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Arsenal will be looking at signing FC Barcelona star Raphinha this month, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Gunners came close to securing the Brazilian’s signature during the summer transfer window before he opted for a dream move to the Nou Camp but things haven’t worked out since, with the former Leeds United phenom struggling for regular minutes.

As a result, the 26-year-old winger – who cost £55m – has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium once again – according to 90min, Arsenal have made contact with the LaLiga giants to explore the possibility of a deal.

Speaking about the links, O’Rourke told Football FanCast:

“I’m sure they’re looking into it and due to Barcelona’s ongoing financial situation, it’s a deal that maybe Arsenal see as feasible.

“Obviously, a lot depends on the player and there are reports that suggest he is happy to stay at Barcelona until the end of the season.”

After missing out on a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk only last week, with top-flight rivals Chelsea snatching him at the last minute by paying an eye-watering £61.6m, Raphinha could be a viable alternative.

His time in the Premier League was rather shortlived but across 65 appearances, he managed to provide 17 goals and 12 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite not playing regularly under Xavi Hernandez, the “frightening” Brazil international – in the words of WhoScored’s Martin Laurence – still has that prolific and creative touch in the final third, having averaged a goal contribution every 138 minutes in a Blaugrana shirt this season.

What makes him a great fit for manager Mikel Arteta and his league-leading system in north London is his comparable nature to both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners’ two wide starters.

FBref liken Raphinha to the Arsenal pair in terms of statistical profile, adding a defensive work rate to his clear magic touch in attack. When compared to fellow attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Barca whiz ranks inside the top 2% for blocks, as well as the top 18% for clearances and interceptions per 90, over the last year.

It remains to be seen how much Raphinha – who was once hailed as a “magician” by ex-Whites teammate Daniel James – would cost in terms of either a transfer or loan but in the Gunners’ desperate search for frontline reinforcements, they could do little wrong in luring him to the Emirates Stadium this month.

AND in other news, KSE must avoid Mudryk repeat with £80m “monster” who’d take Arsenal to “another level”…

Everton’s season has been nothing short of disastrous, with the Toffees once again poised to struggle at the foot of the table.

Despite this, and their current position of joint-bottom, the hierarchy are yet to put their hands in their pockets to try and pay their way out of this mess. It is clearly a squad lacking the quality to stay up, and yet with nearly a third of a window done, there has been little indication of any concrete rumours.

As the division’s second-lowest scorers, up front is the role that certainly needs filling.

Despite that, one of Frank Lampard’s reported targets Danny Ings seems set to now move to relegation rival West Ham United, further adding insult to injury.

They need someone through the door immediately, if at the very least to offer Dominic Calvert-Lewin some much-needed competition for his striker spot.

An alternative that they now seem to be scrambling for is Lyon forward Moussa Dembele, who saw rumours emerge about his future in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The Frenchman has just six months left on his £69k-per-week deal, and as such has caught the eye as a potential cut-price option for the financially restricted Blues.

It must be said that, should they complete this deal, it would represent an immense coup for a club currently in disarray despite his poor form this season.

With just two goals to his name this season, it may seem like the 26-year-old is hardly the answer to their long-standing issues in front of goal.

However, he has proven on numerous occasions throughout his career that he can be a clinical asset when called upon, as last season he bagged 21 times in Ligue 1 whilst delivering four assists.

This marks an improvement Calvert-Lewin’s best goal tally in the Premier League of 16, which he would hope to recapture should his fitness prevail once more.

Because of this impressive scoring run, Dembele actually ranks in the top 5% for non-penalty goals when compared to other strikers in Europe’s top five leagues.

What stands as a further testament to his ability is the wide array of talent he is likened to on FBref’s ‘similar players’ model. The list boasts Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Victor Osimhen and Olivier Giroud.

With quality to rival many of these, the former Celtic man certainly would provide a fine alternative to the English striker currently starting at Goodison Park. 

Brendan Rodgers once lauded all the qualities that would surely make him a success in England, as he claimed: “Moussa was everything with his power and pace.” The now-Leicester City boss continued: “His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate.”

He would push Calvert-Lewin to his limits, likely usurping him if his quality shines through, but hopefully inspiring a fire in the English forward’s belly to rediscover himself.

That said, the deal would spur at least one of them to get the goals that will secure safety.

There is no understating the perilous situation West Ham United are currently engulfed in; frankly, something needs to change before the unthinkable prospect of relegation from the Premier League becomes reality.

What’s the talk?

West Ham boss David Moyes is under considerable pressure, with the club languishing near the pit of the division in 17th place and on a detrimental five-match losing skid.

According to PUNCH Sports Extra, the Hammers are set to turn the page back to their previous interest in Nigerian defender Ola Aina, who has been starring in Italy with Torino since departing from Chelsea on a permanent deal in 2019.

The prospective move follows action from the summer, when Sky Sports reporter Jasper Taylor stated at 15:41 on deadline day that GSB had a late bid rejected for the marauder.

“Unreal”

Aina follows the long line of promising talents to rise through the ranks at Chelsea’s Cobham academy, but fail to earn a place in the senior team, spending two seasons out on loan before signing for Torino after a season still on Chelsea’s books.

While it’s true that Aina enjoyed an unsuccessful loan spell with Fulham during the 2020/21 campaign – playing regularly but failing to save the London outfit from relegation – there is a greater depth of quality in this West Ham team.

The exploits of Moyes’ tenure tell the story: Europa League and Europa Conference league qualification across his two full seasons with the Irons, with the Europa League campaign falling at the penultimate hurdle against eventual champions Eintracht Frankfurt, and the Conference League ongoing – with the east London outfit assuredly topping their group phase.

On just £31k-per-week, Aina could inject fresh life and vitality into the ranks, bombing up and down the right flank and looking to initiate forward manoeuvres with greater consistency than those already in the side.

Having made 103 appearances for Torino since his debut, the 26-year-old has become a mainstay in his team, situated in the right-back position for a competitive outfit in the Italian Serie A.

As per FBref, the 29-cap star ranks within the top 7% of full-backs in Europe’s top leagues for dribbles completed at 1.42 per 90 minutes, a higher tally than even that of Jarrod Bowen (0.77) in the last year.

He also sits in the top 16% for rate of goals – illustrating an approach that will always put onus on transitions into the final third, searching for goals and assists.

Lauded as “unreal” by reporter Michael Oti Adjei for an exquisite assist at the African Cup of Nations, Aina could provide the creative, forward-thinking spark from the base of the withered outfit, replacing the likes of Vladimir Coufal, who has failed to replicate his feats of past seasons this term.

Moyes is a man that needs swift action in order to remedy a flagging season, and with the hammer very dull indeed, Aina could bring a cutting edge to return the club to the place the proud fanbase demands.

Wolves could sign Man United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka after sealing a move for Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Old Gold eye move…

The Premier League relegation-battlers are apparent frontrunners to sign Wan-Bissaka as things stand as they enter pole position for his signing.

United’s outcast has had a tough time under Erik ten Hag this season, playing precious few minutes as many other clubs become linked heading into January.

The 25-year-old may need a fresh start away from Old Trafford and Old Gold boss Julen Lopetegui may be able to provide the perfect escape route.

The Latest: Wolves could sign Wan-Bissaka ‘after Cunha’…

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, reporter Dean Jones says the links to Wan-Bissaka should be ‘taken seriously’ and he could in fact come to Molineux ‘after Cunha’.

The journalist added that United chiefs are ‘open’ to doing a deal after long ‘waiting’ for an offer from Palace.

“Cunha is the first step towards the six players they want in, and I think the Wan-Bissaka talk should be taken seriously – he could be one that comes in after Cunha. United are open to it and have spent too long waiting for an offer from [Crystal] Palace to land.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

The £100,000-per-week right-back may have had a last 12 months to forget, but his quality is certainly there when playing at peak level.

Jamie Carragher once hailed him as one of the best one-v-one defenders around with former England Women’s international Lianne Sanderson calling Wan-Bissaka a ‘fantastic’ full-back.

Depending on the conditions of a potential deal, this could be on to watch heading into next month.

Liverpool have received a major post World Cup injury boost regarding one of their key players…

What’s the news?

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Luis Diaz is now in a position to resume team training at Liverpool’s base in Dubai.

The winger hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury against Arsenal in October and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he can take part in the two friendly matches the Anfield side are taking part in, playing Lyon on December 11 and AC Milan on December 16.

The hope is if he manages some minutes in those matches, a return to action against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas might be possible.

Superb news for Klopp

This news will be a major boost for the German, especially with his side struggling up until Christmas in the Premier League, winning just six games to occupy sixth spot in the league table.

Diaz has been a revelation since arriving on Merseyside following a January move from FC Porto. He settled into the team with ease, registering 11 goal contributions from 26 matches as he helped the club secure a League and FA Cup double, narrowly missing out on a famous quadruple.

The 25-year-old carried this form into the current campaign, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists in just eight league matches before suffering the injury in the defeat to Arsenal, and Klopp has missed him ever since.

Liverpool have scored just eight league goals during Diaz’s absence and are arguably missing his goalscoring threat from the left wing, with Klopp utilising Darwin Nunez as a winger on occasion in his place.

Compared to positional peers in the big five European leagues, Diaz ranks in the top 10% for dribbles completed (2.64 per match), touches in the attacking penalty area (6.57), and total shots (3.27) proving that he is one of the finest on the continent when fit and firing.

The team have badly missed his ability and heading into the second half of the season, Klopp will need him at his very best to push his side further up the table. His return is undoubtedly superb news for everyone at Anfield.

Manchester United gained some form of revenge on Aston Villa with a 4-2 victory in their EFL Cup clash on Thursday evening following their Premier League defeat to the same opposition last week.

With Sunday’s match against Fulham their last until after the World Cup, Erik ten Hag will be aiming to go into the break off the back of a win and a solid performance.

The Dutchman should switch things up slightly for tomorrow’s match, with Jadon Sancho coming back into the squad following a bout of illness and he will be determined to make up for missing out on a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

On the chalkboard

Sancho should be unleashed against the Cottagers as he will be determined to prove to Gareth Southgate that he should have been on the plane to Qatar.

The World Cup heartache will be tough to take for the winger, and his exclusion is probably justified by his lacklustre displays this season combined with the form of other players.

The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of what he is capable of, however, scoring the opener against Liverpool at the start of the season while chipping in with three goal contributions in ten league appearances so far.

Sancho ranks third in the United squad for key passes per game this term (1.4) and ranks fifth for successful dribbles (0.7) proving his worth to the team.

Football writer Drake Hills previously dubbed the winger as “dangerous” and although he has yet to demonstrate to the Old Trafford faithful that he has been worth the £73m United shelled out on him last year, there is plenty of time for him to improve.

Who knows, maybe missing out on the World Cup may be a blessing in disguise for the player and he could come back even stronger.

Only time will tell, and the first step to redemption is putting in an excellent performance against Fulham and leading the club to all three points.

Manchester United are reportedly still keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, although they face competition from a number of Premier League rivals.

The Lowdown: Constant De Jong links

The Dutchman was constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer transfer window, with his future at the La Liga club up in the air.

In the end, De Jong stayed put at Camp Nou, and he has largely performed well this season, enjoying a 92.2% pass completion rate across nine La Liga appearances.

However, a fresh rumour has emerged which suggests that the 25-year-old could still move on in the near future.

The Latest: United still keen on signing De Jong

According to ESPN, De Jong is still being tracked by United ahead of a potential January move, with Barca seemingly not desperate to keep hold of him.

Chelsea and Liverpool are also credited with strong interest, though, and the three Premier League heavyweights are ‘ready to lead the race’ for his signature.

The Blues are believed to have been given encouragement that the 25-year-old could be willing to reconsider his Camp Nou future amid a sparsity of starts and the firm possibility of Barcelona failing to get out of their Champions League group.

The Verdict: Final piece of midfield jigsaw

While De Jong not necessarily being a key player at Barca may raise some eyebrows over his quality as a footballer, he could be a wonderful signing for United.

His technical ability in tight spaces and resistance to the press would make him an ideal foil for Casemiro in the middle of the park, as well as an upgrade on Fred, with his seasonal WhoScored rating continually exceeding the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man.

To have Casemiro and De Jong sitting deeper, with Christian Eriksen or Bruno Fernandes causing havoc further forward, would have the potential to be an exceptional and well-balanced United midfield.

Whether or not the Red Devils can pip their domestic rivals to his signature remains to be seen but he ticks all the boxes in midfield, having been hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by his manager Xavi in the past.

Leeds United ‘have scouted’ Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: McKennie rumours

Leeds were linked with a move for McKennie almost 12 months ago during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure at Elland Road.

Andrea Radrizzani and 49ers Enterprises have since grown their USA association with Jesse Marsch as manager and American pair Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams arriving as two marquee summer signings.

McKennie is still being rumoured with a move to Yorkshire, though, and Jacobs has shared what he knows about the in-demand midfielder.

The Latest: Jacobs’ post

Jacobs took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to provide an update on McKennie. He stated that ‘several Premier League clubs have scouted’ the 24-year-old, including Leeds.

The journalist added that the USA international ‘could well move to England in January, but right now there is nothing advanced’.

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The Verdict: Unlikely?

McKennie has been playing Champions League football with Schalke and Juventus over the last five years, so it would come as a surprise if he’d be open to moving to Leeds in the new year.

The Whites have people who McKennie will know in Aaronson and Adams, however, Leeds look set for another battle at the bottom after failing to kick on under Marsch.

Therefore, other name-checked sides such as Arsenal and Newcastle may be more attractive proposals for the midfielder, which possibly makes a move to Leeds extremely unlikely.

Leicester City are now ‘tracking’ Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies, according to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Attracting interest

The left-back has completed multiple loan spells with the likes of Luton Town and Stoke City over the past few seasons, but has now nailed down a starting place at Bramall Lane since his return last summer.

The 23-year-old has played a significant role in helping the Blades reach the top of the Championship table as it stands, and his form appears to have attracted interest from the Premier League, with a trio of clubs, including the Foxes, name-checked.

The Latest: Leicester eyeing Norrington-Davies

Taking to Twitter, O’Rourke confirmed that Leicester, alongside Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, are all monitoring Norrington-Davies ahead of a potential future move.

“Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth are tracking Sheffield United and Wales star Rhys Norrington-Davies.”

The Verdict: Van De Beek and Norrington-Davies in January?

Brendan Rodgers’ side have recently been heavily linked with a move for Manchester United’s Donny Van De Beek, and Norrington-Davies could be the next to follow in his footsteps and make the switch to the King Power Stadium.

The Welshman, dubbed ‘aggressive’ by former Sheffield United midfielder Mark Duffy, has started all 12 of the Blades’ second-tier games this season, and averages 1.8 clearances per 90 minutes, alongside winning 3.1 of his aerial duels per outing (WhoScored).

Norrington-Davies also has the versatility to play as a centre-back and in midfield, making him an attractive option to the Northern Irish boss, so this could definitely be one to watch in the New Year.

Adding the creativity and technical spark of Van De Beek alongside a versatile and combative presence in Norrington-Davies could be the perfect investment for a mid-season jump start.

A promising injury update has emerged on Newcastle United central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this week…

What’s the latest?

Shields Gazette reporter Dominic Scurr has claimed that the Brazil international has not suffered a significant setback and could play for his country before the end of the international break.

He tweeted:

“Another international injury blow for #NUFC with Bruno Guimaraes suffering with his thigh. Fortunately, it’s not understood to be serious and he remains with a chance of featuring in Brazil’s fixture v Tunisia on Tuesday. Hopefully he’s fine for Fulham.”

The 24-year-old gem has been ruled out of his country’s clash with Ghana on Friday night but could now return from injury to earn another cap next week.

Eddie Howe should be relieved

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe should be relieved by this news as it suggests that he does not have much to worry about heading into the club’s next competitive match.

Hearing that the Brazilian suffered an injury and was set to miss a game for his country may have left the manager and the supporters fearing the worst after his recent absence.

However, it appears as though he could play on Tuesday and that would indicate that he is fit enough to play against Fulham next weekend in the Premier League.

Having him available would be a big boost to the team as he has proven himself to be a superb player at this level since arriving from Lyon in the January transfer window earlier this year.

In the top-flight last season, Guimaraes chipped in with five goals and one assist in 17 appearances as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.25 – a score only Kieran Trippier could beat in the Newcastle squad – as he showcased his ability to perform to a high level on a consistent basis.

This term, he is yet to directly contribute to a goal but is making his presence felt in his own third with some sublime defensive work for the team. The gem is averaging a whopping 4.8 tackles and interceptions per game and no other Magpies player has averaged more than 4.0 per outing.

These statistics highlight the level of impact he can have at both ends of the pitch for Newcastle and that is why having him available for selection would be a significant boost for Howe.

Therefore, the manager should be relieved that the Brazilian has not come down with a serious knock that would keep him out of several Premier League matches.