All posts by z3u9t.icu

Fans online have reacted after Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan scored a stunning goal-of-the-season contender against Everton.

How did Ilkay Gundogan score against Everton?

After going toe-to-toe in their 1-1 Champions League draw against Real Madrid in the week, Pep Guardiola made four changes to his team to take on the Toffees.

Indeed, Aymeric Laporte replaced John Stones in defence, while Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez come in for Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva further up the pitch – talk about depth, huh…

Despite the ‘weakened’ team, City were looking to extend their lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League title and the opposition fought hard to make things awkward in the early stages of the game at Goodison Park.

However, all that good work was completely undone by a moment of pure brilliance from Gundogan – who incidentally was making his 300th appearance for the club – in the 37th minute of the game.

Indeed, as you can see in the Sky Sports footage below, the midfielder arrives in the box to get on the end of a Mahrez cross. However, the ball is slightly behind him, so he has to quickly readjust.

With that being the case, as if operating in slow-motion, the £140k-per-week German takes the ball on his thigh and then pivots mid-air to flick the ball into the back of the net without even being able to see the goal behind him.

It was a Dennis Bergkamp-esque type finish that would have had Arsenal fans hoping for a City defeat groaning in frustration.

Fans on Twitter didn’t take long to flock to the footage though and these are some of the best reactions…

His value to this team can’t be underrated as he added an assist to his name just minutes later as he set up Erling Haaland to make it 2-0 and then later made it three with his second of the clash.

Liverpool could make two major midfield signings in Mason Mount and Alexis Mac Allister this summer, and getting these deals done early could be a huge boost, presenter Terry Flewers has claimed on The Football Terrace.

What's the latest on Liverpool's midfield targets?

Liverpool have confirmed that midfielders James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will depart this summer as their contracts expire, and they will need reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Jurgen Klopp's side are in advanced talks over a deal to sign Mac Allister from Brighton, whilst there is also strong interest in Mount, who is entering the final year of his Chelsea contract.

Speaking on The Football Terrace, Flewers claimed that a mega double deal for the two midfielders could be excellent business for the Reds.

"This is an interesting story, Fabrizio Romano has stated just the other day that personal terms are almost agreed between Liverpool and Mac Allister, reports on OneFootball now claim that the deal with the player is done, still work to be done, around £70m with Brighton.

"Plus, it is now claimed that Liverpool could complete a very early double swoop in the transfer market. Mac Allister in, £70m early, across the line, giving both them time to go and do a little bit more and Brighton time to find a replacement.

"They're also looking at Mason Mount. That story will not go away. Hasn't signed a new deal, he doesn't want to sign a new deal. As it stands right now at Chelsea. Liverpool could be set to pounce. Jurgen Klopp is a big fan. Jurgen Klopp is willing right now, they're talking about a £45m to £50m bid going in for Mason Mount."

Do Liverpool need additional midfielders?

Whilst both signings could add quality and depth to their squad, they may not be enough overall to completely rebuild Liverpool's midfield in order to challenge at the top of the table again.

Mount and Mac Allister could both play in the advanced number eight roles, with Fabinho sitting behind them.

Fabinho has drawn criticism for his performances this season, and the 29-year-old may also need a younger replacement this summer.

Reports from Portugal have recently linked Liverpool with Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte, and if Liverpool can complete an ambitious move for the 22-year-old on top of these other deals, they may be ready to challenge for the title after a disappointing season.

Watch more of The Football Terrace on YouTube now!

Newcastle United could be lining up an audacious swoop for Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane this summer, with manager Eddie Howe looking to make the requisite moves to cement their stature at the forefront of European football.

What's the latest on Harry Kane to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Magpies have lined up an illustrious longlist of firepower ahead of the summer transfer window, with notable names such as Kane, Neymar Jr. and João Félix listed.

Kane has been at Tottenham for the entirety of his professional career alongside a string of loan spells, and is believed to be discontented with the club's situation and may look to depart this summer, with just one year left on his current deal – while Manchester United have also been attributed with concrete interest.

The prolific 29-year-old would likely cost around £87m for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to grant his departure, though Newcastle boast a monetary might few can rival across the expanse of the globe.

Should Newcastle sign Harry Kane?

It's worth noting that Howe might be wary of displacing the burgeoning success of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak – both prolific and forging an intriguing partnership on Tyneside – but if the opportunity arises to secure a striker of Kane's ilk, the Toon recruitment team would be destitute of vision in failing to attempt landing him.

The numbers speak for themselves. Kane has scored 278 goals and provided 64 assists from 434 outings for the Lilywhites, and has been hailed as "world-class" by more than a few, including ex-Spurs boss Antonio Conte.

This season, Kane has netted 28 goals from 37 Premier League appearances despite Spurs' woes, languishing in eighth place and facing a final-day battle to salvage European football – and even then, the outfit would be confined to the Conference League at best.

The 82-cap England captain, also his nation's record goalscorer, only needs 50 goals to break the all-time Premier League goal record held by the iconic Alan Shearer – a feat he will undoubtedly achieve if he remains within English football for the next two or three seasons.

Signing Kane could reignite Newcastle's talismanic aura that Shearer once claimed at St James' Park, and there is more of a semblance between the pair than merely prolific prowess.

Martin Keown once said: "He is now an outstanding talent. The biggest compliment I can pay him is he's a mixture between a Teddy Sheringham and an Alan Shearer.

"He hits the ball like a mule and his movement, his intelligence is as good as Sheringham's was."

Shearer, who scored 260 goals and provided 61 assists from 441 Premier League displays – winning one title and earning three Golden Boots along the way – was considered among the ultimate centre-forwards, being adept with both feet and his head while possessing a sporting intellect that only truly innate superstars boast.

His former manager, Sir Bobby Robson, lauded him as “a superb team player and an inspirational captain", which certainly seems to be a shimmering reflection of Kane's own skill set, with the Tottenham phenom's record with the north London side remarkably similar to Shearer's Premier League record.

Kane is a leader and a legend of English football; despite having never tasted silverware himself, he is an embodiment of what it means to be a superlative striker and a consummate professional – after all, Shearer's one Premier League title stands alone in his trophy cabinet.

Having secured a return to the Champions League after a two-decade absence this year, Newcastle would only flourish further with Kane spearheading their meteoric ascension.

With the English machine at the helm, it could well be the second coming of Shearer on Tyneside.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has held discussions with Chelsea ace Mason Mount over the role he would play in his side at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to Football Insider, Mount has agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a proposed move from Old Trafford; however, the Red Devils and Chelsea are yet to agree a fee for his prospective transfer.

The report adds that Champions League football is said to be a big motivation behind Mount being keen on a move to Manchester United. At the same time, he will be set to net £200,000 per week at the club, a significant upgrade on his current £80,000 per week wages at Stamford Bridge.

As per Sky Sports via TEAMtalk, Mount refused to rule out a move to Manchester United in the off-season when asked about his future at the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix last week, stating when quizzed: “Haha. I’m just here to enjoy this race today. Amazing day. Can’t wait to watch it.”

BBC Sport understand that Mount's 'ability to operate in advanced positions' has made him an attractive proposition for Manchester United alongside their desire to bring in a new forward.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones says that Manchester United and Chelsea are still apart in the process of agreeing on an acceptable fee for Mount to move to Old Trafford.

Jones said: "Ultimately, Mason Mount wants to be playing football and wants to know his part at the club. He wants to be at a club heading somewhere good, and Manchester United is a place where that can happen.

"He has been told about Ten Hag's vision and seen how far they've come over the course of the year. He believes that he is going to be an important part of that side if they can agree on a transfer.

"Obviously, at the moment, they are a little way apart in terms of what the two clubs value him at, so there's still a little way to go."

Would Mason Mount be a good signing for Manchester United?

Mount is a versatile presence that offers a lot of attributes to work with for any elite-level manager and would be a handy addition to a talented Manchester United outfit.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old featured 35 times in all competitions for Chelsea in total and registered three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef note that Mount was able to be a regular provider of opportunities for his Blues' teammates despite the club enduring an inconsistent campaign on the field, as he successfully carried out 83 shot-creating actions.

As per WhoScored, the England international also completed around 1.4 key passes per game in the Premier League, demonstrating his ingenuity in the final third.

Manchester United could do with some extra flair heading into next season and Mount could certainly bring some fresh ideas to the table if the Red Devils can bring him to Old Trafford.

Arsenal have reportedly been in contact over a possible move for Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.

What’s the latest Arenal transfer news involving Hojlund?

The Gunners appear to be making plans to bolster Mikel Arteta’s side after an impressive Premier League season. A second-place finish behind Manchester City ensures that Arsenal will be back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season, and reinforcements are seemingly wanted.

An offer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice looks set to be submitted in the coming weeks, whereas talks are reportedly underway for Fenerbahce attacking midfielder Arda Guler.

Another target appears to be Hojlund, however, Arsenal aren’t the only side interested. 90min shared a transfer update involving Hojlund in the last 48 hours, claiming that the player would like to secure a move this summer but Atalanta won’t let him go on the cheap.

The Serie A side want at least £55m for the forward’s services, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United keen. Arsenal are also named in the report, who state that the Gunners, alongside Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, have been in contact with Atalanta and with Hojlund’s representatives.

Who is Rasmus Hojlund?

Hojlund is just 20 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-forward who already has five goals in four games for Denmark. He was valued at just €1m at the end of 2021 by Transfermarkt, however, today, that figure stands at €35m, showing his impressive rise.

Journalist Sacha Pisani described the forward as “scary quick”, with Hojlund scoring nine times and providing four assists in 33 Atalanta appearances. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini also highlighted the player’s pace and described his technical quality as remarkable. He said:

"Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable. He still has so much margin for improvement, too. He has very similar characteristics to Haaland.

"Hojlund's so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m & that’s not even trying very hard. Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity & can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day."

Should Arsenal come out on top in the race for the forward’s services, you could say the Gunners may have a future star on their hands and someone different to rival the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in attack with his speed and height, the fact that he is left-footed and someone who also stands at 6ft 2.

It could well be one to watch in what may prove to be a busy summer for Arsenal, as they look to build on a solid season under Arteta.

Arsenal are now believed to be ready to submit their opening bid for West Ham United's Declan Rice following the completion of their campaign.

Will Declan Rice leave West Ham?

The Premier League campaign from the Hammers left a lot to be desired as they were forced to settle for an underwhelming 14th-placed finish.

However, on Wednesday night they enjoyed European triumph after beating Fiorentina in the third-string competition to end their trophy drought.

And it was Rice who was the first to get his hands on the Europa Conference League trophy in Prague as he captained the Irons to victory in the final.

But it seems that may have been the final time he may have put on a West Ham shirt with a number of clubs believed to be interested in him.

And the player even recognised the interest in him ahead of the summer window in his post-game interview with BT Sports:

“At the moment there’s a lot of speculation going on about my future. There is interest out there from other clubs but ultimately I’ve still got two years left at West Ham, I love this club, there hasn’t been anything yet," he said.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed Arsenal are ready to submit their first bid for the 24-year-old now the final is out of the way with:

"Now it's going to be time for the big transfer and the feeling is that Arsenal have this bid ready for Declan Rice.

"Preparing that proposal it will arrive and be submitted very soon to try to tempt West Ham but it is also important to say that Bayern [Munich] are interested, yes, but they feel that the player would love to stay in the Premier League."

Will West Ham allow Rice to leave?

On the back of such a huge achievement in the club's history, it would be understandable if the West Ham owners were to double down on keeping their captain.

Rice has played a huge role in this squad over the years having already racked up a whopping 245 appearances by the age of just 24.

However, on the back of the final in Prague, owner David Sullivan has claimed he has promised the midfielder the opportunity to move on this summer:

"I think it has to be [his last game]. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going," Sullivan told TalkSPORT.

"I think the offers will start to come today. There are three or four clubs who have shown interest, but out of respect to West Ham, while we're still playing, you don't make offers for players."

Now it seems as if the Hammers would be willing to allow their prized asset leave the club, it will be intriguing to see how much Sullivan will demand for the midfielder who only has one year left on his deal.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to turn to the transfer window to make reinforcements this summer, as Steve Cooper prepares for another season in the top-flight.

The Red's left it late to confirm their safety, securing three vital points in the penultimate game week to secure their Premier League status.

With the transfer window officially open, a familiar face to the league has appeared as a potential target at the City Ground.

What’s the latest on Romain Saiss to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by Foot Mercato last week, Nottingham Forest remain interested in Besiktas centre-back Romain Saiss.

Forest held interest in the defender in January, and according to the report are still ‘strongly interested’ in the 33-year-old, facing competition from Everton.

A separate report speculated that a price tag of €5m (£4m) is expected from the Turkish giants for their player.

What could Romain Saiss offer Nottingham Forest?

Having made 110 Premier League appearances, the Moroccan is a centre-back with the program to succeed in the English top-tier already installed.

After six seasons at Wolves, the 6 foot 3 defender opted for change and joined Besiktas and now looks set to be on the move again this summer, with Forest hoping to finally secure his signature.

Once lauded as “impeccable” by former international teammate Medhi Benatia, the 33-year-old has enjoyed an emphatic season illuminated by him captaining his country to a fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Away from his success with Morocco, the £48k-per-week ace has been a monster in defence for Besiktas, winning an average of 59% of his total duels in the Super Lig, making him a promising addition for Forest.

Despite being 33, Saiss could provide worthy competition for the Reds' current central defensive colossus Moussa Niakhate, should he be able to replicate his form playing in the Premier League last season.

When comparing the statistics of the Moroccan last season to the Senegal international this campaign in the league, the numbers suggest that the veteran could come out on top if presented with a chance to shine at the City Ground.

As per FBref, Saiss averaged 1.93 interceptions and 5.26 clearances per 90 at Molineux, with Niakhate falling slightly short in both areas with an average of 1.47 interceptions and 4.64 clearances per 90 this term.

The Moroccan also came out on top in terms of his ability in the air, winning 2.40 aerials to the Senegalese talent’s 1.47 per 90 via FBref, showing the level of authority he could bring to Cooper’s backline.

Praised for his efficiency in the final third, attributable to his six goals scored that season, Saiss could be a shining light in Forest’s system when it comes to transitioning play, as told by his numbers.

As per FBref, the Moroccan averaged a huge 4.56 progressive passes per 90 in the 2021/22 campaign, incomparable to the 1.16 Niakhate averaged per 90 this term, which suggests that he would be a valuable asset in progressive play from the back.

After failed efforts to sign the star in January, only time will tell if Cooper can try his luck once more and secure the signature of the experienced defender.

The Arsenal midfield is set for monumental changes this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side’s commendable title challenge painfully faltered at the final hurdle as they head into a transformative summer to prepare for next season’s Champions League.

It has been revealed by Fabrizio Romano that Thomas Partey could depart the Emirates and there are no talks of a contract extension.

Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is expected to join Bayer Leverkusen.

As part of the rebuild, the generational Romeo Lavia has been suggested as a potential target for the Gunners.

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia to Arsenal?

According to Romano, Arsenal are interested in acquiring the Southampton star as the club has forged an “excellent” relationship with the player’s camp.

He tweeted: "Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia. Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place."

The tweet also outlines that Manchester United and Chelsea are also keenly tracking the 19-year-old, and Manchester City’s buyback clause is only valid in 2024.

The Guardian has echoed Romano’s sentiment, stating that there is a “growing belief” he could end up in North London.

Lavia is valued at around £45m by the Saints, who look set to cash in on one of their prize asset to raise funds following their relegation to the Championship.

How can Arsenal line up next season?

Despite Southampton’s dismal campaign, the Belgian has emerged as a shining light, oozing maturity and composure way beyond his years.

The former Man City starlet made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Saints senior side and has a sparkling reputation as one of the league’s most exciting youngsters.

Across 29 Premier League outings, Lavia averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, as well as completing 68% of his dribbles, according to Sofascore.

Impressively, the teen is one of only three U21 players who have won possession in the midfield third 100+ times (114) to underline his quality.

Jean Kindermans, Anderlecht’s head of the academy, heaped praise on Lavia and said: “He’s always calm on the ball. You can give him it under pressure and he will solve the problem. He is going to have a brilliant career.”

Nathan Redmond has previously hailed him as “unbelievable”, whilst Oriol Romeu feels he is a “special” talent.

Alongside Lavia, Arteta has also set his sights on Declan Rice, whose signing has been described as a priority.

Arsenal have already had a £80m offer rejected for the West Ham captain, and it's expected that only bids over £100m will persuade the Irons to sell.

If the Gunners can secure the double swoop for Rice and Lavia, then this would be an extraordinary statement of intent and a fantastic base for another ambitious title bid.

Indeed, to combine Lavia's defensive prowess with an all-round package like the Hammers star, someone who registered nine goal involvements last term, and you would have a perfect blend in central areas.

With both titans under the age of 25 too, the future is glistening for Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur remain focused on their top summer target, with an update suggesting steady progress continues to be made…

What's the latest on James Maddison to Tottenham Hotspur?

Taking to his Twitter, it was once again transfer guru Fabrizio Romano who offered the latest update on Ange Postecoglou's pursuit of James Maddison.

The Leicester City maestro remains embroiled in this transfer tussle between Spurs and Newcastle United, but with the latter having moved on to other targets, it leaves the former in the driving seat for the man valued at over £50m by his club.

The Italian journalist wrote on Saturday afternoon: "Tottenham will push again for James Maddison next week — he remains the priority target for Postecoglou in that position."

Could James Maddison take Heung-min Son's place?

One of the few feel-good stories that have surrounded the Lilywhites in recent years has been the partnership struck up between Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

As a quality creator and finisher, and an often-unstoppable speedy winger, the two struck up a bond that captured the imagination, even surpassing Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba for goals exchanged between the pair.

The South Korean has recorded 225 goal contributions across his 372 games in north London, yet saw a notable downturn last term that will leave Postecoglou with cause for concern.

Having notched 23 goals and a further 17 in the two respective seasons before the last, he would only muster ten league strikes most recently, leaving the England captain to shoulder most of the burden. His 30 goals marked an immense feat, as he took this weak side on his back.

However, he cannot be allowed to continue as the sole offensive threat.

The acquisition of Maddison could supplement his compatriot once again, especially given the 26-year-old managed 19 goal contributions in a Foxes side that fell to the drop. He too has shown his quality in a struggling outfit.

His ability to score and supplement from deep could see him ignite a new partnership in north London, where instead of speed being the main asset, a focus on technical excellence is preferred.

Either of these two creative stars could drop deep to pick out their advancing teammate, with whoever finds themself on the finishing end of the move likely to record an easy goal.

The former Norwich City star would likely prefer the former role, given Statman Dave's suggestion that he is a "magician". With 2.3 key passes and 1.7 successful dribbles per game last term too, a record better than Son's 1.8 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per match, this is a notion only emphasised further.

As the South Korean reaches the twilight years of his career, poised to turn 31 next month, Maddison is instead only just entering his prime years. He and Kane could replace one already legendary partnership with a new, fresh dynamic, to lay the foundations for Postecoglou's hopeful tenure.

Tottenham Hotspur have started the summer strongly, but to truly usher in a new age, it is their defence that must now be made a priority…

What's the latest on Pau Torres to Tottenham Hotspur?

Now, according to the Daily Mail, it seems this might well be the case. After all, they note that the club are a big admirer of Villarreal's Pau Torres.

Whilst the report notes Aston Villa as the true credible interest, with their pursuit of the Spanish stopper understandable given Unai Emery's familiarity with his game, their reluctance to pay more than £35m could allow the Lilywhites to swoop in. Especially given his release clause reportedly stands at €65m (£56m).

Having already secured a permanent deal for Dejan Kulusevski, and more recently snatched James Maddison from Leicester City, it seems that the hierarchy are prepared to back Ange Postecoglou suitably to help take them back to the top.

How good is Pau Torres?

Having been a star man for the Yellow Submarine for many years, leading to his 23 caps for Spain, the 26-year-old is vastly experienced considering he still has the bulk of his career ahead of him.

Should he choose to spend those prime years in north London, it could provide the perfect springboard for him to become a hero under the Australian tactician. Especially given he will follow Clement Lenglet as his replacement for that left-sided centre-back spot, with the bar hardly being set exceptionally high.

Having spent last term on loan at the club, the Barcelona dud could only muster a 6.65 average Sofascore rating in the Premier League, the third-lowest of anyone within the Spurs squad who started over five games. To be rated as one of the worst players in a team that truly crumbled speaks volumes for his ability to play at this level.

Meanwhile, Torres was maintaining a 7.04 average Sofascore rating in La Liga, building upon his 7.09 figure from the season prior. He has remained a consistently classy asset at the back, with his piercing left foot and powerful physique lending to his success.

The former rating was upheld through 4.1 clearances and 1.3 tackles per game, yet he would also maintain an 85% pass accuracy alongside a 79% dribble success rate, via Sofascore, numbers that eclipse Lenglet in some areas, with the Frenchman posting 2.6 clearances per match and completing just 64% of his dribbles.

Given how Postecoglou will likely instruct his defenders to be the first line of creativity, striding out from the back with poise and purpose to kickstart attacks, there are arguably few more suited to such a ball-playing philosophy than this 6 foot 3 titan.

To emphasise this further, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, Torres ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

A former coach of his, Paco Lopez, always expected great things from his pupil though, as he noted: "I have followed his career, I always had a certain weakness for him.

"I had put my confidence in him, helped him jump up through the ranks. So I was not surprised by his progress, not at all. When we played against Villarreal, I spoke with him for a good while. As always, he is a sensational kid, very humble, the same as when I had him."

Given this effusive praise can be contrasted with the claims of journalist Roy Nemer, who branded Lenglet a "defensive liability" back in 2020, such a switch marks a no-brainer for the Lilywhites who would be sealing a seismic upgrade.