Rangers: Transfer insider drops interesting Danilo to Ibrox update

Rangers are still interested in bringing Feyenoord forward Danilo to Ibrox, despite seeing a bid for the striker rejected last week, transfer insider Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT.

Manager Michael Beale is keen to add to his attack this summer after a number of key departures, with the Brazilian forward rumoured to join Cremonese forward Cyriel Dessers in Glasgow.

What is the latest news regarding Danilo to Rangers?

According to the Daily Record, the Brazilian has told his club that he wants to seal a move to the Gers this window.

The Scottish side had their opening bid of £3.5m rejected as the Eredivisie champions value the 24-year-old closer to £5m.

Danilo for Feyenoord

Beale's side are hoping to make the Brazilian forward their second striker signing of the window, with the club looking set to complete the signing of Nigerian forward Dessers according to Fabrizio Romano.

Any forwards that come into the club have the big task of replacing the departing duo of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, who had been part of the squad that won the Gers 55th league title under former manager Steven Gerrard in the 2020/2021 season.

Transfer insider Jones has doubts regarding how real the Scottish side's interest in the forward is.

What has Dean Jones said about Danilo to Rangers?

When asked about the potential Danilo move to Ibrox, Jones said to GIVEMESPORT: "I tried to look into this one a bit more, but I can't see how much is actually in this right now.

I don't know if they've just got him on a watch list or something. I didn't get the feeling that it was particularly likely to happen, but totally understand why they'd be looking."

What else is on Beale's Rangers transfer agenda?

As stated previously, the club are closing in on the signing of Nigerian forward Dessers from Cremonese, who scored 10 goals and assisted three in 32 games last campaign.

The forward has European pedigree, with him being the Europa conference league top scorer in the 2021/22 campaign with 10 goals in 13 games for Feyenoord. There will be concerns about his mindset and loyalty as he has played for a different club in each of the last four seasons.

Rangers have also confirmed the loan signing of Abdallah Sima on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. The Senegal forward is yet to make an appearance for the Premier League club, instead having had a number of loan spells. His most recent loan spell was with French side Angers, where he scored five goals across 34 appearances.

The club also has a fantastic option already available in Antonio Colak, who scored 18 goals in 39 games for the side last season.

If Rangers don't pick up Danilo, they still have a number of solid options within his position.

Arsenal: "Sensational" Star Now Set To Leave

Arsenal star Thomas Partey is set to leave the north London club this summer after personally requesting a transfer, according to reports.

Who will leave Arsenal?

In terms of incomings, it is an exciting time to be a Gooner, as their side have now agreed a £105 million total deal to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer.

There were some concerns of Man City potentially hijacking this move after Pep Guardiola's side entered the race, but following Arsenal's latest nine-figure bid, the treble-winners swiftly pulled out.

Meanwhile, it is believed Ajax defender Jurrien Timber could soon follow both Rice and Germany international Kai Havertz through the door, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming they're likely to advance.

However, to make room and generate funds, certain Arsenal squad members have to make way – with defender Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and Granit Xhaka all having been mentioned as exit candidates (Goal).

Partey, as Arteta plots a midfield overhaul, is also on the chopping block with a report by Football Transfers sharing an interesting line on the Ghanaian.

mikel-arteta-arsenal

The 30-year-old was a regular at Arsenal during their title challenge last season, making 33 appearances, but it is believed he could make away instead of Jorginho this summer.

FT and reporter Jacque Talbot claim Partey has personally requested this himself – speaking to Arteta behind-the-scenes and asking to be sold this summer.

As a result, the former Atletico Madrid star is set to leave, according to this update, with Xhaka also looking to make a move to Germany.

Indeed, Arsenal could even sign another midfielder after Rice with both players potentially going.

What's been said about Thomas Partey?

The African starred as one of Arsenal's best performing players per 90 last season, according to WhoScored, but maybe the time is now to cash-in on him.

Partey's stock is high and Arsenal may be able to generate more funds through his transfer away.

Called "sensational" by La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong, Gunners legend Ray Parlour has also heaped praise on the midfield engine, calling him "important".

"I think Partey has been so important," said Parlour (talkSPORT via Goal).

"If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit because last season, he had so many injuries.

"But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile."

Newcastle Can Fix Worrying Area with "World-Class" £30m Ace

Newcastle United appear set to make it a double raid on Serie A as they look to add to the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali by bringing in Federico Dimarco.

Widespread reports on Wednesday suggested Newcastle are increasingly confident of bringing in Tonali for a fee in the region of £60m, but the ambitious Magpies are not likely to stop there.

Newcastle transfer news – Dimarco a target for Ashworth

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has not just flown to Italy to speak to AC Milan about a deal for Tonali, but also Inter Milan regarding a move for Dimarco.

It would be quite the coup for Newcastle should they pull off the transfer, as Dimarco is a player who has been touted as a €35m (£30m) target for Real Madrid and Manchester United this summer.

The ten-cap Italy international still has three years to run on his San Siro contract, so Inter will not feel obliged to sell unless their valuation is met in full.

Where would Federico Dimarco fit in at Newcastle United?

It is no secret that Eddie Howe is after a new left-back this window to rival – or more likely replace – Dan Burn for the 2023-24 season and beyond. While Burn largely did a good job there last season, the fan favourite is not expected to start there in the Champions League next season.

Kieran Tierney had been strongly linked with a switch from Arsenal to St James' Park, but news on that front has gone quiet of late and it now appears Dimarco is Howe's favoured option.

It is clear to see why, too, as Dimarco played a big part in Inter's run to last season's Champions League final, starting ten of their 13 games – including the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul.

Dimarco can play left-back and also left wing-back given his attacking nature, highlighted by his eight goals for Inter in all competitions last season. Indeed, The Analyst ranks the Italian in the top 2% of all defenders last term for goals scored across Europe's top five leagues last season.

No defender across Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, Bundesliga and the Premier League performed better than Dimarco in terms of shots, touches in the opposition penalty box and chances created.

To put those figures into some perspective, Dimarco's 0.20 goals per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, compares to 0.05 for Burn, who was also occasionally used at centre-back.

Dimarco assisted ten goals last season, meanwhile, whereas Burn did not set up a single goal, while the Inter defender's 2.01 shots per 90 minutes compares to 0.67 for Burn.

The former Hellas Verona loanee is also a threat in terms of his deliveries, much like Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank, earning praise from European football expert Carlo Garganese for his "world-class" crosses and set-pieces.

That is not to say Burn does not have his own qualities in other areas, and the same is true of Dimarco in terms of his weaknesses.

For example, Burn wins 2.43 aerial duels per 90 minutes, compared to 0.23 for Dimarco, while the latter is also second best in terms of tackles won (0.98 v 1.07) and blocks (0.80 v 1.21).

Ultimately, Howe must decide whether he wants to be cautious on that side of the pitch or integrate a player into the team capable of getting even more out of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. Should he go with the latter option, this move would no doubt be bad news for their current towering full-back.

In an exciting new era at St James' Park with Champions League football set to return, Dimarco is surely the man for Howe to go for.

Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea Already Eyeing A Second Signing

Chelsea have more attacking reinforcements in mind, namely Victor Osimhen, despite a deal being close for Nicolas Jackson, according to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey.

How many goals has Nicolas Jackson scored?

The current Villareal forward had the best season of his career to date in Spain in 2022/23, as the player plundered 12 goals over the course of just 16 starts in the division for his side. Previously, he had produced no goals for the team in La Liga, playing nine times in the last campaign with no return in front of goal.

This year though, the 21-year-old has emerged as a key player for the side and his goalscoring antics have even led to him outperforming some more experienced strikers across Europe. When you compare his stats to others upfront in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for example, he does compare well. With 0.68 non-penalty goals per 90 on average, he sits nicely in the top 6% for that stat – which shows just how clinical he has been in front of goal.

Chelsea have been the most keen to bring the player to the Premier League and it looks like the Blues will get their wish too. A recent report suggests that a deal is getting closer and closer, with Mauricio Pochettino's side ready to pay Jackson's release clause of 35 million Euros (£30m) to get a deal done.

Most notably though, Bailey believes that even if Chelsea get a deal over the line for the player, that will not stop them splashing out on a big name centre forward. It appears as though even if the Villareal man does make the jump to England, he might not be the guaranteed line-leader for the Blues – they remain interested in Napoli's Osimhen, despite a price tag of over £100m, which could make things difficult.

Should Chelsea sign both Jackson and Osimhen?

Despite his age, Jackson has already been highly praised for his contributions at Villareal. Having bagged goals and assists aplenty, football talent scout Jacek Kulig labeled him as La Liga's "MVP" over the last few weeks of the season and added that he had been in "incredible form."

If Chelsea manage to seal a deal for him then, they could be getting a really promising young forward who already knows where the back of the net is. The youngster can also play on either wing though, and that would make room for Osimhen, who boasts a quite ridiculous rate this season of 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes.

The Nigeria international, dubbed "incredible" and an "absolute beast" by Owen Hargreaves, could lead the line for years to come, with Jackson perhaps more targeted for the versatile role Kai Havertz has often filled.

Chelsea Enter The Race To Sign £33k-A-Week Defender

Chelsea have joined the race to sign influential Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Is Kim Min-jae leaving Napoli?

The 26-year-old enjoyed a wonderful season for Napoli, helping them win the Serie A title for the first time since 1990 and proving to be one of their most important players. Kim was an absolute rock at the heart of his side's defence, averaging 3.5 clearances per game across 35 league appearances, and it has seemingly made the rest of Europe sit up and take notice.

Manchester United have been continually linked with making a move for the £33,000-a-week South Korean, and it looks as though his future could lie away from Napoli beyond the summer.

With Chelsea looking to make key defensive signings in the upcoming transfer window, a new report has emerged that suggests Kim could be a target.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae

Are Chelsea keen on signing Kim Min-jae?

According to Foot Mercato [via Caught Offside], both the Blues and Newcastle United have entered the race to sign the 47-cap South Korea international, providing stiff competition for United in the process.

Chelsea are eyeing him as a more successful signing than Kalidou Koulibaly, who also arrived from Napoli last summer, but endured a fairly disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge and only started 20 out of 38 top flight games.

Kim could be a sensational signing by the Blues this summer, although the fact that they don't have European football to offer him is a clear drawback. That's something that both United and Newcastle can give him, which could put them ahead of the west Londoners in the queue.

Compatriot and former United midifelder Park Ji-sung has described the defender as "extraordinary" recently, adding that he is a "technical leader and personality", and he is someone who could transform a struggling Chelsea back-line moving forward.

While Koulibaly and Thiago Silva are both in their 30s, with the same also applying to Cesar Azpilicueta, Kim would be a younger option who can lead the troops for a number of years to come.

Strong both in and out of possession, Kim enjoyed an eye-catching 91% pass completion rate in Serie A last season, as well as averaging 3.6 clearance per match in the Champions League. There a few more impressive and in-form players in Europe in his position right now, so Chelsea snapping him up over their rivals would feel like a major coup.

New Liverpool Weapon Could Launch Title Charge

Liverpool's signing of Alexis Mac Allister brings an intangible that will help the club return to title challengers according to Redmen TV presenter Ste Hoare.

The midfielder has joined the Reds from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee, and Hoare believes it's "important" that the club is getting in a player who "knows the league".

Has Mac Allister joined Liverpool?

Mac Allister has officially signed for Liverpool after a three-and-a-half-year spell on the South Coast with Brighton.

Both clubs have stated that the fee is undisclosed, however, Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds triggered a release clause in the World Cup winner's contract for just £35m.

The 24-year-old, who will take the number 10 shirt previously worn by Sadio Mane, signed a five-year deal at the club and is the Merseyside outfit's first transfer of the window.

Manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted to get the deal over the line, stating to Liverpool's official club website: "We are adding a very talented, very smart, very technically skilled boy to our squad and this is super news, really it is."

What has Ste Hoare said about the signing?

The Redmen TV presenter was pleased about Mac Allister's arrival, praising the fact that the player is Premier League proven, so most likely won't need a "bedding in period"

Speaking to Football FanCast, Hoare said: "I’m delighted with Mac Allister, Liverpool needs players who can come in and play straight away, we haven’t really got time for a bedding in period.

"Especially if they want to be title winners again and Man City don’t give you a chance they are relentless, so you’ve got to be. I think it’s important we’re getting someone who knows the league coming in."

Can Mac Allister help turn Liverpool back into title winners?

Liverpool had a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, finishing outside the Champions League positions for the first time since the 2015/16 season.

The club has since identified that a midfield overhaul is required to return to their previously high levels, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Reds have scheduled talks with the agents of French midfielders Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone.

Mac Allister brings something that those names mentioned do not possess, which is Premier League experience. The Argentine made 112 appearances for Brighton during his time there, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists.

The midfielder also made six appearances for Argentina en route to the World Cup final, where the diminutive maestro recorded the assist for Angel Di Maria's goal in the first half.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on World Cup duty with Argentina.

The Europa League side will be hoping that this wealth of experience in not just the Premier League but in high stakes, pressure competitions will mean the 24-year-old can come straight into the starting midfield, which had been a problem position all season due to injuries and poor form.

If Liverpool want to challenge Manchester City for the title next season, they will have to return to their relentless best, and Mac Allister can be a key piece in achieving that.

Hearts Could Appoint Their Own Version Of Graham Potter

Hearts finished fourth in the Premiership last season, securing another crack at European football, however, question marks remain over who will be leading the side once the campaign begins.

Interim boss Steven Naismith guided the club to just two wins from six games following the sacking of Robbie Nielson in April, and he failed to win either of his Edinburgh derby ties.

Last week, the Daily Record claimed that the former Scotland international was set to be appointed as the manager on a permanent basis, however, Hearts have since held talks with current Hammarby coach Marti Cifuentes, and he remains someone who is under consideration for the role.

He certainly has slightly more experience than Naismith and judging by his results during his role in charge of the Swedish club, Cifuentes could potentially be Hearts’ own version of Graham Potter.

Could Hearts appoint Marti Cifuentes?

The 40-year-old is facing a tough second season at Hammarby following his impressive debut campaign, where he led the side to third in the league while coming up just short in the Swedish Cup, however, it could take a compensation fee in order to secure the Spaniard as their new manager.

The chief executive of the side, Richard von Yxkull, wants Cifuentes to stay despite fan unrest among the support, saying: "We have 100 per cent confidence in him, and we want to keep him as our head coach. If we were to end up in negotiation with another club, then yes. He is under contract with us."

Potter built up his reputation in Sweden, leading Ostersund to the Swedish Cup and into Europe during a seven-year spell, before breaking into the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion – following a stint at Swansea City – and then Chelsea, although he was sacked following just six months in charge.

Cifuentes has also forged his career in Scandinavia, taking charge of Sandefjord and Aalborg BK before landing the top job at Hammarby, where he has averaged 1.81 points per match, a similar figure to Potter during his spell in Sweden, who achieved 1.71 points per game, albeit playing more matches.

Steven Naismith

Naismith would be the cheap option for Hearts, however, taking a risk on a coach such as Cifuentes could very well pay dividends, especially as they aim to reach the Europa Conference League group stage for the second year in a row.

Potter’s career took off once he landed in England and Cifuentes could certainly follow in his footsteps should Hearts make their move for the 40-year-old, and he’d be an upgrade on Naismith in the process.

Arsenal Could Secure £35m "Rocket" To Partner Saka

Arsenal could be set to pounce on the misfortune of a former Premier League rival, capitalising on one of the three relegated clubs.

What's the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Arsenal?

That's according to Italian publication Calciomercato, who claim that the Gunners are one of the numerous suitors seeking to pry Wilfried Gnonto from Championship-bound Leeds United.

Amongst the suitors are Manchester City, who will also battle with plenty of Italian clubs who want to bring the electric wide man back to his homeland, although the north London outfit are noted as following him particularly closely.

With a price tag expected to reach as high as €40m (£35m), the Whites will likely still be frustrated to see their brightest prospect exit Elland Road. However, their loss could be Mikel Arteta's gain, with another skilful young winger for him to mould in Bukayo Saka's image.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

Given it is just his first full year in England, the 19-year-old has acclimated to the power and pace of the Premier League with relative ease. This is likely aided by his own physical assets, which have seen the 5 foot 5 powerhouse feature 24 times in the league and a further four times in domestic cup competitions.

Whilst eight goal contributions across those 28 appearances might not be the most eye-catching, he is a teenager who offers much more than just statistics.

His ability to beat a man is thrilling to watch, with his lightning-quick feet making viewers feel like he is always capable of the spectacular – talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor lauded such quality back in March, noting:

"He’s a top player. He might not be on Raphinha’s level just yet, as he’s only 19 – but he’s got that directness, that scary pace.

“He could do better with his final ball or with his finishing – but that will only get better and better in the future. I can see him being at that Raphinha level in the next couple of seasons."

Meanwhile, Football Insider pundit Tam McManus supplemented this by branding him a "pocket rocket" too, and when compared to other wingers across Europe he ranks in the top 16% for progressive carries per 90 to emphasise this superiority with possession.

Given the Gunners have been in for the 26-year-old Brazilian in the past, who notched 11 goals last season in the league, this could mark a fine investment into an asset who could easily surpass the Barcelona man.

bukayo-saka-arsenal

Watching Saka occupy the right flank with a similar dynamism, adding many more goals and assists to his name, placing them in the same squad under the tutelage of Arteta could help elevate them both to new levels.

The England international recorded 14 goals and 11 assists in the league this season, but just two years earlier, when he was a teenager himself, he only managed nine goal contributions. The pathway for Gnonto's progression is therefore clear.

Arsenal's transformative manager could work his magic on an exciting winger once again, and in doing so form one of the division's most petrifying wide combinations.

Leeds can axe Firpo with MLS star

Jesse Marsch could go back to his roots in a bid to bolster Leeds United’s playing squad this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Transfermarkt, the Whites are interested in signing Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner, who has emerged as one of the best in his position in the MLS

It remains to be seen how much the 25-year-old German would command, though the Yorkshire giants are also facing competition from relegation rivals Burnley, as well as Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Transfermarkt value him at £2.7m.

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Firpo flop

Part of the MLS All-Star team in 2021, the 6-foot dynamo could be quite an upgrade for the American head coach at Elland Road.

Across 104 appearances in Delaware, Wagner has delivered four goals and 13 assists, averaging a direct contribution once every six games, which is a pretty respectable return for a full-back.

Meanwhile, the former Wurzburger Kickers ace ranks favourably compared to his peers in the division. He is amongst the top 3% for key passes (1.88 per 90), top 4% for passes into the final third (4.35 per 90) and top 4% for goal-creating actions, so whilst he may not always get an assist, he’s evidently a threat in attack.

Also via FBRef, Wagner is pretty solid defensively, having averaged 2.43 blocks and 9.61 ball recoveries per 90, too.

His arrival in west Yorkshire could finally allow Marsch to axe struggling first-choice Junior Firpo, who has often looked lost down that left flank for the Premier League strugglers this campaign.

The former FC Barcelona man ranks outside the top 11 of Leeds’ best performers and has often been criticised for his inconsistent performances.

During a thrashing by Manchester City, Firpo’s defending was described as “schoolboy” by ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson, whilst the Mirror’s David Anderson dubbed the £10.8m-rated flop a “liability” to GIVEMESPORT recently.

Instead, Wagner – who has been described as a “fighter” by ex-Union defender and mentor Aurelien Collin – could be an instant upgrade on the 25-year-old.

Victor Orta and co must look to make this move.

AND in other news, Radz set for Leeds disaster on £18m-rated “machine”, it’d be an unforgivable decision…

Tottenham: Lo Celso heading for Spurs exit

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is ready to sell Giovani Lo Celso this summer, according to a report from TNT Sports in Argentina. 

The lowdown: Struggle at Spurs

Signed from Real Betis for £27.2million in 2020 following an initial loan spell under Jose Mourinho (BBC), the attacking midfielder struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League before heading back to La Liga on loan.

Lo Celso made 84 appearances for the Lilywhites, directly contributing to just 14 goals before joining Villarreal on a loan deal until the end of the 2021/22 campaign in January.

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Due to return to N17 in the coming weeks, the Argentinian international may already be deemed surplus to requirements…

The latest: Conte cuts Lo Celso

As per TNT Sports, Tottenham boss Conte has informed the 26-year-old that he is not part of his plans for next season.

It’s claimed that Spurs ‘intend’ to let Lo Celso go on a permanent basis despite the man hailed as an ‘amazing player’ by Mourinho being under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2025.

This will be part of a big overhaul, with Steven Bergwijn and Tanguy Ndombele also likely to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The verdict: The time has come

Clearly out of favour under Conte, selling Lo Celso appears to be the best option for all parties, particularly if there is a deal to be done with Villarreal that may involve sought after centre-back and reported Tottenham target Pau Torres.

Despite playing an integral part in Unai Emery’s plans with the unlikely Champions League semi-finalists, the 38-cap Argentina ace has still only managed two goals and three assists in 38 competitions this season, failing to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League prior to his loan switch.

Holding a market value of £19.8million – albeit down from £45m when he joined, a 56% decrease – and with three years remaining on his contract (Transfermarkt), Daniel Levy will be confident of cutting a lucrative deal for Lo Celso that could see Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s own transfer coffers boosted handsomely.

In other news: Conte admits one thing this season left him ‘very angry’, find out more here

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