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It has been reported that Arsenal "lead" a quartet of Premier League clubs as they eye one "class" 21-year-old gem from the continent.

Arsenal transfer targets – January

The north London club are well and truly off and running after a brilliant start to the season, most recently making a statement with their 1-0 win over champions Man City at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Martinelli's late effort added City to the growing list of teams who've tasted defeat courtesy of Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side have also sealed vital wins over Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Man United, Everton and Bournemouth – drawing another two games against English capital rivals Fulham and Tottenham.

Arsenal remain unbeaten and next take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after the international break. However, that isn't to say the Gunners have been perfect so far. You could make a case that Arteta's men have been forced to display real grit in a lot of their matches; securing many of the aforementioned wins by narrow one-goal margins. As a result, it is believed that a new striker and wide forward could be in the offing for 2024. This has led to links with Brentford star Ivan Toney and Wolves winger Pedro Neto, with club legend Ray Parlour believing Arsenal simply must sign a centre-forward in particular.

"I always think that you need a bit of back-up," Parlour told JBI Training when asked about Arsenal’s options up front.

"Eddie Nketiah did really well when he came into the team last season, but the Arsenal sides I was part of always had four really good strikers. I know that a lot of teams play with one forward now, but in my teams we had Nwankwo Kanu, Sylvain Wiltord and obviously Thierry (Henry) and Dennis (Bergkamp). I do think we need that extra striker. If Gabriel Jesus gets injured again, is Eddie going to be able to come in and do well enough in the Champions League?

"I know that we could play with a false nine, but I would like that security of having an out-and-out striker."

Arsenal transfer news – Georgiy Sudakov

Adding to the list of 2024 transfer targets, it is now believed that Arsenal have their eye on exciting Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov. The Ukraine international is attracting plenty of admirers right now, but Arteta and co apparently "lead" a quartet of English sides.

Man City, Brighton and Chelsea are the other clubs taking note of Sudakov's exploits on the continent, but Serie A giants Juventus are said to be considering the Champions League player as a possible heir to Paul Pogba.

This is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, who shared a transfer update on Sudakov just before the weekend. The Athletic reporter Adam Crafton, speaking back in September (via 777 score), has called the player "class" with bags of potential.

“Sudakov is a class act, he has just turned 21," said Crafton.

"Last season, he showed great promise in the group stage of the Champions League and is likely to be the next big sale for Shakhtar.”

Elliot Lee revealed a key message that have been "ingrained" into the Wrexham player by their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

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Wrexham earned promotion after 15 yearsLee proud to play a part in the journeyHailed the Wrexham fans who love the club with their "lives"Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragonsfinally got over the line and lifted the National League title in exceptional style following a record-breaking campaign in 2022-23 to seal promotion into the Football League for the first time since 2008. The fans invaded the pitch and the celebrations soon spilled over to the streets of Wrexham. McElhenney and Reynolds cried tears of joy as the Hollywood superstars were moved by the emotional scenes following the 3-1 win over Boreham Wood and Lee revealed how the co-owners and manager Phil Parkinson had always demanded to put the community first while on the pitch.

AdvertisementWHAT LEE SAID

Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Lee said: "I get goosebumps because we knew how much it meant to people. Yes, Ryan [Reynolds] and Rob [McElhenney] have been incredible and everyone knows how good they have been but it's also for the community and that is ingrained in us by the gaffer [Phil Parkinson] and Rob and Ryan as well. These people have been here before and they have been through so many bad times with the club and they still all come in their numbers.

"I remember on the bus parade seeing genuine tears of happiness and joy; we got to do that for people. That is a feeling I will take to the grave with me because that's something I am so proud of. It goes deeper than football, it's people's lives. This club is people's lives and I don't ever take that for granted when I go out on the pitch."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lee revealed that Parkinson enticed him to sign for the club by assuring him that he would be "loved forever" by the passionate Wrexham fans if he helped them realise their dream of getting promoted.

"I remember when the manager called me the summer before I joined he said, 'Whoever takes this club out of the National League, you will be loved forever'," he said.

"I remember I felt that love straight after the final whistle [against Borehamwood], I was like, 'Wow, this is incredible'. We've brought joy to so many people. They pay their hard-earned money to come and watch us. After the ownership and everything that has gone on, just to bring better days back… the feeling at that Borehamwood game was incredible."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Wrexham are vying for their second successive promotion and are just one point outside the automatic promotion spots in League Two. They will be back in action against Accrington Stanley on Saturday to avenge their earlier defeat when the two sides met in the reverse fixture.

It is believed an "underrated" Arsenal target actually would like the club to make a transfer bid for him as sporting director Edu continues his work this month.

Edu looking for January signings at Arsenal

Previous reports have suggested that manager Mikel Arteta would ideally like two new full-backs, a centre midfielder and a striker (Miguel Delaney), but certain roadblocks make strengthening all four positions near impossible this month.

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Arsenal spent north of £200 million last summer, which has somewhat limited their budget, and Financial Fair Play regulations mean they may have to be careful about how much they spend in January.

That being said, that hasn't stopped Edu from attempting to reinforce at least a couple of key areas. Indeed, there have been claims that Arsenal have opened talks to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this month, with the Belgian apparently keen to join them.

Reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano, speaking to Kick last week, also stated that Arsenal signing a new full-back is certainly a possibility.

“A new full-back for Arsenal? Yes it is a possibility, it is a possibility for Arsenal to bring in a new full-back in January," said Romano this week.

"They have to see what opportunity they can find, if it’s a loan deal, but Arsenal are exploring options in that position, they are in the full-backs market, I can confirm that, there is a possibility, there is a chance, we will have to see, but I think it’s a possibility."

Despite some limitations, Arsenal could still see some new faces make the move to north London. In terms of their chances of signing a new striker, one player who continues to attract attention is Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The England international, who is set to return from his ban for alleged gambling breaches this month, scored 20 league goals last season and has been heavily linked over the last few months.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank poured cold water on the possibility of Toney leaving before January 31, unless they were handed an unbelievable offer. The Dane refused to clarify what he defined as an irresistible bid for his man, and given the nature of the transfer window, you cannot rule anything out.

Toney would welcome Arsenal move to sign him

According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking on The Done Deal Show, relayed by TBR Football, Toney would welcome an Arsenal bid to sign him over Chelsea.

"My understanding remains that yes Toney would welcome a move from Arsenal, more so than Chelsea, and for Chelsea he’s not necessarily top of the list," said Jacobs.

The desire of the player to join Arsenal is certainly there, and that may help in Edu's possible attempt to bring him to the Emirates Stadium – either this month or later in the year.

The 27-year-old, even before his excellent 2022/2023 campaign, was starring at Brentford with journalist Dean Jones calling him a largely "underrated" player.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is in the market for reinforcements and is now eyeing a short-term solution to a key problem at Old Trafford, according to a report.

Manchester United's goalscoring woes…

Despite bringing in Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million in the summer window, Manchester United have struggled in front of goal this term and have scored just 18 times this campaign in the Premier League, making them the sixth-lowest chance convertors in the division.

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Only Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Luton Town, Burnley and Luton Town have scored less than the Red Devils in the league, which is a damning indication of where they need to spend in January in order to keep pace in their hunt for continental qualification.

Aside from Hojlund, who is yet to net a single Premier League goal for the club, Anthony Martial exists as Ten Hag's other striking option; however, the Frenchman now looks to be firmly on his way out of Old Trafford after The Athletic revealed that Manchester United will not trigger his 12-month contract extension clause, leaving him free to depart either in January for a fee or next summer on a free transfer.

In light of this, acquiring a new centre forward in January will become a crucial priority for the Red Devils as they seek to offer Hojlund assistance following his tough start to life at Old Trafford.

Now, one man who could add a wealth of experience to Manchester United's forward line has been identified as a potential loan target, according to a report.

Mauro Icardi wanted by Manchester United

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United are considering a loan swoop for Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi in January as Ten Hag urgently looks to bring in another attacking option at Old Trafford.

Similar players to Mauro Icardi (based on statistical profiles from FBRef)

Player

Club

Cyle Larin

Mallorca

Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus

Akor Adams

Montpellier

Ludovic Ajorque

Mainz 05

Davie Selke

Koln

The 30-year-old is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League and any deal to bring him to the North West on loan would likely include a clause to make the agreement permanent. Argentina international Icardi netted against the Red Devils alongside former player Wilfried Zaha in the Champions League earlier this campaign, condemning Manchester United to a 3-2 home defeat.

Labelled an "animal" by former boss Luciano Spalletti, Icardi has been in brilliant goalscoring form this term, registering 17 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across all competitions (Icardi statistics – Transfermarkt).

Having also averaged around four shots per match in the Turkish top-flight term, Icardi knows where the goal is and could provide some crucial short-term cover in the final third for Manchester United (Icardi statistics – WhoScored).

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

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1st December

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to bring a new defender to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged this week.

Arsenal's recent results and form

The Gunners have made a remarkable start to the new campaign having won nine, drawn three and lost just one of their opening 13 games, meaning that they currently find themselves at the top of the table and one point ahead of their rivals Manchester City.

Nottingham Forest (2-1)

Fulham (2-2)

Newcastle United (1-0)

Crystal Palace (1-0)

Tottenham Hotspur (2-2)

Manchester United (3-1)

Chelsea (2-2)

Everton (1-0)

Bournemouth (4-0)

Manchester City (1-0)

Sheffield United (5-0)

Burnley (3-1)

Brentford (1-0)

Edu and Mikel Arteta will therefore know that they don’t necessarily have to improve their squad that much more, but that won’t stop them from assessing their options in the market to see if there is anyone out there who they could get in the building should an ideal opportunity present itself.

The Emirates Stadium chiefs appear to have set their sights on Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato, who has worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s since gone on to make a total of 34 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Hato statistics).

The Netherlands international still has another just under two years remaining on his deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena (Ajax contracts), but regardless of his situation, the 17-year-old has still been brought onto the radar of the Emirates hierarchy ahead of the upcoming transfer window opening in the new year.

Edu set to sign Jorrel Hato

According to Voetbal International (via Four Four Two), Arsenal are expected to sign Hato in January. The N7 side are “closing in” on securing the services of the teenager, and while they previously opted to instead swoop for Jurrien Timber, it’s believed that they have been interested in him for “some time”.

The Ajax starlet has even admitted that it’s his dream to follow in the footsteps of his former teammate and make the move to the capital in the near future, as per the same outlet, so this could be one to keep a close eye on.

Hato is a "magnificent talent" for the future

Standing at 5 foot 11, Hato isn’t the tallest for a centre-back, but he is still able to provide a real physical presence at the heart of the defence, currently averaging three aerial wins and 2.8 clearances per game in the Eredivisie (WhoScored – Hato statistics) – he could yet grow more too at just 17 years of age.

The Rotterdam native, who is naturally left-footed, is however extremely calm and composed in possession as he’s recording a 91.4% pass success rate as it stands, highlighting his ability to control and dictate the game when he’s got the ball at his feet.

John Van’t Schip’s “magnificent talent”, as labelled by football scout Jacek Kulig, only pockets £8k-per-week as the moment (Ajax salaries), so he would be a more than affordable option to have on the books. Hato looks to be a fantastic purchase for the long-term future of Arsenal.

Manchester United are putting the wheels in motion for their upcoming transfer activity and are still keen to land a high-profile star on a free transfer, according to reports.

Man Utd return from international duty…

The Red Devils will return from the international break this weekend against Everton as they look to continue their positive form in the Premier League, which has helped to catapult the Premier League giants up to sixth in the division.

Winning four of their last five league matches, Erik ten Hag has managed to restore some credibility at Old Trafford; however, United are still some way off the terrifying force that they used to be, both domestically and in European competition.

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Fighting fire among his squad, Ten Hag has had to deal with an extensive injury list over the course of 2023/24 and not much has changed on that front as his side now prepares to take on Sean Dyche's Everton. As cited by The Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils will be without Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo for the trip to Merseyside.

England international Luke Shaw has made his comeback to first-team training at Carrington and could be involved this weekend. At the same time, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to feature despite concerns. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been suffering from illness and Andre Onana was taken off on international duty with Cameroon, so it will remain to be seen whether they can return in time.

Man Utd's last five Premier League results

Manchester United 1-0 Luton Town

Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City

Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

Now, fresh information has come to light concerning the club's transfer plans, with a potential soon-to-be free agent on the agenda in the North West.

Man Utd still keen on Adrien Rabiot

According to Calciomercato via Sport Witness, Manchester United are still keen on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 when his contract at the Allianz Stadium expires.

The report states that the France international came close to moving to Old Trafford last summer; however, concerns over his wages put an end to any speculation that he would be swapping Turin for Manchester, and he could soon be available to discuss pre-contract terms once more.

Labelled "a very elegant player" by his former international teammate Hugo Lloris, Rabiot has featured regularly for Juventus this campaign, registering a goal and assist apiece in 11 appearances across all competitions (Rabiot statistics – Transfermarkt).

Carrying the creative torch for Juventus from the heart of Massimiliano Allegri's engine room, the 28-year-old has also successfully carried out 30 shot-creating actions in Serie A, with three directly leading to goals (Rabiot statistics – FBRef).

Possessing elite-level experience and a composed temperament, Rabiot could prove to be an economically advantageous option for Ten Hag to bolster his options in midfield; so who knows, 2024 could finally be the year they get their man.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign an exciting young attacker ahead of rivals Manchester City next year.

Man Utd transfer news…

The Red Devils splashed the cash on three high-profile additions over the summer, with Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund all arriving at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir, Sofyan Amrabat, Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon also made the move to Manchester, but on the pitch, things haven’t been going to plan.

Erik ten Hag’s side have lost half of their opening eight Premier League games and their opening two Champions League group stage fixtures, with the Red Devils returning to action this weekend against Sheffield United.

The January transfer window is also fast approaching, and by the looks of things, those at Old Trafford are already identifying potential targets for 2024, one of which being "one of the world's biggest talents" in the eyes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Sport Witness relayed a Florian Wirtz transfer update in the last 48 hours, claiming that Man Utd, Man City and Newcastle United are all in the picture to sign the player alongside Bayern Munich. The report adds that Wirtz is going to receive ‘very high proposals’ from England, with Leverkusen wanting around €85m (£74m) for his services next summer.

Florian Wirtz profiled…

Wirtz is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide or slightly further forward if needed. The Germany international has been on the books with Leverkusen since 2020 and has seen his transfer valuation rocket to a career-high €85m after starting at €10m when he arrived at the club. (Florian Wirtz profile – Transfermarkt)

Statistically, Wirtz has been a regular in recent years and has now made 113 senior appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 26 times and providing 34 assists, netting three times and registering four assists in 10 appearances during the current campaign. (Florian Wirtz stats – Transfermarkt)

Wirtz’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has even compared the player to Lionel Messi earlier this year, saying:

"There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient. Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: 'You're in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!' It's not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."

Therefore, with Bruno Fernandes approaching 30 years of age and Christian Eriksen already over 30 years old, United could see someone like Wirtz as a shrewd long-term addition, and by the looks of things, a deal is one to keep an eye on.

Lionesses Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Sarina Wiegman are among the nominees for top prizes at the 2024 Women’s Football Awards.

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Awards to be handed out on May 30Big names competing for recognition Leading lights in WSL figure prominentlyGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The event, which takes place in London on May 30, will be hosted by former England international Eni Aluko and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and intends to celebrate the people, brands and organisations that are helping to grow the women’s games.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester United goalkeeper Earps will be competing for the Player of the Year award alongside Chelsea stars James, Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, Jess Carter and Guro Reiten. Arsenal duo Katie McCabe and Frida Maanum are also up for that gong, along with United forward Nikita Parris and prolific Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

England aces Bronze and Georgia Stanway, who are now at Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively, are nominated for the International Football Player of the Year award, while Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman joins City manager Gareth Taylor among the Manager or Coach of the Year contenders.

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WHAT ALUKO & CARRAGHER SAID

Aluko has said of the WFA nominees: “This year’s shortlist is another incredible catalogue of players, brands, celebrities and organisations who continue to grow the presence of women’s football around the world. We have added four amazing new categories this year, which allows us to celebrate even more of the amazing people, both on and off the pitch, who are achieving so much in the sport. The SHEIN-sponsored Women’s Football Awards is going to be a fantastic event and it’s an honour to be a part of it for the second year running.”

Carragher added: “The 2024 Women’s Football Awards is set to be a fantastic night celebrating the trailblazers, gamechangers and outstanding talent in the women’s game. I am proud to be involved with the awards again and wish everyone on the shortlist the best of luck.”

The 28-year old Sri Lankan legspinner has been punished for conduct that was in breach of his player contract

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-2018

Jeffrey Vandersay in his delivery stride•Getty Images

Sri Lanka have sent legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay back home from the tour of West Indies owing to conduct that was in breach of his player contract. A press release from the board said the team management had reported an “incident” following which this decision was taken.Sri Lanka have had a difficult time in the Caribbean. They lost the first Test by a huge margin, became the subject of a ball-tampering controversy in the second, and the penalties handed out mean they won’t have the services of their captain Dinesh Chandimal in the third.Chandimal along with the coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha are awaiting sanctions on another charge, relating to their role in holding up play for two hours on the third day in St Lucia in protest against the umpire’s suspicions that they had altered the condition of the ball.

Shahbaz Nadeem will take his place in the India A squad, which will now be led by Ankit Bawne

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Feb-2018A day after he had been named captain of the India A squad, R Ashwin has been ruled out of the Deodhar Trophy. According to a BCCI release, the India spinner has a “niggling issue”, for which the board’s medical team has advised a week’s rest.The Jharkhand left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem will take Ashwin’s place in the India A squad, which will now be led by the Maharashtra middle-order batsman Ankit Bawne. Bawne was originally in the India B squad; the Uttar Pradesh batsman Akshdeep Nath will move in the other direction to facilitate the change.India A: Ankit Bawne (capt), Prithvi Shaw, Unmukt Chand, Shubman Gill, Ricky Bhui, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Krunal Pandya, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Basil Thampi, Kulwant Khejroliya, Amandeep Khare, Rohit RayuduIndia B: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Akshdeep Nath, Manoj Tiwary, Siddhesh Lad, KS Bharat (wk), Jayant Yadav, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshal Patel, Umesh Yadav, Rajat Patidar