Arsenal spent a lot of money over the summer, and while the jury might still be out on Kai Havertz and David Raya, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't see Declan Rice's move as an unequivocal success so far.

The former West Ham United captain has arguably been the 'the most influential player in the Premier League this season' – according to pundit Jamie Carragher – not only acting as a sponge in the centre of the park mopping up anything that gets through the press of his attacking teammates, but he has, at times, joined in on the attacking side of the game as well.

Last-minute winners against Manchester United and Luton Town have already solidified his place as one of the Emirates' favourite adopted sons. Still, there is just that lingering feeling – somewhat spurred by these moments – that the Englishman could be even more influential in games were he playing as a number eight in place of the uninspiring Havertz.

The latter man is still yet to truly find his feet at the Emirates, with ex-Chelsea man Frank Leboeuf notably describing the German as an "enigma", while going on to state:

"In the middle of the park, because you have [Martin] Odegaard you need two strong midfielders to get the ball back. So, you don’t need him."

Mikel Arteta and Co might have the same thoughts, as the club has been linked to a number of impressive sixes that could unlock Rice's potential as an eight this month, so let's look at three of them.

1 Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa

The first name on the list, Douglas Luiz, has been touted for a move to the Emirates for well over a year now.

Arsenal's interest in the Brazilian was first reported in summer 2022 when they saw several deadline day bids rejected by Aston Villa. That interest has seemingly not faded, though, as a report from Football Insider earlier this week revealed that the Gunners were still 'pushing hard' to get a deal done.

Unfortunately for the north Londoners, though, the midfield "monster", as football writer Raj Chohan described him, is valued at around £100m, so Edu and Co will have to push the boat out to get their man.

That said, he would be worth every penny based on his performances over the last couple of seasons and his underlying numbers from this year.

Per 90

5.67

0.31

0.15

85.0%

1.29

2.84

1.24

0.72

2 Amadou Onana – Everton

The second player on the list is another that has been constantly linked with the Gunners this month, Everton's Belgian titan, Amadou Onana.

According to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this month, Arsenal are big fans of the former LOSC Lille man and have been contemplating making an offer for the player that talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a "one-man army in midfield."

He certainly looked like a one-man army when he singlehandedly played the Gunners' midfield off the park last season when the Merseysiders emerged as shock 1-0 winners from their game at Goodison – a performance Havertz could only dream of as things stand.

However, the most significant problem for the north Londoners regarding this particular deal is the price Everton are supposedly after.

According to the report from TEAMtalk, the relegation-threatened side will not entertain offers below £70m and are looking for offers closer to the £90m mark, which could put him just out of reach.

3 Martin Zubimendi – Real Sociedad

The final player on this list could be the most realistic of them all: Real Sociedad's midfield magician, Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have been reportedly chasing the young Spaniard since last summer, and according to reports from Spain (via Football365) earlier this week, he has now 'picked' the Gunners as his next destination.

His name might not be overly familiar to fans in England, but make no mistake, Zubimendi is an incredibly talented player and thought of just as highly.

For example, Kulig has made comparisons between the youngster and Real Madrid royalty Toni Kroos, and he isn't the only one to do so, as the CIES Football Observatory ranked him as the seventh-best holding midfielder in 2023 on the same top-ten list as the German legend.

While his reported release clause of £51m isn't cheap, it would make him the most affordable option on this list.

Arsenal could forget Luiz by signing £85m "generational talent"

The 20-year-old could transform Arsenal’s midfield.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 24, 2024

If he can get even remotely close to the level of Kroos while continuing to develop his defensive attributes, then Arsenal could have a genuine world-beater on their hands – if they can seal the deal, of course.

Ultimately, any of these stars would improve the Gunners' midfield and allow Rice to supersede the underwhelming Havertz as Arteta's go-to number eight.

The January transfer window is nearly at the halfway point and perhaps predictably Liverpool have been quiet, yet to make a move and bolster the ranks despite the swarm of rumours.

Jurgen Klopp's sweeping summer changes have not exactly impeded the transfer kitty but it's rather difficult to secure the right player in the winter, and the German manager will only forge ahead if the right opportunity arises.

First-placed in the Premier League after 20 matches, the restoration of the midfield has been an immense success, though there are still questions over the bulk of the defence, with a transfer expected in 2024.

Liverpool transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo

According to yesterday's edition of French newspaper Nice-Matin, Liverpool have the 'advantage' over Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for Jean-Clair Todibo.

The France international considers Anfield the most attractive destination should he leave OGC Nice, though with a €60m (£52m) price tag, completing a winter deal could prove difficult.

This suits the Reds, however, who could bide their time and strike with full force in the summer.

How Jean-Clair Todibo compares to Ibrahima Konate

In December, veteran Joel Matip ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Fulham to heighten the concerns over Liverpool's defensive security.

The Cameroonian is out of contract in June and it was generally accepted that 2024 would focus on the acquisition of a new defender, and Todibo could fit the bill, having been hailed as the "complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As per FBref, the Les Aiglons star ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 10% for tackles per 90.

#

Player

Club

1

Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United

2

Dante

OGC Nice

3

Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool

4

Dayot Upamecano

Bayern Munich

5

Malick Thiaw

AC Milan

*Sourced via FBref

Given his similarities to Ibrahima Konate, it's understandable that Klopp is interested in securing his signature, with the 6 foot 4 Liverpool titan ranking among the top 12% of positional peers for passes attempted, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for tackles per 90.

The issue that would arise from a deal does centre on the fact that Todibo would demand regular match action, having made his Les Bleus debut last September, and with Virgil van Dijk and Konate already the established pairing, the addition of Todibo could seriously affect the emerging Jarell Quansah.

How a transfer would affect Jarell Quansah

Quansah made his Liverpool debut against Newcastle United earlier this season and has since chalked up 15 senior appearances, scoring once and providing two assists.

Considered a "phenomenal" prospect by vice-captain Trent Alexander Arnold, the 20-year-old looks like a seasoned veteran in the rearguard, ranking among the top 10% of defenders for pass completion, the top 1% for passes attempted and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90.

Standing at 6 foot 5, he is commanding and composed on the ball too, with a growth that bespeaks his capability as a leading Premier League centre-half in the future.

Should he be demoted back to fourth choice this year, he might find that his game time is limited, and while Todibo is "solid as a rock" – as has been remarked by Kulig, Quansah has a skill set that could match the Frenchman's if he is nurtured and guided.

With a January deal for Todibo unlikely, Quansah will be allowed to continue his development over the coming months, and if he continues to make the improvements then there is every chance that the young colossus will change his manager's mind regarding fresh incoming.

India opener explains a process that worked well for him

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-2019Rohit Sharma’s batting at the top of the order in ODIs is a study in contrast to the methods in vogue at the moment, with batsmen preferring to attack hard early. Rohit is not averse to taking his time at the start and settling in, before exploding with greater force as the innings progresses.India’s limited-overs vice-captain is the only man with multiple double-centuries in ODI cricket, having hit three including a world-record 264, and he explained that he had found a process that worked well for him.”What works for me is what works for me. I’m going to stick to my plans. In those double hundreds that I have scored, you’ve got to see how many balls I had consumed by the time I reached my first 10 runs, the first 50 runs, the first 75-80 runs. It’ll rarely be five balls 10 runs, or 25 balls 50 runs,” Rohit told . “You know what I’m saying – but I’ve still got there. I’ve worked with certain trends and those trends have worked for me, in return. There will be days when I will get off to a flyer.”Obviously when you’re chasing scores of 350 and 370, you’ll have to change gears as required. There’s not much time that one can take before he can get going. I get that. But you asked me about how I like to go about – to that, I’ll say, follow what suits you, go by the conditions, the opponents, the kind of attack that’s coming at you. So, let’s say much of that is an instinctive factor.”The numbers bear out Rohit’s success with his method.

Rohit Sharma’s scoring rates during an ODI innings

Overs 0 to 10 Overs 10.1 to 35 Overs 35.1 to 50Rohit’s strike rate 74.66 101.22 153.56

Rohit Sharma’s scoring rates relative to other batsmen

Rohit’s strike-rateOvers 0 to 10 [>1000 balls (only openers)] 11th (out of 12)Overs 10.1 to 35 [>500 balls (Batsmen 1-4)] 8th ( out of 61)Overs 35.1 to 50 [>200 balls (Batsmen 1-4)] 2nd (out of 91)Rohit’s acceleration during the course of an innings is evident. Among openers in the first ten overs, he is the second slowest, ahead of only Tamim Iqbal. From overs 10.1 to 35, and expanding the list to include batsmen in the top four, he is eighth among 61 batsmen. And in the last 15 overs, only AB de Villiers scores quicker than Rohit among 91 batsmen.Rohit’s six-hitting ability also plays a part in his acceleration. Since the 2015 World Cup, he has hit 130 sixes for India, considerably more than the second-placed Virat Kohli’s 55.”Listening to people, day in, day out, it’s something that I have learnt to live with,” Rohit said. “You step out of the house and the first guy you say hello to, hellos back: ‘Cover drive (Play the cover drive like this. Improve your straight drive).’ (What do I do?). Listen and move on. One guy, I don’t even know him, gave me a 15-minute lecture on the pull shot. Don’t hit the ball in the air (laughs).”What those people don’t understand is they know and recognise me as a cricketer because of those very shots. I wouldn’t have been scoring the kind of runs I did if I didn’t take those risks. For instance, just this week, someone shared an interesting stat with me. Post the 2015 World Cup, I’ve hit 130 sixes. The next best from India is 55. The margin of 75, you see, is the margin of risk I’ve taken. Simple.”

Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for a new forward in 2024, and it appears as if the Blues have held Stamford Bridge talks regarding one particular "goal machine".

Chelsea striker rumours

Mauricio Pochettino’s side drew a blank on Tuesday evening in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough, losing 1-0 to the Championship side.

Chelsea therefore have it all to do in the return leg later this month, where they could still be without Nicolas Jackson who is currently away on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Jackson was the marquee striker signing over the summer from Villarreal and has gone on to score eight goals in 23 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. However, a number of attackers have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Todd Boehly looks to possibly splash the cash once more.

Chelsea rumoured striker targets for January	Latest update
Claudio Echeverri	19th December
Santiago Gimenez	18th December
Dusan Vlahovic	15th December
Victor Osimhen	9th January
Viktor Gyokeres	12th December

Pochettino has also hinted at the need for possible winter window additions, saying late last year after a defeat to Everton:

"After the first half of the season, we need to check. That is the reality. If we are not receiving enough, maybe we need to do some movement. That is the thing to analyse with the sporting directors, to see if we can change this dynamic and improve in the second half of the season. We need to be more aggressive. Then it's a massive assessment and when the transfer window opens, we will see what we can do.”

As can be seen, one of those attackers linked with Chelsea has been Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, although speculation has gone quiet in recent weeks.

Dusan Vlahovic to Chelsea transfer update

Journalist Simon Phillips provided an update on Chelsea and a new striker in the last 48 hours, saying on his Substack, relayed by The Chelsea Chronicle, that the club have held Stamford Bridge talks by discussing internally the possibility of a move for Vlahovic.

The Blues have been watching Vlahovic during the current campaign and still appears to be on their radar ahead of a potential transfer.

Vlahovic, still only 23 years of age, already has plenty of senior experience under his belt for club and country and is currently valued at €60m by Transfermarkt.

Dusan Vlahovic career stats	Appearances	Goals
Juventus	81	30
Fiorentina	108	49
Partizan	27	3
Serbia	25	13

During the current campaign, the Serbian, labelled as a “goal machine” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has contributed to nine goals in 18 games, so appears to be in steady form. He was also praised by former Leece manager Alessio Tacchinardi last year, who called Vlahovic an “extraordinary player”.

“He is an extraordinary player, he is a player who has one goal per game and therefore for Juve, having lost Ronaldo, he goes to tremendously increase the score of this team, which suffered a lot in front of him. This is a goal that is invented by itself.

“He’s very good at waiting for the defender, then puts his shoulder, moves him. He’s a bit lucky in the rebound, but many compliments to this player.”

Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Lucia Garcia is to leave the club and join fellow Spain star Jenni Hermoso in Mexico.

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Liga MX Femenil set to make another big signingGarcia out of contract at Man Utd this summerWill join fellow Spain star Hermoso in MexicoWHAT HAPPENED?

Garcia's contract in Manchester expires this summer and fans were keen to see the Red Devils renew it. However, despite head coach Marc Skinner revealing in March that discussions were ongoing, no agreement has been reached and the Spain forward is now set for a big move.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to journalist Diego Armando Medina, Garcia will be the latest marquee signing for Liga MX Femenil as the division continues to go from strength to strength. As well as its exciting homegrown talent, Mexico's top-flight already boasts international stars such as Hermoso, former Barcelona defender Andrea Pereira and Colombia icon Catalina Usme, and it will add another in Garcia, who is set to join Monterrey.

DID YOU KNOW?

Garcia was not part of the Spain team that won last year's World Cup, as she was one of the players on strike due to dissatisfaction with a number of elements surrounding the national team. However, she returned to the fold shortly after the tournament and was part of La Roja's Nations League triumph in February.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GARCIA AND MAN UTD?

With the Olympics coming up, another tournament which Spain will be the favourite to come out on top at, Garcia will be keen to get her future sorted as quickly as possible. Man Utd, meanwhile, will hope that her departure is not a sign of things to come, with the England trio of Mary Earps, Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris among those also out of contract at the club this summer.

Paceman returns to scene of Champions Trophy glory with hopes of emerging from lean 50-over form

Osman Samiuddin07-May-2019

Mohammad Amir tilted the Champions Trophy final in Pakistan’s favour after he dismissed Virat Kohli in the third over of the innings•Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Mohammad Amir’s last-ditch audition for a role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign could begin at the very ground where he was one of the architects of their memorable Champions Trophy triumph of 2017.Amir was not picked in Pakistan’s preliminary squad for the tournament but has been included in the 17-man squad for this England series, which begins tomorrow at The Oval. If he does start, it will be with the understanding that performances here could squeeze him into the final World Cup 15.So far on this tour Amir has appeared in just one of the four games Pakistan have played – a warm-up 50-over game against Northamptonshire in which he picked up 1 for 45.But it is understood that he will be part of Pakistan’s match-day 12 and depending on what the weather and surface look like in the morning stands a good chance to start.”As far as fast bowling goes, we will be flexible in this series, we will try and give Amir a full opportunity,” captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said. “The good thing is we have this opportunity to try out what we need to try out before the World Cup. We have till May 2 so we’d like to give Amir a full opportunity to stake his claim in the side.”If he does make it into the squad, it will hold some extra personal significance for Amir, being his first World Cup. He missed the 2011 and 2015 tournaments because of his five-year ban for spot-fixing.The word around Amir’s non-inclusion is that it is the kick he has long needed to put things right in the 50-over game. But given how lean a drought he has endured since that Champions Trophy final, he will still need to show some solid wicket-taking form to get back in.In the 14 ODIs since the final, he’s taken just five wickets, going wicketless in an innings as many as nine times. It’s been a strange run in which, though he’s rarely looked like taking a wicket, he’s also not looked awful. His economy rate in that period is 4.58, though if you take out games against Zimbabwe and Hong Kong that goes up to 5.28.But Pakistan already have two left-arm pacemen in the World Cup squad; the emerging Shaheen Shah Afridi, against whose dazzling and swift rise Amir’s own form has paled; and Junaid Khan, an exact contemporary of Amir’s through their earliest years, who without ever attracting the same attention has picked up far more wickets since the Champions Trophy.The arrival of Mohammad Hasnain has also made it harder for Amir. Hasnain has the one thing Pakistan’s squad has missed: genuine pace. It is something that Mickey Arthur in particular is very excited about, enough to overlook his extreme rawness. Hasnain has only played four List A games in his career, of which three were ODIs.If Amir were to perform in these ODIs, however, Hasnain or to a lesser degree Junaid might be most at risk of losing a spot.

Glasgow Rangers face their busiest January deadline day for quite some time as the clock ticks down in what is the final chance for Philippe Clement to bolster his squad ahead of a hectic few months.

Fabio Silva and Mohammed Diomande have already joined the Gers, while Oscar Cortes looks set to be the third signing made by the club and things are looking promising.

Could there perhaps be some outgoings too? As the Ibrox side may have to balance the books if they hope to spring a surprise or two before the window slams shut this evening.

Rangers deadline day activity

While most of the recent talk has been about bringing a few new players to Rangers, there have been rumours linking players with a move away from the club.

Jose Cifuentes looks set to join Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro having turned down a move to Turkey and the move makes sense after the midfielder has failed to shine in Scotland since joining last summer.

The latest exit rumour is even more surprising than that of Cifuentes leaving, as Cyriel Dessers has now been linked with a move abroad.

The striker cost £4.5m just a few months ago, but according to prominent Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, two Serie A clubs are looking to bring the player back to Italy before the window closes.

The two clubs are Hellas Verona and Torino, who are both eyeing up a swoop for the former Feyenoord frontman, and the links have certainly come out of the blue.

The 29-year-old has scored in his last three competitive matches, and it looks as though he is gaining some momentum which could finally see him shine in Glasgow following a difficult start.

Clement will surely only consider selling Dessers if two conditions are met. Firstly, he will be looking to recoup the majority, if not all, of the £4.5m the Gers shelled out on him.

8

1

2

1

12

0

0.4

0.4

154

245

Secondly, he will only depart if the Belgian manager has a replacement lined up, as this could leave just Silva as the only fully fit centre-forward.

Could these exit links for Dessers perhaps indicate that the Light Blues are close to securing a deal for another striker? With Lawrence Shankland high on the priority list, he could make an ideal replacement for the former Cremonese forward.

Rangers search for a new striker

Shankland has been perennially linked with a move to Glasgow since the window first opened and Clement is clearly hoping to take advantage of the fact his contract expires at the end of next season.

Hearts offered him an extension at the start of the month, yet it was reportedly rejected. However, according to Sky Sports (via the Scottish Sun), the Jambos have since offered him fresh terms in the hope that he will accept and extend his stay at Tynecastle.

If he signs, it will rule out a move to Rangers, but the longer he leaves Hearts waiting, it gives the Light Blues an ideal chance to make their approach and perhaps land him for a cheaper price than previously mentioned.

The stats that show why Lawrence Shankland would be a good signing for Rangers

It is no secret that Shankland is a supporter of Rangers and this will likely prove to be a key aspect regarding if any deal is to go through before the winter window deadline.

A move to the League Cup holders has even been endorsed by former Gers icon and captain Barry Ferguson, who said:

“Let’s start with Lawrence Shankland who catches my eye every time I see him play for Hearts.

“This guy has improved his game to such an extent over the last couple of years that I’m surprised he’s not been snapped up already but, watching him on Wednesday, I saw a ready made Rangers centre forward.”

High praise indeed, and if anyone knows about what it takes to make it at Rangers, it is Ferguson.

Since arriving back in Scotland last summer, Shankland has netted 47 goals in just 77 matches, working out at a goal every 1.75 matches, quite a stunning return and proving that he could be a solid acquisition for the Gers.

The 28-year-old has also shone among his teammates at the Gorgie outfit this term, currently ranking first for goals and assists (14) in the top flight, while also leading the way for shots on target per game (1.4) and scoring frequency (a goal every 148 minutes) and this is for a team that do not have as many creative talents as Rangers.

With the likes of potential new signing Cortes, Todd Cantwell and Ross McCausland providing him with plenty of chances during matches, he could maintain or even surpass his current strike rate.

The 6 foot 1 striker was praised by former Gers goal machine Kris Boyd following his late effort which won the Edinburgh derby for Hearts late last year, lauding him as “unbelievable” and there is no doubt he could be a major success at the Ibrox side.

With Abdallah Sima and Danilo out with long-term injuries, it is clear that Clement needs another centre-forward heading into the final few months of the season and Shankland would fit the bill perfectly.

The fresh links regarding Dessers and a move away throw a spanner in the works, but I doubt there is a supporter who would not swap the Nigerian for Shankland before the window closes.

It remains to be seen what will occur throughout the final day of the winter transfer window, but there could potentially be a surprise or two along the way.

With Silva, Diomande and Cortes bolstering the first-team squad, Clement is certainly prioritising young talent as opposed to signing washed-up players looking to claim one final payday by signing for the club on a short-term deal.

This strategy may prove to be a big risk, but nobody ever wins anything by playing it safe and full trust will be placed in Clement ahead of the rest of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly made Al-Nassr recruitment calls to two of his former Real Madrid team-mates

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• Al-Nassr lost the Saudi Cup final this week
• Ronaldo's team finished trophyless this term
• The Portuguese wants a Madrid reunion next season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly reacted to Al-Nassr's Saudi Cup final defeat to Al-Hilal by calling up his former Real Madrid team-mates Nacho Fernandez and Casemiro in an effort to convince them to join him in Saudi Arabia. Both players face uncertain club futures and Marca report that Ronaldo is personally taking the lead in trying to lure them to the Saudi Pro League.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  An emotional Ronaldo was in tears when his side lost to Al-Hilal this week, as the Saudi Cup final defeat consigned his team to a trophyless season. The 39-year-old clearly believes that the way to rectify that next season will be to move for more experienced players, who have a pedigree in winning trophies.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Nacho captained Real Madrid to the club's 15th European Cup win on Saturday evening, with the 34-year-old picking up his sixth winners' medal. That means Nacho, plus team-mates Luca Modric, Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal join Madrid legend Gento as the only players to have won six European Cups – one more than Ronaldo.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NACHO AND CASEMIRO?

  With Nacho coming to the end of his contract at the Bernabeu, he looks set to leave Madrid, but has been strongly linked with a move to the MLS, which could scupper Ronaldo's plans of luring him to Riyadh. Casemiro could be the more likely player of the two to make the switch, given his poor form for Manchester United this season as the Red Devils get set for a summer clearout.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have yet to dive into the January transfer market for any new signings and with just over a week until it closes, Gary O’Neil is running out of time to add to his squad.

Several players have been linked, most notably centre forwards, as it appears O’Neil is looking close to home with regards to bolstering his first team.

Wolves’ search for a new striker

According to the Athletic, Chelsea are looking to sell Armando Broja this month and one of the clubs interested in signing him is Wolves.

Journalist Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT that Wolves could be looking at signing the 22-year-old on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy him following the completion of the 2023/24 campaign.

Amid interest from the likes of West Ham United and Fulham, Jacobs also states that “Wolves may be slightly more active than West Ham” and it looks as though he could be one of their main targets this month.

He is not the only player they are keen on however and perhaps they would be better off making a move for Bristol City striker Tommy Conway, as according to Football Insider, the Molineux outfit are monitoring the Championship striker. He could well be a better option than Broja.

Related Wolves' potential starting XI after January including the "next Mbappe"

Gary O’Neil could change his starting XI after the January transfer window.

Posts ByTom Lever Jan 21, 2024 Why Tommy Conway could be better than Broja

Following an injury disrupted 2022/23 in which Broja played just 18 games – scoring only once – the Albanian has yet to make a proper impact in the current campaign, netting just twice in 17 games thus far and he is hardly the clinical option O’Neil requires.

Conway on the other hand, enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, finding the back of the net on 12 occasions, while he is already on eight goals this term for City and he could be ready for the step up to the Premier League.

Hailed as “clinical” by Statman Dave following his recent performance in the FA Cup replay against West Ham – where he scored the winner – Conway would be a far better choice for O’Neil and would likely cost a fraction of the fee that it would take to sign Broja.

Indeed, this season, Conway has not only registered more league goals (six vs one), but has also registered more shots per game (1.5 vs one), averaged more key passes per game (0.4 vs 0.2) and has a higher goal conversation percentage (15% vs 8%), which indicates that he is the more logical choice to bring to the Midlands this month.

Related Wolves can land big Kalajdzic upgrade with swoop for the next Jamie Vardy

Wolves are tracking a striker who is on “absolute flames” in the Championship.

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jan 20, 2024

Of course, Conway is performing in the second tier, yet he has displayed his potential against Premier League opposition recently having netted twice against West Ham in their FA Cup fourth-round ties and his winner in the replay to send the Robins through to the next round.

They both have plenty of years ahead to develop, yet Broja has scored just eight Premier League goals in 58 appearances, hardly the form of someone who is valued at £50m by his current club.

Conway would not break the bank and with his contract expiring in 2025, O’Neil could potentially secure the 6 foot 1 machine for a knockdown price, improving his attacking options in the process.

Southampton could momentarily send shudders through the Championship with a lunchtime win against Swansea City today, leapfrogging a strong Ipswich Town side to second spot with a victory before the Tractor Boys then have the opportunity to respond on Monday night.

Russell Martin won't travel to face off against the Swans with any past sentiment attached still, previously managing the Welsh club in a stint, with another win the only goal in his head to get to a staggering 20 games unbeaten in the division.

Martin will just pray that key first-teamer Kyle Walker-Peters potentially leaving the Championship promotion hopefuls this January doesn't derail the current positivity in his group, with this replacement being lined up if the Southampton number two does leave.

Kyle Walker-Peters replacement lined up

Football Insider have reported recently that Martin's Saints are keen on signing wantaway West Ham United figure Ben Johnson this month, the defender offering Southampton some versatility at the back that could be necessary with Walker-Peters exiting.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has opened up to GIVEMESPORT over the past few days regarding Walker-Peters' future at St. Mary's, the right-back yet to sign a new contract on the South Coast with Chelsea and the Hammers keen on trying to tempt the 26-year-old away.

With Martin opening up about all the speculation and telling any potential suitors to "go away" yesterday, it could be a tetchy week or so left for Southampton in the transfer window to try and keep hold of their star man.

Yet, with Johnson available on a loan deal reportedly until the end of the season, this could well be a shrewd buy in the short term regardless of whether or not Walker-Peters does depart.

How Johnson fits into the Southampton team

Unlike Walker-Peters who excels in venturing forward – the Saints number two successfully completing three dribbles in Southampton's 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend – Johnson is far more at ease just sitting back and completing his routine defensive duties well.

With the plethora of attacking options available to Martin already at St. Mary's, alongside rumoured purchases for the likes of Manuel Benson and David Brooks in the pipeline, losing Walker-Peters' attacking output wouldn't be the end of the world.

Johnson's addition to the team this January could see the promotion chasers improve their back four to help when the defence is tested in pivotal games to come, with the adaptable Hammers defender bettering Walker-Peters when it comes to basics such as duels, blocks and clearances over the last year.

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By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

According to FBRef, the 23-year-old betters Walker-Peters aerially with Johnson winning 1.48 aerials on average per 90 minutes compared to the current Saints man's lesser 0.56.

Moreover, Johnson comes out on top between the two in clearances and tackles managed per 90 minutes with 2.30 clearances and 2.14 tackles registered on Johnson's end in contrast to Walker-Peters falling flat with 1.44 clearances and 1.48 tackles.

Able to play at left-back and at the heart of defence if needed, Johnson's flexibility makes him a smart and worthwhile replacement for Walker-Peters if the latter man is tempted by a big move away.

Described as "superb" on social media by former Hammers striker Trevor Sinclair when given a rare opportunity in the first-team in 2021 – making 57 top-flight appearances over seven seasons for the Londoners – Johnson will hope a move to the South Coast means he'll finally be a starting player elsewhere and not just a utility figure.

Potentially denting promotion rivals Leeds in the process by winning the 5 foot 9 titan's signature, alongside strengthening the Saints at right-back with or without Walker-Peters present, it's a no-brainer move for Martin's men to make this January.