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Arsenal have yet to receive a formal bid for Newcastle United target Joe Willock, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown

The 21-year-old spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at St James’ Park and plundered in eight goals in just 14 appearances. His goal in the 2-0 victory against Fulham on the final day of the season took his scoring streak to seven consecutive matches, matching the club record set by Alan Shearer (via BBC Sport).

The £14.4m-rated midfielder has now returned to north London and still has two years to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium (via Transfermarkt).

Willock had been limited to just two Premier League starts under Mikel Arteta in the first half of the 2020/21 campaign.

The latest

The report from James McNicholas and David Ornstein in The Athletic states that Arsenal plan to sit down with Willock when he returns from his holiday to discuss his prospects.

It’s expected that the Gunners will consider any ‘suitable offers’ which arrive for the 21-year-old, but at this point Newcastle’s ‘interest’ has yet to progress to the bidding stage.

The verdict

It will feel like a step backwards if Newcastle fail to secure Willock given how integral he was to the run of form which lifted them from the brink of the relegation zone to a 12th-place finish.

He was the engine of the team in the middle of the park, and Newcastle don’t really have another player who can replicate his role of providing a regular scoring threat from midfield.

If Arsenal’s price tag proves to be unrealistic for the Magpies, perhaps they could look to arrange a second loan and instead pursue a permanent deal next summer, when you’d hope the uncertainty around the club’s ownership will have been resolved.

In other news, Newcastle are the favourites to sign this Euro 2020 star. 

Crystal Palace have joined the race for Ryan Christie’s signature as the Celtic midfielder enters the final six months of his contract at Parkhead.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have recently appointed Patrick Vieira as their new manager, and the former Nice boss is thought to be a long-term admirer of the Scotland international.

Nice had a bid turned down for Christie a year ago, but he could now be available at a bargain price due to his contractual situation and Vieira is expected to follow up his interest in the creative talent now he’s at Selhurst Park, according to the Daily Mail (as reported by the Daily Record).

Vieira can generate success

Christie first caught the eye of the Arsenal legend back in 2019 when he scored both home and away against Nice’s Ligue 1 rivals Rennes in the Europa League group stages.

His impressive performances for the Hoops and the national team have earned several plaudits in recent years, including ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton.

“You have to admire his attitude as well as his versatility, to be able to play so many positions at such a high level…he gives it absolutely everything.

“We all know he can produce moments of magic, but he combines it with a ferocious workrate. Christie is a manager’s dream,” claimed Sutton.

In 142 appearances for the Glasgow giants, Christie has bagged 40 goals and provided a further 41 assists, winning six major trophies along the way.

Although he failed to quite hit top form last season, the £6.3m-rated gem still recorded impressive underlying numbers, illustrating the quality he would bring to Palace, should he arrive in south London over the coming months.

Christie made 2.1 key passes per league game throughout 2020/21, had 2.8 shots and provided eight assists, bettering Eberechi Eze on each metric.

While many may correctly point to the higher standard of opposition that Eze faced on a weekly basis last season, these figures still show that Vieira could generate success at Palace by acquiring Christie’s services.

Eze is set to be sidelined with a serious injury until the new year, robbing the capital club of one of their most influential attacking forces for a considerable length of time.

Bringing in Christie could be a logical solution to this problem, and Vieira will be surely be hoping that he can finally secure his man this summer.

And, in other news…Get it done: Vieira must sanction £20m CPFC summer swoop for Phil Foden-esque dynamo 

Manchester City look set to miss out on Sergio Ramos this summer after football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that he is on the brink of a move to PSG.

Ramos set to sign for PSG

City had been linked with a move for the legendary centre-back after it was revealed that he would leave Real Madrid this summer but it seems as if PSG have won the race to sign him, after Romano posted on Twitter that:

“Sergio Ramos will undergo his medical in the next hours then he’ll sign with PSG until June 2023.”

Should Man City have signed him?

Whilst many will point towards City’s impressive defensive record last season, which was built heavily on the partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones, whilst also having the quality of Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake available as squad depth, City fell short when it mattered most in the Champions League final against Chelsea.

Having a serial winner in the squad, such as Ramos, who has won four Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid, might well have been the difference against Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Although he was substituted in the first half, fellow experienced centre-back Thiago Silva proved to be a vital signing for the Blues last season and dramatically improved their defence thanks to his ability and experience as a centre-back.

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Despite being 35-years-old, Ramos undoubtedly still has the drive to play at the top level and could’ve been a superb addition to Guardiola’s squad, both on and off the pitch.

Spain manager Luis Enrique was full of praise for the experienced defender last year after he equalled Gianluigi Buffon’s record for international caps, saying:

“Sergio is unique. He is on a different level. The appearance record is only within the reach of those who are very gifted.”

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City fans should be disappointed that Txiki Begiristain seemingly didn’t make a significant move for Ramos, as he could’ve been the difference between the Citizens winning the Champions League or not next season, and considering he was available on a free transfer, he surely would have been worth the risk.

And, in other news… Txiki heading for transfer disaster with “complete” Man City beast

Fenerbahce are expecting to receive an offer from Celtic for winger Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fotospor report.

The Lowdown: Osayi-Samuel links

Osayi-Samuel was heavily linked with a move to Parkhead before he joined his current employers in January on a permanent deal from Queens Park Rangers.

The 23-year-old was labelled as a priority target for Neil Lennon last December, however, Celtic’s only winter window addition was Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny on loan.

The winger, described as ‘dangerous’ by Mark Warburton last year, was linked with the Hoops again last month after struggling in Turkey, scoring just once in 19 appearances for the Super Lig side.

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The Latest: Fotospor claim

Fotospor shared a story on Osayi-Samuel on Monday morning. The Turkish outlet suggested that the Nigerian was set to be offered in a swap deal for Monaco’s Henry Onyekuru.

However, Fenerbahce are expecting to receive offers from Celtic, Rangers, and English Championship side Fulham.

The Verdict: A gamble

Osayi-Samuel has already made 109 appearances in the Championship during his career but has been hit and miss in recent years, so he could be risky addition.

As mentioned, he’s netted just once for Fenerbahce and was their sixth-worst rated performer last season for players who played more than 10 games, as per WhoScored.

However, he’s capable of playing on either flank and if he can get back to his form shown in the 2019/20 campaign, he would surely catch the eye in Scotland with that versatility also a boost for the manager.

The wide man was involved in 14 second-tier goals during that season, winning QPR’s Goal of the Season and Supporters’ Young Player of the Year awards.

Should the Hoops have their hearts set on bringing Osayi-Samuel to Scotland, they could do with getting him in as soon as possible, especially with a Champions League qualifier a week away.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano claims Celtic are keen on £2.5k-p/w French ace, find out more here.

Leeds United aren’t actively on the lookout for another left-back in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Alioski moves on

With Ezgjan Alioski moving on after his contract expired, the Whites are arguably looking a little light in the left-back department.

Junior Firpo has arrived from Barcelona, but Leif Davis’ potential loan move to Bournemouth could leave the Brazilian as the only option there.

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The Latest: Hays gives key update

Hay dropped his latest update on Friday, revealing (via Twitter) ‘where Leeds United are in the transfer market after tying up Junior Firpo’.

He states that Leeds are ‘not actively pursuing a replacement’ for Alioski as things stand, even if it hasn’t been completely ruled out.

The report states that Stuart Dallas is seen as a possible option at left-back, having ‘filled in successfully’ there, while Davis is described as ‘on the fringes’.

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The Verdict: Potential risk by Bielsa?

Although Leeds still appear to be relatively well-stocked at left-back, Davis leaving would change that, with Dallas preferably used in midfield.

That makes not bringing in someone a risk by Marcelo Bielsa, particularly if Firpo picked up an early injury or took time to settle at his new club – let’s not forget he only started three times in La Liga last season.

A big name isn’t required, considering Firpo looks first-choice, but sufficient cover will keep squad depth strong and enhance Leeds’ hopes of enjoying another successful season.

In other news, a pundit has made a big claim over the future of one Leeds star. Find out who it is here.

According to Eurosport, Tottenham Hotspur and Fabio Paratici are now also preparing their opening bid to sign Southampton striker Danny Ings – coming amid the plethora of transfer developments in recent days.

The Lowdown: Spurs in hunt for striker?

Much has been made of Tottenham’s weaknesses in defence and centre-half in particular, with reports from before the transfer window even detailing how the club want, preferably, a real leader to transform that position (football.london).

However, after Spurs opted against signing Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius on a permanent deal following his season-long loan, they have also been tipped to strengthen going forward.

The Telegraph even revealed recently that Ings in particular is now a priority target for Tottenham.

The Latest: Spurs now preparing offer…

As per Eurosport and journalist Dean Jones, the Lilywhites are preparing their opening bid to sign Saints star Ings this summer.

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Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are allegedly bracing themselves for offers with the player himself hoping for an exit, coming after he rejected new contract terms. 

The Saints value Ings at around £20 million, but it is expected that Spurs will lodge a cheaper bid and negotiations will then open up over the forward.

Spurs and Paratici ‘aim to get the ball rolling’ on a potential move for the 28-year-old given Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to play two up front in spells throughout the 2021/2022 season.

The Verdict: Perfect striker signing…

Ings and links to Tottenham have only garnered praise from critics in the past, with podcaster Lee McQueen calling him ‘absolutely phenomenal’ when asked about a possible swoop for him last year (Last Word On Spurs).

The forward is also a proven Premier League striker, having racked up an impressive tally of 55 goals and 13 assists in 140 top flight experiences (Transfermarkt).

His new value of just £20m is arguably an absolute snip if he can stay fit and Paratici would be remiss if he didn’t take full advantage and strike this summer.

In other news: ‘Rather good in training’…Journalist suggests Nuno may play exciting barely-seen Spurs starlet, find out more here.

Leicester City attacker Ayoze Perez “ticks all the boxes” for Everton, the club’s former defender Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern.

Perez, of course, played under Rafael Benitez during his time at Newcastle United and is now being touted for a reunion with his countryman at Goodison Park.

According to another ex-Everton player, Marcus Bent, the 27-year-old is probably on his old manager’s radar as he looks to stamp his own mark on his new squad.

For Ball, if it is a deal that the Toffees can get done before the transfer window closes, then it could be a shrewd addition.

“I think that could be a really good possibility,” the retired full-back said. “You’ve got to trust Rafa Benitez. He’s worked with him very, very closely. 

“That could be a good addition because it can give us a different sort of attacking threat going forward if our Plan A isn’t working. He can play across anywhere in the front three like Richarlison can.

“He’s got quality and he’s got experience in the Premier League, so to me that sort of ticks all the boxes.”

Indeed, Perez is certainly an experienced Premier League player, making just over 200 appearances in the competition.

Across those games, the Spaniard has managed to score 43 goals, with 12 of those coming in his and Benitez’s last season at St. James’ Park. Perhaps it is one worth exploring for Everton.

Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful have recently been linked with a number of midfield players, including the likes of Mario Lemina, Ross Barkley and James McCarthy.

Of course, they could also come back in for Joe Willock as well, after his impressive loan spell in the North East in the 2020/21 season.

The Latest: Maitland-Niles eyed

As per The Daily Mail, the Tyneside club want to sign Maitland-Niles, along with both Southampton and Burnley.

Given that he was sent out on loan to West Brom in the last campaign, the Englishman may not be part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans at the Emirates Stadium, and as such, he could well be sold in order to help raise some funds for the Spaniard to make some new additions at Arsenal.

The Verdict: Sign

Maitland-Niles certainly impressed while on loan at the Hawthorns, even being dubbed as ‘phenomenal’ by pundit Paul Robinson back in February for his performance against Burnley.

Last season, he won no fewer than 3.1 of his duels per game in the Premier League, as well as averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and one clearance per match (Sofascore).

Maitland-Niles’ added ability to play in a wide number of different positions should give Steve Bruce even more of an incentive to sign him, and at just 23 years of age, he still has a lot of potential. It’s a deal the Magpies should definitely push to get completed.

In other news, find out what update a local journalist has given on NUFC’s transfer activity here!

West Bromwich Albion finished their pre-season campaign with a bang, after beating Midlands rivals Birmingham City 4-0 on their own turf at St Andrew’s [Sportsman].

In a morale-boosting victory for the Baggies, goals from Grady Diangana, Matt Clarke, Karlan Grant and Rayhaan Tulloch comfortably saw off their opponents [Sportsman].

Completing an unbeaten pre-season, the West Midlands side managed to record two wins against Woking and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, alongside a draw away to Premier League side Watford.

Eager to bounce back from relegation in 2020/21 at the first attempt, West Brom will commence their return to Sky Bet Championship life away to Bournemouth next Friday at 7.45pm.

In light of their recent triumph, no wonder loads of West Bromwich Albion diehards took to social media to express their delight at the result.

West Bromwich Albion FC fans react:

Replying to the official West Bromwich Albion Twitter account, here is what some supporters had to say about the win:

“Brilliant win”

Credit: @WbaOllie

“Class performance what an away day that was”

Credit: @ALBIONFANTV

“Well done lads that front 3 is going to be so deadly this season grant looks sharp and the 2 full backs providing excellent service bring on Bournemouth”

Credit: @Dannywba1989

“We’re winning the league”

Credit: @ftbl_joey

“Quality performance”

Credit: @ftblJackv2

“Nice workout”

Credit: @Stevotop

In other news, a pundit has predicted who the Baggies’ number one goalkeeper will be in 2021/22.

Leeds United are indeed keen on signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to reliable reporter Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: O’Brien links

Alan Nixon of The Sun stated on Sunday that talks regarding a move for the 22-year-old intensified over the weekend, with Leeds needing to pay £10m for the central midfielder.

O’Brien is thought to be keen to make the move across Yorkshire if a fee can be agreed, with a central midfielder a ‘priority’ for the Whites this summer.

The Latest: Hay confirms

Hay shared a transfer mailbag on The Athletic on Wednesday morning.

Within his report, he spoke out on the failed move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who opted to join Crystal Palace before revealing that ‘the links to Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien are true’ – a significant nine-word admission.

Hay added that Marcelo Bielsa was at Huddersfield’s Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, where O’Brien scored the winning penalty for the Terriers past former Whites goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

The reliable reporter admitted that a possible move is one to keep a close eye on, although a transfer hasn’t progressed towards completion so far.

The Verdict: Bielsa knows best

If Bielsa liked what he saw in O’Brien over the weekend and wants the club to secure his services, then Leeds should do everything they can to grant the manager’s wish, even if it means forking out £10m.

That figure for a player who has never turned out in the Premier League and has 12, possibly 24, months remaining on his Huddersfield deal seems extreme, but the Whites are running out of time to bring in midfield reinforcements with the transfer window closing at the end of this month.

We’ve seen what Bielsa can do with players who are not exactly household names, such as last season’s Player of the Year Stuart Dallas, so bringing in O’Brien – who can play as a central or attacking midfielder – could prove a smart piece of business in the long run.

In other news: Source close to Matheus Pereira shares chances of Leeds United move