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According to RAC1, Barcelona are considering allowing Ousmane Dembele to leave in the January transfer window. The Sun then report that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are the Premier League clubs interested in securing the winger’s services.

What’s the word?

The Gunners lack out and out wingers in their squad with Alex Iwobi being the most natural wide man at the club. The addition of Dembele would certainly give them a great deal of extra pace and attacking threat on the flanks.

The 21-year-old may also be keen to rekindle his on-pitch relationship with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the pair formed a prolific partnership in their time together at Borussia Dortmund.

Whilst Unai Emery would likely be delighted to have the 20-cap France international at his disposal, the Barcelona man’s £72 million Transfermarkt valuation would likely prove a stumbling block for the North London club. 

Financing any move for Dembele would rule out the Gunners adding to other areas of their squad, and the acquisition of another attacker ought not to be their priority.

Not the time for luxuries

If Arsenal are to become contenders for the top prizes once again, they must focus upon bolstering their defence and reinforcing their midfield contingent. 

With Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Stephan Lichtsteiner all ageing, and Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac short of the required quality, there’s certainly plenty of work for the club to do on rebuilding their backline across the forthcoming transfer windows.

Constructing a defensive unit capable of competing at the top level will require significant funds, meaning that Arsenal can’t afford to give up vast resources in exchange for another luxury attacker.

What do you think, Arsenal fans – would Dembele be a wise target to pursue?

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Everton cruised past Brighton on Saturday courtesy of a wonderful display from Richarlison, but his compatriot Bernard could benefit from a new role as a super-sub.

Bernard was thrust into the starting line-up recently after a couple of phenomenal displays, but the diminutive playmaker has struggled in each of the last two games.

He was nowhere to be found until he missed an absolute sitter at Old Trafford, and he had very little effect on the game against Brighton either.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”326259″ player=”12034″ title=”Liverpool Or Chelsea For The Title Forget it!”]

The 26 year-old has taken Richarlison’s spot on the left flank after the red-hot youngster moved to a central position, but it may now be time to give Ademola Lookman a go.

Bernard touched the ball just 42 times during the win over Brighton, managing just one successful dribble and two key passes.

While creating two chances is certainly not a bad day at the office, completing just one dribble against a 38 year-old right back in Brighton’s Bruno is a huge disappointment.

He was dispossessed once, had two unsuccessful touches, and failed to register a single shot despite the Toffees dominating most of the match.

The crafty Brazilian has incredible acceleration and fantastic ability on the ball, but he would be able to use this even more if he came on late in games against tired legs, just as he did in the win over Fulham.

Lookman meanwhile is desperate for a run of games, and the 21 year-old may just be able to show that killer edge that Bernard is currently lacking.

The youngster caused controversy this summer as many fans felt he was trying to force a move away from the club, but it’s seems foolish to keep him and not give him a fair chance.

So, Everton fans, do you think Lookman deserves a chance? Could Bernard be better as a super-sub? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Everton have confirmed on their official website that Gylfi Sigurdsson, as well as Andre Gomes, will not join up with their respective countries for international duty this week.

What’s the word?

Sigurdsson was on the receiving end of a two-footed tackle from Jorginho during Sunday’s goalless draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder did not leave the pitch immediately following the challenge, but he did later exit the field of play.

After the match there was concern about the extent of Sigurdsson’s injury, and now Everton have confirmed that he will miss upcoming international fixtures with Iceland.

The number 10 was due to take on Belgium in the Nations League on Friday before facing Qatar in a friendly three days later.

Instead, Sigurdsson will work on his recovery at Finch Farm and will “continue to be assessed” by the Toffees’ medical staff.

Should Everton fans be worried?

There is no doubt that the former Swansea City star is a key part of Marco Silva’s team, therefore losing him would be a huge blow.

The silver lining, though, is that he has the next two weeks to recover and get up to full fitness.

The concerning aspect about Everton’s statement is that they are not indicating how damaging the injury is to Sigurdsson, which is bound to spread anxiety throughout the fanbase.

Returning to fitness for the visit of Cardiff City on November 24 would be warmly welcomed, but most supporters would arguably sacrifice his inclusion to ensure that he is ready and raring for the Merseyside derby.

Should he miss out against the Bluebirds, it could finally give 21-year-old Kieran Dowell the chance to flourish in the central attacking midfield role that he has been waiting for, given he has failed to play a single minute of Premier League football this term and only made the substitutes’ bench on three occasions.

Unai Emery has made an excellent start to life as Arsenal manager, winning seven out of his first 12 Premier League games.

Replacing Arsene Wenger was always going to be difficult, but Emery has already won the support of the Arsenal fans. The Spaniard has instilled his attacking philosophy to the Arsenal squad, and the Gunners haven’t lost in the Premier League since August against Chelsea. A late goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan rescued a point against Wolves before the international break.

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Emery would be wise to bolster his defensive options. A long-term replacement for Nacho Monreal is needed with Sead Kolasinac not convincing Emery of his abilities. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Bosnian leave in January with Emery set to find a successor for Monreal in defence.

One man who should be on his shortlist is Atalanta wing-back – Robin Gosens. Valued at just £2.25m by Transfermarkt, the German joined the Italian side last summer in a cut-price deal from Heracles. Gosens made a steady start to life in the Serie A but has taken his game to the next level this season.

Operating on Atalanta’s left flank, the 24-year-old has been in fine form, scoring one goal and registering two assists in his opening nine appearances. First and foremost, Gosens is an excellent defender that would add stability to the Arsenal back four – he has averaged an incredible 2.2 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the Serie A. The German also contributes to the attack, averaging 1.2 key passes per game from the left side (WhoScored).

Still developing and improving, moving to a squad of Arsenal’s quality would aid his development. Under Emery, Gosens could take his game to the next level – the Gunners should grab a bargain in January.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

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According to a recent Football FanCast poll, the majority of Charlton fans would support Lee Bowyer in making a move for Hull City striker Will Keane in January.

The former Manchester United man is out of contract with the Tigers next summer and, according to Hull Live, the club will listen to offers for him in the winter transfer window to get his wages off their books before the Premier League parachute payments stop in 2019.

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The Englishman joined Hull from United for just £1m in the summer of 2016, but after less than half-a-season he suffered a cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for well over a year and has certainly hampered his development.

The 25-year-old is now behind Fraizer Campbell, Chris Martin and Nouha Dicko in the pecking order for Nigel Adkins’ Hull side, but he could certainly be a good signing for Charlton in January, especially if the Tigers are hoping to shift him on the cheap.

Check out the full results of our poll below, where 63 per cent of the Addicks fans polled said they would support a move for Keane.

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The Sun recently reported that outcast Brighton striker Jurgen Locadia is unsettled at the Amex Stadium and looking to force an exit in January due to his lack of game time. 

The 25-year-old joined the Seagulls in January in a £14 million deal, however, he has made just 19 appearances for the Premier League outfit since his switch from Dutch club PSV.

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The fine form of veteran forward Glenn Murray, who has already netted seven league goals this season, is keeping Locadia out of Chris Hughton’s side. The Dutchman now appears tired of waiting in line behind the inspired 35-year-old and wishes to quit Brighton to get his career back on track elsewhere. 

A January loan move may be the best option for Locadia, and Aston Villa would be wise to take a punt on the forward for the second-half of the campaign.

The Villans could do with some additional depth up front and competition for Tammy Abraham. Locadia represents an excellent option to take up this role in the squad, and Dean Smith could rely upon the frustrated Brighton man being eager to prove he has what it takes to make an impact in English football.

However, Villa fans seem less keen on Locadia coming to Villa Park. Of those who took part in our poll, 56% voted against making a move for the out-of-favour Premier League striker. See the full results below.

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As they continue to pick up results against the odds, Neil Warnock’s Cardiff will need a bit of added firepower in January if they are to beat the drop and continue to prove the doubters wrong.

What’s the word, then? 

After a dismal start to life back in the Premier League, the Bluebirds have started to find their feet again, sitting in 16th place on 11 points as they stay truly well in touch with the surrounding pack.

However, their squad is arguably the worst in the top-flight. Their fellow promoted sides in Fulham and Wolves strengthened significantly in the summer, with the former spending almost £100m on new recruits.

Cardiff look to be staying in touch at the moment, but any win they get appears to be a huge ask for them and one that never really looks to be a convincing one that makes you think they’ll pick them up enough to survive; a goalscorer in January is a must.

Who could they realistically get in?

Cardiff barely spent anything in the summer, so they should have some money in the bank as they attempt to survive at the first time of asking. One man who knows English football well and is currently one of the best goalscorers in Europe could well be open for a return if the right offer comes along – former Middlesbrough man Cristhian Stuani.

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The Uruguayan is currently topping the goalscoring ranks in La Liga with 11 goals in 10 starts – more than the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and so on.

At 32 years of age, he may want to return to England and prove those who watched him struggle in England’s top-flight that he is capable of mixing it with the big boys.

If Cardiff are still in with a decent chance of survival come January, and if they can tempt the Girona star with a good financial offer, then they could well pull off a huge coup.

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Loads of Leeds fans have been reacting to a worrying update, as Marcelo Bielsa says he does not expect to make any signings in January.

Leeds fans were concerned about the size or their squad at the beginning of the season, and those fears have been well and truly justified.

The Whites have lost multiple first team players to long-term injuries, and the returns of Izzy Brown and Patrick Bamford unfortunately coincide with Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper joining the long-term injury list.

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Bielsa just can’t catch a break, but Phil Hay of The Yorkshire Evening Post reports the boss does not plan to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window.

Bielsa “doesn’t expect” to make any signings according to Hay, because players that will genuinely improve the side are “expensive and difficult to get”.

While the manager’s quest to simply work with the players he has at the club is admirable, the decision to not invest in January could be a shocking lapse of judgement from owner and chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans seem split on the news…

Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly keen to add to his options in attack despite Raul Jimenez excelling since joining from Benfica.

The Portuguese forward has made a brilliant start to life in England, scoring four and registering four assists for the Midlands club. Wolves are reportedly keen to make his temporary stay in England permanent, but Benfica want around £30m for his signature. The forward himself admitted that he is in no rush to commit his future and ruled out a January deal in a recent interview.

Despite Jimenez’s form, reports suggest that Nuno still wants to sign a striker in the upcoming transfer window. Wolves have been linked with Liverpool forward, Divock Origi, in past windows but the Belgian rejected a move to Molineux. It remains to be seen whether Wolves will reignite their interest or seek other options in the New Year.

One potential alternative is Montpellier forward – Gaetan Laborde. Valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman joined his current employers in the summer in a cut-price deal from Bordeaux. The 24-year-old only enjoyed a bit-part role with his former club and has hit the ground running since leaving.

Laborde has been in fine form in front of goal, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in 14 Ligue 1 appearances. The target man has the strength and dribbling ability to hold up the play and bring others into the game as well as being an instinctive finisher. As well as excelling with the ball at his feet, the former France U20 international is also a huge presence in the air, winning an incredible 3.2 aerial duels per game this season highlighting the danger he would pose to Premier League defences (WhoScored).

A move to the Premier League could be just what the forward needs to break into senior French national team in the future.

Wolves fans, thoughts?

Leeds United have been rocked by the revelation that Samu Saiz will be joining Getafe on a season-long loan deal when the January window opens for business.

The dazzling style of free-flowing football which Marcelo Bielsa has installed at Elland Road was embodied by Saiz during the early stages of the season. Almost every scintillating attack which Leeds created was orchestrated by the Spanish playmaker, with his technically astute style of play providing the brains behind the operation.

But eventually Saiz was found out by Championship defenders and his threat was consequently nullified. Bielsa mixed things up but there was little concern over Saiz’s long-term future until, out of almost nothing, it was confirmed that he will be joining Getafe.

What next for Leeds? Well, Izzy Brown’s latest injury setback has left the club without a natural number ten and his lack of first-team football this season and beyond is a major cause for concern.

In a nutshell: Leeds simply cannot rely on Brown for more reasons than one. With that said, Bielsa may be forced to go against his instincts and bring a new player to the club in January, and Manchester City’s Brahim Diaz should be at the top of his wishlist if he eventually decides to strengthen.

Diaz, 19, is set to sign a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid in January, according to a recent report from El Chiringuito (via Sports Mole). If that report eventually proves to be true it will represent another huge setback for Man City in their endeavour to promote youth players into the senior squad.

Along with Phil Foden, Diaz is the hottest prospect to emerge from City’s academy since Sheikh Mansour purchased the club in 2008. The tricky Spaniard was handed a rare start against Leicester City yesterday evening, and he showcased a level of confidence in possession which would get supporters on their feet at Elland Road; skipping beyond players with incredibly ball control and agility came naturally, while his interplay in the final-third was incredibly quick-witted.

He is unquestionably a rough diamond in comparison to the more complete and well-rounded Saiz, but his raw level of potential is vastly superior to almost anything else on the market and, considering his future reportedly lies away from Man City, Pep Guardiola is unlikely to have any interest in keeping him at City.

And Bielsa’s positive long-standing relationship with Guardiola could make all the difference if he decides to pursue a deal for Diaz. Considering the circumstances and Diaz’s breadth of outstanding attacking qualities, Leeds should be targeting him to guarantee a smooth transition into a post-Saiz future.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!