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USMNT star Christian Pulisic has been told he will have “a lot of suitors” if a transfer away from AC Milan has to be considered in the next window.

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• American has thrived at San Siro
• Posted personal-best goal return
• Manager change could force exit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international has enjoyed a productive debut campaign at San Siro on the back of his 2023 switch from Chelsea, with a personal-best return of 13 goals being posted. Questions are, however, being asked of how long he will be sticking around in Milan.

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  That is because Stefano Pioli, the man that drafted him into the Rossoneri’s ranks, is facing the threat of being sacked this summer. A change in the dugout may lead to Pulisic being deemed surplus to requirements, in an “ironic” twist of fate for a forward that has rediscovered his spark in Italy.

• WHAT LALAS SAID

  Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas has no concerns when it comes to Pulisic’s future, telling his podcast of why another top club will not be hard to find: “I don’t have to tell Christian Pulisic, he has been around long enough, he knows this stuff. He’s a grizzled veteran, even at a relatively young age in his career, in that he has seen how quickly things can change. I got a question about ‘Has he done enough?’ Yeah, he’s done more than enough to prove his worth, to prove his value to Milan.

  "You could argue that he’s been their best player. But it doesn’t matter because when there is a changing of the guard, there is often a change of mentality and you have people that come in with their preconceived notions and their baggage and the direction they want to go. Christian Pulisic might be in a situation where he is in a place where thousands of players have been, where they are just not part of the plans going forward. The good part for Christian Pulisic is that I think there will be a lot of suitors out there, there will be plenty of people that will want him going forward. It would be ironic that arguably the best season he’s had results in him having to go elsewhere.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

  Pulisic, at just 25 years of age, has already spent time in Germany, England and Italy with Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Milan. He has also collected 66 caps for his country and will be hoping to lead them into Copa America action on home soil this summer – before any questions regarding his club future are answered.

Gary O’Neil will be left to rue Wolverhampton Wanderers’ consistency problems after their 3-2 defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.

Having secured wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur already this term, a meeting with the Cottagers looked like the perfect chance to continue their good form, but they failed to impress.

There were several players who didn’t play well at all, with Nelson Semedo being the main culprit for the Old Gold.

Nelson Semedo’s game vs Fulham in numbers

The Portuguese right-back was utilised slightly further forward against Fulham by O’Neil, operating on the right of a five-man midfield.

The experiment didn’t quite have the results the 40-year-old was anticipating, however, as Semedo completed just 61% of his passes along with winning only one of his five total duels contested and losing possession a staggering 19 times during the encounter.

The defender has featured in all but one of Wolves’ 13 Premier League matches this season, yet following the dismal performance on Monday evening, O’Neil may have to go back to the drawing board.

Overall, it was a display which deserved to secure at least a point on the board, but it wasn’t just Semedo who failed to impress…

Mario Lemina’s game vs Fulham in numbers

The midfielder has played in 12 of the 13 top-flight matches this season for the Molineux outfit, scoring twice in the process, and his experience at the heart of the midfield has been vital.

Against Fulham, however, he wasn’t quite at the races. The 30-year-old took just 49 touches during the encounter and when he had it, he completed just 76% of his attempted passes (29 out of 38) proving to be lackadaisical with the ball.

He did make one key pass and take two shots during the tie, indicating that he tried to make things happen in an attacking sense, but his performance on the ball from a defensive viewpoint wasn’t great.

The midfielder contested a total of ten duels, yet won just three and he also lost possession 15 times during the tie, meaning Lemina lost possession once for every 3.2 touches of the ball, a shocking statistic.

The Wolves man was given a rating of just 5/10 for his display by TNT Sports and this just about sums up his performance in a game in which Wolves had an excellent chance of winning.

The Old Gold will now take on Arsenal at the Emirates and, given the fact they have taken points from City, Spurs and Newcastle United this season, they could spring another surprise in London on the weekend.

Latest Arsenal transfer news: Euro winner closing in; striker nears N5 exit

With a month remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal are busy lining up their transfer targets.

By
Hal Fish

Jul 31, 2024

If they are to secure anything from the game, however, O’Neil must be ready to make a few changes along the way and Semedo should be the first person to drop out of the team.

Lemina may well be given another chance due to his previous solid displays in the top flight, yet he was careless in possession and when he did have the ball, didn’t seem to do much right either.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen insists Thomas Tuchel will leave the club even if they win the Champions League.

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• Tuchel to leave Bayern this summer
• Club fighting for Champions League glory
• Bayern beaten in Bundesliga title race

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In February, Bayern announced that they had reached a mutual agreement with Tuchel for the manager to leave at the end of the season, but their progress to the Champions League semi-finals has led to speculation that he could well remain at the club as well as a petition from the fans urging him to stay. Bayern drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in the first leg of their clash, and remain in serious contention to win the trophy.

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  Despite Bayern's success in Europe, they have been bitterly disappointing in the Bundesliga, with Bayer Leverkusen winning the title at a canter; the Werkself remain unbeaten and sit 12 points clear of Bayern at the top, with three games still to go. Tuchel, as a result, will not be staying, and it remains to be seen where he will end up. Manchester United have been reported to hold an interest, while a return to Chelsea could become a possibility if Mauricio Pochettino is relieved of his duties.

• WHAT DREESEN SAID

  Asked if Tuchel could stay, Dreesen told reporters: "No. You have to judge the decision at the time it was made. It was a different situation.  Now we have another situation – our clear goal is to reach the final and then hopefully win the Champions League. We would all be happy together and then we will go our separate ways."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Bayern play Stuttgart on Saturday before their second leg against Madrid, as they aim to finish the season on a high. Real are also in action this weekend, against Cadiz.

Sheffield Wednesday are chasing what would be a great escape from Championship relegation and are now reportedly keen to add some firepower in the January window.

Sheffield Wednesday are on a Rohl…

Last Saturday, the Owls got themselves off the bottom of the league standings after Anthony Musaba's dramatic stoppage-time winner stole a monumental triumph for the visitors over Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

Danny Rohl's men are now unbeaten in their last three matches and are now just eight points off safety. At the same time, they will fancy their chances at Hillsborough next weekend to record another victory in a relegation six-pointer between themselves and Queens Park Rangers; nevertheless, Norwich City at Carrow Road will come first in midweek in another chance to pick up a result on the road.

In his post-match press conference, Rohl was delighted by his side's collective effort to gain three points in Staffordshire, as he stated: "We showed our improvements from the last weeks. Maybe four weeks ago we wouldn’t get a point in this game but now you are seeing the improvements from my team and I have to say also, thank you for my bench."

Sheffield Wednesday sign exciting new youngster on trial at Hillsborough

The Owls are looking to add some fresh faces to their youth ranks over the coming weeks.

By
Chloe Chadwick

Nov 30, 2023

"It’s not always easy to not be in the starting 11 but I told my guys that it is important we have everyone on the bench ready because they can decide the game."

Confidence is a key fixture in being able to generate results regularly; however, it is unusual for a side so far adrift to suddenly develop a habit of being able to deliver crucial performances, which is testament to the Owls' new-found siege mentality under the tutelage of their German boss. Looking ahead to January, Sheffield Wednesday are now said to be lining up a move for an experienced goalscorer who could further their cause for survival.

Sheffield Wednesday eye Scott Hogan

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon's Patreon, Sheffield Wednesday are keen on Birmingham City striker Scott Hogan and could look to strike a cut-price deal for the 31-year-old in light of his contract being set to expire in the summer of 2024.

Nixon stated on his Patreon channel: "Birmingham City striker Scott Hogan is in Sheffield Wednesday’s shortlist for a new goalscorer. Blues may let Hogan go before the end of his contract to get his wages off the payroll and Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri is willing to fund a major salary."

Republic of Ireland international Hogan, who has previously been labelled "dangerous" by former boss Pep Clotet, has made 17 appearances in all competitions this term, registering two goals and one assist (Hogan statistics – Transfermarkt).

Bringing experience to the table, the former Aston Villa man could add some added nous for the Owls heading into the second half of the campaign.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner remains hopeful of retaining Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise's services amid interest from Premier League giants.

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• Palace's stance on Eze and Olise revealed
• Man Utd favourites to land the attackers
• Players have contracts until 2027

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Several top English clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are keen on signing the Palace duo this summer, with reporting earlier this month that the Red Devils are favourites to land the attackers.

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  However, manager Glasner remained confident that Palace would do everything possible to retain their services beyond the current season. Last month, reported that the Eagles could demand £60 million ($75m) for each player – with both out of contract at Selhurst Park in 2027. The report further added that neither contract contains a straightforward release clause.

• WHAT OLIVER GLASNER SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Australian manager said: "I hope all the players will be here. I know the club will do everything to ensure they will play for Crystal Palace next season. I think what we can show from the sports department is that we are ambitious and they can benefit and make a big contribution to being successful. That is what we can offer them, the rest we will see.

  "I can’t keep doing the same thing and getting results like that, so we need to look at it. It’s not a crisis and we won’t rip everything up and start again, but we need to adjust to the group we now have."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRYSTAL PALACE?

  Glasner's side, who have won five out of their last six Premier League games, will play their final game of the season on Sunday against Aston Villa.

Arsenal are prepared to sell a "top-level" player, and he could even leave in January, with manager Mikel Arteta's personal transfer priority shared this week.

Edu makes transfer admission ahead of January

Sporting director Edu, speaking on Amazon Prime Video recently (via football.london), made a promising transfer admission ahead of the winter window.

The Brazilian has stated that Arsenal are "prepared" for what will be a hectic window, with reports suggesting that they have their eyes on strengthening a few key positions.

Edu is a "big fan" of £100m Brazilian, Arsenal will push for him in 2024

The Gunners are ready to swoop next year.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 20, 2023

"To work for a football club like Arsenal, it is always busy isn’t it," said Edu on Arsenal's January plans.

"You need to put in a lot of effort and energy and dedicate a lot of time, but of course in January and the summer, it does intensify a bit. We are prepared. We have big people around the club to support me and the decisions. We always have our targets – it is important to be prepared for every single scenario – that is very important.

"We have so many people working on one signing – we have people who are in recruitment, leader of operations and it’s a big team effort to sign one player so that is what makes me proud because the way we are working and connecting as a club, that is what makes me so proud because I am part of it, but what makes me very happy is the way we are working today."

It is believed Arsenal want to sign two new full-backs, a new midfielder and striker, but their lavish spending in the summer means the Gunners may have to compromise on a couple of those (The Independent).

Arteta is arguably lacking options up front, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah standing out as his only natural choices. Injuries could severely detriment Arsenal's attacking options if they're not careful, and they've been heavily linked with a move for Brentford star Ivan Toney.

Arsenal are seen as current favourites to sign Toney, according to recent reports, and signing a new forward appears to be firmly on the agenda next month.

Arsenal prepared to sell Nketiah

Journalist Wayne Veysey has an update on this for Football Insider.

The reporter claims signing a striker is Arteta's personal "priority" at Arsenal in January, with the club also prepared to sell Nketiah in 2024.

The Englishman could depart as soon as the winter window as Arsenal's manager and the club's recruitment team seemingly plot an attacking overhaul.

Indeed, it is believed a January exit cannot be ruled out for Nketiah if they're presented with the right offer, coming as Arsenal seek to raise funds for new signings.

The 24-year-old, who's scored five goals in 16 league appearances, has also been called a "top-level" player by Arteta. However, it appears Nketiah could well be sacrificed in Arsenal's hunt for a prolific marksman.

Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne looked worse for wear as details of Manchester City's celebrations of their Premier League title win came to light.

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• Man City won fourth straight title
• Stars celebrated historic achievement
• Details emerge of players' festivities

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish was spotted coming out of the Fenix restaurant and bar in Manchester at 5 o'clock in the morning on Monday as he enjoyed his team's historic achievement after they became the first team to win the Premier League four times in a row by beating West Ham on Sunday, reports.

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  Pep Guardiola gave his players permission to get loose and wild after their intense league campaign came to an end, but Grealish, who had to be guided out of the bar, was not the only one who took advantage of that luxury. Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland and Belgian playmaker De Bruyne also enjoyed their evening, with the latter seen "slumped" in a taxi, the report adds.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Grealish turned up to the party dressed in an expensive Gucci suit, while Norwegian striker Haaland opted for a more casual, laid back look, donned in a t-shirt and shorts. Phil Foden was also present for the festivities along with his pregnant girlfriend.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  Despite their wild celebrations, the champions' season is not quite over yet. They missed out on winning a second consecutive treble having been knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage, but they can still make it a double when they come up against Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Ethan Mbappe was asked by young autograph-hunting PSG fans if he's going to follow his brother Kylian to Real Madrid in the summer.

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• Real Madrid set to confirm Kylian Mbappe signing
• Younger brother Ethan's PSG future unsure
• Ethan has made four senior appearances this season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ethan Mbappe has been asked by young fans if he will be joining his brother Kylian at Real Madrid next season. The 17-year-old has made four senior appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season, but while Kylian is about to be confirmed as a new Real Madrid player, PSG have reportedly frozen contract talks with Ethan, meaning he faces an uncertain future.

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• WHAT ETHAN MBAPPE SAID ABOUT REAL MADRID

  Ethan Mbappe's reply to the young, autograph-hunting PSG fans regarding a potential move to Real Madrid alongside his brother was quick and to the point. "No," said the teenager.

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  The doubts over Ethan's future at the Parc des Princes come after reports that the club have frozen contract talks with him after it became clear that Kylian would move to Real Madrid this summer, upon the expiration of his contract. Ethan has previously said he wants to stay with the club.

Tottenham Hotspur return to London in the Premier League this weekend to welcome Everton, having defeated struggling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last time out.

The three points claimed on the road made it successive victories in the English top flight after an emphatic performance against Newcastle United convincingly ended a dismal run of form.

Everton might have been hit with a ten-point deduction earlier in the campaign but have been immense under Sean Dyche's stewardship and technically sit tenth in the division, based on performance.

Tottenham bid to sign "complete" player now "ready", finances no issue

He’s been in great form this season.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 22, 2023

The Toffees have won four successive matches but will face a tough task in defeating Ange Postecoglou's side down the N17, though Spurs do have a mountain of injuries and absences to contend with.

Football FanCast predicts that Postecoglou will be forced into making two alterations, with Yves Bissouma and Destiny Udogie both suspended for the forthcoming fixture.

1

GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario has started all 17 of Tottenham's league matches this season after signing from Italian side Empoli for an initial £17m in the summer and shall do so once again tomorrow afternoon, having proved to be a successful acquisition thus far.

2

RB – Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro could probably stake a good claim for Tottenham's player of the season so far, with his all-encompassing performances down the right channel immensely important for the fluency and fear factor of the London squad.

The Spaniard has posted five assists from 16 displays in the top flight this term, with no defender in the division surpassing his 48 successful tackles made in 2023/24.

3

CB – Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero is one of the best, most menacing defenders on English shores, yet he's also one of the most reckless, having been a large part of Spurs' disciplinary problems this season.

The aggressive titan will be crucial in nullifying the Everton attacking threat, however, with Dyche's side robust and combative and ready for a physical battle.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 14% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 16% for pass completion, the top 18% for progressive passes, the top 6% for tackles and the top 18% for blocks per 90.

4

CB – Ben Davies

With Micky van de Ven still sidelined and Eric Dier untrusted under Postecoglou's management, left-back Ben Davies has been starring in central defence and doing a decent job, having started the past six matches.

5

LB – Emerson Royal

Udogie's fifth booking of the season has precluded his availability this weekend, meaning Emerson Royal will return to left-back for the third time this season, with Davies occupied in the centre of defence.

Branded a "liability" by talkSPORT's Jamie O'Hara for his dismal displays before the summer, the dynamic Brazilian has improved this term and produced some solid performances to aid Postecoglou's injury crisis over the past few months.

6

CM – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

With Bissouma picking up his second red card of the campaign last time out, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will deputise in the Malian's absence.

While the Dane is possibly not progressive enough for Postecoglou's system, he is a seasoned and industrious Premier League player and will work well in the centre of the park, keeping things tidy.

7

CM – Pape Matar Sarr

Pape Matar Sarr is a bit like the cement holding a towering edifice together: without him, it falls apart. Three of Spurs' five matches in the winless run were contested without him in the starting line-up; since his return, his side have clinched two wins from two.

Awestruck by the 21-year-old's performance against Newcastle earlier in December, reporter Ben Haines said: "Ridiculous how much of a difference Sarr makes. Reads dangerous situations so well, covers so much ground and makes everyone around him even better as well

8

RW – Brennan Johnson

Brennan Johnson was signed from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m in the summer but was withdrawn after just 30 minutes upon his return to the City Ground last time out.

The Wales international suffered a head injury but is thankfully okay and has trained as normal this week; his pace and trickery could be an invaluable tool against Everton.

9

AM – Dejan Kulusevski

As per Sofascore, Dejan Kulusevski has scored five goals and supplied two assists across 17 Premier League outings this season, but that doesn't tell the whole story.

Thriving in a central role of late, the Swede has averaged 2.3 key passes and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, completing 83% of his passes and leading pundit Chris Sutton to dub him a "special player".

10

LW – Heung-min Son

Heung-min Son has been as good as ever this season, providing the prolific brilliance to ensure that Harry Kane's summer sale has not ravaged the offensive verve.

Having scored ten goals across 17 Premier League appearances this season, the Lilywhites skipper is also one of the division's most devastating creative outlets.

The brilliant Brazilian spoke to GOAL after being announced as Gatorade’s newest brand ambassador

Vinicius Jnr is the favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or for plenty of reasons. Twenty-three goals and 11 assists in all competitions, another La Liga title and a Champions League final to come this weekend. Not bad, eh?

It’s no surprise that Gatorade have moved to make him their new ambassador, signing the 23-year-old on a long-term contract ahead of Real Madrid’s huge clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday evening.

Vinicius flaunts the skills that have made him one of the world’s best footballers in a new Gatorade film, joining a stellar squad of ambassadors including Tottenham ace Son Heung-min, NBA legend Jayson Tatum and tennis stars Coco Gauff and Serena Williams.

Williams, despite playing a different sport, remains an inspiration for Vinicius, but who else does he look up to away from football? What’s his favourite celebration? And what made him get his amazing back tattoo?

The Brazilian speaks to GOAL to answer those questions and tell us more about the global grassroots Gatorade 5v5 tournament, which precedes the Champions League final in London.

• Sporting inspirations

  GOAL: Who would be the top three stars from sports outside of football that you take inspiration from and why?

  Vinicius: I partnered with Gatorade because I know that they have helped some of the best athletes in the world like Usain Bolt and Serena Williams with their hydration requirements, which is something that is essential for any athlete.

  In terms of three of my favourite athletes outside of football, I would pick: LeBron James, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Jordan. These three are more than athletes. They are icons.

  They changes the history of sport. But they didn’t limit themselves to their sports performance. Their impact goes far beyond that. And that’s also how I want to be remembered: much more than just a great football player.

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• Celebrations and that tattoo

  GOAL: What would be your top three all-time favourite celebrations and why?

  Vinicius: Without a doubt Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuuu. I’d say it is the most iconic celebration in football.But I also like the dance moves from NFL players and celebrations with the fans.

  GOAL: Tell us a bit more about your incredible back tattoo – what made you get Pele, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali and more on your skin.

  Vinicius: They are some of the greatest references and inspirations of my life. Incredible athletes, and magnificent people. The face of my dad is also on that back tattoo, who’s my biggest idol.

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  Back in Brazil

  GOAL: Why do you think Brazil produces so many brilliant footballers? How important was grassroots football to you when you were growing up and what role does it play for the youth of today?

  Vinicius: I’m sure it’s related to Brazilian culture and the importance of football for our society. Since we’re little kids we spend most of our free time playing on the streets, which is the best way to improve the basics of the game and to develop creativity.

  On the streets there are not many rules, not any tactics… it’s just you, the ball and the opponent and I think that provides you lots of freedom to come up with creative solutions for every single situation of the game. And that’s why the Brazilian player is so technical and creative. It’s almost in our DNA.

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  Gatorade 5v5 tournament

  GOAL: What sort of opportunity can the Gatorade 5v5 tournament provide for aspiring footballers in Brazil?

  Vinicius: I think it’s a great opportunity for inexperienced players to get exposure and to show the best of their talent. I know coaches and scouts attend the tournament, so it can really be a fantastic platform for some players to take their game to a different level.

  I think the Gatorade 5v5 tournament is all about that [being creative]… bringing that essence from Brazilian street football to a more competitive space. It’s great to see grassroots taken more seriously and I hope a lot of new young people make the most of this fantastic opportunity.