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According to the Guardian, Crystal Palace are in pole position to seal the signing of Max Meyer on a free transfer this summer.

The report notes that the 22-year-old has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, amongst other major European sides, highlighting what a coup it would be for the Eagles to secure his services ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Following a falling out with the Schalke hierarchy over a new contract last season, Meyer now finds himself as a free agent. As one of the most exciting young German talents out there, who has already been capped 4 times at senior level, this is a great chance for clubs to land such a promising youngster in an affordable manner.

Before Palace can get a deal done, other Premier League clubs should be prepared to fight them over this signing. 

Burnley, for instance, would be wise to do all they can to make Meyer their own.

The Breakdown

The Clarets are preparing for Europa League football this season, and Sean Dyche will be keen to ensure that his squad has the requisite depth to cope with this extended schedule.

Despite that, Burnley have yet to make a single new signing during this transfer window.

That could all change if the club were to try and convince Meyer to join them at Turf Moor. The lure of European football could sway him towards a move to Burnley over a switch to Selhurst Park.

Dyche’s side have gotten this far by being tough, hard working and by doing the basics well. If they want to go any further though, they’ll need something more.

Meyer would be the sprinkling of star quality that they currently lack, and because of that, Burnley should be doing all they can to land him on a free transfer this summer.

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Braga midfielder Nikola Vukcevic according to Portuguese news outlet Record, as cited in The Nottingham Post.

What’s the story?

The 26-year-old has been at Portuguese Primeira Liga club Braga since 2013 and has gone on to make 124 appearances for the first team, scoring five goals.

The defensive midfielder, who is valued at £4.5million on Transfermarkt, was linked with a move to Forest earlier in the summer before Jack Colback returned from Newcastle United.

However, according to the latest report, Forest remain interested in the Montenegro international as they enter the final days of the transfer window.

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Do they need him?

Forest have had a big overhaul this summer, with a number of new faces coming into the City Ground as Karanka bids to take the club back to the top-flight.

Considering the original rumours surfaced when Karanka was in the hunt for a defensive midfielder, the new ones can be taken with a pinch of salt after Jack Colback has filled that berth.

Even if there is some basis in the rumours, Forest are better off focusing on bedding in their new players rather than continuing to splash the cash.

While Manchester City may have lost to Arsenal just twice from their last twelve top flight meetings, there’s an aura of unpredictability about the Premier League pair’s coming encounter this Sunday.

For starters, this will be Unai Emery’s first competitive game in charge of the north London outfit after replacing Arsene Wenger and it remains to be seen exactly how he’ll set his side up, but there are also some question marks hanging over the Citizens – can Pep Guardiola’s intensity stop them from putting in yet another underwhelming title defence?

With all that in mind, the likely outcome of Sunday’s game isn’t as obvious as you might assume, so here’s a quick look at where the 4pm kickoff will be lost and won…

The Key Battle: Hector Bellerin vs Leroy Sane

Having both missed out on places at the World Cup despite being widely regarded as amongst the best young players Europe has to offer in their respective positions, Hector Bellerin and Leroy Sane will be desperate to impress this season, especially considering they’re both now under serious competition for starting berths from summer signings Stephan Lichtsteiner and Riyad Mahrez.

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Tactically too, this battle should have a key impact on the match. Sane will be expected to jump up a level this season and become City’s main attacking force from out wide, while Bellerin’s ability to balance out his natural offensive flair with his defensive obligations will give us a crucial insight into the mentality Unai Emery wants this Arsenal team to take – whether they’ll be as open as they were under Arsene Wenger or whether there will be more structure and resilience to the new-look Gunners.

The Key Dynamic: Stopping City’s Rampant Midfield

City proved last weekend against Chelsea, in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, that the structure of their midfield is almost as devastating as the personnel involved for their opponents, the Blues failing to cope with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva in the roaming No.8 roles at Wembley.

And considering how vital their flowing, rampant midfield was to City’s successes in the Premier League last season, it’s obvious that Arsenal will need to find a way of shutting down this department if they’re to secure a big win on Sunday.

Easier said than done, of course, but Football FanCast have already laid out three potential game-plans for City to consider. Summer signing Lucas Torreira, who has been brought in to add some much-needed grit to Arsenal’s midfield, will be a key part of that as well.

Deciding factor: Fitness Of Key Individuals

Arsenal boast a unique advantage heading into Sunday’s game in that so many of their key players either weren’t involved in the World Cup or came back from it incredibly early. In fact, just two Arsenal players made it to the knockout stages of the tournament in Russia and none ventured past the Round of 16, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey weren’t involved at all and Mesut Ozil’s Germany failed to advance from their group.

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In contrast, Manchester City had eight players in the quarter-finals and three in the semi-finals. Most of those only returned to training in the buildup to the Community Shield, and Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne’s returns were delayed even further until earlier this week. Considering the intensity of City’s football, they’re bound to get tired towards the end of the game when Arsenal’s better-prepared players should still be able to operate at close to full throttle. That could well be the difference on Sunday.

Impact Subs: Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Jesus

Although there is the potential for both to start on Sunday, Arsenal and Manchester City boast arguably the best understudy strikers in the Premier League right now. Alexandre Lacazette was the club’s record signing before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived in January and had been nothing short of prolific during his time at Lyon, while Gabriel Jesus may not be the finished article just yet but he’s easily amongst the most promising forwards in European football.

So should either team be in need of a goal in the latter stages of Sunday’s clash, their impacts from the bench could be pivotal – especially if there are tired legs, particularly in the case of City, who haven’t had the benefit of a pre-season. Both certainly have the ability to have a decisive say on the final scoreline.

It was a rude awakening for Unai Emery in the Premier League on Sunday, his first competitive game as Arsenal manager coming against record-breaking reigning champions Manchester City. And while the Gunners by no means disgraced themselves, it was a far from inspiring performance to kick off the new era in north London.

After the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, we asked Arsenal fans to issue player ratings for each of those involved. Here’s a rundown of the three players who impressed them the most, picking up the highest average scores, despite the eventual loss…

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 5.9: The Switzerland international’s introduction after just 34 minutes may have been more necessity than design after Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ early injury but he did a fantastic job of stopping the flow of traffic down his less favoured flank after City attacked through the left wing relentlessly in the early stages. Lichtsteiner even managed to create a few problems going forward, in a performance that owed much to his vast experience.

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Matteo Guendouzi – 5.9: It was a display that combined bravery with naivety. On the one hand, Guendouzi suffered the most unsuccessful touches of any player on the pitch – including the misplaced attempt to trap the ball that allowed Sergio Aguero a free run at goal. On the other, the 19-year-old was far more committed and courageous than many of his team-mates, and never gave up despite making mistakes. Even if he’s not quite up to standard technically just yet, he’s certainly got the mindset to be a success at Arsenal.

Alexandre Lacazette – 6: Following his introduction from the bench, there was a good ten-minute spell when it appeared Arsenal could get themselves back into the game. Lacazette quickly improved their speed and creativity in the final third, providing a connection to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that was absent for the first hour, and the Frenchman almost got on the scoresheet himself only to drag a volley wide of goal. Although Lacazette’s impact waned after City doubled their lead, the cameo will have certainly given Unai Emery food for thought about both starting against Chelsea next week.

View the results in full below…

Liverpool did some stellar transfer business in the summer window, bringing in some much-needed talent.

Following Emre Can’s departure to Juventus, the Merseyside outfit needed to bring in a new midfielder.

They ended up recruiting two in Fabinho and Naby Keita, although the latter’s move had already been agreed last year.

The goalkeeping situation was also an issue following Loris Karius’s blunder-filled performance in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in May.

Manager Jurgen Klopp addressed that by signing Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson from Roma.

In addition, the club brought in Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City as an extra option in attack.

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For Divock Origi, though, it looks like his time on Merseyside could be coming to an end amid reports from the Liverpool Echo that Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the striker.

The publication also claims that the Reds want around £27m for the Belgium international, which has sparked a discussion on Reddit.

Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..Comment from discussion Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Liverpool forward Divock Origi is concrete, according to kicker. Liverpool want £27m according to the Liverpool Echo’s earlier story on the rumour..

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The success of Kemar Roofe at centre-forward this season has forced Patrick Bamford to settle for a place on the bench so far, but Caleb Ekuban is yet to even earn a place in Marcelo Bielsa’s match-day squad. 

The 24-year-old striker has struggled to settle since he arrived at Elland Road last summer in a deal worth £504k, as he managed to find the back of the net on just 2 occasions from 21 appearances for the club on his debut season.

In truth, it was always a risk for Leeds to sign Ekuban at the end of a season in which he managed to score 17 goals from 34 in Albania’s Kategoria Superiore.

Clearly, the step up from top-flight Albanian football to Championship football was a step too far for Ekuban, but a recent report from Panorama Sport (via Birmingham Live) suggests that he will have the opportunity to return to Albania this month.

The report claims that Flamurtari Vlore have tabled a loan bid for Ekuban and the Leeds striker is closing in on a summer switch.

Considering he enjoyed plenty of success in Albania’s top-flight during the 2016/17 season, the proposed deal makes perfect sense for Ekuban who will have an ideal opportunity to rebuild his confidence in Eastern Europe.

Ekuban’s failure to hit the ground running in the Championship should serve to remind Leeds that taking risks on players who have proven themselves whilst playing at a significantly lower standard should largely be ignored, as he has become a terrible value for money signing with each goal currently worth £252k.

It’s unlikely that another season in Albania will bring Ekuban up to Championship standard, but the least Leeds can expect is to make their money back if he is able to rediscover the goal-scoring form which convinced the Whites to sign him last summer.

Considering the move gives Ekuban the chance to resurrect his career and Leeds the chance to command a higher transfer fee for his services, there’s no doubt that the reported loan switch is ideal for all parties concerned.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Steven Gerrard experienced his first defeat as Rangers manager on Sunday when his team were beaten by Old Firm rivals Celtic.

The former Liverpool captain had recorded a 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions, but that stretch ended at the weekend.

In fact, Rangers do not have the best Scottish Premiership record having picked up just one win in four league outings, which has left them seventh in the standings.

After the final whistle, Gerrard spoke to Rangers TV and stated that the referee was wrong not to blow up for a foul in the buildup to Celtic’s only goal of the match.

The former England international insisted that Tom Rogic fouled Ryan Jack during Celtic’s attack.

In the end, Oliver Ntcham’s 62nd-minute goal was enough to give Brendan Rodgers’s side all three points.

Rangers struggled to get a stronghold on the game, but some fans were left impressed by Gerrard’s response after the final whistle.

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It’s already been a dream August for Eddie Howe, and he will be looking to keep his side dreaming during September. With 7 points, the South Coast outfit sit sixth in the Premier League after their opening three fixtures. So, what do the Cherries need to do to make it a dream September?

One thing that they will be hoping, is that David Brooks continues his fine start to life under Eddie Howe in Dorset. The technically gifted Welshman signed for a fee of £11.5m from Sheffield United in the summer, and has shone so far. He has taken the step up from Championship football in his stride, and already looks at home in the Premier League. If he can keep up his form, terrifying Premier League full-backs with his quick-feet and technical ability, this will go a long way to helping AFC Bournemouth achieve a dream August.

Callum Wilson has already scored two this season, including a stunning solo goal as the Dean Court outfit beat West Ham in their own back yard. The 26-year-old holds the key to a dream August in many ways, if he continues to find the back of the net, the sky is the limit for Howe’s men. He is an exciting player, who on his day can cause problems for any defence in the Premier League.

In their three September fixtures, six points would be a great return for the Cherries, and would keep them competing at the very top of the Premier League table. A trip to Stamford Bridge will be difficult for the South Coast outfit, but Leicester City and Burnley represent very winnable fixtures. If Bournemouth are still in the top six by the end of the month, Howe will certainly have had a dream September.

According to Injury Data Anaylyst Ben Dinnery, Everton right back Seamus Coleman sustained a stress fracture while on duty with The Republic of Ireland. 

Whilst the length of his time on the sidelines has not been revealed, it will obviously take over a month for the Irishman to be back at Goodison Park.

This is unfortunate for Everton manager Marco Silva, but he has options to turn to as a replacement for the 29-year-old.

Jonjoe Kenny is the prime candidate to fill Coleman’s boots on the right flank of the pitch. The 21-year-old has only featured once this season for The Toffees, in their League Cup victory over Rotherham, but will be desperate to play after last season.

The England under-21 international was flung into the first team last term, as Seamus Coleman was recovering from a broken leg. He thrived there under Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce, proving to be a more than capable deputy to the Irishman.

He showed a maturity in defence that is beyond his years, and also offered plenty going forward for the club. Now he would not have been expecting to feature extensively for the club in the Premier League this season, probably expecting cup outings, but the most recent injury to the Irish captain has given him the opportunity to impress on the biggest stage in England.

Everton sit in seventh place in the Premier League, with one win and three draws from their opening four games. They host struggling West Ham on Sunday, and don’t be surprised to see Kenny in the starting XI.

After an unbeaten start to life in the Premier League, excitement is palpable amongst Liverpool fans. Indeed, while much was expected of Jurgen Klopp’s men following a huge summer outlay, the Reds are looking rampant at the top of the division right now. 

Now, the campaign hits a new level as Paris Saint-Germain come to Anfield for the Champions League opener. Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani will do battle the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane to establish themselves as the best attacking line in Europe.

You may have noticed in the above description of the Reds’ front three, Roberto Firmino was missing. The Brazilian, who was forced off with a gruesome eye injury against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday, could sit out of the game, with Daniel Sturridge coming in.

The England international, talented as he is, may not fit between the likes of Salah and Mane as well as Firmino, dealing the Reds a blow already. With that in mind, here’s a look at the reaction on Twitter, with Reds fans fearing the worst if their Samba star can’t make it.