Wolves: Lopetegui struck gold with £18m-rated threat

Wolves’ January signing of Pablo Sarabia looks to have been a masterclass by Julen Lopetegui, as the Spaniard has quickly established himself as an important member of the squad at Molineux.

How has Pablo Sarabia performed at Wolves?

Wolves brought in the 30-year-old winger from PSG in a deal worth just £4.4m in January as he continued to struggle for game time with Les Parisiens, which is perhaps unsurprising when you consider the quality on offer in Christophe Galtier’s attack.

That said, he is still a highly-talented player with Thomas Tuchel singing his praises during the German’s time with the French giants.

He said: “He’s really impressive. He runs well, with and without a ball. His game without the ball is a great example. He plays with a lot of intensity and does not stop [working] defensively.”

Last season saw the Spain international spend time on loan with Sporting Lisbon where he was a huge success, notching a remarkable 21 goals and ten assists in just 45 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Given Wolves’ struggles in front of goal so far this season, which sees them ranked as the joint-lowest scorers in the division, adding quality in the final third was always going to be a priority for Lopetegui in the January window, and he appears to have done just that.

The former Sevilla man scored his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw with Fulham last week, although he couldn’t follow that up, having “faded badly” and been “frustrating” – as per Steve Madeley – in the 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in midweek and was duly subbed at half time.

However, when considering the bigger picture, there is no doubt that he has made a big impact on Wolves’ threat in the final third, despite making just six appearances thus far. Indeed, no player at Molineux has created more than his seven chances since his league debut.

WhoScored further ranks him third for shots and joint-second for key passes per game in the Premier League out of anyone in Wolves’ squad, which emphasises just how profound an impact he has had in his limited time in England.

If Sarabia can play a big part in keeping Wolves in the Premier League, the £4.4m fee will certainly prove to be a bargain, but it already looked to be a masterclass when you consider the winger’s market value.

Transfermarkt still values the 30-year-old at €20m (£18m), so if he were to leave Molineux for any reason before his contract expires, it seems clear that the Old Gold will be able to make a profit on him.

Therefore, Lopetegui deserves a lot of credit for bringing in Sarabia for such a bargain fee, and if the 30-year-old can continue his fine start to life in the Midlands, then he will quickly establish himself as a great transfer from a footballing perspective as well as a financial one.

Chelsea would pay Declan Rice fee

TalkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan has claimed that Chelsea are the likeliest suitors for Declan Rice, as they would pay West Ham’s high asking price.

What’s the latest on Declan Rice?

The West Ham United captain looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, after expressing his desire to play in the Champions League, and Rice is reportedly Arsenal’s top target.

Chelsea have also been linked, and West Ham have set a price tag of over £100m.

However, Jordan criticised Rice, stating on TalkSPORT that the England international is “not a £100m footballer,” and went on to claim that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly would be likely to sign the midfielder given his heavy spending so far.

“Todd Boehly will come in and buy him for £120m because he’s not really that much interested in valuations,” he stated.

“He’s interested in what he’s building the football club towards, and if they believe that he’s the missing part of a jigsaw at Chelsea, that’s he’s going to be the anchor that they can build around, then they’ll pay that money for him.”

Could Rice solve Chelsea’s problems?

Chelsea are in a crisis on the pitch despite record levels of spending, with just two wins in their last 15 games in all competitions, as Graham Potter finds himself under increasing pressure.

They spent a British record fee on Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, whilst also selling Jorginho, and they have not seen an improvement in fortunes yet.

Bringing Rice to Stamford Bridge could mean he plays alongside Fernandez to form what would be a midfield packed full of tenacity and quality.

Although he is a more defence-minded midfielder, Rice could allow Fernandez to push forward more, and the 21-year-old ranked highly for assists, shot-creating actions and shots during his time at Benfica as per FBref.

If Chelsea do splash out on the Englishman, they will need to see an instant improvement next season to justify the levels of investment in the team, but the West Ham star could help revive a team that is completely lacking in confidence.

Arsenal could hand debut to ‘lively’ Hale End talent tonight

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been dealt a rough hand ahead of the club’s trip to Lisbon this week.

The Gunners are back in European action for the first time in several months as they go in search of continental glory.

However, as they take on a Sporting side in Portugal, they will do so without several key men.

Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard have both been ruled out through injury while Kieran Tierney will be absent through illness.

That is a cruel blow, particularly for the Scot, who would likely have been handed a start in such a competition after patiently waiting on the sidelines for a chance to impress.

Those injuries could well ensure a number of Hale End’s finest talents make the trip to southern Europe, one of which is teenager Charles Sagoe Jr.

Who is Charles Sagoe Jr?

Sagoe Jr is one of a number of highly talented young players learning their trade in the academy right now with the 18-year-old impressing those behind the scenes.

Confident in front of the camera, the exciting winger recently demonstrated how proud he was to play for the club in a casual interview alongside the hero of Bournemouth last weekend, Reiss Nelson.

During that sit-down chat, the latter was in awe of the teenager, saying: “I’ve been watching you, I watch a lot of the U21 games and literally, I’m not just saying this because you’re here, you have everything to be an Arsenal winger.

“You’re unpredictable, you can move on your left, on your right, you can score, you can assist, you’ve got everything. It’s just about keeping your head down and not getting distracted or disheartened by anything that happens.”

Sagoe Jr has clearly already caught the eye of Arteta too, having trained with the first team on multiple occasions, including in the build-up to their Europa League tie today.

The “lively” prodigy – as dubbed by Gunners academy expert Jeorge Bird – was added to the club’s Europa League squad list at the beginning of the campaign and there is every chance he could be unleashed on Thursday in the Portuguese capital.

It would take quite something for Arteta to give him minutes but there are several holes to fill. Consider fellow academy product Amario Cozier-Duberry is also injured and the hopes of Sagoe Jr earning first-team minutes increase.

Should he be given an opportunity then Arsenal could well be rewarded with the discovery of their next academy hotshot.

Capable of playing all across the front three, he evokes memories of the aforementioned Nelson.

Similarly adept in multiple attacking roles as well as possessing that magical ability to create things out of nothing, there is every chance the Englishman’s tantalising talents could be replicated at London Colney.

In boasting 14 goals and registering five assists in the upper age groups at Hale End, Sagoe Jr is evidently a young player with an end product to match the dazzling tricks.

Although Nelson is yet to truly demonstrate his full potential at senior level, his numbers in the academy were also hugely impressive, scoring 25 goals and supplying 11 assists in 67 outings across U21, U19 and U18 level.

An outing against West Ham last season shows just how alike the pair are. Sagoe Jr hugs the touchline, is incredibly direct and like Nelson, cuts inside whenever he can to fashion an opening.

Similarly tricky, the young winger loves to draw in his defender before skinning him and picking out a teammate.

Those qualities are likely to entice Arteta into unleashing him in the first team very soon.

A start at this moment in time is likely too far-fetched but should Arsenal swat away Sporting in the Europa League this week, a late substitute appearance or even a role in the second leg could await the talented teenager.

West Ham eye move for Maurizio Sarri

West Ham United could find a potential replacement for David Moyes with former Premier League manager Maurizio Sarri.

What’s the latest on Maurizio Sarri to West Ham United?

According to Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness), West Ham are one of the clubs eyeing a 'surprise' move for the 64-year-old as a replacement for Moyes.

Sarri is currently in charge of Lazio and has a contract until 2025, looking to remain at the Serie A club for a ‘long time’ if possible. Yet the report claims a ‘sensational divorce’ is always lurking and this could give the Premier League side some hope they can lure him back to England.

Could West Ham appoint Sarri?

With Moyes under increasing pressure following yet another league match without a win at the weekend – drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa – it’s a result that leaves the Hammers in 17th place in the table, and the threat of relegation is a real possibility.

If the next few matches end in defeat, it could be the final straw for the club as Moyes will most likely be out the door and this could open up an opportunity for Sarri to make a stunning Premier League return.

Chelsea appointed him to take over from fellow Italian Antonio Conte in the summer of 2018 and although he was only at the Blues for a season, he managed to fit a lot into that short space of time.

He guided the club to League Cup and Europa League finals, losing the former but defeating Arsenal 4-1 in Baku to claim his first-ever managerial silverware at the age of 60.

He averaged 1.89 points per match in the league during his only season in England and after leaving Chelsea, he took over as the manager of Juventus, winning the Serie A title in 2019/2020.

Over the course of his career, Sarri has an impressive PPM average of 1.41 average and he could certainly prove to be an improvement on the 59-year-old.

He was praised by one of his former players – Gianbattista Scugugia – upon arriving in the Premier League in 2018, who claimed that Sarri was “a maniac of football” and that is perhaps what the Hammers need, a passionate and intriguing character full of fresh ideas.

The Italian might not be the most popular choice, yet his track record and pedigree speak for themselves and it might be the ideal time to change things up at the club.

Simon Jordan shares damning behind-scenes Palace claim

Simon Jordan has claimed on TalkSport that Patrick Vieira was sacked by Crystal Palace as the players stopped responding to him and his coaching staff.

The Lowdown: Palace are in dire straits

It was perhaps of little surprise to those connected to Palace when Steve Parish made the decision to sack Vieira following their poor run of form, but he certainly wasn’t helped by a horrific run of fixtures.

Despite sitting in mid-table, Palace are yet to play a team below them in the Premier League this calendar year, so Vieira was always fighting a losing battle when trying to pick up points, while he managed to do so against the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United with valuable home draws.

Parish clearly had a plan in place for life after Vieira as he’s moved swiftly to bring Roy Hodgson out of retirement and hand him the task of keeping Palace in the Premier League, with the 75-year-old handed the job until the end of the season.

The Latest: Players seemingly downed tools behind the scenes

Former club owner Jordan has claimed that a lot of the Palace players stopped responding to the coaching staff in training sessions, which would not have helped Vieira’s cause. He told TalkSport that Hodgson, meanwhile, should manage to turn things around.

He said: “I think the players will look upon it as the Patrick Vieira situation was running its course. The coaching staff, from what I understand, weren’t the greatest and the players weren’t responding to them – which I don’t think is great, but it is what it is.

“I think they’ll respond to Roy Hodgson because I think most people do. I think he’ll get a tune out of them – enough of a tune to get them out of the current situation they’re in.”

The Verdict: Players must now start responding

It’s certainly not a good view from the outside looking in if the players had seemingly stopped responding to what was being asked of them by Vieira and his coaching staff, but it does perhaps shine some light on their woeful performances.

Not too long ago, Palace went on a torrid run which saw them fail to register a shot on target for three successive games, which was a damning indictment of how their season had negatively turned around in 2023 under Vieira.

However, judging by Hodgson’s last stint as a manager with Watford, it doesn’t appear that Palace will suddenly start to become a free-flowing attacking machine, as the Hornets scored just 11 times in the 18 games he was in charge of.

That said, Palace are by no means in as dire a situation as the Championship side were, and Hodgson has kept the Eagles’ heads above water plenty of times in the past, which will surely have been the main reason behind Parish sealing his return.

Sky Sports Drops Worrying Man United Takeover Update

Sky Sports presenter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that the Glazer family are still not fully convinced about a potential sale of Manchester United.

What's going on with the takeover of Man United?

A second round of bids have gone in to try and acquire ownership of the club, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Hamad Bin Al Thani's consortiums thought to be the frontrunners to complete a takeover.

The Glazers have been heavily criticised over the years, with fans eager to see them leave, but they may be concerned about the lack of involvement from the family as the process for a takeover continues.

They have not spoken to any of the potential candidates buying the club, and Solhekol has revealed on Sky Sports (3.30), that they are still not wholly enamoured by the idea of a sale.

"The first point to make is that the Glazers aren't personally involved in this, they haven't met any of the bidders," he stated.

"From their point of view, they are not convinced that they want to sell the club, and if they are going to sell the club, they want a big, big price.

"So they want lots of bidders competing against each other putting the price up. That hasn't really happened."

What needs to change at United?

The Glazers, who took over the club in 2005, have attracted heavy criticism for the way in which they have run United.

The team is now set to reach ten years without winning the Premier League title, and the lack of investment from the Glazers into the club has meant that Old Trafford has fallen behind other stadiums, the team has fallen behind on the pitch and United are now in debt.

Their lack of care for the club saw a number of poor decisions at footballing level, headed by former chairman Ed Woodward, as a lot of money was spent on disastrous transfers and incompatible managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Although United have spent a lot on transfers in the last ten years, there have been a lot of failures in the market as a result of the lack of direction from the top.

Sheikh Jassim's consortium has promised to invest in the infrastructure of the club, to improve the first team, stadium and youth academy, and this is necessary thanks to the poor ownership from the Glazers over the last 18 years.

Newcastle Could Look To Sell 25 y/o Gem In Summer

Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis will have a big decision to make alongside Eddie Howe as to where his future lies ahead of the summer window.

Will Jamal Lewis leave in the summer?

The 25-year-old will go into the summer window with two years remaining on his current deal on Tyneside having joined back in 2020 from Norwich City.

However, the move up north has been fairly disastrous for the Northern Ireland international's career as he finds himself behind the likes of Dan Burn and Matt Target in the pecking order.

Across the 2022/23 campaign, Lewis has only made 120 minutes worth of appearances under Howe which have come across three separate games all in different competitions (via Transfermarkt).

And speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Lee Ryder has suggested Howe and Lewis will have to decide what is the best step for his career ahead of the summer:

(2:40) "But you never know he could bring something from the bench. He's certainly shown he's fit enough to play in the last few days but Eddie Howe, as I say, decision time looming on not just Jamal Lewis, a number of players this summer and I do expect Newcastle to pretty much pull off what would be a squad rebuild."

What should Newcastle do with Jamal Lewis?

Even the 2021/22 campaign did not offer much for the 25-year-old who made five appearances in the Premier League before undergoing groin surgery which kept him out for the remainder of the campaign (via Transfermarkt).

Ahead of him in the pecking order is Burn who has enjoyed the majority of the action from the left-back spot with 25 starts to his name in the Premier League alone.

And behind Burn – but ahead of Lewis – is the 27-year-old Targett who has made 11 appearances in the Premier League this season.

Jamal Lewis battles for the ball as Newcastle United play against Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

What is perhaps even more concerning for Lewis is the reports currently circulating suggesting the Toon are looking to bring in another left-back over the summer.

The likes of Kieran Tierney have been linked with a potential move to St. James' Park which would only cast further doubt over where Lewis' game time would come from.

With this in mind, the prospect of a loan move away for the next season would surely come with concerns as three other players could then potentially be ahead of Lewis in the pecking order.

The arrival of another left-back could see Burn slot back into the centre of defence but given the trust he's gained from Howe, if push ever came to shove it wouldn't be a surprise to see Burn play ahead of Lewis if there was an injury crisis at left-back.

So there has to be some consideration from Lewis and even the club whether he has a realistic future with the club.

Tottenham Set For "Formal" Nagelsmann Talks

Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Which managers could Tottenham hire?

The 35-year-old, according to recent reports, is just one of many elite coaches currently being considered by chairman Daniel Levy. Nagelsmann is thought to be a top target at Spurs but the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane are also available and attracting interest.

Amid their search for an Antonio Conte replacement, with the Italian departing last week, his former number two Cristian Stellini has taken charge until the end of this Premier League season – assisted by Ryan Mason. The duo are tasked with sealing a top four finish, which may well be crucial in helping to attract Levy's managerial targets.

Champions League football is thought to be a potential deal-breaker for Nagelsmann with the German now out of a job following his surprise dismissal from the Allianz Arena. Spurs also face stiff competition from Chelsea for his signature after the west Londoners sacked Graham Potter earlier this week.

Sharing an update on Twitter, Sky reporter Reddy claims both sides have sounded out Nagelsmann ahead of a potential move and 'formal talks' will follow. While Spurs and Chelsea look set to battle it out for the coach, they have both been boosted by Nagelsmann's desire to manage in England next.

Reddy explained:

"Julian Nagelsmann wants to manage in the Premier League. Sees it as his natural next destination but won't rush into a decision over his future amid strong interest – plus sounding out contact – from Chelsea and Spurs. Former currently have the edge. More formal talks to follow."

What would Nagelsmann bring to Spurs?

The tactician, who has been hailed as a 'phenomenal tactical innovator' by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan, would be a brilliant fit for Spurs.

Nagelsmann stands out as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, having already won a league title whilst encouraging an exciting, intense high-pressing style of football.

Spurs supporters who wish to see their side move on from the more pragmatic approaches of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho could be pleased they're targeting Nagelsmann.

He was also thought of as a candidate to replace Mourinho back in 2021 and now Levy has an opportunity to capture him as a free agent – presenting a brilliant chance to hire someone more-than capable of steering Spurs back in the right direction.

35 y/o Set For Fresh Chelsea Manager Talks

Chelsea are expected to hold fresh talks with their main managerial target, Julian Nagelsmann, having recently introduced Frank Lampard as interim boss.

Who will be Chelsea's next manager?

Life under Lampard did not get off to the start in which Todd Boehly would have been hoping for on the weekend after they tasted defeat on the road.

Chelsea travelled to a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers and they were sent back to west London without any points after Matheus Nunes' goal sealed the win for the hosts.

There have been reports to suggest that Chelsea could potentially consider Lampard as an option for the permanent role if he was to impress until the end of the season.

However, on the back of the display at Molineux, it does feel as if he has an uphill task in the upcoming games in both the Premier League and Champions League.

A number of names have been linked as potential candidates for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge with the former Bayern Munich manager, Nagelsmann, being one of the big names.

And speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Blues are expected to hold a fresh round of talks with the 35-year-old over potentially becoming their new boss:

(5:00) "And what I can say is that, from what I understand, also in the last few days, the last few hours Julian Nagelsmann remains 100% open to speaking to Chelsea.

"There will be a new round of talks. So Nagelsmann remains the favourite candidate, from what I understand, to get the Chelsea job."

Should Chelsea hire Nagelsmann?

Nagelsmann's time at Bayern ended in disappointment with the board sacking him in favour of Thomas Tuchel despite being second in the Bundesliga table.

With this in mind, it will be interesting to see if the German would actually be open to working under Boehly given he is an owner who has proven a lot in his short time at the club.

Since arriving last year, Boehly has already made two managerial sackings in Tuchel and Graham Potter which could potentially prove a big red flag for the German boss.

Todd Boehly watches on from the stands at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play in the Premier League.

Nagelsmann is a manager who has a lot of admirers across Europe with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid believed to be potential suitors ahead of the summer.

The 35-year-old – hailed a "master tactician" by Sky Sports' Adam Smith – is believed to be open to hearing the Chelsea proposal and their long-term project at Stamford Bridge.

But it will be intriguing to see whether the young manager can be convinced to work under the Chelsea owner on the back of the early issues under his tenure.

Boehly has undoubtedly backed his managers during the transfer windows, however, Nagelsmann may not view those players as what he needs to succeed at Chelsea.

Potter had his issues with trying to manage the huge squad in west London and it could potentially prove an unwanted headache for some managers.

Arsenal’s Rarely-Seen Star Could Surpass Alexis Sanchez’s Legacy

Of the numerous polarising figures to grace the hallowed Emirates turf, few command as much disdain as former Arsenal man Alexis Sanchez.

The mercurial Chilean was an ever-present member during the twilight years of Arsene Wenger's tenure and maintained an outstanding level of quality even if those around him might have been lacking.

However, in the end, it seemed to be this lack of progression, or perhaps an underlying fiscal incentive, that caught the 34-year-old's eye. Having played 166 times for the club, recording a mouth-watering 125 goal contributions during that period, the allure of Manchester United proved to once again be too much.

Mirroring the heartbreaking move that had seen Robin van Persie leave just six years prior, once again the Gunners were thwarted in the market by their long-time Premier League rivals.

Why did Alexis Sanchez leave Arsenal?

The current Marseille forward was a fan favourite in north London, as the spearhead of a free-flowing front line that also boasted Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil. However, his shock exit saw that adulation expunged in no time at all.

Indeed, Sanchez is now a figure that draws scorn for the manner of his departure, however, he might have tried to spin his reasons behind instigating the move.

Having been denied what was a dream transfer to Manchester City who, at the time, were league champions, there was understandable frustration coming from the player's camp. However, it did not warrant the petulant behaviour that followed.

GOAL would report, speaking to members of the attacker's inner circle: "He does not believe Arsenal have what it takes to compete at the top level, that he feels they have "messed around" with his future, and that he has no motivation to play for them."

Few could put up a true argument to challenge the 5 foot 7 speedster, as before that moment he had only won an FA Cup as a sole major honour in an Arsenal shirt. Given his performances, he clearly sought out the elite titles that Pep Guardiola had brought to the Etihad, as upon first joining in 2014 he had stated: "I came here to win the league title, the Champions League and every title at stake."

Arsene Wenger and Alexis Sanchez.

This boiled over into various stages of the subsequent exit, as the players first grew frustrated with his on-pitch antics before the diminutive finisher was eventually forced to train away from the first team.

With a dwindling contract and little wiggle room remaining, Wenger was forced to sanction the sale. The best deal he seemingly could get was to welcome Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a straight swap, seen as a direct replacement. With the bumper £350k-per-week their former winger would then earn, many once again questioned his motives behind the move.

It was a saga where they had drawn the short straw, and through Sanchez's immediate desire to escape the Emirates, the Gunners were left short-changed.

Who has a better Arsenal legacy than Alexis Sanchez?

Although he might have been a fine asset during his time at the club, plenty of players actually boast a more impressive legacy in north London than Sanchez. However, if we're seeking out a direct present-day comparison, then it could be argued that even Reiss Nelson will adorn that list should he depart N5.

With his £15k-per-week deal coming to its natural conclusion this summer, it is clear that the 23-year-old is no more than a backup player for Mikel Arteta. That is not to suggest that his impact this season has not been integral, however.

Having yet to make a league start all season, which has still seen him manage three goals and two assists from the bench, it could be questioned how the Hale End graduate can possibly come close to Sanchez's legacy.

arsenal-fa-cup-alexis-sanchez-reiss-nelson

However, it was one such cameo in early March that has kept them firmly in the race for this unprecedented Premier League title.

With Arsenal trailing at home to AFC Bournemouth, their Spanish boss seemed all out of ideas. Nelson was thrown on with more hope than any tactical ingenuity in mind. However, having assisted Ben White's equaliser in the 70th minute, the former England youth international would then win the game in dramatic fashion as his scorching left-footed effort from the edge of the area hit the back of the net.

The Emirates erupted in a fashion never before seen, and players and staff alike took to the pitch to celebrate. The most unlikely of heroes had kept their dreams alive.

Pundit Chris Sutton even tweeted: "It’s days like today where you think maybe this is Arsenal’s season. Incredible comeback and the game settled by a Reiss Nelson rocket."

Considering journalist Alex Wood had suggested the winger was "struggling" whilst in the team back in 2017, this has been a remarkable rise for a player who Alex Iwobi labelled a "joke".

reiss-nelson-arsenal-goal-afc-bournemouth

Whilst Sanchez too had his standout moments, including a goal in their first of two FA Cup final wins whilst he was at the club, it is incomparable to the ultimate prize of the Premier League title that the current squad might still claim.

Although their last two results have allowed the Cityzens to creep back into contention, should they see it through, it is perhaps undeniable that the role Nelson played in securing those vital three points would immediately surpass that of the £92k-per-week livewire.

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