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Arsenal made a positive start to the season as they beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St. James’ Park last weekend.

However, there is still one thing that is hanging over the Gunners squad: the lack of a clearly designated captain.

Since Laurent Koscielny left to join Bordeaux, the Emirates outfit have been without a clear leader. Whilst Unai Emery likes to have a group of players who head the squad, the former France international was the first choice and now needs to be replaced.

Could Gabriel Martinelli become Arsenal’s star striker in the not too distant future? Deluded Gooner thinks so in the video below…

Several names have been mentioned, such as Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil and Nacho Monreal but, as of yet, no choice has been confirmed. And now, it has been revealed that Xhaka will write as “a voice from the dressing room” in the programme for tomorrow’s game against Burnley.

Gunners supporters appear to be getting frustrated by the lack of a decision and have taken to Twitter to share their opinions. You can see some of the best comments below.

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As the Tanguy Ndombele excitement builds amongst Tottenham fans, it might not all be plain sailing. The most recent article on his impending move came from The Sun and the story also claimed his arrival may see Eric Dier leave North London this summer.

This is one that could potentially split the fan base. From a nostalgic point of view, Eric Dier has been at the club throughout the entire Mauricio Pochettino era, with the versatile defensive midfielder being the man to score the first competitive goal after his arrival, a late winner away at West Ham.

However, when you look at the England man’s talents it’s hard to see a way in which he fits the mould of a Tottenham star in the current regime.

When you compare that trio, Dier, Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko, the England man comes out comprehensively 3rd. Using WhoScored’s player comparison tool, Dier ranks last of that trio in assists, pass completion per 90 minutes, times dribbled past per 90 minutes and key passes per game. Added to that is the fact he’s picked up more bookings than the other two and also averages fewer key passes.

Getting away from pure statistics, Dier doesn’t exactly have pundits on his side either. The England and Tottenham man came under fire when Ray Parlour took aim at him back in September. The Arsenal legend questioned what Dier brings to the table when he plays in midfield, via TalkSport, and it’s hard to argue with him when looking at last season’s contribution.

The midfielder is on wages of around £60,000 p/w, Spotrac, and the club could have avoided having to offload him this summer had they been savvier and shipped him off in 2017 when Manchester United took an interest in the £36m rated star, valuation via Transfermarkt. Instead, the Lilywhites slapped a £50m price tag on his head which United ultimately failed to match, according to The Guardian.

Having made only 20 league appearances last season (though injuries did play their part) and Pochettino previously speaking of a ‘painful’ rebuild, perhaps it’s the right time to bid farewell to one of their key men during the early part of his project in north London.

Tottenham fans, would you be happy to see Dier leave? Let us know, comment below!

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs chasing Jordan Hugill this summer.

The Whites are in need of a striker after their inability to put away chances cost them a place in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Yorkshire club had the worst conversion rate of any team in the Championship.

Marcelo Bielsa’s system hasn’t steered Leeds too far wrong, and it would be surprising to see him veer away from the 4-1-4-1 formation he has favoured since his arrival at the club.

The above infographic takes stats from one of Hugill’s performances last year that perfectly encapsulates what he would bring to Elland Road, but also why he wouldn’t fit into Bielsa’s system or solve the Whites’ problems up top.

The first thing to note is that Hugill was playing up top on his own on this day, and his pass success rate was just 37.5 per cent. The striker is strong and can hold up the ball, but when he is up top on his own the majority of his passes don’t find the mark.

Even the passes he did make weren’t all that effective as he failed to a make a single key pass at Pride Park in January.

He did win an impressive 10 aerial duels however, but Bielsa’s side aren’t reliant on winning headers up top as they contested only 44.9 aerial duels per game last season, which is one of the lowest tallies in the Championship.

He also took three shots in that match and managed only one on target indicating that he wouldn’t be a huge help when it comes to Leeds’ conversion rate problems.

Hugill isn’t best equipped playing as a lone striker, and it is hard to believe that Bielsa will change his entire system to accommodate a forward who scored just six times last term.

While it may not be an overly popular idea when first raised, hear us out. Newcastle United might be better off potentially replacing the popular (yet 29-year-old) Salomon Rondon with a young forward ready to take the club into a new era. Now, whether or not that involves Rafa Benitez and a takeover remains to be seen, but perhaps it does feel like a new beginning for the club, as the futures of both the Spaniard and the on-loan striker in question obviously remain uncertain. 

Indeed, surely they need someone with their best years ahead of them, with the capability of helping the club make big strides forward.

As a result, the Magpies are apparently tracking one of the most menacing young goalscorers in the country. According to reports (via Football League World) Che Adams is someone they’re following closely. So, rather than just sitting coy tracking him, it’s time Newcastle act up to seal his deal.

Obviously, the 22-year-old’s has earned a huge amount of attention from all around (the Mirror linked him with Arsenal and Manchester United in February, after all) thanks to his fantastic work at Birmingham City last season. Impressively, he netted 22 goals in the Championship, proving his worth in front of goal, despite struggles behind the scenes.

Yes, there’s an obvious step-up in quality between that and the Premier League but there’s a goalscoring talent there for all to see. When you consider the fact that Newcastle only scored 42 goals as a whole last season, you start to get a feel as to exactly why a finisher of this ilk would fit in.

Frankly, a skilfull, hard-working individual with natural goal-scoring talent is exactly what, we believe, Newcastle need.

As for Rondon, no one is doubting his impact on Tyneside. However, considering some of the reservations Mike Ashley is previously reported by the Daily Star to have considering his age and wages, as well as links (Wolves were mentioned by the Express and Star a few days ago) with other clubs, perhaps battling to keep him next season is more hassle than its worth.

There’s also got to be a contingency plan in place here. Clearly, Rondon suits the current system but if there’s a new boss, maybe they’d go cold on him. Surely the idea of an up and coming striker such as Adams is more universally exciting, rather than a striker who fits one certain system best.

Clearly, Adams is a really exciting forward, who has so long yet to develop. The 22-year-old’s impressive movement coupled with clever link-up play makes him a player every attacker would want to play alongside and the Telegraph’s links to the likes of Crystal Palace, Southampton and Burnley in April speak to the calibre of club thought to be looking at him.

While he’s got a long way to go before he can consider himself in the same bracket as some of the famous No.9s who have thrilled on Tyneside, he’s worth a shot.

Newcastle fans, do you think Adams can be an adequate long-term replacement to Rondon? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Without a doubt, Jean Michael Seri did not have the strongest of seasons following his £27m move from Nice to Fulham last summer.

After a particularly bright 2016/17 Ligue 1 campaign and previous interest from Barcelona, much was expected of the 27-year-old. However, in the end, he proved to be a huge disappointment, though that has not stopped his name from being linked with a host of clubs this transfer window.

And that includes Crystal Palace, with Football.London one outlet to report that the Premier League outfit are interested in signing the Ivorian midfielder.

Roy Hodgson, though, faces fighting a losing battle, with Napoli and both Milan clubs also said to be keen (Calcionapoli24.com via Football Italia).

Not only can the likes of Napoli and Inter Milan offer Seri the chance to play in the Champions League, but they also look like much better fits for the former Nice man than Crystal Palace.

One of Seri’s biggest strengths is his passing, something Football.London highlighted earlier in the season when things were going right for both him and Fulham. At either Napoli or Inter, the Ivory Coast international would surely be in a better environment to utilise that compared to Crystal Palace.

Inter and Napoli were the two highest ranked teams for possession in Serie A, averaging 56.9% and 56.8% over the course of the campaign. The Eagles, in contrast, ranked 15th in the Premier League with a significantly less 46.6% (as per WhoScored). They, of course, have lesser players than the two Italian giants.

Still, based on that and the lure of Champions League football, it is hard to imagine Seri opting for an England stay over a move to Italy if reports are true.

Crystal Palace fans, do you think the club can get this deal over the line? Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan has gone on record to say that Leeds United should be hesitant to use Gaetano Berardi again.

Berardi’s last appearance for the Whites was a shocker. The defender was sent off against Derby in the playoff semi-final second leg, and that game has seen the 30-year-old receive a lot of backlash.

The BBC Radio Leeds pundit doesn’t believe he should be given a second chance though, and he has urged his former club to rethink their stance on the Switzerland international.

What’s been said then?

Whelan didn’t hold back in his criticisms of the versatile defender.

“It was a stupid challenge from Berardi when he was on a yellow,” the ex-Leeds striker told Football Insider. “You can’t afford to have players like that.

“He looked like he was playing for rag-a****d Rovers. He has got previous when it comes to rash tackles and daft mistakes. Just when Leeds needed their experienced players to keep a nice steady head and regroup, that happens.”

Can’t be trusted

Whelan is right about Berardi, and despite him being a good player he costs Leeds with these silly errors far too often.

The former Sampdoria man can play anywhere across the back four at a competent level, and his numbers when he plays as a centre-back tell a huge story.

Before the Derby game, he had an impeccable record when stepping in as a centre-half this season, but this most recent incident of indiscipline could be the final straw as it once again highlights the main problem in his game.

This is becoming far too often of an occurrence for the Whites. The Swiss man has now been sent off more times than anyone else in the club’s history except for Alan Smith.

Perhaps there is still a place for him at the club, but he certainly shouldn’t play in such high stakes matches in the future. Leeds’ interest in Yoann Barbet may mean he drops down the pecking order next season, and he will most likely only be called upon in the most desperate of times.

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According to The Sunday Mirror (28/04, page 68), Aston Villa are monitoring Cameroon striker Stephan Bahoken who is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Angers. By signing him, the Villans can repeat a certain previous success.

What’s the word?

Stephan Bahoken has been in excellent form for Angers this term after making the move from Strasbourg last season. In 28 appearances, the forward has netted ten goals, with four of those coming in his last ten outings.

He’s scored some important strikes too, with goals coming against the likes of Rennes, Nice, Marseille and Monaco. Bahoken, therefore, clearly relishes the bigger games.

However, according to The Sunday Mirror’s report, the Villans will face competition for the striker’s signature. Also keeping a close eye on the player are recently promoted Sheffield United, as well as Derby and Swansea.

It’s not known what sort of fee the French club would command for his services but Transfermarkt rates him at as little as €5m (£4.32m).

Kodjia trick replicated?

The addition of Bahoken would be shrewd, especially with Tammy Abraham’s loan deal at the club expiring at the end of the season.

Current Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia also played for Angers, and as a result, Villa can hope for similar success if a deal for the Cameroon international goes through.

Kodjia scored 15 goals for the French side before arriving in England with Bristol City. He had no trouble adjusting to English football and given Bahoken’s style of play and the goals he’s scored, it suggests he could also adapt to life in Britain. A short loan spell with St Mirren should also have helped in that regard.

Angers have deployed a similar formation as Villa this season which means he’d be suited to their style of play too. In France, he’s been playing as a lone forward, thriving off space he finds in behind.

Given that Kodjia has struggled at times this term, he could be a timely replacement. Both players like to dribble with the ball and because of that, it’s difficult to see the pair playing as a two-man attack.

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Youri Tielemans has been some signing for Leicester City.

The 21-year-old joined the Foxes on loan from Monaco during the January transfer window.

And the 5 ft 9 ace’s numbers at the King Power Stadium have been very impressive indeed.

In 10 Premier League appearances for Leicester, Tielemans has scored twice and provided five assists – the latest of which came against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Indeed, the midfielder set up Harvey Barnes in stoppage time as Brendan Rodgers’ side came from behind to draw 2-2 in the English capital.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

Brendan Rodgers would like to sign Tielemans on a permanent deal this summer, but Tottenham Hotspur are also being linked with the Belgium international.

Many of the Foxes supporters took to social media in the aftermath of the West Ham match – some just to praise the midfielder, but others have called on their club to sort out a permanent deal ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Comebacks are rarely successful in football, but for Jay Simpson and Leyton Orient, all parties will be hoping for success.

After being released by MLS side the Philadelphia Union at the end of last year, Simpson returned to the club where he enjoyed his most success at, Leyton Orient, and the striker is already proving to be a helpful option for the O’s in their quest for promotion back to the Football League.

Simpson has already scored once since re-joining the club in February, a 47th minute strike away to Barrow AFC in a 3-2 win, and heading into the business end of the season with Justin Edinburgh’s side still top of the National League table, the former Arsenal academy product is a quality option to have in any non-league team.

A player O’s fans know well, Simpson’s past term with Orient was one supporters both loved and scratched their heads over.

A player who scored 25 goals in one season and was named in the League Two Team of the Season as the east London side just missed out on a promotion play-off spot, injuries and rumours of a move to League One teams resulted in the striker only have one real productive season for Orient.

Following his most productive season in professional football, Simpson was only able to make 14 appearances the following campaign as back and thigh problems kept the striker out of most of the football, and with the club heading in a downward spiral, the forward made the move to MLS where injuries and lack of game time plagued his time in Philadelphia.

Nevertheless, Simpson is still a player Orient fans respect and hope does well with his return to the club. His performances so far have been good, and if he stays with the team if they are promoted back to the Football League, Edinburgh will have a quality striker for the division as well as free-scoring Macauley Bonne.

Orient fans, can Simpson re-find his form if the club are promoted? Let us know!

Arsenal are on course to qualify for the Champions League again if they manage to see the season out on a positive note and keep their current place in the top four. That’s good news, right? All is well. 

The idea of playing in the Champions League again will attract a lot of interest from some of the best players in the world who might consider the Gunners as their next destination. Arsenal should, therefore, set their sights on big-name players and not try to claim any free players from lower leagues only because it would save them a lot of money.

That kind of thinking is exactly what got the Gunners into this mess in the first place.

As is the case with the club’s interest in signing Charlton’s Joe Aribo as their first possible recruit of the summer when his current contract at the Addicks expires.

The Mirror reports Arsenal will have to contribute a small compensation fee but the 22-year-old is keen to make the move to North London to join one of the biggest clubs in Europe. But, given that the Addicks are fifth on the League 1 table, wanting to sign someone like Aribo doesn’t say that much of the ambition Arsenal have to be a European powerhouse again.

Should the Gunners get the extra cash from competing in the Champions League next season and the new Adidas deal also set to offer a lot of financial help to the club’s transfer budget, Arsenal can surely aim higher than someone like Aribo.

The midfielder has scored six goals in 22 games for Charlton this campaign, which is by no mean any worthy record to attract interest from the third most successful club in English football.

Despite Aribo saving them a lot of money, Arsenal should rather spend their budget wisely in the summer and target players with worthy midfield reputations, who can properly fill the void that Aaron Ramsey will leave.

By making a big signing, Arsenal will also make a big statement to their Premier League opponents that they are back to compete for the league title again.

Arsenal fans, would you agree that the club needs to start aiming higher? Join the discussion by commenting below…