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Arsenal’s search for a new central midfielder could take them to Mikel Arteta’s home country, Spain, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Spanish outlets AS and El Pais (via Sport Witness) claim that the Gunners have enquired about Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi and it’s thought that he will only leave if his release clause is met, which is around €60m (£52m).

The Premier League leaders are said to be willing to sanction the deal but may need to wait until the summer when the player is more likely to agree to a switch.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old is represented by the same agency as Arteta, which surely bodes well for any negotiations.

Caicedo lite

There have been several names mooted over the last few weeks and the need for a new engine room option has increased due to Mohamed Elneny’s recent injury blow.

It leaves Arteta very light on choices, with only Albert Sambi Lokonga available to fill in for first-choice duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

One of the potential targets appears to be Brighton and Hove Albion sensation Moises Caicedo but with an asking price of £100m being bandied about, it seems unlikely that sporting director Edu Gaspar is going to pull the trigger for that amount of money.

Zubimendi is available at around half that and intriguingly, he is comparable to the 21-year-old gem, as per FBref’s statistical model. It’s easy to see why, too, as he’s very much a powerhouse in defensive midfield.

When compared to similar in his role across Europe’s top five divisions over the last year, the Sociedad star ranks inside the top 7% for aerials won, the top 10% for clearances and the top 19% for interceptions per 90 minutes.

With only goalkeeper Alex Remiro playing more minutes for the White and Blues, it’s clear that Zubimendi has played an integral role to them pushing the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in LaLiga this term, currently sitting in third place – some seven points clear of Atletico Madrid in fourth.

Indeed, it’s why talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him “the heart of La Real’s midfield,” having previously described him as a deep-lying “playmaker” who is “similar” to Toni Kroos.

He has even earned lofty praise from Barca boss Xavi Hernandez, who claimed Zubimendi is better than his ex-teammate and current regular Sergio Busquets in some aspects. “He is more physical and faster than Busi, who is better technically,” he said.

Similarly, another midfield great in Xabi Alonso has also waxed lyrical about his credentials, as relayed by Simon Phillips.

“Martín’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”

On the above evidence, the Gunners could do little wrong in opting for the cheaper option in 2023. Zubimendi is available at half the price of Caicedo and his obvious quality and potential makes that seem like a complete bargain.

Perhaps “the new Busquets” – in the words of journalist Jacque Talbot – is who Edu should go after instead.

AND in other news, Forget Tielemans: Edu could find Arsenal’s next “monster” in £33m “incredible talent”…

Newcastle United are currently closing in on the signing of Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon with deadline day looming, although that late move for the Englishman may not be the end of the Magpies’ winter spending, with reports in France suggesting that Lille’s Tiago Djalo could also be a possible target this month.

According to Foot Mercato, the Tynesiders are interested in signing the 22-year-old before the end of the window, with the centre-back currently facing an uncertain future with the Ligue 1 side with just 18 months left on his current deal.

The report suggests that sporting director Dan Ashworth is ‘ready to offer’ a fee of more than €20m (£18m) in order to prise the Portuguese starlet from Stade Pierre-Mauroy, having previously signed Sven Botman from the French outfit during the summer.

The versatile ace – who can also feature at left-back – has been at his current side since joining from AC Milan back in 2019, having also previously been on the books at Sporting Lisbon – albeit without making a first-team appearance for either of his former employers.

As talent scout Jacek Kulig predicted, those two clubs have likely been left to “regret” their decision to move the 6 foot 3 titan on in the past, with the “dominant” defender – as per Kulig – currently shining at Lille.

The current campaign has proven particularly impressive for the Portugal U21 international, as he has netted twice in 18 league games, while also showcasing his defensive prowess after averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game in that time.

The youngster’s quality is also laid bare by his statistical and stylistic similarities to Inter Milan colossus, Milan Skriniar, as per FBref, with that of interest to those at St James’ Park as the latter man has seemingly been a target for Ashworth and co in recent times.

As 90min revealed earlier this month, the northeast side were named as one of a handful of clubs who were ‘expected’ to make an offer for the Slovakia international, while reports in Italy suggested back in December that he was a firm target for the top-four hopefuls.

With the 27-year-old now seemingly on his way to Paris Saint-Germain, however, Eddie Howe will have to look elsewhere for a suitable centre-back alternative, hence turning Djalo as an ideal fit to bolster the backline.

That likeness between the pair is illustrated by the fact that they both provide real quality in possession, with Djalo notably ranking in the top 9% among those in his position for pass completion, while Skriniar ranks in the top 7% in that same metric.

Such quality on the ball is also showcased by the fact that the Inter machine averages 0.43 progressive passes received per game to illustrate his ability to spark attacks from deep, while the younger man is only slightly behind as he averages 0.30 in that regard.

Skriniar – who also stands at 6 foot 3 – has also enjoyed a similar record in the league this season to that of Djalo, as he has averaged 2.2 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game from his 19 Serie A appearances, proving that the two men are firmly alike both in possession, but also due to their ball-winning ability.

That should indicate that Newcastle can find an ideal alternative for the PSG-bound sensation in the form of Djalo.

Everton suffered an ignominious end to their January transfer window, with the Premier League outfit the only side in the division to fail to complete a winter signing, despite their perilous position…

What’s the word?

Having sold Anthony Gordon to divisional rivals Newcastle United days prior in a £45m deal, relegation-threatened Everton desperately needed to bolster the frontline and stave off the all-engulfing threat that the drop-zone creates.

A chaotic deadline day bore no fruit for the struggling Merseyside outfit, who failed to land a single signing despite desperate attempts to forge a mover, with Watford’s Ismaila Sarr indeed among those targeted.

According to The Athletic, the Hornets rejected a late £2m loan bid for the gem on deadline day, with an obligation to purchase the Senegalese whiz for £30m if the side secured top-flight status for next season, but the 24-year-old was not granted a departure.

Dream Gordon heir

Should Everton have been more opportune in their pursuit, and instigated negotiations at an earlier date, then they might have found success in their intrigue, but with the late lunge, Watford were only ever going to rebuff the interest in one of their most coveted assets with scarce time to sign a replacement amid a promotion push.

With the African winger one of the most exciting wingers the Championship has to offer, Everton would have greatly benefitted from his dynamic, multi-faceted arsenal.

Indeed, with one scout report illustrating the cutting-edge, incisive inversions and fantastic blend of support and direct firepower, Toffees boss Sean Dyche will rue owner Farhad Moshiri for failing to be diligent enough to prise him back to the Premier League.

As per Sofascore, Sarr has recorded an average match rating of 6.93 this term, plundering seven goals and five assists and complementing his direct contributions with an impressive 2.2 shots and one key pass per match, also exhibiting his ball-playing precision with an 81% pass success rate.

And with Gordon only mustering an average rating of 6.74, albeit in the Premier League and in a relegation dogfight, there is an indication that the ace would thrive in the Liverpudlian’s stead.

Lauded as “electric” by journalist Rob Blanchette, Sarr is a forward option with a demonstrated aptitude with an outfit that has fluctuated in fortunes, and by jumping ship and looking to take the reins in the scrap to secure survival at Goodison Park, Everton and Dyche might have found success with a transfer.

With such an avenue now cordoned off and with no means of salvaging, Everton must face the ominous period ahead of them without Sarr’s inclusion, and they might indeed cast a rueful gaze back at their January bid come the end of the Premier League season.

Folarin Balogun has had a devastating impact on French football this season, taking Ligue 1 by storm following a season-long loan move from Arsenal.

A goalscorer of fine calibre, he has found the net with immense regularity in the Gunners’ academy but when given the chance to prove himself at a first-team level last term struggled to have as big an impact.

Indeed, he went from a player with 75 goals in 103 matches for the U18s and U21s to someone who could only beat the goalkeeper on three occasions during a six-month stint at Middlesbrough.

The Championship can be a tough league but he has made a mockery after being given the opportunity in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

So far this term he has scored 14 times in 21 matches on loan at Stade Reims with the American-born forward outmuscling the likes of former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe to the top spot in the race for the division’s golden boot.

It has been a remarkable rise for the 21-year-old but where to find space in the Arsenal senior side for him is a tricky task.

Gabriel Jesus has made a profound impact on Mikel Arteta’s side this term while Eddie Nketiah has come of age, particularly in recent times having scored twice in the win over Manchester United.

Therefore, Balogun may have to bide his time before earning a regular spot in the first team.

Not only will he be looking forward but the England U21 international must also have one eye over his shoulder with more precocious talents breaking through at Hale End.

One such youngster is Khayon Edwards, a 19-year-old who looks cut from the same cloth as Balogun.

A “deadly” forward – as dubbed by Football.London’s Kaya Kaynak – he looks like the next big thing to emerge from Arsenal’s impressive youth factory.

Edwards is yet to earn his debut for Arteta’s side but is making all the right noises in Premier League 2 and beyond, bagging 27 in 54 games at U21 and U18 level, a goal every two matches.

He is currently following in the footsteps of Nketiah and Balogun with both having now shown in the last year that there is a route to the senior team and indeed stardom should he stick around.

There have been admiring glances from elsewhere but the youth product put any doubt about his future in north London to bed last summer by penning his first professional contract.

It was a degree of faith shown by all parties, first and foremost from Arsenal who clearly think he has what it takes to make an impact one day and indeed from Edwards who believes there is a pathway.

Should he continue to impress then an opportunity may well be forthcoming. After all, the teenager has trained with the first team already now on several occasions and has been in the matchday squad – without making an appearance – in the Europa League.

Described as “a hard-working attacker whose style of play and potency in front of goal emulates fellow academy grad, Eddie Nketiah,” by Arsenal’s official website, it is easy to see why he is exciting those behind the scenes.

If that hard work shines through then few would bet against a Nketiah and Balogun-esque rise to the top in the coming years for Edwards.

The teen is still very much a raw talent but possesses one crucial quality; he knows where the net is. As long as football exists that will always be the most valuable commodity to any manager and football club.

As such, the future certainly looks bright.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest weaknesses under Antonio Conte has been in defence, perhaps surprisingly so having earned a reputation for being a tactical genius and always defensively sound.

Such exploits saw him clinch a Premier League with Chelsea, whilst he ended Inter Milan’s near-decade-long duck of not winning the Serie A.

The Lilywhites, without silverware since 2008, have proven to be his toughest test in the managerial dugout with the top four seemingly their ceiling, though if he’s to elevate them to the next level, then defensive additions will likely be the priority in the summer.

However, you can’t help but feel that the Italian would be better stocked had chairman Daniel Levy listened to former manager Jose Mourinho, who was keen to sign Kim Min-jae, who is now starring for current Italian leaders Napoli.

Speaking during the recent transfer window, the Portuguese revealed that he wanted to sign the South Korean colossus ahead of his AS Roma side facing him.

“I can tell you a story about one of their players. I spoke to him on FaceTime and wanted to buy him at Tottenham, but Tottenham didn’t help me,” said Mourinho,” he said (via Football Italia).

“The player cost €10m, Tottenham offered 5. A deal could be done for €7-8m, but at that time Tottenham couldn’t spend money. I spoke to the lad two or three times via FaceTime, he really wanted to come, but he couldn’t come.”

Min-jae swapped his home country and domestic giants Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for China in a $6m (£5m) deal back in 2019 before Fenerbahce paid just €3m (£2.65m) for his signature in 2021.

Gli Azzurri then snatched him up for €18m (£16m) and he has since emerged as one of the Serie A’s best central defenders, such is the case with Naples outfit leading the division, both for points tally and fewest goals conceded.

The 23-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 3, would have been an ideal fit for Conte’s typically unbreakable defensive structure, a system that is usually reliant on restricting the opposition’s chances.

Instead, he’s got Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez. Oh, and Clement Lenglet on loan.

Min-jae is Luciano Spalletti’s highest-rated centre-back for the campaign so far, where he has combined his titan-like stature with impressive ball-playing tendencies, resulting in an average of 2.65 points per game when he’s on the pitch.

His 90.2% passing accuracy, via FBref, is better than all of Spurs’ current regular starters, whilst an average of 4.10 clearances and 2.82 tackles and interceptions per 90 is equally impressive and commanding.

Perhaps the north Londoners should go back in for the self-proclaimed “monster”, given he’s got a reported €50m (£45m) release clause, which will come into play from July this year.

Either way, it’s clear that Mourinho was right to bring Min-jae to the club’s attention. Levy must surely be red-faced to see his meteoric rise in the three or so years since he rejected the opportunity to sign him for as little as £6m.

AND in other news, Paratici could land Son heir as Spurs eye “generational” £45m-rated “difference-maker”…

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has heaped praise on star striker Harry Kane for drastically improving a major part of his game.

The Lowdown: Kane contract saga…

The 29-year-old has been one of the main talking points of Spurs in recent times, not just for his sublime form, but also because he has entered the final 17 months of his contract.

Expiring in 2024, Kane can leave the Premier League side for free at the end of next season, putting pressure on chairman Daniel Levy and ENIC to either agree renewed terms or contemplate selling.

The forward continues to attract interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Man United as a result.

The Latest: Hoddle praises Kane…

Hoddle, speaking to 90min, has now claimed that Kane’s coveted signature could be a result of both his stellar quality and improvement in one aspect of his play.

He said:

“He’s been amazing. He’s turned into an amazing footballer and not just for his goalscoring and beating Jimmy Greaves’ wonderful record, but it’s the assists that he’s made on his way and his all-round game has come on so much.

“Harry didn’t come in at 18 as a wonderkid, he had to go out on loan to some clubs – some of them it worked, and some it didn’t work – but what that does, is that it shows kids a great example of someone who kept fighting and kept believing in himself.”

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The Verdict: Phenomenon…

We believe, if Kane decides to stay in England, it is only a matter of time before the Spurs star breaks Alan Shearer’s all-time goalscoring record.

Antonio Conte’s mainstay has already bagged a sensational return of 17 goals in 23 league starts this season, all while standing out as Spurs’ best-performer by average match rating (WhoScored).

Kane is also, by some distance, Spurs’ biggest threat all-round – averaging more attempts at goal per 90 and making Tottenham’s joint-most key passes in the final third (WhoScored).

It’s arguable any price tag wouldn’t justify parting company with the Three Lions striker and Levy must do anything within his power to keep hold of Kane.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Long-standing admiration

Mikel Arteta has been a long-term admirer of the Danish international having first been credited with an interest in him back in September 2022.

The Gunners target previously admitted that he was ‘insanely happy’ to have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, hinting that something could well develop in the future.

The Bundesliga star’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2026, but that hasn’t stopped Edu from plotting an approach this summer.

The Latest: Arsenal eyeing Lindstrom

According to German outlet Sport1 (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are ‘very interested’ in striking a deal for Lindstrom at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The N7 outfit are seen as a ‘firm suitor’ for the 22-year-old who is ‘thinking of leaving’ Eintracht and is ‘open’ to a move to England.

Given he doesn’t have a release clause, the hierarchy will have to ‘dig deep in their pockets’ to prise him away for a fee between €30-35m (£26-31m).

The Verdict: Massive coup

Lindstrom has been labelled the ‘Danish Bruno Fernandes’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and it would be a massive coup should Arsenal be able to secure his services this summer.

The Taastrup native posted 11 goal contributions in 19 league appearances before Eintracht’s match at home to Werder Bremen today – highlighting how he would provide plenty of versatility with an ability to operate out wide on both flanks as well as in the midfield (Transfermarkt).

The Adidas-sponsored ace also whipped 35 crosses into the box before Bremen and is strong at set pieces having taken in and around 20 corners this term, as per FBRef, making him the complete player.

The Gunners are having a hugely successful campaign but fresh faces are always needed to allow the squad to evolve and Lindstrom would be the perfect signing to put pen to paper in the capital.

Everton are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres, after failing to sign him in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: January talks

Everton were reportedly ‘in talks’ over signing Gyokeres late in January, after scouting him playing for Coventry in the Championship.

They were thought to be lining up a £15m bid for him, which would not have been deemed to be enough to secure his signature.

The Latest: Interest remains

As per Football Insider, the Goodison Park outfit, as well as AFC Bournemouth, are ‘keeping tabs’ on Gyokeres’ situation until the summer, and are still ‘keen’ on a move for him.

He is likely to be available for between £10-12m, which would be up to half the £20m that Coventry demanded to sell him in January, and the Championship side are ‘concerned’ about potentially losing him on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire in 2024.

Thus, the summer presents their best opportunity to get a maximum price for Gyokeres, who would only have a year left on his contract.

The Verdict: Striker needed

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proven to be too unreliable with injury problems, not just this season but in previous campaigns as well.

The Merseyside club are the lowest scorers in the Premier League with 17, and are in desperate need of some more attacking firepower.

Lauded by his manager Mark Robins for his ‘unbelievable’ power and technique, Gyokeres is currently the second-top scorer in the Championship with 15 goals, while he has also provided a handy five assists (BBC).

Yes, the Premier League is a big step up, but the 24-year-old has plenty of time to adapt, and would provide the killer instinct that the Toffees have been missing so far this season.

Nottingham Forest will also be without defender Serge Aurier against West Ham today, adding to their plethora of injury issues.

The Lowdown: Forest treatment table…

Steve Cooper has had to contend with many absences over the last few months as Forest’s treatment table becomes more and more stacked with crucial squad members.

Willy Boly, Scott McKenna, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moussa Niakhate, Dean Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ryan Yates, Giulian Biancone, Omar Richards and Cheikhou Kouyate have all been sidelined at various points – dealing a real worry for Cooper and the Reds (premierinjuries).

Five points off the Premier League relegation zone, Forest are still very much in contention for the drop and today’s clash against West Ham comes as a pivotal one for both sides.

The Latest: Cooper without Aurier…

Ahead of this afternoon’s bout against David Moyes’ men, an injury to Aurier has added yet another name to the sidelines at Forest.

Cooper confirmed the Ivorian will be out for three-four weeks with a calf problem, adding to the injury list.

The Verdict: Blow for Cooper…

The former Spurs defender has been a solid option at right-back since he joined from Villarreal on a free deal.

Aurier has earned plaudits from members of the press for his ‘superb’ form at Forest after he put pen to paper on a summer move.

He will be a big miss, especially considering he has averaged more tackles per 90 than anyone in Cooper’s squad (WhoScored)

He also ranks among their best-performing players by average match rating this season with Forest now having to cope without his presence against West Ham.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery did not make wholesale changes to his squad during his first transfer window in charge of the club in January.

The Spaniard brought in teenager Jhon Duran, from Chicago Fire, and experienced left-back Alex Moreno, from Real Betis, on permanent deals and allowed centre-forward Danny Ings to join Premier League rivals West Ham United.

Emery may, however, look to do more business in the summer transfer window with a view to attacking the 2023/24 campaign head-on as the coach will have the opportunity to have a full pre-season with his team.

One player who could come through the door at Villa Park is Barcelona ace Franck Kessie as NSWE eye a swoop to sign the ex-AC Milan enforcer.

Are Aston Villa interested in signing Franck Kessie?

According to recent reports in Spain, the Villans are one of the clubs who are ready to make a bid to sign the central midfielder in the summer if he becomes available.

Fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A giants Inter are also said to be eyeing up the Ivorian, who was once dubbed “a tank of a player” by journalist David Amoyal.

Antonio Cassano also hailed Kessie as “devastating” and that word aptly describes the midfield that Emery could form by signing the gem to partner Boubacar Kamara next season.

The current Villa midfielder has been a solid performer for the club in the top flight since joining from Marseille last summer. He has made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per match – winning 55% of his duels – across 18 appearances in the division.

Kamara has proven himself to be a strong defensive force in the middle of the pitch by consistently cutting out opposition attacks to win possession back for his side.

Kessie could come in and complement the 23-year-old’s work in midfield by offering quality in possession. The £153k-per-week Ivorian has struggled for game time, starting four matches in LaLiga this term, but caught the eye with his impressive displays for Milan in the Serie A last season.

In 31 appearances in the Italian top-flight, the 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.07 and contributed with six goals and 0.9 key passes per game. The gem only made two tackles and interceptions per game but did win 55% of his battles, which shows that he was fairly effective when competing for the ball.

Kamara is yet to score for Villa and has averaged 0.4 key passes per match but Kessie, who scored 19 Serie A goals in his last two seasons with Milan, could be the attacking presence in midfield to allow the Frenchman to go about his excellent defensive work.

Therefore, they could be a devastating duo for Emery as their contrasting styles and qualities in the middle of the park could blend together to make a balanced midfield that makes an impact at both ends of the pitch.