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Arsenal’s season went from worse to even worse last night as Crystal Palace obliterated them 3-0 at Selhurst Park, with the ever-growing angst on the terraces aimed at the players as much as under-fire manager Arsene Wenger.

Indeed, it seems the Gunners fan base wants a squad shakeup this summer, regardless of whether Wenger is still in the job, and it’s hard to blame them; last summer signings just haven’t had the desired effect, whilst Arsenal’s rabble of young and prodigious talents are struggling to live up to their billing.

One potential addition recently mooted by English and German media (Bild via The Sun) is Schalke’s Leon Goretzka, who is due to enter the final year of his contract this summer and could accordingly leave the Veltins Arena.

He’s rated as one of German football’s most promising young talents, already representing the national team on three occasions, but isn’t exactly a household name in England, so we asked Arsenal fans last week whether they’d back a summer deal for the £21million-rated midfielder.

According to the results of our recent poll, a whopping 78% of Arsenal fans would like to see Goretzka arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer. But is he really the signing to transform the north London outfit’s fortunes? Let us know by commenting below!

Someone in Sunderland’s PR department really should give David Moyes a bit of a slap. Imagine being bottom of the table by a distance and saying, “well if we win all our games from now we will stay up”.

That wouldn’t have been so bad if Sunderland hadn’t then gone out and lost to a Man United side that usually draw matches like that. Sunderland are not normally a club too shy to sack a manager at strange times. They must really feel Moyes is the man to get them straight back into the Premier League, but does Moyes feel he is too good for the Championship? Time will tell, but for now, I am going to enjoy Moyes whilst I still can.

It was a lovely quirk of the fixture list fate for United’s strike-force. When your manager has been pretty much calling you rubbish in public for a fortnight, what better way to regain some confidence than sticking three past ten men at the Stadium of Light? Zlatan scored a fine goal and then claimed he was Benjamin Button. All in all, a normal Sunday for Ibra.

Liverpool totally reversed what it meant to be Liverpool on Saturday. Normally, they would be leading and looking good before finding a way to undo all their good work. This time Stoke wore the Anfield costume and having led and been in control, were completely undone by a Firmino wonder strike. Matches like this is what we need more of, so we can see the complete range of Klopp emotions in one match.

It’s all too easy for Chelsea now, meaning we are not seeing the full range of Conte emotions in action. That, in itself, is a shame. He can pretend he is not smirking at Tottenham trying to keep up all he wants, but Conte does not lose league titles from here.

Sure Bournemouth gave them a game but Chelsea can afford to lose a couple, give Spurs even more false hope and then seal the deal. Hopefully they do it that way as it would be quite funny to watch Tottenham think they still have a realistic chance.

Mind you, I should start taking Tottenham a little more seriously I suppose. They do have the best English player currently on show, and probably had the best English goal scorer on show before he hurt his ankle. Watford never win at White Hart Lane so the result was not a surprise but Tottenham do look like they are going to wrap up second place, meaning Arsenal have to sack Arsene. It was a drunken agreement at the Emirates that Wenger would walk if Tottenham ever finished above them. Oh, how they laughed at the craziness of that idea.

Manchester City eased past Hull 3-1 and barely broke sweat. A note to Pep, though. We already know you will not win the league with any of your current goalkeepers, but you might even struggle to get Champions League football if you think Jesus Navas is a right-back. Yes, we know Sagna and Zabaletta are somewhat past it, but really? Navas?

Incredibly, beating Swansea City 1-0 led Bilic to the conclusion that “there is still work to be done”. What’s that, Slav? Beating a team that played with so much fear they must have just watched the Blair Witch Project (showing my age there) means you are not the finished article? Someone give that guy a vote of confidence. The three points probably means West Ham won’t go down which is great, or a shame, depending on your views.

When Steve Agnew gets fired at the end of the season, he will look back at a 0-0 draw with Burnley as one of the plus points and that, Steve, is why Middlesbrough are getting relegated and you will be looking for a new job.

If anybody actually cares about what happened between West Brom and Southampton then you clearly care more than the players themselves. Both sets of players are done for the season and will be mentally working out what they need to pack for their various trips away over the summer. I think Southampton won, but I am not 100% sure.

Finally, it’s all over for Craig Shakespeare now. That’s it, run over. Six and out, as they say in cricket. The revival is done. The honeymoon finished. Leicester lost to Everton meaning the new manager has been found out. Or maybe, just maybe, his team had their minds on a trip to Madrid.

Yeah, probably that, actually…

According to reports from The Telegraph, Liverpool are eyeing Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

Whilst Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s contract situations may be dominating column inches this season, they’re not the only players facing uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium. Just like the Gunners’ talismanic duo, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also yet to have their contracts renewed before the end of next season, meaning both they and the club could have some huge decisions to make this summer.

The Premier League’s top clubs rarely pass up the chance to sign an England international and it seems Liverpool are keen on Oxlade-Chamberlain, who hasn’t quite reached the levels heralded of him when he moved to north London from Southampton as a youngster. However, there are some obstacles to overcome, not least including his £35million price-tag.

“I personally think it is vital that Chamberlain stays at Arsenal. We bought him when he was very young, we have built him up and I think he has a great mentality.I like his mentality and he has a good football brain. It would be a big damage for us to lose this kind of player.”

Is Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to leave?

Just a matter of days ago, Arsene Wenger described it as ‘vital’ for the midfielder to stay at Arsenal, but that’s somewhat contradicted by The Telegraph’s claims that the north London club are yet to open talks over a new deal, with their attentions firmly focused on Ozil and Sanchez. Negotiations over a new contract are now expected in the summer – but the fact team-mates are being prioritised above him may well force Oxlade-Chamberlain to assess his options.

Especially when coupled with his limited involvement in the Premier League this season, making more substitute appearances than starts despite Arsenal languishing in sixth place, and the 23-year-old’s reduced participation within the England fold. He’s already earned 25 caps for the Three Lions but just one of those have come since the end of 2015, with Oxlade-Chamberlain starting England’s last World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

An equally important question is whether anybody would be prepared to meet Arsenal’s apparent £35million valuation. Even in the context of inflated price-tags for English players, that’s rather steep for a player in the final year of his contract, who has made just twelve Premier League starts throughout 2016/17. But the Telegraph claim Liverpool are confident of driving down that valuation.

Would Liverpool be the best move for him?

Now aged 23, it’s imperative Oxlade-Chamberlain starts coming good on his obvious potential. Powerful, quick, skillful – if somewhat inconsistent – and coming to the end of his strongest season in terms of goals with six, the England international offers plenty of appealing traits, even if he hasn’t found the best way to combine them all just yet. He’s also quite experienced for his age, with 230 club appearances under his belt already.

The real question is what position best suits Oxlade-Chamberlain. He’s spent most of his Arsenal career on the wing but has often been tipped for more central roles, either as a box-to-box midfielder or a No.10 just behind the striker.

The box-to-box role would certainly be of interest to Jurgen Klopp, who has utilised Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum almost as double No.8s this season. Perhaps more importantly, Liverpool play the kind of counter-attacking football Oxlade-Chamberlain is built for, hitting teams with immense power and pace on the break.

Likewise, Klopp’s record of reinventing English players is growing; Jordan Henderson has excelled in holding midfield, Adam Lallana in a slightly deeper role and James Milner at left-back this season. Clearly a huge talent, Klopp could be the man to find Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ultimate position and bring the best out of the struggling Arsenal ace.

Tottenham Hotspur kept their Premier League title chances alive by beating arch-rivals Arsenal 2-0 in the final ever north London derby at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Spurs knew that they had to take all three points having seen leaders Chelsea register a comfortable 3-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park earlier in the day, and they did exactly that as they disposed of the Gunners thanks to second half goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

As well as keeping Mauricio Pochettino’s men four points behind the Blues in the table, the victory also ensured that the club will finish above Arsenal for the first time since 1995 and the first time during Arsene Wenger’s reign.

Tottenham supporters were quick to have their say on the result via social media, and they believe the performance showed that they are better than the current Gunners side in every department.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

As if Arsenal fans needed anything else to be discouraged about, it looks like the club may well be missing out on one of their top targets this transfer window.

Reports on Sunday have confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette is in discussions with Atletico Madrid over a potential move to the La Liga side.

Arsenal have been tracking the Lyon star for sometime now, and reportedly offered £29 million for his services last summer. This was rejected by the French club, who have profited enormously from Lacazette’s form this season.

The 25-year-old has scored an incredible 37 goals in all competitions, including 28 league goals in just 30 appearances. These statistics have further enhanced his reputation around Europe and many elite clubs were said to be interested in him this summer.

However, it looks like Atletico Madrid have made the first move and the Frenchman is now reportedly in discussions with the Spanish club.

With yet another big name likely slipping through Arsenal’s fingers, fans of the North London club took to social media to express their displeasure at the lack of ambition to sign France’s hottest property…

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton have joined West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City in the race to sign Watford striker Troy Deeney this summer, but they might have to pay £35m to get him.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is looking to sign a new striker with Arouna Kone already announced as leaving the club and Enner Valencia returning to West Ham United following the end of his loan spell, while doubts still remain over the future of Romelu Lukaku as the Belgian is still yet to sign the long-term contract he has been offered.

One of the players that is interesting the Dutchman is Deeney, but he could cost £35m as the Hornets look to make sure they get £25m outright, with Walsall due a sell-on percentage of the fee.

Would he be a good signing for Everton?

If Koeman is looking for a back-up player for Lukaku then there is no doubt that the Watford skipper would be a good addition, for the right price.

He is now an experienced Premier League player, a leader and always puts in 100%.

As well as providing good hold up play and linking up well with his teammates, he has also scored an impressive 23 top flight goals over the past two seasons.

If the Toffees is looking for a direct Lukaku replacement however, then the Merseyside outfit can do much better.

Would he choose them over West Brom and Leicester?

With the offer of Europa League football on the table, you would think so.

But if Lukaku stays then Deeney will realise that he won’t be a starter at Goodison Park, and that could persuade him to move elsewhere.

According to The Sun, West Bom are ready to offer the 28-year-old £100,000-a-week wages as well which could be an offer that is too good to turn down.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, if Deeney is going to cost £35m plus £100,000-a-week wages, then Everton would be better off letting him go elsewhere and bringing in a better value for money option from the Premier League or abroad.

Leeds United supporters have voiced their desire on Twitter for the club to bring back Jonny Howson.

The Yorkshire Evening News claims that the midfielder has turned down a new contract from the Canaries because he wants to return to the North.

Howson moved to Carrow Road from Leeds in 2012, six years after graduating from the Whites’ youth academy.

It is believed that due to Howson’s desire to leave, Norwich will listen to offers, but will only reportedly entertain bids in excess of £4m.

The midfielder still has two years remaining on his contract, but plenty of Leeds fans think the club will be making the right call if they bring him back to Elland Road.

The Whites are going through a turbulent time following Garry Monk’s shock departure.

The former Swansea City boss was widely expected to sign a new contract, but after failing to come to an agreement with new sole owner Andrea Radrizzani, Monk opted to walk away.

Celtic head into this summer transfer window in as strong a position as they have been in for years and years. Off the back of an unbeaten domestic treble, all Brendan Rodgers needs to do is tweak the squad for them to be a massive force again next season in Scotland.

In Europe, it’s tougher, although the progress shown by some of the squad over the last 6 months has been incredibly impressive and players like Stuart Armstrong or Callum McGregor have their chance to show what they can do on the biggest stage again.

Still, additions do need to be made and although the Hoops have significant resources by Scottish standards, their budget is dwarfed by most other teams in the UEFA Champions League.

That means they have to maximise said resources and pick up quality players on the cheap.

With that in mind we’ve compiled a list of three elite players who have been released by their clubs and who can really add something to the Hoops with their experience and ability…

Jesus Navas

Having come to the end of his contract at Manchester City, Navas is without a club, despite making 35 appearances for Pep Guardiola last season.

The right-sided player has been a regular at the Etihad over the last four seasons and leaves the club having made 183 appearances. With a stellar career at Sevilla also behind him, he has a quality and experience beyond most players at the Hoops.

Wages are of course an issue but Celtic can offer him regular football, which at the age of 31 may be welcome, and the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League.

Navas has made close to 90 appearances in UEFA competition down the years and that makes him very valuable to a club like Celtic who need experienced pros to help them progress in the group stages.

He also has a versatility to play from right-back to right-wing, making him cost effective too. The Hoops needs a replacement for Patrick Roberts and competition for Mikael Lustig and a move for Navas would kill two birds with one stone.

It would be ambitious but with the absence of a transfer fee, we don’t see why they shouldn’t at least enquire about his availability.

Martin Caceres

While he may have only made one appearance for Southampton since joining in January, central defender Martin Caceres has lots of experience at the top level of football having made over 100 appearances for Juventus in Serie A and over 100 appearances in Spanish football for Sevilla, Barcelona and Recreativo.

He’s also gained 68 caps for his country, Uruguay, playing in two World Cups and multiple Copa Americas. It’s clear he has the experience that would greatly enhance the Hoops squad.

Brendan Rodgers is hoping to make significant progress in Europe and bringing in an experienced hand could in the backline be a big step towards that, especially when you consider he has dozens of appearances in UEFA competition.

We saw the influence of Kolo Toure on the Hoops’ performances in Europe last season and while ultimately you can see his career coming to an end, at 30 years old Caceres still has plenty of seasons left in him.

Gael Clichy

Another Manchester City regular who is leaving the Etihad this summer is Gael Clichy. The 31-year-old made 37 appearances for City across last season but Pep Guardiola clearly wants to pursue other options on the left hand side of defence.

Like the others on his list, he offers an experience at the top level that could be a great asset to the Hoops next season. Kieran Tierney at 20 years old has progressed massively at Celtic but at times last season in Europe looked a little naive and off the pace, most notably against Barcelona.

Besides, bringing in a player of Clichy’s calibre would only enhance Tierney’s development as an elite left-back.

With a distinguished career with Arsenal and City behind him and having gained 20 caps for France, Clichy would likely be a star in Glasgow, giving Tierney the serious competition he needs and also perhaps even deputise on the left hand side of midfield in place of Scott Sinclair if need be.

As many Arsenal fans fret over the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud’s potential departure has slipped under the radar somewhat.

The French striker hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves at the Emirates, and the club is likely going to pay for it this summer with a move to West Ham beginning to come together.

The 30-year old striker’s five-year Arsenal career has been full of head-in-hands moments but also moments of absolute quality. The Frenchman has contributed 98 goals and 41 assists in 227 career games for the Gunners, including 69 and 27 in 164 Premier League games. Being directly involved in a goal ever other game is a wonderful return for the £9.6m Arsene Wenger and the board paid to Montpellier in the summer of 2012.

Giroud also has a solid record with the French national team, scoring 27 goals in 64 caps and 14 in his last 19. Although he isn’t the all-around player that Alexis Sanchez is, there should be a place in every team for a player like the Giroud.

A starting role also doesn’t define his success, as Giroud was one of the most productive substitutes last season. The France international came off the bench in 18 of his 29 league appearances and half of his 12 league goals came off the bench. He assisted the FA Cup winning goal with a lovely chipped pass one minute after coming on the field.

And when he consistently started, he continued to produce. He scored in four straight starts at the turn of the year, including scoring what deserved to be the Goal of the Season against Crystal Palace. He scored twice and assisted another in his three Champions League starts while scoring twice in three FA Cup starts.

The Gunners have won the FA Cup in three of the past four seasons to which Giroud has contributed eight goals and has been directly involved in at least one goal in each final.

The French striker is top class and the majority of clubs would love to have his quality, and that is why West Ham, seemingly always looking for a striker, are tipped to break the bank to sign Giroud. He’s a similar yet definitively superior player to Andy Carroll and could be the transfer that turns West Ham’s league fortunes around.

Slaven Bilic needs a good campaign to keep his job and Giroud is the perfect transfer to make that happen. The French striker needs to be in good form ahead of next summer’s World Cup and in order for that to happen, he needs consistent playing time and that’s not going to happen at Arsenal. Giroud is going to be determined to silence his doubters and prove to Didier Dechamps that he deserves to start in Russia.

If Arsenal do lose Alexis Sanchez, Wenger is rumoured to be pursuing Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, a younger and arguably better striker than his compatriot Giroud, so he is unlikely to have a consistent role should his Arsenal career continue.

Olivier Giroud is a top Premier League striker who hasn’t been given the chance to show it enough recently and thus both Gunners and French fans have often derided the 30-year-old.

His potential move to West Ham would earn him the respect he truly deserves.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has laid out his plans for the rest of this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

United have already made two elite signings this summer with the acquisitions of Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof, but it appears the Portuguese is not happy stopping there.

On their pre-season tour, the Old Trafford boss has revealed to reporters that he is actually after two more signings, with only half of his incoming targets having arrived.

As quoted by The Daily Mail, Mourinho said:

We don’t have our door closed. We are not happy with just Lukaku and Lindelof, we need more. We wanted four, so I would say 50 per cent of the job is done, but I don’t want to say that because everything is so difficult. I would not like to be in Ed Woodward’s position negotiating because everything is really difficult. So maybe we don’t get two, we get one. But we need one more to give us more options.

That’ll be exciting for Man United supporters to hear. They’re looking for a much improved United team next term after a frustrating and inconsistent English Premier League campaign last season. Now, having won the UEFA Europa League, they also have European’s premier club competition to contend with after the summer.

Who the club manage to bring in remains to be seen, but we’re sure Manchester United will be hitting the transfer headlines on plenty of occasions over the coming weeks.

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