Na noite desta segunda-feira, o Ituano foi até o estádio Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, em Campinas, e estreou bem no Campeonato Paulista 2021. A equipe de Itu derrotou os mandantes por 3 a 0 e somou seus três primeiros pontos no grupo C. O duelo marcou o fim da rodada inaugural do estadual, com exceção ao jogo Palmeiras x São Caetano, que foi adiado.
>> CONFIRA A CLASSIFICAÇÃO ATUALIZADA DO PAULISTÃO
Léo Santos abriu o placar, de cabeça, logo aos cinco minutos iniciais ao Ituano. Pouco depois, aos sete, Gabriel Taliari ampliou a vantagem dos visitantes após receber na área, fintar o marcador e bater colocado. O terceiro gol saiu logo nos primeiros segundos da etapa final, com um golaço de Breno Lopes, que acertou lindo chute de fora da área após vacilo na saída de bola do time bugrino, para definir a vitória.
Assim, o Ituano assume a liderança do grupo C, com três pontos. O Guarani é o lanterna do D. O Galo Rubro-Negro volta a jogar pelo Paulistão nesta quinta-feira (4), às 15h, contra o São Bento em casa. No mesmo dia, o Bugre tenta recuperação contra o Botafogo-SP, às 16h45, na cidade de Ribeirão Preto.
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Arsenal have received a massive boost with the news that a "special" player has overcome an injury issue, according to a key fitness update from journalist Tom Canton.
Arsenal injury updates
The Gunners have had to make do without some important players already this season, even though their impressive squad depth still leaves them second in the Premier League table currently. Jurrien Timber's ACL injury has been one of the biggest setbacks for Arsenal in recent months, with the former Ajax man picking up the serious issue on his league debut for the club back in August.
He hasn't been the only absentee of late, however, with Emile Smith Rowe's woes continuing, as he finds it difficult to remain available for consistent periods of time. Takehiro Tomiyasu's calf injury is also a blow for Mikel Arteta, with the Japan international such a versatile performer across the defence, and Thomas Partey has been absent for some time.
Timber and Tomiyasu are not expected to return until the new year, while Partey could feature after the Liverpool match (Injury Return Dates). However, some positive fitness news has now emerged for the Gunners, in an update that will likely delight many supporters.
Arsenal handed Emile Smith Rowe boost
Taking to X on Monday, Canton confirmed that Smith Rowe is back in training with his Arsenal teammates, having returned to full fitness after injury.
"Emile Smith Rowe is HERE and training with Arsenal at London Colney. The England international has recovered from the knee problem that kept him out for some weeks. Whether he travels today is yet to be decided and depends on the session."
This is fantastic news, both for Arsenal and Smith Rowe himself, with the Englishman such a talented footballer who is capable of providing depth out wide and in central attacking midifeld roles. The 23-year-old can help ease the workload on Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, with Jamie Carragher lauding him in the past, saying:
"He's so exciting, the pace, moving with the ball. He's a special talent. He can pop up in different positions, he has that ability to play all four positions up top and that's a real bonus."
While Smith Rowe would struggle to find a way into Arsenal's strongest possible starting lineup at the moment, he is someone who could be such a valuable weapon off the substitutes' bench, with his tally of 18 goals and 12 assists in 102 appearances for the Gunners a solid return.
Mathias Olivera
26
Napoli
Samuel Chukwueze
24
Milan
Ante Rebic
30
Besiktas
Leandro Trossard
29
Arsenal
Marco Asensio
27
PSG
Marcos Llorente
28
Atletico Madrid
In his 106 minutes of Premier League action, he has still managed to chip in with one assist, teeing up Eddie Nketiah in the 5-0 win at home to Sheffield United back in October.
Smith Rowe may take some time to fully get back into rhythm, but if he can avoid another injury setback and remain fit for the next several months, could be a gem in Arsenal's title challenge.
Left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Mitchell Santner is set to play his first ODI in 10 months. He has recovered from knee surgery and has proved his fitness in the one-off T20I against Sri Lanka and in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham and seam-bowling allrounder Colin de Grandhomme, who were both rested for the ODIs against Sri Lanka, also return to the side for the first three ODIs against India.James Neesham, who was sidelined from the T20I against Sri Lanka with a hamstring strain, and legspinner Todd Astle, who is recovering from a knee injury, were not included in the squad. However, they could be considered for the last two ODIs on January 31 and February 3, after proving their fitness in the ongoing Super Smash.Santner has shown fine form in the T20 tournament, taking seven wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 6.77 in addition to providing Northern Districts the finishing kick with the bat. He has tested out his knee by securing hard-run twos and diving catches in the outfield.Doug Bracewell, who did not play a single ODI against Sri Lanka, was retained in the squad. New Zealand coach Gary Stead said he was impressed with the performances of Bracewell and Santner in the T20I in Auckland. While Bracewell struck 44 off 26 balls and took the wicket of Niroshan Dickwella in a Man-of-the-Match performance, Santner came away with 1 for 27 from three overs.”Our two main priorities have been to select and prepare a squad capable of winning what is shaping as a massive series against India, and gathering as much information as possible ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales,” Stead said. “Tom and Colin are experienced players in this format and will offer quality in their respective roles, and Mitch and Doug showed us what they are capable of during the T20 on Friday night.”Tim Seifert, who kept wicket against Sri Lanka, was left out. Latham will take over the gloves from him. The seam attack has a familiar look with the promise of Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry complementing the experience of Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Santner’s Northern Districts team-mate Ish Sodhi is the other spinner in the side.The five-match series begins with the first ODI in Napier on January 23.Squad for first three ODIs: Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
Wrexham face a battle to sign goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a permanent deal this summer once his loan expires, amid rival interest from various clubs.
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Okonkwo currently on loan from ArsenalGunners contract expires this summerWrexham may not be able to sign stopperWHAT HAPPENED?
Per the Daily Mail, Wrexham face competition from clubs in the Premier League and Championship to sign Okonkwo, as his Arsenal contract expires this summer, and there has been no sign of talks over an extension. The stopper is thus attracting interest from the top two leagues, as well as in Europe, as he has previously impressed on loan at Austrian side Sturm Graz.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Okonkwo was named as the goalkeeper in the League Two Team of the Season, having impressed across his 34 appearances, in which he kept 13 clean sheets. As a replacement for Ben Foster, the 22-year-old has thrived, but he has previously spoken of his desire to take his time before making any decision over his future.
It also remains to be seen if Wrexham will be able to afford him; as the club have taken him on loan, they are currently paying less than half of his Arsenal salary, with the Gunners making up the rest.
WHAT OKONKWO SAID
Okonkwo has said, via The Leader: "It has been an incredible season and I am so proud of the team, the staff and everyone around the club for having the trust in me, and allow me to show what I can do.
"We will see what happens in the future."
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Wrexham have won promotion to League One already but they still have fixtures to complete; their last two games come against Crewe Alexandra and champions Stockport County.
Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement has enjoyed a solid start to life at Ibrox as they are just one game away from securing their first trophy in 18 months.
The League Cup final against Hearts at Hampden next month gives the Belgian the perfect chance to endear himself to the supporters even more.
The next few weeks could be crucial for the club and the 49-year-old will require all of his senior players to step up and make themselves counted, especially if they have any ambitions of success this term.
While the results on the pitch recently have improved, the January transfer window is fast approaching and the former Club Brugge boss will be keeping an eye on several targets.
Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.
Maybe not in the next window, but he will also be looking to land long-term replacements for players who are approaching the end of their careers, such as Connor Goldson, Borna Barisic and especially James Tavernier.
The captain recently turned 32 and while his attacking contributions are still at a wonderful level, he won't be like this forever and another top class right back should be the priority.
Michael Beale signed Dujon Sterling during the summer transfer window, and he was looked upon as a player who could have the long-term capability to succeed Tavernier on the right side of the defence, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way for the former Chelsea gem.
Dujon Sterling’s Rangers statistics
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Chelsea, making two appearances for the senior side, before a succession of moves in the lower leagues.
His latest spell was with Stoke City, where he featured 28 times last season and, while not known for his attacking abilities, the defender looked like a reliable backup option to the Gers captain upon signing.
His progress at Rangers hasn’t quite gone to plan, however, as he has played only eight times so far this term, starting just twice and yet to feature for Clement in either the league or Europe.
In the Premiership, Sterling ranks in a lowly 17th spot for accurate passes per game (13.5) along with ranking 12th for tackles per game (one) and 25th for overall Sofascore rating (6.4), proving he hasn’t enjoyed the best of success on the field of play domestically.
It is still early in his Rangers career, though, and he can turn the corner if given the chance, but it doesn’t look like Clement has full trust in his ability.
The Light Blues will be hard-pressed to find a player who can contribute as effectively in the final third as Tavernier, as the Englishman already has 14 goal contributions – 11 goals and three assists – across 22 matches this term already.
James Tavernier’s season in numbers
The right back is outshining pretty much every single Gers player currently in the league as he currently ranks first in the squad for goals and assists (eight) while also topping the pile for big chances created (six) and key passes per game (three), clearly indicating that he is a key player for the club.
While Clement will still get another couple of years out of the captain, Tavernier will eventually need to be replaced and while Sterling was brought in as a backup option, it’s evident he isn’t up to the required ability to be a long-term heir.
Goals
6
Assists
2
Successful dribbles per game
1
Key passes per game
3
Big chances created
6
Stats via Sofascore
At one point, it looked as though former player Nathan Patterson was the ideal heir to his throne, yet the youngster was sold to Everton last January and the Gers are back to square one.
Could Clement turn to another young talent who has had experience in the first team and, with a little bit more confidence, could succeed Tavernier in the right back slot? As in Adam Devine, they have a talent who has been under used this season.
Adam Devine’s career statistics
The 20-year-old was given his senior debut by Giovanni van Bronckhorst towards the tail end of the 2021/22 campaign.
He came on as a sub against Dundee United, while starting against Hearts just a few days later as the manager was resting some first team players for the impending Europa League final in Seville.
Rangers defender Adam Devine.
He impressed sufficiently during those ties, succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts while being dribbled past just once per game and averaging 53 touches each match, showing that he was keen to impress and grasp the opportunities given with both hands.
It gave the defender a solid platform to work with as Beale had to call on him during the festive season last term due to injuries to Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz.
Once hailed as “highly rated” by former Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall in 2021 after he joined the club on a short loan deal, Devine certainly displayed this talent when required for the Gers last season.
Across six Premiership matches, the Scot not only created two big chances and averaged one key pass per game, showcasing his attacking ability, but he also succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts and was dribbled past only 0.2 times per game.
The defender even won 1.8 total duels per game – a success rate of 55% – and it was clear that he stepped up to the plate when it really mattered, as the club didn’t lose a single game where he was involved.
Although not quite at the same level to Tavernier at this current moment in time, given more chances in the first team, he could develop into a first class right back.
His versatility at being able to play on either side of the defence will also be a big advantage for him when trying to impress Clement, although he has yet to make an appearance under the Belgian yet.
His time will come, however, and in the long term, he could certainly be a better option than Sterling in order to replace Tavernier on the right side of the defence.
The captain still has plenty to offer, but it won't be long before his excellent spell at Rangers has to come to an end.
Chris Woakes and Olly Stone hobbled the Sri Lanka chase before the rains returned in Dambulla
The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Oct-2018 Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIncisive bowling from Chris Woakes and a rapid spell from Olly Stone uprooted four Sri Lanka wickets in the first nine overs – their collective new-ball effort outdoing Lasith Malinga’s heroics at the death, and bringing about a 31-run for England win via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Malinga had taken 4 for 19 in his final five overs, completing his first five-wicket haul in over four years, as England were restricted to 278 for 9 despite having seemed destined for a total in excess of 300.But although the hosts’ bowlers had performed creditably, keeping England in check for the majority of their innings, Sri Lanka’s top order failed for the third consecutive time, slumping to 31 for 4 then 74 for 5, effectively surrendering the match in those early overs. Dhananjaya de Silva and Thisara Perera forged an unbeaten 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but could not make up enough ground before rain cut Sri Lanka’s chase short at the end of the 29th over. Their score at the time was 140. With five wickets down, they would have needed 172 to win.Woakes, who had missed the home ODIs in the English summer through injury, delivered a tight and constricting first spell, eliciting a series of false shots from Sri Lanka’s top order batsmen, three of which resulted in wickets. Upul Tharanga was the first to depart, edging a ball angled across him in the first over. New captain Dinesh Chandimal was the second of Woakes’ wickets, under-edging into his stumps as he attempted to punch the delivery through the covers. Dasun Shanaka, batting unusually high at No. 5, then touched a seaming ball behind after facing a harried 18 deliveries. With Stone also having had Niroshan Dickwella caught off the glove with a vicious bouncer at the other end, Sri Lanka were reeling, and the middle order were left with a monumental task to get back in the game.De Silva and Thisara gave the recovery a shot, as both played aggressively against England’s spinners, and negotiated the fast bowlers much better than the men batting higher up in the order had done. The rain, though, snuffed out what little hope Sri Lanka had, giving England a 1-0 lead in the series with three ODIs to play.Lasith Malinga rolled back the years•Getty ImagesThat England got as many as they did was largely the work of senior batsmen Eoin Morgan and Joe Root, who hit 92 off 91 balls and 71 off 83 respectively – the pair batting together in a 68-run third-wicket stand. Where Root had been assured from the outset, striking crisp boundaries off the fifth and eighth deliveries that came his way, Morgan’s first 30 balls at the crease were a little more frazzled.He was flummoxed by a Lakshan Sandakan googly in his first few minutes, the ball turning sharply back at him to strike him on the pad. More plays-and-misses and miscued strokes were to follow, but eventually his innings hit a rhythm. The sweeps and reverse sweeps began to be played with more conviction, and to profitable effect. His fifty – the 40th of his career – was completed off his 57th delivery, and he accelerated upon reaching the milestone, hitting 34 off his next 23 balls.Malinga’s haul featured all the vintage dismissals. He took Morgan’s wicket in the 42nd over – the batsman chipping a tame catch back to him after failing to pick up the slower ball. Next delivery, he bowled Moeen Ali with a slower yorker, the ball diving beneath Moeen’s shot. He got the balls at either end to reverse swing as well – perhaps the only one-day bowler in the world who can still get the ball to behave this way consistently. He breached speeds of 140kph at various points through the innings, and pointed to the name on his back when he took the fifth wicket with a fast, tailing yorker that Liam Dawson was not equipped to resist.His overall figures were 5 for 44. Having been dropped from the side for over a year, he has now taken 10 wickets in four games since his return.
Leeds United have salvaged a solid start to the Championship season after enduring relegation from the Premier League last year, with Daniel Farke's side a distance away from the top two but firmly in the mix for promotion at this stage.
Appointing Farke was a decision made to strengthen the Whites' prospects of returning to the top flight at the first time of asking, with the German manager having won the Championship on two occasions previously with Norwich City.
However, the task was never going to be easy despite the club's stature and the ostensible quality filling the ranks, with a mass exodus removing many former members during the summer.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Plenty of fresh faces have arrived, but pundit and former England midfielder Carlton Palmer has tipped "more to come" from the Whites in January, with sights set on closing the gap on frontrunners Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
Leeds United transfer targets
According to journalist Diego Firmino – via Sport Witness – Leeds are following the situation of Joaquin Piquerez from Palmeiras, with the exciting full-back attracting attention from multiple European clubs following his performances in Brazil.
Numerous outfits are indeed supposedly interested, with Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur both receiving tentative links, but Leeds could offer the 25-year-old a starring role and a platform to build from in West Yorkshire.
The cost of a transfer has not yet been made apparent, but there is no denying that Piquerez boasts qualities that would slot right into Elland Road's starting squad and that Farke and 49ers Enterprises will pounce if given the chance.
The dynamo is currently valued at around £6m by Football Transfers' valuation model, and this ballpark fee would likely be required to prise him away from Palmeiras.
Why Leeds want Joaquin Piquerez
Leeds have been impressive in maintaining a charge on the top of the division despite a range of injury problems, and there may be optimism among supporters that a few well-placed winter acquisitions would work wonders in closing the gap on the front of the pack.
Piquerez would open up a range of possibilities with his thunderous shooting skills and his direct, barrelling approach, having recently starred at the centre of Palmeiras' 5-0 drubbing over Sao Paulo.
As per Sofascore, he has scored three goals and supplied four assists from 21 matches in the Brasileiro Série A this season, completing 85% of his passes, creating 0.9 key passes per outing and also making 6.7 ball recoveries, 1.8 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game, highlighting his impressive multi-functional ability.
Piquerez has also become a regular member of Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay squad, starting four of the last five matches since the beloved former Leeds boss took the reins earlier this year.
Given the stunning football that was pumped into the Leeds squad under the distinguished Argentinian boss, it's no wonder that the Whites are apparently intrigued by the possibility of signing a player that Bielsa has swiftly deemed an integral part of his national side's setup.
Sam Byram is the current host on the left side of the Whites backline, and while he has impressed since the summer, Farke is probably doing the right thing in searching for a successor to dominate for the foreseeable future.
Why Joaquin Piquerez is better than Sam Byram
Byram joined Leeds on a free transfer in the summer after his contract with Norwich expired, having previously kicked his career off at Elland Road after rising through the youth ranks.
The experienced defender, now aged 30, has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, with Sofascore recording his performances in the English second tier, having completed 79% of his passes, made 4.4 ball recoveries, 1.8 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game and scored a goal and an assist apiece.
He is an industrious part of the squad and one who has served well in the absence of Junior Firpo, with the former Barcelona player yet to feature this season due to injury – frankly, few expected he would have remained at the club following the summer.
As per FBref, Uruguayan star Piquerez ranks among the top 4% of full-backs across leagues similar to the Brasileiro Série A over the past year for goals, the top 16% for assists and the top 17% for pass completion per 90, illustrating his natural attacking prowess and his crispness in possession.
Content creator Nathan Joyes was among those to be impressed by United's reported interest, saying: "Would be great business. Tidy left-back, likes to press forward and can certainly pick a pass. Great coup for Leeds if it happens."
This high-octane approach is something that really would slot into Farke's system like a dovetail joint; the 46-year-old likes to implement a possession-based style with an emphasis on intelligent, quick transitions and an understanding of the desired patterns to electrify the opposition on the counter.
Given that Piquerez bombs forward like a machine, he could be the engine on the wing, playing a starring role to catapult the Elland Road side right back into the top flight, serving as the dream heir to Byram.
Byram is a solid and dependable member of Farke's team and offers a balanced skill set across both defensive flanks, ranking among the top 19% of full-backs across leagues similar to the Championship over the past year for shots taken, the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area and blocks, and the top 8% for aerial wins per 90.
The links attached to Leeds' interest are admittedly somewhat tenuous, but there is no question that prioritising the left-back position would be a prudent move in the long term.
Former Norwich defender Sam Byram.
Byram has been a good signing and has earned praise for his "important" role in the team by Farke, but age is not on his side and Piquerez could be the perfect addition to dominate the left channel for many years.
Firpo's situation is also somewhat indeterminate, and by landing a free-scoring, robust new star in Piquerez, Farke may yet acquire the tools to break back into the Premier League and then cement a position of prominence.
West Ham United are facing a summer rebuild under new manager Graham Potter, and the squad could look very different by the start of the next Premier League season.
West Ham players who could leave at the end of the season
The Hammers have some key decisions to make in regard to notable squad members, with Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings and Michail Antonio all set to leave West Ham on free deals this year as things stand.
West Ham open talks with striker's agent amid potential £62m discount
He could leave for millions less than his release clause.
By
Emilio Galantini
Feb 21, 2025
Those players’ deals expire in July, meaning they’re free to find new clubs with zero compensation to West Ham. Long-serving goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is in the same boat, but it is worth noting that Potter’s side have a one-year extension option in the Pole’s contract.
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Lucas Paqueta, who is currently at the centre of match-fixing allegations, while another star player in winger Mohammed Kudus may well leave West Ham this summer.
West Ham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Arsenal (away)
Today
Leicester City (home)
February 27th
Newcastle United (home)
March 10th
Everton (away)
March 15th
Wolves (away)
April 1st
Reports in the build-up to January claimed that Kudus is frustrated at West Ham, and the Ghanaian has so far not matched his imperious 2023/24 form with a spell of inconsistency on the field.
His contract includes an £85m release clause which will become active this summer, but it is unclear which sides would be eager to fork out such a marquee fee.
Loanee midfielder Carlos Soler is likely to return to PSG after his loan spell, while some media sources suggest that West Ham could look to sell Jean-Clair Todibo immediately after triggering the obligation to buy in his temporary deal from Nice.
West Ham have no option to buy Evan Ferguson after his loan, meaning Potter will be a striker short once again before the summer window opens.
Luizao in talks to leave West Ham with transfer expected
According to club insider ExWHUemployee, we can add young Brazilian defender Luizao to the growing list of players who are expected to depart Rush Green sooner rather than later.
The 22-year-old has found it difficult to break into West Ham’s senior side since signing for the east Londoners from Sao Paulo in 2023, with the David Moyes signing now looking for an alternate route into first-team football.
Luizao is now in talks to join Pogoń Szczecin from West Ham, and a transfer is even expected to happen in the next few days.
“Brazilian academy defender Luizao is in talks to join Polish side Pogoń Szczecin,” reported Ex.
“The player had been in talks about both a loan and permanent move and was keen to start playing first-team football.
“Despite his young age, the Brazilian has a wife and kids and is looking to settle somewhere and kick on with a first-team career. The Polish transfer window closes this Monday and Luizao is expected to make his move official before then.”
Once called a “fantastic” young player by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, his stay at West Ham has been a disappointing one.
A "wonderful" West Ham United player is reportedly "ready to leave" after being left unhappy with the club's latest offer of a new contract.
West Ham contract news
In the last few weeks, David Moyes and the Hammers board have been attempting, and often succeeding to tie down their most important senior and young stars with new deals. Star winger Jarrod Bowen, who recently put pen to paper on a contract extension till 2030, has committed his long-term future at the London Stadium and looks set to remain for many years to come.
The England international was reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, so this will come as a huge boost for West Ham, a fact not lost on Moyes who recently heralded the news.
gideon-kidoa-jarrod-bowen-west-ham-opinion
“We’re delighted Jarrod has agreed a new deal. It’s a brilliant piece of business from the club to tie him down to a new long-term contract,” he said to the West Ham website.
“His goal in Prague will live long in the memory for everyone connected to West Ham – it’s given him a platform to go from strength to strength and we’re really reaping the benefits, he’s getting better and better. He’s a fantastic boy and an outstanding professional – I’m sure his positive progress will continue over the course of his new contract.”
The Irons also tied down promising young teenager Dan Rigge, coming as more brilliant news, but the same cannot be said for midfielder Tomas Soucek. The Czech Republic midfielder could apparently be sold in January if talks over an extension don't take a positive turn, with Football Insider recently claiming that discussions have stalled over the last year.
Ben Johnson contract update
Midfielders Pablo Fornals and Conor Coventry also look likely to leave upon the expiry of their contracts next summer. Now, according to West Ham insider Claret & Hugh, young defender Ben Johnson can be added to the list of 2024 departees.
They claim that the Englishman is "ready to leave" east London after being left unhappy over West Ham's latest new contract offer. Johnson, despite "wanting to stay", will apparently quit the club along with Coventry. He's likely to remain until the summer unless West Ham sign another full-back in January.
Ben Johnson's style of play
Plays the ball off the ground often
Likes to play long balls
Likes to cross
The 23-year-old, who's started just one EFL Cup match this season, has been praised for his contribution in past seasons by former West Ham coach and ex-England international Stuart Pearce.
"The most important thing about Ben is whenever you pass him or meet him first thing in the morning, he's got a smile on his face. He takes in all the knowledge you can pass on to him," said Pearce.
"He's a wonderful professional to deal with and work with. We're very proud to have him out of our academy system as well, which is a real plus for us, especially with the connection to this club with the academy.
"I think he's just developing and getting better and better, and like with all young players, the more game time they have, the better they'll get, so I am delighted for the boy."
Arsenal are set to kick talks over a new contract for one of their star men into gear as Mikel Arteta continues to shape his squad at the Emirates Stadium, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
What's the latest news involving Arsenal?
Premier League legend Peter Schmeichel has had his say regarding Arteta's decision to rotate goalkeepers David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium and has questioned the merits of doing so.
The former Manchester United stopper stated to Premier League Productions via The Mirror: "We debate this Raya-Ramsdale situation a lot, and I only get that situation if Arteta thinks Raya is a better goalkeeper. That's the only way I can find some kind of sense in it. I think having the competition between two goalkeepers, it will just create situations in the games where they will have to go and prove themselves, and that's the one thing you don't want from your goalkeepers."
Raya returned to action between the sticks at the weekend in the Gunners' 4-0 victory over Brentford following Arteta's decision to start Ramsdale away to Brentford in midweek in a 1-0 triumph in the Carabao Cup third round, which will have given the Spaniard plenty food for thought as both performed admirably when called upon.
Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard could return to action when the Gunners visit Ligue 1 outfit Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday after he appeared on the bench and was an unused substitute in his side's comfortable triumph at the Vitality Stadium, as per Football London.
Meanwhile, Sportmediaset via reports in Spain have claimed that the Gunners have entered the hunt to sign Santos striker Marcos Leonardo in the January transfer window.
Who could sign a new contract at Arsenal?
Transfer expert Romano has taken to social media platform X to offer some insight into Ben White potentially signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, as he stated: "Arsenal are working to extend Ben White’s contract as he’s next one in the list after Martin Ødegaard. Club very happy with his performances and attitude. New deal talks to advance soon."
Poole-born White currently has three years left to run on his deal in north London and is believed to pick up a weekly wage of around £120,000 per week at Arsenal, Capology understands.
In 2023/24, White has made ten appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, registering one goal in the process against Bournemouth last weekend, as per Transfermarkt. Providing an element of combativeness and composure in possession, White has completed an average of 2.6 clearances this term alongside maintaining a passing accuracy of 87.2% in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.
Dubbed an "underrated" presence by pundit Michael Owen, White has also been a capable threat from an offensive perspective this campaign, successfully carrying out 20 shot-creating actions across his exploits in the English top-flight and Champions League, with one directly leading to a goal, as per FBRef.
Now, it is apparent that White is a key component of Arteta's vision at the Emirates Stadium and it is understandable why the Spaniard would want to tie him down on improved terms.