All posts by h79snht.top

We at Football Fancast are understandably all very excited about the 2014/15 Premier League campaign officially kicking off this weekend.And whilst Saturday will host Manchester United’s first game under Louis van Gaal as well as Tottenham’s visit to West Ham (amongst other very enticing fixtures), Sunday sees Newcastle take on reigning champions Manchester City.Thus, as our excitement materialises in the form of writing articles, FFC have conjured up this ‘Dream Xi’ for the Toon taking on the Citizens this weekend, combining new signings, the best performers from last season and potential acquisitions Alan Pardew’s side could make before the weekend.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE TOON BOSS TO REVEAL

[/ffc-gallery]

GOALKEEPER – TIM KRUL

Despite being linked with a move to AC Milan for much of last season…

… it appears Newcastle will hold onto their No.1 Tim Krul this summer.

And it’s a good job too. Not only did the Netherlands international prove himself to be a proficient penalty taker at the World Cup…

But he also earned Newcastle a multitude of valuable points last season, most notably against Tottenham Hotspur:

RIGHT BACK – DARYL JANMAAT

Another Oranje star that makes a poignant statement of the impressive quality in the Newcastle starting XI.

Following an impressive World Cup campaign, the stats of which are viewable below:

…Newcastle wasted no time this summer in securing the services for former Feyenoord defender Daryl Janmaat in a £5million deal, following Mathieu Debuchy’s exit to Arsenal.

The 25 year-old looks a good find – solid defensively, incredibly physical but capable of also contributing going forward – and is expected to make his full Newcastle debut on Sunday.

Here’s a look at some of Janmaat’s highlights for the Eredivisie side:

CENTRE-BACK – FABRICIO COLOCCINI

Fabricio Coloccini’s homesickness appears to have passed, having officially declared in May that he will remain on Tyneside next season.

The Argentina international’s immense experience and continuity is vital, having amassed 211 appearances for Newcastle since joining them from Deportivo back in 2008.

The Magpies skipper was in good form last season too despite concerns that he could return to Buenos Aires, as viewable below:

Here’s a look at the 32 year-old in action:

CENTRE-BACK – STEFAN RADU

According to the tabloids, one of the many centre-back targets Newcastle have been eying this summer is Lazio defender Stefan Radu:

The Romania international has racked up over 150 Serie A appearances for Aquile, but struggled to make it back into the first team last season after spending two months on the sidelines from September onwards with a knee injury.

No doubt however the 25 year-old is an impressive talent – check out his stats from the campaign previous:

Here’s a short clip of the defender, who can operate at centre-back or left-back, in action:

It’s believed he could be available for around £8million, but admittedly, the Radu trail has gone cold in recent weeks and it would be a shock if he turned up on Tyneside before the weekend.

LEFT BACK – DAVIDE SANTON

Left-back Davide Santon was in customarily consistent form last season, as detailed below:

And despite being linked with a return to his native Italy this summer…

…it appears the Magpies will be holding onto him until at least the January window.

The Italy international has now amassed 82 league appearances for Newcastle and appears to be improving by the game.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD – CHEICK TIOTE

There are rumours that Arsenal are planning a move for Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote:

But tied down to a contract until 2017, the Magpies would undoubtedly prefer to hold onto their 119-game servant for at least another season.

The Ivory Coast international has often been a central factor in the Tyneside outfit’s successes, and last season recorded one of the best tackling returns in the Premier League:

The 28 year-old’s infactuation with the referee’s notebook can often be frustrating for the Newcastle faithful, but his quality has never been in doubt.

And of course, he’ll always be remembered at St. James’s Park for this sensational strike against Arsenal back in 2011:

CENTRAL MIDFIELD – MOUSSA SISSOKO

Moussa Sissoko more commonly featured out wide for Newcastle last season, an unusual role that certainly got some decent performances out of him, as detailed below:

But the January 2013 signing was initially purchased from Toulouse as a central midfielder, and Newcastle’s many attacking acquisitions this summer could see him revert back to his more traditional position.

The France international certainly has the talent and physicality to do so, and now privy to the benefits of 18 months settling time on Tyneside, will be expected to start making good on his preceding reputation from Ligue 1 next season.

Sissoko has been in good form during pre-season too, finding the net against Real Sociedad:

RIGHT WING – WILFRIED ZAHA

According to the tabloids, Newcastle are prepared to save wayward England prodigy Wilfried Zaha from his Manchester United nightmare:

The 21 year-old joined the Red Devils last summer after playing a vital role in Crystal Palace’s promotion-through-the-play-offs campaign, netting a brace against Brighton in the semi-finals:

He also won the deciding penalty in a 1-0 Wembley affair, but since moving to Old Trafford has gone on to make just two substitute appearances for the Carrington club.

David Moyes didn’t warm to him and neither has Louis van Gaal, who is reportedly prepared to sell the winger-forward this summer.

It’s believed he could be available for as little as £7million, but whether Newcastle can wrap up a deal before taking on Manchester City this weekend remains to be seen.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD – SIEM DE JONG

Despite brother Luuk failing to impress during a six-month loan spell on Tyneside last season, Newcastle were quick to secure the services of former Ajax star Siem de Jong this summer.

The Dutch international netted an impressive 57 times in 168 league appearances for the Eredivisie champions, but is better famed for his link-up play, having often been utilised as a ‘false nine’ by Frank de Boer.

Here’s a look at the Dutch international in action:

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

De Jong netted an impressive strike during pre-season:

But rumour unfortunately has it that the midfielder-come-striker could miss out on Newcastle’s opener against Manchester City with a calf injury.

LEFT WING – REMY CABELLA

Another summer signing Newcastle fans would love to see make his debut against Manchester City this weekend is France starlet Remy Cabella.

The attacking midfielder was in sensational form to save his side from Ligue 1 relegation doom last season, as detailed below…

And after endless months of playing hardball with Montpellier president Louis Nicollin …

…the Magpies finally got their man in a £10million deal.

STRIKER – LOIC REMY

A few months ago it appeared Newcastle had absolutely no chance of acquirining the services of Loic Remy permanently, as the Magpies loan star eyed Champions League football.

But after surprisingly failing a medical at Liverpool, it’s anyone’s guess where the France international will end up this summer.

The 27 year-old was in sensational form for Newcastle last term to find 14 goals in the Premier League, which are viewable in the below video:

And who can forget this wonder-strike for parent club QPR at the end of the 2012/13 campaign…

Alan Pardew is known to be monitoring Remy’s situation, but he’s also been linked with moves to Tottenham and Chelsea:

Thus, the chances of him returning to Tyneside before the Toon take on Manchester City remain exceptionally slim.

International break is over, let Premier League football resume!

There are some exciting games to watch this weekend including Arsenal vs Manchester City, Chelsea vs Swansea, and Manchester United vs QPR.

But who’s summer business will start showing an immediate impact? Can Falcao get off to a goalscoring start at United, or will Welbeck show Louis Van Gaal what he’s missing with a debut goal for Arsenal against City?

Without further delay, let’s get the predictions underway!

[ffc-gallery]

Click on the image below to reveal

[/ffc-gallery]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Arsenal vs Manchester City (12:45pm)

23-year-old Englishman Danny Welbeck is expected to make his Arsenal debut this weekend when his new side plays against his old rival side, Manchester City, at the Emirates. The Gunners may be undefeated so far this season, but they have only won one game and need to start winning more to consider themselves as title contenders. A win against City will be a good start. The Citizens started their title defence well, but they suffered a disappointing loss to Stoke before the international break and will be looking to bounce back. I think Arsenal have enough in the team to win this one despite the possible absence of Aaron Ramsey.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Manchester City

Chelsea vs Swansea

The two remaining 100% winning record teams in the Premier League this season will meet at Stamford Bridge this weekend in a game which I think will be an absolute thriller. Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have revitalised Chelsea this season and have given them an added edge in front of goal. Although the partnership of Ashley Williams and Jordi Amat in defence has been solid so far, I don’t think they will be able to withstand Diego Costa this weekend.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Swansea

Crystal Palace vs Burnley

Crystal Palace earned their first points of the new campaign before the international break thanks to a late equaliser by Wilfred Zaha in a 3-3 draw against Newcastle. New Eagles manager Neil Warnock will be looking to build on that result when they welcome Burnley to Selhurst Park. Burnley achieved a well fought 0-0 draw against Manchester United before the break and this result would have boosted their confidence for this game. Sam Vokes is still sidelined for The Clarets and Sean Dyche may name the same starting XI that played against United, meaning new signings George Boyd, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane could miss out on a starting place. Palace should win, especially if Zaha plays.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Burnley

Southampton vs Newcastle

Southampton’s 3-1 win against West Ham before the international break would have bolstered fan’s hopes that the club was entering disarray after the summer departures. Belgian loanee signing Tony Alderweireld is expected to make his debut for the Saints, but Jay Rodriguez is still absent through injury. Newcastle is still looking for their first win of the season after suffering to a late Zaha goal in a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace. The Magpies haven’t scored in five of their last six Premier League away games and will be without Siem de Jong and Papiss Cisse in this fixture, meaning this bad scoring form away from home is likely to continue.

Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Newcastle

Stoke vs Leicester

Both of these sides will be looking to develop on the impressive results they picked up before the international break. Stoke managed to beat Manchester City whilst Leicester achieved a draw against Arsenal. Little changes are expected in either side after these great results so this should be a close game. However, Stoke’s home field advantage at the Britannia will be enough to provide them with a win.

Prediction: Stoke 2-1 Leicester

Sunderland vs Tottenham

Sunderland are still looking for their first win of the season but an impressive draw against Manchester United in their last home game will give fans confidence in the side that they can pick up a result against Tottenham. Tottenham will be looking to recover after an embarrassing home loss of 3-0 to Liverpool before the international break. New faces at both clubs are expected to make appearances, but Spurs should still win this game.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham

West Brom vs Everton

West Brom sunk to a 3-0 defeat to Swansea before the international break. Everton were also handed a big defeat by Chelsea and will be looking to rebuild. The Toffees have started the season poorly and will need to start picking up results in games like these if they want to replicate their 5th place finish from last campaign. Christian Atsu will be available for Everton, but both sides are injury stricken with Joleon Lescott, Victor Anichebe and Youssouf Mulumbu doubtful for West Brom, and Arouna Koné, Ross Barkley and Bryan Oviedo definitely out for Everton. Everton will pick up their first win of the season.

Prediction: West Brom 0-2 Everton

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa (5:30pm)

Liverpool manager Brendon Rodgers will be annoyed that Daniel Sturridge picked up a knock whilst on international duty, putting him in doubt to appear in this fixture. Mario Balotelli will be looked upon to step up in this fixture, his home debut in a Liverpool shirt. He has a good record against Aston Villa, having scored four goals in six appearances for Manchester City against The Villa. Villa will be looking to continue their great defensive start to the season, having only conceded one goal so far. They are yet to come up against an attack like what Liverpool can offer so this may be when holes appear in the defence.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa

Manchester United vs QPR (4pm)

Radamel Falcao is expected to make his debut for Manchester United against QPR, a team that has failed to win against The Red Devils since 1991. 19-year-old Luke Shaw is also expected to make his United debut alongside the Colombian, as well as Argentine Marcos Rojo and Dutchman Daley Blind. The R’s will be looking to build on their 1-0 win against Sunderland before the international break after losing their first two games this season. United has won five out of the last five games between the two sides, scoring ten goals and only conceding one. Despite their unimpressive start to the season under Louis van Gaal, United should pick up their first win of the season in this match.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 QPR

Hull vs West Ham (8pm)

Both sides will be looking to bounce back after disappointing losses before the international break. Hull lost 2-1 away at Aston Villa whilst West Ham lost at home to Southampton. The Hammers have won four out of the last five fixtures between these two sides. The Tigers will be without Robert Snodgrass and West Ham will have Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll still sidelined. Alex Song and Morgan Amalfitano are expected to debut for The Hammers while Abel Hernandez, Hatem Ben Arfa, Gaston Ramirez and Mohammed Diame are expected to debut for Hull. This is going to be a close game which I think will end in a draw.

Prediction: Hull 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal can go all of the way this season and win the Premier League if Arsene Wenger snaps up Sami Khedira in January, according to Gunners hero Robert Pires.

The north London giants have been heavily linked with the German World Cup winner in recent weeks, with rumours suggesting that they are ready to revive their summer interest in the 27-year-old.

Khedira is set to be available at a knockdown price in January, with Real Madrid ready to sell for around £8m-£10m if they cannot tie him down to a new contract, with his current deal due to end next year.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news

And even with the Gunners nine points off of league leaders Chelsea already, Pires – who recently came out of retirement to sign for Indian Super League side Goa FC – believes that his old clib have the potential to win the big trophy with the midfielder on board:

“He [Wenger] needs a big player in the middle, like Viera, strong, tall, because this position is very important for the balance between attack and defence,” he told The Telegraph.

“The quality is there but you need more, maybe [someone] like Yaya Toure in middle. He reminds me of Patrick Vieira, maybe they have an opportunity with Khedira. It is likely in the January window. He played very well with Germany. My advice is if he can buy Khedira he can be the [new] Vieira, more aggression in the middle.

“He has a lot of experience. When you play in the middle you need experience, especially when your midfield is young like Arsenal’s.”

Fill out our survey and win a pair of PUMA EvoPOWER boots as worn by Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Marco Reus!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

With Arsene Wenger keen to make ‘at least one signing’ in the January transfer window, it appears the Gunners will be choosing between two German internationals.

It remains to be seen just which department Wenger believes requires strengthening; his opinions often clash with the rest of the footballing world, and in addition to Arsenal’s worrying lack of physicality and defensive awareness in midfield, the Gunners’ defence is in need of bodies too.

But Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny are both set to return from injury in the new year, at which point, we’ll all likely be once again reminded that a returning crocked star is the equivalent of a new signing, and Wenger told French publication beIN sport earlier this season that he desires “a physical presence with prodigious ability like Vieira or Petit”.

So striking an ideal equilibrium between price-tag, availability and Arsenal’s intrinsic needs are German midfield duo Sami Khedira and Christoph Kramer. But who should the Gunners choose?

Kramer is best known for his surprise inclusion in the summer’s World Cup final, only to come off with a head injury after just half an hour. Certainly the 23 year-old’s greatest claim to fame thus far, but that shouldn’t overshadow his brisk development at club level over the last two seasons.

On loan at Borussia Monchengladbach from Bayer Leverkusen, Kramer has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects in the last 18 months. This season he’s averaged an impressive 2.8 tackles and three interceptions per match – the latter statistic is actually the tenth-best return out of the entirety of the German top flight.

The only Arsenal midfielder to come anywhere close to matching that this season is the much-maligned Mathieu Flamini, with 2.7 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per outing, so there’s no doubt the German international would bring vital variety to the Gunners’ engine room, providing the kind of industrial service Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey cant.

But he’s by no means the finished article – rather miraculously, Kramer netted an own goal from the centre-circle last month, lobbing goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Perhaps unfortunate, perhaps an act of god, yet still a symbolic gesture of his inexperience – especially in terms of decision-making.

Meanwhile, Sami Khedira has belonged to world football’s centre-mid elite for quite some time – essentially since his promising performances at 2010 World Cup, which quickly triggered a move to Real Madrid.

But the German international isn’t the tough-tackling enforcer he’s often made out to be by the English press; Khedira’s influence is better felt in a box-to-box capacity, through his athleticism, strength, aerial ability and elegant footwork. This is something Wenger commented on during the summer and the stats are incredibly telling. In sharp contrast to Kramer, the 28 year-old hasn’t averaged two tackles per match or more or two interceptions per match or more in his last three La Liga campaigns.

Considerably less dynamic than in his younger years however and boasting many natural requisites for that role, there’s no reason Khedira can’t transform himself  into a deeper-lying, more disciplined ball-winner. Furthermore, his contract is up at the end of the season and a Bernabeu departure in January now seems inevitable, having seen just 65 minutes of action in the Spanish top flight and Champions League combined under Carlo Ancelotti this season – although Khedira has missed significant chunks of the campaign through injury.

So who should Arsenal choose in this case of Kramer vs Khedira? Well, in my opinion, neither – because they both come with huge flaws.

Kramer, although an enormously talented prospect, is not the proven winner that can transform Arsenal from eternal-fourth-placers to genuine Premier League title contenders. He’s also on loan at Gladbach and although that temporary switch could be conceivably cancelled to accommodate an Emirates move in January, it will likely take some added compensation on Arsenal’s part in addition to his rumoured £12million valuation.

Likewise, Khedira may fall rather firmly into the ‘proven winner’ category, having won both a Champions League title and a World Cup only this summer, but he’s not a natural defensive midfielder and the last thing Arsenal need is yet another one of Wenger’s pet projects in that position, like Mikel Arteta or Abou Diaby. They need the real deal – someone who can hit the ground running.

The German international has also spent the majority of the last two seasons injured – do the Gunners really want another injury-prone high-earner on their books amid a campaign that’s already seen 15 players sidelined for significant periods?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In my opinion, the answer to Arsenal’s defensive midfield conundrum, albeit a considerably more expensive one, is a lot closer to home – Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.

The France international is easily the Premier League’s most talented enforcer outside of Chelsea and Manchester City, averaging 2.93 tackles and 2.67 interceptions per match over the last three campaigns.

He sits deep, controls the middle of the park with both mettle and the ball, boasting a pass completion of 90% this term, and simply lets the Saints’ more attacking options get on with it. He’s been a major factor in the St. Mary’s outfit rising to third place in the Premier League this season whilst also commanding the best defensive record in the division.

Southampton were reluctant to sell in the summer it’s believed they value Schneiderlin around the £30million mark. Still just 25 years of age, however, proven in the top flight and representing precisely what Arsenal currently lack in midfield, any alternative to Schneiderlin the Gunners target – including Khedira and Kramer – is an unnecessary, likely fruitless compromise.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Loan deals: they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they can be valuable in giving a player the chance to gain first-team football elsewhere.

The parent club are not forced into an immediate decision over the player’s future, whilst the player involved can experience another option that may develop into something more permanent.

The Premier League is filled with players who could benefit from a loan elsewhere.

So, without further ado, here are FOUR stars who should consider leaving on loan before the Monday night’s 11pm transfer window deadline…

Stevan Jovetic

Jovetic is undoubtedly talented, having arrived at the Citizens from Fiorentina after scoring 40 goals in 134 appearances across all competitions. However, City have a track record of leaving many promising players to warm the bench, and this £22million recruit appears to be the unfortunate latest casualty of their strength in depth.

This season Jovetic has already made nearly as many Premier League appearances as he did in the entirety of the previous campaign (15 with only two starts). The striker has finally had a chance to represent City in the Champions League too, though these opportunities have only come through Alvaro Negredo being loaned to Valencia.

Similarly, new January signing Wilfred Bony will probably be accommodated at the expense of Jovetic, for whom a loan move could be a great chance to get the regular football his talent merits.

Definitely worth a look for top European clubs as there is every chance of the move becoming permanent.

Roberto Soldado

They say insanity is trying the same thing repeatedly and hoping for a different result, and this certainly appears to apply to Roberto Soldado.

The forward arrived having scored 24 in 35 for Valencia in 2012/2013, leading to a hefty £26million price tag that Soldado has not yet lived up to.

At Tottenham he has mustered an average of just one league goal in every six games, though Mauricio Pochettino still vehemently supports the striker.

This does not necessarily mean a loan move will not happen, and particularly familiar pastures in La Liga may give Soldado an ideal opportunity to rediscover his form and obvious capabilities.

Adnan Januzaj

How the mighty have fallen. Just six months ago Januzaj had enjoyed an outstanding first Premier League campaign with Manchester United. The 19-year-old appeared a rare positive to emerge from a dire season as the Red Devils struggled under David Moyes.

However, Louis Van Gaal evidently does not fancy the winger, who has still not made over two full games worth of Premier League appearances concerning minutes this season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The winger is evidently capable, and was one of the few players to not disgrace themselves when the Red Devils could only draw at League Two Cambridge United in the FA Cup.

Januzaj is surely too precocious a talent for United to sell, so a loan move could be ideal in showing Van Gaal what he is missing out on.

Petr Cech

This needs little explaining – Cech is a world-class goalkeeper who deserves regular football, though Mourinho may be reluctant to lose him permanently.

The Chelsea stopper would be a number one at most, if not every, top European club. The only thing preventing a loan deal to one of them will be the willingness of the Blues to let him go, even temporarily.

Light and dark. Fast and Slow. Tea and coffee. Sat in a north London pub, I delved into another pair of opposites that has arguably become as famous across the last few years with the emergence of fan channels – Claude and Ty from Arsenal fan TV.

Cult figures primarily through an apparent innate to disagree about pretty much anything regarding the Gunners, we got to know the pair at the Ladbrokes #ForTheFans Transfer Deadline Day party.

Ladbrokes invited Ian Wright, Chris Kamara, Peter Reid, Jason McAteer and 50 fans to a north London pub to take part in the Ladbrokes #ForTheFans Transfer Deadline Day party, fans were treated to free bets, the latest reaction to transfer moves and news by our panel of legends, a singing Kammy and a free bar to keep the night flowing.

The consequences make for YouTube gold, meaning that whilst everyone around us was desperately seeking late deadline day transfer, we were busy dissecting the Gunners’ season over a pint…

So I start with the obvious question, what did you make of the January transfer window for Arsenal?

Ty: It’s a non-event for us really, we’ve signed Gabriel Paulista and we’ve done our job but I think it’s disappointing because all we seemed to be getting from the press and media is ‘who is he?’ We’re getting criticised for signing a defender when we needed one. We didn’t sign a defender, midfielder or striker. We signed a defender but were still getting stick, obviously we’d like to sign more but it is what it is. A lot of our players are getting back to full fitness.

Claude: I think ideally we need two or at least one big central defensive midfield player because although Coquelin is playing well at the moment I’m not sure he can do the whole season. I still think he’s got a lot to learn – though he has been playing brilliantly we still need that world class central defensive-midfielder. Maybe Wenger is right but we will see at the end of the season.

Ty: Yes there should have been (a central-midfielder signed) but we have Francis Coquelin who has been a revelation since he has come back on loan spell at Charlton. We do have Mikel Arteta and Matthieu Flamini (said with an emphasis on both that suggests a feeling they are underestimated).

Claude: I think Wenger has been lucky because I don’t think we be in this situation if Arteta was fit but luckily Coquelin has come back from Charlton and done a brilliant job. However I just think that’s fortune because I don’t think Wenger had even thought of bringing him back. I don’t think Arteta can get around the park like he used too.

Ty: We don’t know what’s happened with Abou Diaby because he’s been destroyed by injury. We have a few players in that position though obviously that would be nice, but if we’re going to sign someone big it should be at the end of season, because it’s not the managers remit to sign big players now.

Claude: I think there was possibilities of Carvalho and Schneiderlin didn’t quite get over the line, but I think we need that experienced world class midfielder. I don’t think Arteta has been a great player but he’s now coming to the end. Sometimes you’ve got to be a bit ruthless and not offer them a new contract.

Ty: I think it’s going to be at the end of the season, hopefully we’ve got enough to equal or emulate what we did last season- if we do that I’m sure everyone will be happy.

FFC to Ty, as Claude is busy re-charging his glass: What have you made of Arsenal recently having less of the ball in various fixtures, such as Manchester City and Aston Villa?

Ty: It’s nothing something he’d really do but he’s looked at us playing all the football and not getting the results. If we play less football and get the results then were happy. The funny thing is it’s the players that apparently suggested we should change our style but the thing is Claude said Wenger can’t take credit for that. But, they always say a good leader is someone who is prepared to listen, it showed he is not too arrogant and too big headed to not listen to what players say to him. That shows humblesness, co-operation and an ability to listen that only endears me to him more.

(At that moment both Ty and I inevitably turn towards Claude and laughter erupts) Naturally leading FFC to ask him: Do you think it’s fair that you are often known as ‘the negative one’ as such?

Claude: If you call negative wanting to win the league, challenging for the league that’s up for people to decide that but I want my club to do better. I think this club is big enough to be challenging for the title not settling for 4th each season.

Ty: Look at who were competing with Chelsea, Man City and Man Unitd who have all spent more money than us and he (Wenger) has still kept us competitive in the top four.

Claude: The mentality is coming, and of course players make the difference. I think the future looks good if we can just add those one or two special players it looks too late for this season but in the summer we’ve got to look at that again.

FFC: Turning to you as the ‘optimist’ Ty, recent months have seen speculation surrounding Wenger largely quell, things seem to be going well?

Ty: Absolutely because he’s doing his job and getting all the players fit. I don’t think since the invincibles that he has ever had his best 11 players fit so can you really judge him? I think you can only really judge him when he has had his whole first 11 fit for the season because if he did we would win the league. Obviously injuries happen and he has his faults which is far enough but you’ve got to look at the whole job the man has done.

Claude: At the moment he’s slightly turning me around but let’s wait to the end of season and we will see.

FFC: What would it take this season for you be convinced that Wenger is still the right man?

Claude: 3rd/2nd in the League and a really good run in CL, I mean at least the semi-finals. We’re capable but it’s early days yet.

Ty: All those things would be good obviously but, to me, even if we didn’t achieve any of those things, I would give Arsene another year, because of everything he has done for the club. It has been nothing short of incredible, to create an invincible team, it’s like a dream, if anything had told us we would go a whole season unbeaten we’d have never ever in our wildest dreams have believed them.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

FFC to Ty: So what would it take for you to say Wenger out?

Ty: I would never say that even if we got relegated, god forbid, out of Europe, and go down to the championship, because of what he has done for the club I cannot turn against him. What he has done for the club has been incredible, he is the reason why we are here because of the football we have played and seen – its been incredible, its been a dream, nothing could really turn me against him.

FFC: Finally, who has been your player of the season?

Claude: Alexis Sanchez, no doubt about it, he has been brilliant, absolutely outstanding.

Ty: Alexis Sanchez.

FFC: Nice to see I finally managed to find something you two agree on, thanks for your time guys.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

He’s been one of Europe’s top performers so far this season and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette will undoubtedly attract a lot of interest when the transfer window reopens. One of those suitors could be Arsenal, if reports from Sky Sports are to be believed.

Current Gunners striker Olivier Giroud has impressed for the club once again this season, showing that Arsenal are far from a crisis when it comes to the striking department. In 15 Premier League appearances, he has scored eight goals and provided two assists – a solid return considering the fact that he missed the earlier stages of the season due to injury.

The Frenchman is an excellent option up front due to his physical presence in the attacking third, as well as the fact that he possesses good finishing skills. Although Giroud is a good attacking option for Arsenal, they are still lacking real pace up front. Danny Welbeck can provide that pace but he is being used in more of a wider attacking berth now that Giroud has returned to the side. The England international does work hard for the team but he lacks that prolific instinct that Arsenal need more of up front.

This is where Alexandre Lacazette represents an excellent option for the Gunners. The Lyon striker has 21 goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances this term and looks like he has the potential to become a world-class forward. Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have scored more goals in 2014/15 and this is something that is bound to attract the attention of big clubs across Europe. Lacazette possesses something that the Gunners haven’t had since Henry left – electric pace combined with excellent movement and finishing.

It is no secret that Arsenal boast a wealth of talent in the middle of park, but they are lacking the same quality up front. Giroud and Welbeck are good Premier League players but they do not carry the same potential that Lacazette has shown over the course of this season.

[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]

Theo Walcott is sometimes implemented in a centre-forward role to provide Arsenal with some more pace through the middle and this works to good effect. However, Walcott is not a natural goalscorer and often plays wide rather than in a centre forward’s role.

Therefore, Wenger will be looking to add more quality to his attacking options. Lacazette has been compared to Henry during his time in France due to his impressive dribbling skills and the fact that he knows where the back of the net is.

The Express reports that Lyon are looking for a fee of around £23million, which would be an excellent price for one of Europe’s hottest prospects. Arsene Wenger has not been afraid to spend big in the summer transfer window in recent times and Lacazette would certainly represent an improvement in terms of Arsenal’s attacking prospects.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arsenal fans have been crying out for another quality striker to provide more attacking options up front, and Lacazette could be the most affordable option for the Gunners, as well as providing undeniable quality in the final third.

It’s been a long time since Thierry Henry left the club and signing a player that boasts similar abilities to the Arsenal legend should be a no-brainer. Although nothing is set in stone, Arsene Wenger should do all he can to move for Lacazette in the summer if he becomes available.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

Manuel Pellegrini is confident the UEFA’s transfer restrictions on City will be lifted this summer and he wants to make a crucial signing – preferably an Englishman.

The spending ban was imposed for breaches in their Financial Fair Play rules, but the club are still set to break even this year.

Pellegrini has already started to compile a list of potential signings and with Frank Lampard due to leave the club in the summer, and one of the main problems City has is a worryingly low number of home grown talent in their squad.

Rules require Premier League club’s to have eight homegrown players in their team, so here’s who we think could be on Pellegrini’s shopping list this summer…

[interaction id=“none”]

Raheem Sterling

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has been in the papers solidly for the past few weeks as his contract deal continues to be discussed.

After two fantastic seasons at Anfield, the youngster is looking for regular Champions League football. It will take a seriously large sum of money, but Pellegrini needs young players to help with his ageing squad. Sterling ticks all the boxes- young and home-grown – but maybe just a bit out of their price range.

Aaron Cresswell

Aaron Cresswell is one of the unsung signings of the Premier League season. The left-back has been fantastic for West Ham and has started all their Premier League fixtures.

City are on the lookout for a player who can fill that position in the long run and he would make an excellent signing for the Champions.

This is only his first season in the top-flight and he has shown some great potential. Pellegrini would be able to mould him into the player he wants.

Seamus Coleman

Speculation about Seamus Coleman’s departure from Goodison Park has been going around for some time, with Manchester United and Chelsea interested in signing the defender.

After building his success on the back of a superb loan spell at Blackpool, it looks like he could be about to make a move again. Coleman has proved he is a superb right-back and as Pellegrini looks for stability in the back four, Coleman could be his man.

Nathanial Clyne

If Southampton miss out on a Champions League place they will struggle to keep hold of their star man Nathaniel Clyne. The right-back is another option instead of Coleman and has made 34 appearances for Southampton so far this season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He is turning into one of the most wanted players with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all interested.

Jack Wilshire

Jack Wilshire is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium. He could join a number of stars to have made the switch from the Emirates but he might not be the right move for Pellegrini.

He is quick and has a superb touch, but he isn’t known at being completely reliable. He probably won’t be a game changer for Man City nor have a great impact on their Champions League campaign.

Arsenal’s title hopes dissipated at the last minute, despite an impressive run of form since the turn of the year, with Arsene Wenger’s men having to wait another year for their chance of becoming English champions again.

The Gunners are expected to freshen things up in their squad this summer, with the North London club sure to be keeping a close eye on the Copa America.

Although the likes of Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina will be competing in the tournament, the competition in Chile will also provide an excellent scouting opportunity for the Emirates Stadium outfit.

With that in mind, here are three potential new additions for the Gunners that are set to star at the Copa America…

[interaction id=“none”]

Sergio Romero

Despite the solid showings of Ospina this season, there is still a train of thought that Arsenal are lacking a truly top-drawer goalkeeper and that they may be tempted to add a stopper in the upcoming transfer window.

Argentina’s Sergio Romero has become his nation’s number one and showed at last summer’s World Cup that he is an accomplished shot-stopper and a commanding presence.

With the South American out of contract this summer and looking increasingly likely to leave Sampdoria, Arsenal could well have a bargain on their hands.

Experienced and able, Romero’s addition would freshen things up for the Gunners and add an international-quality custodian to their ranks.

Charles Aranguiz

Arsenal were accredited with a tentative interest in the gifted Chilean midfielder earlier this year and the Copa America will be an excellent opportunity for the Gunners to run the rule over him once more.

Aranguiz impressed in the World Cup with his work-rate and neat passing, with his style of play certainly fitting into the mould of an Arsenal player.

With the Chilean playing his club football in Brazil, a move to Europe and the Premier League would surely appeal.

With Sanchez already at the Emirates Stadium, Aranguiz would fit in nicely at Arsenal and give them more dynamism and energy in the centre of the pitch.

Lucas Biglia

Francis Coquelin’s emergence this season as a designated defensive midfielder has allowed Arsenal’s attacking players more freedom, with the Frenchman the player that the North Londoners have been crying out for over recent campaigns.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Despite the former Charlton loanee’s skillset, there is still an argument that the Gunners need another defensive midfielder.

With Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta all ageing and their importance to the club waning, a deep-lying midfielder in his prime would be a welcome addition.

Biglia has impressed in a Lazio team pushing for Champions League qualification and his battling qualities would see him offer a combativeness that has been missing in the Arsenal boiler room.

Playing him alongside Coquelin or offering an alternative to the Frenchman would give Wenger options in the heart of his team.

Arsenal being linked with signing a defensive midfielder for an entire summer before opting for a tricky ‘No.10’ has almost become a running joke in itself.

Unfortunately for Gunners fans, Arsene Wenger has avoided the issue of recruiting an enforcer year after year, and is at risk of doing so again thanks to the emergence of Francis Coquelin. If Arsenal are to win the title, a new defensive midfielder must be the top of their priorities to avoid any risk of Mathieu Flamini wearing an Arsenal shirt within 100 miles of a football pitch again!

Here are FIVE possible options that Arsenal could pursue…

William Carvalho

Fresh from a brilliant tournament with the Portuguese Under 21s, Carvalho is one of the younger options open to Wenger.

The 6ft. 2″ defensive midfield player can also cover in central defence, which would add extra depth if Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker were to suffer with injuries once more.

Hard in the tackle and already playing like someone far beyond his 23-years-of-age, Carvalho would be the ideal base to Arsenal’s extremely talented midfield. Carvalho’s age also means he fits perfectly with Wenger’s blueprint for signings.

John Obi Mikel

Having spent the majority of his career with London rivals Chelsea, Mikel is unlikely to be a popular option for anyone at the Emirates Stadium.

The Nigerian has developed the sort of experience in his time at Stamford Bridge that puts him far ahead of Coquelin, whilst his role in Chelsea’s run to the Champions League glory cannot be underestimated.

Still only 28, Mikel has several years left at the top and his calm approach to midfield play would work nicely to control the tempo of games and cover for potential counter attacks.

Javi Martinez

As a Spaniard working under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich it is hard to see why you would want to transfer clubs. However, the offer of more money and a greater challenge may be enough for Arsenal to lure Martinez to England.

The guarantee of minutes would be a huge attraction and Martinez could be a magnificent signing for Arsenal. 26-years-old, the ex-Athletic Bilbao ace could feasibly have a decade left at the top of his game and would be a real game-changing capture for the Gunners.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Links with Schneiderlin have been going on for over 12 months now and the Saints man is still a very popular option among Arsenal fans.

Some have displayed concerns about his ability on the ball and questioned if he is capable of playing as a controlling man in a deeper position, but his signing would still provide an elite option capable of playing as a defensive midfielder.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Frenchman will not leave the south coast cheaply, but he would be worth every penny.

Thiago Motta

Despite nearing his 33rd birthday, Motta continues to prove himself as a top quality defensive midfielder.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan man is currently at PSG and, due to his age, would surely be available at a cut price if Arsenal were to make a move for the Italy international. Wenger would have to go against his usual age protocol for this signing, but the short-term impact is likely to push Arsenal onto the next level.