This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Darren Bent has suggested that Conor Hourihane can feel hard done by that he hasn’t had more game time at Aston Villa this season, as reported by Football Insider.
What did he say?
Hourihane has struggled for consistent minutes this season, which is largely down to the level of competition in Villa’s midfield.
The Republic of Ireland international has made just five Premier League starts this season, coming off the bench three times, though he has still managed to amass two goals and two assists.
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Speaking to Football Insider, Bent admitted his sympathy for Hourihane’s situation: “He has been hard done by but I think really, I like Douglas Luiz, I like the three in there of Douglas Luiz, Jack Grealish and John McGinn – when you play them that’s a hard three to crack.
“He can count himself unlucky but all he can keep doing is do exactly what he did against Newcastle, which is make an impact and make a difference. Scoring one and making one, he can’t do any more than that.
“He did the right thing, he reminded Dean Smith that he’s still there, that he’s still going to put a shift in and that shows the attitude and character of himself.”
Things could improve
The 28-year-old can definitely feel hard done by regarding his lack of starts, especially due to the return he can boast despite the limitations.
However, there are now signs that things could be set to improve for him, after the performance against Newcastle that Bent mentioned, where the Irishman managed to get a goal and assist.
Jack Grealish’s move to the left-wing should help him to get more minutes moving forward, as it frees up another place in the midfield alongside Luiz and McGinn.
It would be very harsh for him to be dropped against Manchester United, considering his performance in the victory over the Magpies, so this really is a chance for him to kick on and put the frustrations of relative early-season obscurity behind him.
In other news, an Aston Villa talisman has been praised for more than his talent.
Well, Liverpool are back on track. It’s been a brilliant start to the Arne Slot era on Merseyside, with the Reds top of the Premier League – for now – and still buzzing from their midweek win at the San Siro against AC Milan in the Champions League.
Bournemouth employ an aggressive and exciting strategy under Andoni Iraola, and though they scared Liverpool with an early goal that was ruled out by VAR for offside, their efforts to hurt the Anfield hosts were paid for dearly, squashed like cherries.
Long regarded as a player of immense quality, Luis Diaz has frustrated some due to his lack of end product, but he bagged another brace this weekend to extend his fine run of goalscoring form to five goals and an assist from as many top-flight fixtures under Slot’s guidance.
21/09/24
Bournemouth (H)
Premier League
3-0 win
17/09/24
AC Milan (A)
Champions League
3-1 win
14/09/2024
Nott’m Forest (H)
Premier League
1-0 loss
01/09/24
Man United (A)
Premier League
3-0 win
25/08/24
Brentford (H)
Premier League
2-0 win
17/08/24
Ipswich Town (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
The Colombian, aged 27, is making significant strides under his new gaffer, having complemented his clinical strike rate with an average of two dribbles, 1.6 key passes and 4.8 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.
He stepped into the limelight for his quickfire double against Bournemouth, but this certainly should not detract from the effort of Ryan Gravenberch in the middle of the park,
Ryan Gravenberch is thriving for Liverpool
Gravenberch operates with a kind of string-pulling way about him in Slot’s Liverpool. The 22-year-old reads the game so well, moves with balletic grace and knows exactly when – and where – to stroke passes forward.
Matches (starts)
26 (12)
5 (5)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
0
Touches*
28.8
81.2
Pass completion
83%
88%
Key passes*
0.6
0.4
Ball recoveries*
2.8
6.8
Dribbles (completed)*
0.9 (51%)
1.2 (60%)
Tackles + interceptions
1.5
4.2
Total Duels won*
2.8 (47%)
6.0 (59%)
He is now the Anfield side’s nailed-in number six, with Wataru Endo scarcely getting a look this term, and the table above highlights exactly why Slot has put so much faith in his robust compatriot.
Gravenberch signed for Liverpool in a £34m deal from Bayern Munich last summer after failing to break into the German giants’ starting side. He was Klopp’s final signing.
But the English side didn’t quite get bang for their buck. He ebbed and flowed and failed to spark the consistency required. Now, he’s reborn and looking like one of the finest players in the Premier League.
Ibrahima Konate is becoming undroppable for Slot
When Jarell Quansah received the nod over Konate on the opening day of the term, it felt like a significant show of faith in the homegrown talent’s qualities.
Jarell Quansah celebrates for Liverpool.
The 21-year-old had started ten of the final 15 Premier League matches under Jurgen Klopp, who clearly favoured him over his French positional peer, who had fallen from form like a rock off a cliff.
Make no mistake, Quansah is shaping into an elite young defender, hailed as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for one redoubtable display against Arsenal last season, but Konate is the real deal and will not be permanently displaced. At his titanic best, he is one of the finest in the business.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate looks dejected
Since Quansah was withdrawn at halftime on the opening day, with Liverpool struggling against Ipswich Town’s intense press and, as Slot put it, failing to win enough duels, Konate has been moored at the rear beside skipper Virgil van Dijk.
He scored Liverpool’s opening goal at the San Siro in midweek to restore parity in the first half and has carried that attacking quality into domestic action after lashing a ranged pass into space, behind the high Bournemouth line, which Diaz collected calmly, rounded Kepa, slotted home.
The 26-year-old’s ball-playing faculty sets him apart from the lion’s share of top defenders in the Premier League. Indeed, as per FBref, Konate ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 22% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Against Bournemouth on Saturday, Konate was an impressive attacking outlet from the back, claiming an assist, succeeding with eight attempted long balls and ludicrously taking 125 touches, more than any other player on the field. For reference, Van Dijk remarkably took 55 touches.
He wasn’t just an offensive dimension from deep though. Konate thrived in his defensive application, winning all four of his aerial battles, making five clearances, blocking two shots and making just one foul, highlighting his cool and composed approach.
The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle was certainly impressed with his display, awarding the Frenchman with an 8/10 match rating and writing: ‘Caused Kelleher concern with one overhit pass before better long ball sent Diaz away for opener. Defended stoutly second half. Booked.’
With West Ham United travelling to Anfield on Wednesday evening to clash in the third round of the Carabao Cup, Konate may well find that he is pulled back to the bench to usher in Quansah, who deserves another chance to shine.
But Slot knows who his star man is alongside Van Dijk. Konate was every bit as good as the likes of Diaz and Gravenberch in the Premier League this weekend, and he is now undroppable in the Premier League.
With more performances like that one, Liverpool might just be more than an outlier in this slowly brewing title race.
95 touches, 100% dribbles: Liverpool's 8/10 star was as unplayable as Diaz
The Reds returning to winning ways in the Premier League…
Arsenal have been tipped to make a mega-money move next summer as they look to add world-class talent to Mikel Arteta’s squad to usher in a period of Premier League dominance.
Arsenal keep powder dry this summer
Arsenal had been expected to spend big this summer, but after strong links with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, they opted not to sign a forward permanently, only moving in the final hours of the transfer window to sign Raheem Sterling on loan, a deal which even Edu admitted surprised the club.
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Arsene Wenger came close to signing a Ballon d’Or nominee in the making.
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Both Sesko and Williams are likely to return to the transfer market next summer alongside a host of other names, and it appears that Arsenal have opted to keep any mega-money signings for then, with the club ending the transfer window with a net spend of just £4m according to Sky Sports.
It is a decision that may well reap rewards going forwards, with Arsenal having banked plenty of financial fair play goodwill over the summer, and now they could spend heavily next summer. Indeed, they may have already identified their main target.
Arsenal line up mega money move for Premier League marksman
That comes as one transfer insider has linked Arsenal with an audacious move to sign Newcastle’s Alexander Isak next summer. Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the Swedish striker, even reportedly tabling a bid during his time at Real Sociedad, only to be told he would cost £75m to prise out of the Basque region in January 2022.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
Instead, Newcastle pounced and reaped the rewards of his mercurial talent. The 24-year-old took to the Premier League like a duck to water, scoring on his debut against Liverpool and going on to rack up 10 goals in his debut campaign, following it up with a 21 goal season last time around, which marked him out as one of the Premier League’s top strikers.
Alexander Isak in the Premier League
Appearances
55
Goals
32
Assists
5
Minutes per goal/assist
110
That has led to repeated speculation that he may have been Arsenal bound over the summer, though they made no move to sign him. That is set to change next time though, according to transfer insider teamnewsandtix, who expects Arsenal to seriously push for Isak in 2025.
“I’ve been told Alexander Isak will be very, very high on Arsenal’s list — He’s definitely someone I expect them to revisit next summer”, he explained. “If Newcastle don’t get Europe, you’d imagine he’d be angling for a move.”
They will be met with stiff resistance from Newcastle though, with Eddie Howe’s side having reportedly slapped a massive £150m price tag on the Swede’s head as they look to ward off interest from interested parties and keep their talisman at St James’ Park.
Still just 24 and under contract until 2028 as things stand, they will be in no rush to sell and should Isak not push for a move, it would likely take a ludicrous sum to persuade them to part ways with him.
Mid-season international breaks are usually met with a hefty measure of scorn, halting the excitement that comes with the domestic campaign and heightening fears of injury layoffs.
Liverpool supporters are no different and are itching to see Arne Slot lead the Reds out once again, having blitzed through the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, enjoying solid opening victories over Ipswich Town and Brentford before putting Manchester United to the sword in a one-sided affair at Old Trafford.
Andy Robertson and Arne Slot
So many players have made their mark across August, which is most impressive given the lack of transfer activity despite clear signs that reinforcements are needed. Still, Federico Chiesa was signed for a shrewd £12.5m and the fans must trust the process.
Why Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa
Let's pretend it's May. If supporters were told that they could pick one position to strengthen, few would have chosen the attacking right flank, with issues glaring in central defence and holding midfield.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
But Chiesa was available for a cut-price fee as he entered the final year of his contract with Juventus, and FSG pounced. The Italy international is a creative and versatile forward with dynamic qualities that make him the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90, with ball-carrying and creating properties that could supplement Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and co, fuelling Liverpool's strikeforce with one final ingredient to ensure that they fire on all cylinders this year.
Ryan Gravenberch's evolution into a deep-lying maestro suggests that Liverpool's caution might pay off, and while defenders are coveted, Liverpool are well stocked in that area even if a fresh face will be needed sooner rather than later.
After all, maybe we're all forgetting about Joe Gomez somewhat, for he's still plying his trade on Merseyside and may prove to be a key component this year.
Liverpool hit the jackpot on Joe Gomez
Last year, pundit Steve McManaman hailed Gomez as an "absolutely priceless" member of Liverpool's team. However, such wording proved obsolete when Newcastle United came a-calling one year later, offering Liverpool an enticing sum to pull him to Tyneside.
Indeed, Newcastle's PSR issues this summer meant that sales were necessary, lest they fall to the snapping maw of financial repercussions.
Right-back
25
0
1
Left-back
19
0
1
Centre-back
5
0
1
Defensive midfield
2
0
0
For Liverpool, the opportunity to sign Anthony Gordon in a deal worth £75m, which would include a £30m cash payment plus the transfer of Gomez, who has not been against moving away after signing for a Brendan Rodgers-led Liverpool from Charlton Athletic for about £3.5m in 2015.
The versatile ace, aged 27, offers something very distinctive for the Reds but £45m is no small sum – indeed, it is nearly four times more than the paltry figure that was paid for Chiesa's services.
Gomez's ability to impress across the backline makes him a resourceful option for Slot, and there's every chance that he will rise to the occasion and play an important role.
Newcastle wanted to pay the big bucks for a reason, but alas, he shall continue to bless Liverpool with his presence, continue to perform for a club that has well and truly hit the jackpot on snapping him up way back when.
He's out on loan: The Liverpool "prodigy" who can one day replace Salah
Online rumours suggesting that Arsenal or West Ham United have walked away from the protracted Declan Rice deal are "not correct", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Declan Rice?
The Gunners have been perhaps the biggest shock of the transfer window so far this year, with the Premier League runners-up coming out swinging in the market and displaying a willingness to spend not often associated with the north Londoners.
declan-rice-west-ham
A £65m deal to secure the services of German international Kai Havertz was completed last month, with a £40m deal for Ajax's Jurrien Timber incredibly close to being finalised as well.
However, the big one, and the first proper transfer saga of the summer so far, has been the deal to sign West Ham's captain Rice for a reported fee of £105m, a new transfer record for a British player.
While the deal is said to be almost complete, the lack of movement over the last few days may have left Arsenal fans a little nervous, especially given the club's recent record with securing the signature of their first-choice targets.
However, fans of the north London club shouldn't be too worried as online rumours suggesting that talks have broken down and the clubs have walked away are false, per Fabrizio Romano.
declan-rice-arsenal-west-ham
He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:
“What I can say guys is this is really close. Trust me, really, really close for Declan Rice to Arsenal."
"Arsenal and West Ham are speaking about the payment terms, so the rumours circulating today on social media about Arsenal or West Ham walking away from the deal at the moment I am told this is not correct while I am speaking.
"But the negotiation is very advanced it's really at the final bits they are discussing the final points of this story, the medical has not been booked yet, but it will happen in the days if everything goes to plan."
How do players cope with such significant price tags?
With the immense amount of money in the modern game and transfer records broken seemingly on a yearly basis, it can be easy to forget that these players being bought and sold for astronomical sums are still human and are sometimes deeply affected by their own perceived value.
It can be an awful lot of pressure to be worth tens of millions and even more so if you're responsible for breaking a club's longstanding transfer record, so much so that players in the past have described the negative impact such expectation had on their careers, with Arsenal new-boy Havertz telling the Guardian how it impacted him at Chelsea:
Kai Havertz
"For me, the price was a big thing. I was Chelsea's most expensive player. That brings pressure because people think you are Messi.
"I was still 20, 21. People don't see that; they see the price, so you have to be great from day one. You can feel it, the tension. You read it, hear it."
That said, where some players seem unable to cope with the added expectations and pressure that come with the tag of 'most expensive x', others relish that added pressure.
Jack Grealish became the most expensive British footballer of all time when he made his move to Manchester City in 2021 after the club paid his £100m release clause to get him out of Aston Villa, but that didn't seem to bother the then 25-year-old as he told the Guardian:
Man City's Jack Grealish
"I take it as a compliment. I actually like it [being Britain's most expensive signing], I think it is a good tag to have.
"I think when you see a club paying that much for a player it means they trust and value you highly and see so much potential there to work with. I see it as a good thing."
With Rice set to cost £5m more than his England teammate, it remains to be seen which camp he finds himself in, loving or hating the new record he'll hold.
Tottenham Hotspur target James Maddison wouldn't find it 'easy' to succeed in north London and may need to 'adapt' his game if he was to join the Lilywhites, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?
According to The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now 'strong favourites' to sign Maddison from Leicester City this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets to work in N17.
Newcastle United are also keen on the £110k-a-week ace; however, his preference is believed to be moving to London, which has put Spurs in pole position to wrap up a deal for the England international.
The Daily Mail report along similar lines and state that Maddison would be more open to joining Tottenham than their divisional rivals Newcastle United in the off-season.
Leicester City star Harvey Barnes is another name on their radar. At the same time, Arsenal and West Ham United also retain an attraction towards the 25-year-old amid news that Spurs submitted a joint bid of £50 million to try and acquire the Foxes' duo.
Football Insider detail that Leicester City want to recoup £50 million for Maddison, while Spurs want to secure his services on a 'cut-price deal', something which may drag their pursuit on for a while to come in the transfer window.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Maddison could succeed at Hotspur Way; nevertheless, he doesn't believe it would be easy for him to transition from Leicester City to Tottenham.
Brown told FFC: "There's also the fact that Harry Kane, over the years, has gradually become a striker who likes to drop a lot deeper and occupy a lot of those areas on the pitch. I don't think it would be an easy transition for Maddison there, he can certainly do it and could be a success there if he finds a way to adapt, but I don't think it would be easy for him."
Would James Maddison be a success at Tottenham Hotspur?
Maddison absolutely has the ability to be a success at Spurs should he pitch up in north London this summer, though, as always, it remains to be seen with regards to how a player settles into a new environment.
In 2022/23, the England international featured 32 times for Leicester City across all competitions, registering ten goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.
As per FBRef, Maddison was an inventive presence in midfield for Leicester City from the middle of the park and successfully completed 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League during the season.
Capable of providing a goal threat either directly or by supplying his teammates, Maddison also recorded around 2.8 shots and 2.3 key passes per match in the English top flight, according to WhoScored.
Getting used to new surroundings would present its own challenges; however, Maddison has the ability and conviction to take these factors into his stride and would be an excellent addition to Spurs' midfield if they manage to secure him this summer.
The Romelu Lukaku situation has become laughable. His £97.5m transfer to Stamford Bridge has evolved as arguably one of the worst signings in not just Chelsea history, but Premier League history.
The Belgian has reportedly ruled out a return to the Blues and has his heart set on another season at Inter Milan.
The Blues must find a way to navigate this deal and permanently free themselves from Lukaku.
The best possible outcome for Chelsea is they can secure an exchange deal involving Nicolo Barella.
What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?
According to Corriere dello Sport, the West Londoners have enquired about bringing Barella to the capital in a package deal that would see Lukaku move in the opposite direction.
Last month, it was revealed that Liverpool are also interested in the 26-year-old, who has been valued at around £61m by his parent club.
How can Chelsea line up next season?
The Italian has been in imperious form for the Nerazzurri this term, as he made 52 appearances and recorded 19 goal involvements in all competitions.
He was a crucial component of a side that made the Champions League, secured top four, and won the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.
The Euro 2020 winner has developed a formidable reputation for his impudent dribbling ability, intricate feet, close control and his athleticism to glide across the pitch.
This is showcased by the fact that he ranks within the highest 22% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the best 19% for progressive passes and carries per 90, according to FBref.
His addition could be especially crucial for Mauricio Pochettino, as Chelsea’s midfield only contributed a measly 12 goals between them in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Barella sits within the top 8% for non-penalty goals per 90, to emphatically display his threat in attack.
If Chelsea secured this outlandish coup, then Pochettino could potentially form a dream midfield, if the signing of Moises Caicedo was also completed, with the Londoners currently leading the race.
Moises Caicedo Chelsea
Brighton are set to demand £120m for the 21-year-old, who ranks within the best 13% for tackles and interceptions per 90.
His former manager Graham Potter described the Ecuadorian sensation as “fantastic” having “all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.”
The prospect of Caicedo’s wondrous defensive acumen, combined with Barella’s magnificent attacking class is frightening and instantly places Chelsea in a far superior position.
As the 2021 Champions League winners begin the long journey to return to Europe’s most elite competition, Barella, who has been labelled as “top-class” by Jurgen Klopp, could be a key addition to the club’s ambitions.
Liverpool have turned their attention to a range of midfield targets after completing the astute purchase of Alexis Mac Allister, with Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone said to be among the contenders.
What's the latest on Manu Kone to Liverpool?
That's according to The Athletic's James Pearce, who recently outlined Liverpool's projected plans heading into the summer transfer window and listed Kone on a shortlist of central options for the Merseyside outfit.
Valued at around £35m, the Frenchman has attracted Reds sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's attention since arriving from Wolfsburg in May, and it's no surprise that the German might delve back into the market he is so well versed in.
With Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers now joining the race for the 22-year-old, manager Jurgen Klopp must decide whether to forge ahead with a move, unlikely to acquiesce to a bidding war for the midfielder.
Should Liverpool sign Manu Kone?
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all leaving Anfield this summer after the culmination of their contracts, opening the door for exciting new talents such as Kone to enter the fold and impress.
And Kone, who made 30 appearances in the German Bundesliga this term and earned himself an average rating of 6.86, as per Sofascore, notably completing 87% of his passes, making 2.5 tackles per match and succeeding with 60% of his dribbles, could reinstate such exuberance.
Described as "majestic" by talent scout Antonio Mango, Kone is a tenacious midfielder and could instil some robustness on Merseyside following a campaign that has underscored the sapped vitality that was once an ever-present under Klopp's tutelage.
As per FBref, the ace ranks among the top 4% for successful take-ons, the top 25% for tackles and the top 20% for interceptions per 90, which illustrates his defensive acumen and aptitude at beating his man with the ball at his feet.
kouadio-kone-liverpool-transfer-news
He is a fearsome and burgeoning force, hailed as a "one-man army" by Jacek Kulig, and he could yet flourish in the Premier League and forge a prominent role in Klopp's system, diligent and unflinching as he serves as the chugging engine, much like former phenom Gini Wijnaldum.
The Dutchman made 237 appearances for the Reds after signing from Newcastle United for £25m and was heralded as a "legend" and "sensational" by his former boss after his impact at Anfield, unrelenting and plying the trade beneath the front-page headlines to ensure the team worked at full throttle.
Now 32-years-old, Wijnaldum himself ranks among only in the top 28% of midfielders for successful take-ons and the top 9% for touches in the attacking area, indicating that he is reverting back to the more forward-thinking approach he plied prior to his Liverpool days, and also with his national team.
And given that he only averages 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions across the entirety of his career, as per WhoScored, Kone could actually transcend his role at Liverpool by implementing a semblance of energy while providing a more refined, high-octane approach with his tackling and recycling of possession.
Also said to be the "complete package" by Kulig, Kone appears to offer the dynamism and bouncing pitch personality to emulate Wijnaldum, embodying the relentless midfield work that is paramount to ensure Klopp's outfit steers towards success.
Manchester United are reportedly in talks to grant exclusivity to the consortium led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
What’s the latest Man United takeover news?
The takeover saga has continued to drag on into the summer transfer window, with Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe seemingly the frontrunners when it comes to a potential deal with the Glazers. Jassim made a fifth and final bid earlier this month but is still none the wiser to learn if it has been approved.
There was recent speculation from Qatar claiming that Jassim was going to be successful in his bid to take full control from the Glazers. Sky Sports clarified that it wasn’t true and that there were no further updates, but there seems to have been a new development since then.
According to Reuters on Friday morning, United are negotiating to grant exclusivity to Jassim’s consortium in a deal worth more than $6 billion, which would be a world-record figure for a football team.
The report adds that a deal remains uncertain, however, they describe the news as a "development" and a "major milestone". Jassim’s offer is thought to be seen as the more favourable offer than Ratcliffe’s at this moment in time.
Should United grant Jassim exclusivity, the club would not be allowed to talk with any other bidder.
What does Sheikh Jassim have planned for Man United?
Jassim seems to have big plans both on and off the pitch at Old Trafford, with his offer for 100% of the club and would see all of the club’s debt cleared.
He also plans to have separate funds for the club and local community, and when it comes to possible signings, his first could be one that gets supporters fully on board.
Reports have suggested that Jassim is planning a move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, with the potential new owner feeling the France forward “belongs at Man United”.
PSG value their star man at £170m and could cash in over the coming months, should Mbappe refuse to extend his stay with the club.
First though, Jassim will need to make a major breakthrough when it comes to a takeover, and with Mike Keegan claiming it could take eight to 12 weeks for an approval process, meaning that the Glazers may remain in control at the start of next season, so it still could prove to be a frustrating summer despite this latest positive development.
Journalist Paul Brown has been left thrilled by reports that Arsenal are targeting Man City captain and treble-chasing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.
Who are Arsenal looking to sign this summer?
The Premier League giants narrowly missed out on their first title in nearly 20 years last season, with Mikel Arteta being beaten to the punch by his mentor Pep Guardiola.
Despite Arsenal's position at the front of the queue for much of 2022/2023, they fell short at the final hurdle, and it's now the task of Arteta to shore up key positions of his squad for a fresh challenge next campaign.
The north Londoners are looking to sign central midfielders above all with reports suggesting they could make two key signings in that area of the pitch. West Ham's Declan Rice and Brighton star Moises Caicedo, among others, are apparently on their radar.
Sporting director Edu has also apparently earmarked the signing of a central defender to back up stars like William Saliba, with the Frenchman succumbing to injury at the back end of last season.
Going back to midfield, Man City star Gundogan is another target for Arsenal, according to reports, with the German really coming into a hot streak of form lately.
Ilkay Gundogan with the FA Cup.
His latest heroics, a brace in the FA Cup final against Man United on Saturday, saw City clinch a domestic double with the Blues still well and truly on for an historic treble.
Journalist Paul Brown, speaking to GiveMeSport, says he could be a game-changing signing for Arsenal if they get it done.
"If Arsenal were to get Gundogan, I think that would be a great signing for them," said Brown in response to the links.
"He’s a really versatile player who can play in a number of different roles. He switches systems very easily in game and could be a game-changer for them really. And one that is quite fascinating to see.”
Who is Ilkay Gundogan?
The 32-year-old was Guardiola's first ever signing as City manager and hasn't looked back since – having played a key role over his seven-year stint.
This season, Gundogan has contributed with a number of important goals in sky blue, and he etched himself into club folklore with final day title-winning heroics against Aston Villa in 21/22.
However, City are in danger of losing him on a free at the end of this month, putting Arsenal and Arteta on serious alert.
His experience and quality could prove to be a major asset for the Gunners, especially at zero cost, and we believe he couild be an exceptional signing for them.