David Ospina had to settle for the cup competitions at Arsenal last season as he once again struggled to nab the top spot.The goalkeeper has been playing second fiddle to Petr Cech since the experienced stopper’s arrival from Chelsea in 2015.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”269481″ player=”12034″ title=”Five talking points from the World Cup last 16″]Ospina’s job has been made even harder this summer due to the recent arrival of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen.Under new manager Unai Emery, the newbie is expected to be made first choice in between the sticks, with Cech number two and Ospina further down the pecking order.How far will England get in Russia? Tell us now and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.The Colombian international, who has earned 90 caps for his country, began his career at Atletico Nacional in his homeland and then moved on to Nice before joining Arsenal in 2014.Rumours have circulated on Twitter that the shot-stopper could sign for Argentine side Boca Juniors, but reports have emerged claiming that Ospina does not want to return to South America and instead wants to stay in Europe.

Arsenal fans have had their say on the situation via Reddit.

Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..Comment from discussion Ospina’s camp confirms #AFC contact with Boca but says David has no intention to return to South America & wants to continue in Europe..

According to the club’s official website, West Brom have completed a deal for 25-year-old goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The former England youth international makes the permanent switch to the Hawthorns after over a decade on the books at Manchester United, with his most recent spell at Midlands rivals Aston Villa underlining his credentials as a hugely adept Championship goalkeeper.

And having bolstered an area of the West Brom squad that clearly needed strengthening, manager Darren Moore must now seek to land £7.2 million-rated star James Chester (as per Transfermarkt) if the Baggies are to stand a chance of an immediate Premier League return.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, 25-year-old Johnstone has been brought in as a replacement for Ben Foster, with reports suggesting that the 35-year-old is on the verge of a return to the top-flight with Watford, where he spent two separate loan spells between 2005 and 2007.

And given how impressive Johnstone was for Villa last season, in which he kept 22 clean sheets and shipped just 42 goals in 48 Championship appearances, the Baggies have got themselves a remarkably talented goalkeeper, and one that can be relied upon to produce the goods in the second tier.

But with the centre back ranks also lacking in sufficient depth heading into the new season, what with Jonny Evans sold to Leicester City and Gareth McAuley released, it’s clear that Moore must strengthen that department if his side are to bounce back to the top-flight at the first time of asking – Chester’s arrival would do just that.

The 29-year-old was another who played a key part in Villa’s rise to fourth place in the Championship last season in starting every single one of their 49 league games over the course of the campaign, helping Steve Bruce’s side to one of the best defensive records in the division.

How far will England get in Russia? Tell us now

And having produced the goods for Hull City in the past, both in the Championship and indeed the Premier League, the Wales international is arguably one of the best defenders currently outside of the top-flight, and as such would be the perfect addition to any side seeking to win promotion from the second tier this season.

And with Villa reportedly struggling financially and perhaps ready to offload some of their most prized assets to raise funds, West Brom should try their hand with a move for the 29-year-old, as his arrival would go some way to filling the centre back void vacated by Evans and McAuley.

Thus, with a deal for Johnstone done, Moore must seek another move which is going to seriously strengthen their promotion chances, namely by luring Chester, who spent one season at the Hawthorns in 2015/16, back to the Baggies.

West Brom fans… what do you think? Let us know!

It’s not a hot take to say these World Cup games are not decided by one player. The whole reason these four teams are still here is because they’ve found a way to put together an on-pitch product greater than the sum of their parts. One-man bands like Lionel Messi’s Argentina have fallen by the wayside as cohesive units with strong mindsets have prevailed.However, it’s also true that these teams wouldn’t be here without special efforts from individual players. England’s Harry Kane is on his way to the golden boot, and Kylian Mbappé is France’s teenage hero. Sometimes, the outcome of a game comes down to the impact one player has.Thus, below are the four players for each of France, Belgium, England and Croatia who will ultimately determine the outcomes of the semifinals.

France – N’Golo Kanté

Les Bleus’ defence has been among the best of the World Cup, surrendering just four goals in five matches, and N’Golo Kanté has been a mighty reason why. He’s averaged 2.4 tackles and 3.4 interceptions per game while successfully passing at a rate of 89 per cent. Mbappé has stolen the show and Paul Pogba remains one of the biggest starts in football, but Kanté’s impact on the other end cannot be overlooked.

France face the team with arguably the most impressive showing thus far in Belgium on Tuesday night, and if Les Bleus have any hope of advancing to their first final since 2006, Kanté will need to keep up the work.

Belgium’s attack — made up of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard — has been unstoppable at times. They dismantled Brazil’s defence in the quarterfinals. However, the Red Devils haven’t faced a defence quite like France, and the Chelsea defender will pose a significantly challenge for Belgium.

Belgium – Eden Hazard

ÂThe Red Devils will be without right wing-back Thomas Meunier, who will serve a suspension after receiving his second yellow card against Brazil in the quarterfinal, but as long as Eden Hazard does what he does best, it shouldn’t but much of an issue.

Hazard has arguably been the best player in this entire World Cup, and the stats back that up: he ranks among the best in key passes per game (2.8), dribbles per game (5.5) and shots per game (3.3). He’s made a massive impact both as a scorer and passer, having netted two goals and two assists.

It might be true that Belgium haven’t quite faced a defense with the caliber of France’s, but it’s also true that France haven’t seen an attack as balanced as Belgium’s. And it all flows through the Chelsea star.

With weapons like Lukaku and De Bruyne at his disposal, it’s up to Hazard to win the battle with Pogba in the midfield. That’s what it might come down to if Belgium is to advance.

England – Jordan Henderson

It’s hard not to give this to Kane, the Tottenham Hotspur gem who leads the World Cup with six goals and is well on his way to securing the golden boot for England. No striker has had the success Kane has in the box in Russia, constantly placing himself in perfect situations and executing on every penalty that comes his way.

But when England play Croatia — when the duo of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic push through the midfield — the Three Lions will need much more than Kane. Croatia has been at least a little bit disappointing this World Cup, averaging just under four shots on goal per match played, but England’s midfield defence will need to be up to the challenge nonetheless.

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is a vital part of that midfield, and he has played a key role in England’s tight defence this World Cup. He hasn’t fueled the offense quite the way teammate John Stones has, and he missed a penalty during the Colombia game, but Henderson has more than made up for it on the other end.

With an ability to make tackles, hassle oncoming attackers and clear balls, Henderson will need to be up to the challenge if England are to bring it home.

ÂCroatia – Vedran Ćorluka

The Croats defeated Russia in penalties to advance to the semifinals, but it wasn’t a flawless victory as they left Sochi with a few key injuries. Goalkeeper Danijel SubaÅ¡ićÂand right back Åime Vrsaljko both went down with injuries in the victory, and Croatia might not be at full strength for their showdown with the Three Lions.

It’s looking like Subašić is more likely to make a recovery, but a defence lacking Vrsaljko would require others to step up.

If Croatia is to defeat red-hot England, Vedran Ćorluka will need to play excellently. The Lokomotiv Moscow man will likely shift to centre back if Vrsaljko is absent, and Ćorluka will all of a sudden be thrust into the role of a lifetime against England.

After surrendering just two goals in their first four matches, Croatia surrendered two to an unimpressive Russia offense. With two injuries to important players on the defensive side, their chances against England have only been hampered. But a key performance from Ćorluka would make a huge difference.

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According to The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in signing Cruzeiro playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

It has been a relatively quiet transfer window for Newcastle thus far, but they have managed to secure the loan services of Chelsea attacker Kenedy, and also completed the signing of Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer.

Magpies boss Rafael Benitez is believed to be keen to secure a number 10 this summer, whilst a new centre-forward is also high on the club’s list of priorities.

According to The Sun, Benitez is interested in a deal for De Arrascaeta, who has spent the last three years with Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro.

The 24-year-old turned out twice for Uruguay at the 2018 World Cup, and it is understood that he could be available for £18m in this summer’s transfer window.

Celtic have also been credited with an interest in the playmaker, but Newcastle would fancy their chances of winning any battle that might occur with the Scottish champions.

What are De Arrascaeta’s credentials?

The 5ft 8in ace started his professional career with Uruguayan outfit Defensor Sporting, before making the move to Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro in 2015.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”271323″ player=”12034″ title=”Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus on Football Manager”]

A 16-time Uruguay international, De Arrascaeta has scored 40 times in 159 appearances for his current club, and was believed to be close to joining Monaco in 2017.

According to The Sun, Celtic were one of a number of clubs to scout the attacker in the Copa Libertadores earlier this year, and Cruzeiro are accepting of the fact that they will find it difficult to keep hold of the South American.

De Arrascaeta has a contract with his current club until 2021, but is believed to be interested in a move to European football.

Newcastle would seemingly have to break their transfer record to sign the attacker, but he has the potential to be a fine signing for the Premier League outfit.

Despite signing Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City are having a pretty quiet transfer window by their standards.

And with only a midfielder likely to be brought in before the Premier League starts next month, that theme will not change.

However, the Premier League champions could be set for a much more interesting transfer market in the near future.

The Breakdown

The Daily Mirror reports the club are considering cashing in on Raheem Sterling, who is valued at £81m by Transfermarkt, next summer if they cannot agree on a new contract with the 23-year-old.

Sterling’s current deal runs until 2020, and Manchester City are wary about being left in situation similar to that of Arsenal’s when Alexis Sanchez made it adamant he would not be signing a new contract at the Emirates.

With that in mind, it’s a predicament that makes a sell sensible in some sense. That being said, Manchester City must do all they can to secure Sterling’s long-term future at the club.

The England international has much room for improvement – his decision making in the final third and finishing in particular – but under Guardiola he has shown his value and is one of Manchester City’s most dangerous players.

While he does come under heavy criticism for his lack of efficiency in front of goal, Sterling still managed to score 18 Premier League goals last season, with only team-mate Sergio Aguero, Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah registering more.

Sterling also had the third highest amount of Premier League assists (11), further displaying how good he has become under Guardiola.

Manchester City would, of course, have the funds to easily replace Sterling, while the acquisition of Mahrez means a starting spot is far from guaranteed for the former Liverpool winger.

But Sterling has reached new heights thanks to the tutelage of Guardiola and should be kept at the Etihad.

Everton have once again made big moves in the summer transfer market and spent big this past week on Brazilian star Richarlison, who arrived in a mega money deal from Watford.

Reunited with former manager Marco Silva, the young winger will be hoping to rediscover his best form and fire the Toffees well into the top half.

However, this summer has also seen the departure of England and Man United legend Wayne Rooney, with Everton allowing the striker to leave for DC United.

Replacing Rooney will be a key move for the club, and one player we at the Transfer Tavern think would be a superb addition is Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, who could well be on his way out of the Emirates with first team football not guaranteed.

The England international might not always be everyone’s cup of tea, but he has the talent and Premier League experience to really make a difference for a team like Everton.

Welbeck is quick, deceptively good in front of goal, and despite not necessarily being a like for like replacement for Rooney, he would offer the Toffees an excellent option going forward.

If Everton want to keep making an impression in the top flight and improving, then Welbeck is exactly the sort of player they should be looking to sign.

Everton fans, what do you reckon? Would Welbeck fit in at Goodison? Let us know in the comments!

Pre-season is in full swing for almost all of Europe’s top clubs. Liverpool played in their second friendly since they flew out to the USA in the early hours of this morning, beating Manchester City 2-1 thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, cancelling out Leroy Sane’s earlier effort.

The upcoming season is one that Liverpool are being touted to dominate. The Reds have made some smart signings for big money and look to be in pole position to challenge for the Premier League. The fact that they beat Manchester City three times last season anyway has led them to believe that they are more than capable of ripping the Premier League trophy away from Pep Guardiola’s City.

The combination of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino was unbelievable last season and the fact that Mane and Salah are already linking up with devasting effect in pre-season is a bad sign for the fans of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals. The club are still waiting for a number of first-teamers to return to training and if the club can get off to a good start in the league then there’s every chance they can go on and win it.

You can read the Kopites’ verdict on Salah, Mane and the season ahead here:

As you can see, the excitement among the fans is reaching fever pitch and this season will be a telling one for the Jurgen Klopp.

West Ham United have spent huge sums of money in the transfer market this summer in order to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, and a recent report from The London Evening Standard suggests that trend could continue with the signing of a new striker.

Indeed, the report claims that West Ham’s £27 million bid for Maximiliano Gomez has been rejected by Celta Vigo whom are a looking for a fee closer to £35 million. Gomez only arrived in La Liga last summer in a deal worth just £3.6 million, but a record of 18-goals La Liga during his debut season has clearly caught the eye in east London.

The figure quoted is clearly a huge financial burden considering the extortionate sums the club have already parted with this summer, so Pellegrini may be wise to turn his attention towards a target who should be on the lookout for first-team football next season, namely Michy Batshuayi.

The Chelsea striker has struggled to make an impact since joining the club in 2016, mostly due to competition for a starting berth at the spearhead of their attack.

Antonio Conte showed a complete lack of trust in Batshuayi’s ability throughout his tenure at the club, and the attitude of the manager clearly had a detrimental effect on his development.

But a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in January enabled him to showcase the full extent of his ability with a level of freedom which Conte deprived him of at Chelsea.

In just 10 Bundesliga appearances Batshuayi managed to notch 7 goals and provide 1 assist before an injury unfortunately ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

Despite being just 24-years-of-age, Batshuayi already has 105 senior career goals to his name, so clearly he has the firepower to thrive in the Premier League if he is afforded time and trust to showcase the full extent of his ability.

With Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud both ahead of him in the pecking order it’s likely that he’ll need to seek a move away from the club this summer to acquire first-team football and, if that proves to be the case, West Ham should make a loan bid for his services with an option-to-buy clause included as part of the deal.

West Ham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Celtic should look to bringing in a defender by making use of the loan system as they have been vulnerable at the back in recent years. 

The Hoops will be desperate to secure the treble once again after a couple of terrific campaigns in previous years. Although, improvements are needed defensively, and one player who has shown plenty of quality and could come on leaps and bounds under regular minutes is Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, who is currently valued at £19.8 million by Transfermarkt.

Brendan Rodgers brought the 21-year-old to Anfield when he was in charge and he could look for a reunion in the form of a loan deal this summer. The versatile defender has the ability to play at right-back and at the heart of the defence, which makes him invaluable to any side. But, with the Reds already having a number of defensive players in his suited positions, a loan move away to Celtic would provide him with regular minutes and a chance to impress on the European stage.

The only thing that could put an end to any possible interest in taking him on loan would be a string of injuries at Anfield, which is why the Reds may want to include a recall clause in his contract if a deal is concluded in the future.  Celtic could make use of the youngster at either right-back or at the heart of the defence, with his high-level experience and quality working wonders for the Hoops.

Indeed, the Hoops made a number of moves on the transfer front and they could look to make use of the loan system to iron over any underlying issues. So, moving for a quality defender is definitely vital to Celtic’s season.

Would Joe Gomez be a shrewd signing for Celtic… Let us know!

While Arsenal strengthened in multiple areas this summer, the one weakness the Gunners didn’t address is on the wing.

Arsenal brought in five new players across three areas this summer and all will improve the team massively.

However, as proven by their 2-0 loss to Man City on Sunday, the Gunners are seriously missing a rapid and direct winger to play on the righthand side.

While Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are both superb passers, neither have the express pace to really trouble a team.

On the counter both players can cause problems as they pick up space but when Arsenal get into the final third and are looking for someone to play in on the wing, both Ozil and Mkhitaryan are players who are looking to play the ball rather than making runs to break the lines.

A player the Gunners had been heavily linked with over the summer, was Ousmane Dembele and according to Marca via Sports Mole, the Frenchman’s future is uncertain and he could be available for £71 million.

The Breakdown

Although the 21-year-old scored the winning goal in the Spanish Super Cup, with the arrival of Malcolm, his place in the squad is now under threat.

Despite his erratic form at Barcelona, Dembele is still one of the best young talents in the world.

Arsenal need a top quality winger to give the side some pace going forward, if Dembele is available, a big bid might be wise.

While it remains to be seen whether Dembele will still be at Barcelona come January, if he is, Arsenal should do what they can to get him in January.

What do you think Arsenal fans?