Arsenal could still make their move for Cody Gakpo before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones, who delivered an update on the Gunners’ hunt for a new winger to GIVEMESPORT earlier this week.

“[Moussa] Diaby is going to be a hard one. [Bayer] Leverkusen basically just don’t want to lose him at this point, they feel like they’re going to have a good season, so I don’t think that doors going to open,” he revealed.

“Cody Gakpo is still one to look out for if they look abroad for the signing.”

The north London giants have been mooted with interest in the PSV Eindhoven star for much of the summer by the Dutch press and it’s believed that the 23-year-old would cost north of €40m (£34m).

Bye-bye Pepe

The Netherlands international would be a fine addition to Mikel Arteta’s ranks, largely because he is capable of playing multiple different roles in the attack.

Primarily a left-winger, where he has already provided three goals and two assists already this campaign, Gakpo was also tasked with leading the line on a couple of occasions in 2021/22. Overall, he delivered a whopping 21 goals and 15 assists, even taking the armband in some matches, as per Transfermarkt.

Gakpo has even revealed his admiration for the Gunners as a club, having looked up to legendary striker Thierry Henry as a kid. He too started out life as a winger before transitioning into one of the Premier League’s deadliest marksmen under Arsene Wenger.

“Everybody wants to play one time in the Prem. I don’t favour one team but I like Arsenal a lot,” he once told The Sun. “I looked up to Henry when I was younger because he was a tall guy who played on the wing.”

Meanwhile, the Dutchman’s fine form over the past 12 months has seen plenty of praise land his way – talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him “phenomenal” and “special,” whilst Telegraaf reporter Wierd Duk dubbed him an “enormous talent” on Twitter.

Arsenal’s interest in a new attacker, such as Gakpo or Diaby, surely spells trouble for club-record signing Nicolas Pepe, who has been something of a flop since Unai Emery signed him for an eye-watering £72m from Lille back in 2019. Such has been his rapid decline that he’s even been linked with the exit door.

“Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe,” the ex-Gunners boss told reporters at the time. “Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I’m delighted he’s joining. He will add pace, power and creativity, with the aim of bringing more goals to our team.”

But we’ve seen anything but that from the Ivory Coast international. It’s been only the 27 goals and 21 assists across 112 appearances (one G/A every 137 minutes) and he was limited to only five Premier League starts last season.

One particularly drab display against Newcastle saw GOAL journalist Charles Watts lambast the 27-year-old: “Nicolas Pepe’s performance, his cameo when he came on last night, was an utter disaster.

“It could well be his final game in an Arsenal shirt at the weekend.”

Well, a move for Gakpo would all but confirm this fate for the shocking Emery flop. The Dutchman, on the above evidence, would be a considerable upgrade, given just how prolific and creative he has been for PSV in the past year.

For £34m, it would be worth every penny, so technical director Edu Gaspar must now seal his signature before deadline day on September 1st.

AND in other news, Arteta could unearth Arsenal’s next Martinelli in “versatile” teen with a “big future”…

Celtic should go all out to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, says former frontman Frank McAvennie. 

The lowdown: Celtic make first official bid

Recently, the Hoops have been among the clubs most heavily linked with a move for Barkley, who seemingly faces an uncertain future at the Premier League giants.

The 28-year-old England international hasn’t featured in either match-day squad so far this season and spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season before returning to London.

Amidst interest from West Ham, Newcastle, Villa and a return to boyhood club Everton, it was reported over the weekend that the Hoops have jumped to the front of the queue by making the first official loan offer, with the move personally green-lit by Ange Postecoglou.

The latest: ‘That’s what we need’

Reacting in a chat with Football Insider, McAvennie suggested that Postecoglou’s squad would benefit immensely from the addition of the 33-cap Liverpudlian.

He said: “I think big clubs like Celtic need big players and Ross Barkley is a big player. He’s a quality player and I think it would be great for Celtic, great for Scottish football if a player like that comes up. It’s not like Aaron Ramsey who came from Juventus and was injured a lot, Barkley is fit.

“I think he enjoys his football. I’m a great believer, if you’re not getting a game, you’ve got to go and play football. Why wouldn’t he come to Celtic? They’re in the Champions League, they’ve started magnificently in the league. It would be great to get him on board.

“I think he can play anywhere. He’s an attacking midfielder, he can sit as well. I think that’s what we need at the moment. There will come a time when we have to defend and that’s when we’re going to need somebody with experience, to sit in there. Any good player coming to Celtic would improve the team.”

The verdict: No brainer

Albeit the Celtic squad is already blessed with a host of impressive midfield options, adding a player of Barkley’s ilk to the Lennoxtown ranks would always offer a welcome boost to the chances of racking up silverware in any campaign.

A vastly experienced operator of 232 English top flight outings, the attacking midfielder has directly contributed to 57 Premier League goals during what has been a prominent career at the elite level to date and would no doubt waste little time in adapting to life in the Scottish Premiership.

Valued at £10.8million and in the final 12 months of a deal at Chelsea (Transfermarkt), agreeing a permanent option at the end of the loan could even prove no issue for the Celtic Park hierarchy, although finding an agreement on a current £100,000 per week salary could prove a difficult hurdle to overcome.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Crystal Palace transfer target Hirving Lozano may be tempted to work under Patrick Vieira in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Lozano linked with Palace

Reports last month claimed that the Eagles are interested in signing the Mexican from Napoli this summer, with the winger thought to be open to a move to the English top flight. The 26-year-old’s new representatives apparently have a positive relationship with Selhurst Park officials, with West Ham also keen on the player.

Lozano, who was dubbed ‘entertaining’ by BBC writer Statman Dave, is under contract with Napoli until 2024 and is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke believes that the Vieira factor could give the Eagles a chance of signing the Mexico international, claiming:

“It would definitely be an advantage to Crystal Palace in trying to sign any player, and I’m sure a lot of players across Europe, in the world, would love the opportunity to work under Patrick Vieira and learn under him as well.

“And that’d be no different for Lozano or anybody else, and that’s also an added bonus for Crystal Palace having that up their sleeve – Patrick Vieira’s reputation helping them maybe attract some transfer targets.”

The Verdict: Offer needed

Lozano has played in European competition over the past five seasons, so a move to Selhurst Park could be an ambitious one due to where Palace are currently at under Vieira.

However, with the player thought to be keen on moving to England, it could be worth testing the water with an official bid for the 26-year-old.

You don’t know until you try, and Lozano could represent a massive coup for the Eagles given his ability to play anywhere across the front three, while also scoring goals wherever he has been during his career for club and country.

Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu this summer, and the Wales international could be the ideal man to replace Conor Coady at Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Italy, a number of Serie A clubs are interested in taking the former Exeter City man on loan, while he has also attracted the interest of Wolves.

However, they suggest that Ampadu is keen on a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge as he seeks regular first-team football, which looks unlikely at Stamford Bridge following the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly and the potential addition of Wesley Fofana.

Ideal Coady heir?

Wolves made the somewhat surprising decision to loan out their captain to Premier League rivals Everton earlier this month, with Bruno Lage seemingly set to favour a four-at-the-back formation this season.

While Nathan Collins has arrived from Wolves, partnering Max Kilman in the heart of Lage’s defence, you could argue that more cover is needed in that position before the transfer window shuts.

Lage does have Willy Boly available too but the Ivorian’s form last season, when he was ranked as one of Wolves’ worst performers in the Premier League, suggests that he won’t be featuring too much this season.

The Portuguese boss also has young options in Yerson Mosquera and Toti, but neither have much Premier League experience, so Ampadu could definitely be a shrewd acquisition when you consider his experience and versatility.

The Welshman, despite being just 21, has been a regular in each of the last two seasons with Sheffield United and Venezia respectively, so will undoubtedly be looking for another season of first-team football.

Ampadu is also capable of playing in defensive midfield, which is where Coady started his career at Liverpool before adopting the centre-back role during his time at Molineux.

The Chelsea youngster, who was dubbed “versatile” by his Wales manager Rob Page, earned a lot of praise from Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom during his time at Bramall Lane.

He said: “The biggest thing with Ethan is his application and his love of the game and his professionalism to be as good as he can be. That’s a real bonus of him if you like, and he’ll fulfil his potential, wherever that may be.

“He’s been used in a number of positions cos he’s got a good brain and he knows the roles. But he’s also keen to find a position that he can become a master in and that’s something I’ve encouraged with Ethan.

“It can be an attribute that you can fill all the gaps. But I think Ethan has aspirations to be a top player at the top teams and at international level, so I think to become a master in one position will help him with that.”

Considering Ampadu is still only young, he could definitely adjust to whatever role Lage wanted to utilise him in, and the Welshman could prove to be the ideal man to replace Coady in Wolves’ squad this summer.

Crystal Palace have reportedly made a late move to sign Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, as they look to hijack Leeds United’s bid to sign the Senegal international.

What’s the word?

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Palace are keen to sign the 24-year-old, despite him being in advanced discussions with Leeds.

Sarr is keen to return to the Premier League after suffering relegation with Watford last season, and Palace could have the edge on Jesse Marsch’s side, as the report claims that they need to part ways with an attacker before signing the Hornets man.

Those claims were backed up by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who said yesterday: “Crystal Palace working on deal to sign Ismaila Sarr from Watford. No formal bid yet but interest firm & discussions ongoing. CPFC SD Dougie Freedman at Birmingham tonight but 24yo left out, injury precaution.”

Vieira would love him

As was evidenced on Monday night in the draw against Liverpool, when Ebere Eze and Wilfried Zaha combined for the goal, Vieira loves to set his side up to be dangerous on the counter-attack, and Sarr’s incredible pace makes him an ideal candidate for Palace’s front three.

The 24-year-old was recorded as one of the fastest players in the Premier League last season at 21.67mph, while WhoScored suggests that he excels at dribbling and finishing, which suggests that he would complement the likes of Zaha, Eze and Michael Olise well.

Former teammate Ben Foster was in awe of Sarr’s speed and ability last season, saying:

“He is a bit of a freak, honestly he is.

“I still don’t think people understand quite how quick Ismaila Sarr is. His acceleration off from a standing start is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. And genuinely, I’m being genuine there, I’ve never seen anybody accelerate from a standing start as quick as he does.”

With that in mind, the former Stade Rennais winger is capable of changing a game in an instant, as was evidenced by his staggering goal from the halfway line in Watford’s recent draw against West Brom. That moment of magic is something which Vieira’s current winger options of Zaha, Eze and Olise all possess too.

Last season saw the speedy wide man contribute five goals and two assists in a poor Watford side, so there is no reason why he couldn’t excel in a team that shouldn’t be worried about relegation this season.

Sarr, who is reportedly valued at £25m, could fit seamlessly into Vieira’s system and style of play at Selhurst Park, and would definitely cause problems for defenders with his speed. Thus, the French manager would surely love to see him join the Eagles this summer.

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on the future of reported West Ham United transfer target Amadou Onana.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter revealed that, following a number of reports linking David Moyes’ side with a move for the LOSC Lille defensive midfielder this summer, the Premier League side have now agreed a €40m (£33.5m) deal for the Belgium international.

The journalist went on to state that, as of Wednesday, the deal is still a long way from being completed, as personal terms with the 20-year-old are still yet to be agreed upon.

In his tweet, Sheth said: “West Ham United agree a fee with Lille for midfielder Amadou Onana. Fee understood to be €40m including add-ons. Deal LONG way from being done – personal terms not close to being agreed. Lille reluctant sellers but conscious they may not get deal like this again.”

“Masterclass” signing for Moyes

Considering just how exciting a prospect Onana very much appears to be, the news that West Ham now look to be closing in on a deal to bring the one-cap international to the London Stadium this summer – potentially beating the likes of Arsenal to the midfielder’s signature – undoubtedly represents a huge coup for Moyes and his side.

Indeed, over his 32 Ligue 1 fixtures last time out, the £9m-rated youngster enjoyed a sensational campaign, scoring one goal and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

These returns saw the £5.5k-per-week talent who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “masterclass” average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.85, ranking him as Les Dogues’ joint ninth-best player in the league last season.

Further still, according to FBref, the former Hamburger SV starlet also ranks in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for tackles per 90, as well as the top 21% for aerial duels won, the top 24% for clearances and the top 25% for interceptions over the past 12 months. All of that would make him a rather dominative partner for a certain Declan Rice in the middle of the park as the Irons aim to push hard for an elusive European trophy and a place among the Premier League’s top six.

Therefore, while it is true that Onana is very much at the beginning of his professional career at the highest level of the game, considering just how much raw potential the 20-year-old evidently possesses, should West Ham go on to seal a deal for the Belgian sensation, and Moyes’ men do indeed go far in Europe, it would undoubtedly be something of a transfer masterclass for the east London side.

Celtic are reportedly not plotting a move to bring Jani Atanasov to Parkhead this summer, despite rampant speculation in recent days.

What’s the word?

According to Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, the Hoops are not believed to be eyeing a swoop for the Hajduk Split midfielder this summer, amid suggestion that the 22-year-old is a player of interest for the Scottish champions.

Writing on Twitter about the North Macedonia international, the transfer insider stated: “As for Jani Atanasov, nothing in pipeline, as far as we understand.”

A deal is, however, believed to be imminent for 23-year-old winger, Sead Haksabanovic, with the former West Ham United starlet closing in on a move to Glasgow.

Postecoglou frustrated

It will seemingly come as a blow that the Old Firm giants are not in for the 6 foot 2 menace, with manager Ange Postecoglou likely to be frustrated at potentially not being able to bolster his midfield ranks again before the September deadline.

While the title-winning coach has already brought in compatriot Aaron Mooy so far this summer – having also signed the likes of James McCarthy, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate last season – further depth could well be needed this season, particularly in a holding role.

The Scottish Premiership outfit are still lacking in that department after seeing long-serving gem Nir Bitton depart the club – alongside playmaker Tom Rogic – while Ismaila Soro has been shipped out on loan to Portuguese side, FC Arouca.

That has left Callum McGregor as the first-choice option at the base of the midfield, albeit with the Scotland international also adept in a more advanced starting berth, with the lack of a viable alternative in the pivot role likely to be of concern.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Atanasov would seemingly have been able to help plug that gap having impressed in Croatia of late, scoring five goals and recording two assists in 59 games in all competitions for his current side thus far.

An imposing presence in front of the back four, the one-cap warrior notably averaged 1.6 tackles and won 65% of his aerial duels from his 21 league games last term, with that record similar to that of the aforementioned McGregor, for instance, who averaged 1.5 tackles per game and won 71% of his aerial duels in the 2021/22 campaign.

It would seemingly make sense to have a figure who can slot in for the ever-reliable skipper on occasion, particularly with Celtic competing on a number of fronts this season, hence Postecoglou’s potential frustration that a deal for Atanasov may not be in the works.

Nottingham Forest have already made 12 signings this summer but are showing no signs of slowing down as the club sets out to secure yet another transfer to improve their Premier League squad this season.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Olympique de Marseille striker Bamba Dieng.

As per the report, the newly-promoted club are keen to bolster their forward line and are targeting the Senegalese forward this summer to complete their team.

Imagine him & Johnson

Following the departure of Lewis Grabban and with Keinan Davis returning to Aston Villa following his loan spell at The City Ground, it is fair to say that the Forest forward line has been weakened.

Not only have Forest had their fair share of outgoings, when you look back to the performance against Newcastle United last weekend it is no wonder Cooper is keen to sign Dieng over the final weeks of the transfer window. The Garibaldi put in a less than inspiring performance in terms of attacking and creativity in front of goal.

On their visit to St James’ Park in the first game of the season, Cooper’s side created no big chances and failed to register a single shot on target over their first game of the season, something that will need to be drastically improved upon if the club are intending to retain their status in the top flight.

In Ligue 1 last season, Dieng gave glimpses of his quality in the Marseille team, contributing to the French club’s second-place finish behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The 22-year-old striker scored seven goals, delivered one assist, created four big chances and took 1.5 shots per game, but Dieng wasn’t just performing at club level.

The £15m-valued talent played his part in the first-ever African Cup of Nations victory for Senegal making five appearances and scoring a goal in the round of 16 against Cape Verde, despite only being on the pitch for 20 minutes.

Dieng has even been compared to fellow African player and Premier League legend Didier Drogba, with El Hadji Diouf making the comparison between the young striker and Drogba’s style of play in the forward position (via RMC Sport):

“I knew him with the national youth team. He is a striker, a Didier Drogba. All he knows how to do is score goals,

“If he has three opportunities, he can convert two. He’s a striker who ends up in the box.”

Cooper could even form a fantastic strike partnership between Dieng and fellow young talent Brennan Johnson who last season caught the attention of the football world following his fantastic attacking displays in the Championship.

The 2022 Championship Young Player of the Year is renowned for his pace, creativity, dribbling and ball control, attributes that could be useful for a player like Dieng who likes to focus on his finishing inside the box.

Last term, the Welshman scored a mighty 19 goals, proving he could be a devastating partner for Dieng in the final third. He could also supply the Marseille forward with a bucket load of assists, elevating the potential new signing’s ability to find the net thanks to the nine assists he also registered throughout 2021/22.

Thus, if he can continue to be the creative force in the Forest team that can serve the striker the shot-creating actions needed for the Senegal star to finish off in front of goal, it could be a fantastic piece of business for the club. That said, they will need to act fast as it is reported that Newcastle United, Leeds United, West Ham United and Celtic are also interested in the striker this summer.

Rangers could make Malik Tillman’s loan move permanent if they reach the Champions League group stage, according to former goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

The Lowdown: Tillman joins on loan

The 20-year-old joined the Gers on loan earlier in the summer transfer window, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst identifying him as a strong option.

Tillman arrived at Ibrox from Bayern Munich and he has already scored once in his first three Scottish Premiership appearances this season, with former Gers goalkeeper Craig Moore describing him as ‘very dangerous’.

While the American’s current move is only a temporary one, it could be that Rangers look to acquire his services over a more sustained period eventually.

The Latest: Permanent move mooted

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League ‘keeper Kenny claimed that qualification for the next stage of the Champions League could prove pivotal regarding Malik’s future:

“It’s exactly that. That is the difference with qualifying for the Champions League. It’s £40million. That is how important it is and how important these two games are against PSV. it is great for the club if they get to the group stage, whatever happens.

“But the financial side of that is very important for Rangers, for all clubs. It makes signings like that possible.

“It keeps them within touch distance of Celtic who, of course, already have that money in the bank.”

The Verdict: Vital few games

The two upcoming matches against PSV Eindhoven could potentially prove to be season-defining for Rangers, given the magnitude of the Champions League.

In truth, Van Bronckhorst’s men are arguably the underdogs to progress to the group stage, but if they get the better of the Dutch giants it can only be a positive, in terms of Malik’s situation.

The youngster is clearly going to find it hard to become a regular for Bayern, and if he sees Rangers as a genuine Champions League club, he could see his long-term future belonging there.

Former Celtic frontman Frank McAvennie has revealed his ‘delight’ after on-loan defender Moritz Jenz hinted at a permanent move to Parkhead. 

The lowdown: ‘Long-term’

Signed from French Ligue 1 outfit Lorient on a season-long loan with an option to buy, Jenz has already made himself a fan favourite at Celtic Park with a goal in each of the two opening Scottish Premiership fixtures.

The 23-year-old German central defender was formerly part of the Fulham youth system and is looking to rekindle a stalling career north of the border.

Albeit currently only a temporary stay, Jenz has already suggested a ‘long term’ stay in Glasgow could be on the cards and one heavily invested pundit has reacted joyously…

The latest: ‘He wants to stay’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Hoops striker McAvennie has given his verdict on the possibility of Jenz extending his stay.

He said: “Jenz has already said he wants to stay beyond his loan period. It just shows you the influence of the fans. That can only be good for Celtic.

“And he looks the part. I’m delighted. I kept saying last year that they needed a strong centre-half and he looks as if him and [Cameron] Carter-Vickers is going to be a good partnership.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Celtic have an impressive recent track record of persuading impressive loan stars to stay beyond their initial spell having landed Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis this summer.

Having seemingly ousted Stephen Welsh in the pecking order, the Berlin-born talent has made a strong start to life as part of the Lennoxtown ranks.

Whilst it remains early days, with an outstanding average Sofascore rating of 7.55 whilst winning 5.5 duels per game and completing 85 per cent of all passes, Ange Postecoglou could be excused for beginning to consider the prospect of tying down the 6 foot 2 centre-back beyond this season.

Hailed for a ‘great’ debut performance against Ross County by the Bhoys’ boss, the £2.25million valued youngster seems to have acclimatised himself with ease to life in Scotland and McAvennie is right to be pleased with the prospect Jenz become a Celtic player long term.