All posts by n8rngtd.top

Celtic must turn their attention away from the league phase of the new-look Champions League as they prepare to take on Falkirk in the League Cup this afternoon.

The Hoops have a chance to secure their place in the last four of the competition, which they were knocked out of in August by Kilmarnock last term, by winning this quarter-final clash.

They come into this game against the Championship outfit off the back of a stunning 5-1 win over Slovakian side SK Slovan at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

It was a fantastic evening for the Scottish Premiership champions, who picked up their first win in Europe this year, after they finished bottom of their Champions League group last season.

Brendan Rodgers’ side swept them aside with relative ease as Liam Scales, Kyogo Furuhashi, Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah all got their names on the scoresheet.

This clash with a second tier team in the League Cup, despite it being a quarter-final, now provides the Northern Irish head coach with a chance to rotate his squad.

Two players who may have nailed down their places in the starting XI are James Forrest and Idah, who caught the eye off the bench on Wednesday.

Why Adam Idah and James Forrest should start

The attacking duo were used as substitutes against Slovan but still managed to combine for a goal, as the winger played a fantastic through ball for the Ireland international to slot past the goalkeeper for Celtic’s fifth.

That was Idah’s first goal for the Hoops since his permanent move from Norwich City during the summer transfer window, after spending the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead.

The 6 foot 3 marksman had plundered eight goals in 15 appearances in the Premiership, despite starting just five matches, during his loan spell, whilst also scoring the winner in the SFA Cup final against Rangers.

This shows that the former Canaries academy graduate has the quality to provide a huge goalscoring threat for the Scottish giants, which is why Rodgers should be comfortable handing the 23-year-old ace a start against Falkirk.

Forrest, meanwhile, has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, with four assists in seven appearances in all competitions and three assists in his last four games.

The Scottish forward could come in to replace Daizen Maeda on the flank, whilst Idah could come in for Kyogo Furuhashi in the centre-forward position.

These two changes appear to be obvious ones, after their combination for the fifth goal on Wednesday, but another player Rodgers must unleash from the start is central midfielder Paulo Bernardo.

Why Paulo Bernardo should start

The Portugal U21 international was unfortunate to be dropped from the starting XI this month after his promising displays for the Scottish side in August.

Bernardo re-joined the Hoops from Benfica on a permanent deal during the summer transfer window, after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan, and hit the ground running last month.

The 22-year-old maestro started the wins over St Mirren and Rangers and caught the eye with his all-action performances in the middle of the park.

As you can see in the table above, Bernardo offered quality in and out of possession for the Scottish giants in both of the games that he started in the Premiership.

The £5.8k-per-week star, who was once described as “tenacious” by Rodgers, won 18 duels and eight tackles in just two matches, which shows that the midfielder was able to consistently win possession back for his side.

Bernardo also showcased his ability on the ball, with five key passes and two ‘big chances’ created, as he used his creativity to put chances on a plate for his teammates.

Despite those sublime performances, the Portuguese starlet has found himself on the bench in the last two matches, against Hearts and Slovan, behind fellow summer signing Arne Engels.

This League Cup clash with Falkirk, however, provides Rodgers with an opportunity to bring the former Benfica prospect back into the starting XI, to allow him to continue the fine form he showed in the wins over St Mirren and Rangers.

He has proven that the quality is there for him to be an impressive performer for Celtic in midfield, which is why the manager should not have any concerns about playing him from the start in this game.

Arne Engels' superb start to his Celtic career

The 21-year-old wizard joined the Scottish giants from Bundesliga side Augsburg for a club-record fee of £11m during the summer transfer window.

That significant transfer fee brought pressure and expectation with it and, so far, Engels has taken all of it in his stride and enjoyed a perfect start to his career in Glasgow.

The central midfielder came off the bench against Rangers at the start of the month, having signed less than 48 hours before kick-off, before being placed in the starting line-up for the last two games by Rodgers.

As you can see in the table above, the Belgium international produced two goals and one assist in those matches, with both of his goals coming from the penalty spot.

The former Bundesliga starlet also showcased his defensive attributes with 15 duels won, out of 23 contested, and seven tackles made against Hearts and Slovan.

These statistics show that, like Bernardo, Engels has the ability to be an all-action presence in the middle of the park for Celtic, by making an impact in and out of possession.

Alongside Engels & Scales: 8/10 Celtic star was Rodgers' unsung hero

The Hoops defender enjoyed a terrific night at Parkhead in the Champions League.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 19, 2024

However, Rodgers must now drop the Belgian gem back down to the bench to provide Bernardo with a chance to play from the start in this cup clash, whilst resting the £11m star for the upcoming Premiership and Champions League games.

Trevoh Chalobah was in Chelsea's starting lineup versus Wolves after his recall from Crystal Palace – despite not featuring on the match programme.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chalobah back at Chelsea
• Recalled from Crystal Palace loan
• Starts vs Wolves but left off programme

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues brought Chalobah back from his season-long loan early after losing several other defenders to injury, with head coach Enzo Maresca citing the 25-year-old's familiarity with the club as a factor in their decision on how to rectify the issue, opting against signing a new centre-back outright.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chalobah returned to Chelsea over the weekend and has immediately been thrust back into the fold, with Maresca naming him in Monday's starting lineup for the visit of Wolves. However, the decision to bring Chalobah back caught the club's editorial team off guard and he was not named among the hosts' players on the matchday programme.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Clubs sometimes keep loanees on their matchday programmes even while at other teams, but Chalobah's initial number 14 shirt was handed to summer recruit Joao Felix, leaving him without a registered digit. He has since been given the number 23, which was last worn by fellow academy graduate Conor Gallagher, who left for Atletico Madrid last August. Reports have claimed the Blues are reluctant to sell the defender before the summer window despite further transfer interest, and as such have slapped a £40 million price tag on him.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  After Monday's visit of Wolves, Maresca's side will head to Manchester City on Saturday evening in a mouthwatering encounter in the face for Champions League qualification.

Erling Haaland flashed his gold Premier League badge at Gabriel and Arsenal fans after Manchester City's humiliating 5-1 loss at Emirates Stadium.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Haaland flashed gold PL badge at Gabriel
• Tried to rile up Arsenal fans too
• Arsenal hammered City 5-1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martin Odegaard opened the scoring for the Gunners within two minutes of kick-off, but Haaland brought City back into the game in the 55th minute. The visitors' joy was shortlived, though, as Thomas Partey soon scored the hosts' second goal. Myles Lewis-Skelly then scored a third before Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri sealed a thumping 5-1 victory.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

  After the match, Haaland tried to take gloss off Arsenal's impressive win as he flashed the golden Premier League badge on his sleeve at Gunners star Gabriel. He made a similar gesture while applauding the travelling supporters as he showed off the badge to the home fans.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earlier in the match, Gabriel, in a bid to rile up City's goal machine, laughed in the Norwegian's face after Odegaard's opener. Lewis-Skelly also trolled Haaland as he copied the 24-year-old's celebration, sitting in a meditation pose, after scoring his first senior goal in the Premier League.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ERLING HAALAND?

  The Norwegian forward will be back in action next Saturday when City take on Leyton Orient in a fourth-round FA Cup clash away from home.

A “massive” Manchester United player is now expected to be out injured for a number of weeks, according to a fresh claim from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd dogged by injury problems

The Red Devils have made such a disappointing start to the season, with the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag understandably huge, considering his side are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

In fairness to the Dutchman, he hasn’t always been helped by injury problems to various players, however, with United having to make do without a number of key figures throughout the campaign to date, not least long-term absentee Luke Shaw at left-back.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are injury victims currently, with both withdrawing from their respective England and Argentina duties during the current international break. Meanwhile, exactly the same now applies to right-back Noussair Mazraoui, who won’t be representing Morocco over the next week or so because of a fitness issue.

Man Utd suffer fresh injury blow

Taking to X, Romano relayed the news that Harry Maguire will be out injured for Manchester United for a number of “weeks”, sharing the player’s comments:

Maguire may not be the long-term answer at the heart of United’s defence, considering he is now 31 years of age and not without his critics, but having him unavailable is still another undoubted blow for Ten Hag.

The Englishman hasn’t let the Red Devils down in recent weeks, scoring the vital equaliser away to Porto, as well as being picked ahead of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez against Aston Villa last weekend, and his manager at Old Trafford said of him last year:

“[Maguire] was playing a massive, massive game. A very good performance. He showed leadership and in and out of possession he was very good, so I’m very pleased with that performance from Harry.”

Maguire may remain behind De Ligt and Martinez in the pecking order when everyone is fit and firing, but there is a reason why Ten Hag opted for him over them at Villa, feeling his experience and character would be important in a must-not-lose clash.

"Safe pair of hands" now interested in taking over from Ten Hag at Man Utd

Man Utd may not have to look far to find a replacement for ten Hag.

By
Brett Worthington

Oct 8, 2024

While a lack of quality and pace can arguably be aimed at the £190,000-a-week defender, his passion for United cannot be questioned, and supporters appreciate the effort he has put in ever since joining. For that reason, not having him as an option after the internationals is far from ideal, during a period in which mental fortitude is vitally important, both for the players and the manager.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both learned their fate in the Copa del Rey semi-final draw as the arch-rivals continue to chase treble success.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Spanish giants find themselves in Copa last four
• Atletico and Real Sociedad are the two other teams
• Final set to be played on April 26 in Seville

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Copa del Rey semi-final draw has delivered two thrilling matchups, with Barcelona set to battle Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid will take on Real Sociedad. Both ties will be played over two legs, with the first encounters scheduled for late February and the decisive return fixtures taking place in early April.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  For Barcelona and Atletico, this semi-final clash marks the beginning of an intense period, as the two sides are also set to meet in La Liga on March 16. Their previous encounter this season ended in a 2-1 win for Atletico, with Alexander Sorloth netting the late winner at the Olympic Stadium in December. Now, with a spot in the Copa final on the line, both teams will be looking to outdo each other once again.

  On the other side of the draw, Real Madrid will begin their semi-final tie against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, before hosting the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. The first legs are set for February 25 or 26, while the return matches will be held on April 1 or 2.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This is the first time since 2014 that La Liga’s top three teams – Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid – have all reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals. That year, Real Sociedad also made it to the final four, making this season’s lineup a rare and exciting repeat of history.

  Adding to the drama, Real, Barca and Atletico are separated by just two points in La Liga as they continue to battle for domestic supremacy. Meanwhile, all three teams are still competing in the Champions League, while Real Sociedad are also involved in the Europa League.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  With Real Madrid and Barcelona placed on opposite sides of the draw, there remains the tantalising prospect of a Copa del Rey final showdown between Spain’s two biggest clubs. If both teams manage to overcome their semi-final opponents, the world could witness an El Clasico final on April 26 at La Cartuja in Seville. Barcelona have beaten Madrid in both the Clasicos this campaign and Carlo Ancelotti's troops will look to amend that record in the summit clash, if they get past Sociedad in the semis.

Manchester United managed to put their poor form from before the international break behind them and beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. It was a huge win for Erik ten Hag, who has been under constant pressure for some months, although that had reportedly intensified as United’s results took a turn for the worst.

However, his side were able to get just their third Premier League win on the board against the Bees, who actually took the lead at Old Trafford. It was a controversial goal, with United down to 10 men ahead of a Brentford corner after Matthijs de Ligt was instructed by the referee to go off due to a head injury. The visitors capitalised and found the back of the net from the set piece.

A superb second-half showing from the Red Devils saw them turn the game on its head. Alejandro Garnacho found the back of the net to equalise, meeting a superb cross from Marcus Rashford before Rasmus Hojlund gave United the lead. He got on the end of a delightful backheel from Bruno Fernandes, cutely lifting it over Mark Flekken to ultimately win the game for United.

There were some impressive performances from the Red Devils, but Garnacho was a particular standout.

Garnacho’s stats vs. Brentford

It has been an impressive start to the season for young Argentine winger Garnacho, in what is his second full campaign in senior football. As per football statistician Statman Dave, he already has eight goal involvement to his name this term.

The 20-year-old has actually gone a few games without a goal, but he managed to get back on the scoresheet at Old Trafford in what was a standout second-half performance.

His goal itself was eye-catching, meeting Rashford’s exceptional cross on the volley and firing past the Brentford goalkeeper, to score a crucial equaliser for his side. The rest of his afternoon’s work in the second 45 minutes was also impressive, showing hard work off the ball and direct, confident play when he has possession.

This is certainly reflected in his Sofascore stats. The United number 17 had 50 touches against Brentford, completing two out of four dribbles and winning five of his duels. He also created two chnaces, as well as scoring his crucial goal.

Whilst the youngster was one of United’s best performers on Saturday, there was another player who had a good day at the office, Casemiro.

Casemiro stats vs. Brentford

The Brazilian midfielder has been heavily criticised for his performances over the past 18 months or so, with pundit Jamie Carragher among those stating that he needs to “call it a day” at the top level. His performances have simply not been up to the standard he has shown over the past decade, but he looked much more like his old self against Thomas Frank’s Bees.

The veteran was superb as a ball winner in the middle of the park, using his physicality to his advantage, whilst also creating opportunities in the final third. Sadly for Ten Hag, the 32-year-old had to be substituted with an injury in the 88th minute, being replaced by Manuel Ugarte.

His dominant performance was certainly reflected in his stats at full-time. The former Real Madrid man had 77 touches, completing 84% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles and creating four chances. Casemiro also won an impressive 11 out of 16 duels and five from seven tackles.

His impressive showing was recognised by Soccer Saturday pundit Kris Boyd. He called the United number 18 “outstanding” for his efforts against Brentford, which is certainly backed up by his stats, while The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell also noted that he was “very good” on the day.

Alongside Garnacho, the ageing star was vital in helping to overturn United’s deficit and secure a vital win for both the club and their manager, with the Dutchman having desperately needed a positive result to lift the mood.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Ten Hag will now be hoping Casemiro does not have a bad injury, and that he will be fit for United’s trip to Fenerbahce in midweek as they look to carry on their winning form.

Man Utd move for "high-intensity" 41 y/o manager to replace Erik ten Hag

The Red Devils are “very impressed” by him.

1

By
Henry Jackson

Oct 19, 2024

GOAL asked stars all over North American soccer to weigh in with predictions for the Super Bowl between KC and Philly

The Super Bowl is nearly here, and the eyes of the sporting world will be on New Orleans on Sunday night as Patrick Mahomes, Jason Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs take on Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles.

For decades, the Super Bowl has been as much of an event as it is a game. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, it's Super Bowl Sunday, and most Americans will be tuning in.

That extends to American soccer, too. Some of American soccer's top stars, like millions of others, will be tuning in. Everyone has a reason to watch, whether that's the game itself, the holiday culture around it or, the outrageous advertisements or – for some on this list – the halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Ahead of the big game, GOAL surveyed a group made up of familiar faces from North American soccer to discuss the upcoming game, their allegiances and what Super Bowl Sunday means to them.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  SUPER BOWL PREDICTIONS

  GOAL spoke with a diverse group of players with varying allegiances, and the results were fairly split. Still, the Eagles held a slight edge among this pool of American soccer stars. While the Chiefs' dominance has won over many, a narrow majority backed Barkley, Hurts, and the Eagles. Consider the picks:

  DANIEL SALLOI (SPORTING KC FORWARD): I think the Chiefs will win it. It’s going to be a tough game but you can just never count Mahomes out and he’s one of the best quarterbacks ever. He’s wanting to be the GOAT and this is his moment, this is a special game for him and the whole team so I really think they’re going to win it.

  MEGAN RAPINOE (USWNT LEGEND): Honestly, I don't really care who wins. I think it cool when players and teams are great, and one of the teams is going for a three-peat so that would be cool, but I don't know. The commercials are going to be great and I'm really excited for Kendrick Lamar!

  HIRVING 'CHUCKY' LOZANO (SAN DIEGO FC FORWARD): Eagles!

  PATRICK AGYEMANG (CHARLOTTE FC FORWARD): I'll take the Eagles.

  MAURICE EDU (FORMER USMNT MIDFIELDER, APPLE TV ANALYST): I feel like we're witnessing a generational type of player in Mahomes, and it's hard for me to bet against that. I love that Jalen Hurts is back in another Super Bowl. That's dope, but my prediction is KC gets it done, but I think it's closer than a lot of people think. Mahomes is the difference-maker yet again and continues to get closer and closer to that GOAT conversation. The fact that he's made it all look so easy, it almost is discrediting because everything they've done is so hard.

  ROMAN BURKI (ST. LOUIS CITY SC GOALKEEPER): Chiefs because Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs just know how to win in the playoffs.

  MIKEY VARAS (SAN DIEGO FC HEAD COACH): I don’t have a crystal ball, but it’s hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes.

  SEBASTIAN LLETGET (FC DALLAS MIDFIELDER): I would like to see Philly win it, but it's getting really hard to doubt Pat Mahomes' greatness.

  KEATON PARKES (NYCFC MIDFIELDER): Eagles because of Saquan Barkley.

  LUCA DE LA TORRE (SAN DIEGO FC MIDFIELDER): I'll go with the Chiefs

  MATEUSZ KLICH (ATLANTA UNITED MIDFIELDER): I would like Mahomes to get his three-peat. He really is such a great player.

  KELLYN ACOSTA (CHICAGO FIRE MIDFIELDER): I hate to say this because I am a Cowboys fan, but I have to say the Eagles because my girlfriend is from Philly. She's a die-hard fan.

  PAUL ARRIOLA (SEATTLE SOUNDERS WINGER/WING BACK): The Eagles, just because Saquon is on another level right now.

  MATT FREESE (NEW YORK CITY FC GOALKEEPER): The Eagles because they deserve it.

  AJ MARCUCCI (NEW YORK RED BULLS GOALKEEPER): Philadelphia Eagles. They have the best defense in the league, averaging 11.6 PPG given up on turf. They are a better team than the 2022-2023 team that lost to the Chiefs. They have a generational offensive line and running back, while also having a top-three tandem WR core in the NFL. Also, almost every player has prior Super Bowl experience and Jalen Hurts is trying to prove something in this game.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TEAM?

  SALLOI: The Chiefs. The very first time the Chiefs won it, we went to the KC Power and Light District – it was such a big party, you just enjoy it with your friends. At that point I didn’t even know what the chances were of winning it, I was just rooting for the Chiefs in general. Unbelievable fourth-quarter comeback, it made it a special night. After, the city was buzzing, I’d never seen it like that.

  AGYEMANG: The Pittsburgh Steelers.

  LOZANO: The San Francisco 49ers.

  LLETGET: I'm from the Bay, so it's the 49ers obviously.

  BURKI: Carolina Panthers

  PARKES: The Cowboys.

  EDU: I grew up a Niners fan because my uncle lived in The Bay. That was the first game I ever went to. A lot of my friends are Rams fans, so I go to games with them every now and then. I live in Vegas, but I'm not a Raiders fan. Can't do it.

  VARAS: The San Francisco 49ers.

  KLICH: When I first moved to D.C., I started following the Commanders. That was my first time going to see an NFL game live, so I had to stay loyal to them.

  ACOSTA: Dallas Cowboys (with a sad face)

  ARRIOLA: My closest allegiance is LA Chargers (Arriola grew up in San Diego). Really, though, there's no favorite team at the moment.

  FREESE: You can probably guess that one with my other answers: Eagles.

  MARCUCCI: Philadelphia Eagles

• Getty Images Sport
  

  BEST OR WORST SUPER BOWL MEMORY?

  SALLOI: My worst was when the Chiefs played Tampa. I was in Hungary and I stayed up to watch the game. By halftime, it was like 3 a.m., I was like ‘Oh this is not good, we’re not even touching the ball… Let me wait for The Weeknd performance’, which was amazing. Then I was like ‘I’ll watch the first Chiefs drive and if we score I’ll stay up and if not I’ll go to bed.’ I went to bed, we lost bad. That was not fun.

  AGYEMANG: David Tyree's helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII.

  LOZANO: My favorite NFL moment is when Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed at the Halftime Show in Miami in 2020

  PARKES: The Cowboys every single year! Actually, I'm mostly disappointed that I wasn't born earlier to watch the Cowboys actually be good. It's hard to be a Cowboys fan.

  EDU: It's not necessarily my favorite memory, but the one that comes to mind. Low-key, I was annoyed. Patriots and Seattle. The play was to give the ball to Beast Mode (Marshawn Lynch). That's the one that comes front and center and sticks out the most.

  BURKI: Disappointment would be the 2016 Super Bowl watching my favorite team Panthers lose the way they did.

  VARAS: My favorite memory is that 49ers team with Deion Sanders, Steve Young, and Ricky Watters, and winning the Super Bowl with that group.

  LLETGET: My biggest memory is Super Bowl disappointment: the 49ers losing to the Chiefs last year.

  KLICH: Since the 49ers bought Leeds, I have a soft spot for them from my time there. I really wanted them to win it last year.

  ACOSTA: Worst is easy: the Cowboys not making it since the 90s.

  ARRIOLA: I got sick on the day of the Super Bowl when it was in San Diego and missed the entire game because I was throwing up. I ended up just falling asleep.

  FREESE: The biggest disappointment was 2006: Eagles losing to Patriots.

  MARCUCCI: My favorite Super Bowl memory is the 2017-2018 season. I watched Super Bowl 52 at Connecticut College, where I went to school. Watching the game at a New England school, where the Eagles beat the Patriots. I ran across campus in a Carson Wentz jersey and Eagles pajama pants screaming ‘Go Birds’ all the way to my friends' dorms.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  LOOKING AHEAD

  Did this group get it right? Will Mahomes and the Chiefs make it a three-peat? Can Hurts and the Eagles get them back after falling to this same opponent two years ago? We'll see if this group of American soccer stars is right come Sunday night.

Arsenal chiefs are deliberating whether to make a move for one in-form star after his incredible start to the season, after he was personally identified by manager Mikel Arteta as a transfer target for 2025.

Arsenal looking at signing new striker next year

The fine form of Kai Havertz hasn’t stopped sporting director Edu Gaspar and the recruitment team from looking at new striking options for next year, despite eventually deciding not to sign one in the summer window.

Arteta loves £161k-per-week Barcelona star as Arsenal look at possible move

The Spaniard is a big fan.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 24, 2024

The Gunners made a very well-documented attempt to prise away Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, making a proposal for the player alongside both Chelsea and Man United, but the 21-year-old rejected all of their offers to remain in the Bundesliga.

Amid concerns surrounding Gabriel Jesus, it is believed Edu and Arteta could look to rectify their decision not to sign a new number nine. Jesus is set for internal talks with Arsenal over his future, according to some reports, and if the £265,000-per-week forward does opt to part company, then Arteta will definitely need another striker.

“Gabriel Jesus is clearly struggling for confidence right now. You can see that by the way he’s playing. He’s thinking about things too much and taking too many touches when he’s in possession,” said reliable Arsenal journalist Charles Watts to CaughtOffside earlier this month.

“When Jesus is at his best he does things off the cuff. He creates chaos with his movement and his work rate. But right now he’s bringing more confusion than chaos with his play.

“I think there’s certainly a chance this could be his final season at the club.”

Spanish media sources claim Arsenal are prepared to battle Barcelona for Jhon Duran, with the Colombian enjoying a fine start to this season after being widely tipped to leave Aston Villa in the summer window.

Meanwhile, another player who’s regularly mentioned as a potential target is Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal internally debating Viktor Gyokeres move

Some reports claim Arsenal have held talks with Gyokeres’ representatives ahead of January, with GiveMeSport sharing an update on their pursuit.

The outlet writes that Arsenal are internally debating a move for Gyokeres, and the Swede is “being eyed” by Arteta personally. The Gunners boss and Edu are working closely together and identifying targets for next year, and Gyokeres is a player who features highly in their thinking.

Indeed, it is also believed that scouts will be in attendance to run the rule over him during Sporting’s clash with Man City in the Champions League on November 5. Called a potentially “exciting signing” for interested clubs by pundit John Wenham, the former Coventry City ace has picked up right where he left off from last season – boasting 13 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions so far.

Barcelona have turned their attention towards Alexander Isak and Luis Diaz which may open the door for Manchester United to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Barcelona focus on Isak and Diaz
• Gyokeres 'destined' to join Man Utd
• Barcelona also show interest in Leao

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona have been looking for attacking options for the summer transfer window with Robert Lewandowski ageing and Vitor Roque, who is currently out on loan, struggling to live up to the hype. The Catalan side have reportedly earmarked the likes of Gyokeres, Isak, and Lille's Jonathan David among wingers like Liverpool's Luiz Diaz, and AC Milan's Rafael Leao.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Catalan publication Mundo Deportivo have now reported that Barcelona are looking at Newcastle United's Isak as their perfect replacement for Lewandowski. Additionally, sporting director Deco is said to be a fan of Liverpool winger Diaz as their other option.

• (C)Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  While Barcelona were said to be interested in Sporting striker Gyokeres, their interest may now die down and open the door for Manchester United in their hunt for the Sweden international. As per the report, Gyokeres is now 'destined' to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR THE PARTIES INVOLVED?

  Despite the reported willingness of Barcelona to sign Isak and Gyokeres being 'destined' for Manchester United, the transfer circus will only be decided when the summer arrives and players begin signing on the dotted line.

Neymar opened up on scoring an Olimpico goal against Inter de Limeira as he remained hopeful of a Brazil national team call-up.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Neymar explained celebrating in front of Inter de Limeira fans
• Scored Olimpico goal in Santos' win
• Remains hopeful of Brazil call-up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil icon scored his second goal in his sixth appearance for Santos on Sunday, since returning to his boyhood club this winter. He scored a world-class Olimpico goal as he stunned the crowd by putting the ball directly into the net from a corner. Neymar celebrated his goal in front of the home fans, who had earlier booed him for providing the assist for Tiquinho Soares' opener.

Advertisement

• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Speaking to reporters after the match, the 33-year-old said: "I went to take the corner, they provoked me. I asked them to sing louder, I struck the ball and got an assist. Then, the second time I went there [to the corner], they did it again, so I thought to myself: 'Now I'm the one who's going to score the goal' [laughs]. I hit a great shot and managed to score my first 'Olympic goal' [goal direct from a corner]."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Selecao boss Dorival Junior is all set to announce his squad on March 7 for the team's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Colombia and Argentina on March 21 and 26 respectively and Neymar remains hopeful that he will be picked for the team. "Regarding the call-up, I'm there. Each player's desire is to defend the country, and for me, it has always been an honour. I dedicated myself to the team to the fullest. I enjoy being there, representing Brazil. If I have the opportunity to return, I will be very happy," the Santos star added.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Before Brazil's squad selection, the former Barcelona and Al-Hilal star will get one more opportunity to prove himself as Santos take on Bragantino in the Paulista Championship quarter-final.