All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Reliable reporter Alfie House has shared a worrying piece of Southampton injury news that has left manager Russell Martin feeling “gutted”.

Southampton's poor Premier League start continues

The Saints are still without a win in the Premier League this season, having sealed a return to the top flight last time around, with the jump up in quality proving to be sobering for Martin and his players.

On Saturday afternoon, Southampton threatened to pick up a stunning result away to much-fancied Arsenal, taking the lead through Cameron Archer in the second half at the Emirates.

Unfortunately, the Gunners’ quality eventually shone through, with the hosts winning 3-1 in north London, but there was no shame in the scoreline for Martin’s men, who largely equipped themselves well in what will be one of their toughest assignments of the campaign.

The defeat still leaves Southampton sitting 19th in the Premier League table and Martin under pressure, however, having picked up just one solitary point from their opening seven matches, suggesting that the south coast club could be in for a long season. They desperately need key players to stay fit, but they may soon receive a blow in that respect.

Southampton suffer injury blow to "fantastic" ace

Taking to X, House reported that Southampton striker Ross Stewart has picked up a muscle injury, with Martin left “gutted” by the situation and a scan required which is a concern.

This is exactly what Southampton could do without, during a long and taxing season where they need as many important players available as possible. While Stewart may not exactly be the first name on the team sheet, he has still made four appearances in the league this term, starting once.

Meanwhile, pundit Sam Parkin once hailed the 28-year-old during his Sunderland days, saying: “Stewart, what a story this has been. He was fantastic today. The forward Sunderland players are really starting to click, (Alex) Pritchard, most touches, most passes today but Stewart’s finishing.”

Firepower is so vital in the Premier League, so Stewart possibly not being around will have an impact on Martin’s options in the final third, with his side only scoring four goals in seven games in the competition so far this season.

Hopefully, the former Sunderland man’s setback isn’t too serious, but he has proven to be an injury-prone figure over the years, so there will be understandable concern after this latest issue.

Southampton owner Dragan Solak is now considering major double sacking

The future of Southampton manager Russell Martin is under serious threat.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 2, 2024

As for Martin, he remains under pressure to keep his job, even though few will judge him by a 3-1 defeat away to Arsenal, and he now has the international break to try and regroup, prior to inspiring a Southampton turnaround, starting with a crucial visit of Leicester City on October 19th, in a game that Saints badly need to win.

Manchester United have received a fresh injury blow as the October international break gets underway, according to a recent update.

This is an important two weeks for the Red Devils, as the future of Erik ten Hag is said to be discussed this week, with options still open as to whether he leaves or remains the manager of the Premier League side. The Dutchman will be hoping he remains in the hot seat and his international players return injury-free after the break.

Man Utd board eyeing "outstanding" coach Chelsea nearly hired before Maresca

This Premier League manager could be a contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 7, 2024 Man Utd players away on international duty

As with most Premier League clubs, Man United have got a lot of first-team players leaving the club to go and represent their countries across the globe. The Red Devils have players representing teams in Europe, South America, and Africa over the next 10 days or so.

United have James Scanlon representing Gibraltar, looking to add to his goal from that last international break. Meanwhile, they have players such as Victor Lindelof and Altay Bayindir, who will be hoping to represent Sweden and Turkey, respectively.

Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee will be looking to add to their caps for the Netherlands as they face a game against Germany. Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Diogo Dalot, and Bruno Fernandes will all be looking to represent Denmark and Portugal in their upcoming games. United also have Lisandro Martínez, Andre Onana, and Amad Diallo away on international duty, as they look to add to their caps for Argentina, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast, respectively.

The Red Devils could have seen more players away on international duty, as three players were meant to be away with their countries but missed out through injury.

Man Utd receive fresh injury concern alongside Garnacho and Mainoo

Manchester United have received an injury blow, as defender Noussair Mazraoui has withdrawn from the Morocco national team due to injury, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The 26-year-old has played 29 times for his country, scoring two goals, but he is unable to represent Morocco in this October international break.

Mazraoui has played in every single league game for the Red Devils this season after joining the club from Bayern Munich in the summer. The Moroccan started the game against Aston Villa on Sunday but had to be withdrawn at halftime and replaced by Lindelof. The injury is yet to be known, and how long he will be out for is also unknown.

Mazraoui, who is estimated to be on a weekly wage of £135,000, is the third Man Utd player to drop out of international duty already. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have also pulled out from representing Argentina and England with respective injury issues.

Games

10

Minutes played

767

Goals

0

Assists

1

Garnacho has been managing a knee issue over the past week and confirmed on Instagram that he wouldn’t be travelling to South America to play for Argentina. Meanwhile, Mainoo was United’s only representative in the England squad, but he has also pulled out after managing an issue in the past week, an issue that saw him miss the recent game against Porto.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have helped turn Arsenal from an underachieving sleeping giant into one of the best teams in Europe over the last few years, and while they are yet to win a major honour, it feels more like a matter of when and not if.

The manager has helped instil a steeling determination to fight in every moment, as we saw against Manchester City on Sunday, while the Brazilian has helped him to bring in the players he needs to carry out his vision.

Moreover, the pair have also overseen a huge number of player departures during their time at the club, be that superstars like former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or academy products who just weren’t of the required level like Eddie Nketiah.

It’s impossible to deny the profound impact they have had on the North Londoners over the last four years or so, but as always, there is more work to be done to the squad, and one former fan favourite, who earns more than David Raya and Leandro Trossard, must be moved on this season.

Raya and Trossard's salaries at Arsenal

Arsenal paid an initial £3m to sign Raya on a season-long loan with an option to buy from Brentford last summer, and saying there was some pushback at the time would be an understatement.

The Gunners had just come off of an brilliant campaign in which Aaron Ramsdale had impressed between the sticks, so when Arteta told the media he now had two number ones, there were more than a few eyebrows raised, with pundits like Gary Neville particularly scathing early on in the season, and towards the end when he described his distribution against City as “terrible.”

However, the manager stuck by his player and spent the £27m needed to make his move a permanent one, and so far this season, he has more than repaid him with match-defining performances in almost every game so far, particularly against Atalanta and Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut.

It would be fair to say that the Spanish shot-stopper is more than justifying his £100k-per-week wages, as is Belgian superstar Trossard, who may have stitched up his teammates on Sunday but has otherwise been imperious in red and white.

The talented winger joined the Gunners from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for £27m in January 2023 and ended that season with a seriously impressive haul of one goal and ten assists in 22 appearances before doing just as well last year and racking up 17 goals, and two assists in 46 games.

The Waterschei-born ace currently has just one goal in six matches this season, but like Raya, he has more than proven his value to the North Londoner, which is unfortunately not something that can be said about one of their teammates who earns more than the pair of them.

Kieran Tierney's salary at Arsenal

Yes, the player in question is Scottish international Kieran Tierney, who was once tipped to become the ‘Gunners’ future captain thanks to his old-school, no-nonsense style of play.

However, despite looking impressive here and there in the five years since his £25m move to the Emirates, the former Celtic ace just hasn’t played enough football to justify his hefty £110k-per-week wages.

For example, in his first three seasons in North London, the Douglas-born star missed a whopping 55 games through injury, and by that point, he was firmly out of Arteta’s plans, and despite remaining fit for the 22/23 campaign, he was sidelined by new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko.

19/20

1

96

19

20/21

4

83

19

21/22

2

114

17

22/23

0

0

0

23/24

3

100

21

24/25

1

97

–

Total

11

490

76

With it clear he wasn’t going to get much game time, the Scotsman joined La Liga side Real Sociedad on a season-long loan last year. While he looked good on the pitch, he was once again blighted by injury problems. He ended up missing 21 matches due to hamstring and adductor injuries, with the former keeping him out of action this season as well.

In all, the 27-year-old dynamo has officially missed a frankly absurd 76 games through injury since joining Arsenal in 2019, and though he can be exceptional at times and would offer the club a more traditional option at left-back, it’s clear he cannot be relied upon.

Therefore, Arteta and Edu must move Tierney on either this January if he’s fit or in the summer. He cannot justify his £110k-per-week wages, and the longer he spends on the sidelines in North London, the more his career is going to stall.

He's outscoring Saka: Arsenal may regret selling "Henry-esque" star for £1m

The sensational attacker has started this season in brilliant form.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 24, 2024

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in desperate need of a striker this transfer window, with goal-scoring woes that could be eased by Elye Wahi.

The Montpellier striker was linked to the Old Gold earlier this summer, and could remain as a possibility for Julen Lopetegui to target following Wolves’ sufficient sales amounting to almost £80m.

Could Wolves sign Elye Wahi?

In the latter stages of June, journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter claimed that the Midlands club held ‘real’ interest in the Montpellier sensation.

Valued at €35m (£30m) by his club via Foot Mercato, the striker could depart Ligue 1 this summer, with news emerging today revealling that he has received interest from fellow Premier League representatives Chelsea, as per L'Equipe.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Wolves are in desperate need of a striker, as communicated by them cementing themselves as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers last season, having netted just 31 goals in 38 games.

Lopetegui’s side – inherited from Bruno Lage – averaged only 0.82 goals per match, with their favoured striker Raul Jimenez failing to net a single goal in his 15 game campaign.

Lauded as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Wahi scored over half of the number of goals the entire Wolves side last season, netting 19 goals in Ligue 1 at the age of 20.

In 33 appearances in France’s top-tier, the Courcouronnes-born gem contributed to 24 of his side’s goals, adding five assists to his individual goal tally to show his threat in the final third, via FBref.

The 20-year-old could be the perfect addition at Molineux, in a player that oozes a clinical swagger and a potency going forward, which are exactly the attributes that Lopetegui requires to bolster his squad this summer.

The Premier League houses some of the best strikers in Europe, and Wolves could harvest their own goal machine in Wahi, who has already been compared to one of the league’s top scorers based on his statistics.

As per FBref comparisons, the Frenchman is comparable to Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, who ended his individual term as the league’s fifth-highest scorer, with 18 goals for the Magpies.

Wolves could land their own answer to Wilson in signing Wahi, in a player who could be fundamental to the club’s overall form, just as the Englishman has been in the North East.

Newcastle secured Champions League football with a fourth-place finish, with the help of Wilson’s goals spurring them to new heights.

Wahi could act in the way that Wilson has for Newcastle, with the 20-year-old averaging similarly to the Englishman in terms of average goals per 90, registering 0.64 non-penalty goals to the 31-year-old’s 0.72 per 90.

Having already experienced the Premier League highs to secure a European place, Wolves know just how important it is to have a competent figure leading the line, just as Jimenez once did, scoring 30 goals over his first two seasons in the league.

At the age of just 20, Lopetegui could reignite the flame in the attack at Molineux by signing the Montpellier gem, who has shown signs that he could cause havoc leading the line when called upon.

Barcelona club chief Joan Laporta expects to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the signing of defender Clement Lenglet this summer.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

As already confirmed, the Lilywhites have put pen to paper on deals for Dejan Kulusevski – who joins permanently from Juventus after 18 months on loan – alongside both goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and midfielder James Maddison.

The latter duo joined in this transfer window and for bargain fees, with Vicario signing for around £17.2 million and Maddison for £40 million, despite the latter starring for Leicester City last season.

Tottenham are also widely tipped to seal the capture of Manor Solomon on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, coming after his impressive 23/23 loan spell at Fulham last year.

The Israeli international is set for a medical after travelling to London, according to Fabrizio Romano, whilst Spurs remain locked in talks over both Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

A new centre-back features highly on Spurs’ to-do list this summer, coming after a season which saw them concede an unacceptable 63 league goals. Indeed, no other side above Bournemouth leaked more than that, with those numbers potentially concerning manager Ange Postecoglou.

Lenglet, who spent last season on loan at Spurs from Barca, has been linked with a return to north London permanently.

The Frenchman made 26 league appearances and even scored during their Champions League campaign, with reports suggesting he could be available for just £8.5 million.

Catalans chief Laporta, speaking to La Vanguardia (via Romano), has confirmed that Barcelona expect to reach an agreement with Spurs over Lenglet’s transfer.

The 28-year-old, thought to be on around £204,000-per-week, has caps at international level for France and has been seriously endorsed by compatriot Hugo Lloris.

What’s been said about Lenglet?

Lloris, speaking to the media last year, called Lenglet a “modern” defender whilst drawing attention to his physical strength as a centre-back – both aerially and in ground duels.

“He’s a modern defender,” said Lloris.

“Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he’s strong in the air.

“Even if it’s never easy when you arrive in the Premier League and he will have to adapt to the intensity of the games but he is a high level player, with experience.

“I’m even more happy because I have a good connection with him and also a great relationship with him. He has a great personality and he will adapt well to the team.”

Former Barca boss Ronald Koeman, speaking back in 2021, also called Lenglet a “very professional” and “serious” player.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, as he looks to rebuild his career in England.

Steve Cooper must add firepower to his squad this summer should they wish to remain in the Premier League, after securing safety in the penultimate game of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Reds have been linked to an array of talent ahead of the new term, as the City Ground eyes star names to add to their promising squad that sit on the fence between the top and second division.

After scoring just 38 goals in 38 games, Cooper must install a significant threat to his attack as Forest bid to improve in the final third, which is something Cooper could achieve in signing Hudson-Odoi.

As reported by a journalist associated with Football Transfers, Forest are among the 'favourites' to sign the 22-year-old, who according to the Guardian could leave Chelsea for a fee of £15m.

AC Milan have also been named as a club that could potentially acquire the Chelsea academy graduate, in a move that could see him follow the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Milan.

What could Callum Hudson-Odoi offer to Nottingham Forest?

After playing for the Blues since U8s level, the Englishman could call it quits from his home surroundings as his contract nears its 2024 expiry date.

The tricky winger has returned to the Blues after an underwhelming season-long loan at Bayer Leverkusen, in which he scored just once in 21 appearances in all competitions for Die Werkself.

A number of years tainted by injury have seen the Londoner fall down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, after bursting onto the scene in the 2019/20 campaign, in which he registered one goal and five assists in 22 Premier League appearances for Chelsea.

Despite enduring a difficult period in his budding career, the Champions League winner could rejuvenate his past form in a new environment, and could flourish in Coopers’ set-up at the City Ground.

The 22-year-old could follow the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White in opting for change to become a firm starter in the top division, in a move that could be successful for the club and player.

Hailed as “frightening” by Scouted Football, Hudson-Odoi could add a threat from the wing to Forest’s game plan. Indeed, he represents a player particularly well suited to featuring alongside the talent of Gibbs-White.

The former Wolves midfielder has lit up the City Ground after signing from Molineux last summer, in a campaign that saw him voted as the BBC’s pick for Forest Player of the Season.

As per FBref, the playmaker averaged an impressive 1.91 key passes and 2.29 passes into the final third per 90 in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, providing chances all over the pitch for his teammates.

Cooper could further the exploits of his star man by signing Hudson-Odoi, who flexes strengths in the final third that suggest he could be the perfect partner for the 23-year-old ace.

Despite not being at his most dangerous, the winger ranked in the top 13% of those in his position in Europe over the past year in terms of progressive carries, averaging 4.71 per 90 as well as 2.02 successful take-ons, via FBref.

The Englishman’s threat could be integral to adding a new-found fear factor to Cooper's XI, in a talent that could be dispatched frequently by the likes of Gibbs-White in the bid to take Forest higher up the table.

Celtic officially confirmed the arrival of Brendan Rodgers for his second spell at Parkhead last month and the new head coach has two months to build his squad before the deadline.

Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio have already come through the door to bolster the Northern Irishman tactician's midfield and attacking options but there could also be additions in the defensive third of the pitch.

The Scottish Sun recently claimed that Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney would consider a return to Paradise on loan next season as the defender is currently weighing up whether or not to depart the Emirates on a temporary basis.

However, the report stated that the Hoops would need to reach a compromise with the Premier League side over the Scotland international's £120k-per-week wages, along with the club paying a significant loan fee for his services.

Where would Kieran Tierney fit in at Celtic?

The 26-year-old enforcer, who left the Glasgow giants to sign for Arsenal in 2019, would arrive as Rodgers' third senior left-back option alongside Greg Taylor and Alexandro Bernabei.

There may not be any need for three first-team players in that position, and that could open the door for the manager to ruthlessly ditch Bernabei, a year on from his £3.75m move to the club.

The Argentinian full-back endured a difficult debut year in Scotland as his performances left too much to be desired. He averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.55 across 15 Scottish Premiership outings, which placed him 28th (out of 30 players) in the squad, while the dud also lost 60% of his duels.

Tierney only started six of his 27 Premier League appearances last season, but his form as a regular starter in the 2021/22 campaign indicates that the quality is there for him to be a huge upgrade on Bernabei.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.93 across 22 starts along with a duel success rate of 52%. This suggests that the ex-Hoops academy graduate has the quality to perform to a higher standard week-in-week-out while also being stronger in his physical contests in comparison to the current Celtic flop.

The 38-cap dynamo is also a proven performer in Scotland, having won 11 domestic trophies during his spell at the club, and has already worked with Rodgers at Parkhead.

Tierney, who was once hailed as a "leader" and a "warrior" by former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole, could hit the ground running to make an instant impact on loan next season as a ready-made left-back for the manager.

The signing of the Gunners ace would then allow Rodgers to ruthlessly ditch Bernabei, whether that be by reducing his game time to almost nothing or by allowing the dud to move on in the coming months.

Arsenal's constantly-increasing stature in the game is already paying dividends this summer, as they seem set to secure yet another deal…

What's the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

Having already reportedly tempted Kai Havertz to join their revolution, with it well reported that he "only wanted to join Arsenal", Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has now detailed another star who is reportedly desperate to mimic such a move.

Writing on his Twitter, he outlined the Gunners' interest in Ajax star Jurrien Timber and the reciprocal feeling of the Dutchman: "J. #Timber wants to join Arsenal as his move was prepared in detail in the last weeks. #Ajax in negotiations with Arsenal now. Agreement expected between €40-45m. ManUtd no topic as they have a similar profile with Martinez."

With the apex of his price tag settling at this €45m (£39m) fee, this seems one of the more affordable deals given the figures being touted for some of their other potential deals. Given he could strike up a fine partnership with Bukayo Saka down that right flank too, it truly is a tantalising option.

How good is Jurrien Timber?

Although predominantly a centre-back, his immense versatility means that the 22-year-old is just as comfortable as a central midfielder, and therefore also as an inverting full-back.

Such qualities have understandably drawn comparisons with another of the Gunners' technically-proficient defenders, with journalist Sam Dean suggesting he was a "Zinchenko-type player".

When delving into his underlying statistics, it is clear that he is comfortably one of the best ball-playing central defenders in Europe. This aids in the notion that his true potential lies in a more advanced role, perhaps just behind Saka to form a truly potent right side.

FBref details what makes Timber so special, by pitting him against others in that centre-back role across the continent. The youngster still manages to rank in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion rate, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Football writer Anthony Onifade even outlined why the defender would be ideal for Mikel Arteta's fluid system in particular, taking to Twitter: "Jurrien Timber would be EXCEPTIONAL for Mikel Arteta, just as he would be for Erik ten Hag. He’s an elite-level footballer, incredible tactical smarts and intelligence who’d fit into any possession-based side like a glove. A masterstroke if AFC pull this off."

To place such creativity behind Saka could help the England international take his game to another level, despite enjoying a true standout campaign last term. The 21-year-old found the net on 15 occasions, offering up 11 assists too in all competitions whilst featuring in every single league game.

He did all this with the defensively solid but creatively-lacking exploits of Ben White behind him, further emphasising the attacking quality of their young trickster.

After all, the 25-year-old could only muster 0.7 key passes per game in the league. Swapping that out for Timber could prove revolutionary, and might be the catalyst to make Arteta's team true Premier League challengers.

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers has been thrust straight into the job in the middle of a summer transfer window and will need to get his feet under his desk as quickly as possible.

The 2023/24 campaign is on the horizon and teams are already starting to bolster their squads with new signings to achieve their goals next term.

Ange Postecoglou departed the Scottish giants earlier this month to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and the distraction of looking for a new boss may be the reason that the club are yet to make their first addition of the window.

The Daily Mail recently reported that the 50-year-old manager is now hoping to tempt Wilfred Ndidi to quit the King Power to link up with him again in Scotland, although it remains to be seen how viable a deal is for the Nigerian.

How would Wilfried Ndidi fit in at Celtic?

Postecoglou did not line up with an out-and-out defensive midfielder last term and Rodgers bringing the Leicester anchor to Parkhead could allow attacking midfielder David Turnbull to finally thrive.

No Celtic midfielder made more than 2.2 tackles and interceptions per Scottish Premiership game in the Australian chief's 4-3-3 system in 22/23 and the lack of a natural number six may have played a part in Turnbull's lack of minutes.

The 24-year-old only started six league matches for the Hoops but Rodgers' 4-2-3-1 formation could provide the Scotland international with an opportunity to strut his stuff if Ndidi comes in to provide the required defensive protection in one of the two deep-lying roles.

Leicester's midfield general was once described as an "elite player" by journalist John Bennett and the £75k-per-week gem's statistics back that up.

He ranks in the top 1% of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues over the last 365 days for interceptions and clearances per 90, whilst he is also in the top 5% for tackles and top 11% for blocks, which included him making 5.31 tackles and interceptions per 90.

This suggests that Ndidi has been one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe over the past year when it comes to cutting out opposition attacks and putting his body on the line for the team.

His ball-winning ability could allow Turnbull to thrive in the number ten role without having to worry about tracking back and exerting all of his effort in transitions.

Prior to Postecoglou's arrival, the Scottish wizard averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 across 36 Premiership outings in 20/21 and contributed with nine goals and 12 'big chances' created.

No Celtic player achieved an average rating higher than 7.45 in 22/23 and Turnbull's 2.9 key passes per match in 20/21 is more impressive than the club-high 2.1 chances created per game that Matt O'Riley managed last term.

Therefore, signing Ndidi, who was once lauded as a "monster" by journalist Colin Udoh, could improve the team defensively and offensively, with his efforts off the ball allowing Turnbull to be unlocked as a creative threat in possession.

Arsenal are battling Tottenham Hotspur and multiple other clubs in the race for Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, according to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

With reports indicating that Ben White is poised to switch back to a central role next season, Arsenal have set their sights on bringing in a new right-back, and they have reportedly already made an offer for Galatasaray's Sacha Boey.

The Gunners have tabled a bid worth £12m for Boey after meeting with Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur in London, however the Turkish side are holding out for £17m, which means the offer may need to be increased.

Another option being considered by Mikel Arteta is Manchester City's Joao Cancelo, who the Spaniard knows well from their time working together at the Etihad Stadium, and a bid of around £35m may be launched in the coming days.

Not only is a move for a new right-back in the offing, the Gunners have also identified Galatsaray centre-back Nelsson as a potential target, with Sports Digitale's Sabuncuohlu taking to Twitter to confirm they are in the race for his signature.

The journalist claims that a whole host of teams are battling it out for the Denmark international, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Sevilla, Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund.

However, the English clubs may hold a major advantage, as the centre-back's "first choice" is a move to the Premier League.

Who is Victor Nelsson?

The Dane does not have any experience in one of Europe's "big five" leagues, having spent the majority of his career in his home country, during spells with FC Nordsjaelland and FC Copenhagen, before moving to Galatasaray.

However, the Hornbaek-born defender has played a vital role for his current club en-route to winning the Turkish Super Lig title, which is now mathematically confirmed, recording 35 appearances in all competitions this season.

It is fair to say the £20k-per-week ace has done enough to impress the Galatasaray hierarchy, with board member Resit Omer Kukner branding him a "Danish lion", while praising him for his "attitude on and off the pitch".

Football scout Jacek Kulig has also highlighted Nelsson's leadership skills, and claims that he is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, showcasing his versatility.

That said, if White is switching to a central role next season, Arsenal would be better off bringing in a new right-back, and they should instead focus on signing Cancelo, who has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years.