All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United return to action in the Championship this evening as they travel away from Elland Road to take on Rotherham United across Yorkshire.

The Whites have the opportunity to cut the gap between themselves and the top two to within five points before Ipswich Town and Leicester City play their matches, which could put some added pressure on them before they play.

Daniel Farke's side are currently sat in third place and are eight points away from the automatic promotion places as they eye up an instant return to the Premier League.

Leeds have won their last three Championship matches and now come up against a Millers team that have only won two of their 16 league matches and find themselves within the bottom three of the division.

The Whites come into the game against Rotherham off the back of a 2-1 win over Plymouth, thanks to goals from Joel Piroe and Daniel James, prior to the international break.

Farke may have to make some alterations to his starting XI, though, as there are a number of injury situations to contend with heading into tonight's match.

Latest Leeds injury news

The Whites head coach has revealed that Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk have both returned to training this week, ahead of schedule, and could be involved after further assessment.

Djed Spence, Joe Gelhardt, and Jamie Shackleton are all also back and available for selection after their respective injury issues and could return to the squad.

However, Farke has urged for caution with Spence, who has not featured since the 2nd of September, and this does not suggest that the right-back will be thrown straight into the starting XI.

Leeds do look set for a gigantic blow to their side, though, as Georgino Rutter is said to be a major doubt with an abdominal strain, which has prevented him from training this week.

The former Norwich City tactician backed Patrick Bamford to step up in his absence and FFC have predicted the former England international to lead the line tonight.

"Top class" £70k-p/w star misses out in Leeds predicted lineup vs Rotherham

Leeds can close the gap between them and the automatic promotion places to five points with a victory over Rotherham on Friday night.

By
Tom Griffin

Nov 23, 2023

However, Farke could benefit from being bold and finally unleashing academy starlet Mateo Joseph alongside Piroe in attack ahead of the underperforming senior centre-forward.

Bamford's season in numbers

The 30-year-old marksman has not made the most of his opportunities off the bench so far this season and came into the 2023/24 campaign off the back of a dismal year in the Premier League.

Bamford scored four goals in 28 top-flight matches as Leeds were relegated back down to the Championship, having been managed by Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce.

However, it was not a case of a lack of services coming his way as the former Middlesbrough number nine missed a staggering 13 'big chances' and ended the season with an xG (Expected Goals) of 8.61 in 18 starts.

This term, the English dud has made eight league appearances as a substitute and did not contribute with a single goal or assist for the side in those matches.

Again, the experienced forward, who has lost 67% of his ground duels so far, has not struggled in front of goal due to a lack of opportunities. Bamford has an xG of 1.16 and has missed a penalty – in the 1-0 loss to Stoke City – in those eight games.

This means that the Chelsea academy graduate has scored four goals in his last 36 league outings for the Whites and underperformed his xG by 5.77 in that period.

These woeful statistics do not suggest that Bamford is a reliable performer whom Farke can trust to lead the line effectively against Rotherham this evening, if Rutter is unable to feature.

The left-footed attacker has not shown many, if any, signs of getting back to his best in front of goal and that is why the manager should, instead, take a gamble on a young player – in Joseph – and throw the 20-year-old ace in at the deep end to see if he can swim.

Farke has already showcased his willingness to lean on academy players, as Archie Gray has played 15 Championship matches at the age of 17, and the England U20 international could be the next one to come through the pipeline.

Mateo Joseph's goal record for Leeds

Joseph joined Leeds from Spanish side Espanyol in January of last year and has been in impressive form in English football over the last 21 months or so.

The 5 foot 11 talent, who qualifies to play for England through his father, did not have the best start to life in Yorkshire, though, as he managed two goals and one assist in 11 appearances throughout the 2021/22 campaign for the U18s and U21s combined.

That was followed up with a phenomenal season for the U21s in his first full year with the Whites. The Spanish-born whiz racked up 17 goals and two assists in 24 appearances, which included 16 goals in 21 Premier League 2 outings.

His form was rewarded with 23 minutes of Premier League action across three matches at first-team level, which means that the talented youngster already has some experience of senior football.

Joseph, who has been on the bench twice without featuring in the Championship this season, scored one goal and provided one assist in a Premier League International Cup clash with Hertha BSC II. He has also produced two goals and one assist in two Premier League 2 clashes.

This means that the 20-year-old marksman has plundered 20 goals in 27 U21 matches since the start of last season, compared to Bamford's four goals in 36 league games for Leeds during that period.

The academy starlet's former boss Michael Skubala once hailed him as a "humble" person who is a "threat" for any defence, and the young ace could be a threat to Rotherham's backline if Farke decides to unleash him from the start.

Neither Bamford nor Joseph have the creativity to adequately replace Rutter, who has created a staggering 15 'big chances' for his teammates this season, but the U21s star's goalscoring record suggests that he has the potential to be a better option than the senior centre-forward this evening.

Paul Heckingbottom's days in the Sheffield United hot seat did look to be numbered, with the 5-0 loss away at Vincent Kompany's Burnley this weekend – a Premier League relegation rival no less – judged to be the final straw for the Bramall Lane hierarchy.

Not yet officially confirmed, but rumours circulating on social media from many different media outlets point in the direction that the hapless Heckingbottom will be put out of his misery finally after a disastrous start to top-flight life as manager of the Blades – Sheffield United rooted to the foot of the table with only five points secured, conceding an embarrassing 39 goals from just 14 games played.

Former Blades icon in the dug-out Chris Wilder looks set to be Heckingbottom's immediate replacement, as per reports, the 56-year-old departing United in 2021 after completely revitalising the club during his tenure.

He successfully steered the Blades all the way up to the Premier League after the club found themselves marooned in League One, securing an unprecedented ninth placed finish too for the Blades when managing his hometown club in the top flight.

Wilder will hope his anticipated return to the Blades dug-out can re-energise this current group, breathing life back into proceedings after a dismal few months.

Here are three players that Wilder could turn to in order to provoke a revival at the club.

1

John Fleck

Fleck was a midfield maestro under Wilder during his first reign as Blades boss, an integral player centrally.

The Scottish midfielder was pivotal throughout Wilder's near five years at the club, Fleck amassing 44 assists over the five seasons the 56-year-old was present in the dug-out.

The 32-year-old would even score five times during the 2019/20 campaign that saw United play in the Premier League, Fleck adored by the Bramall Lane masses and his boss.

Fleck will be raring to go again upon hearing the news that Wilder is set to return as manager, the diminutive Blades presence barely featuring under Heckingbottom this campaign so far with just one start.

United's number four will no doubt start more games – after being frozen out – if Wilder does come back to the club, Fleck certainly benefitting from this potential managerial switch.

2

Oli McBurnie

McBurnie will also hope he can kickstart his faltering Blades career again under Wilder's management, alongside his fellow compatriot in Fleck.

United's number nine was a reliable goalscorer under Wilder in the top flight during the 2019/20 campaign, scoring six goals from 36 appearances with two of those strikes coming in huge home victories over Chelsea and Tottenham.

The incoming Blades boss will need to put his arm around McBurnie and remind him of this goalscoring prowess, the Scottish forward frustrated and angry in recent matches which was abundantly clear in his quick double booking against Burnley with two unnecessary elbows.

The 27-year-old will want his football to do the talking again away from this petulance, hoping that Wilder can get him firing if he does come in.

3

Auston Trusty

Former Arsenal man Trusty was the only defender from the 5-0 Clarets defeat that could leave Turf Moor with his head held high somewhat, the American centre-back still winning six of his nine duels in the one-sided affair.

Trusty could well be a centre-back Wilder is a fan of, the 56-year-old is always keen to have a full-throttle option at the back who can push his team forward.

The 25-year-old had a really successful loan switch to Birmingham City last campaign before joining United – scoring four times and assisting three goals from defence – and so Wilder will want to make Trusty his main man in a leaky backline.

With 0.56 progressive passes received per 90 minutes over the last year on top of 2.50 tackles registered – as sourced by FBRef – for the Blues and the Blades, Wilder will want to harness Trusty's attacking qualities further whilst hoping he's a rock-solid figure who can begin to shore up a pitiful defence at Bramall Lane.

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has posted an intriguing photo that has got fans speculating that move to Inter Miami may be on the cards.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Griezmann posts 'hobby office' image
• Messi pictured amongst collectibles
• Speculation about Inter Miami move rife

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The image, posted on Instagram with the caption 'Hobby Office 🔥', revealed a bunch of MLS collectibles, with Messi featured front and centre of a pack of trading cards in his Inter Miami kit. The social media post has prompted tons of fans to hype up Griezmann's rumoured move to the U.S., where he could join former Barca team-mate Messi.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Griezmann is reportedly a key target for various MLS clubs including Inter Miami. The France star has already insisted that his current club Atletico Madrid will be the last side he plays for in Europe, but he still has two years left on his contract with the La Liga team. Whether Inter Miami have the funds to secure him this summer remains to be seen.

  Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Griezmann recently met David Beckham in person for the first time, describing the former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger as an "idol" of his. Beckham is co-owner of Inter Miami and played a key role in the acquisition of World Cup winner Messi, who has been a revelation in the United States so far. Will Griezmann be his next big signing?

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GRIEZMANN?

  If Griezmann does move to MLS this summer, it's unlikely to happen before the European Championship, taking place in Germany from mid-June to mid-July. France are among the favourites to win the competition, so the Atletico star will have his eyes on the prize rather than on a potential move to the States, for now. Manager Didier Deschamps has some big decisions to make when it comes to his squad for the tournament.

Newcastle United’s most important game of the season takes place tonight as the Magpies could become the second English team to fall out of the Champions League with a defeat at home to AC Milan, following in Manchester United’s footsteps.

To qualify for the knockout phase, Eddie Howe’s side must beat the Rossoneri and hope Borussia Dortmund can do a number on Paris Saint-Germain at the Westfalenstadion. However, Newcastle couldn't be coming into the game on a worse run of form, having lost heavily to both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur over the past week.

Nevertheless, Howe could bolster his team tonight by making one change in particular to the starting lineup to ensure the Geordie outfit complete their side of the bargain.

Tino Livramento’s stats this season

Ever since Dan Burn suffered a back injury during a 1-0 win against Arsenal back in November, Howe has put full trust in Tino Livramento to make the left-back berth his own which had been going swimmingly well.

Prior to Burn’s injury, the £40m summer signing had started merely one game all season which came in an impressive 1-0 home victory against Manchester City in the EFL Cup. Now, the 21-year-old has started six of Newcastle’s last seven games in all competitions.

The ex-Southampton defender certainly impressed in Burn’s absence, playing out of position from his preferred right-back spot. Former Celtic head coach Neil Lennon even admitted that Livramento has been “outstanding” every time he watches him.

However, Livramento’s superb string of performances came to a halt away at Spurs on Sunday. The young fullback was handed a 4/10 match rating by The Shields Gazette as the Magpies were trounced in London.

During the game, Livramento lost possession of the ball five times, won merely 25% of his total duels, was dribbled past twice and failed to create a single opportunity for his team before being taken off with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Livramento’s poor display may have earned him a spot on the bench for tonight’s crucial European clash and one player in particular will be champing at the bit to take his place.

Lewis Hall’s stats this season

Lewis Hall joined his boyhood club during the summer transfer window for a whopping £28m from Chelsea despite making just 12 appearances for the Blues across the last two seasons and was handed a £7k-per-week contract at St. James' Park.

Nonetheless, Hall had proved his ability for the London club and was even labelled a “quality” player by football scout Jacek Kulig after making his debut for Chelsea almost two years ago.

Since joining Newcastle, the teenager has made only four starts, although half of these came in the League Cup. His last start for the Magpies was in the 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old was taken off at half-time for Livramento when the game was still goalless, with Howe explaining after the match that the reason was solely due to his lack of match fitness.

Regardless, Hall is still putting up a good fight statistically when compared to Livramento this season.

Furthermore, Livramento can play on both sides of the centre-backs, meaning there is also the possibility that Howe decides to bench Kieran Trippier who picked up a booking against Spurs at the weekend, leaving him suspended for Newcastle’s home bout versus Fulham.

Howe could potentially drop Trippier, who struggled over the past two games, especially during a 3-0 defeat against Everton, and put Livramento at right-back, with Hall being handed the nod on the left.

Anyhow, Hall is a superb player and will eventually start knocking on the manager’s door to get more minutes under his belt. Tonight could be the perfect opportunity for Howe to test out his new fullback pairing ahead of Fulham on Saturday.

Chelsea are prepared to table a huge €65 million (£56m/$70m) bid for the next Brazilian star from Palmeiras.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea targeting young talent
• Willing to fork out for 'Messinho'
• Biggest transfer in Brazilian football

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Willian Estevao is attracting interest from the Premier League giants following his breakthrough in South America. The winger, who has earned the nickname 'Messinho', comes from the same crop as Real Madrid-bound Endrick. Chelsea are keen to continue their development of young talent and are keen to move for the 17-year-old this summer.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT THE REPORT SAID

  GOALhas learned that the Blues are willing to sanction a deal that would make it the biggest transfer in Brazilian football, exceeding Palmeiras' sale of Endrick. Any move would have performance-based bonuses included that would go straight to the club.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea have had a lot of success with South American talent over the years. A deal could also mark the end of the line for Raheem Sterling, who is reportedly on Mauricio Pochettino's unwanted list this summer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO AND CHELSEA?

  The domestic season in Brazil has only just begun and Estevao will have to stay at Palmeiras for almost another year. The winger would not be able to move to Chelsea until he turns 18 in April 2025.

Nottingham Forest could face a further points deduction if they do not sell players by the end of June and are in breach of PSR rules.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Forest risk breaching Profit and Sustainability rules
• Must raise funds by selling players
• Transfer window opens next month

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Inews reports that Forest must sell players before the end of next month or risk once again breaching profit and sustainability rules. The club were docked four points in March and dropped into the relegation zone but rallied to finish 17th, six points clear of Luton Town in 18th.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report now makes it clear, however, that Forest will have to sell players to avoid breaching PSR rules. Clubs must submit their accounts for 2023/24 by June 30 and clubs are only allowed to lose £105m over a three-year period, or £35m per season. Without sales, Forest will not pass, and that could potentially trigger a points deduction to begin next season with.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It is unclear how much Forest will be able to spend if they are not able to clear PSR, but some key players have already been linked away. Callum Hudson-Odoi, for example, has been linked with a summer switch to Tottenham.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The transfer window opens on June 14 so Forest may be minded to line deals up now. Hudson-Odoi is one potential mover, but it remains to be seen if clubs are willing to meet Forest's demands, given that their desperation is widely known.

Ange Postecoglou's revolution down the N17 took something of a hit as his Tottenham Hotspur team's fragility in depth was illuminated by that fateful evening against Chelsea, led by former boss Mauricio Pochettino, in November.

An unbeaten start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign was shattered, and influential summer signings James Maddison and Micky van de Ven picked up injuries that plague them to date.

Had Spurs received somewhat more fortuitous fortunes on the injury front over the past several weeks, it's quite possible to imagine that Postecoglou would remain in the conversation for the Premier League title as the festive period nears its closing stage.

Spurs "stepping up" pursuit of "dominant" £26m Van de Ven partner

Ange Postecoglou’s priority is to sign a centre-back this January.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 20, 2023

Indeed, Tottenham remain just six points away from table-topping neighbours Arsenal and just a single point away from fourth-placed champions Manchester City, but it's unrealistic to think that a challenge for silver-laden success is something feasible without astute work in the January transfer window.

Tottenham transfer news – Morato

According to a recent report from The Sun, Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy is considering launching an official approach for Brazilian prodigy Morato, who has caught the eye with his performances for SL Benfica.

Morato, aged 22, has a £68m release clause embedded in his contract but it is understood that Benfica recognise that such demands will not be met by interested parties and thus have valued him at around €30m (£26m).

Spurs are compiling a list of various defensive targets ahead of the opening of the winter market and could be enticed by Morato's left-footedness, with Van de Ven's void highlighting the lack of options in that area of the pitch.

Morato's style of play

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed Morato a "complete & dominant" type of defender, with his imposing stature and towering frame making for the perfect titan to decimate attacking efforts from hapless opposition.

Having chalked up 66 appearances for his Portuguese outfit since signing from Brazilian team Sao Paulo for around £5m in 2019, Morato has done enough with his displays to warrant attention from clubs such as Tottenham, with Nottingham Forest also failing with an offer in the summer.

Not quite earning a prominent role in the team throughout the opening months of the campaign, Morato has recently established himself as a starring member of Roger Schmidt's side and has started the past five matches in Liga Portugal.

As per Sofascore, the 6 foot 3 colossus has completed 81% of his passes across his eight league outings this term and has averaged a key pass every other game, also impressively making 3.0 tackles, 6.0 ball recoveries and 2.1 clearances per game and succeeding in 61% of his contested duels.

While Morato is principally a central defender, he has also been fielded at left-back for the Eagles in a kind of positional fluidity that aligns with Postecoglou's interchanging style.

To showcase his dynamism, Morato ranks among the top 3% of centre-halfs across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

Hailed as a “beast” at the back by journalist and U23 scout Antonio Mango, Morato certainly offers the kind of modern skill set that would be a good fit for an ambitious Premier League team such as Tottenham, with an excellent ball-playing ability and an aggressiveness that mirrors that of Cristian Romero.

How Morato compares to Cristian Romero

Signing from Serie A side Atalanta for a fee in the region of £42m back in 2021, Romero has amassed 78 displays for Tottenham and has proved himself top be one of the toughest-tackling defenders in the country, even proclaimed to be a "Rolls-Royce" of a player by pundit Martin Keown.

Romero ranks among the top 13% of positional peers for goals scored, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for passes attempted and pass completion, the top 18% for blocks and the top 6% for tackles per 90.

This season, having scored three goals from just 14 matches in the Premier League, the £165k-per-week ace has completed 92% of his passes, averaging 2.2 tackles, 6.1 recoveries and 3.6 clearances per game while remarkably winning 71% of his duels.

Such metrics underscore Romero's brilliance at the back but also highlight how Morato could serve as the perfect understudy, boasting similar levels of tackling and assuredness in challenges.

Commenting on Tottenham's improved defensive efforts this season, Postecoglou was quick to credit the Argentine World Cup winner with a central role, saying (as relayed by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare): "A big part of that is Romero. He makes them (the rest of the back 5 who had never or barely played in the PL) feel like they belong and that they can flourish. He's an outstanding defender, someone you want in your team. Ridiculous bravery."

With Romero noted for his immense tackling faculty (though, admittedly, struggling with the disciplinary side of things at times), Spurs wield one of the most fearsome units to protect their goal in Europe, and it's definitely not a bold claim to suggest that the lion's share of top European teams would only be too eager to snap up his services.

Morato is making more tackles than Romero on average per game; bringing a player of such strength to English shores would be a sure-fire way for Postecoglou to improve his club's chance of rising to the forefront of the European game over the coming years.

With the likes of Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Emerson Royal all serving as stand-ins in the Spurs rearguard this season, Morato would be the dream addition to bolster the ranks and continue to shape the squad to Postecoglou's creation.

Chelsea star Sam Kerr has thanked Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius for her role in helping the Blues win the Women's Super League title.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea won WSL title ahead of Man City
• Kerr thanked Arsenal's Blackstenius for her role in the triumph
• Gunners forward's contribution vs City proved decisive

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gareth Taylor's Manchester City led the WSL title race until the penultimate matchday when they took on Arsenal. Until the 89th minute of that match, it seemed that City would take that title lead into the last matchday as well before a three-minute brace from Blackstenius turned the game around and gave the Gunners a 2-1 win. On the larger scheme, it gave Chelsea the lead in the league on goal difference. On the last matchday, Chelsea's 6-0 win against Manchester United meant City faltered to Chelsea due to goal difference.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea managed to give Emma Hayes the perfect farewell gift with the 6-0 win over Man Utd and also their fifth-straight WSL title win. Hayes will now depart the club after 12 years with the Blues as she joins the USWNT as their head coach.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The Blues will now begin their search for Hayes' replacement as they start their preparations for the post-Hayes era, hoping to win their sixth-straight league title.

It's been reported that Chelsea and Todd Boehly will "look to reach an agreement" for one club's rising star "immediately" as they green-light his sale.

Pochettino requests Chelsea signings in January

Both publicly and behind-the-scenes, manager Mauricio Pochettino has requested the Chelsea board move to make new signings in January.

Chelsea plotting move for £60m+ "fast" star ahead of Premier League rivals

The Blues could splash the cash once again…

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 18, 2023

According to some reports in the English media, Pochettino wants players of height to solve Chelsea's vulnerability in the penalty area, leading to reported interest in the likes of Wolves defender Max Kilman.

Meanwhile, it's been widely reported that the Blues are keen on signing a proven goalscorer. Chelsea are contenders for Brentford star Ivan Toney as a result, with Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic of interest to Pochettino as well.

Speaking to press around 10 days ago, Pochettino was adamant that Chelsea's directors should look to January, coming after his side fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Everton.

"After the first half of the season, we need to check. That is the reality. If we are not receiving enough, maybe we need to do some movement," said Pochettino (via Sky Sports).

"That is the thing to analyse with the sporting directors, to see if we can change this dynamic and improve in the second half of the season. We need to be more aggressive. Then it's a massive assessment and when the transfer window opens, we will see what we can do.

"I don't say if I am going to ask for more or less players. It's to see if the perception matches the reality. We are missing something. We need to improve our reality."

Chelsea also have a policy of buying Europe's most in-form, exciting talents. Boehly has moved to sign talent from all over Europe and South America since Clearlake Capital's takeover, with FC Copenhagen wonderkid Roony Bardghji now being targeted.

Chelsea will look to seal Bardghji agreement "immediately"

The winger, who scored Copenhagen's winner in a sensational 4-3 win over Man United in the Champions League earlier this season, is wanted across England. As well as Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Manchester United and Newcastle United have held talks with Bardghji's agents ahead of a possible move.

However, Boehly and co are very eager to win the race. This is according to 90min, who also claim Chelsea "will look to reach an agreement" for Bardghji "immediately".

This comes after the development that Copenhagen are prepared to green-light his exit, giving Chelsea a push to go and attempt his transfer soon. However, any proposed deal would mean Bardghji joins at the end of the season and not now.

The 18-year-old is viewed as one of Sweden's most exciting talents, and has even been called his country's answer to Lionel Messi.

“He has an understanding of the game, as well as good balance and coordination," said Roger Franzen.

"He has exceptional technique with the ball at his feet. It's incredibly difficult to take the ball off him. He is good one-on-one and has a good shot. He can shoot with both feet, even if he is basically left-footed, he can finish with the right as well.

“That makes him very difficult to read for the defenders. Will he go right or left? It makes him difficult to handle.”

Emile Smith Rowe has been identified as a 'priority signing' for Fulham as the Cottagers look to offer the 23-year-old regular game time.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Smith Rowe wanted by Fulham
• Arsenal could look to sell homegrown talent
• Gunners interested in Sesko

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fulham see Smith Rowe as an answer to their depleting attack and may look to secure an audacious move for the Arsenal player, according to . Marco Silva's side are set to lose Willian once his contract expires at the end of the month and the Englishman may provide a solution to the loss of creativity. Smith Rowe has fallen down the pecking order in north London and the Gunners may look to cash in on him.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After shooting to stardom following his impressive debut against Chelsea in December 2020, Smith Rowe became a mainstay in Mikel Arteta's side and was crucial in transforming a lacklustre team into one with flair and attacking impetus. However, injuries have severely limited his game time and it looks unlikely that he will re-establish himself back in the side.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since making 33 appearances and scoring 10 goals in his spectacular 2021/22 season, Smith Rowe has only played 25 games across the two following Premier League campaigns. In those 25 games, only three of them came as a starter and he has not scored in that time either.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal, with one eye on the Premier League's profit-and-sustainability rules, may need to sell homegrown players who represent 'pure profit'. However, the departures of the likes of Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson may mean signings like Benjamin Sesko could be brokered.