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Manchester City have set their sights on Juventus starlet Nicolo Rovella as journalist Massimo Pavan shares a transfer offer.

The Lowdown: City chase another title…

The Sky Blues, under the tutelage of trophy-laden boss Pep Guardiola, are chasing a third-consecutive Premier League crown and have recently been boosted by their head coach putting pen to paper on a contract extension.

Star striker Erling Haaland, after joining the club last summer, has lit up the English top flight and other signings like Julian Alvarez and Manuel Akanji have really impressed when given the opportunity.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain, it seems, is now plotting ways to further boost Guardiola’s options and has reportedly set his sights on Rovella – a hugely promising Italian talent.

The Latest: Sky Blues make Rovella offer…

The 21-year-old, who is currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Monza, has allegedly been attracting interest from City.

Journalist Massimo Pavan, writing for Tutto Juve, claims Guardiola’s side are ‘offering more or less’ €30 million (£26m) to take Rovella off Juve’s hands.

The Verdict: Exciting talent…

The defensive midfielder has already been called an ‘extraordinary player’ by Monza boss Raffaele Palladino and it’s clear by his stats that Rovella is one to watch out for.

As per WhoScored, the Italian is in Monza’s top five for most accurate passes per 90 (89.2%) and averages a higher rate of interceptions than any of his teammates in Serie A.

Begiristain and co may be seeking to sign Rodri and Kalvin Phillips’ future heir and it’s clear he has the potential to become an effective midfield enforcer.

Newcastle United should sign the ‘excellent’ Antonee Robinson as a potential replacement for Matt Targett, says Noel Whelan. 

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with Robinson

Earlier this month, it was reported that Newcastle are interested in signing the Fulham defender, facing competition from Serie A side Inter Milan.

Having made 13 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old went on to play every minute of action for the USA in the World Cup, making him just one of three outfield players to do so.

And after thriving in Qatar, the Toon’s interest in the flying full-back is getting plenty of backing.

The Latest: Get it done

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, a former top flight forward with Leeds United, had this to say about Robinson and the possibility of him joining Eddie Howe’s side.

“If they went out to get him he would probably be their first choice. I think he fits the bill for what they are now. They are a very attacking unit. From what we have seen from the World Cup, he can do all parts of that game. From box to box defending, he has been excellent.

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“He has got the energy, the pace and that attacking presence when he gets forward as well.

“I think Targett is not that attacking full-back that Newcastle want. He is very steady and consistent but I think Newcastle are looking at that prominence going forward.

“I thought after his World Cup there would be a few people interested because he was excellent and has caught the eye of quite a few people.”

The Verdict: A good signing?

This season has seen Robinson make more progressive passes (32) than any other player at Fulham, in addition to making the second-highest number of crosses (41) at the west London club. This backs up what Whelan had to say about the USA international in terms of his attacking presence.

Then from a defensive point of view, Robinson has the fourth-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (33) at Fulham as well as the second-highest number of blocks (22) and third-highest number of clearances (37) at the club.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Newcastle have got the Fulham full-back on their radar and why we feel they should definitely explore the possibility of signing him.

Chelsea are reportedly targeting a talented starlet who was subject to a failed summer bid with additions looking to be made in the forthcoming weeks. 

What’s the talk?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Blues boss Graham Potter is enamoured with the club’s former target Romeo Lavia, who was the subject of an audacious £50m summer swoop having signed for Southampton from Manchester City in the very same transfer window. 

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips said: “I think Lavia is probably going to be more likely than Álvarez because Chelsea did push and try and sign him on deadline day with a late offer. So, he’s the one to watch rather than Álvarez, I would say.”

With Chelsea indeed bidding £43m – unsuccessfully – for Edson Alvarez at the end of summer Lavia now seems to be the name ahead on the shopping list, and at just 18-years-old with Premier League experience under his belt, it’s perhaps warranted that he is attracting greater intrigue at Stamford Bridge.  

Chelsea’s own Amrabat

There is a similar script for each passing World Cup, with football’s most coveted competition birthing stars into prominence each and every time. 

Sofyan Amrabat is one of the latest names to shine on the major stage, playing an integral and industrious role for a historic Morocco team that finished fourth at the 2022 edition in Qatar – becoming the first African nation to ever reach the semi-finals of the international tournament.

Alvarez also impressed for a subpar Mexico side, with Sofascore recording his average rating at 6.95 in Qatar, but a shrewder approach for Lavia’s name could sow the seed for later rewards for Chelsea. 

Lavia, who has made eight appearances for Saints since his summer arrival, emerged as a resounding success, instantly slotting into the starting line-up and impressing with a tenacity and assurance that belies his inexperience at professional level. 

Having picked up a hamstring injury during his side’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League in September, the midfielder’s progress was put on hold; the Belgian star managed just two showings before the midseason break for the World Cup. 

The “technically excellent” 18-year-old – as dubbed by Saints reporter Alfie House – scored a stellar strike in that match, stinging the Blues and bitterly reminding them of the talent that they so earnestly desire. 

The teen has completed 88% of his passes thus far in England’s top-flight, making 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and winning 53% of his total duels – impressive statistics for a young star just starting out on the professional scene. 

Those are numbers that are rather similar to the Morocco star, with the 26-year-old making 0.8 interceptions per game and 1.2 tackles in Serie A. They are battle-hardened from a defensive point of view while offering an element of composure and silkiness on the ball.

That’s precisely what would make either one of them a good signing at the Bridge.

However, with Amrabat the talk of the town, Chelsea might be wise to steer clear of that avenue and maintain their interest in the £21.8m-rated maestro, having evidently thoroughly scouted the player.

If eventually successful in the pursuit, Potter would yield one of the division’s most promising young midfielders, a star already impressing for Southampton and capable of staking his claim for a starring role in west London for the distinguished outfit’s next chapter.

Chelsea are looking to potentially hijack Arsenal’s move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Mudryk’s star growing

The Ukrainian has emerged as arguably one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe currently, producing some magnificent performances for Shakhtar.

Mudryk scored three goals and registered two assists in the Champions League group stage, and has also netted seven goals in 11 starts in the league this season.

Arsenal arguably look like the favourites to sign the 21-year-old in January but they may not have it all their own way.

The Latest: Chelsea keen on signing

According to Calciomercato, Chelsea are eyeing Mudryk as an option to solve their goalscoring woes, as they look to stun their London rivals and pip them to his signature.

Graham Potter is thought to be keen on bringing in a new attacker player next month, a process which could speed up after the injury to Armando Broja.

The Verdict: Could be a masterstroke

If Chelsea managed to pull off this deal, they would be acquiring the services of a special young player – someone who has even been compared to Lionel Messi and Neymar in terms of his style of play.

At 21, Mudryk would come in as both an immediate key player and a long-term signing, possessing quick feet, unpredictability, and most importantly, reliable end product.

Thierry Henry thinks he is a ‘good player’, which is always a ringing endorsement, and getting him ahead of Arsenal would be an added bonus, affecting their transfer plans at the same time.

Glasgow Rangers won 3-2 in Michael Beale’s first match in charge of the Ibrox side as they head into a new era under the Englishman.

It hasn’t exactly been the finest of seasons for the Light Blues, with the club trailing their Glasgow arch-rivals in the chase for the Premiership title, while crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage with the worst-ever record in the competition.

This eventually led to the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, although the Dutchman did lead the team to some wonderful results last season.

The Scottish Cup was claimed after a 2-0 victory against Hearts at Hampden Park, and who can forget the superb run to the Europa League final, which unfortunately ended in defeat on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Beale has a lot of work to do to get Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, and while he works on things at Ibrox, why not take the Football FanCast bumper Rangers quiz of 2022 – we bet you can’t get 100%…

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has questioned Chelsea manager Graham Potter after his comments to the press following the club’s recent draw.

What’s the latest?

The Blues were unable to pick up all three points on the weekend in the Premier League as they had to settle for just a draw in an away trip to Nottingham Forest.

Raheem Sterling had put Chelsea ahead but they failed to hold onto their lead as Steve Cooper’s men hit back in the second half thanks to Serge Aurier, with his strike being enough to see the match end 1-1.

Speaking after the draw, the Chelsea boss was quoted on BBC Radio Show 606 as saying that the club ‘have to accept’ that they aren’t quite as good as they would like to be at the moment.

He said: “It’s frustrating, and obviously we have expectations and want to do better. But at the moment, we’re not quite where we want to be and we have to accept that.”

Reacting to this on the same radio show, Sutton seemed quite shocked at just how blunt Potter had been with his assessment and questioned the wisdom of it all.

Indeed, he said:  “Very honest, Graham Potter was there, but if you’re a Chelsea fan, is that the sort of language you want to hear? Talking the team down, below par?”

Room for improvement

After that draw against Forest, Chelsea now find themselves on 25 points after 16 league games. Incredibly, they are level with local rivals Fulham who have played one more game than the Blues.

This means, Potter and his side are eighth in the table and seven points behind Manchester United (in fourth), with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also above the Blues but not inside the top four.

On that evidence, the Chelsea manager isn’t exactly wrong to suggest that his players aren’t delivering the results the club should expect. However, it’s up to him to get them to improve and it won’t inspire great confidence from the fans, the board, or the players to hear Potter sound so defeatist in his attitude.

If he can’t turn things around soon, it remains to be seen just how patient Todd Boehly will be.

Arsenal are in a strong position to sign Declan Rice ahead of their Premier League rivals, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs…

What’s the word?

Speaking to Caught Offside recently, the reliable journalist said:

“Sources have said on multiple occasions that Rice would like to stay in London, which opens the door to both Arsenal and Chelsea, perhaps more so than Manchester United.

“Rice, personally, is ready for a new challenge, and he’s spoken positively about Arsenal, praising Mikel Arteta.

“Having said that, I don’t think it’s Champions League or bust for Rice. Chelsea have an ambitious project built around young players that they want for the long-term, and I think that will trump something like Champions League football.

“Still, the Champions League does affect a club’s budget, it can stop you getting more than one marquee signing.”

West Ham have been quoted to want around £70m for the England international, so he wouldn’t come cheap but if the Gunners were to qualify for the Champions League ahead of the Blues – or even better win the Premier League – then they could well be best-placed to land him.

Rice is perfect for Arteta

When you think of Arsenal’s greatest teams, they all had an absolute monster of a midfielder in the engine room – the likes of Patrick Vieira and Liam Brady instantly spring to mind.

It is perhaps what Arteta is lacking now.

Not that Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey aren’t good because they are; very. But because neither are the sort of young, homegrown talent that’s evident right through this squad.

Rice fits the mould entirely.

He is currently the captain of the Hammers and a regular for Gareth Southgate at international level but he’s unlikely to win much if he remains at the London Stadium.

“Declan is the best central midfielder in the country,” ex-footballer Paul Parker once claimed. “If you wanted to spend a fortune on a midfield player, go and get Declan Rice,” before adding: “Give him what he wants and what happens is that he takes your team to another level.”

Indeed, it’s hard to argue against that as the 23-year-old – who has also been dubbed an “absolute monster” by ESPNUK editor David Cartlidge in the past – is currently the Irons’ best-performing player in the Premier League, where his average of 1.2 key passes, 1.6 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game, via WhoScored, merely highlight his incredible ability to influence a game at either end of the pitch.

Some reports have linked Chelsea with a move for Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk, so Edu Gaspar and co could deliver their own blow by launching a move for Rice, who has been long associated with a return to Stamford Bridge over the years.

Given the fact that he’s a young, English and immensely talented no.8 that can do everything, he’s absolutely perfect for Arteta and his system.

AND in other news, Ben Dinnery gives hint on Emile Smith Rowe return…

Tottenham Hotspur have now been linked with a potential move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as a possible replacement for Hugo Lloris.

What’s the latest?

According to a report from Matt Law of The Telegraph, Spurs have identified the Bees goalkeeper as a possible option and have the Spaniard high on their radar.

Another name to be linked in the report as a potential recruit for Spurs to replace their Word Cup-winning captain is Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Lloris has now played in north London for almost 11 years and now at the age of 36, the Frenchman has just over one year remaining on his deal with the Lilywhites.

But in light of the report, journalist Luke Edwards has shared his approval of a potential swoop from Spurs for Raya when speaking on the BBC Transfer Gossip Daily podcast.

He said: “David Raya, really, really good goalkeeper. Kept David de Gea, Manchester United’s goalkeeper, out of the Spain squad for the World Cup. I can totally see why this would make sense.

“And he’s done really, really well for Brentford, and I think he’s probably one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the Premier League, in that we don’t talk about him very often as much as we do about the goalkeepers that play for big clubs, but has probably done enough at Brentford to earn a move to a club like Tottenham and I really like that deal.”

Time for change

Lloris has been a fantastic servant for Spurs over the years and has racked up an impressive 439 appearances for the Lilywhites club over his long stint in north London.

However, there have been some more frequent errors creeping into his game over the last year or so which has potentially seen Spurs feel the need to find a replacement this summer rather than at the end of his contract in 2024.

The recent defeat against Aston Villa was a key example of that with Lloris at fault for the away side’s opening goal with the game delicately balanced at 0-0.

And then in the following game against Crystal Palace, the Frenchman showed what he is still capable of after pulling off some sensational saves to keep a much-needed clean sheet.

Following the game against Villa, Lloris was slammed on Sky Sports by Graeme Souness with the former Liverpool man suggesting Lloris’ time at the top was over:

“I think since the start of last season he’s made four errors that have led to goals, that’s the worst record in the Premier League for goalkeepers. For me he’s past his sell-by date,” he said.

And it is those costly mistakes which will potentially see the end of Lloris at Spurs this summer with no player in the league conceding more errors leading to goals (3) than Lloris.

So with that in mind, his two reported potential replacements both sit in the top two of saves made this season with Raya (79) top and Pickford (68) narrowly behind him.

Raya has kept the same number of clean sheets this season (5) as Lloris, but the Spaniard has only made one error leading to a goal thus far.

Given he is 27 years old and has just over one year left on his current deal there are a lot of positives in Raya’s favour, however, he does lack a lot of Premier League Pickford.

Journalist Charles Watts has revealed that Arsenal transfer target Danilo is close to joining an unnamed rival Premier League club.

What’s the word?

The Gunners have strongly been linked with the young Brazilian midfielder – who currently plays for Palmeiras – in the past and fans may well have expected the 21-year-old to still be on their radar this winter.
Indeed, Arsenal failed with an attempt to sign Douglas Luiz in the summer on deadline day and so it’s clear that they had wanted to improve that area of the pitch and have yet to do so with any new signing.
However, it sounds as if they won’t be making a move for Danilo, with Watts now explaining that he is close to a move elsewhere in England instead,
While speaking on YouTube, he explained: “I’ve heard that Danilo of Palmeiras – of course, that player Arsenal have been interested in before – I’ve heard that he is very close to a move to a Premier League club.

“But that club is not Arsenal and Arsenal haven’t shown any sort of further interest in Danilo since September, in terms of firming up the interest they’ve had in him.”

Big call…

It seems as though Danilo may well have been an exciting transfer for Arsenal. After all, despite his young age, he has already won numerous trophies in Brazil – lifting the prestigious Copas Libertadores on two occasions.
However, Edu and Mikel Arteta clearly don’t feel as though he is a priority target and this has allowed another Premier League side to come in and make a move.
If that deal is completed, it will certainly be interesting to see how the midfielder gets on in England. Perhaps Arsenal will come to regret missing out on this deal, only time will tell.
Of course, though, the Gunners may have an alternative lined up on their radar instead. For instance, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move for some time now and the club may well be waiting until the summer to sign him on a free, if the latest reports are to be believed.

Leeds United have enjoyed plenty of transfer successes in recent history, with director of football Victor Orta masterminding the arrival of an abundance of talent at Elland Road.

From experienced stalwarts to youthful stars, the Spaniard has done a fine job in supplementing his managers to fit their needs.

Arguably one of his most impressive feats was the unearthing of one Illan Meslier, with the French shot-stopper having quickly become a reliable Premier League goalkeeper in no time at all.

Signed on an initial loan deal, the Whites would pay just £5m to keep him at the club permanently.

A potential measure for his success could be seen in the recent rumours linking him to Manchester United, with a £25m valuation touted.

Having gone on to play 106 games for the club, the 22-year-old has already established himself as one of the key figures in the dressing room.

However, Orta could already be preparing for that potential exit, and as such is searching for his next Meslier-esque transfer masterclass.

He may be set to find it in Belgium, as it was reported last week that the club was in advanced talks with Club Brugge keeper Senne Lammens.

Having rejected a contract offer from his current club, the 20-year-old is keen on making the move this month.

Boasting just four senior appearances for the Belgian outfit, he has been a mainstay at youth level for the club.

As such, he was included in talent scout Jacek Kulig’s glowing recommendation for their academy, in which he labels Club Brugge “such a well run club” that has completed “exemplary work” in finding so many good youngsters, including Lammens.

In his one appearance in the Super Cup last season, the youngster highlighted just why he is so sought after, with a fine display.

He would earn a 7.60 rating, and despite conceding twice would make seven saves as well as three clearances, via Sofascore. The latter statistic clearly outlines the 6 foot 4 titan as a capable sweeper keeper too, which will please manager Jesse Marsch.

Whilst fans will not want Meslier to leave Elland Road anytime soon, they can be rest assured that in Lammens, they could have a fine replacement waiting in the wings.