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Carlos Soler’s successful loan spell at West Ham United has put the club in a strong position to secure his permanent transfer.
The Spanish midfielder, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has impressed with his form, making it clear that West Ham may want to move forward with his signing, according to Le Parisien.
Although the initial loan deal does not include an obligation to buy, West Ham negotiated a purchase option worth up to £16.6 million.
With several clubs reportedly interested in him during the summer transfer window when Julen Lopetegui signed him on a loan deal, the Hammers are eager to lock down his future now, especially after seeing his positive attitude and commitment.
The Hammers plan to hold additional meetings in the coming months to finalise discussions and potentially trigger the purchase option to keep Soler at the club permanently.
Soler’s future at Paris Saint-Germain looks uncertain, as he is not part of Luis Enrique’s long-term plans.
The player will not be used much by the PSG manager even if he returns to his parent club in Ligue 1 which will make his signing for the Hammers much easier than earlier expected.
Carlos Soler has been the star performer for West Ham United
The midfielder has been impressive for Lopetegui’s side this season and he has been one of the club’s successful summer signings.
Although the other signings have not done too well so far, Soler has been the silver lining for the struggling West Ham side.
His performances have seen Lucas Paqueta get dropped from the team which shows how well the midfielder has played at the club.
The Spaniard has given the West Ham midfield a new dimension in the center of the pitch and it is not a surprise to see the Premier League side consider a permanent transfer for the 27-year-old player.
While Soler has been shining at the club, their other summer signing Guido Rodriguez has struggled to make an impact and he could be offloaded in the January transfer window.
Lopetegui’s side are expected to be active to make transfers once again and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is on their radar.
The post West Ham on verge of securing pre-agreement with class playmaker appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/west-ham-securing-pre-agreement/
Nothing is going right for Manchester City at the moment.
The Premier League champions are struggling on and off the pitch. While their form on the pitch is a huge cause of concern for Pep Guardiola and the club owners, their struggles off the pitch have been well documented.
The Sky Blues are facing financial charges and a verdict over their sentence could be announced soon.
Their current slump may force the Premier League giants to make signings in the January transfer window but uncertainty over the verdict of their charges could make it a little difficult for them to sign new players.
Man City are missing a number of players through injuries including Rodri, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake. They are expected to make signings in those positions in January but it remains to be seen if they will have it easy in the winter transfer window or not.
Guardiola was asked whether the current case against Man City will make it difficult for the club to sign players, to which he replied, as reported by GOAL:
“I don’t know.
“It’s going to happen in winter time. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I know the people are expecting that but I don’t know. In February, March, [maybe] will be the sentence.”
Pep Guardiola is ready to stand with Man City in this difficult time
Pep Guardiola wants to sign Premier League striker!
Man City are facing 115 charges, including 80 alleged breaches related to financial misrepresentation and 35 for failing to cooperate with investigations.
These allegations cover the period from 2009 to 2018 and accuse the club of providing inaccurate financial disclosures, particularly concerning sponsorship revenues and player salaries.
The charges have raised serious questions about the club’s financial practices during this time, potentially leading to significant consequences if proven.
A positive for Man City at the moment is that Guardiola has extended his contract at the club and whatever punishment they face, he will be leading them and doing his best to bring them out of the current crisis.
One of the players being targeted by the City manager is Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz.
The post Pep Guardiola provides defining update on Man City facing 115 charges appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/pep-guardiola-update-man-city/
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui spent heavily in the summer transfer window to strengthen his squad.
The Spaniard made nine signings and added players in all the positions in the squad.
While some of the new signings have worked well at the club, like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, most of the others have failed to make a positive impact at the club so far.
One of the players who has failed to cement his place in the starting line up at the club is midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
He was signed with great expectation but his move has not worked out well for the player as well as the club.
According to Claret and Hugh, Rodriguez could leave in January after the West Ham manager decided to use him less moving forward.
The 30-year-old is reportedly keen on returning to Real Betis, with the Spanish club also interested in re-signing their former player during the mid-season.
This potential move back to La Liga is one to watch closely, as both the player and Betis are eager to make it happen.
West Ham United are ready to allow Guido Rodriguez to leave
West Ham get green light to sign PSG star!
A source told Claret and Hugh about the West Ham midfielder:
“He had a small injury for the Bournemouth game, but the manager only sees him as a bit-part player now.”
It appears that the midfielder’s time at the club could soon be coming to an end now.
January transfer window is coming at the perfect time for the player and the Hammers to part ways.
The 30-year-old is known for his solid defensive abilities, passing range, and work rate in the midfield but Lopetegui has not been able to get the best out of the midfielder.
The Hammers, who are currently 14th in the Premier League, will face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League next.
Lucas Paqueta has been named as another player who wants to leave the Hammers.
The post West Ham summer signing could leave the club in January transfer window appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/west-ham-signing-leave-january-window/
Aston Villa are currently seventh in the league and not enjoying the best of seasons.
They have been inconsistent this season and the poor form of striker Ollie Watkins has been a huge concern for manager Unai Emery.
Despite scoring seven goals in the league this season, Watkins has not been at his best and at times, goal scoring has been an issue for the Premier League side.
Villa are flying in the Champions League this season though, sitting comfortably in 5th position at the moment but it is evident that they need new players to strengthen their squad and raise their standards.
Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a significant bid to sign Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, according to NotizieMilan.
Even though Chukwueze’s start in Serie A has been somewhat disappointing, Villa manager Emery remains interested in signing the 24-year-old.
The Spanish manager managed the player in the past in La Liga at Villarreal.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is a fan of Samuel Chukwueze
Emery is described as a long-time admirer of Chukwueze and still believes the Nigerian winger has significant potential.
Milan, according to reports, are open to the possibility of selling Chukwueze. However, it is unclear whether a move could happen in January, as there is no mention of a specific timeframe for the potential transfer.
The Premier League side are looking to sign a defender as well with Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio on their radar.
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira is another player being eyed by Emery as Villa look to have a stronger second half of the season and qualify for the Champions League again.
Emery has been backed by the club in the past to make new signings and spend money in the transfer market and the club are determined to do that again to support the manager in the future.
The post Unai Emery set to bring his favourite ex-player to Aston Villa appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/emery-favourite-player-aston-villa/
Arsenal have been struggling this season and they have not been their usual self.
The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League but they have been far from their best this season.
Out of the 16 Premier League matches they have played this season, they have only managed to win eight of them.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea are ahead of them in the league table and it is a huge cause of concern for Mikel Arteta and his players.
After challenging for the league title in the last two seasons, it was expected that the Gunners would do the same again but so far they have struggled to match their form from last season.
Arteta will look at the January transfer window as an opportunity to strengthen the squad and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on what the Gunners could do in the winter transfer window.
While the Premier League giants have not decided on their transfer targets yet, Romano has confirmed that they will be active in the market and looking to make additions to their squad.
While writing for GiveMeSport, the journalist wrote:
“Arsenal will be attentive on the market in January, but I can guarantee that as of today, there are no concrete targets already decided or talks ongoing.”
Arsenal need new additions to their squad
The North London club have struggled to create and score goals this season. They have been brilliant from set pieces but their chance creation ability from open play is a cause of serious concern for Arteta and his management team.
Apart from Bukayo Saka, nobody has been able to create a large number of chances for them this season.
The poor form of Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz is concerning for the Gunners and Arteta would be looking to add more attackers to his side soon, particularly in the left-wing position.
An impressive January transfer window could still change the season for the Gunners and offer them an advantage over their rivals for the rest of the season.
The Premier League giants have been linked with a move for Las Palmas side Alberto Moleiro.
While Reiss Nelson, who is currently on loan at Fulham, is expected to leave the club next year.
The post “I can guarantee” – Fabrizio Romano drops Arsenal update ahead of January window appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/fabrizio-romano-drops-arsenal-update/
Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford has expressed his desire of taking a new challenge in his career.
The English attacker made the surprise revelation after he was dropped from the squad by Ruben Amorim for the big match against Manchester City.
In his absence, the Red Devils won the match against Pep Guardiola’s side in a dramatic fashion.
It appears like Rashford is edging closer to an exit from the club and interest from all over the world is increasing in his services.
Saudi clubs Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al Quadisiya are all interested in signing the Man United attacker, according to talkSPORT.
It’s clear that Saudi clubs have become increasingly ambitious in recent seasons, offering lucrative contracts to top players in an attempt to elevate the profile and competitiveness of the league.
Some of the biggest names in the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and others have all opted to play in the Saudi Pro League.
Rashford’s reported wages of over £300,000 per week would fit comfortably within the financial reach of these clubs, especially given their heavy investment in star players.
Marcus Rashford to leave Man United for Saudi League?
For Rashford, a move to the Saudi Pro League could be financially rewarding, but it would likely come at the cost of his competitive development and international ambitions.
Playing in Europe’s top competitions and maintaining a strong position with the England national team are likely priorities for him.
The decision will likely hinge on whether Rashford is motivated by the financial incentives or he wants to progress to the next level in his career and play football at the highest level.
The player’s contract at Old Trafford is valid until 2028 and he reportedly earns £300,000 per week which would be difficult to afford for any other European club at the moment.
A move away from Man United is what Rashford’s career needs right now and just like how Jadon Sancho has revived his career away from Old Trafford after moving to Chelsea, Rashford is most likely thinking of doing the same.
The Red Devils are ready to let the player leave the club in January in a loan move.
The post Marcus Rashford transfer saga takes surprise twist after latest development appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/marcus-rashford-saga-surprise-twist/
Despite their brilliant form in the Premier League and the Champions League, Liverpool need to strengthen their squad in some areas.
Their over all squad is full of world class players but there are certain positions where improvements can be made and the January transfer window present an ideal opportunity to do that.
Arne Slot’s side are at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League but the Dutch manager will have his eyes on some new players who can improve the level of the team and take the Reds closer to silverware.
It seems that the left-back position has indeed been a source of concern for Liverpool this season.
Andy Robertson, who has been a key player for the Reds for several years, appears to be struggling with consistency and form.
His performance issues could stem from various factors, such as fatigue, injury concerns, or a simple dip in form, but his struggles have been evident.
Meanwhile, Kostas Tsimikas, who is usually the backup option, has not managed to step up and provide the necessary cover.
His own performances have been less convincing, which has left Liverpool vulnerable in that area of the pitch.
Should Liverpool sign a new left-back?
Jamie Carragher has told the Merseyside club to explore a transfer for a new left-back to help out Robertson.
“Left-back is definitely an area Liverpool should be looking to strengthen in January,” Carragher said via Sky Sports.
“Andy Robertson needs help. He’s a Liverpool legend. He has won the lot, but the amount of games he has played.
“Playing in a Jurgen Klopp team, constantly running up and down that wing for five or six years. He needs a bit of help in that position.”
Liverpool have been linked with several left-backs in the last few months including Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies is also catching the attention of the Premier League side.
All the above mentioned left-backs have been brilliant recently and they have the ability to attack as well as defender, fitting the profile of the player that is needed at Anfield.
The post Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to strengthen one position in January window appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/jamie-carragher-liverpool-strengthen-position/
Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount has released a statement following the confirmation that he will miss several weeks due to a leg injury.
This injury occurred during the Manchester derby last weekend, where Mount had to be substituted less than 15 minutes into the match after suffering a muscle issue.
After the game, Mount sought the opinion of a specialist on Wednesday, leading to the diagnosis that he will be sidelined for some time.
The 25-year-old midfielder, visibly distressed, was consoled by his teammates as he left the pitch at the Etihad Stadium.
Unfortunately, Mount’s time at Man United has been marred by injury setbacks, with over 30 matches missed since his move from Chelsea more than a year ago.
Mount’s injury woes have been a source of frustration for both him and the club, as he continues to
struggle with maintaining fitness after making the high-profile switch to Old Trafford.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has posted on his X account the statement from Mount in which the midfielder is addressing the Man United fans after his injury blow.
Mount said:
“Words can’t portray how devastated I’m feeling right now, you could probably see the look on my face when it happened. I knew what it meant.
“United fans, you may not know me too well yet, but one thing I can guarantee, I will never give up or lose faith.
“I’ve said this before, but I will continue to give everything, get through this tough period and won’t stop until that’s achieved.”
Mason Mount has been unlucky since joining Man United
Mount is highly rated by new manager Ruben Amorim and he was excited to work under the Portuguese tactician but injuries have once again derailed his progress at the club.
It is a major blow for the player and the club and it will not be a surprise to see Man United look for a new midfielder in the January transfer window.
They have been linked with a move for Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson but competition will be tough to sign him.
Man United eye move for Euro 2024 star to replace Marcus Rashford
The post Man United star releases concerning statement and claims that he is “devastated” appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/man-united-star-concerning-statement/
The future of some Liverpool players is uncertain due to their contract situation at Anfield.
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are all in the final year of their contract at the club.
However, there is one more player who could head out of Anfield because of not reaching agreement with the club over a new contract.
According to the Spanish publication Antena 2, Liverpool are facing challenges in their attempts to extend the contract of winger Luis Diaz.
The report suggests that if a new deal cannot be reached, Diaz might prefer a move to Barcelona, although other top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also closely monitoring his situation.
The Colombian is a crucial player for the Reds and his contribution in attack has been key for Arne Slot’s side this season.
He has contributed to the team reaching the top of the table in the Premier League and the Champions League.
The report has mentioned that Liverpool value the player at around €80 million (£66.2m/$83.5m) but to sign him for this amount would not be possible for the financially troubled Barcelona side.
The player is intent on joining La Liga giants but they would face obstacles in signing him from Liverpool.
Luis Diaz has been a key member of the Liverpool side
The attacker has scored nine goals and provided three assists for the Premier League giants this season.
Diaz has locked the left-wing position and he is a certain starter there for Liverpool.
The Merseyside club would prefer to keep the player and they should do everything in their power to keep him at Anfield for a long time.
With Salah reaching the final couple of years of his career in the Premier League, it is crucial for Slot’s side to keep players like Diaz who are goal scorers as well as goal creators.
The Colombian international still has a long way to go in his career and he can go on to improve his level even more as a player but it remains to be seen whether that will be at Liverpool or somewhere else.
Diaz’s teammate Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to leave the Premier League side in the near future while Lyon’s attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has been linked with a move to Anfield.
The post Liverpool star would prefer to join Barcelona if contract talks stall with the Reds appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/21/liverpool-star-barcelona-contract-talks/
Express Sport looks at how Chelsea might line up against Everton this weekend.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1991573/Chelsea-team-news-Predicted-XI-Everton-Romeo-Lavia
