Arsenal Could Sign "The Best" £35m Xhaka Upgrade

Arsenal may well be set to lose a fan favourite or two this summer, but they are wasting no time in sorting out a replacement.

What's the latest on Orkun Kokcu to Arsenal?

That's according to the Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), which details Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar's interest in Feyenoord's outstanding skipper Orkun Kokcu.

The Turkish international has enjoyed a standout year in the engine room of the title winners, having ended Ajax's Eredivisie monopoly in sensational fashion. His midfield exploits have proven key, unsurprisingly attracting interest from some European heavyweights.

Whilst the €40m (£35m) price tag is said to have put off Benfica, the Gunners remain in the race alongside Liverpool and Sevilla.

Given Granit Xhaka seems to be inching closer to an exit, this could represent a fine piece of business, to bid farewell to an ageing star in favour of one with a sparkling future ahead.

How good is Orkun Kokcu?

The Swiss international has earned such widespread praise for his somewhat surprisingly creative role this term, and this adulation could be easily translated onto their new potential midfield general, who too boasts just as much pedigree in front of goal as he does at dictating the play.

Xhaka scored five and assisted seven in the league as his side narrowly missed out on top spot, whilst Kokcu instead boasts 12 goals and five assists in all competitions on his way to the title.

This potency is married with a tireless grit, as he wins possession back once and makes 1.1 tackles per game too, meriting his 7.47 average rating. It remains impossible to look past his astounding 2.7 key passes per game too alongside an 85% pass accuracy, further outlining his level as well above this division, via Sofascore.

For all his benefits, the departing 30-year-old simply cannot compete with these impressive figures. His 1.3 key passes per game feed into his admirable 7.01 average rating, yet it still remains nowhere near that of his possible successor, via Sofascore.

To further emphasise the gulf between them, whilst Arteta was praising Xhaka for being a "really important player" for the Gunners, Mohamed Sissoko has suggested that the 22-year-old is instead "the best in his league".

granit-xhaka-arsenal-transfer

The former Juventus midfield would continue, likening him to some of the greatest midfielders of this generation: "(Luka) Modric. For me, (Kokcu) has the same quality of play. He has the potential to reach his level."

Such lofty flattery only reinforces Kokcu's position as an upgrade on their current engine room stalwart, who has admittedly done well to revive a career on north London that seemed dead and buried after his altercation with the fanbase many years ago.

However, his triumphant exit could be quickly forgotten, should Edu swoop to secure such a capable replacement with immediacy.

Tottenham’s remaining fixtures, permutations and points prediction following Aston Villa loss

Tottenham Hotspur have just two Premier League games remaining until their extremely disappointing campaign can be brought to an end.

Ryan Mason's men now officially have just a Europa League spot to play for as the final two games approach, with Manchester United now nine points out of reach and they have a game in hand.

This certainly won't have a positive effect on Harry Kane's chances of staying in north London, with the draw of Champions League football at another club surely proving too tempting.

Europa League is the best Spurs can hope for now but even that looks unlikely as Brighton have three games in hand and are just two points behind the Lilywhites, so things could get even worse.

The negative result puts even more pressure on Daniel Levy to make the right appointment next, as this is a club that should be challenging in and around the top four with the players at their disposal.

Nevertheless, we have taken a closer look at how the final two games will shape up for Ryan Mason's side…

Tottenham fixtures 20 May: Brentford (h) 28 May: Leeds (a) Tottenham v Brentford

Brentford manager Thomas Frank before the match

In what will be the last home game of the season for Spurs, it's important that the players give the fans something to shout about and end on a high, as things have been far from good enough recently.

Brentford are no pushovers and will be desperate to finish further inside the top 10, with the opportunity still there to mathematically move ahead of Spurs should they win their final three games and results go their way.

The Lilywhites have conceded 17 goals in their last six games, so we expect the threat of Ivan Toney prove too much for a shaky Spurs defence, with a couple of goals for the Bees. But, in what may be Harry Kane's last home game for the club, he will surely be desperate to end it with a bang in front of the home fans, should he have his eyes on an exit.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Brentford

Leeds v Tottenham

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The season ends with a trip to Leeds United at the end of May, which will be a massive occasion for Sam Allardyce's side. The Whites will still be very much fighting relegation, with a win more than likely required.

It could turn out to be quite an awkward day for the Lilywhites as Elland Road can be a daunting place to go on any day, let alone when the club's Premier League status is likely on the line.

And, with Spurs likely having very little to play for with things possibly out of their hands if Brighton win their game in hand, it could be an afternoon that sees a weakened side and you would have to question whether some players' heads will be in it.

Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Tottenham

Predicted run-in points: 1/6 Predicted total points: 58 Permutations: What do Spurs have to play for?

If Tottenham win against Brenford?

Keep their Europa League and Conference League hopes alive. Aston Villa still trail regardless of whether they win, unless they score two more goals than Spurs. Pressure still on Brighton to win their game in hand, though they could already be ahead.

If Tottenham draw against Brentford?

Aston Villa potentially move ahead of the Lilywhites, as well as Brighton moving ahead if they haven't already as they're due to play tomorrow and midweek. Sit in eighth position possibly, which would be disastrous.

If Tottenham lose against Brentford?

Massive dent to European hopes. Aston Villa move ahead with a point and Brighton potentially move even further ahead, depending on results. Need an Aston Villa defeat and a Brighton slump. Harry Kane questions his future at the club even more.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة أنجولا وناميبيا اليوم في كأس أمم إفريقيا.. والمعلقين

يبحث منتخب أنجولا عن مواصلة الظهور القوي في النسخة الحالية من كأس أمم إفريقيا عندما يلتقي مع ناميبيا في بداية الأدوار الإقصائية.

منتخب أنجولا بلغ دور الـ16 من خلال تصدر المجموعة الرابعة بجمع 7 نقاط عن طريق الفوز بثنائية نظيفة على بوركينا فاسو، والفوز على موريتانيا بثلاثة أهداف لهدفين، ثم التعادل مع الجزائر بهدف لمثله.

طالع.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة أنجولا وناميبيا في كأس أمم إفريقيا.. إعلان التشكيلين

أما منتخب ناميبيا فقد حل في المركز الثالث برصيد 4 نقاط فقط في المجموعة الخامسة، بفوز بنتيجة هدف نظيف على تونس ثم الخسارة برباعية نظيفة أمام جنوب إفريقيا والتعادل مع مالي بدون أهداف. موعد مباراة أنجولا وناميبيا اليوم في دور الـ16 من كأس أمم إفريقيا

تنطلق المباراة اليوم السبت 27 يناير في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة الثامنة بتوقيت السعودية، على استاد “السلام” بمدينة بواكي بكوت ديفوار. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة أنجولا وناميبيا اليوم في دور الـ16 من كأس أمم إفريقيا

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة “bein sports MAX 1″، باعتبارها الناقل الحصري للبطولة في إفريقيا والشرق الأوسط. معلقين مباراة أنجولا وناميبيا اليوم في دور الـ16 من كأس أمم إفريقيا

يعلق على المباراة كل من طارق الأدور ومحمد مبروكي.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Everton Now Pushing Hard To Sign "Sharp" £110k-p/w Forward

Everton are “pushing hard” to sign Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa this summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Correa to Everton?

The Argentine still has another two years remaining on his contract at the San Siro Stadium, but having made just eight starts in the Serie A this season, is significantly low down in Simone Inzaghi’s pecking order and could therefore be looking to seal an exit this summer.

Italian outlet Inter Live credited the Toffees, alongside Premier League rivals West Ham United and Aston Villa, with an initial interest in the 28-year-old, and they have already taken their admiration one step further.

TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Niccolo Ceccarini has revealed that Sean Dyche and his Merseyside outfit have made contact to discover what it would take to complete a deal during the upcoming window and the board appear to be willing to do whatever it takes.

According to Inter Live once again (via Sport Witness), Everton are “pushing hard” to secure the services of Correa ahead of their fellow competitors. The £110k-per-week attacker is the “main suspect” to be sold from his squad at the end of the season as a result of him being viewed as a “dead weight” due to his poor physical state, so his club are “happy” to sanction his sale.

The Toffees or any other potential suitors are yet to submit an official offer, but they are the ones currently showing the most interest in getting a deal over the line. The Italian giants’ price tag “would not be very low” due to his contract situation, so whether Farhad Moshiri – or a potential new owner – would be able to meet their financial demands yet remains to be seen.

Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa.

Should Everton cash out on Correa?

Everton will be aware that Correa won’t be fully up to speed having not received regular game time this season, but he’s got so much potential to give so we feel it would be worth splashing the cash and taking a chance on him this summer.

The Adidas-sponsored forward has posted 103 goal contributions (64 goals and 39 assists) in 353 career appearances, so can be prolific in the final third when afforded the opportunity, and is additionally strong in his link-up play with his fellow teammates, ranking in the 99th percentile for pass completion by forwards in the top European leagues.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, who’s been hailed a “sharp” finisher by journalist Josh Bunting, further has the flexibility to play in six various positions across the field, including up top and out wide on both flanks, so he would be an excellent acquisition should he sign on the dotted line at Goodison Park.

اللجنة الأولمبية تعلن قراراتها بعد إيقاف هشام حطب من وزارة الرياضة

أعلن مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية، اليوم الثلاثاء، في اجتماعه الطارئ، إيقاف هشام حطب رئيس اللجنة لحين انتهاء التحقيق معه بعد قرار وزارة الشباب والرياضة.

وكانت وزارة الشباب والرياضة أصدرت اليوم، قراراً بإيقاف مجلس اتحاد الفروسية برئاسة هشام حطب والذي يترأس اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية أيضاً

طالع.. رسمياً | وزارة الرياضة تُعلن إيقاف مجلس هشام حطب للفروسية

وكان “بطولات” قد أوضح أن مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية سيعقد اجتماعًا عاجلاً مساء اليوم لمناقشة إيقاف هشام حطب.

وجاء قرار اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية بعد اجتماعها، هو إيقاف المهندس هشام حطب رئيس اللجنة الأوليمبية المصرية لحين انتهاء النيابة العامة من تحقيقاتها أو انتهاء الدورة الأوليمبية. 

كما قررت تكليف نائب الرئيس المهندس ياسر إدريس بأعمال رئيس اللجنة. بيان اللجنة الأولمبية بشأن إيقاف هشام حطب من قبل وزارة الرياضة.

فى ضوء قرار وزارة الشباب والرياضة والمتضمن إيقاف مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري للفروسية برئاسة المهندس/ هشام حطب، وإعمالاً للائحة اللجنة الأوليمبية المصرية وقانون الرياضة المصري رقم 71 لسنة 2017، اجتمع مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية في جلستها الطارئة التى عقدت اليوم الثلاثاء الموافق 26 ديسمبر 2023 بحضور أغلبية الأعضاء ومن ضمنهم رئيس مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية في البداية، وبدأت الجلسة بعد خروجه لمناقشه ما يخصه. قرارات اللجنة الأولمبية بشأن إيقاف هشام حطب

– قرر مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية إيقاف المهندس هشام حطب رئيس اللجنة الأوليمبية المصرية لحين انتهاء النيابة العامة من تحقيقاتها أو انتهاء الدورة الأولمبية.

– كما تقرر تكليف نائب الرئيس المهندس ياسر إدريس بأعمال رئيس اللجنة.

وأكد مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية أن جميع القرارات تمت بحضور تسع أعضاء حضورياً وثلاثة أعضاء أون لاين، بمجموع 12 عضوا من أصل 14 عضوا.

وتمت اتخاذ القرارات بموافقه جميع الأعضاء الحاضرين عدد ١٢ عضوًا.

Aston Villa: Darren Bent claims Ollie Watkins should be in England squad

Former Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has bemoaned Gareth Southgate's decision to leave in-form striker Ollie Watkins out of the latest England squad.

How has Ollie Watkins performed for Aston Villa?

The striker has been in sensational form recently, scoring six times in his last seven Premier League matches, while netting 10 times in all competitions this season.

The 27-year-old has been Unai Emery's trusted figure up front to the point that Danny Ings was allowed to leave in the January transfer window, and has seven England caps already to his name.

He was once described as "outstanding" by former manager Dean Smith, and his current form has been nothing short of remarkable.

However, he was omitted from the squad for England's EURO 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, in a move that has surprised Bent.

Speaking on TalkSport, Bent claimed that Watkins' form makes him more deserving of a place than other strikers who have been called up.

He said: "Someone who I think could count himself a bit unlucky to not be in the squad is Ollie Watkins.

"He's got six goals in his last seven games. He's timed his form to perfection if he was in contention for this England squad, so to get six in your last seven and not be in there, he can count himself unlucky.

"Callum Wilson, who was brilliant in the first half of the season, he's got one goal in 2023, so that's not going for him.

"I spoke about Tammy Abraham, he's got one in the last 10. Ollie Watkins is the one where he'd go, 'hold on a second here, why am I not in the squad?'"

Should Watkins be in the squad?

Whilst Watkins is evidently in better form than Wilson and Abraham, Southgate has elected to only pick two natural centre-forwards in the shape of Harry Kane and Ivan Toney.

Marcus Rashford is also capable of playing through the middle, and if Watkins was selected, his game time may well have been limited as a result of Kane's presence.

Although Watkins has been in better goalscoring form recently, Toney's 17 strikes this season place him ahead of the Villa star, as well as having one more assist throughout the campaign as a whole.

Whilst Watkins may bemoan his luck that he failed to make the squad when in such fine form, the other options at England's disposal mean he will face an uphill battle to force his way into Southgate's plans going forward.

With Kane the unquestionable starter, whichever forward makes it in out of Toney, Watkins or Wilson will still have to settle for a bench role anyway.

Leeds transfer news: Forshaw expected to leave

Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw is expected to leave Elland Road this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds career

Forshaw was actually the club’s most expensive signing since the 2001/02 season when he arrived in Yorkshire from Middlesbrough at a cost of €5.1m (£4.5m) in 2018.

Since then, the 31-year-old has made 84 appearances for the club but has missed far more of the action with a number of injury issues.

He has featured in just 157 minutes of Premier League action this season, with his last appearance coming on New Year’s Eve against Newcastle.

The Latest: Forshaw’s future

FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared an update on Forshaw, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

He said that the Whites have the option to extend that by a further 12 months, however, that looks unlikely and the club are expected to let the player go.

The Verdict: Right call?

Forshaw has had a frustrating few years with injuries, whereas Leeds have bolstered their midfield ranks over the last 12 months by signing Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.

They also have Darko Gyabi coming through the ranks at Thorp Arch, so parting ways with Forshaw appears to be the right decision.

Whether or not Leeds will be a Premier League side in the summer remains to be seen, but hopefully, Forshaw, who shares the same agency as McKennie and Brenden Aaronson, will have no trouble in finding a new club with a number of Championship sides keen on his services towards the end of 2022.

Liverpool hold internal talks to sign Sucic

Liverpool are plotting a move to bring Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Luka Sucic to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Merseyside outfit have Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo all out of contract at the end of the season, so reinforcements will definitely be needed in the summer.

Jurgen Klopp has already been linked with a couple of primary targets, including Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, but a new candidate has now emerged in the form of the 20-year-old Salzburg sensation.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Sucic

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool have put Sucic on a ‘preliminary list’ of central players that they want to target.

FSG are said to have already held internal ‘conversations’ regarding a move for the Croatian, who has a ‘low release clause’, believed to be somewhere between €15-20m (£13-17m).

The Reds are ‘intent’ on signing a younger star that they can develop in midfield and they do have ‘enough funds’ to bring someone else in alongside the likes of Bellingham.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Sucic has been dubbed a ‘joy to watch’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he would be a hugely exciting signing for the future of Liverpool.

The left-footed gem has already made 23 goal contributions for Salzburg despite his young age and also ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks and 88th for interceptions per 90 minutes by midfielders outside Europe’s top five leagues, highlighting the impact he makes at both ends of the pitch.

The Linz native also has the versatility to operate in central, attacking, left and right midfield, which will be an extremely attractive attribute to Klopp.

With four senior international caps to his name, Sucic has bags of potential to offer and he would flourish under the lights should he put pen to paper at Anfield.

Everton in advanced talks for Andre Ayew

Everton are running out of time to bolster their attacking threat at Goodison Park with only a few hours left in the January transfer window and now a new update has emerged on a late swoop for a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Everton are in advanced talks to sign forward Andre Ayew.

As per the report, the player – who is currently a free agent after breaking his contract with Al-Sadd – could make his return to Premier League football via the blue side of Merseyside with Everton keen to secure the services of a forward.

Due to the fact that he is not tied to a contract, the club will be able to negotiate a deal beyond tonight’s deadline should they need to.

Dyche’s next Chris Wood

Sean Dyche is only just settling into his new role in the North West as his appointment was only confirmed yesterday by the club, however, the former Burnley boss will surely be stuck into making sure he can save Everton from relegation this season.

The Toffees are currently 19th in the Premier League after 20 outings with the second-worst goal tally in the entire top flight, so the attacking roles in the team are something the newly-appointed manager will need to address as soon as possible to get the side picking up crucial points over their remaining fixtures.

Over 527 career appearances, Ayew has scored 157 goals and registered 58 assists with a goal contribution every 186 minutes so far and has tallied up 113 caps for his native Ghana, proving that he is a player who has a lot of experience and most importantly Premier League experience.

The 33-year-old titan has played four seasons in the English top flight with spells at both West Ham United and Swansea City accumulating 89 appearances and 21 goals.

Dyche could even land his next Chris Wood with the signing of Ayew as just like the Nottingham Forest striker, the veteran forward has been a journeyman over his career playing for seven different clubs but has never struggled to find the back of the net wherever he has been.

That fact ensures he could well hit the ground running in Merseyside quickly, with the Ghanaian possessing the ability to be Dyche’s next Wood-esque attacker who rescues his side from a wretched relegation battle.

Wood was often the saviour during his spell at the wrong end of the table with the Clarets, bagging 53 times in 165 games under the new Everton manager’s tutelage.

Although Ayew has earned most of his experience on the left wing, he has also often been found in the striker role and in the opposite wide-forward position too, so can offer Dyche cover across many positions in the forward line with ease.

With that being said, it would be a good piece of business for the powerbrokers in Goodison Park, however, the player is in the latter stages of his career and will not likely be the long-term solution that is so desperately needed to replace Anthony Gordon and Richarlison’s contributions.

Liverpool still keen on Declan Rice

Liverpool are reportedly ‘keeping close tabs’ on West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, although they are far from alone in expressing an interest.

The Lowdown: Rice a wanted man

The 24-year-old has matured into one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League, producing consistently strong performances for the Hammers.

Rice is already one of the first names on England’s team sheet, too, having started five matches for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup and enjoying a 94.3% pass completion rate at the competition, highlighting his composure on the grandest of stages.

Liverpool have been linked a with move for the West Ham captain recently and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

The Latest: Liverpool still in the mix

According to Football Insider on Monday morning, the Reds are ‘keeping close tabs’ on Rice ahead of a potential summer saga, but Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all mentioned, too.

He is widely expected to leave the Hammers at the end of this season, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2024.

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The Verdict: Him and Bellingham?

The one negative against Liverpool signing Rice is the amount he would cost, with West Ham surely only likely to accept a monstrous bid for their skipper.

[freshpress-quiz id=“419074″]

That being said, the Reds simply have to invest big in midfield this summer and signing both Rice and the heavily linked Jude Bellingham would be an enormous statement of intent by the club if they can get it done.

Rice is a highly impressive player who is still young, having been hailed as ‘superb’ by Tony Cascarino and averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season.

The £60,000-a-week-earning Englishman possesses the legs and physical dominance that have deserted both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson this season and his long-term worth means he could end up being worth every penny.

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