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In the summer of 2013, Arsenal managed to lure Real Madrid attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil to the Emirates as Arsene Wenger looked to build another team which could return to the top of the Premier League table.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, the recruitment of the German international couldn’t forge a title winning side, however, his imprint in the team showed the north Londoners could still sign players from clubs such as Madrid, and Ozil was still at the peak of his powers.

The club broke their transfer record by £27.4m to sign the attacking midfielder for a fee of around £42.4m and he went on to make over 250 appearances for the Emirates outfit during his seven seasons at the club, winning four FA Cups in that period.

The former Werder Bremen starlet registered 123 goal contributions during that time frame and became of the most productive attacking midfielders in the Premier League, although at times, the rest of the side couldn’t quite match his incredible ability.

It proved to be arguably Wenger’s last great signing at the club and with current manager Mikel Arteta looking to assert his own authority on the squad, could he follow the Frenchman by signing a player from Madrid who has an exceedingly bright future in the game? As midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a stunning move to Arsenal this summer.

Could Arsenal sign Aurelien Tchouameni this summer?

With Declan Rice set to undergo a medical before being announced as an Arsenal player next week, along with the signing of Kai Havertz, Arteta is wasting no time in vastly improving his squad and the Frenchman could be the final piece of the jigsaw.

Having joined Madrid from AS Monaco last summer, Tchouameni enjoyed a solid if unspectacular maiden campaign in Spain, winning the Copa Del Rey, while also ranking first in the squad for tackles per game (1.9) and interceptions per game (1.5) as he showcased his defensively abilities in the heart of the midfield.

It isn’t just his defensive traits for which Arteta should be signing him for however, as he ranks in the top 1% across Europe’s big five leagues for pass completion percentage per 90 (92.9%) and also ranking in the top 10% for passes into the final third per 90 (6.88), suggesting that he aims to generate attacking opportunities as often as possible and this could be priceless for Arteta.

The £207k-per-week gem has previously been dubbed a “ball-recovering machine” by journalist Lucas Navarrete and this is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 7% alongside his peers on the continent for tackles and interceptions per 90 (4.59) and he could allow the likes of Havertz more freedom to flourish.

It would be a marquee signing to say the least and Arteta would certainly be following in Wenger’s footsteps by luring a talented midfielder with the world at his feet to London, however this time, Tchouameni – who has been lauded as "superb" by pundit Rio Ferdinand – would be joined by a host of other top class talents to the Emirates as the club aim for their first title in 20 years.

One reason Everton chairman Bill Kenwright may have survived the exodus of the clubs board of directors is that owner Farhad Moshiri cannot afford to buy the club shares off of the chairman, Paul Brown exclusively told FootballFanCast.

Kenwright first joined the Toffees as a director in 1989 and owns 1.3% of the Merseyside outfit.

What is the latest between Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright?

Everton recently announced the departures of a number of directors and their replacements, in a move that has been brewing for a long time in response to the numerous fan protests throughout the season regarding their mismanagement of the club.

It was expected that Kenwright would be stepping down from his role at the same time as the three other departures, however, following talks with Moshiri, the 77-year-old was convinced to stay on in order to help the club through the "transitional period" they are undergoing.

The news was met with anger and disappointment by many Everton fan groups, who have been calling for the removal of "the most unsuccessful chairman in our history" since January 2023. The #AllTogetherNow group released a statement, stating: “We call for the immediate removal of the chairman of this football club – who has been the most unsuccessful chairman in our history. For the football club to move forward, and fans to unite, this without doubt has to happen.

The protests will not cease and will only further intensify if you [Moshiri] allow ‘Chairman Bill’ to stumble on, continuing to fail in his position, despite clear evidence for a need for change. We ask you to respond without delay to this loyal fanbase, do not cause any further unnecessary hold up to a deadline that the football club’s leadership team set out.”

However, Paul Brown has revealed that there may be another reason behind why Kenwright was kept in his role at the club.

What has Paul Brown said regarding the Everton board situation?

Speaking to FootballFanCast, Brown revealed that Moshiri isn't currently in a positon to go through with the deal he has agreed with Kenwright to buy the chairmans shares.

The journalist said: "The problem is this agreement that the pair have for Moshiri to buy Kenwright's shares. There are two issues there. I don't think Moshiri is currently in a position to be increasing his own shareholding at Everton and I think he may not quite simply have the cash to do that the cash available to do that."

How can Moshiri solve this problem?

Kenwright's continued presence in the club and the confusion it has brought could be what is delaying the proposed investment into the club by American-based MSP Sports Capital.

Moshiri has been searching for new investors to help finance the club's new stadium which is currently being built at Bramley-Moore Dock, and MSP are willing to do that. In return, the froup will receive a number of seats on Everton's new-look board of directors.

One solution could be MSP Sports Capital purchases Kenwright's shares directly, however, it is unknown whether the deal that has been agreed between himself and Moshiri will be the same deal offered to the American group.

Another solution is that Everton removes Kenwright from his position on the board whilst he keeps his shares at the club. That would appease the disgruntled fanbase, but it is unknown whether that puts the potential investment deal in jeopardy.

Whatever the plan is, the club and Moshiri have to sort it out fast, as there is a lot of work to do if the Toffees want to avoid another season like last.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What’s the latest on Jesper Lindstrom to Newcastle?

According to German outlet BILD, Eddie Howe is eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Eintracht Frankfurt central midfielder Jesper Lindstrom in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Premier League side are competing with Italian giants AC Milan to land the Denmark international over the coming weeks. There would be a hint of irony to that should they beat the Italian side to his signature given they are set to sign Sandro Tonali from them.

The report further states that the Bundesliga team are set to demand a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) for his services and that the Magpies would not have an issue with matching that figure if they decide to act upon their interest in his services.

Where would Jesper Lindstrom fit in at Newcastle?

The Frankfurt talent is a versatile midfielder who is capable of playing through the middle or out wide on either flank and his arrival could be terrible news for Elliot Anderson.

Newcastle’s academy graduate burst into the first team last season and made 22 Premier League appearances, although only three of those outings came from the start.

Anderson, like Lindstrom, predominantly plays in the middle of the park along with being able to feature on either the right or left flank. The Scottish playmaker registered one assist and zero top-flight goals for the Toon Army last term, while his average Sofascore rating of 6.64 placed him 21st within the squad (out of 24).

These statistics show that the 20-year-old prodigy struggled to nail down a regular spot in the team and was unable to prove himself worthy of more minutes with the opportunities that Howe did send his way.

He could find himself needing to look for a loan move elsewhere or face the prospect of his game time dwindling as the signing of Lindstrom on top of the incoming Tonali would place further obstacles in his way.

The Frankfurt ace, like Anderson, is an attacking midfielder who can also be deployed on the flanks, which suggests that the 23-year-old ace would be directly competing with the Toon academy graduate for a place in the team.

Lindstrom's Bundesliga form over the last two seasons also indicates that he would be a better option, in the immediate future, for Howe in those positions.

The Danish wizard has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.77 or higher since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and contributed with 12 goals alongside six assists, while he has also created 12 'big chances' for his teammates, in 48 league outings.

His impressive tally of seven Bundesliga goals last term was more than any central midfielder managed for Newcastle in the Premier League, with Joelinton's six strikes leading the way in that area of the pitch.

Therefore, Lindstrom, who was once hailed as "unique" by reporter Jacque Talbot, could add an improved goalscoring threat in midfield for Howe, while leaving Anderson at risk of a reduced role and a potential need to look elsewhere for game time.

Sunderland are eyeing up a move for soon-to-be free agent Morgan Fox, according to reports.

What’s the latest Sunderland transfer news?

The Black Cats and Tony Mowbray appear to be on the search for more summer signings following a successful first season back in the Championship which saw the reach the playoffs.

Jobe Bellingham, Luis Semedo and Nectarios Triantis have all already penned terms at The Stadium of Light, and it looks as if the club are interested in adding to their attacking ranks even further with a move for former loanee Elis Simms.

Reports have suggested that Sunderland and Ipswich Town have made bids for the Everton forward, with a decision to be made soon on his future. However, alongside Simms, another target has now emerged on the club’s radar in Fox.

According to Football League World, Sunderland are one of four second-tier sides who are interested in signing Fox over the coming months.

The defender is set to officially become a free agent when his Stoke City contract expires at the end of the month, with Sunderland, Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United all keen on a move.

Who is Morgan Fox?

Fox is primarily a left-back but can also turn out as a centre-back if required and is valued at €700,000 by Transfermarkt. The 29-year-old has represented a number of Football League sides throughout his career, making more than 100 appearances for both Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.

The £10,000-a-week defender has spent the majority of his career in the Championship, turning out in the division on 239 occasions – 40 of which came during the 2022/23 campaign.

Fox has played against Sunderland on two occasions and has won both meetings, and due to his experience and versatility, could prove to be a smart signing. Mowbray has a shortage of left-backs as well, with just Dennis Cirkin his only senior option, which further highlights how a transfer could be a shrewd one, and by the looks of it, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

West Ham United can sign a higher calibre of player this summer with money to spend and European football to offer, yet it might well be a Nottingham Forest player they go after in terms of attacking options.

Are West Ham United interested in signing Brennan Johnson?

According to The Athletic, West Ham are "monitoring" Brennan Johnson's situation at Forest, who are said to be willing to cash in on one of their prized assets if the right offer is tabled.

Johnson has adapted well to the Premier League, has three years to run on his contract and is also attracting interest from the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Brentford, meaning Forest will not sell on the cheap.

Indeed, the report indicates that the £30m bid mooted by Brentford could fall as much as £20m short of the Reds' asking price for the Wales international.

What can Brennan Johnson bring to West Ham United?

That reputed £50m valuation will certainly make West Ham think twice, but Johnson's time at Forest does suggest he is a possible superstar in the making, one that is on a similar trajectory to former international colleague Gareth Bale.

Once described as an "unbelievable asset" by Wales boss Rob Page, Johnson can be pleased with his return of eight goals and three assists in his debut top-flight campaign – only Morgan Gibbs-White (13) could better those 11 direct goal involvements among Forest players.

With 0.34 goal involvements per 90 last season, as per FBref, Johnson ranked higher than the likes of Jarrod Bowen (0.31), Lucas Paqueta (0.29), Gianluca Scamacca (0.29) and Pablo Fornals (0.24) among West Ham players.

That came on the back of a season in which the 22-year-old scored 18 goals and set up 10 in helping Forest to promotion to the Premier League, seeing him crowned the Championship's Young Player of the Season.

It is not just in terms of goals and assists in which Johnson stands out, either.

The Welshman registered 2.70 progressive carries per 90 minutes last season – defined as carrying the ball at least 10 yards towards the opponent's goal – which was bettered by only three West Ham players.

Some may look down on signing a player from Forest, one of their relegation rivals last season, rather than exploring the European market for a bigger name. But it is not like West Ham have not had joy signing players from Forest down the years.

Look no further than Michail Antonio, who has been a huge fan favourite in east London since joining from the Reds in 2015.

The winger-cum-striker has made 276 appearances for the Irons and has scored 75 goals, with 61 of those coming in the Premier League to make him their record scorer in the competition.

Antonio scored eight goals and assisted three in his first season at Premier League level in 2015-16, incidentally, which is the exact number Johnson managed in his debut season in the competition with Forest.

West Ham signed Antonio for a far smaller fee of roughly £7m, but in the current market, and with Johnson only just turning 22, the versatile forward may well be worth the punt.

Liverpool will be searching for the best talent on the globe to enrich the club's underbelly, and Turkish Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler could be the answer.

That's according to Turkish outlet Aksam (via Sport Witness), who claim that Jurgen Klopp's Reds – alongside Barcelona – 'want' the 18-year-old prospect after his stunning start to life in the Turkish Super Lig and that they have 'accelerated attempts' as the 22/23 campaign concludes.

A dynamic ace, Guler's availability is complicated by Fenerbahce's desire to keep him at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for one more year, with two seasons remaining on his existing contract.

Liverpool would be expected to pay around £20m for the teenage talent to pluck him from Turkish clutches, and while this might seem somewhat steep for a starlet so soon into their career at top level, his discernible aptitude as a first-rate prospect should warrant a swoop from one of Europe's biggest clubs, and Klopp would be wise to ensure that he is brought to Anfield.

How good is Arda Guler?

It's been an impressive season for this young gem. Having posted three goals and assists apiece from just two starting appearances in the league last term, Guler has carried on his feats into the present campaign and has scored six goals and supplied six assists from 34 appearances across all competitions.

It's the regularity of his brilliant performances at the maiden stage of his career that will have been so arresting to the likes of Klopp and co, with Sofascore recording Guler's average league rating this season at an impressive 7.48, with his seven direct contributions from just 11 starts complemented by an average of 1.7 shots and two key passes per game, an 85% pass completion rate and an illustration of his defensive work with 1.3 tackles per match.

Guler's strength across a variety of positions – namely the right-wing, attacking midfield and centre of the park – bears a certain resemblance to that of one Kevin De Bruyne, with the Manchester City phenomenon also playing as a winger in his early days before dropping centrally and deeper as he progressed into the prime of his career.

Indeed, preceding his £55m transfer to the Citizens, De Bruyne would frequent the flanks alongside his usual deployment as a central attacking midfielder, with the treble-winning Belgian now one of the most distinguished modern gems with an incredible seasonal haul of ten goals and 31 assists from 49 matches this season.

Guler, who already has an eye for goals and assists and a steady creative output – with his two key passes per game – is a "serious talent", according to Duncan Castles, and could be moulded into one of Europe's best under Klopp's wing.

The German manager has done it before – Gini Wijnaldum and Harvey Elliott were both moved from more attack-focussed roles, Alexis Mac Allister will likely be featured as a robust and industrious central option after signing this summer, veering away from his abilities further up-field.

And Guler, who has been riding the crest of a wave during his early years and hailed as a prospect with "no limit" by Andrea Pirlo, could be the latest addition, emulating someone of De Bruyne's ilk and flourishing as a devastating force for years to come on Merseyside.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale is making moves in the summer transfer window to alter his playing squad at Ibrox ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and Jack Butland have all been confirmed to be joining the Gers next month and with new signings could come more departures.

One player who could be on his way out of Glasgow is winger Scott Wright, who is reportedly free to leave if an acceptable offer comes the club's way in the next few months.

Who could replace Scott Wright at Rangers?

Beale could ruthlessly ditch the forward by securing a deal to snap up Bright Osayi-Samuel, whose arrival would open up the space for the Scottish giants to sanction a transfer for the ex-Aberdeen man.

Turkish outlet Sporx recently claimed that the Light Blues have submitted an offer to sign the Fenerbahce gem, who is said to be keen on a move away from his current club.

The ace is reportedly available for a fee in the region of €10m (£8.5m) but it remains unclear as to how much Rangers have offered or how much they are willing to go to.

Osayi-Samuel has mainly played as a right-back this season for the Turkish side but his natural position is on the wing, like Wright, and his form as an attacker in England with Queens Park Rangers indicates that he has the potential to be a big upgrade.

He is an exciting player who could get supporters off their feet with his former boss, Mark Warburton, describing him as a winger who "terrifies defenders" with his "sheer pace" and is a "handful" to deal with.

The 25-year-old Nigerian caught the eye with his performances in the Championship in 19/20 and 20/21 with QPR. He racked up eight goals and ten assists and created 13 'big chances' for his teammates in 58 outings during that period, showcasing his creativity with five 'big chances' provided in the Super Lig from right-back in 21/22.

Wright, however, has struggled badly in the Scottish Premiership over the last two seasons. The attacker has scored four goals and assisted two from six 'big chances' created in 42 appearances in the division in that time.

As a result, Beale must ruthlessly jettison the dud as his lack of production in the top flight suggests that he does not have what it takes to have a big role in the squad next term.

He doesn't offer much in the way of goals or chance creation and Osayi-Samuel could come in and offer more on both fronts, whilst also having the versatility to be able to play at right-back if needed.

An early piece of Rangers team news has emerged ahead of the Glasgow giants taking part in the Europa League final tonight…

What’s the talk?

Gio van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Kemar Roofe will be in contention to make the starting line-up as the Gers look to win a major European trophy in Seville.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the head coach said: “Kemar Roofe is available, he trained yesterday for the first time. He will also be training tonight and in the squad.”

The Dutchman added: “Kemar (Roofe) is a boost for us, he is important and I am happy for him as he has been working hard to return. He is there and ready to play a part.”

Supporters will be buzzing

This update will surely leave the Ibrox faithful buzzing, as having Roofe back is a major boost to the team ahead of a monumental clash for the club.

The players, and indeed staff, have an opportunity to write their names in the history books as the first group to lift a European trophy for Rangers since 1972. A win will also mean that the Gers go straight into the group stage of the Champions League next term, handing the club a significant financial lift and giving the players an exciting chance to play at the very top level.

This is why it is important for Van Bronckhorst to have his best players available to him, and Roofe certainly falls into that category based on his form prior to picking up a knock last month.

In his last six appearances for the club, the Jamaica international scored four goals and provided two assists in all competitions. Over the course of the season, he has netted 12 goals in 13 starts across the Premiership and Europa League.

The 29-year-old has proven that he has the quality and mentality to turn up when it matters in Europe. In the second leg of the quarter-final tie against Braga, Roofe turned in a sublime performance to decide the game for the Gers as he won a penalty for James Tavernier to convert before scoring the winner in extra time with a composed finish.

This shows that he has the potential to play a key role in the final tonight if he is selected, and that is why having him fit and available is a major boost to the squad. Supporters will be buzzing to see him in action and will be hoping that he can sprinkle his magic in the Europa League one more time…

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst must finally unleash “powerful” 19 y/o Rangers gem who “took his chance” in 2022…

Manchester United have been reportedly relentlessly chasing the signing of Frenkie de Jong, and now a new update has emerged that will surely deflate new manager Erik ten Hag.

What’s the latest?

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has given an update on the ongoing situation between Man United and De Jong.

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Plettenberg tweeted: “Been told from close sources that MUFC is trying everything to get de Jong in summer. Ten Hag wants him! The club is verifying the financial package. Talks have taken place. But Xavi definitely won’t let him go!”

Ten Hag will be deflated

If Plettenberg’s report is accurate it is clear that the Barcelona midfielder is a huge target for Ten Hag but the new Man United boss will surely be deflated that Xavi is unwilling to consider letting him go.

The Red Devils have been in desperate need of a midfielder who can offer strong defensive attributes and improve the possession in the centre of the pitch, something De Jong is more than capable of offering at Old Trafford.

According to SofaScore, in La Liga this season the 25-year-old ace has won the majority of his ground and aerial duels (63%), has an impressive 95% pass accuracy in his own half and makes 1.1 tackles per game, but it’s not just his solid defensive performances that stand-out.

De Jong also offers phenomenal ball progression and creativity from his position, completing an overwhelming majority of his dribbles (88%), creating three big chances, making 1.4 key passes whilst scoring three goals and contributing three assists for his side this season. That proves that he is the complete midfielder and could offer a diverse set of skills to Man United.

When you consider these impressive statistics it is no wonder Ten Hag is desperate to seal the deal for the Barcelona player, as he would considerably improve the current midfield, especially with Paul Pogba set to leave this summer on a free transfer. Not only can the Dutch maestro replace his creativity but he can offer more in defensive transition.

Ultimately, it looks like the Dutch coach and the powers at Old Trafford will need to work hard to make Barcelona a hugely tempting offer to secure the signing and convince Xavi to let go of the player this summer.

AND in other news: David Ornstein: MUFC seriously keen on signing £51m “diamond”, ten Hag will adore him

A Leeds United source has dropped a further worrying update regarding Stuart Dallas’ serious injury, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Femoral fracture

The Northern Irishman, who has started 121 of Leeds’ last 122 league games, became the latest Whites star to suffer a major injury this season.

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The 31-year-old was involved in a heavy collision with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish last weekend and had to be stretched off shortly before half-time.

Leeds have since confirmed the worst, with Dallas suffering a femoral fracture and facing a lengthy period on the sidelines. The versatile full-back has already undergone surgery on the problem, but it looks as if it could be even worse going off a recent update.

The Latest: Leeds source

FI shared a story regarding Dallas on Friday morning after being informed by a Leeds source.

They were told by the Elland Road source that Dallas’ injury is worse than first feared and that he could be out for 12 months, describing it as a ‘devastating’ blow.

The Verdict: Nightmare

Should FI’s reveal prove accurate, then Dallas looks likely to be unavailable for most of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

That would be horrible news, with Dallas regularly the go-to man to provide cover in a number of different areas. Dallas has also been the club’s third-best Premier League performer this season behind Raphinha and Liam Cooper, as per WhoScored, turning out at left-back, right-back and in midfield.

He has established himself as a Leeds legend with his displays over the last three seasons, and hopefully, he’ll have a setback-free recovery and return sooner than this latest timeframe has suggested.

In other news: Leeds officials sent abroad as Radz plots move for 56-goal attacker.