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Aaron Ramsdale was visibly emotional on his first return to the Emirates Stadium since leaving Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

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• Ramsdale returns to Emirates Stadium
• Warm reception from Arsenal fans
• Goalkeeper left emotional by welcome

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ramsdale was moved to tears by the warm welcome he received from Arsenal fans ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton. Even before reaching the pitch, the popular goalkeeper was being embraced by his former team-mates in the tunnel.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ramsdale played a huge role in Arsenal's resurgence under Mikel Arteta, named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2022-23. But Arteta had other ideas and he surprisingly lost his place to new signing David Raya before last season, paving the way for a £25 million ($32.8m) switch to Southampton.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ramsdale kept 14 Premier League clean sheets for Arsenal in 2022-23, two fewer than Raya's 16 in 2023-24.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RAMSDALE?

  Despite his lack of Arsenal game time, Ramsdale was selected by England for Euro 2024 but hasn't yet been called up by interim manager Lee Carsley. His form for Southampton will be crucial in regaining that England place, with the 2026 World Cup starting to loom on the horizon at the end of next season.

Glasgow Rangers recently confirmed that a number of current first-team players are due to leave on free transfers when their contracts expire this year.

The Light Blues announced that Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Jon McLaughlin, and Borna Barisic will all be moving on from Ibrox before the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

This leaves Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement in need of reinforcements during the upcoming summer transfer window to fill the gaps within the squad.

However, the Gers could already have an exciting replacement for Roofe already in the squad in the form of Brazilian ace Danilo, whose debut year in Glasgow has been plagued by injury.

Kemar Roofe's Rangers season in numbers

The former Anderlecht ace, who ends his Rangers career with 38 goals in 102 matches, only managed two goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for the club this season.

He also missed 12 games through injury and his fitness issues were a reoccurring problem for him throughout his time at Ibrox, which made him an unreliable player for the Scottish giants.

As you can see in the table above, Roofe consistently failed to remain available for a significant period of time across his four years in Glasgow.

His struggles in front of goal this term, with two strikes in 24, mean that allowing him to leave on a free transfer appears to be a good decision on paper, as he has been unreliable on and off the pitch.

Instead of splashing the cash on a new signing to replace the Jamaica international this summer, Danilo could return from injury to be a dream replacement.

Why Danilo would be an exciting replacement for Kemar Roofe

The centre-forward was signed from Feyenoord and manager Michael Beale hailed him as an "exciting" player who wants to score and create goals for the team.

He suffered a knee injury in December that kept him out for the remainder of the season, missing 32 matches in total, but he had only missed seven games through injury between the 2020/21 and 2022/23 campaigns, which does not suggest injuries will be a long-term concern for him.

When fit, however, the Brazilian ace showcased his quality with a return of six goals and five assists in 21 appearances in all competitions, a significantly better return than Roofe's two goals in 24 outings.

The 5 foot 9 marksman, who was hailed as "bright" by Clement, produced four goals and one assist in 12 outings in the Scottish Premiership, despite starting just five of those games.

That came after the 25-year-old ace plundered ten goals and three assists in 14 starts and 34 appearances in the Eredivisie for Feyenoord during the 2022/23 campaign.

Rangers could sign Bassey 2.0 in "ball-playing monster"

Rangers are looking to make their third summer signing…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 3, 2024

These statistics show that the potential is there for Danilo to be a huge threat for the Gers at the top end of the pitch, as a scorer and a creator, but his unfortunate knee injury meant that he did not get to show it much this term.

Next season, though, could be his time to shine as Roofe's replacement when he returns from injury, as the Brazilian ace could emerge as a key player for Clement.

After a brilliant end to the campaign that saw Everton pick up four wins in their last six Premier League matches, the club are about to enter a crucial period that could define their standing next season.

Despite the excellent form under Sean Dyche, the Toffees will have to allow multiple key players to leave Goodison Park in order to prevent a further breach of the Premier League’s PSR rules.

Amadou Onana is one player who could leave, with the Belgian midfielder subject to constant interest from the likes of fellow top-flight side West Ham United, following his £33m move back in the summer of 2022.

One squad member Dyche simply can’t afford to lose is centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Toffees, featuring in 35 of the 38 league matches in 2023/24.

His good form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Manchester United heavily linked with a move to sign the 21-year-old, who could be set to feature at the Euros for his country this summer.

However, should every Everton fan's biggest worry come to fruition, the club have already identified a replacement for the youngster ahead of the opening of the transfer window.

Everton interested in former PL star to replace Branthwaite

According to CaughtOffside, Everton are eyeing Galatasaray centre-back Davinson Sanchez as a potential replacement for Branthwaite, should the defender depart Merseyside in the summer, with West Ham United also keen on the 27-year-old.

The former Colombian international enjoyed a six-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur, making over 200 appearances for the club, before departing the north London side for Turkey last summer.

Many Toffees may remember Sanchez for his mistakes during his time in the Premier League – having even been booed off by his own support at one stage at home to Bournemouth – but his stint in the Turkish Süper Lig has reignited his career, with the defender looking like the player whom Spurs forked out £42m for back in 2017.

The report goes on to state while there are no bids on the table for Branthwaite and Sanchez from the respective parties, the club are merely looking at potential alternatives should the Englishman leave, with Sanchez the club’s main target as it stands.

The former Ajax ace has enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Gala, with the defender potentially a shrewd pickup with his experience in England’s top flight vital as the club look to build on this season’s 15th-placed finish.

Why Sanchez would be the perfect Branthwaite successor

On the face of the rumour, it may seem a disappointing replacement should the talented defender depart Goodison, but when delving into the stats, the former Spurs player is the perfect player to take Dyche’s side to the next level.

The "dominant" defender, as described by former boss José Mourinho, has matched and surpassed Branthwaite in multiple key defensive areas, but also blown him out of the water in possession – with Sanchez’s ball-playing ability up there with the best in Europe.

He’s managed to put himself within the top 10% in Europe for progressive carries this season, with his ability to drive forward with the ball allowing the Toffees to move away from their current low-block system.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Dyche’s side have only averaged 40.5% possession – the third-lowest in the Premier League – with the club potentially able to transform into a more expansive possession-based style with Sanchez's arrival.

He certainly wouldn't be most fans' first choice this summer, but given his time at Galatasaray since his move last summer, it certainly would be a quality addition for the club, and one that can take Everton further clear of the drop in 2024/25.

Everton “monster” has become their best player over Branthwaite & Onana

The Toffees star has been imperious this season.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 21, 2024

Mikel Arteta says he "loves" Pep Guardiola and his friendship with his compatriot will not be affected by Arsenal and Manchester City's title rivalry.

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• Arsenal in heated 2-2 draw with City
• Arteta says he "loves" Guardiola
• Rivalry won't affect their friendship

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Premier league title rivals City and Arsenal played out a dramatic, and at times heated, 2-2 draw last weekend – with both sets of players nearly coming to blows at the Etihad. Despite multiple City players criticising the Gunners' tactics, alongside rows taking place on the pitch, Arteta still has the utmost respect and admiration for his fellow Spaniard Guardiola – a man he worked under at City before joining Arsenal in 2019.

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  WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  When asked about Guardiola, he told reporters on Friday: "I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he does. This is sport. One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship.

  "If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins or the amount of times that they've beaten us, I would not talk to him any more. So that's not our relationship, especially the relationship that I consider both of us have. In sport it will never get in my way, a personal relationship, that's for sure. If you don't like opinions then you shouldn't be sitting in the position that I am.

  "It's quite simple. Don't take it personally. It's part of our job. The things that you really care about, make sure you handle them in the right way. That relationship I really care about."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ultimately, football is a results business, where teams try and win at all costs. Arsenal are trying to dethrone defending Premier League champions City and lift their first league title since 2004. Winning trophies is the ultimate goal but it seems Arteta still holds Guardiola in high esteem.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Arteta's fourth-placed Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday at home to lowly Leicester City, whereas Guardiola's table-toppers City have a tough trip away to Newcastle United on the same day.

After an underwhelming 2023-24, Arsenal will be expected to achieve far better things as the new campaign gets underway

There is a cliche that while teams can't win titles in the first few weeks of the season, they can certainly lose them. Last year, Arsenal's early results might not have fitted that exactly, but when a shock elimination in Champions League qualifying was followed by an equally surprising defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, it absolutely set the tone for an underwhelming campaign that the Gunners will be eager to bounce back from this time around.

A faster start will be imperative for success in 2024-25 because the schedule Jonas Eidevall's side are working with is unforgiving. On Sunday, Arsenal begin the new Women's Super League season against Manchester City, last year's runners-up. Four days later, they need to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifier with Hacken to reach the group stage. A couple of weeks after that, Chelsea, champions of the last five seasons, will make the short journey across London to visit the Gunners.

Straight out of the blocks, there will be little room for error for an Arsenal side that, as the most successful club in the English women's game, is always under pressure to deliver. Five years since a last WSL triumph and eight years since the Gunners lifted the Women's FA Cup for a record-extending 14th time, can Eidevall's charges live up to expectations this season?

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  Mood around the club

  There is a lot of positivity surrounding Arsenal ahead of the new WSL season. Though Vivianne Miedema has departed and the strong links with England star Keira Walsh didn't result in a transfer, the club had a great summer window, strengthening the squad in several areas with some impressive signings. Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Laura Wienroither, who all suffered ACL ruptures during 2022-23 and thus returned midway through the last campaign, have all got full pre-seasons under their belts and the first round of Champions League qualifying saw the team put on impressive displays against Rangers and Rosenborg.

  However, amid this positivity there is a sense of expectation. While Arsenal have been steady in the last couple of seasons, winning back-to-back League Cups and securing European football through top-three finishes, this team can achieve more. The Gunners haven't sustained a genuine title challenge since the 2021-22 campaign and last year's Champions League exit in the first round of qualifying was hugely disappointing.

  For some supporters, this feels like a make or break season for head coach Jonas Eidevall to prove he is the right person to take this team forward. They want a title challenge, they want to win more than the League Cup and they want to be in the UWCL proper again. That said, it is unlikely the club view things the same way, having handed Eidevall a new long-term contract last September, just days after that shock European elimination.

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  Transfer business

  It's fair to say Arsenal's summer didn't start in particularly positive fashion, when it was announced that iconic forward Miedema would be leaving the club. While she has since explained that her departure was a mutual thing, rather than the club simply not offering her a new contract, it was still understandably disappointing for fans to see such a talented player leave, not least because she has now joined WSL rivals Man City. With the two giants going head to head on the opening weekend of the league campaign, it seems written in the stars for Miedema to come back to haunt her old club.

  Cloe Lacasse's departure wasn't particularly popular either. Many felt the Canada international didn't get the chances she deserved in her only season at the club, especially given how well she played when granted them. Her exit also means Arsenal lack natural depth on the right of attack.

  However, there is plenty for fans to be excited about when it comes to Arsenal's signings. Mariona Caldentey is a world-class operator who played a key role in Barcelona winning a first-ever quadruple on the women's side last season, while the versatile forward also has a World Cup title to her name after helping Spain to beat England in last summer’s final. Rosa Kafaji, a thrillingly creative talent who is still only 21 years old, further bolsters the attack following her arrival from Hacken.

  Further back, the Gunners have also strengthened the goalkeeping department by recruiting Netherlands international Daphne van Domselaar. Eidevall has brought in, and let go, a whole host of shot-stoppers during his time in charge, seemingly searching for the perfect fit. This summer has been no different, with Sabrina D'Angelo joining Aston Villa, Van Domselaar's former club, while the Dutchwoman has arrived in the capital. Aged 24, she has her best years ahead of her and Arsenal fans will hope she has them in north London.

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  Pre-season performances

  Due to Arsenal's participation in the first round of Champions League qualifying, pre-season was pretty short and sharp compared to some others in the WSL. The Gunners flew out to the United States for games against the Washington Spirit, of the NWSL, and London rivals Chelsea, faced Championship side Southampton at home a week later and then went straight into European qualifiers against Rangers and Rosenborg.

  Because a good handful of players were involved at the Olympic Games, which ended just eight days before Arsenal's match against Washington, it wasn't a perfect pre-season campaign. It was longer than last year's, when most of the squad needed a break after the Women's World Cup, but still involved late arrivals, the management of some players' minutes and slight injuries to Lotte Wubben-Moy, Beth Mead and Steph Catley, which limited the group's ability to work on building relationships.

  Despite that, there were a number of positives to take away, not least the fact that players like Williamson, Wienroither and Mead got proper pre-seasons. Katie Reid's performances were encouraging as the teenager prepares to have a squad role this season, covering for Amanda Ilestedt's maternity leave, while Alessia Russo had goals to her name, boosting her confidence going into the campaign.

  Arsenal certainly looked sharper as pre-season moved along and that continued into their European qualifiers, with the performances in victories over Rangers and Rosenborg largely positive. That said, some cold water was poured on such optimism earlier this week, when the Gunners lost 1-0 to Hacken in the away leg of their second round qualifier. They'll need to beat the Swedish side by two goals or more when they come to London next Thursday.

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  Talking tactics

  There is one main tactical talking point when it comes to Arsenal and that is how they struggle to break down opponents that defend in a low block. It cost the Gunners on several occasions last season, with defeats to Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham leaving Eidevall's side on the back foot in the title race for the whole campaign.

  Two signings made this summer could be particularly valuable in trying to solve this problem. Caldentey knows the challenge well from her time at Barcelona and, more recently, in playing for world champions Spain. When GOAL asked Laia Codina, formerly her club-mate and still her international team-mate, if Caldentey will help Arsenal in their struggles here, she was certain. "Yes, 100 percent, with her movements off the ball or with the ball," she replied. "She's a player that is very smart, very intelligent and trying to understand what the games will ask."

  Kafaji could be a real asset, too. A creative midfielder who is full of flicks and tricks but also has convincing end product, she is a joker in the pack that opponents will struggle to predict. When combined with an "evolution" of the team that he spoke highly of, perhaps it's no wonder that Eidevall has expressed no concerns about low blocks this season, then. "I’m super confident that if we come up against a low block then we have tools and qualities and processes on how to play against that," he said at the WSL season launch media day last week. "I have full belief."

  Something else that will be particularly interesting to track as the season begins is what the right of Arsenal's attack looks like if it doesn't involve Mead. The sale of Lacasse means the squad lacks natural depth in that position, though there was an incredibly encouraging performance from Caitlin Foord on that side against Rangers this month, when she scored four goals. Usually more effective on the left, it would be a huge boost to Eidevall's options if the Australia international can find consistency on the opposite flank, too.

The summer transfer window is officially open and the only first-team deal that Rangers have completed at Ibrox so far is the signing of John Souttar. 

Ross Wilson snapped up the centre-back on a pre-contract agreement in January, with the player arriving on a free transfer from Hearts ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

It now remains to be seen what other business the Light Blues will look to execute as Gio van Bronckhorst attempts to build on his first season in Glasgow as a manager.

Former Gers defender Craig Moore recently tipped the club to be one of the interested parties in a deal to sign former Hibernian star Martin Boyle, and the forward could be a player who joins Souttar as a fresh arrival at Ibrox.

The 46-year-old said: “Celtic, no, Rangers, definitely could be a possibility. I think Rangers are in a situation where they might be looking at a right winger in terms of strengthening the squad.

“Hagi is still injured, I know Wright and Sakala have played there but there are not natural winger types. Someone like Martin Boyle, who has proven himself, that for me would be very interesting and I’m sure Rangers will be monitoring the situation.”

The winger joined Al-Faisaly for £3m in January but his future is now said to be in doubt after the club’s relegation last season.

Big Scott Wright upgrade

Van Bronckhorst must now push for Rangers to sign Boyle, as he would come in as a big upgrade on current right winger Scott Wright.

Former Hibs boss Neil Lennon once dubbed the Australian an “outstanding” talent, and his statistics in Scotland back up that comment. In the first half of the 2021/22 Premiership season, the 29-year-old scored seven goals and created six ‘big chances’, along with recording three assists, in 20 games. 

He also scored a hat-trick against Rangers in the semi-final of the League Cup last November as he gave the Light Blues a first-hand display of what he would be capable of doing for them.

This came after he plundered 12 goals and six assists in 36 Scottish top-flight matches in the previous campaign, showing that he has the quality to make a huge impact in the final third at that level.

Meanwhile, Wright scored four goals and provided one assist in 19 league games for Rangers, after a haul of three goals and one assist in 26 games in 2020/21.

He has been unable to prove that he can be a regular source for goals and assists, and that is why the Gers can land a big upgrade on him by signing Boyle, who has proven his ability in front of goal in the Premiership.

The former Aberdeen man can still be a useful squad member and pacey option from the bench, but the statistics suggest that the Australian forward would improve Van Bronckhorst’s starting XI.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Morelos: Rangers can form dream duo with bid for “delicious” 98 G/A gem…

Sunderland are among a number of clubs who are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Branthwaite out on loan?

The 19-year-old was only a bit-part player for the Toffees last season, starting just four Premier League matches and making eight appearances in all competitions.

Frank Lampard has already secured the services of James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer, and it could mean that Branthwaite drifts further down the centre-back pecking order at Goodison Park.

It therefore looks as though a loan move away from Everton could make sense next season, as the teenager looks to enjoy more regular football elsewhere.

The Latest: Sunderland keen on Branthwaite

According to The Daily Mail [25/06, p110, via Football League World], Sunderland are interested in signing Branthwaite on a temporary basis this summer.

Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are also mentioned as potential suitors for the teenager, who has been described by his former Carlisle manager Steven Pressley as a ‘future England international’.

The Verdict: Shrewd summer signing

This could be a perfect move for all parties this summer, with Sunderland possibly benefiting from having a player with 10 Premier League appearances in his locker.

Granted, he remains extremely young and is still learning his trade, but coming up against some world-class attacking players already in his fledgling career should stand him in good stead and enable him to thrive in the Championship.

New additions with genuine pedigree are needed at Sunderland this summer as they aim for a solid campaign upon their return to the second tier, and Branthwaite could be a dominant presence at the back, having averaged 3.3 clearances and 1.8 successful aerial duels per Premier League game last season.

Journalist Gregg Evans has tipped Aston Villa to make further additions this summer, despite having already been active in the current window.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the club insider has suggested that “more incomings will follow” before the start of next season, with the club having made four major signings already this summer.

The Midlands outfit secured high-profile deals for Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, while Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have joined permanently from Barcelona and Roma, respectively, following their recent loan stints at Villa Park.

In a previous article for The Athletic, Evans revealed that as many as three new signings are being targeted, with a midfielder, a striker and a new left-sided defender all on the shopping list.

Supporters buzzing

Excitement is already brewing among supporters following the swift, early business done by Steven Gerrard and co, although the news that further reinforcements could be made will set pulses racing even higher, with it looking set to be a hugely impressive window for the club.

Despite having spent over £100m last term, the Villans were left languishing in 14th come the end of the season, having struggled to properly kick on as expected following the appointment of the Englishman in November.

With substantial financial support this summer, however, the belief will be that the former Liverpool skipper can push the ambitious club into contention for European qualification, having previously showcased his managerial talent at former club Rangers, after ending Celtic’s nine-year title dominance in 2021.

The 42-year-old has recently admitted his slight frustration that the Ibrox side weren’t able to provide him with the backing to go again last summer, although it is looking as if he won’t be suffering a repeat scenario at his current side, with NSWE seemingly set to hand him all the tools to be a success.

Such significant investment will understandably heighten the pressure on his position, although should he be able to recruit the players of his choosing the club could well see drastic improvements next term.

At present, the likes of Luis Suarez and Calvin Bassey are just a couple of the names who have been tipped to join the Premier League side, with supporters seemingly set to see even more new arrivals come through the door in the coming weeks.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role 

Celtic face Premier League competition in the race for Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron this summer.

The Lowdown: Barron on the move?

The 19-year-old is a highly-rated young player, making 12 starts in the third tier on loan at Kelty Hearts last season before returning to the Scottish Premiership in January, where he played 13 times for the Dons.

Barron has been hailed as ‘absolutely excellent’ by former Dundee striker Rory Loy and Celtic have been linked with a move for him in recent times.

Now, a new update has emerged, with the Hoops facing a battle to sign the youngster.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to Football Scotland deputy editor Mark Hendry, Celtic still intend to secure the Scot’s services, but Premier League side Brentford are hovering ominously:

“Connor Barron is a target but Premier League side Brentford hope to take him south.”

The Verdict: Get it done, Hoops

While Barron wouldn’t necessarily come in as an immediate key man for Celtic this summer, he would be viewed as an exciting long-term proposition, having captained Aberdeen Under-18s and Under-20s sides.

The central midfielder already has two caps to his name for Scotland’s Under-21s and those numbers should only increase as the years pass, with senior international football surely coming his way if he continues to impress in the youth sides.

With Tom Rogic leaving Celtic this summer, fresh blood is required in the middle of the park, and Barron could be the man to help fill that void in the long-term, perhaps getting some chances in the domestic cup games initially.

In other news, one player has been backed to make a move to Celtic. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Tottenham and their pursuit of Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Spurs are set to enter contract negotiations with the gem after agreeing a deal with Brighton.

He Tweeted: on Wednesday: “Tottenham will proceed in talks with Yves Bissouma and his agents in the coming hours, in order to complete final details of his move to Spurs from Brighton. Tottenham have an agreement in place on the fee – it’s matter of final steps on player side.”

This comes after the reporter revealed the fee the club will be paying for the Mali international: “Tottenham are set to complete their third signing: agreement in place for Yves Bissouma joining from Brighton, as first reported by @garyjacob. Final details on the add-ons, €26m fee. Spurs are offering Bissouma a five year deal – new midfielder is coming for Conte.”

Antonio Conte will be buzzing

Spurs’ head coach will be buzzing with this update on the impending deal for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the timing of the move will delight the Italian. The club are set to jet off to Korea for a pre-season tour in the early parts of July and it seems like Bissouma will be in the door – if everything goes to plan from here on out – in time to join his new teammates for the trip.

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This means that he will be able to spend the entire pre-season working with Conte and the rest of the team to help get him up to speed ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

He will be able to adapt to the former Chelsea boss’ tactics, instead of coming in towards the end of the window and playing catch-up whilst important games are coming thick and fast.

Conte will also be buzzing with the news because Bissouma has the potential to be an excellent addition to his Tottenham team.

In the 2021/22 Premier League season, the 25-year-old averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.07 across 26 appearances. He caught the eye in midfield as he made a whopping 4.8 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst completing 89% of his attempted passes.

These statistics show that he has the ability to win the ball back for his team on a regular basis along with being reliable in possession. He will, therefore, offer a good balance between defence and attack in the middle of the park and Conte will be excited by the talks as he will be keen to work with him.

AND in other news, Spurs can unearth dream Kane heir in deal for “invaluable” £22m “Ibrahimovic-machine”…