CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has offered an update regarding Arsenal’s reported interest in Bayern Munich winger, Leroy Sane…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source revealed that while it may prove a “challenge” to prise the 26-year-old away from the Allianz Arena, he is seemingly a player of interest to the Gunners.

Amid reports linking the Premier League outfit to the 45-cap, Germany international,  Jacobs stated: “The Sane links were prior to Raphinha and I think that Arsenal gathered quite quickly, when they turned their attention to Raphinha, that it’s going to be tough to get Sane to move away from Bayern.

“I think Bayern’s preference is still to try and keep Sane, so that one is going to be a challenge, but it’s obvious they admire the player.”

The north London outfit are seemingly plotting an alternative to that of former Leeds United man Raphinha, having appeared keen to land the Brazilian prior to his recent move to Barcelona.

Edu’s next Jesus

A move for Sane could see Mikel Arteta attempt to utilise his Manchester City connections once again – where he was previously assistant to Pep Guardiola – having already seen sporting director Edu move to bring Gabriel Jesus to the club from the Etihad on a £45m deal.

Although yet to take to the field in a competitive game, the 25-year-old has quickly endeared himself to the Emirates faithful, having notably netted a hat-trick in the recent 6-0 thrashing of Sevilla in what was the final pre-season game of the summer.

With that move already looking like a masterstroke, the aforementioned Edu could strike gold again with the signing of his former City teammate, with Sane seemingly the man who can make those at Arsenal forget all about Raphinha.

The 6 foot wizard – who left Guardiola’s side on a £54.8m deal two years ago – is a simply devastating attacking force, combining his sheer relentless speed with an attacking ruthlessness which makes him a simply unique gem.

While struck down by injury towards the end of his previous stint in English football, the £54m-rated sensation still managed to record hugely impressive figures while in Manchester, notably providing 53 goal contributions in just 90 top-flight appearances, winning two league titles in the process.

Although it has proven an at times tricky spell since his return to the Bundesliga for the one-time Schalke man, the “frightening” forward – as described by pundit Micah Richards – still boasts an impressive record for the Bavarian giants, with 25 goals and 27 assists in 90 games across all competitions for the club.

The 2021/22 campaign was particularly fruitful for the £280k-per-week gem as he flourished under Julian Nagelsmann’s watch, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists across all fronts, showcasing just why he has been dubbed a “baller” in some quarters.

The new season may only be in its infancy, although the fleet-footed wideman has already got off to a positive start, netting in the German Super Cup triumph against RB Leipzig at the weekend, after entering the fray as a late substitute.

A player capable of producing something out of nothing, Sane would surely thrive under the tutelage of a familiar face in Arteta, with Edu needing to work his magic again – as he did with Jesus – to help add increased firepower to the Spaniard’s ‘arsenal’.

Arsenal have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their opening Premier League fixture of the new season against Crystal Palace tonight.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to reports by the Daily Mail, who sent Chris Sutton to speak to Kieran Tierney about the upcoming campaign.

Other reports had claimed that the 25-year-old was one of four Gunners players set to miss out on this fixture, with a number of weeks left in his rehabilitation.

However, when asked about his knee injury, the Scottish defender replied: “I’m ready. I’m good to go.”

Arteta will be thrilled

Whilst the absences of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Viera and Emile Smith-Rowe will be felt heavily, the return of a player like Tierney can only be seen as a boost for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s season was derailed after he suffered his injury, so to start the new campaign with him available will be a big boost in their bid to break into the top four by the end of 2022/23.

He missed the final ten matches of the previous Premier League campaign, and during this time the Gunners won five and lost five. In the 13 top-flight games before that, when Tierney played every minute, they won ten and only lost two (to Man City and Liverpool).

Therefore, the difference is abundantly clear when he is missing.

Having only featured 22 times in the league last season, Tierney’s presence is also heavily felt due to his personality. Branded a “great leader” by former Celtic striker Scott McDonald, it is clear to see how Mikel Arteta’s side crumbled in his absence during the spring.

Although the £75k-per-week defender has had a tumultuous, injury-hit career at the Emirates Stadium, perhaps this season could be the one where his fitness can match the form he has shown whenever he has played.

His assertion that he will be available for tonight will be music to the ears of Arteta, who now sees his tactical options increase exponentially. They have an inspirational player back, and hopefully the 25-year-old can help to get them off to the perfect start to the new campaign.

Sky Sports journalist and Newcastle United supporter Pete Graves has been left thrilled by the decision to give Eddie Howe a new contract.

The Lowdown: Friday contract

As confirmed by the North East club on Friday, Howe has signed a new long-term contract at St. James’ Park.

Sporting Director Dan Ashworth commented on the deal, claiming that he is ‘delighted’ and that it is ‘great news’ for the Tynesiders, singing Howe’s praises in the process.

The Latest: Graves thrilled

Taking to Twitter shortly after the news was announced, Graves simply reacted with the word: ‘Buzzing’.

It was a timely announcement, as Howe and his team now prepare to face newly-promoted Nottingham Forest at home in their opening game of the new Premier League season.

The Verdict: Deserved

Howe’s new contract is certainly deserved, given the work that he has done so far.

As the Magpies mention in their announcement, the team had not won a match in the top flight when he took over back in November of last season, before he helped guide them to survival and a comfortable 11th-placed finish in the end.

Howe was also given the Manager of the Month award in February after an unbeaten run, and will now be aiming to take his side into the top half come the end of this campaign, and perhaps even push for the European places.

Sunderland are believed to be closing in on the signing of highly-rated Morecambe defender, Connor Pye, according to recent reports.

What’s the word?

As per Football Insider, the Black Cats are said to have ‘agreed a deal’ for the 18-year-old, having secured a ‘breakthrough’ in negotiations with the League One outfit for the promising left-back.

The report suggests that the teenager – who is said to have two years left on his current deal – is seemingly a player for the future at the Stadium of Light, as he is ‘unlikely’ to go straight into manager Alex Neil’s plans at senior level.

As per the report, the full-back was one of a number of players made ‘available for transfer’ by the shrimps earlier this summer due to financial restrictions, thus allowing the northeast side to pounce.

Neil should love it

Managing to secure the signing of a player who has been likened to Liverpool ace Andy Robertson would no doubt be a great source of delight for the Sunderland boss, with Neil set to love securing what would be a seventh major signing of the summer thus far.

Although Pye – who has made just a solitary senior outing for his current side – appears unlikely to make an impact for the Championship side this season, his capture could prove to be a notable coup in the longer term, having previously been linked with a move to Premier League outfit, Everton.

With Dennis Cirkin currently the only recognised left-back option in the first-team squad, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the impressive starlet could force his way into the manager’s plans sooner rather than later, with depth undoubtedly needed in what will likely be a gruelling season.

A move for the Englishman will also help the club to move on from the disappointment of missing out on former loanee Nathan Broadhead, with the 24-year-old recently opting to join Wigan Athletic on a loan deal from the Toffees.

The forward had reportedly been targetted by Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman ahead of a potential return to the club, although has favoured a move to the Latics in search of more regular game time.

Getting another new arrival in the door in the form of Pye, however, could ensure that transfer failure is swiftly forgotten about, with Neil no doubt set to love the chance to help nurture such a well-regarded young talent.

The future of Armando Broja is developing into one of the major transfer sagas of the summer, with Newcastle United believed to be one of the clubs who are keen on prising the youngster away from Chelsea.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has insisted that a deal to bring the 20-year-old to St James’ Park cannot be ruled out just yet, despite reports that the Magpies are not in the race to sign the highly-rated forward.

Asked whether the Albania international is on Eddie Howe’s radar, the transfer insider stated: “Absolutely. I know for a fact he’s definitely on the list.

“I’m reading between the lines a little bit, because I’m obviously been away, but I don’t think I would rule that one out totally yet.”

The recent suggestion is that both Newcastle and fellow Premier League side Everton are battling it out for the 14-cap brute’s signature, while West Ham United are also still in contention despite their capture of Sassuolo marksman Gianluca Scamacca.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has also claimed that the Tynesiders’ desire for a loan move could see them fall out of the reckoning, with the Slough-born striker – who could be worth in the region of £30m – said to favour a permanent swoop if he is to leave Stamford Bridge.

Would be a major coup

There is clearly still a large number of hurdles to overcome if Newcastle are to secure the signing of Broja for the forthcoming campaign, although it is undoubtedly a positive to learn that the 6 foot 3 menace is still very much a player of interest.

Managing to get a deal over the line would undoubtedly be huge coup for the PIF regime, with the £8.5k-per-week hotshot having been in sparkling form in his debut campaign as a top-flight regular last time out, netting nine goals in all competitions while on loan at Southampton.

That haul included six Premier League goals during his time at St Mary’s, having previously scored 11 times in a season-long loan stint at Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem during the 2020/21 campaign.

The departure of club-record flop Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan has opened the door for more regular game-time for the Blues academy graduate at his parent club. However, it remains to be seen if he will be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-team plans, having made just a solitary senior appearance for the west Londoners thus far.

As for Newcastle, they have so far come up short in their attempts to land a new centre-forward this summer, with Howe’s side seemingly in need of additional quality despite signing Chris Wood on a £25m deal from Burnley in January.

Being left with just the New Zealand international and the injury-prone Callum Wilson as strikers for the new season would be a real concern for the former Bournemouth boss, having seen his team miss out on a move for French starlet Hugo Ekitike, who has secured a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

In Broja, the 44-year-old would seemingly have the perfect attacking solution, while it would represent a major coup to poach the player from one of the division’s elite clubs.

AND in other news, Imagine him & ASM: NUFC can form dream duo in swoop to sign “wonderful” £50m dynamo…

Tottenham Hotspur could secure another Cristian Romero type of player before the transfer window deadline on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ever-reliable The Athletic journalist Charlie Eccleshare, who claims that Spurs would love to sign a specialised left-sided centre-back to complete manager Antonio Conte’s backline.

“Last season, Spurs basically had no one else who could play left centre-back. Partly as a consequence of the fact that Conte came in mid-season with a different system that necessitated that position, whereas they hadn’t really had the same need for it before,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“What Spurs would love is Romero on the right, who has been absolutely outstanding. If you could have a player of his sort of level on the left, you’re talking about really, really good defence.”

Conte wants Romero 2.0

Both Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici have overseen a busy summer of business at Hotspur Way, bringing in no fewer than six new players and a swoop for a specialised left-sided centre-back could be the icing on the cake.

It is true that they have somewhat fixed this problem, having brought in Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona but given that is a temporary deal, they’ll only have this same issue next summer.

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After qualifying for the Champions League, Conte will need that depth if the Lilywhites are to remain competitive across all competitions and given Eccleshare’s comments, it’s clear that they would like further defenders in their ranks.

The Italian head coach missed out on his former Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni early in the window but have also been linked to the likes of Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig and Villarreal’s Pau Torres – the former being a natural left-footer.

Romero is a ruthless and aggressive presence in Tottenham’s defence but he can also act as a ball-playing option, having registered two clearances, one interception and an 85.1% passing accuracy on the opening day of the new Premier League season in Spurs’ 4-1 win over Southampton, as per WhoScored.

Last term, the Argentina international was described as an “animal” by former teammate Pierluigi Gollini to Standard Sport. “He’s perfect for the Premier League,” he added. “He’s a clever guy and an amazing player.”

If the north Londoners could secure a similar presence on the other side of defence, then Conte will have a frightening unit, so it’s no wonder that Paratici is on the lookout for a left-footed central defensive beast.

AND in other news, Paratici now eyeing Spurs swap deal for “ultimate” £148k-p/w dynamo, he’s another Giovani Lo Celso…

Rangers winger Ryan Kent has the potential to be a ‘game changer’ for Aston Villa if he joins them this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Kent shines for Rangers

The 25-year-old has shone in Scotland since making the move to Ibrox in 2019, scoring 3o goals and registering 49 assists in 175 appearances overall.

Kent has been linked with a return south of the border throughout the summer transfer window, with Villa one of the clubs who are eyeing him up, being deemed in some quarters as the favourites to land him.

it appears that more attacking reinforcements are needed at Villa Park, especially after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.

The Latest: Kent could be a ‘game changer’ for Villa

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke talked up the idea of Steven Gerrard signing his former player this summer.

The journalist claimed:

“I think we saw the best of Ryan Kent under Steven Gerrard and I’m sure Gerrard would be confident that he would get the best out of Kent as well if he was able to bring them to Aston Villa.

“He’s a potential game changer, Ryan Kent, on his day, a really skilful, tricky winger who can score goals, create goals as well. So I’m sure it’d be a signing that would excite the fans as well with this style of play. I think it could be a win-win situation.”

The Verdict: Perfect match

While Kent remains unproven in the Premier League, he has the potential to be an exciting signing for Villa if they move for him, especially with Gerrard knowing him so well after their time together at Rangers.

The ex-Liverpool forward would bring pace, trickery and end product in wide areas, something which has been lacking at Aston Villa. Incredibly, none of their natural wingers scored more than once in the league last season.

Kent would offer something different to a Villa team already under pressure after a dreadful result on Saturday, with the 25-year-old giving the Midlanders a fresh impetus in the final third.

Therefore, he and Villa could be a perfect match, especially under a manager who the player already knows well.

West Ham United are expected to keep chasing Belgium international Hans Vanaken, with Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth making a claim in that regard.

The Lowdown: West Ham in talks…

The Hammers and their manager David Moyes are said to be in talks for multiple players as they seek to bolster their options.

At the outset of what could be a crucial Premier League season, West Ham have started the campaign with two straight defeats, and the east Londoners will be looking to bounce back quickly.

Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea, along with Club Brugge’s Vanaken, are two players who are of serious interest to West Ham before the September 1 deadline, with Sheth sharing some news out of Rush Green on the latter.

The Latest: West Ham expected to go back for Vanaken…

Taking to social media, the Sky Sports journalist has made a claim involving the 29-year-old attacker.

Sheth stated that, after West Ham’s ‘opening bid’ – reportedly €10m (£8.4m) – was rejected, Moyes is ‘expected’ to make another attempt to sign the Belgium international.

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The reporter explained: “Club Brugge have rejected West Ham United’s opening bid for midfielder Hans Vanaken. Offer believed to be €10m. West Ham expected to go back in – growing feeling player wants to go.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

Vanaken has been prolific in Belgium’s top two divisions, racking up 145 goals in total since the 2009/10 season, and has also tallied 21 caps for a star-studded Red Devils national team.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, the attacking midfielder possesses a physicality which seems tailor-made for the English top flight, with Moyes’ interest also justified by Vanaken’s impressive numbers going forward.

It will be interesting to see if West Ham can add the Club Brugge star to their ranks before it’s too late.

Tottenham Hotspur are having ‘ongoing discussions’ with AS Roma over Nicolo Zaniolo, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Spurs vs Roma

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been preparing his squad for the last friendly of their pre-season campaign, with the clash coming tonight against Roma.

Reuniting Jose Mourinho with his former club, the game will also provide the Lilywhites with the opportunity to assess forward target Zaniolo.

Speaking about the rumours linking him with a move away from the Serie A side earlier this year, the player claimed:

“It is pleasing to be the subject of interest from big clubs, as if they think about you, it means you’re good. I train with even more motivation, as I want to prove it’s right that I’ve been linked with these top clubs.”

The Latest: Aouna’s news

Taking to Twitter, the Foot Mercato journalist dropped news on all Roma’s business, including a line of particular interest to Spurs fans: “Ongoing discussions with Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

Relayed by Lilywhites outlet The Spurs Express, Aouna reports that the door is likely to open for the Roma winger by the end of the transfer window, even if that involves a loan deal with an option to buy.

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The Verdict: Impact in the final third

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the wide man ranks in the 93rd percentile for shots, in the 90th percentile for progressive passes received, in the 83rd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the 81st percentile for dribbles completed.

Hailed by former Roma coach Claudio Ranieri as a ‘decisive player’ who has ‘impressive quality and strength’, it is no wonder Conte is so keen on bringing the Italy international to Hotspur Way this summer.

At just 23-years-old, Zaniolo has already made 111 appearances for the Serie A giants – with time on his side, the Italian has a long time left to play at the highest level, so why not do it in north London?

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has suggested that there is a ‘massive chance’ that Nottingham Forest are relegated from the Premier League this season after their extensive activity in the transfer market.

The Lowdown: Busy transfer window

Steve Cooper’s side recently confirmed the £12.7m signing of Orel Mangala from Stuttgart, with the club having now added 12 new players to the squad during the summer transfer window following their promotion to the top flight in May.

Following the Belgium international’s arrival at City Ground, Forest have reportedly brought their summer spend to more than £85m.

The Latest: Whelan’s warning

Whelan, who used to work as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, hopes that Forest can survive the drop this season, but he worries that it may take the squad too long to gel with one another.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed: “I do believe it will take time to blend these players and gel this group together. But they’ve got a very good manager in Steve Cooper, and he will give them the best possible chance.

“It is often the case that teams can sign too many players and it backfires – but Forest didn’t have a choice, they lost a lot of their best players after the play-off final.

“The owner has shown his intent and you just hope it doesn’t backfire. I think it would be great to keep Forest in the Premier League.

“They’ve got that history and that prestige. When you see them on the fixture list, it’s a game you look forward to.

“There is a massive chance that it could come back to bite them if these players can’t adapt to a new club and a new league. It’ll be intriguing and exciting for their fans to see how it pans out.”

The Verdict: Not a great start…

Embarking on a Premier League campaign on Saturday for the first time in 23 years, Cooper’s team were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

“Newcastle deserved to win the game,” the Forest manager told reporters. “They were the better team. We will always show respect to that.”

With so many new arrivals at the City Ground, this was always going to be a likely outcome at the beginning of the season, so it may take a few weeks or even months for the squad to settle in playing with one another.

Whelan is right to sound a warning that extensive summer spending does not automatically ensure a comfortable top-flight campaign, with Aston Villa scraping survival on the final day in 2020 despite spending more than £140m in the summer and winter transfer windows.