Bayern Munich identify Arsenal-linked midfielder as Joao Palhinha alternative?
Bayern Munich have reportedly identified a midfielder of interest to Arsenal as a potential alternative to Joao Palhinha.
The Bavarian giants are known to be in the market for a new centre-midfielder and Fulham star Palhinha has been a top target of theirs for the past 12 months.
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan admitted in February that the club would be open to selling the 28-year-old for the right price this summer.
Last summer, Palhinha's proposed transfer to the Allianz Arena fell through at the 11th hour and Bayern have since been locked in negotiations with Fulham, but the player's valuation is proving to be a stumbling block.
A recent report claims that Bayern are reluctant to meet Fulham's £60m asking price of the Portugal international and are only willing to pay as much as £40m, raising concerns over whether a deal can be agreed this summer.
Bayern weighing up move for Onana
If Vincent Kompany's side are unable to strike a deal with Fulham, they could turn their attention to Everton's in-demand midfielder Amadou Onana, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The report adds that Kompany is an admirer of Belgian compatriot Onana, who speaks fluent German after beginning his senior career at Hoffenheim before moving to Hamburger SV.
Bayern are said to view the 22-year-old as a cheaper and more realistic option now that they are struggling to agree a deal for Palhinha.
A separate report from Sky Deutschland claims that Onana is expected to leave Goodison Park this summer and is valued by Everton at around £50m, with the midfielder still having three years left to run on his contract.
Amid their well-documented financial concerns, the Toffees are looking to offload players this summer as they seek to avoid breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
Bayern join race for in-demand Onana
Onana is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe at present, with Bayern the latest club to join the race along with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona.
Recent reports claim that the Gunners have made contact with Everton to discuss his availability this summer as they explore the possibility of replacing Thomas Partey, who has been strongly linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Onana is currently away on international duty with Belgium at Euro 2024, and prior to the tournament, the midfielder admitted that he plans to put himself in the shop window to secure a move to a bigger club.
"At previous tournaments you have seen that the players who did well make the step up to the top clubs. That's something I strive for," Onana told Het Laatste Nieuws.
"I feel like presenting myself to the European top and showing what I have to offer. This European Championship is a stage."
During his two seasons at Everton, Onana has made a total of 72 appearances in all competitions, including 30 Premier League outings in 2023-24 as the Toffees avoided relegation and finished 15th in the table.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/transfer-talk/news/bayern-express-interest-in-arsenal-linked-midfielder-amid-palhinha-concerns_546916.html?newsnow
Leeds United want Marek Rodak as Illan Meslier transfer update drops
Leeds United have added Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak to their list of possible replacements for Illan Meslier, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported on 28 June via its online edition that although Rodak's name is on the list, an approach is "by no means a certainty" yet.
This is because a move for the Slovakia international all depends on whether the Frenchman departs Elland Road this summer, with Marseille interested.
Why Marek Rodak would be a suitable replacement for Leeds United star Illan Meslier
Rodak has been with the Cottagers since he moved from MFK Kosice during the 2013/14 season.
Since then, aside from Fulham's seasons in the Championship during both their 2019/20 and 2021/22 campaigns, the shot-stopper has failed to be a regular starter.
He has made the odd appearance here and there in the top flight but at the age of 27, he will likely want a regular gig.
Should Meslier be sold due to Leeds needing to abide by PSR this summer [The Athletic, 14 June], Rodak's presence between the sticks would be invaluable to the side.
When called upon by Fulham last season the Slovakia international played a total of five times in both the FA and Carabao Cup and only managed to concede five goals.
However thanks to the recent Red Bull investment [LeedsLive, 21 June], Leeds' situation might not be as dire as some first thought.
One thing is for sure – Leeds' goalkeeper situation should be monitored by fans as the season goes on.
https://motleedsnews.com/transfers/leeds-united-want-marek-rodak-as-illan-meslier-transfer-update-drops/
West Ham United cool interest in Jota Silva
West Ham United have pulled out of the race to sign 24-year-old Portuguese winger Jota Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet O Jogo, Jota Silva has been the subject of interest from West Ham United over a move in the summer transfer window. However, the Hammers are no longer vying for the signature of the 24-year-old winger. The latest update has boosted the prospects of Fulham, with the West London club also keen on signing the Vitoria de Guimaraes man.
The rise of Jota Silva at Vitoria de Guimaraes
Jota Silva has established himself as one of the best wide attackers in Liga Portugal since joining Vitoria de Guimaraes from Casa Pia in July 2022. The Portuguese international had struggled for stability in his career before moving to Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques two years ago.
The 24-year-old was exceptional in the 2023/24 season, in particular, contributing to 22 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions by finding the back of the net 15 times and providing seven assists. Meanwhile, Jota Silva's progress at Vitoria de Guimaraes has not gone unnoticed.
Widespread reports have linked the Vitoria de Guimaraes winger with several Premier League clubs. West Ham United and Fulham have been vying for Jota's Silva signature in the last few weeks. However, the Hammers have now cooled their interest in the player.
London calling?
West Ham United recently intensified the efforts to sign Jota Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes. The Portuguese international could have been a top-notch addition to the West Ham squad amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Lucas Paqueta. However, the Hammers have pulled out of the race to sign Silva.
The latest update has come as good news for Fulham, with the West London club having a clear path to sign the 24-year-old winger. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
With West Ham no longer interested in securing Jota Silva's services, it will be interesting to see if Fulham can convince the 24-year-old Portuguese international and Vitoria de Guimaraes and seal a move in the summer transfer window.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/06/28/west-ham-united-cool-interest-in-jota-silva/
Copa América: Jedi Assist On Dramatic Night For USA
The United States suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Panama in their second Copa América outing on Thursday evening.
Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson were in from the start of what proved to be a very dramatic night in Atlanta.
Ream thought he had a fifth minute assist to his name when he teed up Weston McKennie's rocket of a shot following a free-kick, but VAR clocked that the Fulham man was marginally offside in the build-up.
There was further American frustration soon after when Timothy Weah was sent off for raising a hand to a Panama defender's face off the ball. He was initially booked, but VAR intervened once again and his punishment was upgraded.
Despite their man disadvantage, the US went in front on 22 minutes, with Robinson at the heart of the move.
The king of interceptions made a vital one in a wide position, drove forward and played a quick one-two with Folarin Balogun who lashed a stunning strike in via the post from the edge of the box.
The lead only lasted four minutes, though, with Cesar Blackman squeezing a low shot in from a similar distance at the other end.
In the second half, VAR went in the US' favour when it overturned a penalty decision that initially went against Cameron Carter-Vickers, but Panama did go in front with seven minutes to play when Jose Fajardo lashed in.
Ream was then sacrificed for Norwich City forward Josh Sargent as the States chased an equaliser. That wasn't forthcoming but there was more drama to be had, with Adaberto Carraquilla shown a straight red card for kicking Christian Pulisic.
The result puts more importance on the USMNT's final group match against Uruguay – who have won both their games so far – in Missouri on Monday.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/june/28/copa-america-jedi-assist-on-dramatic-night-for-usa/
Fulham braced for double exit blow as Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid ponder next moves
Attacking duo will soon become free agents, but could both still end up remaining at Craven Cottage
Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are set to become free agents next week, despite Fulham's best attempts to keep both players.
The wingers are each out of contract on Monday but have both been offered new contracts to remain at Craven Cottage.
De Cordova-Reid has been offered a two-year deal, while Willian, who turns 36 in August, will only entertain one-year contracts at this stage of his career. Both players look set to become free agents before deciding their futures.
It is understood that Fulham would be willing to keep working on potential new deals for both players even after their employment by the club officially ends on July 1.
Last summer, Willian let his contract expire at Fulham, considered his options and ultimately agreed a new one-year deal in west London.
Manager Marco Silva is keen to keep both players, especially Willian, but they both have interest from other clubs and are yet to decide their final moves. A number of Brazilian clubs are hopeful of securing Willian's signature.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal man Willian has made 67 appearances and scored 10 goals since joining Fulham in 2022.
De Cordova-Reid, 31, signed for Fulham initially on loan in 2019, and has scored 32 times in 209 appearances for the club. He may not decide his future until he is finished competing in the Copa America with the Jamaican national team.
Fulham have already confirmed that goalkeeper Marek Rodak, currently at Euro 2024 with Slovakia, will leave as a free agent this summer. Leeds see him as a viable replacement if Illan Meslier is sold.
Fulham have also released Tyrese Francois and Terence Kongolo, while centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo let his contract expire and has since joined rivals Chelsea on a free transfer.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-willian-de-cordova-reid-contracts-b1167438.html
Club 'very optimistic' of agreement with Fulham – Latest talks 'very positive'
Joao Palhinha, his agents and Bayern Munich are confident that a deal will be struck with Fulham at some point to allow him to move to the German club.
That's according to BILD chief reported Tobias Altschäffl, who reports that there is optimism all around that Fulham will eventually agree to sell the Portuguese midfielder.
Bayern have returned for Palhinha this summer after the failed move for him last year, in which he saw the deal collapse at the last minute as Fulham pulled the plug on deadline day of the summer window.
They're yet to agree a deal with Marco Silva's side this time around, with the German giants so far refusing to go beyond €50m but Fulham wanting more than €60m.
There have been suggestions that Bayern could eventually abandon the move and look at other options because of that, with Everton's Amadou Onana recently named as a viable alternative.
Altschäffl, thought, reports that is yet to become a concrete thing as there is confidence that an agreement can be found with Fulham.
"Bayern are very optimistic about Joao Palhinha and believe that the change will work. The last conversations today were positive, and things are looking good," FCB Inside report him saying on the Bayern Insider podcast.
They also add that Altschäffl reported that Palhinha's advisors are also confident that the deal will go through this time around after the drama last summer.
They've already reached an agreement with Bayern on personal terms and Palhinha is ignoring other offers, including from the Premier League, because he wants to make the move to Munich.
All that is left is to find an agreement with Fulham, and there is confidence that can be done at some point this summer.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-optimistic-agreement-fulham-latest-talks-positive/
Football with Fulham this Summer
Fulham Soccer Schools are back this Summer, offering a variety of football camps across a number of locations starting from Monday 15th July. Boys and girls aged 3 to 14 of all abilities, are welcome to join the fun, play loads of football, learn new skills and create lots of friends!
Venues include the Fulham FC Training Ground in Motspur Park, Bishops Park in Fulham and Burntwood School in Earlsfield and our brand new venue, Raynes Park High School Sports Ground in Raynes Park!
Courses on offer include mainstream Soccer Schools, Girls Soccer Schools, Pan Disability Football and advanced player development camps for both our Player Pathway and Girls Development Centre programmes.
During our Summer Soccer Schools, our coaches deliver a fun and comprehensive training syllabus that covers both technical and tactical aspects of the game, mixed with fun games and activities with the aim of creating more confident and well-rounded footballers who have the foundations to go and reach their full potential!
"My daughter won a player of the day medal that she is still showing people and took this into school today as she was so proud of this. She also made new friends over the two days which she was so happy about." – Soccer Schools Parent, Motspur Park
"Really great how the coaches not only look at football skills but also how the kids act and treat each other." – Soccer Schools Parent, Bishops Park
To find out more and to book your child's space for the summer, click the link below!
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/june/28/football-with-fulham-this-summer/
The seven clubs chasing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and their likelihood of signing him
Eddie Nketiah faces an uncertain future at Arsenal after attracting interest from a significant amount of other sides in the Premier League and appearing as the likely casualty of their plans to invest in a new centre-forward.
Arsenal had another magnificent season under manager Mikel Arteta as they were pipped to the title by Pep Guardiola's Man City, ultimately finishing in second place for the second consecutive season.
The Gunners amassed a total of 89 points across the season and were just two shy of City's total of 91 and this total would have been enough to see Arsenal crowned as champions the prior season.
Arsenal's finishing position in the table is made all the more impressive when you consider the fact they have played the vast majority of the season without a recognised centre-forward, with Kai Havertz deputising up top more often than not.
Following the sale of Folarin Balogun to Monaco in the summer, this left Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus and Nketiah as the club's two main strikers.
With Jesus struggling with injuries, Nketiah seen as more of an impact sub and the links to Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and other strikers swirling around, it seems as though one of the two will be off this summer, with the Englishman seeming most likely.
Nketiah scored five goals and assisted twice for the Gunners last season and only started 26% of minutes available to him.
Arsenal have slapped a £50million price tag on Nketiah and with several clubs said to be interested in their academy product, here is where he may end up and whether or not he will suit these said clubs:
Crystal Palace
Under previous manager Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace were one of the lowest-scoring teams in the Premier League and neither Jean-Philippe Mateta, Odsonne Edouard or Jordan Ayew could consistently find the back of the net.
This left The Eagles sitting in 16th place in the league and in search of a new manager to keep the club afloat, when in stepped former Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner.
The Austrian transformed the South London club's fortunes and in particular the aforementioned Mateta, who managed to score 13 times in 13 games in the second half of the season, having only previously scored three goals all season under Hodgson.
The Frenchman's form in front of goal may have changed Palace's summer transfer plans as goals now no longer seem an issue, though if Mateta gets injured, questions of whether Edouard or Ayew can replicate the 27-year-old's form will be raised.
The £50million price tag that Arsenal have set on Nketiah seems a steep one but with Michael Olise's imminent £45million move to Bayern, Palace will certainly have money to spend.
Whether or not The Eagles are willing to spend that much on Nketiah remains to be seen, though if Mateta departs as links to PSG have been reported, then don't be surprised to see Nketiah playing regularly at Selhurst Park next season.
Indeed, TEAMtalk sources state Palace think they have an advantage due to their location in London.
Fulham
Fulham endured another solid season under Portuguese manager Marco Silva, finishing the campaign in 13th place, 21 points above the relegation zone and never looked likely to be drawn into a relegation battle.
Despite their comfortable finish, no player managed to register double digits in the league with Brazilian Rodrigo Muniz being the club's top scorer with nine goals, followed by Raul Jimenez with seven and Bobby Reid with six.
rmando Broja's loan switch to Craven Cottage in January from Chelsea only produced one assist and no goals in eight league appearances as the Albanian failed to provide the clinical edge in front of goal that Fulham required.
Jay Stansfield scored 12 times on loan at Birmingham City last season as the Blues were relegated to League One and Marco Silva has already confirmed his place in the squad ahead of next season.
Though the burden of scoring the bulk of Fulham's goals may be too much too soon for the 21-year-old, so delving into the market may be the West London club's best bet of guaranteed goals for next campaign.
The £25million acquisition of Jean Michael Seri in 2018 remains the club's record signing, so it would seem unlikely that Fulham would be willing to double their previous transfer record.
If The Cottagers are to get the 25-year-old, Arsenal will likely have to reduce their asking price, or at least accept an initial lower fee with future incentives.
However, TEAMtalk understands that – as things stand – Fulham are leading the race for Nketiah and preparing an official offer.
Brentford
The imminent departure of Ivan Toney from Brentford will see The Bees net a substantial profit on the Englishman who they purchased from League One side Peterborough for £5million back in 2018.
The London-based outfit will likely receive a fee of around £60million for their striker, with Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal all rumoured to be monitoring the 28-year-old Englishman's situation.
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa started a vast number of games up top together last campaign as Toney was banned from playing in the first half of the season, but neither are natural strikers.
Neal Maupay's loan from Everton produced six goals and three assists in 29 Premier League games also, but the club have confirmed that he will be returning to Merseyside following the expiration of his loan.
In January, Brentford confirmed that they had smashed their record-signing by confirming the capture of Brazilian forward Igor Thiago for £27.9million from Belgian side Club Brugge, who will join the club this upcoming campaign.
This means that Brentford are unlikely to pursue any deal for Nketiah if the price tag stays as steep as it currently is. If Nketiah is to swap north London to west London next season, then that £50million price tag will more than likely have to be substantially lowered.
Wolves
Under former Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil, Wolves stayed well clear of any relegation threats, finishing the campaign in 14th place, 20 points clear of the relegation zone.
The goals of Hwang Hee-Chan and Matheus Cunha proved to be pivotal in the midlands club's survival bid, each scoring 12 goals in the league.
Though Hwang and Cunha are the club's only two players over the age of 20 who can play as a striker, with academy products Nathan Fraser and Leon Chiwome having to deputise up top in the South Korean and Brazilian's absence.
This will almost certainly mean Wolves will venture into the transfer market in search of another striking option and Nketiah could be a potential option.
The club has not been previously reluctant to spend big on strikers in the past, with Cunha, Fabio Silva and Raul Jimenez all costing the club north of £30million and joining in the past five years, so a deal upwards of £50million for Nketiah shouldn't be ruled out.
On Thursday it was reported that Wolves were pursuing a deal of around £30million for Celta Vigo forward Jorgen Strand Larsen with negotiations moving fast, meaning a move for Nketiah would surely be off if a deal was to be completed for the Norwegian.
Furthermore, TEAMtalk has learned that Nketiah's preference would be to remain in London even if he leaves Arsenal.
West Ham
Julen Lopetegui has returned to the Premier League after mutually leaving Wolves just days before the start of last campaign.
The Spaniard is already looking to make additions to the squad with the reported interest of Wolves captain Max Kilman, who he is a fan of and had previously managed.
Up top both Michael Antonio and Danny Ings shared a bulk of the minutes in the league last campaign, though with the forwards now 34 and 31 respectively and having scored seven goals in the league between them, it may be time to think of replacing them.
Academy graduate Divin Mubama also deputised up top on occasion, whilst Jarrod Bowen also filled the striker vacancy whenever Antonio and Ings were unavailable.
Gianluca Scamacca would only last a season at the London Stadium before returning to his native Italy with Atalanta at the end of last season, where he helped win the club's first-ever European title defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final in Dublin.
Another striker is almost certainly on the cards for The Hammers this summer and Nketiah's availability will likely come under some serious consideration, though the £50million price tag may cause a stumbling block.
The East London side has only ever once spent over £25million on a striker and incidentally is their record signing when they splashed £42.2million on Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019.
Whether The Hammers will be willing to spend that much on a striker again remains to be seen, but Nketiah will certainly be on the club's radar.
Leicester City
Newly promoted Leicester City have already undergone one major change at the club this summer with manager Enzo Maresca departing the club for Chelsea and being replaced by former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
Whilst the Foxes have acted quickly to replace the Italian, his departure will no doubt have come as a big blow for the club, who he helped romp to the Championship title at the first attempt, even if Ipswich and Leeds did run them close towards the end.
This appointment will have no doubt have changed transfer plans, especially considering the different styles of play and tactics that either manager adopts.
Cult hero Jamie Vardy has extended his stay at the King Power for another year but the 37-year-old is not expected to start each game, whilst Kelechi Iheanacho has left the club following the expiration of his contract.
This leaves Patson Daka and Tom Cannon as the club's only other two striking options, but both played in less than half of Leicester's league games last campaign, so it would seem unlikely that either will lead the line on a regular basis in the Premier League.
Leicester will therefore surely be in the market for another centre forward this summer and Eddie Nketiah will almost certainly be a name on their shortlist.
But like the other mentioned clubs, the £50million price tag that Arsenal have put on him may be too much for The Foxes to pay and will likely need to be reduced if they are to consider a deal.
Ipswich Town
Fellow newcomers to the Premier League, Ipswich Town are preparing for a first top-flight campaign in over two decades.
Their top scorers in their promotion-winning season were Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin with 13 goals each. However, they have one Premier League appearance between them, with Broadhead previously making his debut for Everton.
Besides, both of them are attacking midfielders or wingers, so Kieran McKenna could be looking for a top centre-forward to boost Ipswich's chances of avoiding relegation.
TEAMtalk revealed in May that the Tractor Boys have made Nketiah one of their ambitious targets for the summer window.
If Arsenal stick to their £50m asking price, though, ambitious would definitely be the word for Ipswich. Their current record signing cost around 10 times less than that.
https://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal/eddie-nketiah-next-club-seven-chasing-likelihood-signing
Former Bournemouth, Wolves and Fulham defender joins Crawley Town
Crawley Town have announced the signing of experienced defender Scott Malone, who joins the club from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee.
The 33-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal.
Malone, who can also operate in midfield, began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers as he progressed through the Wolves' youth system, which set him up for a long and prosperous career in the English Football League.
Scott's first EFL move came in 2009 when he joined Southend United on loan from Wolves, before further loan spells at Burton and Bournemouth. During his career, Malone has racked up over 500 appearances, with over 300 of those coming in the Championship.
In July 2011 he joined Bournemouth on a permanent transfer and spent a season at Dean Court, where he played under former Crawley assistant manager Lee Bradbury, before agreeing to join Millwall in May 2012.
Malone made his Millwall debut against the Red Devils in August 2012, in a Capital One Cup match that saw Crawley ride out as winners on penalties.
Stints with Huddersfield, Fulham and Derby followed before he returned to The Den, initially on loan, in the summer of 2020 before making the move permanent a year later.
Malone signed for the Gills at the start of the 2023-24 season and made 48 appearances for the Kent-based side.
Malone said: "I am really excited for the opportunity to play for Crawley, and I am delighted to be here.
"I have said for a few years now that I have wanted to play for this club. I married into the area ten years ago as my wife is in Broadfield, so it has always been a dream of mine.
"I am also happy to have got the deal done so early. The lads are back in early next week, so I am excited to get back in and meet everyone."
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/former-bournemouth-wolves-and-fulham-defender-joins-crawley-town-4683911
Fulham Boss Marco Silva Emerging As Option For Club
Marco Silva has been gaining traction internally at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad who are expected to soon make an approach for the Fulham boss, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti.
Marcelo Gallardo was dismissed by Al-Ittihad earlier this month after he asked for the removal of star player Karim Benzema this summer.
The Saudi outfit are now looking for a new manager and the club have been looking at several options at the moment.
A number of names are on the club's shortlist as they seek to finalise an appointment as soon as possible.
It has been claimed one of the names gaining traction in their internal meetings is of Fulham manager Silva.
He has managed to establish Fulham as a solid Premier League club and is rapidly gaining popularity amongst Al-Ittihad officials.
The Saudi outfit are planning to make an approach to snare him away from Fulham soon this summer.
It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese would be open to swapping the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career.
https://insidefutbol.com/2024/06/28/fulham-boss-marco-silva-emerging-as-option-for-club/650021/
Emile Smith Rowe set to inform Arsenal of desire to leave club
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has been linked with a move away from the North London club this summer.
Emile Smith Rowe has struggled for regular game time at Arsenal, and a report from Football Insider has claimed that the 23-year-old will inform the North London club of his desire to leave this summer.
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Fulham are keen on signing the playmaker, and the development will come as a major boost for them. Smith Rowe has not been a regular starter for Arsenal since his return from injury, and he needs to move on in search of regular playing time.
He was regarded as one of the finest young midfield talents in English football a few years ago. But his development has stalled in recent seasons. An exit from Arsenal will help him get his career back on track once again.
The Gunners already have Martin Odegaard at their disposal, and the 23-year-old is unlikely to start ahead of the Norwegian international anytime soon. He will have to accept the role of a squad player if he stays at Arsenal.
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Fulham keen on Emile Smith Rowe
Aston Villa are keen on the player, and it is hardly a surprise. Unai Emery worked with the midfielder during their time together at Arsenal, and a reunion with the Spanish manager could be ideal for all parties.
Aston Villa will need more creativity and cutting edge in the final third, and the Arsenal academy graduate would be a solid long term investment. Emery knows the player well and Smith Rowe should be able to settle in quickly at the West Midlands club having worked under the Spanish manager in the past.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace need more quality in the midfield as well. Players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze could be on their way out of the club, and the Eagles will need to replace them adequately.
Fulham are looking to improve their attacking unit as well, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to make a move for the 23-year-old Arsenal midfielder. Recent reports have claimed that the Arsenal homegrown player is a priority target for them.
Smith Rowe is a prodigious talent with a bright future, and Arsenal might end up regretting the decision to let him leave. However, they cannot provide him with the opportunities he needs right now. So, it would be ideal for all parties to go there separate ways.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/06/28/emile-smith-rowe-set-to-inform-arsenal-of-desire-to-leave-club/
Willian, Bobby De Cordova-Reid 'set to leave' Fulham in coming days
Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are reportedly set to leave Fulham when their contracts expire on June 30.
Fulham have already released Marek Rodak, Tyrese Francois and Terence Kongolo, while Tosin Adarabioyo will officially join Chelsea on July 1 after deciding against renewing his deal with the Cottagers.
Like Adarabioyo, Willian and De Cordova-Reid are both coming towards the end of their contracts, with their current deals set to expire at the end of the month.
Fulham have allegedly offered Willian a one-year deal, while they have presented De Cordova-Reid with a two-year contract offer.
Fulham set to bid farewell to Willian, De Cordova-Reid
However, according to The Evening Standard, Willian and De Cordova-Reid are yet to agree new deals and will become free agents when their contracts run out.
The report claims that Fulham have not given up hope and are willing to continue negotiations even after their contracts come to an end.
Last year, Willian allowed his contract to run out before he eventually returned to Craven Cottage on a fresh one-year deal.
Twelve months on, the 35-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, while there is also thought to be interest from clubs in Brazil.
Meanwhile, De Cordova-Reid is likely to delay any decisions over his future until he has finished representing Jamaica at Copa America 2024.
How could their departures affect Fulham?
If they are unable to agree new contracts, Fulham will bid farewell to two players who have been regular fixtures in Marco Silva's side.
De Cordova-Reid registered six goals and two assists in 33 Premier League matches last season, while Willian scored four goals and provided two assists in 31 top-flight appearances.
The pair's departures will leave Silva with Adama Traore, Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi as their main wide options for the 2024-25 season.
As a result, Fulham would have to delve into the transfer market to bring in replacements in what could be a busy transfer window for the Cottagers.
They are already looking for a new centre-back and striker, and they may need to find a new central midfielder if Joao Palhinha is sold this summer.
Palhinha is continuing to attract interest from Bayern Munich, but the German giants are yet to meet Fulham's £60m asking price.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/imminent-departures-fulham-set-to-lose-attacking-duo_546970.html?newsnow
Last chance for Joao Palhinha! Bayern make €45m offer for Fulham midfielder - but German giants warn they will not go higher
Bayern Munich have reportedly made a final €45 million (£38m/$48m) offer for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Bayern submitted a fresh offer for Palhinha
Take it or leave it situation for Fulham
All parties willing to find a middle-ground
WHAT HAPPENED?
Fulham have consistently valued Palhinha at £60m ($76m) since last summer. This valuation has been a sticking point in negotiations, as Bayern's offer falls significantly short of Fulham's asking price, but the German side have warned they will not improve on it. Nevertheless, Palhinha's keen interest in moving to Bayern adds a compelling dynamic to the ongoing discussions.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Sky, Fulham will make all efforts to prevent Palhinha from leaving and could make a special arrangement with the player to keep him. Last summer saw Bayern and Fulham nearly reach an agreement close to the £60m mark. Palhinha even travelled to Munich for a medical, but the transfer collapsed on deadline day, forcing him to return to Fulham. Following the setback, he signed a new contract, extending his stay until 2028, with an option for an additional 12 months.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Portuguese midfielder has expressed his interest in playing for the Bundesliga champions, which could potentially sway the negotiations. He has already agreed to personal terms and will sign a contract until 2028 if he moves to Germany.
WHAT NEXT?
With the Palhinha deal hanging in the balance, Bayern have begun to explore alternative options. One prominent candidate is Everton's Amadou Onana. The 22-year-old Belgian international has caught the attention of Bayern's scouts, offering a younger and potentially more versatile alternative to Palhinha. Onana's performances in the Premier League and subsequently with Belgium at Euro 2024 have impressed many and Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is believed to be one of them.
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joao-palhinha-bayern-fulham-midfielder-german-giants-offer/blt5df757117a53d737#csd46ae2583d06df27
Report: Fulham Set to Lose Two Key Players with Departures Imminent
Fulham's Uncertain Future: Willian and De Cordova-Reid on the Verge of Exit
Fulham Football Club face a critical moment as two key players, Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid, approach free agency. As reported by The Evening Standard, both players are on the cusp of making significant career decisions that could see them either extend their stay at Craven Cottage or pursue new challenges elsewhere.
Contract Decisions Looming
Despite Fulham's attempts to secure their futures, Willian and De Cordova-Reid's contracts are set to expire next Monday. Fulham has made offers to both players—De Cordova-Reid has been presented with a two-year deal, while Willian, nearing his 36th birthday, has been offered a one-year contract. "Both players look set to become free agents before deciding their futures," as noted in the original article.
Interest from Other Clubs
Manager Marco Silva is keen to retain both talents, particularly Willian, whose experience and skill have been invaluable. However, interest from other clubs, including a number from Brazil, adds a layer of complexity to their decisions. Last summer, Willian allowed his contract to expire before eventually signing a new one-year deal with Fulham. Whether history will repeat itself remains to be seen.
Impact on Fulham's Strategy
The potential departures of these players could significantly impact Fulham's strategy. Willian, a veteran of the Premier League with past stints at Chelsea and Arsenal, has scored 10 goals in 67 appearances since joining Fulham in 2022. De Cordova-Reid, with 32 goals in 209 appearances, has been a versatile player since his initial loan transfer in 2019.
Their experience and contribution to the team are undeniable, and their possible exits might prompt Fulham to reassess their recruitment and tactical approach ahead of the new season.
Timing and Future Prospects
The timing of their decisions is also crucial. De Cordova-Reid, currently competing in the Copa America with the Jamaican national team, may delay his decision until the tournament's conclusion. This adds an element of uncertainty for Fulham as they plan for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Fulham must also contend with other departures, such as goalkeeper Marek Rodak, who has been linked with Leeds as a potential replacement if Illan Meslier is sold. These changes highlight a period of transition and challenge for the club.
Final Thoughts
As Fulham braces for the potential exits of Willian and De Cordova-Reid, the decisions of these two players will undoubtedly influence the club's preparations for the next Premier League campaign. The club's willingness to continue negotiations even after their contracts expire shows a commitment to maintaining a strong squad, but only time will tell if this strategy will be successful.
The weeks ahead will be critical for Fulham as they navigate through these pivotal contract negotiations, hoping to secure a competitive team for the future.
https://eplindex.com/113899/report-fulham-set-to-lose-two-key-players-with-departures-imminent.html
Crawley Town have announced the signing of experienced defender Scott Malone, who joins the club from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee.
Scott Malone! Never looked like a footballer but somehow he was brilliant for us, galloping up and down the left side
BBDR
n and Tosin all but gone on frees
BDR, Willian and Tosin, three strong members of last season's team all but gone on free transfers, how much will it cost to replace them.