik ten Hag and co may have a fight on their hands if they are to land an agreement.

Who is Felix Nmecha?

The one-cap Germany international – who previously turned out for England at youth level – began life on the books at the Etihad, before sealing a free transfer switch to Germany back in the summer of 2021, following his old brother, Lukas who had made an earlier £11m move to Wolfsburg.

In the case of the younger man – who made just three appearances for City at first-team level – the promising midfielder appears to have blossomed following that move to the Bundesliga outfit, with current boss Niko Kovac having recently stated:

"Previously, he never got into a rhythm. He played in so many different positions. Now he's playing in midfield and you can see his technical ability. He has [also] improved physically."

That consistent run in the side in a midfield berth appears to have paid dividends for the Hamburg native as he racked up three goals and six assists in 30 league games in 2022/23, having also received hefty praise from journalist Josh Bunting, who stated:

"He’s very quick,technical ability is good, a ball carrying number 8, strong in his duels and has an intelligent eye for a final pass."

That latter trait could ensure that Nmecha proves to be a dream heir to current United man Christian Eriksen, with the 31-year-old having also been lauded as a "player who plays with intelligence" by club legend, Paul Scholes.

Having been signed on a free transfer last summer, the Danish ace went on to provide two goals and ten assists in 44 games in all competitions in the most recent campaign, thus mirroring Nmecha in that ability to be a creative spark from the centre of the park.

A more youthful alternative to the one-time Tottenham Hotspur man may be in order amid Eriksen's recent woes since returning from injury, however, with journalist Scott Saunders highlighting the 120-cap gem's physical shortcomings after stating that he is "bypassed too easily in a deep role".

Nmecha, therefore, could offer greater athleticism in that midfield berth – shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 19% among his European peers for successful take-ons – as well as a superior defensive presence, with the 6 foot 2 starlet ranking in the top 7% for aerial duels won.

Eriksen, by contrast, ranks in just the bottom 18% and the bottom 12% for those same two metrics, respectively, while the experienced asset also averaged just 0.8 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game from his 28 league outings, while the former City ace averaged 1.4 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game from his 30 league appearances.

With Nmecha evidently able to replicate Eriksen's creative brilliance as well as being able to offer a greater work ethic in midfield, the £2k-per-week ace could well represent a long-term successor and replacement for the gifted Dane.

Manchester United could be a potential destination for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic if he decides to leave his current employers in the forthcoming transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Dusan Vlahovic?

According to Corriere Torino via The Faithful MUFC, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Vlahovic and would need to pay around €90 million (£77.4 million) to land the Serbia international this summer.

The report states that Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal made proposals to try and land the 23-year-old in the January window; however, nothing came to fruition and he remained at Juventus.

ESPN claimed last month that Chelsea are said to have made an offer of €80 million (£68.8 million) as they look to sign a striker this off-season and Vlahovic is believed to be their preferred striking target at Stamford Bridge.

Vlahovic is unhappy at Juventus and has become a hot topic around Europe as many clubs look to capitalise on the fact Juventus will be plying their trade in the Europa Conference League next term rather than the Champions League, where they would've been situated if it wasn't for a 10-point deduction.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Vlahovic could end up at Old Trafford this summer as speculation swirls over his future.

Jones said: “The situation around Vlahovic is very interesting. Potentially he’s one of the hottest frontmen on the market this summer – but we also have to consider Juve might change manager and my information is that could well sway his decision to stay if it happens.

“Let’s consider that he does leave Juve, there is good value to be had. Generally, there is a feeling he goes at around €70m, although I was told that he won’t leave for less than €80m (£70m). Even at that price, he holds good value in my eyes and would be worth the pursuit.

“A source in Italy told me he sees Bayern Munich and Manchester United as the two most likely landing spots for him but there are a few other clubs looking at this too so let’s see how it all opens up in the next few days as a decision is looming.”

Would Dusan Vlahovic prove to be a good signing for Manchester United?

Vlahovic, who has been hailed as a "monster", certainly knows where the back of the net is and would add a predatory instinct to a Manchester United side that did endure moments of profligacy in front of goal throughout this campaign.

In 42 appearances within 2022/23, Vlahovic managed to register 14 goals and four assists for Juventus in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored show that the £216k-a-week ace was also a constant problem for opposition defenders to contend with, as he averaged 2.5 shots per match in Serie A.

The Serbia international also showed his capacity to lead the line effectively, successfully carrying out 63 shot-creating actions this season, according to FBRef.

Manchester United need to find a quality striker to add extra goals to their side heading into next term and Vlahovic could help the Red Devils to become genuine Premier League title challengers under Erik Ten Hag if they can get a deal over the line for the striker.

Chelsea target Dusan Vlahovic "could definitely leave" Juventus during the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Vlahovic excelling at Juve?

The Blues are on the lookout for a new striker in the next few months, with that area of the pitch proving to be an issue this season. Kai Havertz has often led the line, but is arguably happier in a deeper role, and he topped the west Londoners' Premier League scoring charts with just seven goals.

For that reason, an elite centre forward is needed, in order to make Chelsea more potent in the final third, and Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the recent past. The £215,000-a-week striker scored 10 goals in 22 Serie A starts this season, and while it hasn't been the most productive campaign of his career, he is still a highly thought of young player.

His current Juve deals expires in the summer of 2026, but a fresh update suggests that he could well be on the move long before then.

Could Chelsea sign Vlahovic this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs handed Chelsea a boost, saying that Vlahovic could "definitely" leave his current club for a new challenge this summer:

"I think Chelsea want a traditional number nine and they urgently need goals. Dusan Vlahovic is one player they've tracked for quite some time. The possibility that Vlahovic will leave Juventus hasn't become apparent after the points deduction. It's really been the case for all of 2023, and many suitors feel that there is a real possibility to get Vlahovic at value because he's just not as happy as he was at Fiorentina playing under Max Allegri.

"When you add the fact that Juve, with the points deduction, are not looking likely to get Champions League football, suddenly there is that possibility that somebody could come in. Obviously, we also have to wait and see what the other implications are from the cases against Juventus because there may be more things that impact the football club and their finances. Vlahovic could definitely move somewhere this summer."

Vlahovic could be a brilliant option for Chelsea ahead of next season, having been described as an "extraordinary" player by former Juve midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi in the past.

At 23, he is still a young player who could be a long-term addition, and his tally of 61 goals in 140 appearances in Serie A, as well as 13 in 21 caps for Serbia, speaks volumes about how prolific he can be.

The fact that Juve could be willing to sell is also a clear bonus, so if Mauricio Pochettino likes the look of him, and sees him as a strong and younger alternative to the likes of Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane, the Blues should acquire his signature and make him the focal point of their attack.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale is facing a busy few months of transfer business following the conclusion of his side's 2022/23 campaign on Saturday.

The Englishman failed to win a single trophy in his first season in charge of the club, although he did take over from Gio van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup, and could use the window to upgrade his squad.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Sun reported that the Light Blues will listen to offers for Croatian centre-forward Antonio Colak in the summer.

The report claimed that MLS and German sides attempted to sign the ace in the January window and that the striker would be interested in completing a move away from Ibrox if a Bundesliga team is able to agree a deal for his services.

Beale could now brutally ditch the ex-PAOK finisher by securing a deal to sign reported transfer target Jerry Yates from English side Blackpool ahead of next season.

Who is Jerry Yates?

He is a 26-year-old centre-forward who is valued at £4m by his current club, following their relegation from the Championship to League One.

The Englishman enjoyed a strong campaign in the second tier in spite of his side's struggles and eventual drop down to the third division and has shown promise as a goalscorer at that level.

Yates plundered 14 goals in 39 starts for the Tangerines and that was an impressive return when you consider that they only scored 48 times as a team in 46 matches, which means that the ace scored 29.17% of their goals.

Colak, meanwhile, found the back of the net 14 times in 25 outings in the Scottish Premiership. However, Rangers amassed 93 goals in the league and this means that the forward scored 15% of the club's goals in the division.

These statistics suggest that Yates, who was once dubbed "dangerous" by journalist Josh Bunting, could improve his goal tally by playing in a side that can dominate games and score more as a team, as 29.17% of their strikes would roughly work as 27 goals in a side that scores 93 times.

The Blackpool star also created nine 'big chances' for his teammates and displayed his creativity from a number nine position, whereas the Gers dynamo only created three. This indicates that the English gem could offer far more in build-up play by providing the other attackers with opportunities to score.

Therefore, Beale could ruthlessly ditch Colak this summer by signing Yates to take his place as the now-League One marksman could be an upgrade on the 29-year-old.