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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is looking to quit Elland Road in the summer, even if the Whites remain in the Premier League.

What’s the latest Leeds news on Meslier?

The Frenchman has once again been a regular in Yorkshire this season, playing every minute of Premier League action. He has surpassed 100 appearances for the club and has now turned out more than 100 times in the top flight.

Meslier has been attracting interest, though, with Fabrizio Romano saying that a number of clubs have sent scouts to follow the ‘keeper, with Chelsea thought to be one side who are keen.

A further update has emerged regarding the 23-year-old’s future, and it doesn’t make for good reading for those who want him to remain with the Whites.

Football Insider shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Meslier, revealing that he wants to quit this summer regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in this summer. The report states how Chelsea are very keen to secure Meslier’s services, although Manchester United and Tottenham have also shown an interest.

How much could Leeds bring in for Meslier?

A number of top English sides who normally qualify for Europe appear to be circling around Meslier, and with his contract running until 2026, Leeds could be in line for a big windfall after spending £5.7m on the player back in 2020.

Meslier is valued at a career-high €22m by Transfermarkt and has impressed summer signing Brenden Aaronson earlier in the season, who said this about the keeper after the opening weekend win over Wolves:

“You see it from him every single day. I think there was one day last week where he was saving everything and we were just shooting on him. He has so much quality in goal. He’s such a great goalie.”

Still in the early days of his career as a goalkeeper, reports have suggested that Leeds would want around £40m for Meslier’s services, so any club may have to meet that asking price to stand a chance of sealing a deal.

The player has been climbing the Premier League all-time saves list and is already in 38th place on 368 stops, more than the likes of Edwin van der Sar and Thibaut Courtois, so you'd expect that figure will increase even further, but possibly away from Yorkshire, should he get his wish of a move away from Elland Road.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally wants to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal linked with?

The Gunners and transfer chief Edu are thought to be planning for the 2023/2024 Premier League season already and reportedly have their eyes on a few transfer targets.

Reports in the last fortnight have suggested that Leicester City star Youri Tielemans is of interest as the midfielder's contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Indeed, central midfield is thought to be a top priority for the club, as West Ham star Declan Rice is repeatedly linked with a move to north London.

Brighton ace Moises Caicedo has been billed as an alternative to the Englishman with Barcelona star Raphinha also on Edu's list of potential signings. However, reinforcing the striker position is certainly not out of the question either, as rumours surrounding a possible move for Vlahovic are still prevalent.

The Serbia international is a player who Arsenal tried to sign from Fiorentina before he opted for his Turin move, yet according to an update by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arteta is still very keen on the idea.

According to the Italian news outlet, Arsenal are listed as a 'suitor' for Vlahovic after their attempts to prise him away from Fiorentina, with Arteta personally 'attracted' to his playing style. The Spaniard apparently believes there isn't a player like him in Arsenal's current squad, which is playing a role in Arteta's interest.

The north Londoners are also boosted in their chase for Vlahovic by their near-certain qualification for the Champions League next season. The report does state to 'keep an eye' on Chelsea, though, who are firmly in the race with Todd Boehly's backing.

Should Arsenal sign Vlahovic?

The 23-year-old has ten goal contributions to his name this season, scoring eight goals with a further two assists, which may not seem outstanding but Juventus on the whole have struggled this year. Vlahovic is still a bright spark in the forward areas when at his very best, averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any other Juve player in Serie A this season (WhoScored).

Journalist Pete O'Rourke certainly believes he would be a good fit, recently stating to GiveMeSport:

"He's a proven striker; he's done really well in Serie A and also on the international scene as well, so that'd be a big-name signing and it would just continue to show the progress that Arsenal are making that they are actually able to make these types of signings."

If Arsenal can prise him away from Italy, he could be a brilliant capture.

Chelsea's search for a new manager is already well and truly underway, as Todd Boehly looks to bring in a replacement for Graham Potter as soon as possible.

The former Brighton boss was sacked after last weekend's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa, with the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Tuesday leaving the Blues in 11th position in the Premier League table.

It is no surprise that Boehly is keen to bring in a replacement as he looks to salvage an incredibly poor season, and it seems as if he has already made contact with recently sacked Bayern Munich boss, Julian Nagelsmann.

Will Chelsea appoint Julian Nagelsmann?

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have made contact with the German manager, who departed the Allianz Arena late last month despite leaving Die Roten in the Champions League quarter-finals and still very much in the hunt for another Bundesliga title.

The report claims that Boehly is looking for a manager with experience of managing a top club in Europe and Nagelsmann certainly fits that bill, having managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in his career, despite being just 35.

It is also claimed that the young manager is well-known to sporting director Laurence Stewart and already has a connection with technical director Christopher Vivell, who he worked alongside at Leipzig.

Therefore, it certainly seems as if he could make the move to Stamford Bridge, especially as Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has suggested that talks are "ongoing and positive."

While The Telegraph suggest that he would be keen on taking the job, previous reports have claimed that he wants to wait until the summer to take over, which makes sense when you consider the mess that the Blues currently find themselves in.

However, that might not be enough for Boehly who likely wants a new manager through the door at Stamford Bridge ahead of the Champions League clash against Real Madrid next week.

Would Nagelsmann be perfect for Boehly?

Boehly has proven with his signings at Chelsea that he wants to build for the long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with young talents such as Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke all joining the club in his tenure.

In Nagelsmann, Chelsea would be getting one of the most talented young managers in world football, as the German was labelled a "genius" for his work at Hoffenheim before he was even 30, with the Athletic's Raphael Honigstein singing his praises after they reached the Champions League in his second season in charge.

He was perhaps harshly sacked by Bayern, having impressively won 60 of his 84 games in charge with the Bundesliga giants, averaging an impressive 2.23 points per game. That represents a significant increase on the 1.42 points per game averaged by Potter at Chelsea this season.

Nagelsmann has a rare blend of top-level experience and youth, which makes him the perfect appointment for Boehly's long-term plans. He has already brought in a plethora of top young talent so why not bring in a young coach too?

Indeed, the outspoken owner will now be hoping that the German manager can be convinced to join now rather than in the summer.

Leicester City are on the hunt for a new manager having sacked Brendan Rodgers just a matter of days ago.

What’s the latest Leicester manager news?

Rodgers performed admirably during his role at the King Power, notably winning the FA Cup and Community Shield.

However, he was given his marching orders last weekend with the Foxes now rooted firmly in the relegation zone.

It’s thought a permanent hire may not be made until the summer, where according to Sky Sports, Thomas Frank is an option to succeed Rodgers.

The Brentford boss has worked wonders with the London club as they sit ninth in the Premier League, a position Leicester should be occupying given their recent history.

Should Leicester hire Thomas Frank?

The job the Dane has performed with the Bees is nothing short of miraculous.

They were promoted from the Championship with a brand of swashbuckling football and they haven’t changed their style since competing with the big boys.

Fortunately for Brentford, it’s paid off with Frank’s men now in with a realistic possibility of securing European football next term.

The “special” tactician – as dubbed by Ben Mee – would surely be a better option than a number of candidates for the role, notably Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard has a wonderful CV that includes a spell with Real Madrid, a Champions League triumph with Liverpool and a promotion with Newcastle.

Yet, his recent performance is hardly anything to shout about with Benitez tasked with awakening a somewhat sleeping giant in the form of Everton, only to be sacked while relegation-threatened last term.

He would walk into a similar setting in the Midlands if he were to be given the gig right now, so it certainly feels like a case of the wrong job at the wrong time.

Frank, on the other hand, has a much better recent history.

Promotion from the second tier was one thing but for Brentford to be sitting inside the top half of the Premier League is nothing short of miraculous.

They have done so with a style of football that would certainly suit Leicester too.

Predominantly playing in a 4-3-3 shape, they rely on intense pressing and speedy attacks.

Does that remind you of anyone? Perhaps the days of Claudio Ranieri and Jamie Vardy’s peak at the top level.

Although the Leicester great doesn’t possess the height of an Ivan Toney – the third-highest scorer in the top-flight this term – he is the focal point with the ball always aimed at finding him.

They aren’t just phenomenal on the counter-attack, a style of play that saw them beat Manchester City on their own patch, but they’re also brilliant when it comes to winning duels.

Indeed, no side has won more aerial battles this term than Brentford.

Furthermore, they are adept at set-pieces, with the Bees having scored a joint-league-high of 12 goals from dead ball scenarios in 2022/23.

That is likely to have creative maestro James Maddison licking his lips should Frank arrive at the King Power, with the great Dane having already admitted that the England international is “incredible.”

All the signs point to improvement under the 49-year-old, it’s just a shame they might already be down before they get a chance to have a deeper discussion about his appointment in the summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers look to have made a serious transfer blunder in the summer, as it seems unlikely at this point that Goncalo Guedes has a future at Molineux.

How much has Guedes cost Wolves?

Following a season of struggle in front of goal under Bruno Lage, the Old Gold looked to bring in attacking reinforcements for the Portuguese manager in the summer transfer window.

Guedes looked to be the ideal signing for the Midlands outfit, as he had hit 11 goals and six assists in the 2021/22 La Liga campaign for Valencia and was an established Portugal international, joining the large Iberian contingent at Molineux.

Wolves would pay £27.5m to sign the winger, as he signed a five-year contract at Molineux, but he struggled to have any real impact in his first few months with the club, with Lage sacked after the 2-0 defeat against West Ham in October.

The 26-year-old would make 13 appearances in the Premier League in total, contributing just one goal and one assist, with WhoScored awarding him a shocking 6.38 average rating for his performances.

Wolves' mistake with Guedes perhaps became clear with his first-half display in the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea earlier in the season, with The Athletic's Steve Madeley not holding back in his criticism of the Portuguese wide man, describing his performance as "awful."

He was expected to add quality in the final third but ranked fourth for shots, ninth for key passes and 17th for dribbles per game in the top-flight, so it was no surprise that Julen Lopetegui was not keen on keeping him around in the January transfer window.

The Spanish manager was clearly not impressed with what he saw from Guedes and he would join Benfica on loan for the rest of the season, where he has improved somewhat, notching one goal and one assist in six league appearances thus far, averaging a far more impressive 7.03 rating from WhoScored.

While he will no doubt be given another chance to impress Lopetegui in pre-season, it is poor recruitment such as this that has left Wolves in the position they find themselves in, with relegation to the Championship a very real possibility.

Should they find themselves in the second tier next season, it seems extremely unlikely that the £90k-per-week flop would stay at Wolves, and they would surely have to cash in for a significant loss.

Guedes' excessive wage means he has cost the Old Gold £2m in his 23 weeks as a Wolves player prior to his January loan exit, with Fosun having spent nearly £30m on him in total. Fortunately, Benfica are at least paying his salary until June.

Unless he can return to Molineux and redeem himself next season, that money looks as if it will go down the drain.

Journalist Scott Barrie has urged Rangers to sign loanee Malik Tillman on a permanent transfer this summer "at all costs".

What's the latest on Malik Tillman and Rangers?

Ahead of this current season, the Ibrox outfit negotiated a deal with Bayern Munich to bring the 20-year-old to Scotland for 12 months, with an option to then make the move permanent.

During his time with the club so far, the youngster has managed to make himself a regular, showing his importance to the team already with 38 appearances so far in his debut campaign.

As per BILD journalist Christian Falk, Rangers can buy Tillman for the pre-agreed price tag of €7m (roughly £6m) but it remains to be seen what is planned for the American.

While talking about it all on the Rangers Review podcast, Barrie insisted that the club simply have to work out a way to get the loan turned permanent in the summer.

He said (17:24): "I think it's pretty obvious that I'd been in the buy Tillman at all costs camp. And I don't think there's much debate around that.

"I don't think Rangers are going to get a player of his ability, but also potential at 20 now, 21 next season.

"Still in his first professional season, you've got to remember that. You've got to imagine every player will be better in their second professional season."

Will Tillman want to join Rangers this summer?

Before arriving in Scotland, Tillman had actually made seven senior appearances for the Bayern Munich senior team, so it's clear just what a talent he is.

However, that was for a combined total of just 164 minutes and he may feel as though the path to regular first-team action in Germany will be quite difficult.

With that in mind, seeing as Rangers have offered him 2564 minutes of action in all competitions this season – and he has proved ten goals and five assists in this time – it could perhaps suit all parties if some agreement could be found.

At a price of around £6m, he would likely take up a reasonable chunk of the summer budget – especially when compared to the club's record transfers – but with so much potential still, that fee could perhaps one day prove to be a bargain if Tillman continues his upward trajectory in a Teddy Bears shirt.

Romeo Lavia has been a revelation for Southampton since signing from Premier League champions Manchester City in a £14m deal in the summer, subsequently earning £50m interest in his services from Chelsea back in January.

Indeed, the 19-year-old midfielder was granted a departure from Manchester following Pep Guardiola's acquisition of former Leeds United powerhouse Kalvin Phillips for £45m, with the young Belgian swiftly asserting himself as one of Saints' most coveted items, flourishing despite the tumult of the relegation-threatened campaign.

Interest in the 19-year-old has indeed been intense, and action could be taken from the swirling shark tank of suitors regardless of whether Southampton preserve their top-flight status at the end of the campaign, with Arsenal now considering a swoop.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea and City are joined by Manchester United and Mikel Arteta's north London outfit in pursuing a move, with Lavia fitting the profile of a first-rate midfielder capable of flourishing among Europe's elite.

The report states that the gem 'ticks a lot of boxes' for Arsenal, who might look to act upon their intrigue before Man City's £40m buyback option activates in the summer of 2024.

Should Arsenal sign Romeo Lavia?

The Premier League table-toppers have made remarkable progress this season under their Spanish manager's wing, currently eight points clear at the top of the division – though the second-placed Cityzens have a game in hand – after failing to reach top four for six successive seasons.

Failing to reach next term's edition would be a catastrophic, almost inconceivable failure at this point, with Arsenal currently 22 points clear of Newcastle United, who hang just outside a qualification spot.

And with the crafting of a force to be reckoned with ever-evolving at the Emirates Stadium, securing an illustrious future could receive apt bolstering after procuring Lavia from Southampton's clutches.

Making 24 appearances for his outfit this season, the teenager has scored one goal and assist apiece and has been integral in fighting to secure a place in the English top flight next year.

Hailed as "exquisite" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Lavia already ranks among the top 18% of midfielders across Europe's major leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 10% for blocks per 90, as per FBref, illustrating a tenacity and vigour to his game that belies his tender age.

Should Arsenal's technical director Edu succeed in a bid, Lavia could well take Granit Xhaka's position in the team, with the resurgent Swiss now one of the centrepieces to his side's labours, although still dispensable if the right man arrives.

Xhaka has been a polarising figure in north London since signing from Borussia Mönchengladbach for £30m in 2016, being stripped of the captaincy in 2019 following disciplinary issues before rekindling his Gunners career and now integral in the club's title-chasing aspirations.

Forging 28 Premier League displays this term, the 30-year-old has scored four goals and supplied five assists, as per Sofascore, completing 86% of his passes and chalking an average rating of 7.02.

Lavia, in retrospect, has recorded a rating of 6.85 and flourished despite the insipid nature of his outfits campaign, completing 87% of his passes and making 1.9 tackles per outing.

At such a young age, the "monster" – as dubbed by journalist Benjy Nurick – holds all the tools to craft an eminent career for himself, and where better to ply his trade than the burgeoning Arsenal squad, where he could indeed take the baton from Xhaka and lead the side to glory.

Before Southampton took to the field at Old Trafford, facing the daunting task of stopping Manchester United on their home turf, a point would have been viewed as a spectacular result, but once again in a matter of weeks, the south coast club have failed to secure victory having contested the duration of a Premier League match with an extra man.

Albeit in contrasting circumstances, Southampton suffered the ignominy of defeat against relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. Mary’s almost one month ago to the day, the Old Gold having lost Mario Lemina following a reckless lunge with the scoreline already titled in the home side’s favour.

At the Theatre of Dreams, many would have expected Carabao Cup champions United to prevail even after Casemiro’s red card in the first half, with Southampton at the nadir of their Premier League era and confined to bottom place in the division.

However, the numerical advantage gave the Hampshire-based outfit license to exhibit their attacking prowess, creating 17 shots to Man United’s ten, finding the target on just four occasions.

Right-back Kyle Walker-Peters impressed with his offensive contribution, seeing a deflected cross skim agonisingly close to the back of the net before hitting the post with a fierce strike, with captain James Ward-Prowse clipping the crossbar with a free-kick shortly after the break, nearly replicating his match-winning strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three weeks prior.

How did Ward-Prowse perform against Man United?

With Ward-Prowse’s 17 direct free-kick goals placing him just one behind the all-time leader and Man United legend David Beckham, the ball-playing wizard’s equalling of the record at Old Trafford would have been as much poetic as emphatic.

It was not to be, but the sense of pathos left behind by the relegation-threatened outfit will be intense; just an infinitesimal difference to the delivery could have resulted in a season-defining moment.

Hailed as “a dangerous man” by journalist Nathan Quao for the effort, it would be unfair to filter the all-encompassing scope of Ward-Prowse’s performance to a failed free-kick.

As per Sofascore, the 28-year-old’s 7.9 match rating was bettered only by Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who was imperious between the sticks having made four saves including a stunning stop to prevent a Bruno Fernandes strike.

Making 96 touches, the £100k-per-week ace completed 93% of his passes and placed four key passes, imperative in the creative potency of his team on the afternoon; winning two of his four ground duels, making four interceptions and two tackles, the “epic” gem – as remarked by sports writer Michael Oti Adjei – proved his worth once more for his side. 

On another day, Ruben Selles’ outfit would have left the lion’s den as monumental victors, but wayward shooting and meekness in the offensive third left efforts falling fruitless.

But with Ward-Prowse robust and reliable from the centre, Southampton may yet find a pathway illuminated from danger, now just two points adrift from safety and returning undefeated from Chelsea and Man United in three weeks under Selles’ tutelage.

Liverpool completing a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is ‘not hot at this stage’, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: The story so far

Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City, alongside the Reds, have all been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old, who is making a name for himself in the Bundesliga.

90min report that Jurgen Klopp has already sent scouts to watch the Croatian in action, so that he and the hierarchy are able to maintain regular updates on his transfer situation.

Marco Rose’s centre-back has publicly made it known that he supported the Merseysiders growing up and would love to one day complete a move to Anfield.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s update

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Liverpool aren’t currently in talks to sign Gvardiol. He wrote:

“News #Gvardiol: As reported yesterday #LFC is interested! He’s on the list. It would be a great fitting. But I’ve been told that it’s not hot at this stage. No negotiations. Leipzig wants to keep him 100%. Release clause in summer 2024 (!) is around €110m.”

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The Verdict: Splash the cash

Gvardiol’s release clause being £97m as of next year isn’t at all cheap for a centre-back, but Liverpool should splash the cash to secure his services whenever the opportunity presents itself.

The Zagreb native is currently averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.4 aerial wins per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga, via WhoScored, but can also be a threat in the final third.

The 6 foot 1 colossus has scored two goals in five Champions League appearances this season showing that he’s a danger at set pieces, much like Virgil Van Dijk.

Gvardiol will know what it takes to be successful having already won four trophies despite his young age, and he would only thrive further under the leadership of Klopp should he sign on the dotted line.

Tottenham Hotspur are battling Manchester United for the signature of Ajax winger Antony, according to The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney. 

The lowdown

United are interested in reuniting Antony with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, Delaney says.

He arrived in Amsterdam from native club Sao Paulo in the summer of 2020 for a fee of £14.2million. Under Ten Hag, Antony won the Eredivisie twice, as well as the 2020/21 Dutch Cup.

The 22-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, is now valued at £31.5million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Delaney writes that Ten Hag and United ‘face competition’ from Spurs for the Brazilian attacker.

Conte would appear to be at a disadvantage without the personal connection to the player but, significantly, the club are prepared to offer Steven Bergwijn to Ajax as part of the deal.

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The verdict

Even though Antony has a prior relationship with Ten Hag, Spurs’ willingness to include Bergwijn in the deal could swing it in their favour.

That’s because Ajax clearly possess a strong interest in the former PSV Einhoven man, having seen a £17million bid rejected earlier in the summer.

The hope for Spurs, of course, is that Antony would represent an upgrade off the back of his impressive 2021/22 campaign.

The nine-times-capped international was directly involved in 22 goals (scoring 12 and setting up ten) in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Adding the ‘elegant’ playmaker (in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig) to a squad that already includes Dejan Kulusevski would be a real statement. Conte would have an elite level of attacking depth at his disposal.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals talks for a ‘star’ target.