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Arsenal will be going into "selling mode" over the next few weeks, and Kieran Tierney is a player that could find himself "on the market" should he not have "a clear pathway" into the team, claims journalist Ben Jacobs.

Arsenal transfer news – what's the latest on Kieran Tierney?

It has been an unbelievable start to the summer window for the Gunners this year, with one major signing already confirmed in Kai Havertz, who joined the club from cross-city rivals Chelsea for £65m.

On top of that, the North London side appears to have finally made the breakthrough in the Declan Rice saga for a cool £105m, and if that wasn't enough, talks to sign Jurrien Timber of Ajax look to be entering "the final stages", per Fabrizio Romano.

With all of those incomings, it is perhaps no surprise that the club are now looking to move some of their own players on, with Tierney potentially one of them, per Jacobs.

The 26-year-old Scot was the club's number one left-back until last season when Mikel Arteta welcomed his former player Oleksandr Zinchenko to the Emirates, who has since become the undisputed starter on the left side of the defence.

Newcastle United have been linked with the player for much of the past season, but in a sensational turn of events, his former club Celtic could now sign the dynamic fullback.

According to the Sun, Tierney would consider a move back to Celtic Park should the club come after him, partly thanks to the return of Brendan Rodgers, with whom the player shared tremendous success.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Kieran Tierney and Arsenal?

Jacobs made it clear that the Gunners will be looking to offload a few players following their extravagant spending of late, with Tierney being someone who could find himself on the chopping block over the next few weeks.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think we're gonna see Arsenal going into selling mode resolving the future of players. Kieran Tierney is another one that will either need a clear pathway or will become available on the market."

How good was Kieran Tierney for Arsenal?

It has been a very stop-start time for the ex-Celtic star in North London, with multiple bouts on the sidelines with injuries, only to be effectively replaced in the one season he managed to stay fit for the club.

Speaking to Sport Bible about just one of the many periods he has missed through injuries, he described it as "the toughest time of my life."

However, when he was fit, he was frequently one of the few bright sparks in a period in which the Gunners struggled on the pitch.

According to WhoScored, before this last season, the flying Scotsman never achieved an average rating lower than 6.64 in his three seasons at Arsenal, which is remarkably consistent for a player that has had so many interruptions in his career already.

He has also been exceptional for his national side over the last few seasons, filling in as a centre-half with Andrew Robertson holding down the left-back position.

So good have his performances been with the Scotland manager Steve Clarke describing him as "the best left-sided centre-back that Scotland had ever had."

If Tierney, who has been hailed as "magnificent", can maintain his fitness from now on, whichever team he joins will have an exceptionally gifted player on their hands.

For all the talk of West Ham United needing to replace Declan Rice, it may well be that David Moyes is in the market for a second central midfielder this summer.

The Hammers' Europa Conference League success papered over what was a disappointing Premier League campaign that ended with the club finishing six points above the relegation zone, and a facelift of sorts may be required.

What is the latest West Ham United transfer news?

Moyes' side have been linked with an array of players across multiple positions, but it is no surprise that midfield targets are right at the centre of the gossip.

From James Ward-Prowse and Harvey Barnes to Amadou Onana and Kalvin Phillips, there are countless options for West Ham to choose from when it comes to filling the void left by Rice.

But according to Sky Sports Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, United are further down the line in signing another player. It is claimed that negotiations are already in play with Juventus over a move for Denis Zakaria, who will be eager to prove himself in the Premier League after a forgetful spell at Chelsea last season.

Juve are said to be hoping to sell Zakaria this summer, rather than exploring another loan offer with the chance to purchase, with the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace on wages of around £90k a week, according to Capology.

Is Denis Zakaria a good option for West Ham United?

On the basis of last season, West Ham supporters can be forgiven for questioning exactly why their side are interested in bringing in a player who started only five league games for their London rivals.

Quite simply, it did not work out for the Switzerland international at Stamford Bridge. But that is not to say he cannot have a major impact down the road at the London Stadium.

Indeed, if the rumours are to be believed, Zakaria's arrival could spell bad news for Tomas Soucek. Despite his limited playing time over the past 12 months, Zakaria still ranks in the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for pass completion (88.9%), as per FBref.

That compares to a pass-completion percentage of 71.3% for Soucek, which ranks him in the bottom 7% among his positional peers across Europe's elite leagues.

That ability to keep things ticking along in midfield would come in handy for Moyes, but Zakaria is also strong in other areas. Using data from the 2021-22 campaign while with Serie A giants Juventus, the 26-year-old showed he is comfortable getting the ball past an opponent as he averaged 2.13 take-ons per 90 minutes, compared to 0.54 for Soucek last season.

Zakaria also outperformed Soucek across those respective seasons in terms of carries (32.4 v 17.4) and goal involvement (0.23 goals and assists per 90 v 0.16), though the latter did come out on top for more defensive metrics such as tackles won (1.18 v 0.95) and interceptions (1.69 v 1.36).

As put by former Chelsea player and now BT Sport pundit Joe Cole after Zakaria belatedly made his Blues debut in November's Champions League tie with Dinamo Zagreb, the midfielder looked "excellent" and particularly impressed with his ability to get around the pitch.

Moyes may well have accepted that he will not find a true like-for-like replacement for Rice, with a couple of new players potentially needed to share the workload.

In Zakaria, he can land a player who thrives in many similar areas to outgoing Rice and will prove an upgrade on Soucek in what could yet prove to be an exciting midfield overhaul.

La Liga champions Barcelona are expecting to collect €10 million (£8.5m) from Tottenham Hotspur to sign defender Clement Lenglet, according to reports out of Spain.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Links to centre-backs are going to be prevalent at Spurs for most of this summer transfer window as the Lilywhites chase star defensive options for incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham conceded more top flight goals than any other side above 15th in the Premier League table last season, highlighting their dire need for reinforcements in that area of the squad.

Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, as per recent media sources, is being targeted by Spurs as talks progress – with the Burkina Faso international also very open to joining.

Meanwhile, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer is also on their transfer shortlist with Man United captain Harry Maguire, so the north Londoners appear determined to add quality to their backline.

Lenglet, who spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Spurs, has been linked with a return to the club permanently with Barca looking to balance their wage bill.

According to Spanish news outlet Sport on Monday, via Sport Witness, the Catalans are expecting Tottenham to fork out an £8.5 million bid for the Frenchman this summer.

The cheap price is down to Barca's selling desperation, which has given Spurs a strong negotiating arm to play with as they consider bringing Lenglet back to north London.

What's been said about Clement Lenglet?

The 28-year-old made 26 league appearances for Tottenham last season, amassing a solid 87.5% pass accuracy out from the back, so he could be ideal for Postecoglou's fluid, attacking system.

Lenglet did have his critics over 22/23 but long-serving Spurs number one Hugo Lloris thinks he can be strong in both one-v-one situations and aerially.

"He's a modern defender," said Lloris.

"Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air."

Meanwhile, Spurs pundit John Wenham said Lenglet appears "very reliable" when at his best, having given a glowing review to Football Insider after the centre-back's north London derby performance.

"“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really," said Wenham.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.“

Aston Villa reportedly remain in the race to sign one of Unai Emery’s former players in the chase for a La Liga gem.

With Monchi recruited as resident of football operations, the Spanish duo could present Villa Park with a marquee signing in his first bit of business at the club.

What’s the latest on Pau Torres to Aston Villa?

The saga surrounding Villarreal defender Pau Torres’ potential move to Aston Villa has been ongoing since January, with news coming this week confirming the club's desire to sign the Spaniard remains.

Reported by 90min in the winter transfer window, Torres was mentioned as a name that was on Emery’s radar to bring to Villa Park following his decision to trade La Liga for the Premier League at the start of last season.

This week, Fabrizio Romano stated on his Here We Go podcast that Villa were now “pushing” to sign the centre-back.

“They [Tottenham] always appreciated Pau Torres, but at the moment it is Aston Villa, the club pushing for Pau.”

As relayed by 90min, the Spaniard is said to have a €50m (£43m) release clause in his contract with the Yellow Submarine.

What could Pau Torres offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as an “extraordinary talent” by former player and youth coach Javi Calleja, Torres could undoubtedly take Villa’s defence to new heights.

Such claims require support and the Villarreal-born star has recorded numbers that rank him amongst the best-performing centre-backs in Europe over the past year.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in terms of his rate of progressive carries, averaging 2.24 per 90 to showcase his advanced competency of being a ball-carrying defender.

Such traits are lauded in the Premier League, allowing play to build from the back in a quick burst from defence to attack, with Torres possessing attributes in a variety of areas in progressive play including making 5.81 progressive passes per 90.

Emery could sign himself one of the most assured centre-backs on the ball in Europe in signing his former player, having previously stated that he'd “never seen” a central defender like him, via football.london.

While Tyrone Mings was a regular presence for Villa in the 2022/23 campaign, the 30-year-old – who made 35 league appearances – could find himself as part of a positive transition at Villa Park seeing younger stars take centre stage in Emery’s reign.

While the Spaniard’s abilities in progressive play blow the Englishman’s resources in that area out of the water, his defensive attributes show to be stronger also, as highlighted by him averaging 1.27 tackles per 90 to the Villa man’s 0.43.

With Monchi on board in the Midlands, it could finally be time for Emery to be reunited with his former player whom he has been rumoured to have wanted to bring to Villa Park for months.

Liverpool will be in the market for several additions this summer to strengthen ahead of 2023/24 as Jurgen Klopp looks to kickstart a new era at Anfield following the departures of multiple experienced assets.

Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the building following their contracts expiring at Anfield and are unlikely to be the only players to seek a new challenge this summer.

In terms of potential additions, both Manu Kone and Ryan Gravenberch have been linked with the Reds. At the same time, Alexis Mac Allister has made his move to Anfield.

What's the latest transfer news on Mason Mount?

Another name that had been mentioned in connection to Liverpool previously but now looks set to move elsewhere is Chelsea ace Mason Mount, who has agreed personal terms with Manchester United over a switch to Old Trafford, as per Football Insider.

The Football Insider report states that Manchester United and Chelsea are now 'advancing' over the conditions of the prospective transfer and it now looks like the Red Devils have beaten Liverpool to his signature.

And, it has been reported that Man United look increasingly likely to sign the midfielder, though Chelsea's valuation is a slight issue at the moment.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones thinks that Liverpool will be inconvenienced by the fact that Mount looks set to move to Manchester United.

Jones told FFC: "I mean, it'd be annoying for sure [if Liverpool missed out on Mount]. I mean, they've definitely been in the picture here and they've been kept in touch with what's going on with Mason."

How will Klopp and the Reds feel?

Losing out on a player you're interested in to a rival isn't an easy one to take, especially when you factor in that Mount fits Liverpool's system and homegrown player dilemma. In 2022/23, the 24-year-old made 35 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Following their failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham, Mount. who has been hailed as a "superstar", was thought of by some as an alternative target to the teenage sensation due to his energetic approach and eye for a pass. As per FBRef, Chelsea playmaker Mount has excelled compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the art of progressive passing, having completed around 5.95 per 90 minutes in the last 365 days, putting him in the seventh percentile for this metric.

WhoScored notes that Mount also carried a goal threat for Chelsea in 2022/23 from the middle of the park and averaged around 1.4 shots per game during the campaign.

Not by coincidence, Mount always seems to be well-regarded by his coaches and former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel singled him out for his application on and off the pitch at Stamford Bridge in an interview back in March 2022, stating: "It is always a pleasure to work with Mason because he is the kind of guy who comes with a smile on his face to every single training session. It is always 100 per cent in matches, he accepts every challenge and that is why it is so nice to work with him."

Manchester United are confident that they can get a deal done to sign Mount, though Erik Ten Hag is wary of the impact the ongoing battle for the ownership of the club may have on their transfer business, as per ESPN.

Nevertheless, it looks like Liverpool's chance to nab Mount from Chelsea has fallen by the wayside, which is a shame given his suitability to Klopp's tactical framework.

Glasgow Rangers are plotting a move for right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer, with Michael Beale looking at improving the depth of his squad.

What’s the latest on Bright Osayi-Samuel to Rangers?

According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Rangers have tabled a bid for the Fenerbahce defender ahead of the transfer window, however, the report states it is unclear how they will respond to this offer.

He could cost the Ibrox side around €10m (£8m) as per A Spor (via Sport Witness) if any deal is to go through, and with clubs such as AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United keeping tabs on the player, Beale must act swiftly if he wants to secure his signing.

Could Rangers sign Bright Osayi-Samuel?

There have already been plenty of departures out of Ibrox, with the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Filip Helander leaving on the expiration of their contracts, while Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin could be sold.

Beale looks set to undergo a major rebuild and having already signed three players before the window has even opened, could Osayi-Samuel be the fourth to join the Gers?

The fee could be the only barrier to a move. However, given his qualities on the right flank, he could be an ideal heir to James Tavernier over the next few years. The captain will turn 32 years old during the early stages of next season, and although he has shown no signs of slowing down, registering 28 goal contributions in all competitions during 2022/23, Beale will need to think of someone who could eventually take over from him.

He has scored 101 goals and registered 117 assists for the club, stunning numbers for a right-back and unlikely to be bettered, however, the 25-year-old Osayi-Samuel has spent the majority of his career operating as a winger before dropping to the right side of defence, thereby he knows how to score and create chances.

Indeed, the Nigeria international has 21 goals and 26 assists to his name thus far in his career, while his former manager (and ex-Rangers boss) Mark Warburton has hailed him as someone who “terrifies defenders”, further underlining his attacking capabilities.

This is further justified by the fact he has achieved more successful dribbles per game than Tavernier this term (0.9 to 0.8), although he is still some way short in terms of big chances created (13 to 1) and key passes per game (2.9 to 0.4). However, moving to the Gers could grant him a licence to roam forward in a similar vein to Tavernier and create more opportunities for his teammates.

Beale could make a shrewd investment by signing Osayi-Samuel this summer, especially with his versatility, though an £8m transfer fee could yet be a key stumbling block.

Newcastle United are looking to make a "sensational" move for West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer, according to a new update.

Is Rice leaving West Ham this summer?

The 24-year-old has grown into a wonderful player for the Hammers, and on Wednesday night, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy, following a dramatic late win over Fiorentina in the final.

The general consensus is that that was Rice's last-ever appearance in a West Ham, with the £60,000-a-week midfielder now set for a new challenge this summer. A move to a Champions League-playing club is likely on the cards, and as things stand, Arsenal look like the favourites to snap him.

Newcastle can also promise elite players a place at Europe's top table next season, however, as they approach what has the potential to be a memorable summer transfer window.

In that respect, a fresh claim suggests that the Magpies could be eyeing an audacious move for Rice, as they look to seal some eye-catching business.

Are Newcastle signing Rice?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle "are considering a sensational bid for Declan Rice as they look to hijack Arsenal’s deal", in what is a major update. The report goes on to add that they are "interested in the West Ham star in what would be a stunning swoop".

That being said, the Gunners are still believed to be "leading the race" to snap up the England star in the coming weeks and months, with a "verbal agreement" in place and move to the Emirates potentially just "days away".

Rice could be the perfect summer signing by Newcastle, should they gazump Arsenal and others for his signature, also representing a huge signal of intent if they are chosen as his next club.

The West Ham star has arguably grown into one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, being lauded as "world-class" by former Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley and maturing into a huge box-to-box presence.

In 2022/23, Rice scored four goals and registered two assists in the league, but he also averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, showing that he has become someone who can thrive on and off the ball.

For England, he was also an ever-present at the 2022 World Cup, starting every game, and he could even be a future captain of his country, further outlining why Newcastle signing him would feel so significant.

Newcastle United are in a fantastic position to cement their stature as one of Europe's elite after forging a remarkable campaign under Eddie Howe's stewardship, qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the Carabao Cup final.

It's a drastic improvement on the club's efforts in recent history, having failed to reach the top half of the Premier League across the past four seasons and last qualifying for Europe over a decade ago.

The PIF takeover in October 2021 has injected affluence unseen by all but a select few top footballing outfits, and the forthcoming summer transfer window will be imperative to bolster the ranks with first-rate additions, with Howe stating that 'elite' arrivals are imminent.

While the return of European competition will ostensibly provide greater opportunity for peripheral figures at St. James' Park, there are certain figures that will find their bit-part role in the squad only diminished with the expanding calibre of the Tyneside team, one of which being Jamal Lewis.

Should Newcastle sell Jamal Lewis?

Lewis is one ace who will likely be at the epicentre of the summer transition; with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Raphael Guerreiro targetted, it is clear that Newcastle are seeking fresh faces to fortify the defensive left flank.

Signing from Norwich City for £15m in 2020, Lewis has only made 36 appearances and clinched one assist, with 26 of those displays coming in his first term.

Described as "rusty" by Craig Hope during one of his scant opportunities to impress this season, during Newcastle's FA Cup defeat against League One Sheffield Wednesday, it is increasingly hard to believe that Howe will provide a player who has made just eight appearances under his wing.

As per Sofascore, the £38k-per-week defender recorded a dismal average rating of 6.46 in the top-flight last term, making just four starts, and 6.48 the previous campaign, where he enjoyed more frequency on the pitch and started 20 matches.

The 25-year-old was once a highly-rated prospect, emerging as an exciting, marauding full-back with the Canaries and forging 100 outings – scoring two goals and registering four assists – after rising through the club's youth academy.

He was integral in guiding his team to the Premier League and playing a central role in their 19/20 top-flight season, where he made an average of two clearances and 1.8 tackles per match and completed 79% of his passes, impressive despite suffering relegation back to the second tier.

And with Dan Burn, who is naturally a centre-back, entrusted with deployment in Lewis' position in an unorthodox role, the chances of the 30-cap Northern Ireland international flourishing at the club are indeed slight.

It simply hasn't worked out, and Lewis must be ditched this summer to end his misery on Tyneside and open up space for technical director Dan Ashworth to sign a first-rate new defender to enrich the Toon's burgeoning squad.

West Ham United blew a two-goal lead against Premier League title-chasing Manchester City at the London Stadium this afternoon to draw 2-2 with Pep Guardiola’s side.

A Jarrod Bowen brace gave the Hammers a two goal advantage going into halftime before a Jack Grealish strike and a Vladimir Coufal own goal saw the visitors equalise.

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However, the Citizens blew a golden opportunity to complete the comeback and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points as Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty.

For West Ham, a top-six finish is still very much possible, however, the day was about Mark Noble who played in front of his home fans for the final time after an 18-year-long career with the east London outfit.

Although a victory would have been the icing on the cake, a poor defensive performance from left-back Aaron Cresswell contributed to the Irons’ collapse.

The Englishman recorded just 32 touches all match, fewer than the 48 of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Moreover, Cresswell managed to complete just 12 passes out of an attempted 17 at a 71% accuracy whilst providing zero key passes or crosses and just one successful long ball.

With the 32-year-old busy dealing with the attacking threat of City, the left-back made an impressive seven clearances. However, he only managed to make one interception, tackle and block respectively.

Furthermore, with just two duels won out of an attempted seven, Cresswell ended the match having lost 71.4%.

The 32-year-old has been a loyal servant for West Ham since joining from Ipswich Town in 2014 and, without Noble departing, is one of the Hammers’ longest-serving players.

Moreover, with 40 appearances in claret and blue this term, the defender has been a kingpin.

Therefore, this afternoon’s performance was particularly disappointing given his usual reliability as well as the fact that the Hammers were in an excellent position to secure a famous victory.

Manager David Moyes will certainly have a decision to make over the Englishman’s future though with his contract set to expire next summer.

At 32, the Scotsman may be tempted to look elsewhere for a new first-choice left-back, or at least one that will provide Cresswell with more competition next season, especially if the Hammers are to compete in Europe again after being let down today.

AND in other news: 11 games, 0 goals: Bilic made “huge mistake” on WHU dud who cost £2.5m per yellow card

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira must unleash winger Michael Olise for the Eagles’ Premier League home match against Watford today.

The south London outfit recorded a deserved 2-1 win at Southampton last weekend as Wilfried Zaha’s added time strike saw Vieira’s men come from behind to secure victory on the south coast.

The Ivory Coast international didn’t start the match and neither did Olise, whilst fellow wide man Eberechi Eze scored his first goal since returning from injury.

However, on the right flank was Jordan Ayew, who has scored just twice all season and ought to be dropped. Therefore, the Palace boss has a big decision to make as to who he deploys out wide.

Olise had a 16-minute cameo last weekend at St Mary’s but, at just 20 years of age, is already a hugely exciting asset for the Eagles.

On the chalkboard

In his debut top-flight campaign, the Frenchman has scored four goals and provided a whopping eight assists across all competitions, making him the club’s joint-fifth top scorer for the season so far.

Whilst at Reading last season, Olise’s team-mate Sam Baldock described the youngster as “fearless” whilst also claiming that he is a “real talent”.

With Palace’s Premier League safety all but confirmed, Vieira can afford to tinker with his side to give him a better idea of who should remain in his plans for next season. Therefore, involving his fellow countryman from the start today offers virtually no risk whatsoever.

There’s no doubt that the £19.8m-rated playmaker will be in the 45-year-old’s mind regarding how to deploy him next season but, with so much potential, the young Frenchman deserves to see an improvement on this campaign’s 11 Premier League starts for 2022/23.

Moreover, against a Watford side hanging onto their top-flight status by a thread, the winger could certainly gain confidence from running riot against the league’s third-worst defence, which has conceded a whopping 69 goals in 34 matches.

Of course, there are other exciting talents knocking on the door to start today, but the sensation that is Olise certainly deserves to get the nod to start against the Hornets.

AND in other news: Vieira may finally axe “inevitable” 142-goal Palace dynamo as twist emerges