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Arsenal’s interest in Wolves winger Pedro Neto ‘is real’, the reliable Steve Madeley has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Neto linked with move away

The Portuguese maestro is one of the most exciting players at Molineux, providing huge quality down the flanks when fully fit and firing, registering 23 goal involvements (11 goals and 12 assists) in total for Wanderers.

Unfortunately, Neto has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal in recent times, with Mikel Arteta perhaps seeing him as the final piece of the puzzle after their red-hot start to the season.

Bruno Lage’s side are already seriously lacking in attacking firepower, so to lose their up and coming superstar would be an enormous blow.

The Latest: Madeley confirms interest

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, The Athletic‘s Madeley confirmed that Arsenal want Neto but did add that they may not be able to sign him this summer:

“Arsenal’s interest in Pedro Neto is real and understandable. But it’s hard to see how they get him in this window.”

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The Verdict: Big loss if it happens…

Neto would be a huge loss for Wolves, with Premier League legend Alan Shearer describing him as a ‘huge talent’ and Lage surely desperate to keep hold of him.

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Goals are already coming at a premium for Wanderers, with only one scored in the league this season, so losing one of their biggest attacking threats is far from ideal.

Should Neto end up leaving this summer, it is essential that the funds are used to replace him immediately – if not, it is hard to see Wolves threatening the European places or even the top ten.

Nottingham Forest have already made 16 signings this summer but they are showing no signs of slowing down in the remaining days of the transfer window, with the club set to reignite their interest in a player.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon (via Nottingham Forest News), the newly-promoted club are preparing a £2.5m bid for Blackpool winger Josh Bowler.

As per the report, Bowler is a player Nottingham Forest have held a long-term interest in and they could now be making a move for the player, who is currently in the last year of his contract, to complete their new-look Premier League side.

Cooper could land his next Johnson

Steve Cooper has added a large number of new players to the squad at The City Ground but one player who has remained and maintained his spot since the club levelled up to Premier League football this summer is Brennan Johnson.

Born and bred in Nottingham, Johnson became one of the rising stars of the Forest academy but went on loan to Lincoln City to hone his craft back in 2020/21 where he scored 14 goals and delivered 13 assists before returning to his boyhood club in the summer of 2021.

Former manager Chris Hughton instantly deployed the 21-year-old into his Championship team but struggled to get results and was sacked in late September, with Cooper taking the reigns at The City Ground to turn not only Forest into a Premier League team but Johnson into a top-flight goal-scorer.

As a result, Marinakis could now land Cooper his next Johnson with the signing of Blackpool’s wing wizard Bowler after the 23-year-old displayed his outstanding talent and potential in the Championship.

Over 42 appearances last season, Bowler scored seven goals, delivered three assists and created seven big chances, while taking 1.7 shots and successfully completing 2.5 dribbles per game.

This season so far, just like Johnson, Blackpool’s number 11 has already picked up his first goal of the campaign and has had 1.8 shots on target per game, proving that he is a reliable goal threat that could now continue his development in the Premier League under Cooper’s wing.

The English forward who was dubbed “magic” by journalist Sean McGinley has not had his ability and talent go unnoticed with Forest turning their attentions to Bowler, and Blackpool manager Neil Critchley has addressed the potential move:

“Wingers who score goals and get assists and the things Josh can do will attract attention.

“I don’t see any other wingers in the Championship doing what Josh can do, so he’s a prized asset for us. If there are people watching him, then great because he’s doing something right.”

With that being said, if the Tricky Trees can land a deal for Bowler it could well be a great piece of business, as it would give Cooper another EFL prodigy to develop into a Premier League starter, just like Johnson.

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has revealed that Everton’s ‘first choice’ striker target is Armando Broja.

The Lowdown: Talks ‘ongoing’

Talks are believed to be ‘ongoing’ with Chelsea over a potential move for Broja, although it is not clear whether that would be for a loan or a permanent deal.

The Albania international impressed while at Southampton last season, scoring a total of nine goals in all competitions, with six of them coming in the Premier League (Transfermarkt), and Everton are as we know desperate for a new centre-forward.

The Latest: ‘First choice’

Taking to Twitter, Dorsett has revealed that among the Goodison Park outfit’s list of striker targets, Broja is their ‘first choice’:

“#efc interested in #rovers Ben Brereton Diaz. Armando Broja still Everton’s first choice, but with little progress with #cfc they’re now widening the striker search. Neal Maupay and Viktor Gyokores also on the list of possible targets.”

The Verdict: Get it done

The Merseyside club are in desperate need of a new striker to hit the ground running after the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and given his top-flight experience, Broja would certainly fit the bill.

Hailed as ‘devastating‘ by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini, and a striker with ‘incredible pace and strength’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, the six-foot-three colossus has the ability to really intimidate defenders and also stretch the game with runs in behind.

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He is also still only 20 years of age, and so has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the Premier League, given the right coaching and regular game time.

Newcastle United are also thought to be interested in Broja, so the Toffees may need to act fast in order to secure his signature.

Scottish football journalist Bill Young claimed that Ryan Jack did not look fit as Glasgow Rangers cruised to victory in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Thumping win

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team enjoyed a thumping win in front of their own supporters, with new signings Malik Tillman, Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence all among the scorers.

There may have been some nerves in the stadium with the Gers only 1-0 up at half-time, but a second-half flurry saw them ease to all three points in the end.

The Latest: Jack not fit?

Taking to Twitter, Young claimed that Jack ‘doesn’t look fit’ upon observing him during the game against St. Johnstone.

He has a long history of injury problems during his time at the Light Blues, and so it is always a worry when he does not look fully sharp.

The Verdict: Worrying

Given Jack’s injury history, it is certainly a sore sight to see that he may be struggling with his fitness.

The central midfielder lost out on four of his duels, while he also failed to record a single clearance, interception or tackle, losing the ball 13 times in total (SofaScore).

Of course, given that he missed the majority of last season through injury, it will take Jack some time to get back up to full match sharpness, and the Teddy Bears will be hoping that this is just a minor issue.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in advanced talks to sign a player from another Premier League club…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Michy Batshuayi could be ready to make the switch from Chelsea, with Bruno Lage desperate to bring in centre-forward reinforcements.

With the move only touted to be a loan, it is clear that the 27-year-old would merely be a stop-gap until Raul Jimenez returns to fitness.

The Belgium striker only has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and Everton are also said to be interested in signing him.

Lage desperately needs him

With few potent options around the club at the moment after a campaign which saw them score just 38 top-flight goals, the Old Gold find themselves in a position of peril going into the first game of the new season.

Their main marksman from recent campaigns faces numerous weeks on the sidelines, and Lage has been noted as having an interest in bringing in a striker on loan with Premier League experience.

It therefore seems that all signs point towards them moving for the Belgium international, who has enjoyed a tumultuous but impressive career without really settling down.

Batshuayi spent last season on loan at Besiktas, where he bagged a respectable 14 goals in 33 league appearances. He has scored goals wherever he has gone, and he has led quite a nomadic career.

Of all his loan spells, this potential one at Wolves, where he will be relied upon for at least a couple of months, could be his biggest opportunity yet to find some stability in his career.

The “talented” striker – as described by Jake Heasman, formerly of Chelsea FC TV – ticks all of Lage’s reported boxes for a temporary centre-forward solution, with particular emphasis on his Premier League experience.

The £69k-per-week marksman has featured 77 times for both Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the English top flight and actually performed admirably on loan for the south London club. He scored 33 games.

Although that’s not an outstanding return, he could certainly be a solid addition for Wolves. Also, at the age of 28, he is just reaching his prime years, so he could excel in Jimenez’s absence if the Old Gold can get him in.

With Lage desperate for any strikers to beef up his squad, Batshuayi emerges as perhaps the most sensible financial and footballing decision. He could comfortably deputise for the injured Mexican, using his Premier League experience and finishing prowess to lead the line at Molineux.

Every transfer window throws up the odd surprise rumour, with the latest of those having seen Arsenal tipped to make a surprise swoop for Chelsea striker Timo Werner, despite the 26-year-old’s struggles at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons.

Reports in Spain have suggested that the Gunners are one of a handful of clubs across Europe who are eyeing a move for the Germany international, with Thomas Tuchel and co believed to be willing to sanction a departure before the September deadline.

There is no doubt likely to be a sense of incredulity among the Emirates faithful if these links are revealed to be accurate, such has been the torrid time that the former RB Leipzig man has endured in English football since his £45m arrival back in the summer of 2020.

Having arrived with a huge reputation after firing in 93 goals and providing 40 assists in just 158 games at his former club, the £268k-per-week speedster was expected to hit the ground running in the Premier League, although has ultimately flattered to deceive in the two years since.

While his willingness to run in behind and do the dirty work have been admirable – as has been noted by Gunners legend Ian Wright – the one-time Stuttgart man has frequently been mocked for his failings in front of goal, notably missing 18 big chances during his debut top-flight campaign in the 2020/21 season.

While described as “one of the most unlucky strikers I’ve ever seen” by Wright, the general assessment has been that the £31.5m-rated is simply “wasteful” – as dubbed by Liam Twomey – having failed to really deliver for the Blues thus far.

On the surface, his record of 23 goals and 21 assists in 83 games for the west Londoners is respectable, yet a return of just ten league goals over the last two seasons combined is seemingly not up to scratch for a forward at an elite club.

To think Arteta and co are potentially considering making a move for the 53-cap dud appears somewhat foolish, with it looking as if the club could once again fall into the trap of feeding off the scraps of their London rivals.

Recent history has shown that not to be the wisest move, with the case of Willian, in particular, showcasing that Arsenal should broaden their horizons away from targetting those at Cobham.

The Brazilian may have largely been a success during his trophy-laden spell at Chelsea – scoring 61 goals and providing 62 assists in 337 games across all fronts – yet he was plucked by the Gunners while seemingly on the decline back in 2020, the club eventually forking out a hefty £220k-per-week wage to bring him to the Emirates.

Despite netting two assists on debut against Fulham, that move ultimately backfired spectacularly, with it quickly becoming clear as to why the Blues weren’t so keen on handing the ageing winger a new, longer-term deal.

Such was the disastrous nature of his time at the club – where he scored just one goal in 37 outings in all competitions – the 70-cap menace ripped up his contract after just a solitary season, with the north London outfit left ruing what proved to be an expensive mistake.

While Werner may be younger and with plenty of time to revive his career, there should be concerns in again targetting a player who their rivals are seemingly so keen to get rid of.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has offered an update regarding Arsenal’s reported interest in Bayern Munich winger, Leroy Sane…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source revealed that while it may prove a “challenge” to prise the 26-year-old away from the Allianz Arena, he is seemingly a player of interest to the Gunners.

Amid reports linking the Premier League outfit to the 45-cap, Germany international,  Jacobs stated: “The Sane links were prior to Raphinha and I think that Arsenal gathered quite quickly, when they turned their attention to Raphinha, that it’s going to be tough to get Sane to move away from Bayern.

“I think Bayern’s preference is still to try and keep Sane, so that one is going to be a challenge, but it’s obvious they admire the player.”

The north London outfit are seemingly plotting an alternative to that of former Leeds United man Raphinha, having appeared keen to land the Brazilian prior to his recent move to Barcelona.

Edu’s next Jesus

A move for Sane could see Mikel Arteta attempt to utilise his Manchester City connections once again – where he was previously assistant to Pep Guardiola – having already seen sporting director Edu move to bring Gabriel Jesus to the club from the Etihad on a £45m deal.

Although yet to take to the field in a competitive game, the 25-year-old has quickly endeared himself to the Emirates faithful, having notably netted a hat-trick in the recent 6-0 thrashing of Sevilla in what was the final pre-season game of the summer.

With that move already looking like a masterstroke, the aforementioned Edu could strike gold again with the signing of his former City teammate, with Sane seemingly the man who can make those at Arsenal forget all about Raphinha.

The 6 foot wizard – who left Guardiola’s side on a £54.8m deal two years ago – is a simply devastating attacking force, combining his sheer relentless speed with an attacking ruthlessness which makes him a simply unique gem.

While struck down by injury towards the end of his previous stint in English football, the £54m-rated sensation still managed to record hugely impressive figures while in Manchester, notably providing 53 goal contributions in just 90 top-flight appearances, winning two league titles in the process.

Although it has proven an at times tricky spell since his return to the Bundesliga for the one-time Schalke man, the “frightening” forward – as described by pundit Micah Richards – still boasts an impressive record for the Bavarian giants, with 25 goals and 27 assists in 90 games across all competitions for the club.

The 2021/22 campaign was particularly fruitful for the £280k-per-week gem as he flourished under Julian Nagelsmann’s watch, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists across all fronts, showcasing just why he has been dubbed a “baller” in some quarters.

The new season may only be in its infancy, although the fleet-footed wideman has already got off to a positive start, netting in the German Super Cup triumph against RB Leipzig at the weekend, after entering the fray as a late substitute.

A player capable of producing something out of nothing, Sane would surely thrive under the tutelage of a familiar face in Arteta, with Edu needing to work his magic again – as he did with Jesus – to help add increased firepower to the Spaniard’s ‘arsenal’.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has dropped a claim regarding Celtic’s aims for the remainder of the current summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist outlined what the Hoops’ aims have been in the transfer window so far and what they may look to do before it closes.

He said: “Celtic were definitely looking for a central defensive-midfielder to add strength and depth and perhaps for that person to be a starter. I think they would also like another striker.”

Celtic fans will be buzzing

In addition to securing permanent deals for the likes of Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda following their loan spells at Parkhead last term, the Bhoys have also brought some new faces to the club.

The likes of Benjamin Siegrist, Alexandro Bernabei, Aaron Mooy and Moritz Jenz have all made moves to Glasgow this summer and will be preparing for their debut campaigns as Celtic players.

Despite these new faces being brought in, hearing that the club would like to potentially add a new defensive midfielder and a striker to their ranks will surely be music to the ears of many Hoops supporters.

In terms of signing a new defensive midfielder, as Joseph originally said, the fact that the Bhoys have seen the likes of Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton and Ismaila Soro leave the club in the past few weeks and months shows just why he has said the Premiership champions would like a new player for that position.

As for a new striker, while that may not be particularly crucial in order for the club to strengthen, it could still be an important area to focus upon before the transfer window closes.

Despite having the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis – who ended the previous campaign with 25 league goals between them – in the squad, the arrival of a new striker this summer could be dependent on the immediate future of another one of Celtic’s current attacking options in Albian Ajeti.

Having started just three league games last term, it’s safe to suggest that he is behind the likes of Furuhashi and Giakoumakis in the pecking order.

Should the 25-year-old find himself leaving Celtic this summer, securing a new striker who could have a better chance of forcing his way into Ange Postecoglou’s side could be beneficial for the team.

AND in other news: Postecoglou can land big Giakoumakis upgrade if Celtic sign £3.5k-p/w “piledriver”

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Ivan Toney to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by iNews, who claim that, despite the centre-forward being linked with a move to all of Leeds, Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham United in recent weeks, Brentford are reluctant to part with the 26-year-old ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the report does goes on to state that, should an offer of £40m be submitted for the former Peterborough United striker this summer, the Bees’ owner, Matthew Benham, could be tempted into cashing in on the Northampton-born hitman in the current transfer window.

“Underrated”

Considering just how impressive Toney was for Brentford last season, it is not difficult to why Victor Orta would be keen to bring the forward to Elland Road this summer, nor it is hard to understand why Thomas Frank is desperate to retain the services of the 26-year-old ahead of the new season.

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Indeed, over his 33 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £31.5m-rated talent was in devastating form for the Bees, scoring 12 goals, registering five assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots, making 1.3 key passes and winning 8.6 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

These returns saw the £21k-per-week striker who Rob Blanchette labelled “underrated” and Layth Yousif claimed “will play for England” average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Brentford’s second-best performer in the league but also as the 15th-best player in the top flight has a whole last time out.

As such, while £40m is undoubtedly an extremely large fee to pay for a striker with just one full Premier League campaign under his belt, considering the output Toney proved he can deliver in the league last season, the 26-year-old could well be worth this hefty fee for the Whites – as we would not bet against the target man going on to become an England international in 2022/23, as Yousif suggests.

AND in other news: Orta begins Leeds talks for “wonderkid” with an £85m clause, it’d be a massive coup

According to reliable journalist Ryan Taylor, Southampton are one of the clubs tracking Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic this summer.

The Lowdown: Sought-after talent

The Austrian has just under 12 months remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga outfit, meaning that a decision on his future needs to be made during this window.

As per The Athletic, the 25-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe after enjoying a hugely successful season with the German giants, and it looks like Ralph Hasenhuttl has identified him as a player who he’s keen to bring to the Premier League.

The Latest: Saints tracking Kalajdzic

Taking to Twitter, Taylor revealed that Southampton, alongside many other English clubs, are monitoring Kalajdzic’s transfer situation. He wrote:

“In addition to Manchester United; West Ham, Brighton, Southampton & Ajax are among the clubs tracking Sasa Kalajdzic. Stuttgart looking for £16m-£20m. There have been loose discussions with his agent Sascha Empacher but no concrete proposals at this stage.”

The Verdict: Broja’s successor

Now that Armando Broja has returned to parent club Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell at St. Mary’s, Hasenhuttl will be looking for a direct replacement, and Kalajdzic can add a totally different dimension up top.

Standing at a staggering 6 foot 7, the forward, who’s been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Peter Crouch, would bring a major physical threat in the box, as well as clocking up goal contributions, having made eight in 15 league appearances for Stuttgart last season, via Transfermarkt.

Gaining his compatriot’s services would be a massive coup for the Austrian boss if the Saints managed to fend off their strong competitors and bring their target to the south coast ahead of the start of the new campaign.