GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including more Pulisic magic and a significant injury return
Not so long ago, it was all doom and gloom for some key U.S. internationals. Christian Pulisic's calf didn't work. Then his ankle didn't work. Tim Weah was out. Weston McKennie was stuck at left back. There was no fun to be found.
How things change! Pulisic is back, fit and in form once again – playing a key role as Milan claimed the Supercoppa Italia last week. Weah is also ready to produce again, and could be key for Juventus – albeit in expected limited minutes. Meanwhile Josh Sargent is poised to see the pitch for the first time in months for Norwich after sustaining a groin injury.
There's also good news for Leeds fans and Brenden Aaronson, with the American set to play a role for Daniel Farke's side against Harrogate Town – in a sign that the FA Cup is being taken seriously somewhere. GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
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Christian Pulisic to return to Serie A form
Now it all gets real for Sergio Conceicao. The Milan manager enjoyed a vacation to the Middle East for his first two fixtures in charge, won two big games, and came back with Christian Pulisic's first piece of silverware since he moved to Italy. So far, so good. Welcome to reality, Sergio. Milan aren't bad in Serie A. But they aren't good, either. Eighth place is far short of where Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the ownership group would have wanted the club to be at this stage of the season.
Fortunately, things might be aligning at the right time. The obvious thing here is that Pulisic is back, fit and already looking in fine form. That he and Rafa Leao were both so impactful against Inter in the Supercoppa Italia final will be a massive encouragement. There are also the good vibes of a new manager here: cigars in dressing rooms, smiles for social media.
Everything looks good from the outside. thrown in a kind opponent in Cagliari, who have lost four of their last five, and this could be a high time for a turning point. That eight point gap to fourth place – with two games in hand – might shrink awfully quickly.
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Weston McKennie looks to break winless streak
Juventus remain a confusing football team. They are still the only Serie A club to remain undefeated. But they also have a league-high 11 draws. They have scored 15 goals in 18 games, and play some maddeningly turgid football at times.
This isn't really much fault of Weston McKennie. The USMNT midfielder does what he's told these days. He has gone from benchwarmer, to dynamic center midfielder, to reliable full back. But he did endure a pretty miserable showing in the Supercoppa Italia semi final against his national teammate Pulisic.
The winger ran circles around McKennie, who, for the first time, looked every bit a midfielder used out of position. His 4/11 ground duels won sum it all up. Eight days off might have done him some good. It better have, because there doesn't seem to be an end to his defensive tenure anytime soon. Juventus are frighteningly thin at the back, and McKennie will likely be deployed there again when they face Torino in a local derby. A win would be nice for Thiago Motta and co. The draws are getting boring, at this point.
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Brenden Aaronson sticks in the XI – right decision?
The FA Cup means something to Leeds. It's a refreshing sentiment, these days. The competition has lost its charm, big clubs ignoring the Cup in England with the richest history. Championship sides, too, are looking at it with increasing scorn. What was once a breeding ground for upsets has now become an advertisement for backups and underwhelming narrow victories.
Not for Daniel Farke. The Leeds manager promised that his side would take the competition seriously, and despite playing League 2 minnow Harrogate Town, pledged that Brenden Aaronson would feature for the Whites. Expectations will be high here.
Leeds have to win, especially at home. But in the first meeting ever between the two sides, maybe the magic of the cup will churn out a game to remember. Aaronson, pulling the strings and all, will have to ensure that he does his best to keep his team on the right side of history.
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Joe Scally and Bayern Munich
Bayern don't make things easy for opponents these days. Gone is the team that finished a tepid third in the Bundesliga last year under two different managers. Here they are now, led by Vincent Kompany, who has the Bavarians playing some scintillating stuff and firmly atop the table.
But Joe Scally's Borussia Monchengladbach aren't a bad side. They are well in the mix for a European spot, and have a good home record. The table seems set nicely, then, for an intriguing matchup between the two teams this weekend.
Scally, who has established himself as a starter under Mauricio Pochettino on the USMNT, will have to show he can do it against the electric Leroy Sane to give the Champions League hopefuls a chance.
Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared just how highly-regarded one member of the Chelsea squad is by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, following some excellent displays in training at Cobham.
Chelsea preparing for West Ham after victory at Bournemouth
The west Londoners return to action in just two days, as they prepare for a London derby trip to West Ham United and the early Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
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It’s a serious concern for Enzo Maresca.
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Chelsea go into the contest on a promising run of form, with their only defeat of the new season coming courtesy of Premier League champions Man City on the opening weekend.
Since then, Enzo Maresca has guided his side to two wins and a draw, including a convincing 6-2 win over Wolves at Molineux. They were unlucky not to beat Crystal Palace considering they dominated the overall play and created many chances, but Eberechi Eze’s curled equaliser from just outside the penalty area meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
West Ham (away)
September 21
Brighton (home)
September 28
Nottingham Forest (home)
October 6
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Their first game back from the international break culminated in a hard-fought 1-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend, with summer signing Jadon Sancho laying on an assist for Christopher Nkunku, who won the game with an expertly taken low finish just minutes from added time.
Chelsea were without Malo Gusto through injury, who missed the clash alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.
However, the good news ahead of their visit to West Ham is that Lavia could return for Chelsea after his hamstring problem, with Dewsbury-Hall and Fernandez back in training as well after their recoveries from illnesses. Gusto is available for Chelsea selection again too, so Maresca has been handed a quadruple injury boost before a tough contest in east London.
There will also be more competition for a place in Maresca’s starting line-up as a result. An array of reports this week have shed light on the Chelsea players who have been most eager to earn Maresca’s favour behind the scenes, with Sancho impressing Chelsea chiefs after going the extra mile to make a good impression at Cobham.
Defender Levi Colwill is also Chelsea’s most consistent trainer right now, according to GiveMeSport, but Romano says another member of the team has been turning heads on the training pitch long before them.
Chelsea chiefs blown away by Noni Madueke in training
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, the esteemed reporter claims that the player in question is £50,000-per-week winger Noni Madueke.
Romano states that Chelsea have been impressed by Madueke in training, with Blues chiefs believing he is “special” – resulting in the club snubbing interest from Newcastle United this summer.
“It was the end of June, so to be honest, in the confused moment of financial fair play, you remember those days especially with Newcastle very busy trying some swap deals around England to make the financial fair play rules work for them,” said Romano on Newcastle’s summer interest in Madueke.
Madueke-Chelsea
“So Madueke was one of the main targets for Newcastle, then what happened? After all of that, Chelsea, internally, saw how special Noni Madueke was in training and then in the official games under Enzo Maresca.”
Chelsea have been rewarded for their faith in the 22-year-old Englishman, who’s impressed over his three Premier League appearances so far. Madueke even bagged a stunning hat-trick at Wolves three weeks ago, so it looks as if the ex-PSV Eindhoven starlet could make a real impact this term.
Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who has exceeded all expectations at Nottingham Forest following his £25m move from Wolves back in the summer of 2022.
The attacking midfielder has captured the hearts of the fanbase, with his intensity of pressure out of possession, whilst being the heart of the Reds side with the ball at his feet, creating endless opportunities for other attacking players.
He enjoyed his best Premier League campaign to date last season, registering five goals and ten assists in his 37 league appearances – finishing the campaign as the club’s joint-highest contributor in front of goal.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White has undoubtedly been key in the club’s two previous near misses with relegation, often being the man to create that bit of magic that has often been missing in some of the nervy outings.
However, he may be partnered with one player who would allow the Englishman to reach the next level at the City Ground during the 2024/25 campaign.
Nottingham Forest make bid for talented midfielder
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Nottingham Forest have tabled an offer to sign Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Edoardo Bove in action for Roma in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old has been an unused substitute in both of the first two outings of the new Serie A season, prompting interest from Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Bove has also been subject to huge interest from Everton this summer, with the Reds set to rival Sean Dyche’s side over a move for the talented youngster.
The report claims that whilst the fee for the bid is unknown, Daniele De Rossi’s side are willing to part ways with the academy graduate as he searches for more regular first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Whilst he plays in a slightly deeper role than Gibbs-White, he could have a huge impact on the Englishman’s future achievements in the East Midlands.
Why Bove would be perfect for Gibbs-White
Although the Reds have numerous impressive talents in the midfield department, the injury suffered by Danilo during the season opener against Bournemouth could allow for a new addition in the middle of the park.
Earlier this week, Nuno’s side were linked with a move to sign Brazilian talent Andre, but it appears that the Fluminense ace is set for a move to Premier League rivals Wolves before Friday’s deadline.
As a result, attention has been turned to the £30k-per-week Roma midfielder, with Bove possessing a lot of stats that would hugely benefit Gibbs-White in the coming months.
The “intelligent” Italian, as dubbed by former boss José Mourinho, excelled with the ball at his feet last season, registering an 83% pass completion rate – completing an average of 4.5 progressive passes per 90 allowing Gibbs-White to be at the centre of more frequent opportunities should Bove move to the City Ground in the coming days.
Games played
31
Goals + assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
4.5
Progressive carries
1.1
Tackles won
3
Blocks made
1.1
Aerials won
1.5
He also starred defensively, winning an average of three tackles per 90, alongside 1.1 blocks, adding more defensive cover to Nuno’s midfield, which could allow the former Wolves talent to operate in a more advanced role once more.
In recent weeks, Gibbs-White has operated in a slightly deeper role than normal, featuring as more of a box-to-box player than an attacking midfielder – but has still impressed, scoring the winning goal in the outing against Southampton last weekend.
However, Bove’s potential arrival could allow him to forget about his defensive responsibilities and continue to cause havoc in attacking areas, further increasing the Reds’ goalscoring output.
Whilst it’s unknown how much the Italian would cost the Reds during the closing stages of the window, he’s demonstrated that he has excellent qualities that would undoubtedly improve Nuno’s midfield options.
However, with just over a day left in the window, the hierarchy would have to operate swiftly if they are to complete an impressive deal for the 22-year-old.
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Alex Davies notched a fourth half-century of the season before torrential rain condemned Northamptonshire’s LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Lancashire to an inevitable draw at Wantage Road.Only 38 balls were possible following a delayed start, but Lancashire’s diminutive opener made the most of the small window in the weather to reach his landmark with a gorgeous cover drive for four, his sixth boundary in a 105-ball stay.It didn’t come a moment too soon as just three balls later the heavens opened driving the players from the field with Lancashire 88 for 1 and Davies 51 not out.Related
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Rain thwarts attempts to make a game of Kent vs Glamorgan
The cloudburst didn’t last long, but the cumulative affect of the rain throughout the game, rendered a restart impossible. It meant only 34.3 overs had been possible across all four days of this encounter, the second of which was washed out without a ball being bowled.Both sides take eight points each for the draw, enough to move the visitors top of Group 3 ahead of next week’s Roses clash with Yorkshire at Old Trafford.Northamptonshire remain fourth ahead of their visit to Hove to face Sussex, where, weather permitting, they badly need a win to keep alive hopes of being among the six counties chasing the Championship laurels in September.Lancashire skipper Dane Vilas lamented the fact that James Anderson didn’t get a chance to bowl in this match before joining the England squad for their two-Test series against New Zealand starting next week.”It’s terrible when you come to a ground like this, see such a nice pitch and then you don’t get much cricket on it,” Vilas said. “Guys like Jimmy needed overs. That was the main thing for him going towards the Test match.”We won’t have Jimmy against Yorkshire – he’ll be back in the England bubble on Friday, but we have a good stable of fast bowlers who as always have learnt a lot from him.”The bowlers have had a heavy workload this season with the schedule, but saying that we had a week off last week and now this game here. We’ve topped up with a few overs in the mornings in the indoor centre and we’re fresh and ready for the next two games.”Adam Rossington, the Northamptonshire captain, said: “The weather has beaten us. The ground-staff have been fantastic doing their best to get us on when they could, but just one of those things.”I think the closer we get to the end of this section of the competition teams might be trying to set up some run chases to get results. We have got to get first-innings runs which will be the key to setting up those games.”
Liverpool are now closing in on the signing of an international player, who could become Arne Slot’s first signing at the football club.
The Reds have had to be patient this summer, as it’s been a struggle for the club to get players into the club. However, their lack of transfers didn’t affect the club’s start to the new Premier League season, as they secured a 2-0 win on the opening weekend against Ipswich Town.
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He’ll be hoping to explode under Slot’s leadership this season…
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There has been a lot of change at Anfield in the last few months, as the club is now getting on with life after Jurgen Klopp, and they are also under a new regime in terms of people at the sporting director level, as Richard Hughes has joined the club from Bournemouth.
So, changes in the dugout and higher up have seen the club take their time to adapt, and that has potentially affected them in the transfer market, as the club has yet to get a new player on board. However, that is without a lack of trying, as Liverpool were very keen on signing midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but it was revealed last week that he will not be moving to the Premier League and instead staying with Real Sociedad.
Martin Zubimendi in action
Liverpool have also been mentioned with a possible move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in recent days. It has been claimed that the England defender has admirers at Anfield, despite Newcastle United heavily chasing the centre-back.
But while the Merseyside club has been looking at potential arrivals, they have been busy in terms of departures. The club decided to let Joel Matip leave at the end of last season following the end of his contract, while Thiago Alcantara left and retired from football. Since then, Liverpool have also let Calvin Ramsey leave on loan, and most recently, they sold Fabio Carvalho to Brentford.
Fabio Carvalho
Brentford
Adrian
Real Betis
Calvin Ramsey
Wigan Athletic (Loan)
Thiago Alcantara
Retired
Joel Matip
Without a club
There could now be another exit on the cards, as midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is wanted on loan for the 2024/25 season by several sides. According to Football Insider, Liverpool have received multiple offers to take Bajcetic on loan, with those offers coming from the Premier League as well as clubs from Europe.
Departures may occur from Liverpool, but the Premier League could now be closing in on their first signing under Slot.
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are now closing in on the signing of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The move that will see the Valencia goalkeeper join the Reds in June 2025 is “advancing to the final stages.”
Romano states that both Liverpool and Valencia are in contact to agree on the add-ons structure of the deal for Mamardashvili, as the overall transfer is said to be worth €30 million (£25.6 million).
The Georgia international is set to stay on loan with the Spanish side for the remainder of the campaign and then join the Premier League side next summer. This comes as a change, as last week it was stated by Romano that AFC Bournemouth were open to the idea of having the goalkeeper on loan, but it appears as if he'll remain in La Liga.
Arsenal brought the curtain down on their pre-season preparations on Sunday evening fresh in the knowledge that they are well and truly ready to challenge for the Premier League title again.
Results may have been mixed during their tour to the USA but once back on home soil, they dispatched unbeaten Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen with some aplomb before facing Lyon this weekend.
It was not a happy return to the Emirates Stadium for Granit Xhaka a few days ago whose side were beaten 4-1, goals coming from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
It was perhaps interesting that Trossard played nearly the full 90 minutes in midweek. The Belgian failed to sparkle at Euro 2024 but had become Mikel Arteta's first-choice option on the left flank at the back end of last term.
A scorer of 17 goals in 2023/24, he has been a brilliant signing and Arsenal could repeat their Trossard trick this summer.
Arsenal want to sign Brighton forward
The Gunners have done plenty of business with the Seagulls in recent years. They signed Ben White for £50m back in 2021 and have since also welcomed the aforementioned Trossard, who signed in the winter window of 2023.
That said, relations were soured a bit when Moises Caicedo tried to force his way out of the Amex in the same transfer window. Caicedo handed in a transfer request but when Arsenal wouldn't cough up the fee required, he remained a Brighton player, at least until the summer.
So, what is the relationship between the two clubs now? Could they do business again? Well, they might have to.
Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix reported this weekend that the north Londoners are one of the clubs who could make a late move for Ivorian winger Simon Adingra.
Willian (Chelsea)
Cedric (Southampton)
Ben White (Brighton)
Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield Utd)
Gabriel Jesus (Man City)
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Man City)
Leandro Trossard (Brighton)
Declan Rice (West Ham)
Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
David Raya (Brentford)
It's said that they are monitoring his situation ahead of a possible swoop before the transfer window closes. Transfermarkt currently value the player at £26m but we all know Brighton only sell for a premium price.
Why Adingra would be a good signing
In the winter of 2023, Arsenal were trying their utmost to prise Mykhailo Mudryk away from Shakhtar Donetsk. The player was particularly vocal about his admiration for the club on social media but he ultimately ended up joining Chelsea, the team who were willing to cough up the most money. Now there's a surprise.
As a result, Edu decided to lure Trossard to the Emirates and what a signing he has been.
Certainly not the club's first choice, he was in electric form after signing for the club, registering ten assists in his first 20 league games. Last season he went from provider to goalscorer and ended the campaign as Arsenal's second most prolific player. His haul of 17 goals was only beaten by Bukayo Saka's 20.
So, signing players from Brighton is probably a good idea, right? Their scouting network is particularly impressive at turning the Trossards and Adingras of this world into highly consistent Premier League players.
However, what could he actually bring to the Gunners? Well, first and foremost, Adingra would add depth in an area Arsenal are currently lacking.
Capable of playing on either flank, the 22-year-old would be able to play second fiddle not only to Trossard on the left but vitally to Saka on the right.
The England international is the poster boy of this football club but he plays far too many minutes and the 2023/24 campaign all caught up with him towards the end of last season, ultimately missing the last match through injury.
As a consequence, signing someone like Adingra would be a good idea. As Arsenal podcaster Adam Keys put it, the AFCON winger would not be a "marquee signing" but he has plenty of qualities that would make him an exciting acquisition, notably his "lightning pace".
In the Premier League last season, the Brighton star ranked inside the top 13% of positionally similar players for progressive passes received. In short, he's always an option for a pass. Also ranking among the best 15% for carries into the penalty area, it's clear this is a player who loves to attack his man, just like Saka. This isn't a player without his goals, though. He scored 15 times on loan at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the 2022/23 season.
Prog passes received
Top 13%
Progressive carries
Top 26%
Crosses into penalty area
Top 8%
SCA (take-on)
Top 19%
Successful take-ons
Top 24%
Carries into penalty area
Top 15%
Interceptions
Top 13%
Tackles
Top 21%
On the evidence above, Adingra is certainly no world-beater yet but he does have an interesting set of tools. He can beat a player, he's keen to get into the penalty area and something Arteta will no doubt be fond of, he mucks in defensively too.
Arsenal have been linked with some premium wingers this summer, notably Nico Williams, but in a market where attacking players will cost a fortune, Adingra could be a cost-effective method for the club.
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Celtic begin their defence of the Scottish Premiership title this weekend as they prepare to host Kilmarnock at Parkhead in their opening match on Sunday.
The Hoops will have a new number one between the sticks for the match after Joe Hart left the club at the end of last season, retiring from professional football.
He spent three seasons as the team's number one and Brendan Rodgers dipped into the transfer market to land Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo to compete for the starting spot.
Central midfielder Paulo Bernardo has also been signed to bolster the club's options in the middle of the park, joining on a permanent basis after his loan stint in Glasgow last season.
The Scottish giants still have a few weeks left to complete any more business that they would like to do before the window officially slams shut.
This means that Hoops supporters could look forward to more players coming through the door to improve the squad in order to help the club compete for trophies throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Celtic's interest in Premier League defender
Fans could be excited by the prospect of a new full-back arriving at Parkhead before the end of August as Celtic are reportedly keen to add a left-back to the group.
According to Mail Sport journalist Lewis Steele, Celtic are in the hunt to sign Liverpool defender Owen Beck to compete with Greg Taylor next season.
The reporter claims that the Hoops are in the market to land the left-back after they failed to sign another, unnamed, player in that position.
Owen Beck coming on for Liverpool.
However, Steele adds that the Premier League side are hoping to cash in on the former Dundee loanee on a permanent basis this summer, whilst the Bhoys are currently hoping to secure a loan move for the young whiz.
The journalist reveals that this could rule the Premiership champions out of the race at this moment in time, but there is still plenty of time left in the window for either club's stance to change.
Celtic were keen to sign Beck back in January of this year but missed out on him as Liverpool recalled and used him in the Premier League before sending him back to Dundee, who were the only club he could join for the second half of the campaign after playing for the Reds.
If the Hoops can secure a deal for the impressive youngster this summer, though, then they could land an exciting partner for Mikey Johnston down the flank.
Why it is Mikey Johnston's time to shine
The Ireland international only made nine appearances in the Premiership during the first half of last season, three of which came as a starter, and that led to him joining West Bromwich Albion on loan in the winter window.
Johnston could not force his way into the Celtic XI on a regular basis and went down south to play in the Championship to get regular minutes under his belt.
Not only did the 25-year-old star play regularly for the Baggies but he also caught the eye with his fantastic performances at the top end of the pitch.
23/24 Championship
Mikey Johnston
Appearances
18
Goals
7
Assists
1
Big chances created
4
Key passes per game
1.2
Dribbles completed per game
2.2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Johnston produced 11 goals and 'big chances' created combined in just 18 appearances in the Championship for West Brom.
His electric form earned him an opportunity to push for a place in the Hoops team this season and his performances in pre-season suggest that he has a good chance of doing so.
The right-footed ace scored two goals in his last three appearances in pre-season with the Bhoys, including a composed finish in the 4-1 win over Chelsea.
Ben Quinn
Johnston scored more goals in five months at West Brom (seven) than Daizen Maeda managed (six) in 28 appearances in the Premiership last term.
The Japan international also failed to produce a goal or an assist during pre-season and his faltering form could see the Irish wizard given an opportunity to impress from the start against Kilmarnock on Sunday, as he has showcased his quality as a scorer and a creator this year.
Why Owen Beck would be an exciting signing
Beck, who was hailed as "spectacular" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be an exciting signing for Celtic due to the attacking ability he could provide down the left flank alongside Johnston.
The 21-year-old ace spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Dundee in the Premiership and his performances earned himself a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.
Liverpool defender Owen Beck.
He caught the eye with his contributions in and out of possession in the Scottish top-flight. Firstly, the £2.8k-per-week dynamo made 2.3 key passes per game in the division.
Only Matt O'Riley (2.5) and Luis Palma (2.4) made more key passes per match in the Premiership for Celtic last season, which speaks to how impressive that return was from Beck – given his defensive position.
23/24 Premiership
Owen Beck
Greg Taylor
Appearances
25
35
Assists
4
4
Key passes per game
2.3
1.7
Dribbles completed per game
1.4
0.7
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.9
2.2
Duel success rate
55%
52%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Beck is also a strong defender who can win the majority of his duels whilst almost making four defensive interventions per game.
The Welsh full-back has the potential to come in as an upgrade on Taylor at the back for Celtic, as he outperformed him in and out of possession last season, which is backed up by those statistics and his inclusion in the Team of the Year.
Those statistics also illustrate why Beck would be an exciting player to partner Johnston down the left flank, as they could both provide plenty of attacking quality for the Hoops.
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The Liverpool youngster's ability to drive forward with dribbles and key passes could put the winger in dangerous positions on a regular basis, which would then give him the best possible chance of showing off his quality as a scorer and a creator of goals.
Looking to bolster Julen Lopetegui's squad further before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month, West Ham United have reportedly tabled a £15m bid to sign an attacking reinforcement.
West Ham transfer rumours
It's the late show at the London Stadium this summer, with their Premier League opener against Aston Villa a matter of weeks away. There is, of course, some irony to the fact that the Hammers are set to square off against Aston Villa on the opening day, given that negotiations could reportedly be ongoing between the two clubs over a deal for Jhon Duran. The forward has certainly made his feelings known too, throwing up the famous Hammers sign on Instagram Live recently.
Jhon Duran scores for Aston Villa
If West Ham can reach an agreement to sign Duran before that game on August 17, then he may have the chance to deal the Midlands club one last blow in front of the fans at Villa Park. Given his recent antics, it is an opportunity that the forward may love to take with both hands.
Duran may not be the only Premier League player arriving after Max Kilman however. According to The Sunday Mirror via West Ham Zone, West Ham have tabled a £15m bid to sign Reiss Nelson from Arsenal this summer. The winger has reportedly already said yes and agreed to the move earlier this month, but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers' first offer is enough for their London rivals to sanction a move.
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This talented forward must be signed alongside Jhon Duran.
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Previous reports suggested that Arsenal's price tag sits at £25m, which would make West Ham's reported bid some way off the mark. With Leicester City also reportedly interested in Nelson, those in London may be left with no choice but to match the Gunners' valuation this summer. As the season approaches, Lopetegui may hope to see any deals wrapped up as soon as possible, be that for Duran or, indeed, Nelson.
"Evolving" Nelson needs move
After a late flurry of form in the 2022/23 campaign led to a new contract, Nelson would have been desperate to pick up where he left off and finally make his mark on Mikel Arteta's side last season. But that was far from the case. The 24-year-old earned just one Premier League start and found himself out of the squad altogether in the final five games in quite the contrast to the previous campaign. Now, as the reality of his game time sets in, he appears to need a fresh start.
That's where West Ham could come in. The Hammers could do with all the depth that they can get and providing cover for Mohammed Kudus could be the key to sustained success in the fast-approaching season. Nelson is hardly an inexperienced option to turn to either, having spent time at Feyenoord and Hoffenheim before breaking through at Arsenal.
His exit, should it take place, will be a shame given his status as an academy graduate and a player Arteta once believed was "evolving", but West Ham may well take full advantage to finally help Nelson realise his potential.
Chelsea are interested in signing a £35m-rated Premier League defender this summer, according to reports.
Chelsea transfer rumours
Chelsea announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager earlier this week, with the Italian putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, which includes the option of a further year.
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Joe Nuttall
Jun 9, 2024
The former Leicester City boss takes over an inflated Chelsea squad that was only just beginning to find its feet under Mauricio Pochettino. Maresca must now put his own stamp on the squad, which will likely include a big shift in personnel this summer, both on the incoming and outgoing fronts.
So far, the west Londoners have signed Tosin Adarabioyo to a four-year deal following a free transfer from Fulham and have been linked with plenty others.
Chelsea would reportedly like to sign Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich this summer, according to Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk:
"Yes, it's true: Chelsea would like Dayot Upamecano," said Falk. "It's not really clear yet whether he'll have a chance next year. Vincent Kompany is looking at everyone, but would Bayern let him go? That would probably cost a lot of money. At the time, Bayern paid €42.5m to RB Leipzig."
Elsewhere, the capital outfit are also said to be eyeing a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer. In another potentially huge deal, Chelsea are reportedly set to make an offer for Manchester City's Julian Alvarez in the next few days but are expected to face competition for the Argentine from Atletico Madrid and PSG. It has also been claimed that the Blues are plotting a move to sign Benjamin Sesko.
Chelsea chiefs talk about signing £35m Premier League defender
While a lot of the names linked with Chelsea recently have been at the top end of the pitch, a fresh defender has recently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
GiveMeSport recently provided an insight into Chelsea's transfer plans for the summer, mentioning centre-back as an area the club were potentially looking to improve. Left-back is also a priority area for the west Londoners, with Todd Boehly and co. said to be eyeing a young player who can operate in an inverted role. In their search for a full-back, Chelsea have looked at Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, with the 20-year-old said to have already been discussed by the club.
In terms of a fee for the Cherries star, GiveMeSport states Bournemouth value Kerkez at around £35m – over double the fee they paid AZ Alkmaar for him last year. During his time in England so far, Kerkez has made 33 appearances for Bournemouth, providing one assist in the process.
Despite his limited experience, Kerkez has already been backed to have a great career by former teammate Mat Ryan, who said last year:
“Milos is a great boy. A crazy dude, in a good way. He is always positive and smiling,” Ryan said.
“Hopefully he can develop even further in England and become even more mature. He is aggressive, powerful and has so many qualities.
“A unique skill set. Bournemouth is going to get stronger because of him. Milos still has a great career ahead of him.”
Arsenal slipped to their first Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday as Bournemouth ran out 2-0 winners at the Vitality Stadium.
Mikel Arteta was left to rue his side's defensive mistakes after seeing his side beaten 2-0 at Bournemouth to slip to their first Premier League defeat of the new season.
William Saliba left Arsenal with a mountain to climb after being sent off in the first half. The Frenchman was initially shown a yellow card for a tug on Evanilson but it was upgraded to a red to leave the Gunners down to 10 men.
A well-worked Bournemouth goal then saw the Cherries go ahead when Ryan Christie smashed home from a corner to make it 1-0. Nine minutes later, David Raya conceded a penalty for a foul on Evanilson, allowing Justin Kluivert to finish Arsenal off and secure all three points.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Vitality Stadium…
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David Raya (4/10):
Made a few good stops but was guilty of a few shaky moments too and eventually ended up giving away a penalty.
Ben White (5/10):
Back in the team but struggled to get into the game and looked a little off the pace
William Saliba (3/10):
Picked up the first red card of his Arsenal career with a tug back on Evanilson.
Gabriel (6/10):
Tried his best but found it tough going after Saliba went off.
Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):
Couldn't get forward but did OK defensively.
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Declan Rice (6/10):
Tried his best to hold Arsenal together after the Gunners had been reduced to 10 men but it was a tough shift.
Thomas Partey (6/10):
Decent performance in the centre of the pitch but found himself bypassed at times.
Mikel Merino (5/10):
Made his first start of the season for Arsenal but gave the ball away far too often.
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Raheem Sterling (5/10):
Came in for the injured Bukayo Saka but made little impact and was hooked after the sending off as Arteta tweaked his team.
Kai Havertz (6/10):
Worked and battled hard but saw very little of the ball.
Leandro Trossard (4/10):
A poor showing from the Belgian who played a part in Saliba's red card with a poor pass.
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Jakub Kiwior (4/10):
Came on for Sterling in the first half. His pass put Raya in trouble just before the penalty and he then suffered the ignominy of being taken off.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Almost scored straight after coming on but put his shot too close to the goalkeeper.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Appealed for a penalty after coming on but the ref wasn't having any of it.
Ethan Nwaneri (N/A):
Overlooked by Arteta once again and no real time to make an impact.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
Saw his side really struggle without Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and then William Saliba and didn't appear to have too many answers. Must improve his team's disciplinary record too after suffering a third red card of the season already.