Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Mbappe spotted in Madrid, Arsenal keen on Sterling transfer – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 22:03

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

Premier League

Arteta says Arsenal ‘absolutely adore’ Nketiah after Leeds double

08/05/2022 AT 16:12

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Mbappe spotted in Madrid, Arsenal keen on Sterling transfer – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 22:03

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

Premier League

Arteta says Arsenal ‘absolutely adore’ Nketiah after Leeds double

08/05/2022 AT 16:12

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

Arteta says Arsenal 'absolutely adore' Nketiah after Leeds double

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal “absolutely adore” Eddie Nketiah after the forward, whose contract expires in the summer, scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Leeds.

Nketiah, 22, has started the last five games for the Gunners after previously struggling for minutes under Arteta.

He has seized his opportunity with two goals against Chelsea, impressive showings in wins over Manchester United and West Ham, and a starring role against Leeds.

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

His future, though, is still unclear as he has resisted several attempts by Arsenal to extend his stay, seemingly due to concerns over regular first-team action.

“He is doing what he has done all season,” Arsenal manager Arteta told Sky Sports after the win over Leeds.

“When he’s on the bench, when he’s sitting at home or when he’s on the pitch, this boy doesn’t change, that’s what we absolutely adore him, and he deserves what is happening to him.

“He has the right environment. The right personnel around him and now he is going to get judged for what he does when he is on the pitch and before he didn’t have that context.”

Asked about his recent form, Nketiah said: “Any player wants to be playing and have opportunities, and I’ve worked hard throughout the season to make sure I was ready when I get my chance.

“Credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I am just happy to be in the team and helping the team. It was a big three points, we have been working hard, it’s amazing to get the three points and it moves us closer to our objective.”

Arsenal have now won their last four matches in a row and will secure a top-four finish with victory over north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday.

“We know how big that game is going to be and how decisive that game is going to be,” said Arteta. “We plan the game as always and go there to win.”

Arsenal looked set for a comfortable afternoon after Nketiah’s early double was followed by a red card for Leeds defender Luke Ayling.

However, Leeds hit back as they scored with their first shot on target to ensure a nervy finish at the Emirates.

“We started really well, with the right determination, attitude, quality, we were at them and didn’t allow them to breathe,” said Arteta.

“We generated chance after chance, after the sending off we should have scored the third goal, when you don’t do that they scored with their first shot and then it’s nervy.

“At the end we suffered more than we needed.”

Premier League

‘He had a significant injury’ – Arteta fears Partey will not play again for Arsenal this season

29/04/2022 AT 20:09

Transfers

Saliba unclear of Arsenal future ahead of summer talks – Paper Round

27/04/2022 AT 21:58

Arteta says Arsenal 'absolutely adore' Nketiah after Leeds double

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal “absolutely adore” Eddie Nketiah after the forward, whose contract expires in the summer, scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Leeds.

Nketiah, 22, has started the last five games for the Gunners after previously struggling for minutes under Arteta.

He has seized his opportunity with two goals against Chelsea, impressive showings in wins over Manchester United and West Ham, and a starring role against Leeds.

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

His future, though, is still unclear as he has resisted several attempts by Arsenal to extend his stay, seemingly due to concerns over regular first-team action.

“He is doing what he has done all season,” Arsenal manager Arteta told Sky Sports after the win over Leeds.

“When he’s on the bench, when he’s sitting at home or when he’s on the pitch, this boy doesn’t change, that’s what we absolutely adore him, and he deserves what is happening to him.

“He has the right environment. The right personnel around him and now he is going to get judged for what he does when he is on the pitch and before he didn’t have that context.”

Asked about his recent form, Nketiah said: “Any player wants to be playing and have opportunities, and I’ve worked hard throughout the season to make sure I was ready when I get my chance.

“Credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I am just happy to be in the team and helping the team. It was a big three points, we have been working hard, it’s amazing to get the three points and it moves us closer to our objective.”

Arsenal have now won their last four matches in a row and will secure a top-four finish with victory over north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday.

“We know how big that game is going to be and how decisive that game is going to be,” said Arteta. “We plan the game as always and go there to win.”

Arsenal looked set for a comfortable afternoon after Nketiah’s early double was followed by a red card for Leeds defender Luke Ayling.

However, Leeds hit back as they scored with their first shot on target to ensure a nervy finish at the Emirates.

“We started really well, with the right determination, attitude, quality, we were at them and didn’t allow them to breathe,” said Arteta.

“We generated chance after chance, after the sending off we should have scored the third goal, when you don’t do that they scored with their first shot and then it’s nervy.

“At the end we suffered more than we needed.”

Premier League

‘He had a significant injury’ – Arteta fears Partey will not play again for Arsenal this season

29/04/2022 AT 20:09

Transfers

Saliba unclear of Arsenal future ahead of summer talks – Paper Round

27/04/2022 AT 21:58

Everton end away drought to boost survival hopes, West Ham thump Norwich

Everton gave their survival hopes a huge lift with a 2-1 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium – their first away win since August.

Vitaliy Mykolenko opened the scoring after six minutes for Frank Lampard’s side.

Patson Daka levelled shortly afterwards but Mason Holgate restored Everton’s lead on the half-hour mark after Kasper Schmeichel parried a header from Richarlison.

Barclays FA WSL

Chelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day

2 HOURS AGO

Jordan Pickford twice saved from Harvey Barnes in the second half and also denied Nampalys Mendy as Everton held out for victory.

West Ham bounced back from their Europa League semi-final exit against Frankfurt with a thumping 4-0 win over relegated Norwich.

The Hammers raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time as Said Benrahma scored either side of a strike from Michail Antonio.

There were boos from the home fans at the break and things only got worse as Manuel Lanzini scored a fourth from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.

West Ham remain seventh, three points behind Manchester United in the final Europa League spot with a game in hand and a 10-plus superior goal difference.

Premier League

Nketiah strikes twice to fire Arsenal closer to CL qualification

3 HOURS AGO

Premier League

Watford down after Palace loss, Burnley slump to Villa defeat

A DAY AGO

Everton end away drought to boost survival hopes, West Ham thump Norwich

Everton gave their survival hopes a huge lift with a 2-1 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium – their first away win since August.

Vitaliy Mykolenko opened the scoring after six minutes for Frank Lampard’s side.

Patson Daka levelled shortly afterwards but Mason Holgate restored Everton’s lead on the half-hour mark after Kasper Schmeichel parried a header from Richarlison.

Barclays FA WSL

Chelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day

A DAY AGO

Jordan Pickford twice saved from Harvey Barnes in the second half and also denied Nampalys Mendy as Everton held out for victory.

The result moves Everton into 16th, one point above Burnley and Leeds, who slipped into the final relegation place after their 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Everton also have a game in hand on both sides.
Leicester, who were beaten by Roma in the Europa Conference League semi-finals on Thursday, are 14th, eight points clear of the relegation zone. They only have one win in the league since March 20.

West Ham bounced back from their Europa League semi-final exit against Frankfurt with a thumping 4-0 win over relegated Norwich.

The Hammers raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time as Said Benrahma scored either side of a strike from Michail Antonio.

There were boos from the home fans at the break and things only got worse as Manuel Lanzini scored a fourth from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.

West Ham remain seventh, three points behind Manchester United in the final Europa League spot with a game in hand and a 10-plus superior goal difference.

Premier League

Nketiah strikes twice to fire Arsenal closer to CL qualification

A DAY AGO

Premier League

Watford down after Palace loss, Burnley slump to Villa defeat

YESTERDAY AT 16:38

Chelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day

Chelsea sealed their sixth Women’s Super League title on an enthralling final day – but it wasn’t without a fright.

Emma Hayes’ side trailed 2-1 at half-time and looked like giving up their season-long dominance of the division at the last. But three second-half goals saw them land their third title in a row at the expense of Arsenal, whose finished one point adrift of the Blues despite their 2-0 win at West Ham.

Chelsea had begun the day knowing that if they won their match against Manchester United, there would be nothing Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could do to stop them taking the title.

Premier League

Everton end away drought to boost survival hopes, West Ham thump Norwich

31 MINUTES AGO

But they got off to the worst possible start at Kingsmeadow as United took the lead on 13 minutes through Martha Thomas, who headed in from Katie Zelem’s free kick.

However that state of affairs didn’t last long as the Blues equalised five minutes later through Erin Cuthbert, who volleyed home into the corner.

The twists and turns kept coming though as Chelsea went behind again, United’s Ella Toone converting Leah Galton’s cross on 25 minutes.

With Arsenal drawing 0-0 with West Ham at this point, the Gunners were in pole position for the title.

But in the second half, Chelsea turned on the afterburners to roar out of the blocks, scoring twice in five minutes.

First Sam Kerr swung the title pendulum back her team’s way, hitting the ball high and beyond Mary Earps to equalise just moments after the resumption.

The home support were now in fine voice, and a third arrived shortly afterwards as Chelsea went ahead for the first time through Guro Reiten, who was on hand to tap in Beth England’s pass.

It had taken 51 minutes, but finally the Blues were in control of their own destiny.

However, nerves were still fraying as Arsenal – having struggled to break down an obdurate Hammers defence – finally did so, Vivianne Miedema playing through Stina Blackstenius who finished coolly to give her side the lead.

One goal from United would therefore have changed everything, especially as Arsenal then solidified their position by adding a second through Steph Catley.

However just seconds later, it looked to be all over as Chelsea strode into a 4-2 lead thanks to Kerr’s sensational second, a long-range finish over a stranded Earps.

There was to be no further change to the scoreline in either game and in the end Chelsea could afford to relax ahead of the full-time whistle, which was greeted by fervent celebrations among their fans.

In the day’s other games, Manchester City secured third place in the final standings and a place in next season’s Champions League by beating Reading 4-0.

Already-relegated Birmingham beat Aston Villa 1-0, while Tottenham beat Leicester 1-0 and Brighton and Everton played out a 1-1 draw.

Premier League

Nketiah strikes twice to fire Arsenal closer to CL qualification

3 HOURS AGO

Premier League

Coady nets late goal to secure draw for Wolves at Chelsea in front of Todd Boehly

YESTERDAY AT 13:28

Chelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day

Chelsea sealed their sixth Women’s Super League title on an enthralling final day – but it wasn’t without a fright.

Emma Hayes’ side trailed 2-1 at half-time and looked like giving up their season-long dominance of the division at the last. But three second-half goals saw them land their third title in a row at the expense of Arsenal, whose finished one point adrift of the Blues despite their 2-0 win at West Ham.

Chelsea had begun the day knowing that if they won their match against Manchester United, there would be nothing Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could do to stop them taking the title.

Premier League

Everton end away drought to boost survival hopes, West Ham thump Norwich

21 HOURS AGO

But they got off to the worst possible start at Kingsmeadow as United took the lead on 13 minutes through Martha Thomas, who headed in from Katie Zelem’s free kick.

However that state of affairs didn’t last long as the Blues equalised five minutes later through Erin Cuthbert, who volleyed home into the corner.

The twists and turns kept coming though as Chelsea went behind again, United’s Ella Toone converting Leah Galton’s cross on 25 minutes.

With Arsenal drawing 0-0 with West Ham at this point, the Gunners were in pole position for the title.

But in the second half, Chelsea turned on the afterburners to roar out of the blocks, scoring twice in five minutes.

First Sam Kerr swung the title pendulum back her team’s way, hitting the ball high and beyond Mary Earps to equalise just moments after the resumption.

The home support were now in fine voice, and a third arrived shortly afterwards as Chelsea went ahead for the first time through Guro Reiten, who was on hand to tap in Beth England’s pass.

It had taken 51 minutes, but finally the Blues were in control of their own destiny.

However, nerves were still fraying as Arsenal – having struggled to break down an obdurate Hammers defence – finally did so, Vivianne Miedema playing through Stina Blackstenius who finished coolly to give her side the lead.

One goal from United would therefore have changed everything, especially as Arsenal then solidified their position by adding a second through Steph Catley.

However just seconds later, it looked to be all over as Chelsea strode into a 4-2 lead thanks to Kerr’s sensational second, a long-range finish over a stranded Earps.

There was to be no further change to the scoreline in either game and in the end Chelsea could afford to relax ahead of the full-time whistle, which was greeted by fervent celebrations among their fans.

In the day’s other games, Manchester City secured third place in the final standings and a place in next season’s Champions League by beating Reading 4-0.

Already-relegated Birmingham beat Aston Villa 1-0, while Tottenham beat Leicester 1-0 and Brighton and Everton played out a 1-1 draw.

Premier League

Nketiah strikes twice to fire Arsenal closer to CL qualification

A DAY AGO

Premier League

Coady nets late goal to secure draw for Wolves at Chelsea in front of Todd Boehly

YESTERDAY AT 13:28

Chelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day

Chelsea sealed their sixth Women’s Super League title on an enthralling final day – but it wasn’t without a fright.

Emma Hayes’ side trailed 2-1 at half-time and looked like giving up their season-long dominance of the division at the last. But three second-half goals saw them land their third title in a row at the expense of Arsenal, whose finished one point adrift of the Blues despite their 2-0 win at West Ham.

Chelsea had begun the day knowing that if they won their match against Manchester United, there would be nothing Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could do to stop them taking the title.

Premier League

Coady nets late goal to secure draw for Wolves at Chelsea in front of Todd Boehly

YESTERDAY AT 13:28

But they got off to the worst possible start at Kingsmeadow as United took the lead on 13 minutes through Martha Thomas, who headed in from Katie Zelem’s free kick.

However that state of affairs didn’t last long as the Blues equalised five minutes later through Erin Cuthbert, who volleyed home into the corner.

The twists and turns kept coming though as Chelsea went behind again, United’s Ella Toone converting Leah Galton’s cross on 25 minutes.

With Arsenal drawing 0-0 with West Ham at this point, the Gunners were in pole position for the title.

But in the second half, Chelsea turned on the afterburners to roar out of the blocks, scoring twice in five minutes.

First Sam Kerr swung the title pendulum back her team’s way, hitting the ball high and beyond Mary Earps to equalise just moments after the resumption.

The home support were now in fine voice, and a third arrived shortly afterwards as Chelsea went ahead for the first time through Guro Reiten, who was on hand to tap in Beth England’s pass.

It had taken 51 minutes, but finally the Blues were in control of their own destiny.

However, nerves were still fraying as Arsenal – having struggled to break down an obdurate Hammers defence – finally did so, Vivianne Miedema playing through Stina Blackstenius who finished coolly to give her side the lead.

One goal from United would therefore have changed everything, especially as Arsenal then solidified their position by adding a second through Steph Catley.

However just seconds later, it looked to be all over as Chelsea strode into a 4-2 lead thanks to Kerr’s sensational second, a long-range finish over a stranded Earps.

There was to be no further change to the scoreline in either game and in the end Chelsea could afford to relax ahead of the full-time whistle, which was greeted by fervent celebrations among their fans.

In the day’s other games, Manchester City secured third place in the final standings and a place in next season’s Champions League by beating Reading 4-0.

Already-relegated Birmingham beat Aston Villa 1-0, while Tottenham beat Leicester 1-0 and Brighton and Everton played out a 1-1 draw.

Premier League

Chelsea agree sale with LA Dodgers’ Boehly

YESTERDAY AT 07:30

Transfers

Manchester City plot Pogba swoop – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 21:36

Chelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day

Chelsea sealed their sixth Women’s Super League title on an enthralling final day – but it wasn’t without a fright.

Emma Hayes’ side trailed 2-1 at half-time and looked like giving up their season-long dominance of the division at the last. But three second-half goals saw them land their third title in a row at the expense of Arsenal, whose finished one point adrift of the Blues despite their 2-0 win at West Ham.

Chelsea had begun the day knowing that if they won their match against Manchester United, there would be nothing Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could do to stop them taking the title.

Premier League

Coady nets late goal to secure draw for Wolves at Chelsea in front of Todd Boehly

YESTERDAY AT 13:28

But they got off to the worst possible start at Kingsmeadow as United took the lead on 13 minutes through Martha Thomas, who headed in from Katie Zelem’s free kick.

However that state of affairs didn’t last long as the Blues equalised five minutes later through Erin Cuthbert, who volleyed home into the corner.

The twists and turns kept coming though as Chelsea went behind again, United’s Ella Toone converting Leah Galton’s cross on 25 minutes.

With Arsenal drawing 0-0 with West Ham at this point, the Gunners were in pole position for the title.

But in the second half, Chelsea turned on the afterburners to roar out of the blocks, scoring twice in five minutes.

First Sam Kerr swung the title pendulum back her team’s way, hitting the ball high and beyond Mary Earps to equalise just moments after the resumption.

The home support were now in fine voice, and a third arrived shortly afterwards as Chelsea went ahead for the first time through Guro Reiten, who was on hand to tap in Beth England’s pass.

It had taken 51 minutes, but finally the Blues were in control of their own destiny.

However, nerves were still fraying as Arsenal – having struggled to break down an obdurate Hammers defence – finally did so, Vivianne Miedema playing through Stina Blackstenius who finished coolly to give her side the lead.

One goal from United would therefore have changed everything, especially as Arsenal then solidified their position by adding a second through Steph Catley.

However just seconds later, it looked to be all over as Chelsea strode into a 4-2 lead thanks to Kerr’s sensational second, a long-range finish over a stranded Earps.

There was to be no further change to the scoreline in either game and in the end Chelsea could afford to relax ahead of the full-time whistle, which was greeted by fervent celebrations among their fans.

In the day’s other games, Manchester City secured third place in the final standings and a place in next season’s Champions League by beating Reading 4-0.

Already-relegated Birmingham beat Aston Villa 1-0, while Tottenham beat Leicester 1-0 and Brighton and Everton played out a 1-1 draw.

Premier League

Chelsea agree sale with LA Dodgers’ Boehly

YESTERDAY AT 07:30

Transfers

Manchester City plot Pogba swoop – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 21:36