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Arsenal have been gifted a big injury boost before they play Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe ‘will be in the squad’.

The Lowdown: Injury problems

Smith Rowe has been out of action for Arsenal for a month now, and has been limited to just 62 minutes of football all season.

He has been struggling with a close to making the squad for their 3-1 loss at home to Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The Latest: In the squad

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference on Friday morning, Arteta confirmed, among giving updates on the fitness of Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus, that Smith Rowe ‘will be in the squad’ providing that he is fine after training (via Football Daily):

“We have to assess him (Partey) today again, he had a little muscle discomfort. Emile will be training today, so if he’s fine he will be in the squad and Gabi is still not there.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Having Smith Rowe in the squad will give the team and supporters a big boost ahead of what looks to be a crucial clash now against Villa.

The Gunners have failed to win in their last three Premier League games, having lost to Everton and drawn to Brentford as well as losing to City most recently.

Against City, Arteta did not have too many forward-thinking options on his bench, with Leandro Trossard the standout ahead of youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reiss Nelson, who has only just returned from injury himself.

Smith Rowe was a star player for the North Londoners last season, scoring ten goals and making a further two assists in the Premier League, and still has so much potential at just 22 years of age.

Nonetheless, Arteta would surely relish the chance to bring the Englishman on at Villa Park, should his side need fresh legs and an extra attacking impetus.

League leaders Celtic swept to yet another Scottish Premiership win with victory over Livingston on Wednesday evening, with Ange Postecoglou’s side having seemingly sealed the points within the opening 45 minutes amid what was a scintillating first-half display at Parkhead.

Having already beaten David Martindale’s men on two occasions already this season, the Old Firm outfit made it three from three as a result of that rampant opening, with reliable left-back Greg Taylor netting the game’s opening goal with a stunning, fizzing strike from just inside the area.

That breathtaking effort was then followed by a far more fortuitous goal just minutes later, with Daizen Maeda evoking memories of his almost comical opener in the Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over Kilmarnock at Hampden Park, as the ball ricocheted in off the Japan international following an attempted clearance from Ayo Obileye.

Things got even worse for the luckless visitors on the stroke of half-time as man of the moment Kyogo Furuhashi netted his 18th league goal of the season, the diminutive speedster latching onto Matt O’Riley’s lofted through ball before expertly slotting home on his weaker left foot.

That was to be the end of Livi’s misery as the hosts coasted to a rather comfortable win in truth, ensuring that the Bhoys remain nine points clear of bitter rivals Rangers at the summit.

On a night in which it was that man Taylor who stole the headlines due to his first-half piledriver – having recorded 145 touches in total as a marker of his relentless impact down the left flank – Postecoglou will no doubt have also been impressed by Reo Hatate’s standout showing, with the 25-year-old having been something of an unsung hero at the heart of the midfield.

The former Kawasaki Frontale man notably played his part in the home side’s opener after teeing up Taylor with a clever pullback, having initially shown great skill to expertly turn his man on the edge of the area.

Such a telling impact epitomised the playmaker’s creative flair on the night, with Celtic Way’s Tony Haggerty writing that the one-cap maestro had been ‘picking out passes and crosses at will’, having illustrated just why he is something of a ‘baller’.

The £12k-per-week man unsurprisingly offered a real dynamic and forward-thinking presence from his midfield berth after completing all three of his attempted dribbles, having also shone as a result of his work off the ball after winning six of his eight ground duels.

Such an impactful display ensured that the 5 foot 8 machine was rewarded with a 7.7 match rating, as per Sofascore, with that only bettered by the aforementioned Taylor (8.2) among any player for either side.

That 75-minute outing has also laid bare just why the “outstanding” asset – as previously lauded by former Celtic Park hero Chris Sutton – has remained a regular fixture in Postecoglou’s side, with last night’s encounter having been his 17th start in a row in the league.

Under a manager who has been no stranger to rotation during his time in Glasgow, that is a testament to just how highly-regarded the Japanese gem is by the title-winning coach.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest weaknesses under Antonio Conte has been in defence, perhaps surprisingly so having earned a reputation for being a tactical genius and always defensively sound.

Such exploits saw him clinch a Premier League with Chelsea, whilst he ended Inter Milan’s near-decade-long duck of not winning the Serie A.

The Lilywhites, without silverware since 2008, have proven to be his toughest test in the managerial dugout with the top four seemingly their ceiling, though if he’s to elevate them to the next level, then defensive additions will likely be the priority in the summer.

However, you can’t help but feel that the Italian would be better stocked had chairman Daniel Levy listened to former manager Jose Mourinho, who was keen to sign Kim Min-jae, who is now starring for current Italian leaders Napoli.

Speaking during the recent transfer window, the Portuguese revealed that he wanted to sign the South Korean colossus ahead of his AS Roma side facing him.

“I can tell you a story about one of their players. I spoke to him on FaceTime and wanted to buy him at Tottenham, but Tottenham didn’t help me,” said Mourinho,” he said (via Football Italia).

“The player cost €10m, Tottenham offered 5. A deal could be done for €7-8m, but at that time Tottenham couldn’t spend money. I spoke to the lad two or three times via FaceTime, he really wanted to come, but he couldn’t come.”

Min-jae swapped his home country and domestic giants Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for China in a $6m (£5m) deal back in 2019 before Fenerbahce paid just €3m (£2.65m) for his signature in 2021.

Gli Azzurri then snatched him up for €18m (£16m) and he has since emerged as one of the Serie A’s best central defenders, such is the case with Naples outfit leading the division, both for points tally and fewest goals conceded.

The 23-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 3, would have been an ideal fit for Conte’s typically unbreakable defensive structure, a system that is usually reliant on restricting the opposition’s chances.

Instead, he’s got Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez. Oh, and Clement Lenglet on loan.

Min-jae is Luciano Spalletti’s highest-rated centre-back for the campaign so far, where he has combined his titan-like stature with impressive ball-playing tendencies, resulting in an average of 2.65 points per game when he’s on the pitch.

His 90.2% passing accuracy, via FBref, is better than all of Spurs’ current regular starters, whilst an average of 4.10 clearances and 2.82 tackles and interceptions per 90 is equally impressive and commanding.

Perhaps the north Londoners should go back in for the self-proclaimed “monster”, given he’s got a reported €50m (£45m) release clause, which will come into play from July this year.

Either way, it’s clear that Mourinho was right to bring Min-jae to the club’s attention. Levy must surely be red-faced to see his meteoric rise in the three or so years since he rejected the opportunity to sign him for as little as £6m.

AND in other news, Paratici could land Son heir as Spurs eye “generational” £45m-rated “difference-maker”…

Vinny O’Connor has claimed live on Sky Sports that he expects Frank Lampard to lose his job at Everton at some point today.

The Lowdown: Change on the horizon

As things stand, not many people would be backing Everton to avoid the drop as they sit second from bottom and have won just once in their last 14 games across all competitions, leaving the Toffees in real danger.

Their two most recent defeats have been the most damaging, with Everton losing to relegation rivals Southampton and West Ham in back-to-back meetings, as well as Wolves not long before that.

Therefore, talk of Lampard being sacked won’t be much of a surprise. However, it won’t likely please Evertonians given they are desperate for change at boardroom level, rather than simply in the dugout.

The Latest: Lampard set for the sack

O’Connor has been positioned outside of Everton’s Finch Farm training ground as many await the news of what the future holds for Lampard – and it doesn’t look positive.

He said: “I think there is an inevitability about it. In fact, we are hearing that, effectively, a decision has been taken and the expectation is that at some point today, it will be announced that Frank  Lampard will be leaving his post as Everton manager.”

The Verdict: Writing has been on the wall

It’s simply inexcusable for a club like Everton to be languishing in the bottom three, and while many will point towards the board for this, the fact that Lampard has recently lost against teams who’ve all been in the bottom three at kick-off shines a very poor light on the beleaguered boss.

Therefore, even if a new manager only brings about a small bounce back, it would be better than the current form they are showing – and Farhad Moshiri will surely be looking to do anything he can to keep the club in the league, despite bizarrely claiming that sacking Lampard would not be his responsibility.

However, doing so would be in the owner’s interests, as aside from maintaining the club’s top-flight status, Moshiri has reportedly been looking to sell the club, and if they were to drop down into the Championship, the value would likely plummet significantly.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a warning from former shot-stopper Paul Robinson about signing Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing Amrabat

CalcioMercato detail that Antonio Conte specifically requested that Tottenham sign Amrabat in the summer, and he is still said to be keen, with journalist Hanif Ben Berkane claiming that the manager is ‘especially’ interested in the Morocco international.

With a move for the 26-year-old not transpiring in the last transfer window, Spurs are now set to face increased competition for his services, amid reported interest from the likes of Liverpool and Marseille.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments

Although Conte clearly holds the maestro in very high esteem, Robinson, now a pundit for Sky Sports, Astro and Bein Sports, remains unconvinced that he is a worthwhile signing for the Lilywhites, telling Football Insider:

“I’ve been impressed with Amrabat. He has been brilliant throughout the World Cup.

“There is always a few players who surprise and shine at major tournaments. It is difficult to sign a player off the back of a few performances in the World Cup though. It would be a risk if Spurs signed him.

“If Amrabat can continue this form when he returns to Italy then maybe it would be worthwhile trying to sign him next summer. I’m not sure you can make a signing off the back of three or four games.”

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The Verdict: Worth it?

Robinson indicates that Tottenham would simply be signing the Moroccan because of his performances at the World Cup, but this is not the case, as Conte had an interest in him long before the tournament began.

It has been documented that Spurs would be required to pay at least £26m for the £30k-per-week earner, but if his performances in Qatar are anything to go by, that would be a very fair price.

Amrabat has featured in all five games for Morocco, putting in some very impressive displays, none more so than against Spain in the round of 16, a game in which he won seven of eight duels, dominating proceedings in the middle of the park.

Journalist Joe Crann lauded the enforcer as ‘excellent’ earlier in the tournament, while Ben Browning highlighted his importance in making his national side ‘so difficult to break down’, a quality that would be highly desired at Tottenham, given that they have already shipped 21 goals in the Premier League this season.

Sheffield Wednesday have been rocked by the news that centre-back Michael Ihiekwe is out injured for a couple of months, journalist Joe Crann has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Ihiekwe injured v Mansfield

The 30-year-old has been a key figure for the Owls so far this season, playing his part in their League One promotion push and making 18 starts in the division.

Unfortunately, Ihiekwe was injured in the recent 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup second round, meaning that he missed Saturday’s goalless league draw away to Derby County.

A fresh update has emerged regarding the defender’s fitness, and it’s one that Darren Moore won’t want to hear.

The Latest: Crann confirms bad news

Taking to Twitter in sharing a report for The Star, Crann claimed that Ihiekwe is expected to be missing for a few months with a knee problem:

“A bitter injury blow for #SWFC as Michael Ihiekwe is ruled out ‘for a couple of months’ after sustaining knee ligament damage. No surgery required, but Wednesday don’t expect him back until early next year.”

The Verdict: Massive blow for Owls

This is a huge setback for Wednesday, with Ihiekwe performing so well in general this season, putting his experience and consistency to good use, averaging 3.6 clearances per game in the league.

With Ben Heneghan also a long-term absentee with a knee injury of his own, Moore’s centre-back options are now limited, which will be a big concern heading into a busy festive period.

It could even lead to the Owls delving into the transfer market for a new defender in January, with injuries threatening to derail their promotion charge if they are not careful.

West Bromwich Albion have produced an admirable amount of youth talent in recent years, with a new crop seemingly on the precipice of breaking through.

Carlos Corberan might be seemingly walking into a club in turmoil, unexpectedly finding themselves at the wrong end of the Championship table, but the future certainly looks bright for the Baggies.

Whilst Reyes Cleary might steal the headlines as the standout youth product, one man who might benefit the Spanish boss even more is a versatile winger who could hold down the right wing-back slot for the foreseeable future.

It could also spell the end at The Hawthorns for the ageing Matt Phillips.

Tom Fellows will surely be delighted with Corberan’s appointment, given how the former Huddersfield Town manager employs a 3-4-3 system which thrives on impressive wide men.

The 19-year-old is currently earning his first taste of regular senior football on loan at Crawley Town, with his exploits and versatility earning praise.

Even as far back as Valerien Ismael’s reign, the youngster was on the radar, as his former Baggies boss outlined his “quality” after what he described as a “good debut for him”.

Having already played nine times for Crawley, he has actually played in five different positions, a tremendous marker of his versatility. With one assist to his name already, Fellows has quickly established himself as a mainstay in Kevin Betsy’s side.

He has proven himself to be a step above youth football, as indicated by a return of 12 goals and nine assists in 35 games at under-18 level.

The fact that he already has eight first-team appearances for West Brom further emphasises how highly he is regarded at The Hawthorns, and upon returning from what will hopefully be a successful loan spell, he can then start working on impressing the new manager at Albion.

A full season playing League Two football should help his development no end, thus displacing the 31-year-old Phillips, who has just two goal contributions in 16 Championship games this term.

Although the Scot is a dependable option on the right flank, an injection of youth will always be well received by the team and supporters alike.

Corberan has an underrated gem on his hands who should improve with each passing game. Next season, the 39-year-old could have the perfect player for his system right under his nose.

Leeds United have entered the race to sign a new Wales gem on loan to join current international trio Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Joe Rodon.

Leeds eyeing three more signings before deadline

The Whites were involved in a chaotic 3-3 opening weekend draw with Portsmouth in the Championship on Saturday, with Brenden Aaronson’s stoppage-time equaliser rescuing a point for Daniel Farke's side in a game that they dominated at Elland Road.

The games come thick and fast for the rest of the month, with the 49ers Enterprises working behind the scenes on more additions before the August 30 deadline.

So far, Leeds have brought in Rodon, Jayden Bogle and Alex Cairns on permanent transfers, whereas Joe Rothwell has joined on loan. More still seems to be wanted, though, especially after losing the likes of Archie Gray, Glen Kamara and Crysencio Summerville.

Related Leeds looking at "unreal" late signing who could replace Bogle & Wober

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Speaking in his pre-match Portsmouth press conference, Farke was quizzed on the club’s transfer plans for the remainder of the campaign, saying: “Two or three positions we have to strengthen a bit more. So far, so good, but we’re not the finished product yet.”

He then added: “You can never have enough. Every manager wants more. I would have loved to keep Summerville, Gray and to add even more quality but to be honest, that’s not the point. I know we’re in great talks, I totally believe in our owners, they are ambitious and back us. We have to stick to the rules, in the years before we had some tricky decisions in transfer sums and salaries.”

It is thought that a new winger to replace Summerville is wanted, whereas The Athletic claims that another midfielder and full-back are also on the to-do list. That full-back could be a loan from a Premier League giant, going off a recent update.

Leeds enter Owen Beck loan race

According to Liverpool reporter DaveOCKOP, Leeds have now entered the race to sign Owen Beck on loan, with second tier rivals Queens Park Rangers also interested. Meanwhile, Celtic are keen on a permanent deal for the full-back who Liverpool value at £3m.

Beck is the nephew of Liverpool legend Ian Rush and has come through the Anfield academy. The 22-year-old has been out on loan with Portuguese side Famalicao, Bolton Wanderers and Dundee during his career to date, and by the looks of things, another temporary move away from Merseyside could be on the cards.

Primarily a left-back, Beck could provide and challenge Junior Firpo as the season goes on, leaving Sam Byram as cover for Bogle on the right. A Wales U21 international, he could join fellow countrymen Ampadu, James and Rodon in Yorkshire, making this one to watch.

Arsenal have started off the Premier League season with a bang. Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit top of the table on 24 points, one clear of Manchester City.

It might be too soon to talk about a title challenge, but if they can maintain these performances up until the hiatus for the World Cup, then it could be a shootout between them and City.

There are improvements to be made, however, specifically defensively, with the club conceding ten goals in the league so far, keeping just three clean sheets.

If Arteta could turn back time, there might be one defender he would love to have in his prime starting at the heart of Arsenal’s backline…

Sol Campbell would be perfect for Arteta

Arsene Wenger managed to lure Sol Campbell to Highbury on a free transfer back in 2001 following the expiration of his contract at rivals Tottenham Hotspur when he was arguably at the peak of his powers.

In his first season at the club, Campbell played a crucial role in Arsenal claiming their second double under Wenger, playing 31 matches in their winning Premier League campaign.

He featured in 35 games as Arsenal went the 2003/2004 season unbeaten, earning the ‘Invincibles’ moniker and won his third FA Cup with the club the season after, marking the period as one of the finest in the club’s history.

The centre-back represented England 73 times during his career and having featured at the 2006 World Cup, Campbell became the only player to have represented England at six major tournaments.

With his brute strength and physicality, Campbell would work well alongside William Saliba at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Wenger once dubbed the Englishman as “unbelievable” and by starring under the Frenchman for five seasons, there is no doubt a player of his calibre could give Arteta’s side that final piece of the jigsaw that could set up a potential title challenge.

West Ham United are reportedly in line for a hectic end to the transfer window, with manager David Moyes still plotting to bolster his squad.

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Hammers could make a late double swoop for Club Brugge playmaker Hans Vanaken and Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher, having only recently agreed a deal for Brazil international, Lucas Paqueta.

Asked how many more additions the east Londoners could make after the signing of the Lyon man is wrapped up, the reliable source stated: “Probably two more. They’re going to ask about Vanaken and Gallagher. That gives you an idea of where we’re at and these are the key areas of the field that they’ve got to sort out in the coming days.

“They see it as realistic that three players will sign before the deadline.”

Moyes and co are believed to have had two bids rejected thus far for Vanaken, who could well cost in the region of €20m (£17m), while enquiries are believed to have been made regarding young Gallagher, with the 22-year-old potentially set to fetch around £50m or join on loan- with the overall figure possibly totalling £67m for the pair.

Imagine them and Paqueta

It has proven a hugely impressive window for the London Stadium outfit thus far, with seven additions – as well as that of Paqueta – having already been made to help drastically improve the club’s squad depth.

With the arrival of the 25-year-old now imminent, West Ham are set to have a hugely talented asset on their hands, with the versatile gem – who can play all across the midfield and even in a wide role – offering a much-needed creative touch to Moyes’ side.

The former AC Milan sensation has dazzled with his all-round quality during his recent stint in France, notably ranking in the top 14% for progressive passes and the top 14% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s big five leagues – showcasing his forward-thinking approach.

Equally, the 33-cap star also compares favourably to his peers with regards to his defensive approach, ranking in the top 1% for tackles made and the top 5% for pressures, demonstrating his willingness to put in the hard yards when required.

That dogged approach will no doubt mirror that of the aforementioned Gallagher, with the “pressing machine” – as dubbed by Mark Duffy – also ranking in the top 6% for pressures made, as well as in the top 8% for dribbles completed.

By contrast, the club’s current first-choice midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have offered a solid foundation in front of the back four in recent seasons, although neither man offers that relentless, energetic presence in the centre of the park, ranking in just the bottom 9% and 10%, respectively, with regards to pressures made.

While Gallagher and Paqueta chipped in with 13 and 18 goal contributions, respectively, in all competitions last term, the real attacking threat will likely come from the towering Vanaken, with the 6 foot 5 Belgian having scored 15 goals and registered 12 assists in 50 games last term.

The 30-year-old – who has 102 goals and 74 assists to his name in 345 games for his current side – was only bettered by Jarrod Bowen (31) among the Hammers squad last term with regards to goal involvements, with additional firepower no doubt needed this season.

With the attacking midfielder’s killer instincts in the final third; Paqueta’s ball-playing gift and Gallagher’s box-to-box style, Moyes could well be set to add three players of real quality to his side in the coming days.