Wolves must target Arsenal outcast Danny Welbeck to secure Premier League experience

The Evening Standard has reported that Arsenal boss Unai Emery has told Danny Welbeck he is not in his plans and that the North London club will listen to offers for the 27-year-old.

What’s the story?

Premier League clubs Everton, Bournemouth and Southampton are all interested in securing the services of Welbeck, according to the Standard, as the England international enters into the final year of his contract with Arsenal.

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The Standard also say that Arsenal need to sell after spending £70m this summer, and cutting Welbeck’s wages is one of the motivations for their eagerness to move the striker on.

Welbeck reported back to preseason training on Monday but now looks set be on his way out of the Emirates before the transfer window shuts on Thursday, and Wolves should target the ex-Manchester United man to add Premier League experience to their new-look squad.

The perfect buy

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has already made nine signings so far this summer and looks set to add Adama Traore as his tenth from Middlesbrough. However, despite securing top talent from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Santo still lacks Premier League experience that could be vital as Wolves return from the Championship.

With 29 goals in 142 games for Manchester United and 27 goals in 112 for Arsenal, Welbeck may not have the greatest scoring records but a fair number of his appearances have come from the bench and if he was given the chance to start every week he could become a prolific goalscorer.

Good in the air and with a sharp turn of pace, the Arsenal man would be the perfect signing to challenge Raul Jimenez and Leo Bonatini upfront and would bring a great deal of experience to the dressing room as he enters the peak of his career.

So, Wolves fans, would you like to see the club target Welbeck this summer? Let us know in our poll below.

Balazs Dzsudzsak would be an ideal alternative to Yannick Bolasie

Aston Villa’s season continued to develop in positive fashion last night as they recorded a 1-0 victory over Yeovil to progress into the 2nd round of the Carabao Cup, extending their winning start to the season to 3 matches. 

Steve Bruce’s side have put a difficult transfer window well behind them and are looking to lay down a gauntlet to the rest of the Championship with their performances on the field of play. But their impressive form has not prevented Steve Bruce from looking at the market for potential new signings before the loan window slams shut.

According to The Northern Echo, Villa are interested in signing Everton’s Yannick Bolasie on loan this month, although they face strong competition from Middlesbrough for his signature who recently sold Adama Traore to Wolves.

The level of ambition Villa are demonstrating by targeting Bolasie is exactly what they need to earn promotion back to the Premier League this season, but there is every chance that Boro could tip them to his signature in the coming weeks.

With that in mind, Villa should scout the market for potential alternatives to pursue in the event that they miss out on completing a shrewd loan deal for Bolasie, and one man who should be firmly on their radar is Balazs Dzsudzsak.

The 96-cap Hungary international is something of a veteran at both international and club level, and the experience he would bring to the table could prove invaluable throughout the season.

Dzsudzsak was recently released from Al-Wahda FC Abu Dhabi following two successful seasons with the club in which he scored 13 goals and provided 19 assists from 42 appearances in the UAE Gulf League.

His stint in the UAE was undoubtedly a money spinner for a player who has previously played his trade at PSV Eindhoven and Dinamo Moscow where he consistently used his wicked left-foot to devastating effect.

An expert from set-pieces, an excellent crosser of the ball and a decent finisher, Dzsudzsak would offer Villa a genuine threat from out wide with his fantastic technical ability, so Bruce should offer him a short-term contract with the club if they fail in their pursuit of Bolasie.

He may be 31-years-old but Dzsudzsak still has the creative flair to get supporters off their seats at Villa Park.

Aston Villa fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Steve Parish and Crystal Palace can be pleased with how the club’s summer has gone

It has been a decent summer at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace winning their opening Premier League fixture of the season 2-0 against Fulham before a spirited defeat at home versus Liverpool. 

But, as well as their encouraging performances against the above teams, Crystal Palace fans can also be satisfied with the work that has been done off the field, something that has been echoed by chairman Steve Parish.

The Breakdown

“I would never describe the transfer window as enjoyable, but working with Roy [Hodgson], Dougie [Freedman] and Iain Moody this summer was definitely a positive experience and we believe that we did the very best we could, given the money that had been invested previously,” Parish was quoted saying in Crystal Palace’s official match programme for the Liverpool game (via Football London).

And, while Parish did also mention it would be difficult to grade the players signed in this transfer window in this moment of time, the acquisitions do look promising.

Albeit he has not yet reached the heights many would have expected him to by now, Max Meyer, who was brought in on a free transfer, is still quite a coup.

And, at 22 years of age, he still has plenty of time to reach his potential.

Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate will add more steel to Palace’s midfield while Jordan Ayew can give Roy Hodgson’s men some fresh impetus up front.

Christian Benteke, quite frankly, is no longer the player he once was and offers the Eagles very little.

Most importantly, though, Crystal Palace have managed to secure the future of star man Wilfried Zaha after he put pen to paper on a new five-year deal which will take the Ivory Coast international’s tenure at Selhurst Park into 2023.

With Zaha and the rest of their summer additions, Crystal Palace should have enough in their arsenal to avoid a relegation scrap.

Bielsa must stick with Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the long run

Leeds United earned a respectable point against Swansea City in what looked like a clash between two sides that could be playing in the Premier League next season.

After a storming start to the season which saw the Yorkshire club go on a run of four wins, Leeds were stopped in their tracks by a very impressive Swansea side under Graham Potter.

Oli McBurnie popped up to score two goals for the home side but thanks to goals from Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez, Marcelo Bielsa’s side managed to scrape a point away from their trip to Wales.

Although Leeds managed to salvage a draw they also managed to concede a goal which in truth, Bailey Peacock-Farrell should’ve saved which has led to some fans calling for Jamal Blackman.

The Breakdown

While it could be argued that Peacock-Farrell was slightly unsighted, McBurnie’s fairly straight and reasonably well hit shot should’ve been saved by the Leeds ‘keeper.

If that were the one sole mistake the 21-year-old had made, you could put it down as a one-off but against Rotherham, he was also caught down on his righthand side. Against Derby, Tom Lawrence scored a dipping free-kick which again should’ve been saved by Peacock-Farrell.

The youngster is beginning to build up a list of mistakes but as such a young age this is a valuable learning curve and Bielsa should stick with him.

Chelsea loanee, Jamal Blackman is waiting in the wings ready to take his spot but as he is only a temporary option, in the long run, he won’t be Bielsa’s man come next year.

If Leeds get back to the Premier League, they need a man who’s helped got them there and is the long-term option.

Leeds fans – what do you think?

Signing Barry Douglas was a shrewd move by Leeds

Leeds United continued their unbeaten streak at the weekend with a 3-0 over Norwich City. 

Under Marcelo Bielsa’s brand of high energy football, Leeds have taken the league by storm and currently sit joint top of the Championship.

The Argentinian manager has turned Samu Saiz and Kemar Roofe into top players while also improving the likes Kalvin Phillips. What has made Leeds’ improved performances so impressive, is that Bielsa has worked with basically the same team that Thomas Christiansen had last season aside from new recruit, Barry Douglas.

In what was a surprise move, the impressive full-back joined Leeds on a three-year deal and has become one of the club’s best players so far this season.

The Breakdown

Arguably one of the best players for Wolves last year, Douglas scored five goals in 39 appearances last season for the Championship-winning side.

Although he was the club’s only permanent transfer, Douglas has turned out to be one of the best players for Bielsa.

Brilliant at going forward, and ideally suited to Bielsa’s high energy style of play. At the weekend, Douglas arguably had one of his best performances for the club and got his first clean sheet for Leeds.

With so much emphasis placed on attacking full-backs, Douglas is going to be key in Leeds’ attacking play this season, as proven by his involvement in Ezgjan Alioski’s goal.

If Douglas, can replicate the 14 assists he registered for Wolves last year, Leeds could have a potential star on their hands this season.

Leeds fans – thoughts?

HYS: Has Fellaini been a successful signing for Manchester United?

Marouane Fellaini was David Moyes’ sole signing of the summer transfer window in which the Scot took the reigns at Manchester United. The lanky Belgian arrived at Old Trafford and reunited with the former Everton boss in the process. However, the midfielder was not a universally popular acquisition.

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Despite having spent the majority of his career with the Red Devils to date as a bench option, the 30-year-old has regularly proved himself to be an extremely effective option when called upon. Current occupant of the Old Trafford dugout, Jose Mourinho, has regularly called upon the Belgium international to help turn the tide of a game.

However, Fellaini’s presence in the United squad is indicative of the decline that the club has suffered since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. For a club battling to get back into Premier League title and Champions League final contention, they should not be so reliant upon the physical, route one option that Fellaini offers. 

What do you think, United fans? Was Fellaini a great, savvy buy or do you consider him as big a flop at Old Trafford as the man who bought him was?

Revealed: 84% of Everton fans think Silva is getting it wrong with Dowell

Loads of Everton fans have been discussing the future of Kieran Dowell, and a whopping 84 per cent of fans do not want him to stay as the third choice attacking midfielder.

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Everton turned a underwhelming summer into a great one in the blink of an eye towards the end of the transfer window, but the arrival of Brazil international Bernard could have serious effects on the future of Dowell.

The 20 year-old attacking midfielder returned to Goodison this summer after a successful loan stint with Nottingham Forest, where he scored nine times in 38 Championship appearances.

It’s hard to see him getting any playing time with the Toffees this season though, as Gylfi Sigurdsson is hitting top form and Bernard is likely to be second choice behind the Icelandic international.

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Marco Silva has already shown with Richarlison that he is wonderful with young attacking players, but 46 per cent of fans want him to move Bernard to the wing to make room for Dowell, while 38 per cent think the youngster should go back out on loan.

Either way, it’s clear he can’t continue as third choice, and you can find the full poll results down below…

Steve McClaren admits revival of QPR ace Hall could take a while

Steve McClaren has suggested QPR fans do not get ahead of themselves in regards to Grant Hall’s recovery, he told West London Sport.

What’s the word?

Making his return to first-team action in the Carabao Cup victory over Bristol Rovers recently, Grant Hall is fighting towards a recovery and is hopeful of returning to regular first-team football at Loftus Road imminently.

The defender missed a large chunk of last season with a knee injury and underwent surgery earlier this year, with McClaren identifying the current international break as crucial in Hall’s recovery – and has suggested he is still some way off being 100%.

With QPR struggling defensively at the start of the season, fans will hope that Hall is fully fit imminently but McClaren told West London Sport that his recovery could take a while.

What was said?

“The main thing is that he came through 60 minutes and is OK. He carries on the rehab and it’s going to be quite a while. The international break is going to be huge for all of us in terms of him and of us (the coaching staff) working with the team.”

Worth the risk?

With QPR enduring a tough start to the new season, conceding 13 goals in their first six matches of 2018-19, it may be tempting to push Grant Hall towards a return to bolster the defence with his experience – but it would be an unnecessary risk.

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At 26, Hall still has the best years of his career ahead of him and rushing him back to action could lead to further injury complications – which could, in turn, affect his long-term future at the club and in football in general.

Therefore, McClaren must rely on the likes of Toni Leistner, Joel Lynch and Alex Baptiste to hold down the fort for the time being.

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Rangers fans love what they’re seeing from Kent

Loads of Rangers fans have been reacting to Saturday’s 4-0 win over Dundee, and they’re absolutely loving the performance of Ryan Kent.

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There were plenty of great performances on Saturday as Steven Gerrard’s side got a huge three points at Ibrox.

Lassana Coulibaly gave the Gers an early lead on his return from injury, while James Tavernier and Glenn Middleton were also on the scoresheet.

Kent’s goal might just be the pick of the bunch though, as the 21 year-old exchanged passes with a couple of players before driving into the box and sweeping home.

The Liverpool youngster has never really gotten a chance at Anfield, and is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Reds.

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Rangers fans would love to have him permanently when his loan deal expires though, and they are heaping praise on his Dundee display.

Time will tell if he can keep adding goals to his good performances, but judging from the Twitter reactions down below he is already a hero…

Arsenal fighting Inter Milan for Rennes winger Sarr

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Arsenal are set to lock horns with Inter Milan in the transfer market for the services of Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr, according to The Mirror.

What’s the word?

Unai Emery’s Arsenal side have started to find their feet, winning their last five matches across all competitions, but there is still room for improvement and the Spaniard is eyeing further additions in January.

The wide positions of the squad are likely to be an area of focus as the Gunners are yet to replace Alexis Sanchez following his move to Manchester United in January and a new name has emerged on the shortlist of the North London side.

According to The Daily Mirror, Arsenal are keeping tabs on 20-year-old Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr and will rival Serie A giants Inter Milan in the hunt for the signature of the Senegal international who was part of his nation’s World Cup squad.

Should he be signed?

Likened to Barcelona star, and a player who was a reported £100m target for Arsenal in the summer, Ousmane Dembele, who first made waves with Rennes before moving to Catalonia via Borussia Dortmund, the pacey winger showed his class in the Europa League last week by netting a stunning goal.

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Rated at around £20m by his French side, who have insisted he will not be sold in January, Sarr has hit the ground running this season by scoring two goals in six Ligue 1 appearances after hitting five in 24 matches last season.

On the rise, Sarr could be developed into a key asset by Emery at the Emirates Stadium and could save the club around £80m if they moved for Dembele instead.

He could also be the key to unlocking the full potential of Arsenal’s attack, which already has the makings of a deadly line as it boasts the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil.

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