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Despite spending Christmas Day atop the Premier League, Arsenal currently find themselves in fourth place, five points off first-place Liverpool and three behind Manchester City in second place.

Mikel Arteta saw his side lose back-to-back league games against West Ham United and Fulham before crashing out of the FA Cup against Liverpool, with only the winter break putting a stop to the Gunners' slide.

While much of this current slump can be blamed on the frontline – one goal in 63 shots is hard to ignore – the rest of the team hasn't been great either.

So, it is unsurprising that the latest player touted for a move to N5 could come in and provide the perfect competition for Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal considering move for former Chelsea youth star

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are among several Premier League clubs incredibly interested in Bayern Munich's outrageously talented youngster, Jamal Musiala.

The report names Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool as the other interested parties alongside the Gunners and comes off the back of transfers expert Fabrizio Romano (via Caught Offside) confirming that the former Chelsea youth product has yet to agree terms for a new deal with Bayern.

While the lack of progress on a new deal might help the interested parties somewhat, the fact that the 20-year-old still has over two years remaining on his deal certainly does not.

These two and a half years combined with his importance to the Bavarian giants means that this won't be a cheap deal to complete, with TEAMtalk reporting that he is valued at around €100m – £87m – by the Germans.

That said, Edu and Co have shown that they are happy to spend big for the right player, and Musiala could be the perfect rival for Odegaard, and if anything, he could even eventually replace him.

How Jamal Musiala compares to Martin Odegaard

Odegaard was named Arsenal captain in the summer of 2022, and in the year and a half since, he has wholly justified the club's decision. The Norwegian international was already the captain of his national team, and his impressive match intelligence and leadership qualities seamlessly transferred from country to club.

However, while he was outstanding for the Gunners last season – scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists – he has been rather underwhelming this season, scoring just four goals and providing three assists in 17 league starts.

That is where Musiala could come in and either provide some much-needed competition in the attacking midfield area or outright replace the former Real Madrid man if he cannot raise his level.

The German "genius", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has only started eight Bundesliga games this season but has already matched Odegaard's overall league goal contributions with five goals and two assists.

He was even more potent last season, registering 22 goal involvements – 12 goals and ten assists – in just 26 Bundesliga starts for the German behemoths.

That said, how do the pair compare when looking at their underlying numbers? Well, when it comes to the most relevant metrics for players in their position, it is hard to pick an outright winner.

Stats per 90

Musiala

Odegaard

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.64

0.35

Progressive Passes

5.24

8.44

Progressive Carries

4.63

2.93

Passing Accuracy

81.2%

84.7%

Shot-Creating Actions

5.51

6.10

Goal-Creating Actions

1.10

0.48

Successful Take-Ons

3.90

0.96

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

For example, Odegaard edges it in progressive passes, passing accuracy and shot-creating actions per 90. In contrast, Musiala comes out on top for non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive carries, goal-creating actions and successful take-ons per 90.

The clear advantage the young German has on his side is age, as at just 20, he is five years the Arsenal star's junior, and if talent scout Jacek Kulig is correct that Musiala is "destined for greatness", then he could well surpass Odegaard's output when he reaches his age.

Arsenal could sign Jesus upgrade who's "the most prolific striker in Europe"

This 22-year-old could fire the Gunners to the title instead of Gabriel Jesus.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 16, 2024

At the end of the day, Arsenal are in a poor run of form, and their captain has not been at his best either, so if they can find the money, signing Musiala could be the perfect way to coax him back to his best or have a ready-made replacement if he doesn't improve.

A tantalising prospect either way.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras foi derrotado, nesta quinta-feira (25), pelo Atlético-MG por 2 a 0, no Mineirão, em jogo válido pela última rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2020. Após o jogo, Abel Ferreira concedeu entrevista coletiva e falou sobre a escalação alviverde que entrou em campo contra a equipe mineira.

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>>Flamengo de 2019 ou Palmeiras de 1993? Quem é o melhor? LANCE! compara posição por posição

– Os jogadores, no modo geral, tiveram um bom comportamento. Gostei dos jogadores da base, que têm jogado menos, mas volto a dizer: essa é a nossa segunda força. São as nossas segundas linhas.

O treinador também enfatizou que os atletas relacionados para essa partida serão os escalados para disputar o Campeonato Paulista.

– Essa equipe que vocês viram aqui vai ser a do Paulistão. São esses jogadores, não temos outros. Que fique aqui bem claro. Essa, seguramente, será a equipe que vai disputar o Paulistão.

O Palmeiras estreia no Paulistão 2021 na próxima quarta-feira (03), às 19h, contra o Corinthians, na Neo Química Arena. Antes do Dérbi, o Maior Campeão Nacional viaja a Porto Alegre para enfrentar o Grêmio no jogo de ida da final da Copa do Brasil, em partida marcada às 16h de domingo (28).

continua após a publicidade

Former USA star Alexi Lalas pointed out what 'success' would mean for the USMNT at the upcoming Olympics.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Lalas reveals what success will be for USMNT at the OlympicsWants young players to prove themselves before World CupUSMNT to face Colombia & Brazil in June WHAT HAPPENED?

The former USA international and LA Galaxy defender suggested that he would love to see some young American players making a name for themselves in the Olympics and make a strong case for themselves to be selected in the final United States men's national team squad for the 2026 World Cup.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Established, young stars such as Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna, could travel with the team to Paris, while three overage players will be allowed to take part in the competition too. However, the USMNT's priority remains the Copa America which they consider to be a bigger test before the home World Cup.

WHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID

Replying to an X user, the 53-year-old wrote: "For the US men’s Olympic team, all I want to come out of the Olympics this summer are a few players who show they can legitimately challenge for places on the full USMNT before 2026. That’s success."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?

Gregg Berhalter's side will be next seen in action on June 8 as they face Colombia in an international friendly before taking on Brazil four days later. It remains to be seen which players will be taken to Paris this summer.

One Tottenham star is now hoping to make his injury comeback in December, which could ease another imminent blow for manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs absentee list growing

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, in what was a hammer setback for the Uruguayan, sustained ankle ligament damage in Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend. Bentancur is now expected to be sidelined till February, just weeks after he returned to the field from a lengthy nine-month lay-off.

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ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2023

The 26-year-old joins a long list of currently unavailable Spurs players, including the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Richarlison.

Spurs are also facing the imminent absences of Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min – who are all away on international duties at the very start of January.

They travel to represent their nations at AFCON and the Asia Cup respectively, a scenario which seems nightmarish for Postecoglou given the Spurs manager's real lack of options.

Tottenham have a tough festival schedule to contend with in the mean time, with league champions Man City, rivals West Ham and high-flying Newcastle awaiting them soon.

Richarlison hoping for December comeback

According to The Evening Standard and journalist Dan Kilpatrick, though, one injured Spurs star in Richarlison is hoping to ease the pressure on Postecoglou with a December return.

Indeed, Richarlison is aiming for an injury comeback before 2024 after undergoing surgery on his pubic bone, which would "ease the blow" of Son going away mid-season. The Brazilian, who's racked up a goal and three assists in 10 Premier League appearances this season, hasn't featured since Spurs' 2-1 win away to Palace in October.

He was on the bench for their first defeat of the season against Chelsea at the start of this month, but has since been sidelined following his treatment. While Richarlison has suffered his fair share of criticism since joining Spurs from Everton in 2022, the forward provides a different option for Tottenham.

Able to play both as a central striker and on the wings, having him back for what is a tough Christmas schedule will be a breath of fresh air for the Lilywhites with so many out right now.

Gets fouled often

Likes to cut inside

Indirect set-piece threat

Likes to tackle

Speaking after Richarlison's heroics during a 2-1 win over Sheffield United earlier this season, Postecoglou praised the "fantastic footballer".

“We’ve got to maintain a balance in life and even for him," said Postecoglou, via TEAMtalk. "He needs to understand his football is still good, he’s a fantastic footballer, he’s got so much to give and that can help ease the burden he’s feeling in other parts of his life, like so many of us.

“I’m really pleased for him – I thought he did really well. We were obviously chasing a goal and getting some balls in the box and he’s always a threat in the air.”

The allrounder has been suspended for two matches for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during USA’s win over Singapore on the final day of WCL Division Three

Peter Della Penna27-Nov-2018

Jannisar Khan executes a sweep behind square•Peter Della Penna

USA allrounder Jannisar Khan has been suspended for two matches and given four demerit points after being found guilty of breaching the ICC’s code of conduct. This is the first time a USA player has been suspended under the ICC’s current demerit points system and puts a cloud over his selection status for ICC WCL Division Two in Namibia next April.USA need a top-four finish in the six-team event to guarantee ODI status through 2021. The tournament consists of five round-robin matches which determine if USA finishes in the top four, before a final-day playoff match that has no bearing on ODI status. It means Jannisar would be guaranteed to miss 40% of the pivotal round-robin stage if USA decide to include him in their 14-man squad for the event.An ICC media release said Jannisar was charged with violating article 2.8 of the code of conduct, which relates to “showing dissent at a decision during an international match”. The release goes on to state that Jannisar “appeared to show dissent at the decision and directed abusive language towards the umpire and his decision.”The incident occurred during USA’s win over Singapore on the final day of WCL Division Three in Oman last week. Jannisar was given out caught behind for 24 with USA needing one run to achieve their target of 162.The match was live-streamed on USA Cricket’s YouTube page. Footage from the dismissal shows Jannisar throwing his hands up after being given out caught behind upon missing a cut shot to legspinner Anantha Krishna. Audio of the feed then clearly records Jannisar shouting, “Oh, come on, man! Oh, what the f***, man!” Jannisar then starts to walk off before the audio records him shouting, “S***, man!”Jannisar pleaded not guilty to the charge laid by on-field umpires Vinay Kumar Jha and Rahul Asher, and third umpire Akbar Ali Khan. The plea was apparently done under the premise that Jannisar’s language was expressed in general frustration at the decision rather than specifically directing abuse at the umpires.After a hearing, ICC match referee V Narayanan Kutty found Jannisar guilty and issued four demerit points, which equates to a two-match ban for USA’s next two T20Is or 50-over matches, whichever comes first. At the moment, USA have no matches scheduled prior to WCL Division Two in Namibia, due to be held from April 18 to 28.Jannisar, 37, is a former Pakistan Under-15 and Under-19 player belonging to the same batch that produced future Pakistan internationals such as Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq and Taufeeq Umar, and the future South Africa legspinner Imran Tahir. He migrated to Houston, Texas several years ago where he plays his club cricket and also works as a youth academy coach. He made his USA debut in September after qualifying to play for his adopted country under the ICC’s three-year residency rule.Jannisar was the third USA player found guilty of a code-of-conduct violation during WCL Division Three. Monank Patel was handed one demerit point for a level one violation after pleading guilty to giving batsman Irfan Karim a send-off during USA’s win over Kenya. Timil Patel was given one demerit point after pleading guilty to giving batsman Saif Ahmad a send-off during USA’s win over Denmark.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com tendinite na região de um dos calcanhares, a situação do volante Jobson, do Santos, é delicada para o jogo contra o Boca Juniors, às 19h15 da próxima quarta-feira (6), em Buenos Aires (ARG), pelas semifinais da Copa Libertadores.

O jogador está em transição e, embora tenha chances de viajar à Argentina, a sua situação vista com cautela pelo departamento médico santista.

> Veja a classificação do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

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Mesmo se tratando do principal jogo do Santos na temporada, o problema do meia é no tendão de aquiles, região delicada. No dia 16 de dezembro, Jobson foi escalado no sacrifício no duelo diante do Grêmio, na Vila Belmiro, pelo jogo de volta das quartas de final do torneio sul-americano, quando o Peixe venceu por 4 a 1. Na ocasião, o atleta foi dúvida durante a semana, mas foi escalado entre os titulares, sendo substituído no intervalo com dores e mancando. Nos dois compromissos seguintes, contra Vasco e Ceará, pelo Brasileirão, o camisa 8 foi desfalque no Alvinegro.

Jobson teve algumas oportunidades nesta temporada, mas sofreu com problemas físicos e a instabilidade. O jogador chegou a ser até uma espécie de “coringa” do técnico Cuca em 2020, tendo, além de volante, a sua função de origem, atuado como meia-direita e até zagueiro.

Inclusive, foi de Jobson o primeiro gol do Peixe nesta edição da Libertadores, contra o Defensa y Justicia (ARG), no estádio Norberto “Tito” Tomaghello, na Grande Buenos Aires. Na ocasião, o alteta saiu do banco e reservas e fez, de cabeça, o primeiro dos dois gols santistas na virada por 2 a 1.

Everton have had their fair share of failed signings over the years, hyped-up individuals joining Goodison Park and flopping when the pressure of the Premier League presents itself.

Players that put on Everton blue recently that won't be remembered fondly for their efforts whilst in Merseyside include Moise Kean, Fabian Delph and James Rodriguez – the last name of that trio joining Everton unexpectedly, the Colombian midfielder formerly of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich playing only 26 games for the Blues before moving to Qatar.

There's one name, however, who has been dubbed Farland Moshiri's "worst signing", according to journalist Paul Brown when speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

Costing £25m, and featuring in a paltry eight games for the Blues over three campaigns, Jean-Philippe Gbamin's time with Everton after joining from Germany was nothing short of a disaster.

When did Everton sign Jean-Philippe Gbamin?

In the same transfer window that saw the Blues sign the likes of Delph, Alex Iwobi and Andre Gomes – all three going on to have unspectacular stints for the Toffees – Gbamin also joined from Mainz for a grand total of £25m.

At the time, it felt like a solid, no-thrills addition to the squad. Gbamin would offer the Blues more defensive solidity as an anchor-style like midfielder, featuring 33 times for Mainz in his final season with the club and scoring two goals from defensive midfield.

He also boasted experience elsewhere in Europe with French side RC Lens, making 99 appearances for Lens before relocating to the Bundesliga.

It would unfortunately go pear-shaped for the Ivory Coast international when he departed Germany, a car-crash move to Everton awaiting him.

What was the reaction when Everton signed Jean-Philippe Gbamin?

The disappointment that followed regarding Gbamin's time with Everton wasn't helped by huge amounts of media fanfare, one German football pundit even comparing the midfielder to Manchester City legend and dominator Yaya Toure.

Gbamin's club statistics
Club	Games	Goals	Assists
Lens	99	4	2
Mainz	95	3	4
Trabzonspor	24	0	0
CSKA Moscow	13	2	2
Everton	8	0	1
Data via Transfermarkt

Bundesliga expert and Get German Football News editor Daniel Pinder waxed lyrical about Gbamin's potential for the Liverpool Echo, stating: "Gbamin is extremely athletic, possessing great energy while his tackling is up there amongst the best. He'll always give everything and the comparisons to Yaya Toure aren't far off.

"Statistically he was one of the Bundesliga's best midfielders in the league last season and to stand out in a Mainz side rightfully attracted interest from Europe's biggest clubs."

With or without the hype generated by the media at the time, nobody could have predicted the amount of injuries Gbamin would suffer in a Toffees jersey that ultimately stopped his Blues career from ever really progressing.

How did Jean-Philippe Gbamin play for Everton?

Starting his Everton career with two wins under his belt – playing in defensive midfield – Gbamin looked to be a promising signing from those first few encounters.

Yet, a hamstring issue would curtail his season completely after featuring in a 1-0 Watford victory towards the start of 2019/20 season. After that, the Ivory Coast man would only play a further seven games for the Toffees with more injuries suffered along the way.

The 28-year-old was finally put out of his misery at the start of last month, Everton confirming that they'd cancelled the midfielder's contract after what Gbamin described as a 'nightmare' time at Goodison Park.

It might well feel harsh to characterise Gbamin's signing as the "worst" signing made under the tenure of Moshiri as Toffees chairman – the chairman not exactly covering himself in glory with a fair few buys – but paying £25m for a man who was regularly on the treatment table instead of playing warrants this unflattering label.

Newcastle United are eyeing a move for a “magnificent” international central midfielder, according to a new transfer update that has emerged.

Newcastle injury and transfer news

The Magpies picked up a fantastic result on Saturday, winning 1-0 at home to Arsenal in a feisty Premier League clash that ebbed and flowed throughout. Anthony Gordon’s solitary strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, as he capitalised on some poor Gunners defending, securing a vital three points in the process.

It was another evening that saw Newcastle suffer further injury problems, however, with Dan Burn having to come off at half-time and Jacob Murphy aggravating his shoulder problem straight after coming on. Eddie Howe is having very little luck in the fitness department at the moment, and he may already be turning his attention to making new signings during the summer transfer window.

Another player who is still absent is key man Sven Botman, so a centre-back could also be at the forefront of Newcastle’s January shopping list. It looks as though they want a midfielder, too, following a new claim.

Newcastle want Koopmeiners

According to a new report from Tutto Mercado Web, Newcastle are interested in making a move for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who has been an important figure for the Serie A side for an extended period of time now. They have sent scouts to watch him in action.

The 25-year-old is seen as someone who could fill the void left by Sandro Tonali, following his 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, in a saga that has rocked the Magpies after his arrival during the summer. Koopmeiners could be a brilliant signing by Newcastle, having shown himself to be a key man for Atalanta ever since arriving from AZ Alkmaar in 2021.

It’s fair to say that Koopmeiners’ statistics during that time show how important he has been to the cause, making a total of 91 appearances and chipping in with an overall tally of 17 goals and 10 assists in that time.

This shows the box-to-quality that the Dutchman could bring to Newcastle’s starting lineup in place of Tonali, although it is clear that Atlanta will not be willing to let him leave on the cheap. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is someone who thinks very highly of the Netherlands international, saying of him in the past:

“AZ Alkmaar will make a lot of money from transfers of Calvin Stengs, Teun Koopmeiners & Myron Boadu. Three magnificent players.”

At 25, Koopmeiners is at a lovely stage in his career to come straight in and make a big impression in the January transfer window, although the only confusion is whether that would be a loan move or not.

Appearances

91

Goals

17

Assists

10

PIF may not spend big in January, so if the Magpies want him on a permanent basis, it could be that next summer is when the move happens. That would then allow them to sign someone else to replace Tonali temporarily in the next window, such as Newcastle targets Kalvin Phillips and N’Golo Kante.

Fabrizio Romano has been giving his thoughts on one player who Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for.

Man Utd transfer update; new defender

The Red Devils have struggled for clean sheets and defensive options so far this season, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez currently injured. In total, Erik ten Hag’s side have conceded 19 goals in 11 games, with a makeshift back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof starting against Brentford in the Premier League prior to the international break.

However, with the January transfer window around the corner, the club appear to be looking at possible signings at the back, with Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba named as potential Man Utd targets.

Talking in his CaughOffside column, Fabrizio Romano has now provided a transfer update on Inacio. The transfer expert said he is on the list of United and Liverpool, although negotiations are yet to start with either club. Romano then gave his verdict on the player, suggesting he would ‘be an amazing option for any club’, saying the left-footed centre-backs at his level ‘are very rare’.

“Goncalo Inacio continues to impress as one of the top young defenders in Europe, showing huge potential with Sporting Lisbon and recently working his way onto Manchester United’s potential list of targets. But there is also Liverpool – the Reds have always been in the stands to scout and follow Inacio, but at the same time they never sent official bids or started negotiations.

“There’s nothing new so far, as he signed a new deal at Sporting in August as there was nothing concrete happening with UK clubs. Still, I think he’d be an amazing option for any club, Liverpool or United in particular; left footed players at that level are very rare to find.”

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

Inacio has gained plenty of first-team experience after coming through the Sporting CP academy, turning out on 132 occasions in all competitions, including 10 times during the current campaign. (Goncalo Inacio stats)

Still only 22 years of age, Inacio’s transfer value has increased to a career-high €30m by Transfermarkt, although recent Man Utd transfer reports have claimed that the Red Devils may need to pay closer to €60m if they want their man.

During the 2023/24 season, Inacio has impressed when compared to the likes of Varane, Martinez and Lindelof, as can be seen below. (FBref stats per 90 mins 2023/24)

Player

% of dribbles tackled

Blocks

Interceptions

Carries

Goncalo Inacio

58.3%

1.13

1

69

Raphael Varane

33.3%

1.11

0.28

57.8

Lisandro Martinez

36.4%

0.95

0.48

49

Victor Lindelof

28.6%

1.05

0.53

50.5

Therefore, a move for Inacio in 2024 by Man United could prove to be a shred piece of business by those at Old Trafford, with the left-footed centre-back seemingly a star already, and you’d like to think he’ll only get better with age.

The ECB has extended deals with two of its current commercial partners, NatWest and Specsavers, after being forced to find a new sponsor for the Test summer. Investec announced last year it was pulling out of its sponsorship of Test cricket, having initially signed a 10-year deal in 2012.NatWest, the banking group whose logo appears on all England kit, will be the ECB’s title partner for the two-Test series against Pakistan, which starts next week. The arrangement will be encompassed within the “Cricket Has No Boundaries” campaign, aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the game.From the India series until the end of 2019, a period including next summer’s Ashes, England’s home Tests will be sponsored by Specsavers. The opticians is currently the title partner for the County Championship, having taken over from LV= in 2016.”These new deals show two key partners developing even deeper relationships with the game,” ECB commercial director Rob Calder said. “It also means that, for the first time, we have specific partners at men’s international and men’s domestic level with Specsavers focusing on red-ball cricket, Royal London owning 50-over cricket, and Vitality driving T20 cricket.”It is great news for our sport that the Pakistan Test series will celebrate cricket’s inclusive nature under the #NoBoundaries campaign – showing that cricket truly is a game for everyone no matter your background, culture or location.”The second Test against Pakistan, beginning at Headingley on June 1, will also feature a focus on diversity. Broadcaster Sky will cover club and community initiatives being spearheaded by the ECB, including the All Stars Cricket programme, the work of Chance to Shine, the board’s new South Asian Action Plan and England’s disability teams.