West Ham: Selling Marko Arnautovic for £22M would be a crazy piece of business

Marko Arnautovic might be an individual that can extract a number of different emotions and reactions from those at West Ham United, however, one thing all their supporters must surely agree on is the fact that he must be worth more than £22million?

According to a report by Gianluca Di Marzio, the fiery striker is thought to have expressed an interest in heading back to Inter Milan and is believed to be available for a figure of €25m (£22m).

Now, perhaps there will be fans at the London Stadium that would not mind seeing the back of the Austrian this summer as he has been far from the perfect individual over the last few months in the claret and blue, has he.

January saw his head turned and a move to China almost looked destined to happen as he appeared to wave goodbye to everyone in the stands when he was substituted in their win against Arsenal, however, that move subsequently failed to materialise and then the absurdities continued to follow.

After having what appeared to be both feet out of the door, Arnautovic decided to infuriate a number of fans by stating he was ‘happy to stay’ and put pen-to-paper on a new contract. But, alas, six months later and it appears he is more than ready to get his passport out again and push for a foreign adventure once more.

His statistics did not exactly go in favour of the 29-year-old following that whole saga either. He scored just five times after January and did not always appear to be at the races, although he did put in some notable performances against the likes of Chelsea – perhaps he was just putting himself in the shop window for the move he now desires all along? It would be difficult to rule it out.

But, West Ham would have to be absolutely crazy if they were to sell him for the £22m Gianluca Di Marzio has quoted he could be available for.

Despite the opinions many will have for him, Arnautovic is still a truly special talent and when he gets his head down and focused, he could arguably be one of the best players on the pitch. He finished as the Hammers’ top goalscorer in the Premier League with ten goals, whilst he also provided his team-mates with four assists – hence the reason as to why there are so many different opinions to him.

A striker has been a problem for West Ham for as long as many can remember (David Gold and David Sullivan have had 45 different men try and solve that conundrum for them since they bought the club) and the 29-year-old looks to have been one of their best in that period, despite not being an out-and-out forward.

According to his stats last season, WhoScored recorded that he had an average of 2.2 shots per game (a figure no-one in the side got anywhere near to), 1.7 key passes to his team-mates and 0.7 successful dribbles per match.

He might be edging ever closer to 30, however, those figures certainly go a long way to suggest how vital he can be to West Ham when he is in the side and at the top of his game.

So, surely the Hammers would be absolutely crazy to allow him to leave for a fee of just £22m, as that is a rather embarrassing fee in today’s transfer market for a striker of his quality.

West Ham fans, what do you think? Should West Ham be getting more for Arnautovic or would you be happy just to see him go? Let us know your thoughts below!

Waste of money: Everton fans react to Santiago Sosa speculation

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According to Ole and The Daily Mail, Everton could land River Plate midfielder Santiago Sosa in this summer’s transfer window.

However, there will be the issue of securing a work permit for Sosa, who has only just made the breakthrough for River.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has only made five first-team appearances for his current club, meaning that sorting out a work permit would be very, very difficult.

Ole have actually claimed that the Toffees have agreed a £13.2.5m deal with River to sign the holding midfielder.

However, it would be fair to say that the news has not gone down well with the Everton supporters – their issue is not with Sosa himself but rather with signing a player who might not actually ever turn out for the club.

It is a tough one and it will be very interesting to see how the situation develops.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Everton fans can be seen below:

جريزمان يعلق على هدفه العالمي أمام أوساسونا ويكشف سر احتفاله

أعرب الدولي الفرنسي أنطوان جريزمان مهاجم برشلونة الإسباني، عن سعادته بالهدف الذي سجله في فوز البلوجرانا أمام أوساسونا، اليوم برباعية نظيفة.

جريزمان سجل هدفًا ضمن رباعية برشلونة أمام أوساسونا، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني على ملعب كامب نو. “طالع تقرير المباراة”

وقال جريزمان في تصريحات لقناة برشلونة: “كان من المهم الفوز، لأن من هم في القمة يفوزون، ولا يزال أمامنا الكثير في الدوري الإسباني”.

وأضاف: “الطريق طويل جدًا وصعب، ولكن ما فعلناه اليوم أظهر أن لدينا أشياء نقاتل بها”.

جريزمان سجل هدفًا رائعًا بتسديدة صاروخية سكنت شباك حارس أوساسونا. شاهد هدف جريزمان

وأكمل اللاعب الفرنسي: “عندما كنت أسدد، قلت إما ستذهب الكرة إلى المدرجات، أو ستكون في المرمى، لكنني كنت محظوظًا والكرة كانت في الشباك”.

وعن طريقة احتفاله بالهدف: “كان بطلب من بنتي، عندما كنا نفطر سويًا اليوم، قلت لها ماذا تريديني أن أفعل إذا سجلت، وشرحت لي طريقة احتفالي بالهدف”.

واختتم: “سعيد بالصورة التي ظهر عليها الفريق، علينا أن نقاتل من أجل الفوز دائمًا، لأن هدفنا يبقى الظفر باللقب، وهذا لن يأتي بسهولة”.

Pundit View: Russell Martin describes James Tavernier as ‘the best player in Scotland’

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James Tavernier has been singled out for praise by former teammate Russell Martin, who has described the Rangers captain as ‘the best player in Scotland’, as reported by The Daily Record.

What’s he said?

Martin of course knows Tavernier very well having played with him for six months prior to Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Ibrox.

He was signed when Graeme Murty was in charge of the club following the failed tenure of Pedro Caixinha but did not win a permanent deal after a loan spell.

The central defender is in no doubt who the best player was while he was at Ibrox, believing that Tavernier not only stands out as Rangers’ top star, but also as the best talent in the country.

As quoted by The Daily Record, the 33-year-old said:

Last season was the toughest of my career. I saw both sides of the game, players who assume responsibility and those who don’t.

That will be invaluable for me as someone who wants to be a coach and a manager.

I believe Rangers have the best player in Scotland in the shape of James. What he does in terms of a right-back is incredible. He drives the team forward by what he does, scoring goals and leading by example.

He’s not an old-school captain in terms of ranting and raving but there are guys who lead by character and others who lead by example. Tav steps up during times of adversity and has got better season after season.

Is he right?

Tavernier’s importance to Rangers is undeniable.

Some supporters have questioned his leadership abilities this season, especially after some disappointing results, but clearly he is the player the rest of the squad look to and you can’t question his desire to push Rangers on and impact football matches.

He takes a great amount of pressure on his shoulders stepping up to take spot-kicks and his 17 goals this season is evidence enough he can handle that with aplomb.

With an unbelievable 20 assists too, is there another player who shows as much ambition to get forward and create opportunities for his team?

As for the title of ‘best in Scotland’, well that’s a little harder to justify given some of the other players both at Rangers and in the league. Ibrox fans won’t care about that though, most are perfectly happy with what he contributes as it stands.

Rangers fans react as club confirms Hastie deal

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Loads of Rangers fans have been giving their verdict on the week’s big transfer news, as Jake Hastie will join the club on a four-year deal.

After months of speculation, Hastie has finally signed for Rangers, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 20 year-old will join at the end of the season, penning a four-year contract once his deal at Motherwell ends.

Watch the best fails from the world of indoor football in the video below…

The Gers will likely have to pay a small compensation fee to the Fir Park outfit, but nonetheless Steven Gerrard will surely be delighted to snag a bright young prospect without spending big bucks.

Hastie has enjoyed a breakout season at Motherwell, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists in all competitions.

He plays mostly from the left-wing, but similarly to Glenn Middleton he is versatile enough to play in various positions in attack.

With Jordan Jones joining this summer and Jamie Murphy due to return from injury, the gaffer now has a whole host of options to choose from on the flank.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are loving the club’s confirmation of the deal…

Tottenham fans confident Pochettino will stay amid AC Milan rumours

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Spurs fans are optimistic that Mauricio Pochettino will not be leaving north London for Milan this summer as reports circulate that the Argentine will be offered a job at San Siro.

The Mirror have exclusively reported that the Italian giants have attempted to lure the Argentine to Italy by promising him a huge £300 million transfer budget.

After years of frugality at Tottenham some may believe that the 47-year-old could be tempted by a move to the Rossoneri, but the following fans believe that he will remain loyal to the club.

Their new stadium officially opened last week and supporters are hopeful that their manager will stick around to complete the project he has started in north London.

The team from the English capital are yet to win a trophy under the former Southampton boss, but he has turned them into consistent Champions League contenders.

Spurs’ new stadium is a stunner! Pl>ymaker FC’s Sam Chippeck gives us a sneak peak in the video below…

The Spurs faithful are refusing to believe he would ditch the club before finding silverware with the squad that he has been assembling for the past five seasons.

Here’s what they had to say on Twitter…

Performance in Numbers: Kyle Bartley benefitting from formation change

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West Brom’s game with Reading was far from a classic. However, in drawing 0-0 it was a result that was enough to seal both sides’ fate. For the Royals it was a point that ensured they’d be playing in the Championship against next season, and for the Baggies it meant they secured a play-off spot.

Naturally, the defenders will take the plaudits when both sides keep a clean sheet but from a West Brom point of view, this will come as a much-needed boost going into the remaining games.

Under James Shan, there have been some questionable defensive contributions, no less so than at Ashton Gate when the club found themselves 3-0 down in the first half against Bristol City.

But this was a much improved defensive display as West Brom secured their first shutout in six games.

One of the men to make a difference was captain for the day Kyle Bartley. The former Arsenal man was absolutely tremendous for Leeds in the Championship in 2016/17, but this term he hasn’t been able to replicate that.

His performances have largely been disappointing, and as such he’s taken a barrage of criticism from West Brom fans on social media.

However, against Reading, the club looked a lot better for Bartley starting and he was able to prove his doubters wrong with a busy and industrious display at left centre-back.

The 27-year-old was solid at the back and since Shan has moved to a three-man defence following that defeat against Bristol City, the defence and team as a whole have looked much better.

The 40-year-old made plenty of changes for the draw with Reading, and as a result they lacked their attacking potency which was in evidence against Preston.

But defensively there was a renewed purpose and Bartley has the new system to thank for his improved displays in the past two matches he’s played.

His passing accuracy was bettered only by Rekeem Harper in the West Brom side whilst the fact he won 100% of his aerial duels shows the force he can be when the ball isn’t on the ground, too.

Without Ahmed Hegazi, Albion have looked confused in defence but the performance of Bartley in particular on Monday will give their supporters extra confidence going into the play-offs.

For Shan, his most impressive feat yet is perhaps getting players like him in form.

Matt Le Tissier tips Southampton to cause major upset

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For Southampton, the international break probably could have waited a couple more weeks – the Saints have been excellent of late, with their ever-increasing performance standards finally paying dividends in the impressive 2-1 victory over Spurs last time out.

After a string of poor league performances, Mauricio Pochettino’s former side surely inflicted the final nail in the coffin of Spurs’ title hopes and Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier is tipping them to cause another major upset when we resume normal, domestic service.

Here’s what the former Saints striker had to say on Sky Sports, as he, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson predicted results in Manchester City and Liverpool’s respective run-ins…

“I think the Saints game is one Liverpool drops points in, and that is not myself being biased. The win against Spurs will give them a massive lift and the way Ralph Hasenhuttl has got them playing is great.

“They took Man Utd all the way at Old Trafford and beat Arsenal and Spurs at home. They raise their game.”

Regardless of whether he is biased or not, there is solid thinking behind the Saints legend’s analysis – indeed, they were excellent against the Red Devils and really should have taken at least a point from Old Trafford, while they took their opportunities well in the win over the Lilywhites the following game.

James Ward-Prowse has been a standout performer, as has Yan Valery, while the expected return of Danny Ings from injury will be a massive boost to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, who have been operating without a clinical striker since the Liverpool loanee was sidelined in early February.

Southampton fans would of course love to get one over on the club who notoriously pinches their top talent year after year, so Saints fans, do you think Le Tissier’s prediction will come true? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below…

Guillermo Maripan would be welcome amid required West Ham overhaul

West Ham are set to axe long-term absentee Winston Reid this summer opting for Alaves’ Guillermo Maripan.

West Ham have not been without their injury problems in recent times and Winston Reid, once a star player in the side, is one of their most challenging.

Reid has been absent since last March having picked up an injury against Swansea City and, though he has since recovered, has struggled to battle his way back into the squad.

A task made infinitely harder by impressive debut seasons from Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop – the former touted his much-anticipated return from injury in the next few weeks.

The Daily Mail have stipulated that Manuel Pellegrini is keen on reinforcing his current defensive options this summer and is looking to find a player who can consistently partner with either Diop or Balbuena without risk of prolonged injuries.

One candidate in particular, Guillermo Maripan, is said to have caught his eye. The mammoth defender has been hugely impressive this season for La Liga’s surprise package Deportivo Alaves.

Alaves were topping the table at one point, but now occupy 5th place – in line for the European spots – and Maripan has played a key role.

The Chilean, who has reportedly been likened to Barcelona’s Gerard Pique because of his ball-playing tendencies also shows shades of the mightily impressive defensive general Balbuena, and could be the perfect option for compatriot Pellegrini as he looks to transform the Hammers into a contemporary footballing team.

West Ham face stiff competition from Roma, however – and the Serie A side are said to be the favourites to secure his services this summer (as per The Daily Mail).

West Ham fans, how desperate are you for a defensive overhaul? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

ساؤول بعد التعثر أمام هويسكا: علينا التعلم من أخطائنا قبل مواجهة فياريال

أعرب الدولي الإسباني، ساؤول نيجويز، لاعب وسط فريق أتلتيكو مدريد، عن حزنه بسبب تعثر فريقه أمام هويسكا في الليجا.

أتلتيكو مدريد تعادل سلبيًا مع هويسكا، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين، مساء اليوم الأربعاء، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإسباني.

وقال ساؤول في تصريحات عقب نهاية المباراة: “لقد حاولنا فعل كل شيء وبطرق عديدة في مباراة اليوم، ولم نتمكن من إحراز أهداف”.

وأضاف: “في الشوط الأول لم نكن على ما يرام، وافتقرنا إلى التركيز، في الشوط الثاني كان لدينا فرص لتحقيق الفوز ولكن لم نتمكن من استغلال الأمور بشكل جيد”.

وواصل: “نحن اليوم لم نكن جيدين، ولم نقدم كل ما لدينا، ولكن لم نكن سيئين للغاية، لقد حاولنا الفوز ولكن واجهنا منافس صعب”.

وأتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “إنه لأمر مخزٍ التفريط في نقطتين اليوم، لقد أردنا الحصول على الثلاث نقاط، والآن علينا أنّ نتعلم من أخطائنا حتى لا يحدث الأمر مرة أخرى، تنتظرنا مباراة صعبة أمام فياريال”.

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