All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham must accelerate their efforts to sign Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah.

What’s the latest on Yunus Musah?

According to recent reports in Spain, the Hammers are keenly tracking the 20-year-old, who could be an extraordinary coup and an excellent replacement for Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium.

The club captain's contract expires in 2024, rejecting all efforts to sign a new deal, and it has been suggested that it could take offers of over £100m to force the Englishman’s departure, with David Moyes recently hinting that an exit is edging closer.

Moyes said: “We would love him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case. That is one of the scenarios.

“Our plans are to have Dec here but we are also fully aware there is a good chance that we won't have him."

With the club all but resigned to his long-awaited and expected exit, the arrival of Musah, who has a release clause of €100m (£88m), could ease the pain and fill this void.

Why should Yunus Musah sign for West Ham?

The New York-born titan moved to London at the age of nine in 2012 and joined Arsenal’s academy.

The Gunners U16 coach Trevor Bumstead eulogised over the 24-cap international and said: “He’s got fantastic physical attributes and the drive and determination to go with that. He would play anywhere to get in the team, but his favourite was as a central attacking midfield player."

The American eventually departed north London and joined Valencia in 2019. He made his first-team debut in September 2020 and two months later, he netted in a 2-2 draw against Getafe to become the youngest non-Spanish player to score for the Mestalla outfit, aged 17 years and 338 days.

The £25k-per-week man has made 104 appearances for Los Che and has been praised by US coach Gregg Berhalter as someone who makes everything "look easy".

When ESPN published their top 39 starlets aged under 21, they lavished praise on Musah and said: “Often a victim of his own versatility, Musah has been assigned a more suitable No. 8 role in the centre of midfield for Valencia. His speed of dribbling with the ball and eagerness to press opponents are other attributes that keep Premier League clubs alert to his availability."

His chameleonic ability to seamlessly slot into a variety of positions, which has included shifts across the midfield and at right-back, means he is one of the most coveted prodigies in the world.

He ranks in the top 6% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers over the past 365 days for progressive carries per 90, as well as the highest 19% for successful take-ons, as per FBref.

To sign a talent of this versatility and skill would be a huge statement and an adequate way to reinvest the Rice money.

Arsenal have put up an almighty fight in their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title. However, with the current form of Pep Guardiola's men, there seems no stopping them as the season reaches its conclusion.

That period in April where the Gunners oversaw three straight draws surrendered their chances of glory, as they lacked the cutting edge in decisive moments and were without the necessary options from the bench to truly push them over the line.

If they are to make that next step and truly topple the unflappable Cityzens, Mikel Arteta will know that this summer has to be a big one.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Moussa Diaby?

Sacrifices will have to be made in order to reach the required level, and as The Sun is suggesting, one of their starring players might have to make way in the coming window in order to capture one of Europe's brightest young talents.

With just one year remaining on his £120k-per-week deal, and links with a move for Declan Rice refusing to die down, perhaps Bayer Leverkusen's desire to sign Granit Xhaka could afford sporting director Edu Gaspar the chance to instead sign Moussa Diaby.

A longstanding interest in the French winger gives way to the German outfit's desire to acquire the 30-year-old, and all signs point towards this being a profitable swap deal for all those involved. Especially considering the £88.5m asking price they gave in January for the 23-year-old.

How has Moussa Diaby played this season?

Having quietly starred in the Bundesliga for many years now, it seems this season the speedster has converted his petrifying physical assets into tangible success.

With nine goals and nine assists in just 30 league matches, the left winger has terrorised almost every defence he has come up against with his pace and trickery. Such potency has led football writer Jack Grimse to dub him "electric", with journalist Julien Froment supplementing this claim by branding him a "danger".

For comparison, across all competitions he actually boasts the same number of goal contributions as Bukayo Saka; outperforming that of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus too.

To add this kind of firepower to an already fluid and frightening front line would be devastating, but losing Xhaka would also be a blow, given his immense transformation over the last year.

The Swiss international has enjoyed a year of redemption, endearing himself to Arsenal supporters once more with mesmeric performances from the engine room. His 7.02 average rating is upheld through his five goals and seven assists, via Sofascore, although Rice would mark a more than capable alternative.

His average rating instead stands at 7.21, with just three goals and two assists, also per Sofascore.

Although losing their midfield general would be tough, for the progression of the team into a younger, more impressive model, perhaps this is a necessary sacrifice to make them truly capable of beating their Manchester rivals.

Leeds United have been plunged further into crisis following Sunday's shambolic defeat away to AFC Bournemouth, with recent reports suggesting that manager Javi Gracia – who only took on the job back in February – could already be set for the scrap heap.

For all the scrutiny that will be on the under-fire Spaniard, the players themselves must surely take a fair chunk of responsibility for the club's ongoing woes, with the backline, in particular, having been culpable so far this season.

The Elland Road outfit currently have the worst defensive record in the division having shipped 67 goals in just 34 Premier League games to date, with that grim tally having not been aided by recent, dismal showings against the likes of Liverpool, Crystal Palace and the Cherries.

That latter, 4-1 result proved another rough day for struggling centre-back, Robin Koch, with it perhaps time for the Whites to simply admit that the German defender is just "not good enough" – as per pundit Gabby Agbonlahor – and remove him from the side with immediate effect.

How did Koch perform against Bournemouth?

With recent reports suggesting that the former Freiburg man – who has just over a year left on his current deal – could be set to depart the club this summer, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, it may well be a real blessing if the 26-year-old is shown the door ahead of next season.

Previously lambasted as being "horrible to watch" by journalist Beren Cross, the £11.5m addition was again something of a liability against Gary O'Neil's men on Sunday, notably failing adequately to clear his lines in the build-up to the hosts' third goal of the day.

The manner in which the eight-cap dud clumsily tried to intercept Dango Ouattara's rather tame pullback truly did epitomise his overall woes, with Leeds Live's William Jackson writing that the 6 foot 4 man 'never looked comfortable in the backline and committed a number of needless errors.'

Also described as having looked 'shaky' by the Yorkshire Evening Post's Graham Smyth, Koch's shortcomings were showcased by the fact that he was dribbled past on three occasions and lost possession nine times on the day, having also made just a solitary tackle.

Unsurprisingly, the £40k-per-week brute recorded a dismal match rating of just 5.7, as per Sofascore, with only teammate Illan Meslier (4.5) having recorded a worse rating among any player for either side at the Vitality Stadium.

With the Yorkshire side – who also shipped a staggering 79 goals in the top flight last season – in desperate need of results over the final four games of the season, it should well be time that Koch is ruthlessly ditched from the starting lineup, having endured yet another horror show on the south coast.

Chelsea return to Premier League action on Wednesday night as they take on Brentford at Stamford Bridge, and Frank Lampard should unleash Raheem Sterling in the hope that he can inspire the Blues to a rare win.

The west London outfit have lost all four games since Lampard returned as interim manager and with Mauricio Pochettino's appointment likely to be confirmed in the coming days, the Blues legend could soon find himself looking for another job after failing to turn Chelsea's fortunes around since taking over from Graham Potter.

Brentford pose a real threat of making it five defeats from five for Chelsea on Wednesday given their credentials under the impressive Thomas Frank, with a European finish still on the cards for the Bees if they can finish the season strongly.

However, the form book does not look good for Brentford either right now and Lampard could exploit their defensive vulnerabilities by unleashing Sterling on the left wing against 20-year-old right-back Aaron Hickey.

Should Sterling start for Chelsea against Brentford?

Sterling's move from Manchester City last summer has so far not paid off, as he boasts just four goals and two assists in 22 Premier League appearances for his new side, averaging a disappointing 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, only Kai Havertz has more goal contributions in the top flight than the England international and he is certainly not alone in struggling in the final third, as the Blues have mustered just 30 goals in the top flight so far this campaign; the fifth-worst in the division.

The experienced winger ranks fifth for shots, fifth for key passes and sixth for dribbles per game in Chelsea's squad so can certainly be relied upon to be a threat down the left-hand side, and perhaps the £325k-per-week ace just needs a run of consistent games in order to rediscover the sort of form he showed on a regular basis at City and Liverpool.

Last season saw him manage 13 goals and six assists under Pep Guardiola in City's title-winning campaign, and Chelsea just need to find a way of getting the best out of him at Stamford Bridge, as there is no doubt that he can be a world-class winger on his day, with Tony Cascarino singing his praises on talkSPORT last season.

He said: “Raheem Sterling has just been frightening. The year he has had since the Euros – he was brilliant then.

“This season, I thought, when they signed Jack Grealish I thought Raheem might be a bit part player in this City team but he’s become an absolute permanent fixture. Left or right, he is ripping people apart."

If Sterling is given space to run at Hickey, who has struggled in his first season at Brentford with a 6.44 average rating from WhoScored, then he could prove the difference in Chelsea picking up a positive result on Wednesday.

As such, Lampard must ensure that he gets the nod after starting on the bench against Real Madrid.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has slammed Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca amid his poor form following the club's recent defeat.

What's the latest on Marc Roca and Leeds?

It certainly was a match to forget for the Whites on Monday night as they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Indeed, the Reds came to Elland Road and blew their opponents away as they netted six times, while Leeds only managed a consolation through Luis Sinisterra.

The loss means Javi Gracia's men are in real trouble down at the bottom of the Premier League, sitting just two points above the relegation zone with seven games to play.

After any 6-1 defeat, very few players will come out with any praise but it seems as though Roca stood out as one of the worst performers.

Indeed, while talking about the Spaniard on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan explained just how disappointed he's been with the midfielder of late.

He said (25:46): “I've said multiple times, I'm a big fan of Roca. He is embarrassing at the minute, embarrassing."

While talking about midfield partner Weston McKennie, he added (26:19): "I mean Marc Roca has been as bad recently so I'm not just gonna lay him [McKennie] out to dry.

"You know, I think it's just an absolute sham at the minute."

Is Marc Roca's form a big worry for Leeds?

Last weekend against Crystal Palace, the Whites also suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace as they shipped five goals in front of their own fans.

In that game, LeedsLive writer Beren Cross signed Roca out for criticism too, handing him 3/10 in the player ratings.

While he noted: "Began promisingly, but all of his boisterous energy and will to impress amounted to naive anticipation of what was going on around him. Found himself dribbled past by the opposition on at least seven occasions."

With that being the case, it's not hard to see why the £50k-p/w Leeds United star is starting to lose some fans amongst his own fanbase.

And with midfielder partner Tyler Adams still out injured after having to undergo under the knife to help fix a hamstring problem picked up in March, there is even more pressure on Roca to step up with his displays in the middle of the park.

All in all, it's been a bad spell for the Spaniard and if he can't turn his form around, he may be playing in the Championship next term.

Fulham are closing in on the signing of Torino right-back Ola Aina, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, according to a recent report from Tuttosport.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

The Cottagers have little to play for at this stage of the season, given that they are in no danger of being relegated, but in no position to make a late push for Europe, and manager Marco Silva has already started work on improving his squad.

Silva has been handed a boost in his pursuit of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Erick Gutierrez, as it has recently emerged the central midfielder could now be available this summer, while Mateus Uribe could also be targeted in the same position.

Fulham signed Cedric Soares on loan at the end of the January transfer window, however he has struggled for game time since arriving at Craven Cottage, and the club could re-enter the market for a new right-back in the summer market.

According to a report from Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), the Cottagers are insistent on signing Aina in the upcoming window, at which point he is set to leave Torino, upon the expiration of his contract.

The £30k-per-week right-back is one of ten players who are ready to leave the Serie A club at the end of the season, and he is now close to joining Fulham on a free transfer.

The Nigeria international spent the 2020-21 season at Craven Cottage, during which he made 31 appearances in the Premier League, and he now appears to be poised to make a return.

Should Fulham sign Ola Aina?

Fulham fans will know all about the "brilliant" 26-year-old's various qualities, most notably his attacking threat, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, and in the 87th for progressive carries.

However, the full-back would not be an improvement on Kenny Tete defensively speaking, with Tete averaging far more tackles, interceptions and blocks per 90 in the same time period, while also weighing in with more assists.

Given Cedric's aforementioned inability to cement a place in the starting XI, it appears unlikely Silva will make a move for the Arsenal man in the summer, and therefore the Cottagers will need a new option at right-back.

However, Aina should only be brought in as a back-up for Tete, rather than as a regular first-team player.

Manchester United have made an approach to the representatives of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Fabrizio Romano reports.

What’s the latest news on Man United and Mac Allister?

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new midfielder and forward this summer, looking to build on a successful first season under Erik ten Hag.

Mac Allister has emerged as a real target in recent weeks, with journalist Steve Bates recently claiming that Ten Hag has held transfer talks with director of football John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and chief executive Richard Arnold.

The Argentinian is thought to be on the manager’s radar, and it looks as if the Red Devils have made a first move for the World Cup winner.

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share what he’s heard on Mac Allister. He said that the Red Devils, along with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool have all approached Mac Allister’s camp, with the player expected to depart the south coast over the coming months.

“Alexis Mac Allister, expected to leave early this summer — understand there are three clubs in the race: Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

“These clubs have approached player’s camp to discuss the project. BHAFC will decide price tag soon.”

What would Mac Allister bring to Old Trafford?

We think Mac Allister could offer plenty to Ten Hag, with the 24-year-old turning out in defensive, central and attacking midfield roles during the current campaign.

He has contributed to an impressive 12 goals in 29 games, showing that he has ability in the final third as well as contributing defensively. As per WhoScored, Mac Allister ranks highly for tackles and shots per 90 in the Seagulls' squad and has recently been hailed as 'world class' by members of the media.

Having won the World Cup in the winter and had his best season in front of goal for Brighton this term, he appears to be at the peak of his powers so could come in and immediately make an impact alongside the likes of star midfielders Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

Ten Hag will be able to get a closer look at his summer target later this month in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, and who knows, he could be turning out under the Dutchman next season, should United pip two of their rivals to his signature over the coming months.

Michael Beale isn’t just content with signing players to improve the Glasgow Rangers first-team squad as Ross Wilson could be set to repeat the Ibrox side's Calvin Bassey masterstroke with a move for defender Jack McEvilly.

According to Football Insider, the Gers are in competition with their Old Firm rivals for Burnley youngster McEvilly.

The Light Blues may be able to beat off Premier League interest due to the fact they can offer a professional contract to players aged just 16 and would only have to pay £300k in compensation.

Bassey joined the club similarly on a pre-contract from south of the border back in 2020 and went on to win both Premiership and Scottish Cup winners medals, making 65 appearances in all competitions before securing a move to Ajax for £23m which represents the biggest fee received for a player in their history.

Signing McEvilly could certainly be a repeat of that investment to bring Bassey to the club and with the Nigerian eventually going on to secure the club a major profit, the Burnley talent could potentially follow in the same manner.

Who is Jack McEvilly?

He is just 16 years old and mainly operates as a left-sided centre-back – a position that Bassey did well in – and he has also featured for the Burnley U21s despite his tender age, showing plenty of signs of promise and displaying a maturity which could stand him in good stead ahead of a bright career.

He has made nine appearances for the U18s this season and although a first-team place is some way off, he certainly has the potential to make his way through the ranks.

Seeing players such as Leon King, Adam Devine and Alex Lowry all make their debuts for the first team over the previous few years shows McEvilly that if the talent is there plus the ability to constantly work hard, then the rewards are endless.

With the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton all interested, the opportunity to join Rangers must be looked at as the option which offers a guaranteed pathway to first-team football.

Bassey is a shining example of a raw talent coming from England to work under a manager who is willing to give him a chance and when offered a sniff of senior team action, maximising it to good effect.

For just £300k, it could well be another shrewd investment by Wilson and one that he hopes can secure the club a major profit in the coming years.

Aston Villa have been longing for an offensive catalyst since the £100m departure of beloved homegrown talent Jack Grealish to Manchester City in 2021, the fleet-footed demon's feats for the Lions undoubtedly going down in the club's folklore.

Sure, Ollie Watkins has been prolific in the Premier League of late; Emi Buendia is easy on the eye with his gliding gait, but no one has captured the panache and efficiency of the former gem.

A wholly contrasting skill set, but Villa's Finn Azaz could be the optimum name to send Villa Park into rapture once again, with the midfield maestro out on loan at League One high-fliers Plymouth Argyle this season and forging a season of emphatic success; a centrepiece to the club's promotion-pushing efforts.

Argyle are table-toppers after 38 matches, five points clear in the automatic playoffs with just eight matches to play.

The Republic of Ireland international Azaz has indeed been fantastic for The Pilgrims and will certainly be in contention for a spot in manager Unai Emery's system next year, so arresting has he been in his trade.

Who is Finn Azaz?

Azaz has been on the Claret & Blue's books since the summer of 2021, when he was signed from Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion and immediately loaned out to Newport County, praised as "exciting" by the club's official website.

WhoScored highlights Azaz's most arresting traits as his 'key passes', 'dribbling' and 'finishing', and his offensive midfield deployment could indeed provide the Villans with the offensive spark to complement the front-line next season.

Emery sold Danny Ings to West Ham United for £15m in January and only signed 19-year-old prospect Jhon Duran for £18m to bolster the offence, the dynamic Colombian precocious but perhaps not quite ready for the talismanic role.

The activity hints at a marquee addition in the summer, with the likes of £44m Lille sharpshooter Jonathan David touted, and as such, a creative and enterprising force situated behind would indeed go down a treat.

The 22-year-old Azaz has recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.14 this term, scoring seven goals and supplying eight assists and complementing his direct return with 1.7 shots and 1.9 key passes per match, hailed as a "baller" for his exploits by journalist Alex Dunne.

If Emery does decide to offer the one-cap U21 international a platform, he could stake a claim for Philippe Coutinho's place in the team, with the distinguished Brazilian branded “disappointing” by former Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor.

The £125k-per-week man has scored just one goal and provided no assists from 22 outings across all competitions this season, recording a mediocre Sofascore rating of 6.66 and offering just 1.1 shots and 0.4 key passes per outing, inferior to Azaz's output, granted, playing two divisions below but exhibiting all the prowess requisite for success in the English top-flight.

How the "imposing" Azaz – as dubbed by Ashley Preece – has carried himself in the third tier this term has been extremely impressive, and if he can continue to nurture his abilities at Premier League level with Villa, he could become a shrewd, homegrown sensation in the midlands.

He might not quite have the flair or elegance of the likes of Grealish and Coutinho, but the mechanical, industrious way he exerts his authority and dynamism cannot be understated.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left fuming with Antonio Conte appearing to back down in his criticism of the board.

The Lowdown: Conte fuming

After Tottenham’s 3-3 draw against Southampton on Saturday, Conte was left fuming by the capitulation from his players, saying:

“I see selfish players, players that don’t want to help each other and don’t put their heart into this”

“There’s no fire, no desire. You need to have this in every moment. When you are NOT a team, you can’t improve”.

Not only did the manager criticise his team, but he also appeared to take a swipe at owner Daniel Levy, questioning why the club have failed to win major trophies under his stewardship.

However, Alasdair Gold has recently reported that the Italian has clarified his comments to the board, explaining they were aimed solely at the players.

The Latest: Spurs fans react

Taking to Twitter after the news, Spurs fans expressed their frustration about their manager appearing to change his stance.

They said:

“So he’s a coward. Regardless, how can he work with the players after this. Does he pick the same team and expect different, will they play for him? It’s untenable. End it now. He needs to go, the bad egg players definitely need to go and the owners most definitely need to go.” – @80sHotspur

“You throw your players under the bus and expect them to perform for you. Coward.” – @ForgorJonathan

“So the board now have a manager that won’t commit and players that they don’t believe in. This could be awkward.” – @mint_spurs

“So he’s backed down? Great.” – @HeHeFunnee

“Conte has well and truly bottled it, the man really has no class. Overrated washed up dinosaur. He’s now attacked the fans numerous time and the players, time to go.” – @Bridgenn

“Stick to your guns Conte. It is the board and the players.” – @Rory4Spurs

The Verdict: Time to go?

Regardless of who the main target of the extraordinary rant was, it is looking ever more likely that Conte will exit, at least by the summer, with members of the squad now said to be growing frustrated by the negativity he often conveys in public.

There are a whole host of options for Tottenham, with Thomas Tuchel still out of work, however he is only believed to want the job if the club secure Champions League football for next season.

Ryan Mason has been discussed internally as a potential interim manager for the rest of the campaign, but appointing the 31-year-old would be a risk, given his lack of experience.

Levy faces a difficult task when it comes to appointing his next manager, with both Jose Mourinho and Conte failing to win any silverware, despite being successful elsewhere, indicating there is a fundamental problem with this group of players.