Arsenal’s annual general meeting took place on Thursday, with the manager, the shareholders, the chairman and, of course, the fans all converging to discuss finances, performances and the future of the club, among other matters.
Unlike in recent years, actual silverware was on show at Thursday’s meeting, with both the FA Cup and the Community Shield proudly displayed as evidence of the Gunners’ on-field triumphs over the past twelve months. In fact, majority shareholder Stan Kroenke could barely conceal his joy at the presence of such decorations.
“It was really fantastic to win the FA Cup,” he claimed.
“To be up here with the silverware is remarkable.”
Remarkable indeed, as the Gunners had gone a chastening nine years without lifting a trophy before May’s FA Cup victory over Hull City at Wembley. For many, this success was a vindication of persisting with Arsene Wenger – with patience running thin among Arsenal fans for the Frenchman’s failure to replicate the enormous success he achieved as manager in the late 1990s to early 2000s, the long-overdue triumph quelled the doubts of many concerning his continued suitability to the role of manager.
Fully aware of the debt of gratitude he owed the fans for their loyal support, Wenger went on the charm offensive at the AGM with quintessentially Gallic allure.
“I know I don’t always please you like I’d love to,” he crooned seductively to his audience.
“Every season, there’s an apprehension we may not fulfil your expectations. But we give it everything to please you.”
This was vintage Wenger – Arsenal fans may have had their fair share of disappointments in the barren years following the FA Cup triumph of 2005, yet they have never turned their back on the man who clearly has the club’s best interests at heart.
Nevertheless, Wenger is not getting any younger, and the day will eventually come when Arsenal have to bid adieu to their beloved, long-serving professor. The matter was discussed at the meeting – it would have been incredibly myopic had it been overlooked – with Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick keen to stress that the issue of replacing Wenger would be dealt with as sensibly and as meticulously as possible, especially in light of David Moyes’ calamitous tenure at Manchester United following the retirement of Alex Ferguson, another long-serving manager who had brought considerable success to his own club and was universally adored by the fanbase.
There would be no shortage of applications for the job, Mr. Keswick claimed, and he is correct in this assertion, as most of the best coaches in world football would relish the opportunity to manage a club of Arsenal’s size and stature. However, it was another passage of Mr. Keswick’s address that proved to be most pertinent of all, and which suggests that the transition to life after Wenger may not be as smooth as he is making it out to be. Referring to the extent of Wenger’s involvement at the club, Mr. Keswick had the following to say:
“I don’t think that my wish or intention is to double guess what Arsene Wenger wants to do – as you know, your board backs him 100 per cent. If he has a plan, we back him, if he doesn’t have a plan, we keep quiet.
“So let’s not be in a muddle about who calls the shots about football at Arsenal Football Club. It is not the chairman, it is not the fans, it is Mr Arsene Wenger.”
The significant power and influence that Wenger holds at Arsenal, making him an omnipotent manager in the same mould as Ferguson, is hardly a secret. By bearing this in mind, a new era with a new manager at the helm may very well have a destabilising effect on the club. If Arsenal are so depedent on Wenger with regard to the running of the club, how will they cope when the new incumbent inevitably brings with him his own philosophies, his own methods and his own ideas, which may differ considerably to those of Wenger?
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Many Arsenal fans will be hoping that there are some years yet before Wenger’s abdication of the Gunners throne becomes a reality. When this day eventually comes, however, there is cause for some concern. So integral to the running of the club has he been over the past eighteen years that such sudden change after such a long period of stability will be difficult for the club to deal with at first. That said, this is no reason to panic. As pointed out by Mr. Keswick, the club will have a long line of eligible suitors, and having the Frenchman on hand to aid with the selection process would help them choose the candidate best equipped to maintain Arsenal’s Wengerist principles, now firmly a part of the club’s DNA.
Even so, such a process is rarely straightforward, as Manchester United discovered last season. Although it remains to be seen how Arsenal will cope with Wenger’s departure, what is for certain is that the whole football world will be watching.
For any footballer, becoming a scapegoat in any club can break a career. Becoming a scapegoat in a Nottingham Forest shirt though, normally makes careers.
Whilst fans of other clubs watch their former scapegoats in the latter minutes of The Football League Show, Forest fans endure watching them being intensely analysed by Alan Hansen, on Match of the Day.
This may be the route taken by striker David McGoldrick. Although people may laugh at the thought of McGoldrick in the Premier League, pointing them in the direction of Grant Holt’s career path may see them understand the theory just a little more.
Whenever McGoldrick did anything in a Forest shirt, the atmosphere changed. If something positive was done, there would be the element of patronising suprise that could only leave a footballer slightly humiliated, rather than encouraged. If something negative occurred, McGoldrick would get a barrage of abuse on a different scale.
His running style, or internet rumours relating to his private life – Nottingham Forest supporters seemed to decide at an early stage that McGoldrick was an easy target, that they would take full advantage of.
McGoldrick got out alive, getting himself a loan spell at Coventry City. Despite his recent goalscoring exploits, many would still not take him back. Eleven goals scored, and Coventry fans lauding him demanding they sign him permanently. Three strikers currently fit, but the thought of McGoldrick lining up in a Forest shirt again is enough to raise the eyebrows, more in confusion of suggestion, than consideration.
Forest left back Dan Harding is currently in the line of fire. What’s Dan Harding’s fault, is Dan Harding’s fault. What’s Andy Reid’s fault, is Dan Harding’s fault. The mindset that many seem to have taken, unfortunately.
If something goes wrong near Dan Harding, despite looking at the bigger picture and perhaps the tracking back (or lack of) from Andy Reid, Harding is usually held responsible.
Harding seems to be standing on the thin line, that is being made a touch thicker by the ongoing injury problems to the defence, meaning any defensive errors are being generalised, as a whole defensive issue.
Whilst it’s unfair, Harding’s hesitant appearance doesn’t help him. Often looking hurried and nervous, with Andy Reid in front of him taking up awkward positions, forcing the Forest No.3 to take another option, usually the more simple one backwards, that can sometimes rile inpatient fans.
McGoldrick’s running style and Jonathan Greening’s rough and street-ready look. Are appearances playing a role in fans stance on players?
Football fans as a whole tend to be a forgiving bunch, as long as performances improve.
The Nottingham Forest faithful are on another level, however. Even when performances get better, and players show improvements, their unwillingness to allow them a fresh start in the Garibaldi is alarming.
If the likes of McGoldrick, Jonathan Greening and Marcus Tudgay continue to show form at their respective clubs until January, would the idea of retaining them be too frowned upon?
The thought of ‘cashing in’ may cross people’s mind. For Greening and Tudgay, maybe.
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For McGoldrick? Firepower and form. Whilst considering whether to give him a fresh start in your own mind, imagine settling down on a Saturday night to watch Match of the Day, knowing you were seeing a David McGoldrick you could’ve once seen.
Forgiving and forgetting may not be in the nature of Nottingham Forest fans minds’. Many people preach about the club being as one, for once in a long time. The only way to prove it, is to act in that way. Forgive and forget, and aid the club in achieving success.
The defending at the World Cup, coupled with Dejan Lovren’s performances, are making Liverpool fans appreciate the Croatia defender more than ever.
The 28-year-old has played a key role in his nation’s success so far in the tournament, helping keep clean sheets against Nigeria and Argentina.
After a difficult start to the 2017/18 season, the defender eventually flourished alongside January signing Virgil van Dijk, forging a partnership that was the backbone to Liverpool’s exciting second half of the campaign.
Reds fans now feel he is playing at the peak of his game at the summer tournament, impressing more than some illustrious names who have yet to hit their stride defensively in Russia.
With rumours of signings and names arriving at Anfield, many reckon that he does not need to be replaced over the next couple of months.
Should Liverpool be on the hunt for another centre-back, or should they focus on other areas of the team?
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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thought on Lovren’s summer so far…
Being linked to Real Madrid is nothing strange for Tottenham Hotspur pair Harry Kane and Dele Alli.
The duo have been amid transfer gossip for some time due to their rise at the North London outfit over the last few years.
The Spanish giants have regularly been touted in the media as potential suitors for the pair, but Luis Figo has suggested that neither would be able to cope with the demands that playing at the Bernabeu brings.
A club of Real Madrid’s stature is expected to win trophies season by season, and on occasion if they fail to do so, the manager gets the axe.
Figo spent five years playing for Los Blancos, and in that time scooped seven trophies, including two La Liga titles and the Champions League.
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Alli and Kane are yet to win any silverware with Tottenham, but they came close to pushing for the league crown in the last two seasons when they finished third and second respectively.
According to the London Evening Standard, Figo has questioned whether the pair would cope in Madrid.
“They are very good players, top players, but one thing is to play for Tottenham and the other thing is to play for Real Madrid, you know And this is not missing of respect of Tottenham. It is what is like. Real Madrid is different, eh?
“In terms of pressure… because it’s a lot of pressure too. Of course Kane is fantastic and Dele Alli too and I love to see them play and they’re doing fantastic. But Tottenham is a big club too, so I don’t know if the president of Tottenham is open to selling them.”
Since Alan Pardew’s appointment in December 2010, Newcastle have been the Premier League’s most turbulent and unpredictable side. Throughout the last three seasons, the Magpies have finished in 5th, 16th and 10th accordingly, but their final standing in the 2013/14 campaign could have been far more impressive without a run of 13 defeats in their last 19 league fixtures.
Theories as to why Newcastle have struggled for consistency over the last three-and-a-half years are aplenty.
Could it be due to the frosty relationship between the fanbase and the boardroom? The general dislike towards owner Mike Ashley on Tyneside is well known. There have been numerous protests against his ownership throughout the last three years, with tensions further exacerbated by the renaming of St. James’s Park in 2011, allegedly for commercial purposes, as The Sports Direct Arena, and the rehiring of Joe Kinnear as Director of Football in summer 2013, which quickly exploded, via an ad hoc, unsanctioned interview with TalkSport, into a public relations disaster.
The ensuing negative atmosphere on the terraces has often trickled into Newcastle’s performances, and even when the results are promising, the Toon army’s distain towards the Sports mogul eternally bubbles under the surface.
Could it be down to the club’s incoherent transfer policy? From summer 2011 to January 2013, Newcastle spent £49.5million on inward transfers, bringing in 18 players, the vast majority of which were sourced from Ligue 1. That clearly had a debasing effect during the 2012/13 season, which saw the Magpies plummet from Europa League contention into the relegation zone, as the new faces at St. James’s struggled to adapt.
The next 18 months however saw the Tyneside club not make a single permanent first team signing – the only addition throughout the entirety of last season was Loic Remy on a year-long loan. Even after losing the talismanic Yohan Cabaye in January, Alan Pardew was not allowed to reinvest. The Frenchman’s £20million departure to PSG coincided with Newcastle’s 13 losses in 19, including a run of six consecutive league defeats, and the loyalty of the boardroom was once again called into question.
But following a summer window in which Newcastle have conducted some great business, in my opinion, the boardroom and the club’s transfer department can no longer be seen as determining causes of Newcastle’s continuous inconsistency.
This summer, the Magpies have splashed out £37.6million already – Ashley’s biggest spend since officially purchasing a majority share in 2007. And far from the multitude of risky additions from Ligue 1 made in January 2013, such as defenders Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massaido Haidara, the St. James’s outfit are now attracting well-known, proven names that undisputedly raise the quality of the starting XI.
Right-back Daryl Janmaat for example, has been one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie over the past few seasons and was intrinsic to the Netherlands’ successes at the 2014 World Cup. Remy Cabella has been the top talent in Ligue 1, outside of PSG and Monaco, for two years straight and was previously eyed by Manchester United and Arsenal to name a few. Siem de Jong has been an ever-present member of the Ajax starting Xi since 2009 and boasts 44 career appearances in Europe.
Emmanuel Riviere has found goals regularly for St. Etinne, Toulouse and Monaco and at 24 years of age the potential for further growth is enormous. Jack Colback is a tried and tested Premier League midfielder that adds depth to Newcastle’s squad. And although Nottingham Forest duo Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow will be sent back to the City Ground on loan next season, the £3.5million-apiece signings are considered to be amongst the hottest prospects in English football and are clearly wise investments.
Newcastle’s acquisitions are fantastically well-rounded and Ashley is allegedly prepared to spend even more. So neither transfer policy nor the actions of the boardroom can be used as justifiable excuses if the Magpies struggle next season.The only remaining question mark lingers over the head of Alan Pardew, a manager with more lives than a cat and less common sense than a pencil.
He was given the benefit of the doubt for Newcastle’s relegation-threatened 2012/13 campaign after administering a 5th place finish the season previous. But his role in that demise should not be ignored – there was a point in April 2013 when the Magpies had scored just once from 234 attempted corners, whilst conceded from a multitude through a lack of organisation at their own end. Last summer, Jonas Gutierrez criticised Pardew’s training sessions for lacking intensity. Clearly the former Charlton and West Ham boss had allowed standards to slip at Darsley park.
That may have been an underlying factor behind Newcastle’s sudden drop of form last season too. But it’s influence was not so devastating as Pardew picking up a seven-match ban – including a three-match stadia ban – for headbutting Hull City’s David Meylor. The Magpies went on to claim just three points in his absence; a 1-0 home victory against Crystal Palace.
Rather worryingly, it’s by no means the 53 year-old’s only touchline incident. Two months previous, he was caught on camera calling Manchester City’s Manuel Pellegrini ‘ an effing old lady-parts’, but obviously, much less politely.
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All the while, Newcastle’s philosophy has been largely centred around direct, disjointed football, often dependant on moments of individual quality rather than a collective team performance. These instances were first supplied by Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, then Yohan Cabaye, and more recently Loic Remy. Whether Cabella, Riviere or de Jong have the quality to take up that mantle remains to be seen, but the danger lies in the Magpies’ successes under Pardew seemingly depending upon the form of a few key players, rather than the team as a whole.
Likewise, team selections have been consistently puzzling, the tactics and formations have been continually unimaginative and explanations for poor performances have verged upon Tony Blair-esque in their feel-good ambiguity.
Indeed, whilst the boardroom and the club’s transfer policy take a step towards redemption this summer, the jury is still out on Alan Pardew. His qualities as a manger have been open to debate for the last two seasons, and until now his reputation spared by factors seemingly out of his control.
Next year however, there can be no more excuses. The board have shown their faith with financial backing and their summer window has been executed to near perfection – the only omission being perhaps a striker who comes with goal-scoring guarantee. If Newcastle find themselves in another rut amid the coming campaign, only Alan Pardew can justifiably be held responsible.
If your team is caught in a relegation dog fight, this Premier League Losers XI is filled with a fantastic array of players that will make your slump out of the top-flight all but certain. These footballers are the relegation specialists who move from club to club in an aid to win a relegation battle but rarely do.
Some have been described as having a relegation fetish, others are clearly omens of bad luck and misfortune and a few are simply not quite good enough to ever play for a team that could escape the perils of relegation.
This Losers XI is a fantastic mix of players past and present who in trying their hardest will inadvertently get what ever team they play for demoted out of the top-flight, and often in ceremonious style.
Click on Ben Thatcher to witness the unholy footballing alliance that is the Losers XI
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Hibernian striker Florian Kamberi is looking to make a big impact at Easter Road next season, to help him achieve his ambition of one day playing in the English Premier league.
What’s the story?
Kamberi recently moved to Edinburgh from Swiss side Grasshoppers after enjoying a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, delighting supporters and manager Neil Lennon.
Hibs are looking to compete towards the top end of the Scottish Premiership table again next term and will need players like Kamberi to fire in the goals on a regular basis.
Now he has revealed why he rejected a move to Sunderland and League One to join up with the Leith side – to help his dream of one day playing in the English Premier League.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Kamberi said:
At the moment it’s important to give a good performance in a high league to show myself and if I do that then the big money will come later. Of course, longer term my dream is to play in the Premier League in England.
But I believe I have a better chance to achieve that dream by playing in the top league with Hibs — this is a great window for me.
But I am not looking too far ahead. I just want to give my all for the club and if I do that then opportunities should follow.
The 23-year-old Swiss striker has as good a chance as any Hibs signing in recent years to be a success at the club. Scoring 9 goals in 14 appearances last term, he demonstrated he has more than enough quality to to shine at Scottish Premiership level.
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His ambitious comments also show he is a hungry player and while it’s probably not ideal to hear new signings state their ambition to play in a different league, if Kamberi ever shows good enough form to attract interest from England, then that can only be a benefit to Hibs.
Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Arsenal are showing heavy interest in signing Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir in the summer transfer window.
The paper say that the in-form Ligue 1 star is Wenger’s number one priority in the upcoming window and is willing to pay the hefty £45m it would take to bring him to the Emirates.
There’s no doubting that Fekir is showing enormous talent this season. He’s scored a phenomenal 21 goals from his attacking midfield role at the French club, also creating five assists.
However, despite those impressive numbers, Arsenal fans have been left fuming by the links to his signature, believing that Wenger should be focusing on his defensive line and defensive midfield rather than looking to attract another attacking playmaker.
The Gunners have conceded a hefty 36 goals in the English Premier League this season, more than any other side in the top seven and fans are growing tired of poor defensive performances.
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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the Fekir signing and why it would be a bad idea…
In spite of Mike Ashley’s frugal nature, Newcastle United are expected to make moves in the summer transfer window. Alan Pardew has already secured the signatures of Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback, but more arrivals at St James’ Park are anticipated over the coming months.
Although the World Cup may prove a hindrance in pushing through deals, it also provides the perfect showcase for international talent. Whilst attacking reinforcements are believed to be the priority, Newcastle could do with adding depth to a threadbare squad.
Following on from Part One then, here is the second installment of the Magpies World Cup transfer hitlist.
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Click on Ivan Perisic to start
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CLICK HERE FOR PART ONE
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IVAN PERISIC
Although Croatia have already been eliminated from the competition, Perisic still managed to impress with his performances in Group A. The Wolfsburg midfielder netted against both Cameroon and Mexico.
The latest rumours suggest that Everton have already opened talks over a potential £8 million move for the 25 year old. If Wolsburg are willing to accept an offer this low, Pardew should seriously consider making an offer for Perisic.
JORDY CLASIE
One of the Netherlands rising starlets, Clasie has watched from the bench so far this summer. The diminutive central midfielder has impressed at Feyenoord over the last year.
Louis Van Gaal is believed to be interested in convincing Clasie to follow him to Old Trafford later in the summer. But with the Cabaye money lying around and then some, the Dutchman would be a suitable replacement for the influential Frenchman.
KI SUNG-YEUNG
Having already acquired Colback from their fierce rivals, Newcastle could look to anger the Black Cats further by moving for the South Korean midfielder. The 25 year old enjoyed an impressive loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season.
With the player entering the final year of his contract, Swansea could be tempted to accept a lower fee rather than risk losing the midfielder on a free next summer. Poyet is believed to rate the South Korean highly but no deal as of yet has been agreed.
KIM BO-KYUNG
Kim may not be one of the first snapped up by the vultures circling Cardiff City. The midfielder isn’t even a consistent starter for South Korea.
But in glimpses, the 24 year old displayed promise in the Premier League for the Bluebirds. With squad depth a serious issue at St James’ Park, Kim could represent an affordable option.
KOSTAS MITROGLOU
Transferring for £12 million in January, Mitroglou has made just one start and two further substitute appearances for Fulham. Hardly the return the Cottagers hoped for from their last gasp gamble to beat the drop.
Having suffered relegation, the 26 year old could be available to interested parties once the competition finishes.
LEROY FER
Arriving at Carrow Road as one of many expensive acquisitions last summer, Fer was unable to prevent the Canaries from sliding into the Championship. The highly-rated Dutchman only displayed glimpses of the ability which prompted Chris Hughton to shell out an estimated £5 million.
Fer opened the scoring in the Netherlands recent victory over Chile.
The 24 year old may not feature much for his country this summer but will most likely agitate for a move back into the top flight. With the Canaries in no real position to bargain, the talented midfielder could be available for a reasonable price.
LOIC REMY
A permanent move to Tyneside for the QPR striker continues to look unlikely. Having shone at St James’ Park, Remy has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham.
Having netted fourteen times in the Premier League, Newcastle were worryingly reliant upon the Frenchman for goals. Barring putting the club at financial risk, Pardew should do all he can to convince Remy to make the move to Newcastle permanent.
MATHIEU VALBUENA
A player long linked with a move to Newcastle, this could finally be the summer where the Magpies make their move. Valbuena shone in France’s recent demolition of Switzerland.
Recent reports claim that Valencia have identified the Frenchman as their main transfer target this summer. But as they have already proven with the signing of Ayoze Perez, Newcastle could potentially beat their Spanish counterparts to the signature of another player.
MAX GRADEL
A one time Newcastle target, Gradel is believed to have shunned interest from Tyneside to move to Saint Etienne back in 2011. The Ivorian attacker had shone in the Championship with Leeds United prior to this transfer.
A move to West Ham is believed to have broken down in the last transfer window. In need of attacking talent, Newcastle could be tempted to revisit one of their former targets.
MICHEL VORM
If Krul is snared away this summer, Newcastle could be tempted to replace the ‘keeper with his international colleague. Vorm has been one of Swansea’s most impressive performers since their promotion to the Premier League in 2011.
NACER CHADLI
One of many Belgians to invade the Premier League in recent years, Chadli hardly enjoyed a memorable debut season at White Hart Lane this season. Aside from a stunning strike at St James’ Park, the 24 year old failed to net on any other occasion in the Premier League.
Despite having only moved to North London last season, there have been indications that Chadli could be willing to move once again. With Newcastle desperate for attacking reinforcements, the Belgian should be one of many that Carr and Pardew consider.
NICOLAS N’KOULOU
With Marseille’s financial problems being well documented, the Cameroonian defender could be the man sacrificed to raise funds. The 24 year old has become a key figure at the club since making the move from Monaco in 2011.
Despite this willingness to sell though, Newcastle will probably still be reluctant to part with the money that Marseille are expected to demand. With Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco all credited with an interest in the defender, the Magpies will likely pursue a less high profile target.
REMY CABELLA
Ever since Yohan Cabaye departed for Paris Saint-Germain, Cabella has been earmarked by Pardew as the man to replace him. The midfielder is also said to be keen on a move to Tyneside, having netted an impressive fourteen goals for Montpellier this season.
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However, negotiations with the French club are believed to have stalled over a difference in the player’s valuation. If the midfielder shines in Brazil, Newcastle may have missed their opportunity to sign the 24 year old playmaker.
SERGE AURIER
If the rumours are to be believed, Mathieu Debuchy could soon be following his close friend Cabaye out of St James’ Park. With Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s exit also anticipated, a replacement at right back will almost certainly be required.
Aurier is believed to have been identified as a possible replacement in the event that PSG do indeed make a move for Debuchy. But with Bacary Sagna’s expected departure from the Emirates this summer, Arsenal are also believed to be in the running for the 21 year old Ivorian.
SOFIANE FEGHOULI
Newcastle have long been credited with an interest in the Algerian attacking midfielder. But any chance of a move this summer looks slim, with the player recently confirming his desire to remain at the Mestalla.
STEFAN DE VRIJ
One of two Feyenoord defenders on this list, De Vrij is almost certain to be on the move this summer. A transfer to Lazio was said to be in the advanced stages of negotiations only for nothing to materialise.
The Premier League appears to be a possible destination for De Vrij this summer, with Manchester United and Everton both linked. Although Newcastle are believed to be content with their current defensive options, a move for the 22 year old would surely represent a solid investment for the future.
STEPHANE M’BIA
Although he isn’t the QPR loanee that most Newcastle fans would hope to sign, a move for M’Bia could represent an attractive proposition. The Cameroonian midfielder has enjoyed a successful spell at Sevilla, netting in the penalty shoot out triumph over Benfica in the Europa League final.
At the age of 28, M’Bia doesn’t exactly fit the current transfer blueprint at St James’ Park. But with the current squad requiring far more depth, the Magpies could do far worse than considering the versatile Cameroonian star.
TRANQUILLO BARNETTA
of Leverkusen of Hannover during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Hannover 96 at BayArena on April 28, 2012 in Leverkusen, Germany.
At the age of 29, Barnetta is one of his country’s most experienced performers this summer.
The Swiss winger has been linked with a move to Tyneside in the past. But at his age, it will take an impressive performance in Brazil for the Magpies to show an interest once again.
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VEDAD IBISEVIC
The Stuttgart forward netted ten times in the league this season.
With strikers on the agenda at St James’ Park, the Bosnian could already be on Pardew’s radar. But at the age of 29, Newcastle will likely be looking for younger alternatives with a higher re-sale value.
VICTOR IBARBO
Dubbed the new “Faustino Asprilla”, recent reports have linked the Magpies with a move for the Colombian striker. The 24 year old is believed to be available for around £8 million, having entered the final 12 months of his contract.
A number of European clubs are said to be interested, although Cagliari are holding out on a sale until after the World Cup. If the Magpies actually make a move, they will be boosted by the news that Ibarbo is interested in a transfer to the Premier League.
VICTOR MOSES
Having endured a less than impressive stint at Anfield, Moses’ career has stalled somewhat. It is more than likely that Jose Mourinho will listen to offers for the former Wigan Athletic forward this summer.
A move to St James’ Park could provide the perfect opportunity for Moses to kickstart his career.
VINCENT ABOUBAKAR
24/06/2010 World Cup. Cameroon v Netherlands.Vincent Aboubakar.Photo: Mark Leech.
Despite being guilty of one of the worst dives in recent memory in a friendly against Paraguay, Aboubakar is still attracting a lot of attention this summer. The 22 year old forward netted sixteen times for Lorient in Ligue 1.
Recent reports have linked Chelsea and Leicester City with moves for the striker. With a dearth of striking talent at St James’ Park, Aboubakar could be on Pardew’s radar this summer.
WARIS MAJEED
Reports have already suggested that Newcastle and West Brom are monitoring the 22 year old. The forward netted nineteen times in Ligue 1 for Valenciennes this season.
WILFRIED BONY
How Newcastle must regret not making a move for Bony last summer. In a struggling Swansea side, the Ivorian managed to net an impressive sixteen times in the Premier League in his debut season.
Having signed for £12 million less than a year ago, the Welsh club are reportedly holding out for Bony’s buyout clause of £19 million. If the Swans don’t budge, that effectively rules Newcastle out of the race for the striker’s signature.
YOHAN CABAYE
There’s nothing wrong with Newcastle fans dreaming, right? The Toon Army will likely be watching the PSG playmaker in Brazil, painfully reminding themselves of what their club currently misses.
But after failing to cement his place in Laurent Blanc’s side, there is speculation that Cabaye could be on the move again. Having recently tweeted his love for his former club, Newcastle fans would surely jump at any opportunity to welcome the Frenchman back to St James’ Park.
Tottenham have managed to turn around their season (although they were hardly on the ropes) and put together a run of results that presents Andre Villas-Boas far more favourably. The highlight, of course, was the win at Old Trafford, giving further evidence of just how clinical Spurs can be on the counter attack.
The manager should also be praised, as even without key components which would make his system a successful one, he appears to have the squad on side and achieving results. It’s certainly no worse than what he experienced at Stamford Bridge.
But there’s an argument that suggests Daniel Levy could have focused greater efforts on securing players the new manager desired. Hugo Lloris will become a staple in the Spurs side for many years, and there’s no question that the signing of Moussa Dembele was an impressive one. However, there are still areas that need to be addressed in the squad, notably in midfield. Spurs’ position in the league table at this stage should bode well for them should they wish to move ambitiously again in the transfer market.
Willian
There is already concrete interest in the Brazilian, with Daniel Levy reportedly having held talks for the signing of the Shakhtar midfielder in the last transfer window. But with Willian’s ability to play either centrally or on the flanks, and with Gareth Bale’s future beyond next summer coming into question, Willian would be an outstanding option in the Spurs attack. There’s a reason Chelsea were after him, although they’re certainly in no great need for him now. He’s one of he two focal points for this Shakhtar team and plays superbly as a creator from the left position. Gareth Bale gives Tottenham pace and power in a very good counter attacking system, but Willian plays a possession based game that can be equally devastating.
Arda Turan
What about the right of Tottenham’s attack? As with Bale, Aaron Lennon provides the necessary pace in their counter attacking game and unsettles defences with the way he drives into the penalty area. But could they do with an upgrade in that position? Arda Turan doesn’t hit the same notes that the players at Real Madrid do, for obvious reasons, but the Turkish international is comfortably one of the best attackers in La Liga. He has formed an excellent partnership with Juanfran on the right, doubling up for attacks and in defence. And this is where Arda can be so important: he’s such a hard worker that he’s quickly become an invaluable asset in Diego Simeone’s team. His versatility means he can play anywhere across the attacking three, and he’s certainly got an eye for goal as well. For those outside Spain and his native land, Arda isn’t top of the list in terms of glamour signings. But he’s undoubtedly a player who could star for any team in the Premier League.
Ivan Rakitic
Tottenham are still without a natural replacement for Luka Modric following their failed attempts to secure Joao Moutinho. But what better way to replace the Croat than with his international team mate? It’s a real wonder why Sevilla can’t string together a run of good form, such is the quality in their squad. One of the standout performers is Ivan Rakitic, who arrived from Schalke last year. Spurs would do well to bring in creative players who take up advanced roles in the team, but there’s no doubt they need someone to occupy a place in the centre of the pitch. Rakitic has outstanding numbers in La Liga, averaging three key passes per game, equal to that of David Silva. He can play further up the pitch as well, scoring his only goal of the season so far from the advanced role against Deportivo. He passes the ball superbly, with excellent range and is equally impressive from dead ball situations. Unlike with Moutinho and Porto, Sevilla are unlikely to demand a transfer fee close to £30million, but they would certainly negotiate the parting of one of their key players should the price suit them. Due to the financial situation in Spain, Sevilla are among the many teams who would welcome respectable bids for their best players.
Roberto Soldado
Roberto Soldado may be one of the only bright spots in Valencia’s terrible season so far. The Spanish international continues to be a regular source of goals, even without Ever Banega and Sergio Canales to supply him from midfield. But Tottenham don’t seem entirely at ease with their striking options. Jermain Defoe was close to the exit door during the summer and Emmanuel Adebayor hasn’t figured as prominently as he did last season. With Spurs playing with one striker up front, they can get the best of both worlds with Soldado in the team. He’s excellent at holding the ball up and working with players on either flank, and as mentioned, he continues to score even under difficult circumstances. He would have given Valencia a win over Real Madrid at the start of the season were it not for the linesman incorrectly calling offside.
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Benedikt Howedes
Questions remain about Michael Dawson and William Gallas, and Younes Kaboul is still out. Steven Caulker looks an exciting prospect, but perhaps there is room to add greater solidity to the centre of defence. Andre Villas-Boas has obviously seen little use for Dawson, despite his qualities at the back, while Jan Vertonghen has had to fill in at left-back for the majority of the season so far. But even when the Belgian international returns to the central position, he’s very much a ball-playing defender who likes to advance out from the back. Spurs would do well to have a defender who stays at home in the mould of Benedikt Howedes. The Schalke captain has drawn plenty of attention and the German club remain firmly in the stance that they want to keep him. But he’s also versatile, able to operate at right-back and provide cover when needed. A natural leader and a defender with excellent interception percentages. Spurs would do well to have him partnering either Vertonghen or Caulker.