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Arteta is now planning to offload £100k-per-week Arsenal star next summer - report - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Arsenal are contemplating selling goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the summer transfer window, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The Gunners bolstered their goalkeeping department this summer by signing Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United.

The £30 million summer signing made his first start for the Gunners on Saturday against Norwich City and kept a clean sheet, as Arsenal registered their first win of the season.

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Ramsdale after the game, saying he was terrific. The England international is now set to retain his place in the side.

Leno, who is on £100k-per-week wages at the Emirates, is now facing an uncertain future at the club. He is the first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, but his position is under threat.

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Leno was heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, but he stayed on in the end. It will interesting to see what the future holds for him in the summer if Ramsdale manages to keep the starting spot.

There’s very little chance that the Gunners will offload Leno in January, but a summer exit cannot be completely ruled out.

One of the reasons why Arteta spent big on signing Ramsdale is that he felt he could be a long-term replacement for Leno.

The German goalkeeper has a contract at Arsenal till 2023, but if everything goes to plan, he could leave the club before his term.

Read: Sky Sports pundits deliver verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold 

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'Nonsense' - Carragher and Neville both agree on one thing about £180k-per-week Liverpool player - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville discussed Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position last night on Monday Night Football for Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old is arguably one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, if not the best. He is an amazing passer and crosser of the ball, and just registered the 35th assist of his short career this weekend against Leeds United.

Trent is a highly gifted full-back whose passing ability is simply exceptional. It has led to many pundits believing that he would be better used playing in midfield.

In fact, England boss Gareth Southgate has used him playing in midfield in a recent game which has further fuelled the debate.

Carragher says it’s “nonsense” and “madness” to think that the young Liverpudlian would shine in midfield which requires a different skill-set.

The former Liverpool defender feels there’s no need to change his position, and he has explained why Trent is so effective as a full-back.

"I have never quite got it, it is nonsense, Why would you change him? It's madness." @Carra23 is confused about talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold playing in midfield for Liverpool and England. pic.twitter.com/rDITz0MNpU

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 13, 2021

Neville, who himself was one of the best right-backs in Premier League history, agrees with Carragher completely.

The former Manchester United defender has suggested that Trent gets into the area where Kevin de Bruyne usually exerts his influence in the final third. He says that Trent has this peculiar quality in him, a mixture of David Beckham and De Bruyne at right-back.

"He is the best passer of a ball at full-back I have ever seen. He is David Beckham and Kevin De Bruyne at right-back." @Carra23 and @GNev2 debate and analyse Trent Alexander-Arnold's best position. pic.twitter.com/v07EARNFXF

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 13, 2021

Trent, who is on £180k-per-week wages, has been outstanding once again this season for the Reds. He was brilliant against Leeds and provided an assist for Mohamed Salah’s goal.

Read: Everton fans react to Abdoulaye Doucoure performance vs Burnley 

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Report: Leeds are ready to make their fourth most expensive signing ever in January - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Leeds could go back in for Cagliari ace Nahitan Nandez in January according to a report from Calcio Mercato.

Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa chased the 25-year-old midfielder throughout the entirety of the summer transfer window (Calciomercato).

Leeds ended up empty-handed, however. It was a strange one because Cagliari were allegedly demanding just £22 million for the Uruguayan.

Leeds obviously didn’t think he was worth that amount.

Bielsa allegedly could go back in for Nahitan Nandez in January – Copyright: xLiveMedia/EttorexGriffonix/xIPAx/xLiveMediax 0

Could the west Yorkshire outfit be ready to try again for Nandez though? It certainly seems that way.

Leeds to go back in for Nahitan Nandez

That’s according to Calcio Mercato who claims that Bielsa wants to bring his fellow South American to Elland Road.

The Whites could face competition from Inter Milan for the diminutive ace’s signature, however.

The west Yorkshire outfit really should be going all out for the Cagliari star. He’s exactly what they are missing.

Nandez in action for Cagliari – Copyright: xLiveMedia/LuigixCanux/xIPAx/xLiveMediax 0

In fact, we ran an opinion piece yesterday right here on Sportslens suggesting why Leeds should do everything they can to sign Nandez.

The 25-year-old encapsulates everything that it means to be a top-class defensive midfielder.

He is hard working, tenacious in the tackle and has the physical attributes and energy levels needed to play for a team managed by Bielsa.

£22 million seems like an absolute steal for Nandez. For that price, he would become the west Yorkshire club’s fourth most expensive signing ever behind Rodrigo, Dan James and Rio Ferdinand.

And the Whites would undoubtedly be a lot stronger if Bielsa brings him to Elland Road in January.

Read also: Leeds dealt blow as Real Madrid allegedly come knocking for attacker.

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'Bags of potential' -- BBC Pundit says one Everton player has really impressed him - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Gary Lineker has showered heaps of praise on Everton winger Demarai Gray after the Toffees won against Burnley on Monday night. 

Everton won 3-1 against the Clarets at Goodison Park, with goals coming from Michael Keane, Andros Townsend and Gray.

The Toffees responded brilliantly after going a goal down in the first half. Keane restored parity with a finely-timed header meeting the cross from Townsend.

Soon after Everton took the lead when Townsend scored a worldie with a long-range effort.

In the 66th minute, Abdoulaye Doucoure found Gray with a magnificent through-pass, and the summer signing slotted home with great composure.

Lineker took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Gray. He says the 25-year-old has got a bag of potential and could become one of the bargain signings of the summer if he continues to impress.

Really pleased for @22Demarai. Always had bags of potential and if he carries on like this he may well be the bargain buy of the season.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 13, 2021

Everton, who were very stringent with their transfer budget this summer, signed Gray on a three-year deal for a fee of around £1.7 million.

Gray has been simply outstanding this season for the Toffees, managing three goals already from four Premier League games.

He attempted four shots during the game and managed 91% passing accuracy.

Lineker also commented on Townsend’s fantastic goal. He says that the former Tottenham winger doesn’t score many but he always comes up with a special goal.

He doesn’t score that many does @andros_townsend but when he does they’re always special. What a goal.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 13, 2021

Everton have moved to fourth in the Premier League table with 10 points from four games.

The Toffees are unbeaten in the Premier League so far, sharing the same points with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Read: Pochettino says he was close to signing Achraf Hakimi for Tottenham.

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'Our best player' - Some Everton fans drool over 'absolute monster' after latest display - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Everton maintained their unbeaten start to the season after winning against Burnley at Goodison Park on Monday night in the Premier League.

The Toffees came from behind to win 3-1 against the Clarets, with goals coming from Michael Keane, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray.

Many Everton fans took to Twitter to express their reactions to the performance of Abdoulaye Doucoure who was outstanding on the night.

The former Watford midfielder provided the killer pass for Gray in the build-up to the third goal. He also got a chance to score in the first half as well.

Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Carragher, reacted to the superb pass from Doucoure on Twitter. He wrote:

What a pass from Doucoure! 3-1 #EVEBUR

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) September 13, 2021

The 28-year-old has been absolutely brilliant this season under Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard has given him the liberty to join up the attack and he is relishing the new box-to-box role.

Here are some of the reactions from the Everton fans on Twitter:

Rafa has turned Doucoure into an absolute monster of a midfielder. Our best player so far this season for me pic.twitter.com/s3S3Dsocw6

— (@bluesofgoodison) September 13, 2021

Abdoulaye Doucoure btw. Said since he joined he was a really good player. Last four games have proved my right. Our midfield looks tonnes better this season.

— Owen (@owenparkes123) September 13, 2021

Abdoulaye Doucouré like a new player this season. Gone up a level.

— Evertonian ➐ (@TimBlueKangaroo) September 13, 2021

That one substitution proves how important it is to set-up to play to player’s strengths.

Gomes came on and it gave Doucoure licence to take up positions further up the pitch and that changed the game.

Ineffective to effective with one tweak as Doucoure found the best space.

— Ell Bretland (@EllBretland) September 13, 2021

Goodison under the lights is special. Doucoure second half outstanding. 3 at the back is not a very everton formation we've never been very good at playing it. Another win onto villa now #UTT pic.twitter.com/GR7TlVzZ1j

— Steven Kelly (@SteveKelly86) September 13, 2021

Doucoure is a machine. He always seems to get stronger as games go on. As others tire, his fitness levels mean he just overpowers the midfield later in games.

— Natalie Bargery (@nataliebargery) September 13, 2021

MOTM Shouts Blues? Gray is in with a shout again, absolutely brilliant from start to finish even in the first half! Allan and Doucouré were excellent in the second half, Mina and Keane also but it’s got to be Andros Townsend. A brilliant assist and an absolute wonderstrike! #EFC

— TheMightyBlues (@MightyBluesYT) September 13, 2021

Doucoure was impressive last season under Carlo Ancelotti but where he has really improved is in his final output. This season, he has managed one goal and three assists already.

He made one shot and two key passes during the game. At the same time, he had put in his customary defensive shifts, managing two tackles and three interceptions.

As a result of this win, Everton have now jumped to fourth in the table, sharing the same points with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Read: Harvey Elliott defends Pascal Struijk 

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Mauricio Pochettino says he was so close to signing 'sensational' £60m ace for Tottenham - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that he was very close to signing Achraf Hakimi for Tottenham.

The Argentinian is now in charge of Paris Saint-Germain and he brought the 22-year-old wing-back to the Parc des Princes from Inter Milan for around €70 million (£60 million) in July (Goal).

Hakimi is a truly top class player and the 37-capped Morocco international will undoubtedly go on to become a real hit in Ligue 1 and on the world stage.

Mauricio Pochettino was close to signing Achraf Hakimi for Tottenham – Copyright: xLiveMedia/FabrizioxCarabellix/xIx/xLiveMediax 0

What a brilliant signing the 22-year-old already looks for PSG. Things could have been very different, however.

Mauricio Pochettino makes Achraf Hakimi admission

The South American told UEFA that he tried to sign the Moroccan for Tottenham. In fact, the wing-back was very close to joining Spurs before he moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan instead:

“Achraf is a young player I have been following since I was at Tottenham. We were on the edge of signing him for Tottenham, but then he went to play for Dortmund. He has a great capacity to run, his physical potential is huge. He is young, he’s maturing at the defensive level, but he makes a lot of contributions in attack.”

Hakimi joined PSH from Inter Milan in July – Copyright: xMarcoxCanonierox

Whether is was a case of Tottenham not offering enough or Borussia Dortmund offering more is unclear.

One thing is for sure though. Spurs missed out on an absolute world-class player.

The Bundesliga’s official website described him as a ‘sensational’ player during his time with Dortmund.

Things could be very different now for the north London club had they signed Hakimi. The same could be said for Mauricio Pochettino and the player himself!

And Tottenham will undoubtedly regret not having pushed harder for the Moroccan during Pochettino’s reign at the club.

Read also: Tottenham reportedly offer 24-year-old mega money.

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Harvey Elliott shares a classy message on social media regarding Leeds player - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott suffered a serious ankle injury against Leeds United at the weekend.

The 18-year-old midfielder sustained the injury after a tackle from the Leeds defender Pascal Struijk. Elliott’s ankle was trapped under the defender’s foot during a challenge.

The Belgian was heavily criticized on social media after the game but the Liverpool player has now taken to Instagram to defend the Leeds defender.

Pascal Struijk sends apology to Harvey Elliott pic.twitter.com/3ZRtwc4sMj

— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) September 12, 2021

Elliot shared a post claiming that his injury wasn’t the defender’s fault and he should not have been sent off either.

The Liverpool player branded the injury as a freak incident.

Harvey Elliott on Struijk’s challenge (via Instagram) pic.twitter.com/SauQC5eR8U

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) September 13, 2021

The midfielder is set to undergo surgery this week and he is expected to be sidelined for several months with a dislocated ankle.

Elliott was on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season and he managed to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans after impressing during his loan spell.

The young midfielder will be disappointed to have picked up a long term injury but he has vowed to come back stronger.

Elliott started in three of Liverpool’s four Premier League games so far.

The 18-year-old is highly rated at Anfield and he has a big future ahead of him.

Liverpool lost several key players to long term injuries last season and the Reds will be hoping for better luck on the injury front this year especially after Elliott’s lengthy layoff.

Read: Liverpool fans react to midfielder’s injury blow. 

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Spurs still keen to sign £60m top target after missing out on him this summer - report - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Tottenham Hotspur have not given up on the chase to sign Dusan Vlahovic. 

According to reports from CalcioMercato, Spurs have made the 21-year-old striker their top target next summer.

The 21-year-old, who was in dazzling form last season (21 goals), has started the season on fire, scoring three goals in three Serie A games already.

Spurs were heavily linked with a move to sign the Fiorentina striker this summer.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported Tottenham were willing to pay up to €70 million (£60m) to sign the striker.

La Liga champions Atletico Madrid were also interested in signing Vlahovic and they had a bid for the youngster turned down by the Viola.

Fiorentina were desperate to keep the striker with them. Fabrizio Romano, the transfer guru, claimed that despite Tottenham’s interest, the north London club didn’t submit a bid for him.

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Vlahovic would be a massive signing for the north London club. He is a highly-rated young talent who is enjoying a rich vein of form.

This summer, Spurs managed to keep hold of Harry Kane who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side were not willing to pay the £150m amount Spurs were demanding and the transfer didn’t materialise.

However, Kane will have two years remaining next summer, and Spurs will be looking to cash in on him provided he doesn’t end up signing a new deal in between.

In case they agree to sell him, Spurs can sign Vlahovic as his replacement. Even if they don’t sell him, the north London club will still need to sign a top striker to bolster their attacking ranks.

As it stands, Spurs appear to be preparing their grounds to sign Vlahovic next summer.

Read: Tottenham demanded £40m for Harry Winks

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Real Madrid star suffers possible career-ending injury - originally posted on Sportslens.com

Gareth Bale is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury, reports Spanish outlet El Partizado de COPE.

Having fallen out of favour at Real Madrid, Bale was making strides towards working his way back into contention at the Bernabeu. He started all three of their opening three league games, scoring in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Levante.

Bale celebrates his goal against Levante with teammates Eden Hazard and Karim Benzema

However, he was absent from Los Blancos’ home fixture against Celta Vigo, with Eden Hazard taking his place on the right wing. The hosts came away with all three points, with Karim Benzema scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory.

It has now been revealed that Bale missed the game due to a hamstring injury. According to Spanish radio station El Partizado de Cope, the Welshman is set for a long spell out of action, but the exact length of the injury is not specified.

This will come as a blow to manager Carlo Ancelotti. He will now be relying on Hazard, Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, and Rodrygo to perform on the wings.

But it is the Wales national team who are more likely to feel the effects of the news. The 32-year-old is the Dragons’ star player and all time top goalscorer, and will be crucial to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

As things stand, Rob Page’s men sit third in their qualifying group. Over the next two months, they have crucial fixtures against Belgium and Czech Republic as they seek to reach their first World Cup since 1958.

The injury could ultimately prove to be the end of Bale’s career. Last summer, there were reports that the winger was considering retirement at the end of his Real Madrid contract in 2022. Depending on the extent of the injury, it is possible that we’ve seen the last of him.

Bale in action for Wales at Euro 2020

This injury is the latest blow in a tough few years for the former Tottenham Hotspur man. Despite starring in a number of major finals, the fans at Real Madrid didn’t take too kindly to him.

He spent the 2020/21 campaign back at Spurs on loan, where he proved that he still has plenty left to offer. He ended the season with 11 goals and 2 assists in just 923 minutes of Premier League football.

 

Read also: Juventus identify David de Gea and Keylor Navas as Wojciech Szczesny replacements

 

 

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