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Arsenal are set to open new contract talks with midfielder Granit Xhaka before the end of the year, according to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: New role

Xhaka has been a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side this season, starting every Premier League game. The 30-year-old has played in a central midfield role but has been getting further forward, something that has paid off with an impressive five goal contributions in nine games.

He scored his second goal of the season in the north London derby, and it looks as if the club are now planning to extend his deal as a reward for his impressive form.

The Latest: Contract talks

O’Rourke provided an update for FI regarding Xhaka on Thursday. He revealed that Arsenal are set to open contract talks with the midfielder before the end of the year.

He added that it would come as a ‘major turnaround’ and a ‘surprise’ due to his ‘age, history and previous relationship with the Arsenal fans’.

The Verdict: Good move?

Xhaka’s current deal is set to expire in 2024, so a potential new contract seems to make sense for everyone involved.

He is thriving in a new role and is one of six Arsenal players to average a WhoScored Premier League match rating of 7/10 or more.

Hopefully, his fine form will continue heading into the World Cup, and it looks as if he is on the list for new contracts alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli.

Wolves were heavily linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz during the summer and had the Chile international arrived at Molineux he could have saved Bruno Lage’s job.

The Championship striker was tipped to complete a move to the Premier League after a superb season with the Ewood Park outfit, which saw him contribute a hugely impressive 22 goals and three assists in 37 appearances, which helped him average a 7.06 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Wolves were linked with signing the Chilean by Football League World after his superb 2021/22 campaign, with 90min claiming that he would cost around £20m.

Meanwhile, in the Old Gold’s squad last season, Raul Jimenez would finish as the top scorer in the Premier League with six goals and Wolves managed just 38 in the top flight, so perhaps the writing was on the wall for Lage this season after such a woeful start in front of goal.

It was no surprise, therefore, to see Wolves linked with a plethora of strikers during the transfer window, although only Sasa Kaladjzic would arrive despite the departures of Fabio Silva and Patrick Cutrone.

Lage’s plans were scuppered when the Austrian forward damaged his ACL on his debut against Southampton, which left the Portuguese manager with a serious deficiency of attacking options.

The former Benfica man opted to bring in Diego Costa on a free transfer after seeing his side manage just three strikes in nine Premier League games but he has offered little in his opening four appearances, with Lage sacked following a 2-0 defeat against West Ham.

So far this season, Brereton Diaz has eight goals in the Championship, which is nearly double the number scored by Wolves in the Premier League, which suggests that he could have been a quality addition the squad, especially given the Old Gold’s woes in front of goal.

After scoring in a recent 2-0 win over Sunderland, which briefly sent Blackburn to the top of the Championship, manager Jon Dahl Tomasson was full of praise for Brereton Diaz.

He said: “Ben is a brilliant player. That ability to score goals, we love that, and beautiful goals as well. He’s always a threat. He always gets chances, he works hard for the team as well.”

Meanwhile, Costa has provided next to no threat in his Wolves appearances thus far, averaging one shot per game and a shocking 6.1 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which suggests that Brereton Diaz would have been a much better option, both now and in the long term.

Had the 23-year-old “goal machine” – in the words of Alan Nixon – made the move to Molineux and come up with the number that Wolves have struggled so much to produce, then he could have even kept Lage in the job.

A development has emerged on Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch and his fitness ahead of the World Cup break…

What’s the latest?

Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray has revealed that the versatile gem is set to be out until after the international competition, which will force a three-week spell without Championship matches for the club between the middle of November and the start of December.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “I think Lynden will be two to three weeks, which obviously takes him past where we would need him to be [to play before the World Cup].

“I think while we’re away he’ll get his boots back and join us in training, and hopefully be with us for that first game after the break.”

The manager had hoped that the American would be available to face Burnley in the Championship last weekend but he now looks set to wait until December to make his next appearance, with four league matches to go before the break.

Big blow

This news could be a big blow for Mowbray as Gooch has been a regular in the team this season and was clearly trusted by the head coach, as he was by both Lee Johnson and Alex Neil.

The gem played 41 times in League One for the two former Sunderland bosses combined last season and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.77. He created nine big chances and assisted six goals, whilst also making an average of 2.0 tackles and interceptions per game, in the third tier as he showcased his quality at both ends of the pitch.

Gooch started all of the first 14 matches of the current campaign before suffering this injury and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.77, assisting one goal and making 2.3 tackles and interceptions per outing.

These statistics show that his performance levels have been consistent in spite of the change in division, from League One to the Championship, and this is a credit to his adaptability.

Trai Hume started at right-back in place of him against Burnley and the 20-year-old has not been able to provide a similar level of quality, as he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.1 and has averaged a score of 6.47 across four appearances so far this season.

He is a promising young player and could step up in the upcoming matches but these statistics and his age show that he is not the consistent, assured, presence that Gooch provides on the right.

Therefore, losing the versatile American could be a big blow for Sunderland unless Hume is able to step up his performances and come into his own as a Sunderland player ahead of the World Cup.

Manchester United aren’t expected to be busy during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

The club were proactive in the summer after appointing Erik ten Hag as manager, bringing in six first-team players.

Brazilians Antony and Casemiro were the two most expensive additions, whereas Lisandro Martinez also joined in a high-profile deal.

Over £200m was spent, and it looks as if United supporters may have to wait until next summer to see more players make the move to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Sheth, talking to GiveMeSport, was asked about United’s transfer plans heading into the New Year. He shared ‘information’ he’s been given, claiming that the Red Devils aren’t expected to be active in January.

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“What I would say is that clubs like Manchester United and a lot of other clubs’ focus is usually on a summer transfer window.

“January is sometimes seen as a panic month, but the information that I’ve been given is that United aren’t likely to be that busy during this transfer window.”

The Verdict: Centre-forward?

You could argue that Ten Hag needs a new centre-forward in the New Year, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo being told last month that he can leave in January.

Should the 37-year-old depart, Ten Hag would be left with just one out-and-out centre-forward in Anthony Martial, although Marcus Rashford can also occupy a central role if required.

However, it could be wise for the club to actively hunt a new striker, with United set for a busy second half to the season where they potentially may still be playing in four different competitions.

Jordan Henderson is ‘available’ to play for Liverpool in their game away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon after he was not risked against Napoli.

The Lowdown: Missed Napoli

Henderson was not in the squad that beat Napoli 2-0 at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

He was reportedly not risked after undertaking a solo training session at the AXA Centre before the match, suggesting that he picked up an injury.

The Latest: ‘Available’

Taking to Twitter on Friday morning, Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce shared an injury update from Jurgen Klopp on Henderson ahead of their game at Spurs, revealing that he is ‘available’ after training as normal on Thursday:

“Hendo is available. He trained normal yesterday.”

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The Verdict: Boost

It will certainly be a boost for Klopp and his team to have Henderson back, especially considering the number of injuries that they currently have in the middle of the park.

The 32-year-old has been criticised at times this season, but has been a mainstay in Klopp’s side, featuring in every game in the top flight that he has been available.

The Reds will need some leaders on the pitch if they are going to get all three points against Tottenham away from home, and as captain, Henderson is exactly the kind of character needed in order to drive the team on.

Nonetheless, it is a big opportunity to close the gap on the top four, and the Englishman could be key in the battle on Sunday.

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘pressing’ to sign Santos winger Angelo Gabriel, and have already made an offer.

The Lowdown: Nickson watches Gabriel

It was reported in September that head of recruitment Steve Nickson travelled to Brazil in July to watch Gabriel in action for Santos.

A move never materialised in the summer transfer window, but the St. James’ Park outfit could look to return for his signature in January.

The Latest: Offer made

Speaking to Area Napoli, journalist and transfer expert Cristiano Abbruzzese has revealed that Newcastle are ‘pressing’ to sign Gabriel, having made an offer of €25m (£21.9m) for him, but face competition from Barcelona and Napoli:

“On him, however, there is the pressing of Newcastle who have already offered 25 million euros, while Barcelona has a right of first refusal: under these conditions, I think it is difficult for the Neapolitan club to enter the race for the talent of Santos.”

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The Verdict: Exciting

Having already signed promising young talents in Garang Kuol from Australia and Irish defender Alex Murphy, Newcastle are in for another exciting youngster here in Gabriel.

Hailed as a ‘wonderkid’ by Brazilian youth scout Andre Noruega, the 17-year-old’s former coach Betinho even goes as far as to claim that he is ‘like Neymar in terms of his dribbling at speed and his change of direction’.

That is a huge comparison to a player that has won multiple major titles and is one of the biggest names to come out of Brazil.

Gabriel has already made 96 senior appearances for Santos by the age of just 17, scoring three goals and making a further nine assists (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, if the Magpies can get a deal done, then he would add to an already exciting crop of young players that have moved to Tyneside.

Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson may possibly have attracted transfer interest from Jurgen Klopp following his performance against Liverpool last month, according to his former manager Jim Curtin. 

The Lowdown: Aaronson’s season so far

In May, it was announced that the Yorkshire club had secured a deal for Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg for an initial fee of £24.7m.

Since then, the American has gone on to start all 14 of Leeds’ Premier League games this season, which shows how important a player he is for the team and Jesse Marsch.

Having completed the full 90 minutes of Leeds’ 2-1 win over Liverpool at the end of October, it seems as though one of his former managers has suggested that this performance may have caught the attention of the man in the opposition dugout at Anfield that night.

Aaaroson won seven duels and made two tackles and two interceptions in a diligent display against the Reds (Sofascore).

The Latest: Aaronson could have caught Klopp’s eye

On the subject of Aaronson’s display against Liverpool, Philadelphia Union manager Curtin – under whom the 22-year-old worked at that club – reckons that Klopp may have been inspired to consider taking an interest in the Leeds wizard after that performance.

He said (via Tom Bogert on Twitter): “To watch Aaronson play against Liverpool, you could tell by Jurgen Klopp’s body language every time Brenden did anything — Look, I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s interested in that kid after how he played against him.”

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The Verdict: Leeds must keep hold of Aaronson

To highlight how impressive the 22-year-old has been for Leeds this season, he has made more key passes (27) and successful dribbles (19) than any other player at Elland Road.

In addition, only four other players in the Premier League have covered more distance on the pitch than the Leeds gem (156.8km), who could be in action for his country in the World Cup against Wales on Monday.

Taking this into account, and also the fact that Graham Smyth hailed Aaronson as Leeds’ “most dangerous player” in that match against Liverpool, it’s easy to see why Curtin think Klopp may want the player in his Reds squad.

Even though the American only joined the Whites in the summer, it should be one of the club’s top priorities to keep hold of the midfield maestro for as long as they can, given how impressive he has been since coming to Yorkshire.

Glasgow Rangers podcasters Heart & Hand have shared that Tom Lawrence has not suffered an injury setback, despite some reports.

The Lowdown: Out ‘until March’

There were reports circulating on Wednesday that Lawrence had now been ruled out ‘until March’ with injury, as he was set to visit a specialist in London to look at his Achilles issue.

The summer signing from Derby County has not played at Ibrox since August, and the Gers’ league campaign is set to resume on Thursday 15th December at home to Hibernian.

The Latest: No setback

Taking to Twitter, Heart & Hand dropped an update on Lawrence having ‘spoken’ to the club, who say that he has not suffered a setback ‘despite recent rumours’:

“Spoken to club re Tom Lawrence and they say he has not suffered any setback despite recent rumours.”

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The Verdict: Relief

The news that Lawrence has not suffered a setback will certainly come as a relief to the Light Blues supporters.

The winger started off the season well, with three goals and two assists in his first nine matches in total over all competitions (second-best performer in the Scottish Premiership overall.

He also ranks highly among his team-mates for average tackles, blocks, shots, key passes and crosses per appearance (WhoScored), showing how much of an impact he has made on the team in a short space of time.

Nonetheless, Lawrence will be hoping that his recovery goes well during this break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and that he can return to action on the pitch sooner rather than later.

Arsenal can seal a bargain January transfer deal as an update has emerged on a Bundesliga target that sporting director Edu Gaspar has been eyeing for a while…

What’s the news?

According to German outlet Sport Bild, Gunners target Marcus Thuram is set to be available for as little as £6m in the January transfer window.

The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season and Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT last month that the 25-year-old is “not going to extend the contract”, leaving the door open for Edu to make a dream January move for the forward.

Ideal January signing

The 25-year-old is currently participating in the World Cup with France and he will be hoping to emulate his father (Lilian) in winning the competition.

Thuram has been in excellent form so far this season, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach.

His Bundesliga performances in particular have been excellent this season and the forward has an average rating of 7.19 as per Sofascore while contributing with a further three big chances, 0.9 key passes per match, and completing 61% of his attempted dribbles, showing he is more than just an out and out goal scorer.

Gabriel Jesus, the north London side’s main centre forward, has netted just five times this season and it’s clear bolstering his forward options remains a priority going forward for Arteta.

For £6m, a deal to bring in Thuram should be acted upon as soon as the World Cup is over and this would give the Spaniard more funds to work with in order to strengthen other areas of the team, like the centre of the midfield.

Denis Zakaria waxed lyrical about the Frenchman in the past, lauding him as “crazy” and his stats this season prove that he can succeed at the highest level, and a move to England shouldn’t faze him.

With the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all eyeing up a move for the forward ahead of the transfer window, Edu could strike a big psychological blow by bringing the player to Arsenal and give the club an added boost in pursuit of their first Premier League title in 19 years.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter needs to get the cogs whirring at Stamford Bridge, having lost the past three matches in all competitions, and will hope that the midseason break, making way for the World Cup in Qatar, will breathe fresh life into the side.

One of the most notable areas requiring improvement is the tip of the sword, the frontline, with the Blues’ 17 goals scored in the Premier League this season the lowest of any squad in the top-half. 

And while a centre-forward remains a position at the top of owner Todd Boehly’s shopping list, Kai Havertz is reminding the club that he possesses the spark that can alleviate the club’s current woes. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might have been the short-term answer to the club’s centre-forward issues, signing from FC Barcelona this summer, but at 33 years old his presence at the front of the Chelsea ship will not last forever, and Havertz, ten years younger, possessing all the tools to flourish, if he can just unearth that vein of consistency.

Havertz, signed for £72m from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen, has only scored 27 goals and provided 14 assists in 112 appearances for Chelsea, failing to show quite the same goal-scoring prowess that saw him net 46 goals in just 150 outings in Germany. 

He did, however, score the winning goal as Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the 20/21 Champions League final. 

And despite only scoring four goals in 20 appearances this season for the West London outfit, Havertz shone for Germany in Qatar despite a miserable group stage exit.

Boasting an impressive record of 12 goals in 33 outings for his country, the 23-year-old rebounded from a lacklustre display against Japan in the opener to star off the bench against Costa Rica.

Scoring twice in a 24-minute cameo, the £60m-rated phenom outperformed his expected goals metric of 1.36, as per Sofascore, hitting the target three times and missing the mark with a further two efforts.

Receiving a match rating of 8.9, and picking up a Man of the Match award, Havertz was a driving member behind the Germany comeback that oversaw a remarkable 4-2 victory, with his side 2-1 down when he entered the field of play. 

His tenacious, high-octane display does not always grace Stamford Bridge with its presence, but his integral role in forcing the Germany comeback was a reminder of why he attracted such a lucrative fee in 2020. 

Despite the intensity of the affair, Havertz only lost possession four times, accurately spraying passes and instigating forward transitions, reaching a teammate with 82% of his attempted passes.

He will need to emulate his form in Qatar when he returns to London, with Chelsea’s woes in dire need of remedy.

But his towering, explosive performance against Costa Rica reaffirmed to the world that he has a goal-laden spell lurking just around the corner, and should he carry that golden touch back toward Potter’s team, he could finally unleash the potential clearly bubbling just beneath the surface.