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Arsenal have enjoyed a fruitful start to their summer transfer window, having announced Kai Havertz as the first of what promises to be many new additions.

Mikel Arteta is wasting no time in ironing out his new-look squad for the upcoming campaign, seeking to get all his business done as early as possible.

However, one deal that has run on far longer than he would have liked has come through their pursuit of Declan Rice.

Such a lucrative switch was always going to be a tricky one to negotiate, and with Manchester City entering the race at one point too, the pressure ramped up significantly. Despite that, it now seems like they are set to get their man, with a £105m package agreed with West Ham United.

In an effort to offer him the perfect partner, and in turn emulate one of their legendary past captains, it seems their interest in Southampton's Romeo Lavia remains strong, as a fine option for £50m.

Could Romeo Lavia emulate Patrick Vieira?

Having already been branded as a "special player" by journalist Dan George, his debut season in senior football stunned many with his maturity in the engine room despite being only 19 years old.

He was a combative yet classy presence for the relegated Saints, battling for every ball but then boasting the technical gifts to progress the play.

As such, his 6.80 average rating in the Premier League was largely upheld through his 86% pass accuracy, 68% dribble success rate, 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, via Sofascore. Only Thomas Partey for the Gunners could equal his tackling tally from that term.

His lack of experience did not affect his ability to battle with the very best, and with time he is certain to only flourish further. Especially if that future is overseen at the Emirates, under the tutelage of Arteta.

Vieira was a true Arsenal legend, playing 401 games for the club and winning plenty of silverware throughout his illustrious career. His role in leading Arsene Wenger's 2003/04 team to an unbeaten league campaign is a feat that still remains unmatched today.

His longevity was not owed solely to his immense stature and relentless work rate, although it helped greatly, but also his touch of class to dictate the play. Lavia's aforementioned figures suggest that the foundation is in place for the Belgium international to one day grow into a similar player, and partner Rice for the next decade.

After all, the England international has added key offensive statistics to his already well-rounded game to make him a perfectly versatile option to highlight this summer revolution.

Last term, his 7.19 average rating would have made him the Gunners' third-best player as they pushed for the title, with his six goal contributions aided through one key pass and 2.1 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Combining these two physical assets, who both have the requisite skillset to thrive in the modern day, could prove the catalyst for truly making the north London outfit a tangible threat to Manchester City.

Kyle Walker has been touted with a shock future return to newly-promoted Sheffield United, with his time at Manchester City potentially running out.

Is Kyle Walker leaving Manchester City?

Despite having helped the Sky Blues win the treble last season, Walker could be about to call time on his six-year, trophy-laden stint at Man City. With just a year remaining on his current deal, Pep Guardiola could well cash in on the 33-year-old should they choose not to renew his contract.

According to Dharmesh Sheth, who was speaking on Sky Sports News's Transfer Talk podcast, one potential destination could be his boyhood club Sheffield United.

When quizzed about Walker, Sheth said: "I think another one to look out for, maybe not in this summer's transfer window but maybe in the coming years. I think he's always said he'd want to go back and play for his hometown club again in Sheffield United."

While Sheth admits it would be an unlikely return this summer, he went on to add that it was "definitely one to keep an eye on" as the transfer window unfolds. Sheffield United's return to the Premier League could certainly make a potential move back to the city of steel a more interesting proposition for Walker.

Walker was born in Sheffield and came through the academy at Bramall Lane and, despite only making 35 appearances for his hometown side, has previously spoken about how he would like to play for the Blades towards the end of his career.

There is, of course, a chance that Walker will complete his final season at Man City before moving on for free in the summer of 2024, which could be when he opts to make his return home.

Which clubs want Kyle Walker?

If Sheffield United are to sign the right-back, who featured 39 times for City last campaign, they will have to fend off some stern competition.

Sheth also names Bayern Munich as holding an intense interest in the defender, with Sky Germany even suggesting that the Bavarians are in "advanced talks" with Walker.

Considering Bayern are potentially looking to offload their current first-choice right-back Benjamin Pavard this summer, Walker would certainly have an opportunity to stake his claim for a starting berth under Thomas Tuchel in Germany.

Slightly more outlandish reports have even suggested that Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are interested in the 76-cap England international, although a move looks very unlikely at this stage.

Aston Villa are believed to be pushing to bring Pau Torres to Villa Park this summer and reunite him with his former manager, Unai Emery.

How old is Pau Torres?

Villa enjoyed a seriously impressive 2022/23 campaign which saw them end the season in style by pipping European-regulars Tottenham Hotspur to seventh spot.

In doing so, Emery's men have secured the opportunity to play European football next season after securing their spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.

However, it does not look as if Villa are willing to sit back and settle on what they done in the 22/23 campaign.

Indeed, reports would suggest the Villa owners are looking to take advantage of their European status by potentially bringing in some significant additions.

And one name which is seemingly on their radar is the 26-year-old Torres who has previously played under Villa's Spanish boss.

Torres has made 105 appearances under Emery from their time together at Villarreal and he has even been able to provide an impressive return of 10 goals and three assists (via Transfermarkt).

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Premier League side are now pushing to bring the Spaniard to Villa Park this summer:

"They [Tottenham] always appreciated Pau Torres, but at the moment it is Aston Villa, the club pushing for Pau."

How much does Pau Torres earn?

Villa are not the only Premier League side who are being linked with a potential move this summer for the Spaniard.

Indeed, it is believed Spurs are looking at the 26-year-old as a potential option for this summer as they look to address their own defensive issues.

However, it will be intriguing to see whether the north London side could hold a candle to Villa's proposal – at least on personal terms.

Villa have European football on the menu for next season, a manager who Torres his strived under and potentially even a more promising project.

Even financially, Villa are no small fry when it comes to the transfer window with Villa showing last summer they were willing to spend significantly on centre-back Diego Carlos.

But it does not appear the £63k-per-week is only garnering interest from England with reports from Spain (via SportWitness) suggesting Juventus are also keen on the 26-year-old.

Whether Villa could beat the likes of the Italian giants to the potential signing of Torres may be another question.

However, they certainly seem to be in a good place to launch an attractive bid for the 26-year-old.

Chelsea’s standing in the race to sign West Ham star Declan Rice is diminishing in the eyes of “multiple sources”, reports reliable journalist Ben Jacobs.

Who are Chelsea signing this summer?

The Blues will no doubt be busy in the now open summer transfer window, with Mauricio Pochettino sure to want to put a stamp on a squad that is seen by many to be oversized.

It means we will likely see plenty of ‘deadwood’ cleared out, with the likes of Kalidou Kouliably, Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah and Mateo Kovacic all linked with exits, while one would expect a new goalkeeper to replace one or both of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga too.

In terms of incomings, Todd Boehly and Pochettino are seemingly dead set on brining Brighton star Moises Caicedo to the club, with reports on Friday suggesting they are winning the race for the Ecuador international.

They have also been linked with a move for Rice, seemingly ready to do battle with London rivals Arsenal for the Hammers icon’s signature, with reports revealing the Blues have jumped into the race after seeing the Gunners rejected with their opening bid.

However, according to Jacobs, Boehly and Pochettino may have to focus all their efforts on Caicedo, with word coming through the grapevine on Rice.

“Chelsea's chances of landing Rice are being downplayed by multiple sources,” the CBS journalist said. “CFC do have a long-standing interest in him, but the club are working on other priorities as it stands.”

Is Rice better than Caicedo?

It’s pretty difficult to separate the two players looking at the numbers, so it may come down to personal preferences – or club allegiances – when deciding who the better signing will be.

Rice, labelled “world class” by Danny Cowley, sits in the 56th percentile of midfielders in the big five leagues for tackles per 90, while his interceptions puts him right up in the 95th. Caicedo meanwhile, dubbed “magnificent” by Jamie Redknapp, is 87th percentile for tackling and 89th for interceptions.

They both read the game excellently then, and there’s not much to split their abilities on the ball either, with Rice leading the way when it comes to ball-carrying and Caicedo the better passer, ranking higher for total passes and pass completion.

If the Brighton star lands at Chelsea and his West Ham counterpart finds himself in north London, there will be quite the battle for supremacy when the two come head to head next season.

An update has emerged on Wolverhampton Wanderers and their plans to improve their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Wolves?

According to the printed edition of the Portuguese outlet Record, via Sport Witness, Wolves are in the race to land Coventry City centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres, as Julen Lopetegui eyes a new number nine.

The report claims that Liga Portugal outfit Sporting are also interested in a deal for the attacker but will struggle to complete a swoop due to the Championship side valuing him at more than €20m (£17m).

Fellow Premier League side Burnley, who have been promoted to the top-flight heading into next season, are also providing competition for his signature and Record states that both Wolves and the Clarets have more financial power than Sporting.

Would Viktor Gyokeres be a good signing for Wolves?

The Sweden international could be an excellent addition to Lopetegui's squad as the striker enjoyed a terrific campaign with Coventry in the second tier and could strike up an exciting partnership with Pedro Neto.

In the Championship, Gyokeres averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.97 across 46 appearances and contributed with 21 goals and ten assists from a number nine position.

The Swedish dynamo is exceptional in front of goal and rarely wastes opportunities to find the back of the net as his 21 goals in the division came from just 16.7 xG, which suggests that he would thrive off quality service for Wolves.

This is where Neto comes into the equation as the Portuguese winger has been let down by his teammates' lack of clinical finishing in recent seasons.

Since the start of 2020/21, the attacker has created 9.72 xA in the Premier League for his fellow forwards and has only been rewarded with seven assists, whereas Gyokeres is a player who has the quality to outscore the quality of chances that come his way and could make the most of the 23-year-old's creativity.

The Coventry star, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, is also a creator himself and produced 10.87 xA in the Championship for Coventry in 22/23.

This suggests that the Swedish marksman could open up opposition defences to set up Neto, who has scored nine Premier League goals for Wolves, with chances to score.

Therefore, the pair could be an exciting duo in the final third for Lopetegui as they could provide each other with the opportunities they need to find the back of the net and punish teams in the top flight.

Crystal Palace want to sign Conor Gallagher on a permanent deal from Chelsea this summer after his loan spell at Selhurst Park was a major success.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Dean Jones writing for GIVEMESPORT, who claimed that Palace will be remaining in touch with Gallagher over the summer with manager Patrick Vieira in no doubt about wanting him back at the club. It’s said he would be a dream signing for The Eagles.

However, he could get a chance to prove himself at Chelsea, with manager Thomas Tuchel recently confirming that the player will join up with the squad for pre-season where a decision on his future will then be made.

Vieira needs him

Gallagher is vital to Palace’s progression, and his contribution to the team will be hard for Vieira to replace if they can’t land him on a permanent deal.

Of course there is the possibility of another loan, but the player is likely going to want to leave Chelsea permanently if he isn’t guaranteed game time at Stamford Bridge.

If that happens you would fancy Palace to be his first choice, however other clubs will be in the race, with recent reports saying that Everton are interested in the player. For Chelsea, it may be a case of whoever is willing to pay the most.

He is rated at £22.5m, but given his impressive performances over the past season, it wouldn’t be surprising if his parent club want more.

In 39 appearances for The Eagles he had 13 direct goal contributions, scoring the second most in the team, after Wilfried Zaha.

His overall statistics are impressive. When you compare him to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, he ranks in the top 1o% for goal creating actions.

The England international has been described as a “gem” by podcaster Reev who thinks he should be “on the plane to Qatar”.

The 22-year-old also has an incredible work rate. When compared against the same group he ranks in the top 3% for pressures in the attacking third and top 6% for tackles in the attacking third.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that another podcaster in the form of Dan Cook described him as “outrageous”.

If he’s producing numbers on those levels right now, just imagine how good he can become as he develops. Wherever he ends up playing he will be a huge asset to the team.

Palace and Vieira will be hoping he stays with them and helps improve on their solid 12th place finish.

IN other news: Contact made: Vieira now plots CPFC move for £27m-rated gem, he’s a “tackling machine”…

Journalist Roberto Rojas has revealed that Miguel Almiron could now leave Newcastle United this summer.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The 28-year-old has largely been a bit-part player this season, having only featured 32 times in total across all competitions, playing the full 90 minutes on just five occasions (Transfermarkt). Four of those were in the Magpies’ first four league games of the campaign.

With the riches at their disposal, and the amount that they spent in the January transfer window, the St James’ Park outfit will be expected to strengthen heavily again this summer, which means players like Almiron may be shown the door in order to make room for new arrivals.

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The Latest: Almiron could leave Newcastle

Taking to Twitter, Rojas has revealed that Almiron would like to play a ‘huge’ part at Newcastle next term, with as many as four clubs ‘interested’ in signing the Paraguay international should he decide to leave.

The journalist stated: “Sources tell me that Miguel Almiron is highly praised by Eddie Howe & the #NUFC brass but would also like to play a huge part at the club next season.

“Everton, Fulham, Sevilla & Napoli are among the clubs interested in the Paraguay international should a transfer be needed.”

The Verdict: Sell

Almiron currently holds a market value of £14.4m, and at 28 years of age, he is in his prime.

When you also consider his ample Premier League experience, Newcastle could demand a sizeable fee for him, so this summer seems like the best time to part ways if the Paraguayan would prefer more regular action elsewhere.

The midfielder is likely to have his game-time limited even further if and when new signings come in this summer, so for his sake, he should be looking for a move away in order to play more regularly.

In other news, NUFC have now scheduled a meeting over potentially signing this transfer target

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Paulo Dybala.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite reports to the contrary, Tottenham have in fact not opened talks with the Juventus forward regarding a summer move, before the transfer insider went on to claim that Antonio Conte is set to meet with Daniel Levy in the coming weeks to discuss Spurs’ summer strategy.

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Regarding Tottenham’s links with the 28-year-old, Romano revealed the following twist: “Tottenham have not opened talks to sign Paulo Dybala, as of [Wednesday]. There are no negotiations ongoing – ofc, the situation for Dybala’s future is still open as he’s available on a free transfer. Antonio Conte will meet [the] Tottenham board soon to discuss future plans.”

Supporters will be fuming

Considering just how impressive a signing Dybala would be for Fabio Paratici to get over the line this summer, in addition to the vast number of clubs reported to be competing for the Argentina international’s signature, the news that Tottenham are yet to make contact with the forward concerning a switch to north London is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, over his 28 Serie A appearances this season, the £36m-rated attacker has been in sensational form for the Bianconeri, scoring ten goals, registering five assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.5 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £220k-per-week forward – who can be deployed in attacking midfield, on the right-wing or up top – average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.43, not only ranking him as Massimiliano Allegri’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also as the third-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, with it being abundantly clear what a coup Dybala would be for Spurs – especially on a free transfer – it would appear highly advisable for Paratici to make a move for the 28-year-old as quickly as possible, or else Tottenham could easily find themselves lining up against the Argentine when facing one of their Premier League rivals next season.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “pathetic” £43m flop as Spurs plot £30m bid for “important” signing

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has predicted a mass squad overhaul at Newcastle United in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: A new era awaits at Newcastle

Following the completion of the protracted takeover in 2021, newly-appointed Toon manager Eddie Howe was able to sign Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Chris Wood during the January transfer window.

Those arrivals meant that previously regular first-teamers Jamal Lewis, Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden were all left out of the Premier League squad for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

Since then, the Magpies have moved clear of the threat of relegation and can already begin planning for life in the top flight next term, as Howe himself predicted that ‘difficult decisions’ regarding the squad lie ahead.

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Those plans could well include a mass exodus, according to one onlooker…

The latest: Campbell predicts multiple departures

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell – who works for talkSPORT as a pundit – has suggested that Howe will oversee plenty of changes to his Newcastle squad this summer.

The 52-year-old former Arsenal striker explained: “They have got to clear the decks. They might have to play some players off. That is the other thing that has to be considered.

“We saw Arsenal do it in order to create room in their squad for new signings. Players are on such good contracts now. Clubs have to pay players off in some cases.

“Newcastle will have a plan of what they want to do. I’m sure they have a deep budget. Adding quality to that squad is the order of the day. I don’t think it matters what department. They will be big, big movers and shakers this summer.”

The verdict: Exciting times

Following on from the euphoria of the eagerly anticipated takeover, the Newcastle faithful will have been delighted with the upturn in fortunes under Howe.

However, the recent defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City have served as a reality check as to just how far away the Magpies are from challenging in the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Similar smart recruitment akin to what was an impressive January window would suffice for the Toon, whilst the likes of Lewis, Clark and Hayden in particular could be fearing for their futures at St James’ Park as the new-look hierarchy make their intentions known.

Beyond that outcast trio, the likes of lesser-seen players such as Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle (just 22 combined Newcastle appearances this season) might all be fearing for their roles in Howe’s plans, should Campbell be on the money with his prediction.

In other news, talkSPORT man admits ‘concern’ over Newcastle star

Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has criticised Leeds United forward Rodrigo over one moment in the 4-0 defeat against Manchester City. 

The lowdown: Humbling loss for Leeds

The Whites ended up on the wrong side of a mauling at Elland Road despite being competitive in the contest for the most part.

Goals from Rodri, Nathan Ake, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho condemned Jess Marsch’s side to a defeat which leaves Leeds 17th in the Premier League, five points clear of Everton, who have two games in hand.

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Despite the heavy scoreline, the hosts were able to carve out opportunities to attack, although one pundit was less than impressed with the quality in the final third.

The latest: Murphy slams Rodrigo

Speaking live on Match of the Day (Saturday, April 30), former Liverpool ace Murphy slammed Rodrigo for his inability to find Raphinha and take advantage of a promising moment.

The 45-year-old fumed: “These are the moments you don’t get very often against the top sides. In the first half, they have quite a few of them. No awareness, don’t even think he knew he was there. Ends up being a poor shot.”

Overall the Spaniard lost possession 14 times (third-most of any Leeds player), misplaced nine of his 32 passes (28%) and was replaced on 83 minutes following a 6.60 rated display from Sofascore.

The verdict: Poor showing

Despite the calibre of opposition, this was a below-par performance from Rodrigo and his team-mates which leaves Marsch’s side fully embroiled in a relegation battle in the run-in.

The 31-year-old remains on six goals and one assist from 30 appearances this season in the frequent absences of Patrick Bamford, a far from fearsome tally from the versatile Spaniard. Indeed, criticisms like the one from Murphy might explain why goals have been so hard to come by for him, if he keeps making the wrong decisions in attack.

With fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea up next, Leeds and indeed Rodrigo will have to learn from their squandered chances fast and capitalise on each and every one in order to ease their relegation fears.

In other news, find out what ‘phenomenal’ Leeds update has this injury expert wowed