Friends of Fulham

Fulham take keeper Alphonse Areola on season-long loan from PSG

Fulham have signed Paris St Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan.

The Premier League newcomers also hold an option to make the 27-year-old France international's move permanent.

Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done.

"Scott Parker (Fulham manager) called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Areola has made over 100 appearances for Paris St Germain since making his debut in 2013 and was a member of France's World Cup-winning squad in 2018.

He spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he picked up a LaLiga winner's medal.

Fulham sporting director Tony Khan said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family.
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"Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won LaLiga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad for our Premier League campaign ahead."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-take-keeper-alphonse-areola-on-season-long-loan-from-psg-1599679020000

EFL Trophy Tie With Fulham U21s Arranged

Details of the EFL Trophy tie with Fulham under 21s confirmed.

Posh face Fulham under 21s at the Weston Homes Stadium in October.

Peterborough United can confirm that the EFL Trophy second group stage fixture against Fulham under 21s will take place at the Weston Homes Stadium on Tuesday 6th October, with kick-off at 7pm.

Posh opened their EFL Trophy account with two points following a penalty shoot-out success over Burton Albion while the Cottagers were beaten 2-0 by Cambridge United.



https://www.theposh.com/news/2020/september/efl-trophy-tie-with-fulham-u21s-arranged/

Leeds United 'at the window' for signing, Fulham thought to be ahead of Whites

On Wednesday, we carried a report from O Jogo, who explained Fulham are planning to return with an improved offer for Florentino Luís after Benfica turned down their second proposal.

The Cottagers latest offer was €2m for a loan deal with an obligatory clause to buy the midfielder for €30m.

Leeds United have now become the latest English club to join the chase for the 21-year-old.

That's what TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting, and they state the Whites are 'at the window' for Luís.

AC Milan have been credited with an interest in the Portuguese youngster, but as per the report, the defensive midfielder 'moves away' from the Serie A side.

It's claimed Luís 'runs fast towards the Premier League', where Fulham have a 'great advantage' to secure his services. There's no explanation on why Scott Parker's side have an 'advantage'.

With regards to Marcelo Bielsa's side, the website only states Leeds are 'at the window' for Luís, and no additional information is provided.

Luís has €120m release clause in his contract, which runs until 2024.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-great-advantage-sign-21-year-old-leeds-united-window-player/

Arsenal-linked 'top' international joins Fulham on loan, could feature against Gunners this weekend

Arsenal appear to have a goalkeeping dilemma on their hands at present, with two top-class stoppers both keen on the Gunners first-team gloves.

While Bernd Leno is currently the number one, Emiliano Martinez impressed in the German's absence last season and also featured in the Community Shield this term.

The latter has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, who are reportedly looking for a new stopper in the absence of the injured Tom Heaton.

According to an Evening Standard report from earlier in the week, Arsenal were offered Alphonse Areola on loan by Paris Saint-Germain.

The France international – a member of Les Bleus' 2018 World Cup-winning squad – was mentioned to the Gunners as a possible short-term replacement for Martinez, added the report.

However, this will no longer be the case after fellow London side Fulham announced on Wednesday evening that they'd signed Areola on loan.

The 6ft 5in custodian will remain at Craven Cottage for the duration of the 2020-21 season, with the West Londoners holding an option to make the move permanent.

Areola came through the ranks at PSG and has made 107 senior appearances for the French capital side, keeping an impressive 53 shutouts and conceding just 87 goals.

The 27-year-old also has several other loan spells on his CV, including at fellow French outfits Lens and Bastia, plus Spanish duo Villarreal and Real Madrid.

TBR View:

Areola is a high-calibre goalkeeper whose career so far has been somewhat baffling, given he is undoubtedly good enough to be a regular first-team starter.

"I was not surprised that Real Madrid signed Areola, there were few better goalkeepers," Jesus Unanua, his former coach at Villarreal, told Marca last year. "He is top and can prove it.

"Areola is a sponge, he wants to learn everything. What he needs is the continuity that he did not have at PSG."

With Arsenal travelling to Fulham in their Premier League opener this weekend, a player they were linked with could now be lining up against them.



https://tbrfootball.com/arsenal-linked-top-international-joins-fulham-on-loan-could-feature-against-gunners-this-weekend/

Fulham teenager Sylvester Jasper wanted by a host of Championship sides on a loan basis after emerging as a major talent at Craven Cottage

    Fulham starlet Sylvester Jasper is a top target for a host of Championship clubs
    The 18-year-old forward is highly regarded at Craven Cottage under Scott Parker
    Jasper signed a new contract with the club, keeping him there until at least 2023
    However, Fulham could look to send their youngster out on loan this summer

Fulham youngster Sylvester Jasper is emerging a target for a host of Championship clubs ahead of the new season.

The 18-year-old forward is highly regarded at Craven Cottage and has already featured for the first team under Scott Parker.

It remains to be seen whether the newly promoted club will consider allowing Jasper leave on loan ahead of the new season as Parker sizes up Fulham's return to the Premier League.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/09/33001848-8717447-image-a-2_1599727303954.jpg)
Sylvester Jasper is wanted by a number of Championship clubs on loan this season

Nevertheless, a host of top EFL sides are understood to be monitoring his situation, primarily ahead of the January window, in the event of the teenager being allowed to leave the club on a temporary basis.

Jasper, who is an England youth international, is viewed as a major talent at Fulham but the club may decide it will aid his development to leave on a short-term basis so he can play more regular senior football.

Jasper, who is contracted at the club until the summer of 2023, made his senior debut against Manchester City in January, and appeared twice in the league post-lockdown, against Brentford and Birmingham City.

He also set the Under-18 Premier League South alight last season, scoring nine goals and registering 10 assists in just 18 appearances during their title winning season.     

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/10/33003690-8717447-image-a-8_1599730630963.jpg)
Scott Parker rates him very highly and is weighing up whether to let him go out on loan

Consequently, Jasper was called upon by Under-23s throughout their 2019-2020 campaign. The 18-year-old scored twice in five PL2 appearances and featured in the EFL Trophy. 

Jasper's impressive form saw Fulham hand the youngster a new three year deal at the club. Having put pen to paper, the Jasper said: 'I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with this great Club, especially after a great season for myself personally.

'And the Club winning promotion to the Premier League makes it even more special. My main focus now is to work hard and help the team any way I can to have a good season in the Prem.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8717447/Fulham-teenager-Sylvester-Jasper-wanted-host-Championship-sides-loan-basis.html

Mitro: The Premier League proving ground awaits

Our return to the Premier League offers our talismanic Serbian striker a chance to show he's a force to be reckoned with at the top table of English football. How will he fare? Sean Guest looks into the numbers.

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When we secured the services of Aleksandar Mitrović in January 2018, he wasn't exactly the goal-scoring machine we've come to know and love. Over the first half of the 2017/18 season, he made just six appearances for Newcastle United, scoring a single goal. Prior to that, he found the net just 14 times in 65 league appearances on Tyneside, leaving many to question his ability to serve as a primary goal-scoring threat, particularly in the top flight.

His second stint in the Premier League did little to dispel those concerns, as Mitro, like Fulham, failed to hit the heights expected, scoring just 11 times in 37 appearances as the Cottagers were relegated. Now, Mitro is back in the big-time once again, but can he prove once and for all that he belongs there?

Hitting the ground running
As in 2018/19, Mitro is coming off a Championship campaign that saw him dominate defences across the division. During his loan spell with Fulham he scored 12 goals in just 17 appearances. This year, it was 26 in 40, good enough to win the Golden Boot . And while a combination of suspension and injury meant he was largely absent for the final few weeks of the campaign, Mitro will be hoping to get off to a hot start when our season kicks off against Arsenal on Saturday.

Last time around he did exactly that, taking advantage of early fixtures against the likes of Burnley, Brighton and Watford to score five goals in Fulham's first six games. During that stretch, his expected goals rating hovered around 1.0, while he averaged 4.5 shots and 2 shots on target per game, logging a conversion rate of a goal every 5.4 shots. Like the team though, he soon fell into a funk, scoring just two goals in the next 13 matches. That period saw his expected goals rating exceed a lowly 0.4 just once, in the team's 3-2 win over Southampton in November, a game in which Mitro found the back of the net twice. Meanwhile, his shots per game average fell to 2.8, his shots on target average slumped to just 0.8 and his conversion rate to one goal for every 18.5 shots.

Of course, part-way through this stretch of games, Mitro's fellow Serb, and the man who convinced him to move to SW6, Slavisa Jokanovic, was relieved of his duties. Mitro thrived in Slav's fluid, possession-based system, which even prompted Cardiff manager Neil Warnock to refer to the team as the "Manchester City of the Championship" ahead of the 2017/18 play-off final, thanks to the fact that they led the league in completion (83.1%) and total passes (24,857). One of the keys to Fulham's, and by extension Mitro's, success under this system was Tom Cairney, who led the team and the Championship that season in passes per match in 2017/18 (81.1). Due to a foot injury sustained in just our third game of the season, TC missed seven of Slav's 12 Premier League games. By the time he returned to action in early November, the team were four games into a six-game losing streak that would cost the manager his job.

A change for the worse
While many, including Eni Aluko writing in the Guardian, felt Jokanovic deserved more time, Shahid Khan disagreed, and appointed a manager he felt would help fix Fulham's defence, which had conceded a league-worst 31 goals by that point. Although they did improve marginally at that end of the field under the "risk-free and ready-made" Claudio Ranieri, his system, which effectively saw us sit deep for extended periods of games, absorbing pressure and playing on the break, had a negative impact at the other end, particularly on Mitrović.

Under Ranieri, the Serbian frequently found himself isolated for long periods, forced to toil in futility in order to hold the ball up for support that often never arrived. He scored just five goals during the Italian's reign, while averaging an expected goals rating of 0.3. Interestingly, he still averaged a similar number of touches per game (44) as he had under Jokanovic (40) but those touches often came a lot deeper and a lot earlier in possessions than they had under the Serbian. By the time Ranieri was fired and Scott Parker took over as caretaker manager in late February, the losing culture was so deeply ingrained at the club that Mitro scored just once in the team's remaining nine games.

Back in the big time
Thankfully for us, Mitro wasn't deterred by the disastrous 2018/19 campaign and signed a five-year contract extension with the club last summer. After tearing up the Championship and helping the team secure promotion, it's now essential that he proves he and Fulham are back where they belong.

Parker could, perhaps, be the manager to help him do just that, as his system closely resembles that which saw Jokanovic bring success to Craven Cottage in 2017/18. With him at the helm, Fulham again led the league in passing last season with 21,844 completed, nearly a quarter of which occurred in the attacking third. The concern, however, is that all that possession only translated to 69 goals (fifth-best), 212 shots on target (fourth-best) and 89 big chances (sixth-best). If we are to maximise Mitro's potential as a Premier League talisman, we're simply going to need to create more opportunities in the final third. This will come down to the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert, whose combined 393 crosses last season resulted in just 11 assists, and more incisive invention from centre midfield, where Fulham's assist leader was the rarely-used Stefan Johansen last season with four.

As was the case last time around, if opposing defences are able to keep Mitro quiet, they'll undoubtedly increase their chances of winning games. That said, we'll be encouraged by the fact that we succeeded in closing out the season without Mitrović, due to a combination of injury and suspension, and will be hoping that others can again step up when he's unable to impact games.

Whatever happens, Mitrović has unfinished business in the Premier League and will be absolutely crucial to our chances of survival.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-09-10-mitro-the-premier-league-proving-ground-awaits/

'On the way out': Manager confirms departure of reported Fulham target

Lyon coach Rudi Garcia has confirmed the impending departure of Kenny Tete, while speaking to the Ligue 1 official website, amid reports the Netherlands international has undergone a medical at Fulham.

It's safe to assume Leo Dubois is destined to be Lyon's first-choice right-back this season.

That's because the Champions League semi-finalists look set to get rid of his main rivals for a place in the starting XI in the space of a week.

Former Manchester United favourite Rafael da Silva has already been unveiled by Turkish champions Istanbul Basaksehir, while Voetbal International reports £3.6 million Dutchman Tete is on the verge of joining Premier League newcomers Fulham.

Medicals tests have apparently been completed.

"Kenny Tete and (AC Milan-bound goalkeeper) Ciprian Tatarusanu are on their way out," says former Roma and Marseille boss Garcia.

"A coach always wants to keep his best players. I'm thinking of Marçal (who has left for Wolves). I'm going to adapt and find solutions.

"People always talk about saleable assets and those players are still with us. We'll see. It's all part of this transfer window period that isn't over yet and there are still three weeks to go."

Tete, an attack-minded full-back who graduated from the Amsterdam finishing school and reached the Europa League final with Ajax in 2017, should represent an immediate upgrade on Cyrus Christie and Denis Odoi at Craven Cottage.

Fulham pulled off another eye-catching signing on Wednesday night too, landing France international goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from PSG after winning the La Liga title on loan at Real Madrid.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/10/on-the-way-out-manager-confirms-departure-of-reported-fulham-target/

From Portugal: Monaco join Milan and Fulham in race for Benfica starlet – offer presented

It is no secret that AC Milan are looking to reinforce the midfield even after the arrival of Sandro Tonali at the club. The main objective is supposedly Tiemoue Bakayoko, but given the difficulties in negotiations with Chelsea, the Rossoneri are looking around for alternatives.

One of these alternatives is Florentino Luis from Benfica, who was a target for Maldini also during the last winter transfer market. While an agreement wasn't reached then, Milan have remained in contact with the agent of the midfielder.

However, the 21-year-old Portuguese international has many suitors across the continent. Recently there has been talk of Fulham's interest in the player, but now rumours from Record, one of Portugal's most prominent newspapers, suggest that Monaco have joined the race to sign the player.

According to the newspaper, the Monegasque club offered 1.5 million euros for an initial loan deal with an option to buy set at 30 million. The club is now awaiting the response of Benfica to this offer.



https://sempremilan.com/from-portugal-monaco-join-milan-and-fulham-in-race-for-benfica-starlet-offer-presented

Report: Kenny Tete and Ola Aina have completed their medicals ahead of their move to Fulham

According to Sky Sports, Torino wing-back Ola Aina and Lyon defender Kenny Tete have completed their medicals ahead of their move to Fulham.

They now have to finalize personal terms, but that isn't expected to be an issue, and the duo could be playing a part in the Cottagers' Premier League opener against Arsenal on Saturday.

Aina is joining on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £11 million, while Tete is joining permanently for £3 million.

Fulham brought in France international goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain yesterday, and they are set to be handed more quality defensive boosts with the imminent arrivals of the aforementioned duo.

Tete, 24, will look to establish himself as manager Scott Parker's first-choice right-back, while Aina can slot in at left-back due to his versatility.

The Nigerian international will be keen to finally prove himself in the top-flight having not had the chance to do so while at Chelsea, and his experience and quality will come handy for Fulham.

Holding on to their Premier League status at the end of 2020-21 is paramount, and making these quality signings will no doubt boost their chances.



https://sportslens.com/report-kenny-tete-and-ola-aina-have-completed-their-medicals-ahead-of-their-move-to-fulham/312834/

 Kenny Tete and Ola Aina complete Fulham medicals
Aina will join Scott Parker's side on loan with an £11m option to buy, while Tete will join on a permanent deal for £3m

Torino defender Ola Aina and Lyon right-back Kenny Tete have completed medicals ahead of moves to Fulham.

Aina will join Scott Parker's side on loan with an £11m option to buy, while Tete will join on a permanent deal for £3m.

Both players will now finalise personal terms ahead of completing moves to Craven Cottage.

Netherlands international Tete has won 13 caps for his country and came through the Ajax youth academy having joined aged 10.

The 24-year-old made 55 appearances for Ajax, helping them reach the Europa League final in 2017, before moving to Lyon for £3.6m that summer.

He was an unused substitute in the Netherlands' 1-0 home defeat to Italy in the Nations League on Monday.


Former England youth international Aina is a graduate of Chelsea's academy and spent over a decade at the club.

He spent the 2017/18 campaign away on loan at Hull before making a season-long loan move to Torino the following year.

The Serie A side took up the option to make Aina's move from Chelsea permanent in June 2019. The 23-year-old made 37 appearances for Torino last season.


Fulham have made three close-season acquisitions following their return to the Premier League, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, Mario Lemina joining on a season-long loan and Harrison Reed signing on a permanent basis after spending last season at Craven Cottage.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12067994/kenny-tete-and-ola-aina-complete-fulham-medicals

Fulham vs Arsenal Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

Arsenal travel to Fulham's Craven Cottage for the opening game of the 2020/21 Premier League season on Saturday.

After relegation in the summer of 2019, Fulham returned to the top flight at the first time of asking last term. Manager Scott Parker took over his former club in the final few months of their ill-fated Premier League campaign and secured promotion via the Championship playoffs in his first full season as a first-team head coach.

Parker's counterpart in the Arsenal dugout Mikel Arteta is also at the start of a nascent managerial career, having joined the Gunners in December last year. A record 14th FA Cup triumph somewhat papered over the cracks of a dismal league campaign in which Arsenal ended the season in eighth place - their lowest finish since 1995.

Where to Watch on TV
When Is Kick Off? Saturday 12 September
What Time Is Kick Off? 12:30 (BST)
Where Is it Played? Craven Cottage
TV Channel/Live Stream? https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinaffid=635362&awinmid=3041&clickref=9M-LiveStreams&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Ftv%2Fpackages%2Ftv-affiliate-offer%2Fhttps://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinaffid=635362&awinmid=3041&clickref=9M-LiveStreams&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Ftv%2Fpackages%2Ftv-affiliate-offer%2Fhttps://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinaffid=635362&awinmid=3041&clickref=9M-LiveStreams&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Ftv%2Fpackages%2Ftv-affiliate-offer%2FBT Sport 1BT Sport 1 (UK), fuboTV (US)
Referee? Chris Kavanagh

Team News
Fulham boast an enviably sparse injury list, though Parker has a decision to make on his goalkeeper. Alphonso Areola signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, but whether he jumps in straight ahead of last season's number one Marek Rodak remains to be seen.

Arsenal will be without several players going into Saturday's fixture. Gabriel Martinelli and Calum Chambers are both long-term absentees with knee injuries. Shkodran Mustafi is set for a return in late October, while fellow centre back Pablo Mari could be back by the end of September.

David Luiz is a doubt for the Fulham match after suffering a neck injury during training.

Predicted Lineups
Fulham: Rodak; Odoi, Ream, Hector, Bryan; Lemina, Reed, Cairney; Knockaert, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro.

Arsenal: Leno; Saliba, Holding, Tierney; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Maitland-Niles; Willian, Nketiah, Aubameyang.

Recent Form
From November onwards, Fulham didn't venture outside the Championship's playoff spots - although they never broke into the division's top two. After back-to-back defeats against Brentford and Leeds to begin the post-lockdown campaign, Parker stopped the rot as Fulham closed out the regular season with seven games unbeaten - momentum they carried into the play-offs.

At a club who recently parted ways with a manager who was there for 22 years, Arsenal had no fewer than three separate men at the helm in the 2019/20 campaign. Arteta's unparalleled skills as an expert communicator saw him quickly embraced by the fans and, in 2020, Arsenal had the fourth-best record in the division.

While Arsenal target a return to the top six or perhaps even higher, Fulham's focus will reside at the other end of the table as they bid to secure a second consecutive season of top flight football for the first time since 2013.

Here's how each side has fared in their last five outings.

Fulham

Brentford 1-2 Fulham (4/8)
Fulham 1-2 Cardiff City (30/7)
Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham (27/7)
Wigan 1-1 Fulham (22/7)
Fulham 5-3 Sheffield Wednesday (18/7)

Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool (29/8)
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (1/8)
Arsenal 3-2 Watford (26/7)
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal (21/7)
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester City (18/7)

Prediction
Arsenal's last five matches have encompassed victories against three of last season's top four; Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. Yet in that time Arteta's side also succumbed to a limp 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa - a team that only secured their Premier League survival on the final day of last season.

Arteta's switch to a three-man defence prompted good results against sides willing to attack who Arsenal could catch on the counter attack, but left them lacking creativity against teams prepared to sit back and defend.

Fulham tried to dominate the ball last season - only Leeds had more possession per match on average - and if they attempt a similar front-foot approach it may prove their undoing against an Arsenal side adept at capitalising on the counter.

Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal



https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-arsenal-preview-how-to-watch-on-tv-live-stream-kick-off-time-team-news

Championship clubs eye Jasper loan move

A clutch of Championship clubs are keen on taking young Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper on loan, according to the Daily Mail.

The teenager, who signed a three-year contract extension earlier this month, made his professional debut as a substitute in Fulham's FA Cup defeat at Manchester City in February and followed that up with two substitute appearances in the league. Jasper is highly rated at Motspur Park and recently starred as Fulham's youngsters were beaten at Cambridge United in their opening EFL Trophy tie.

It remains to be seen whether the Whites would allow the 18 year-old out loan or would prefer to be keen a closer eye on his development.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/championship-clubs-eye-jasper-loan-move/

Club make Fulham player their 'plan B' – Cottagers midfielder 'pleases' club's decision makers

Fulham's Jean Michaël Seri has emerged as a target for Inter Milan, according to Foot Mercato.

Antonio Conte dreams of signing Chelsea star N'Golo Kanté, but it's difficult for the Serie A side to complete the deal.

That's because negotiations between the Blues and the Nerazzurri for the France international aren't progressing well.

The situation has seen the Milan club look at other options, and Seri's name has been put on the table.

Foot Mercato state Inter see the Ivory Coast international as 'plan B', if they fail to sign Kanté. According to the claims, Seri 'pleases' the decision makers of the Italian club.

The website only states the Fulham player is a backup option for Inter, and no further details are mentioned in the report.

Seri spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, and managed two goals and four assists in 37 matches in all competitions. He has two more years left on his contract at Craven Cottage.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/serie-a-side-make-fulham-player-as-their-plan-b-cottagers-midfielder-pleases-clubs-decision-makers/

Inter Considering Fulham Star As Alternative To N'Golo Kante

Inter are considering Fulham midfielder Jean-Michael Seri as an alternative option to Chelsea star N'Golo Kante.

Antonio Conte wants to bolster his midfield options in the ongoing transfer window and is keen to land Kante from his former club Chelsea.

However, no progress has been made and Inter will need to make player sales to stand a chance of submitting a bid which Chelsea would accept.

Inter have also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur midfielders Tonguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko as they look to strengthen their midfield.

They are also looking at other options and, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, have an eye on Fulham's 29-year-old midfielder Seri.

Inter are considering the Ivory Coast international as an alternative to their primary target Kante.

Seri spent last season on loan in Turkey, plying his trade for Super Lig giants Galatasaray.

The midfielder has returned to Craven Cottage following the end of his loan contract, but might not be in the plans of Fulham boss Scott Parker, who has already signed Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed for his midfield.

It remains to be seen if Inter will make a move for the Ivorian.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/10/inter-considering-fulham-star-as-alternative-to-ngolo-kante/471646/

Forbes features Pakistan-born Shahid Khan as 66th richest man in US

With a net worth of $7.8 billion, Pakistani-American Shahid Khan has been listed as the 66th richest man in the United States (US)  in the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans.

The 39th Forbes list, published on Tuesday, ranks CEO and founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, as the richest man of the US for the third consecutive year. Bezos' fortune of $179 billion, as of July 24, 2020, is up 57% from last year. Bill Gates has about $111bn and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has $85bn. He is the third on the list.

According to the Forbes report, there were 25 drop-offs who made the 2019 list but fell off this year's ranking; ten of those were due in part to setbacks related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

An engineer by trade, Shahid Khan is the only Pakistani featured on the list. He had immigrated to the US at age 16 with $500 and a plane ticket.

He made his fortune in the car parts business.

Famously known as Shad Khan, the Pakistani billionaire is also the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL), the English Football League Championship team Fulham F.C., and automobile parts manufacturer Flex-N-Gate in Urbana, Illinois which he bought on 1980.

Khan was also featured on the front cover of Forbes magazine in 2012 as the face of the American Dream.

"There are 18 newcomers on this year's list including Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom Video Communications, with a net worth of $11 billion; Jim Koch, co-founder and chairman of the Boston Beer Company, producer of Samuel Adams Beer, with a net worth of $2.6 billion; and at age 38 the youngest newcomer, Trevor Milton, founder of electric and hydrogen-electric truck maker Nikola," the report highlighted.

Moreover, US President Donald Trump's ranking dropped to number 352 from 275 in 2019, and his net worth dropped to $2.5 billion from last year's $3.1 billion, as the value of office buildings, hotels, and resorts have taken a huge toll amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.



https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/712847-forbes-features-pakistan-born-shahid-khan-as-66th-richest-man-in-us

Fulham forward attracting interest from Championship clubs

Fulham youngster Sylvester Jasper is attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs according to the Daily Mail.

Jasper has already featured for the Fulham first-team, and is highly-regarded by Scott Parker and his coaching staff ahead of the 2020/21 season.

He has caught the eye with a number of strong performances in recent years, and it appears as though his short-term future could be elsewhere.

The 18-year-old is contracted to the Cottagers until 2023, and made his first-team debut against Manchester City, before featuring against Brentford and Birmingham City in the second-tier.

Fulham's first-team finished fourth in the Championship last season, and clinched promotion into the Premier League after beating Brentford in the play-off final at Wembley.

This is likely to mean that Jasper could be heading out on loan, with first-team opportunities likely to be limited with Scott Parker's side in the Premier League.

The Cottagers get their Premier League campaign under way against London rivals Arsenal in the early kick-off at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Verdict:

He could be worth a punt for a number of Championship clubs.

Jasper doesn't have any experience of heading out on loan, and I think Fulham would be making the right decision in sending him to a club in the second-tier.

It'll be interesting to see which clubs are interested in landing his signature though, as he could be a solid addition for a number of teams.

He's a young talent that will be eager to make a name for himself in senior football, and a loan move to the Championship could see him do just that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-forward-attracting-interest-from-championship-clubs/

Report: Fulham plotting season-long loan for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis

According to The Sun, Fulham want to bring Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan this summer.

Manager Scott Parker wants to strengthen his options in the middle of the park and is keen on the Portuguese.

AC Milan are also interested in the services of Luis, but Fulham want to include a £27 million option to buy clause in the loan deal.

The 21-year-old is also on the radar of a number of other top European clubs despite playing just 21 games for Benfica's first-team.

Parker wants to ensure that his side hold on to their Premier League status at the end of the campaign, and Fulham have been making some smart moves in the summer transfer window.

Leeds United have also been linked with Luis, but they haven't made concrete moves for the youngster and it appears that their fellow newly-promoted rivals are ready to pip them to his signature.

The Portugal youth international has also been scouted by Manchester City and Manchester United, and he will be keen to prove himself in the top-flight if a move to Fulham works out.

Luis' ability to play as a holding midfielder and in a box-to-box role will come handy at Craven Cottage, and it will be interesting to see if they can seal a move for the in-demand youngster.



https://sportslens.com/report-fulham-plotting-season-long-loan-for-benfica-midfielder-florentino-luis/312857/

 Fulham's Jean Michael Seri on Inter Milan's radar
The Italian club see Seri as an alternative to Chelsea's N'Golo Kante

(https://e0.365dm.com/20/09/768x432/skysports-jean-michael-seri_5092120.jpg?20200910140229)
Inter Milan are looking at possibly signing Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri

Inter Milan are considering a move for Fulham's Jean Michael Seri.

The Italian club have wanted to sign N'Golo Kante from Chelsea but are short of funds.

Seri - who was on loan at Galatasaray last season - could present a more affordable option if Inter move a player out, potentially on an initial loan.

The Ivorian midfielder was also said to be on Everton's wanted list this summer before they signed Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Fulham are listening to offers for Seri as well as fellow central midfielder Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Boss Scott Parker has bought in two central midfielders of his own this window, signing Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina from Southampton.

The Cottagers have also secured the signatures of Antonee Robinson from Wigan and Alphonse Areola on-loan from PSG.

More new signings are set to follow, with Torino defender Ola Aina and Lyon right-back Kenny Tete both completing medicals ahead of moves to the club.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12068133/fulhams-jean-michael-seri-on-inter-milans-radar

Cottage Talk Preview: Fulham vs. Arsenal

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode is a preview of Fulham's match against Arsenal and joining us on the show was Dan Potts from the Same Old Arsenal Podcast. He was on the show to give the Arsenal perspective on this match.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/9/10/21430470/cottage-talk-preview-fulham-vs-arsenal

Premier League predictions: Lawro v soul singer and Arsenal fan Celeste

New season, same old Liverpool? Yes, according to former Reds defender and BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson.

"Jurgen Klopp is not going to change the way he plays," Lawrenson said. "It is asking a lot for them to end up with the same points total as the past two years, but I don't expect their levels to drop and I think they will start off by beating Leeds on Saturday.

"Then Liverpool go to Chelsea next weekend, which will be a tough game, but with Manchester City's start to the season delayed until 21 September, Pep Guardiola's side could be six points behind before they kick a ball, which would not be ideal for them."

Lawro will make predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For the opening weekend of the season, he is up against soul singer Celeste.

Celeste, whose new track 'Little Runaway' is out now, was born in California and grew up in Brighton but is an Arsenal fan.

"I am not that clued up on football but I know a bit," she told BBC Sport. "My grandad watches a lot so, from when I was younger, I would always watch games - but I think most of the players I know are sort of legends now, rather than still playing.

"Why Arsenal? Well, when I was growing up, my uncle supported West Ham and one of my mum's best friends supported Arsenal. I was close with all of them and they were vying for me to follow their team.

"Then I remember my mum's best friend's husband, he bought me a kit - an Arsenal kit - and I was like 'this is cool' and that was enough to win me over. From then on I was always leaning towards Arsenal."

The 26-year-old, who won BBC Music's Sound of 2020 award in January and was the 2019 Brits' Rising Star, got used to the sound of Arsenal fans when she lived in north London.

"I used to live in Holloway, near the Emirates Stadium, and you would always know when there was a game on. It was almost like you could feel it, from the top of the road to the bottom," she explained. "People would be doing these massive long walks on their way to the game and go past us."

"I never went myself but, when the fans are allowed back, I'd love to go to a game. It would be really cool to experience it, especially after this year when you have seen the difference in empty venues.

"There is something different about playing in front of a crowd, whether you are a singer or a footballer. I can't wait until the moment when I can go back and sing a song in front of people again - that will be quite amazing.

"It kind of gives you this exhilarating energy that helps you perform - and you do things you don't even know you can do because you are filled with this adrenaline that comes from having an audience.

"It can take you to new heights. I am sure footballers feel the same way."

LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
Fulham v Arsenal (12:30 BST)

With no fans allowed into grounds, Fulham will not get any of the usual buzz or lift that newly promoted teams get from their fans when they are at home on the opening day of the season.

The Cottagers must know most people think they will go straight back down, but their manager Scott Parker can use that as a way of motivating them.

I saw quite a bit of them in the Championship last season and they try to play good football, with the option of using Aleksandar Mitrovic as a target man too.

I just think Arsenal will be ready for them, though. For obvious reasons, it does not seem like very long at all since the Gunners won the FA Cup final.

Since then, they have won the Community Shield too, which is as competitive as it gets for a friendly. I'd expect them to be sharp.

Lawro's prediction: 0-2

Celeste's prediction: 1-2



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54027472

Parker hoping 'wiser' Fulham can emulate Sheffield United

Fulham plummeted to relegation from the Premier League in 2019 with five matches to go.

This time Scott Parker believes he can avoid becoming the top flight's cannon fodder.

The newly promoted side faces a stiff test on Saturday when they host Arsenal at Craven Cottage, but Parker hopes the club can emulate the feats of Sheffield United.

The Blades under Chris Wilder scaled the heady heights to ninth in the truncated campaign, and made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup – very much against the odds.

They were among the favourites for an instant return to the Championship.

This time, in a survey among Premier League fans, 18 clubs' supporters out of 20 reckon Fulham will be demoted again. Leeds, and Fulham themselves, naturally, were the only demurrers.

That's why Parker wants a bit of South Yorkshire in west London.

"Chris Wilder did a fantastic job last season. He brought the squad together on one page, and they're the team we're looking at," he said.

The Whites manager, who celebrated an emotional night when Fulham beat Brentford in the mausoleum of an empty Wembley in the Championship play-off final, reckons the mentality of his squad will be better than the calamitous relegation in 2019.

Parker insisted: "I think we're a wiser unit.

"The players understand it's going to be different from the Championship where we were expected to win and challenge for promotion.

"They understand the difference between the two (leagues).

"This is going to be tougher. But the mentality, the cohesion, and desire for togetherness is going to be a big factor.

"We can't afford two or three players to be off their game at any one given time. We need all 22 to be on it.

"We need to relish the challenge."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-hoping-wiser-fulham-can-emulate-sheffield-united

Boro Bring In Marcus Bettinelli On Loan

The club has completed the signing of Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old is a double promotion winner with the Cottagers and brings a wealth of experience, having clocked up over 200 career appearances.

Bettinelli's arrival gives Boro boss Neil Warnock increased competition for the goalkeeping slot as he looks to shape his squad for the new season.

The former England Under-21 international becomes Boro's second signing of the summer, following Grant Hall into the club.

A delighted Warnock said: "I'm really pleased. I've been tracking Marcus since he first got into the team at Fulham a good few years ago and when the opportunity arose to bring him here, I was quick to the call.

"He's a good lad, he'll fit in well and speaking to him, I've been really impressed by his attitude and his desire to play for us."



https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/boro-bring-in-marcus-bettinelli-on-loan

Fulham ready for the mental challenge of adapting to Premier League expectations after promotion, says Parker

Scott Parker says his Fulham side are mentally prepared to face up to the challenge of the Premier League as they prepare to return against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Cottagers won promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking, with Parker having to overhaul and rejuvenate a side which was consigned to losing every week in their relegation into one expected to win every game in the Championship.

He now faces a mentality shift once more, well aware that winning a fraction of the games they did last season could be deemed a success in the Premier League, but ensuring that the side don't spiral after any poor run.

"We need to relish this challenge," he said. "We set a challenge last year to get out of the Championship at the first time of asking and we did that. We face a challenge now which is now going from going from the majority of weeks being expected to win, now to be in a division where it is going to be a lot more difficult."

It is a challenge we have to embrace, take on and we are in a good place to do that. Mentally we are in that place and understand what we will face."

In preparing for the challenge, Parker has looked to add to his side. Fulham are set to complete deals for Kenny Tete and Ola Aina this week. The club have already signed full-back Antonee Robinson, midfield duo Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina and completed a deal for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

"Areola coming in brings competition which is vastly needed in a League which we know is one of the best in the world," Parker said of the France international, who will compete with Marek Rodak for first choice keeper.

"What is vital for me in my position and vital for us to be successful this year is healthy competition. We realise when you have that then there is always someone pushing.

"It will be for me to make a judgement on that [who is No1] at this moment in time I won't do that but the signing is one which I think means they could push each other. I've got two very good keepers here and that is exactly what I need."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-ready-to-adapt-to-top-flight-expectations-premier-league-scott-parker-a4544621.html

Bettinelli moves to Middlesbrough on loan

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has signed for Middlesbrough this afternoon on a season-long loan.

The former England under-21 international was likely to be second choice behind Marek Rodak at Craven Cottage this season and his chances of first-team football decreased further when the Whites bought in Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain yesterday.

Bettinelli, now 28, has made 120 senior appearances for Fulham since turning professional in 2010. He was part of two successful promotion-winning sides from the Championship but lost his place to Rodak after a run of iffy displays in the Fulham goal last autumn.

Boro boss Neil Warnock said the opportunity to sign Bettinelli was too good for him to pass up:

I'm really pleased. I've been tracking Marcus since he first got into the team at Fulham a good few years ago and when the opportunity arose to bring him here, I was quick to the call. He's a good lad, he'll fit in well and speaking to him, I've been really impressed by his attitude and his desire to play for us.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/bettinelli-moves-to-middlesbrough-on-loan/

Marcus Bettinelli: Middlesbrough sign Fulham goalkeeper on loan


Championship club Middlesbrough have signed Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a season-long loan deal.

The 28-year-old former England Under-21 international has made 120 appearances for the west London club.

"I've been tracking Marcus since he first got into the team at Fulham a good few years ago," Boro boss Neil Warnock told the club website.

"He's a good lad, and I've been really impressed by his attitude and his desire to play for us."

Bettinelli becomes Boro's second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of defender Grant Hall on Teesside.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54104066

Fulham 'ready for the challenge,' says Parker

Scott Parker says his Fulham side are ready for the challenge of playing in Premier League.

The Fulham boss knows that his team, promoted via the play-offs last month, having largely been written off as top flight cannon fodder following their dismal showing in the top flight two years ago but believes his players will be fired up to prove a point to most of the pundits who have predicted them to finish bottom of the pile this year. Parker feels his side have shown great character and maturity to reach the top flight over the past six months and that will stand them in good stead as they make the step up.

Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday's opening fixture against Arsenal, Parker said:

We need to relish this challenge. We set a challenge last year to get out of the Championship at the first time of asking and we did that. We face a challenge now which is now going from going from the majority of weeks being expected to win, now to be in a division where it is going to be a lot more difficult. It is a challenge we have to embrace, take on and we are in a good place to do that. Mentally we are in that place and understand what we will face.

Parker said that new signing Alphonese Areola, who arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain yesterday, will provide stern competition for last season's number one Marek Rodak.

Areola coming in brings competition which is vastly needed in a League which we know is one of the best in the world. What is vital for me in my position and vital for us to be successful this year is healthy competition. We realise when you have that then there is always someone pushing. It will be for me to make a judgement on that. At this moment in time I won't do that but the signing is one which I think means they could push each other. I've got two very good keepers here and that is exactly what I need.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-ready-for-the-challenge-says-parker/

 The making of Scott Parker: Fulham boss out to build a Premier League side in his own image

SPECIAL REPORT


An emotional Scott Parker struggled to put it all into words when Fulham secured promotion at Wembley last month.

His post-match interview in which he tried to sum up the 24/7 life as manager by talking about "going at 100mph and losing sight of other things" went viral after it was matched with The Streets' Dry Your Eyes in a YouTube video.

Promotion was the culmination of 18 months' work and the interview demonstrated what it meant to a talented young manager, who will now get a crack at the big league. Parker was put in charge of a sinking ship when he was appointed at the end of the 2018-19 season, with Fulham heading for the Championship. Since then, he has picked up the pieces after a relegation campaign that featured three managers, a host of under-performing signings and left plenty of psychological scars at Craven Cottage.

He has instilled a clear philosophy of hard work and stylish football, and, just 37 days since their Play-Off Final win against Brentford, is ready to make his mark in the top flight. "He's more confident this time," Stuart Gray, Parker's assistant, tells Standard Sport.

"He enjoys being shoulder-to-shoulder with the big Premier League managers who we're going to be taking on. He's very confident in his own ability and he's very confident in the group of lads that we've got. "There aren't many people in their first year of a job that have got promoted. He's earned it. Our next step now is obviously kicking on."

Parker knows Fulham have to do things differently this time. When the Cottagers were promoted two years ago, they ripped up what they had built under Slavisa Jokanovic and spent £100million on new signings.

Most underperformed, the spirit in the squad was broken and Fulham were relegated. This time, Parker has a greater say in the club's transfer activity than his predecessors and the former Charlton, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham and England midfielder has shaped a side that mirror his old playing style.

"With Scott, he thought about everything," says his former manager Alan Curbishley. "No one would have worked any harder than he did at becoming a professional footballer."

Parker has taken that work ethic into management and he wants to see from his team, too. "It's no coincidence that he wants players him mirror himself on the training pitch," says Gray.

"Players that give everything for the cause, and then nobody can point a finger at you. If we get beat, we get beat on ability. We don't get beat on application or desire or commitment, because that's how he was as a player and that's what he wants from his team."

Parker's path into management started during his time at Tottenham, when he embarked on his coaching badges. It continued at Fulham, where he earned his UEFA licence while he was still a player, and then began in earnest when he returned to Spurs as Under-18s coach in 2017.

The hours of work he has put in during that time has been building towards this point. He is the first in and last out at Fulham's training ground. He likes to leave nothing to chance and his post-match interview at Wembley gave an insight into the painstaking preparation that many inside the game believe will help establish him alongside Frank Lampard as another talented young English manager in the Premier League.

Parker has been rewarded for the job he is doing with a three-year contract, but keeping Fulham up will not be easy. The Cottagers are among the favourites to go down and they face a tough start at home against Arsenal on Saturday. "He knows Fulham are not going to outplay teams most weeks," says Curbishley. "He will take it in his stride, but he is going to come up against situations he has not faced before. He has had a fantastic season and you'll be lucky if you're going to get another season like that in the Premier League."

The challenge, though, is one Parker will relish. "We're playing week-in, week-out now against world-class players," says Gray. "One mistake, boom, you will get punished. That's what we're trying to work on with these guys, mentality wise, that we give no free gifts away to the opposition. "We can't give them goals — that's what we probably did far too much in the Premier League last time round."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/the-making-of-scott-parker-fulham-boss-out-to-build-a-premier-league-side-in-his-own-image-a4544656.html

Report: Fulham make £17m bid to bring 25-year-old back to England; he wants a move

Fulham have made a new bid worth £17 million for Lyon forward Bertrand Traore, according to the Mail.

Like Wolves and Newcastle United, Scott Parker's Premier League newcomers have gone into overdrive with the 2020/21 season due to kick off this weekend.

In Alphonse Areola, Fulham now have a goalkeeper who has won domestic titles with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, while a pair of right-backs are set to arrive too.

Sky claim that Torino's Ola Aina and Lyon's Kenny Tete will undergo medicals with the Craven Cottage outfit and should put pen to paper before Saturday's opening day clash at home to Arsenal.

Interestingly, Traore, the Cape Verde international who Fulham have now made two bids for, has something in common with the aforementioned defenders.

Like Aina, he started his career a few miles down the road at Chelsea. And, like Tete, he arrived at Lyon after graduating from the esteemed Ajax finishing school with flying colours.

The Mail reports that Fulham are now stepping up their pursuit of the tricky right winger, offering £17 million – a massive increase on their previous offer of £8 million (Mirror, 4 September, page 74).

And you would imagine that Traore will do everything in his power to force through the move after falling out of favour under Rudi Garcia at the Champions League semi-finalists.

"It is true that there is interest. A departure cannot be ruled out," the 25-year-old told L'Etalon

"I can't stay on the bench all the time. I need to play. I have no time to waste. I'm no longer an 18, 19 or 20-year-old player."

Traore scored just one Ligue 1 goal last season but managed seven and 13 in his previous two years at Stade OL.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/10/report-fulham-make-17m-bid-to-bring-25-year-old-back-to-england-he-wants-a-move/

Head Coach press conference


Scott Parker knows the foundations that need to be laid if Fulham are to have a successful return to Premier League life.

A monumental team effort saw the Whites promoted from the Championship last season, and Parker wants to see more of the same this time around.

"The challenge now is that we've gone from being expected to win the majority of weeks and trying to get promoted, and we now go into a division where we understand it's going to be a lot more difficult," he said ahead of Saturday's curtain raiser against Arsenal.

"It's a challenge that we have to embrace and take on, and I feel we are in a good place to do that. Mentally we're in a place where we all understand what we face, and we're looking forward to that.

"What we're going to need is a real togetherness, and 11 men every time, sticking together and really fighting for each other.

"We saw that last season with Sheffield United, and that's no disrespect to them and Chris Wilder and the job they've done, because they've done absolutely fantastic, but that's the sort of team we need to look at.

"They had a fantastic year last year and I think Chris would be the first to say that what he demands from his players to get the results is what I'm talking about.

"Other than tactics, which we obviously understand, there is a bigger dynamic which is a squad that is together, a squad that is united, a squad that is on one page, a squad that understands what this league is going to be and what we're going to have to bring every single time.

"And with that, you've got a chance of being successful."

Despite it being the first game of the season at the weekend, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side can consider themselves in good form, claiming both the FA Cup and Community Shield at Wembley in August.

"I think they could be a big force this season," Parker stated. "There's no denying the quality Arsenal have, the players they have.

"Mikel's done a fantastic job in a short space of time with his team, so I think this year's a big year for Arsenal.

"The quality in their ranks is vast, and you've seen that in the last few months, and when they won the FA Cup as well.

"But like always, like we did last year and we will this year, we'll prepare for this game to try and get a result. We'll prepare for this game to try and hurt them where we feel we can punish them.

"It will be the same for them, we understand their threats and where they can hurt us, and we'll try to counteract that and try and limit them."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Head-Coach-press conference/

TMW: Milan losing ground in pursuit of Benfica starlet – Fulham and Leeds keen      

In addition to Sandro Tonali, who was announced by the club yesterday, Milan are looking to bring in one more midfielder. However, they are yet to settle on one player due to complications in the last few days.

Chelsea outcast Tiemoue Bakayoko, who played for the Rossoneri in the 2018/19 season, remains the first choice but the clubs have failed to reach an agreement thus far. As a result of this, Milan are also monitoring several alternatives.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Florentino Luis is one of the players on Milan's wish list for the midfield. The 21-year-old, who plays for Benfica, has been linked with the Rossoneri on and off since January and the interest remains.

However, Milan are losing ground in the pursuit, as the newly-promoted Premier League sides Fulham and Leeds are keen on the player. The former, as the report concludes, are in a good position to secure the services of Florentino.



https://sempremilan.com/tmw-milan-losing-ground-in-pursuit-of-benfica-starlet-fulham-and-leeds-keen

AS Monaco match Fulham's bid for midfielder – Race for player getting big

Just yesterday, we covered the latest claims from Portugal regarding Fulham's chase for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís.

It was claimed by O Jogo that the Whites' last bid was €2m for a loan deal, plus an obligatory clause to buy him at the end of the spell for €30m.

But Benfica turned it down, as they believe the player is worth at least €40m. Now an update from the Portuguese media claims that Monaco matched Fulham's bid for the 21-year-old.

It's Desporto Ao Minuto who reports it today, reporting the bid was very similar, and since Fulham's offer was turned down, Benfica will do the same now.

With these two bids, it now makes sense that the Eagles are being tough in negotiations for Florentino. The player has been taking part in the club's pre-season, and will be used by manager Jorge Jesus if don't receive a good offer.

So for Fulham to really land him, the club will have to open their pockets and beat the French competition.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/monaco-match-fulhams-bid-midfielder-race-player-getting-big/

Scott Parker: 'Fulham are still looking to add more new signings'

Fulham manager Scott Parker insists the final say on transfers is his and suggested the club could yet do more deals before the window closes on October 5.

The west London club have already made five additions to their squad this transfer window, including Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed who had been on loan at Craven Cottage last season.

Kenny Tete and Ola Aina are also expected to join the club in the coming days, although Parker insisted the deals were not official yet.

"Like anything really we're looking to strengthen the squad and looking to strengthen certain positions so hopefully we can get those two over the line in the coming weeks really," the 43-year-old said.

When asked about other potential deals, Parker added: "We are hoping to do a few things, there is no set number, there are areas of the team we need to improve, areas we need to evolve, for their development and our development as a team we need people coming in to improve us.

"This is the world we live in, part and parcel of football you want to progress – if you can bring people in that you think can make you better, then you will do that."

When Fulham were last promoted to the Premier League in 2018, they spent more than £100million in the summer transfer window, including the signings of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Alfie Mawson.

The club were relegated on April 2 the following year and Parker was named caretaker boss after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in February 2019, but the ex-England international believes this year will be different.

When asked who makes the final decision in terms of transfers, Parker said: "Do I have the final say on what players come int the football club? 100 percent."

He added: "Are we going to spend 100 million this time? No. But I don't think that's the issue.

"The issue is bringing the right people to the football club who understand what's needed and who understand what we're going into and that's key for me.

"If they improve us, if they enhance us and make us better then that's for sure who we want. Wholesale change? No of course not but at the same time there's a real balancing act of improving as a team and evolving as a football club and getting better and also not losing sight, not losing people who understand and can drive a culture and an environment as needed."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/scott-parker-fulham-are-still-looking-to-add-more-new-signings_413767.html

Scott Parker insists he has the final word on which players Fulham sign

Fulham manager Scott Parker insists the final say on transfers is his and suggested the club could yet do more deals before the window closes on October 5.

The west London club have already made five additions to their squad this transfer window, including Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed who had been on loan at Craven Cottage last season.

Kenny Tete and Ola Aina are also expected to join the club in the coming days, although Parker insisted the deals were not official yet.

"Like anything really we're looking to strengthen the squad and looking to strengthen certain positions so hopefully we can get those two over the line in the coming weeks really," the 43-year-old said.

When asked about other potential deals, Parker added: "We are hoping to do a few things, there is no set number, there are areas of the team we need to improve, areas we need to evolve, for their development and our development as a team we need people coming in to improve us.

"This is the world we live in, part and parcel of football you want to progress – if you can bring people in that you think can make you better, then you will do that."

When Fulham were last promoted to the Premier League in 2018, they spent more than £100million in the summer transfer window, including the signings of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Alfie Mawson.

The club were relegated on April 2 the following year and Parker was named caretaker boss after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in February 2019, but the ex-England international believes this year will be different.

When asked who makes the final decision in terms of transfers, Parker said: "Do I have the final say on what players come int the football club? 100 percent."

He added: "Are we going to spend 100 million this time? No. But I don't think that's the issue.

"The issue is bringing the right people to the football club who understand what's needed and who understand what we're going into and that's key for me.

"If they improve us, if they enhance us and make us better then that's for sure who we want. Wholesale change? No of course not but at the same time there's a real balancing act of improving as a team and evolving as a football club and getting better and also not losing sight, not losing people who understand and can drive a culture and an environment as needed."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-insists-he-has-the-final-word-on-which-players-fulham-sign-1599750473000

Report: Free agent would prefer to join Everton or Fulham than West Brom

West Bromwich Albion have made a tempting offer for Branislav Ivanovic, but the three-time Premier League champion would choose Fulham or Everton over a move to The Hawthorns, according to B92.

It is not often a 36-year-old free agent finds himself in such high demand.

But, then again, there are few players on the market with a CV like Ivanovic's.

Before you suggest that the Chelsea hero is a man past his prime, consider this: he captained Zenit St Petersburg to the Russian title as recently as July.

Ivanovic is now available for nothing after his contract at the Gazprom Arena expired, and B92 back up claims from Championat suggesting that newly-promoted West Brom have entered negotiations.

Unfortunately for Slaven Bilic, the Baggies are third in Ivanovic's pecking order, behind Fulham and Everton.

During nine trophy-laden years at Chelsea, the 105-capped Serbia international made a home for himself in West London, and Scott Parker's Fulham will offer him the chance to return to familiar surroundings.

A move to Goodison Park, however, would see Ivanovic reunite with his former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, the charming grandfather of European football who has already been reunited with two of his favourite sons this summer: Allan and James Rodriguez.

"Ancelotti is very different. If players had a choice, I guess they would prefer to spend the entire career with Carlo. He is very calm and takes all the negative aspects on him, allowing the players to be comfortable," Ivanovic told ESPN in 2017.

West Brom can at least hang their hat on the fact that they are the only Premier League club to have actually made a serious offer so far for the rampaging right-back turned centre-half collosus.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/10/report-free-agent-would-prefer-to-join-everton-or-fulham-than-west-brom/

Know Your Foe: Fulham
We chatted with Cottagers Confidential to get the inside scoop on the newly promoted side.

Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Craven Cottage for their Premier League opener against newly promoted Fulham, we had a quick chat with Andrew Beck of Cottagers Confidential, our SB Nation sister blog.

We're going to try to be more regular with Know Your Foe / 3 Questions this season. It's nice to get a different voice and perspective on the other Premier League clubs.

TSF: What's different about Fulham since the last time they were up?

AB: The last time Fulham came up they had a massive roster turnover, this time they've added some pieces (with hopefully more still to come), but there will be much more continuity with the squad that won promotion.

The other big difference is the style that they will be playing. Under Slavisa Jokanivic, they were designed to have the ball and apply constant offensive pressure. Unfortunately, they didn't really have anyone who could win the ball, which is sort of a big problem when your team can't function without it. To make matters worse the defenders weren't good enough, especially when teams could easily bypass the midfield.

Scott Parker will still want the team to have the ball, but in possession it will be much more that the other team doesn't have it rather than attacking with it. The best comparison might be to the boring Brendan Rogers kind of attack.

TSF: What do Arsenal, and the other Premier League clubs, have to watch out for? How are Fulham going to beat you?

AB: Aleksander Mitrovic is still a physical beast who's surprisingly skilled. He's going to be a handful for almost any centerback, and that's before you take into account his reputation for pushing the limits on dirty play.

Fulham also have a lot of guys who are in love with shooting from distance. The attacking midfield seemed to endlessly beat their man near the top of the box and then shoot rather than work for an opportunity nearer to goal. It led to a lot of highlight reel moments, but it isn't the most sustainable way to attack. You definitely need to be prepared for it though, because there will be 4 or 5 guys on the pitch willing and able to take that shot.

TSF: What's a realistic expectation for Fulham? Do they have enough to stay up?

AB: Staying up would be the realistic goal. Anything more than that is gravy. Being a London club, with a big stadium renovation soon to be completed, means they should have the financial clout to stay midtable long term if they can just make it through a year.

Right now, I don't think they have enough. But there should be at least one more fullback coming in. They still need another CB, because Tim Ream isn't going to cut it at his age. That being said, the bottom half of the premier league was awful last year, and I'm not sure how much better some of those teams were than the top Championship clubs (I expect Leeds to really show this). I also don't think many clubs outside of the top 4 have done all that much to strengthen themselves. You could easily talk me into any combination of 9 teams ending in the bottom three. So just playing the odds I think they're more likely than not to stay up.

Thanks so much to Andrew for taking the time!



https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2020/9/10/21430718/arsenal-fulham-preview-questions-scott-parker

Tete completes Fulham move

Fulham have signed Dutch international defender Kenny Tete from Lyon for a fee believed to be in the region of £3m.

The 24 year-old has signed a four-year contract, with Fulham holding an option to increase it for another year. The full back was part of the Lyon side that reached the Champions' League semi-finals, coming on a substitute as the French team shocked Manchester City in the last eight, but was largely a second choice in recent times with Lyon and is delighted to have sealed his switch to SW6.

Tete told Fulham's official website:

It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here. I cannot wait to start my new journey and meet my new teammates. I heard of Fulham's interest and I was bowled over. I spoke with people around me and knew quickly I wanted to leave Lyon and join Fulham. The team is back in the Premeir League now and I will give 100 percent to keep us there.

Tete originally came through the Ajax youth academy, making 55 appearances for his hometown club and helping them reach the final of the Europa League in 2017 before moving to France. He has won thirteen senior caps for Holland and was an unused substitute in the recent Nations League clash with Italy.

Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan said:

I'm excited to announce the permanent transfer of Kenny Tete to Fulham Football Club. With the addition of Kenny, we've strengthened our squad to compete in the Premier League. He's a young player with great experience, and I'm thrilled that he's joining us on a long contract. I'm confident that with his talent and his desire to win, he'll be a great asset for us now and in future seasons.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/tete-completes-fulham-move/

Kenny Tete Signs


The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Netherlands international defender Kenny Tete.

Right-back Tete has signed from Lyon for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," the 24-year-old said to FFCtv. "I cannot wait to start my new journey and meet my new teammates.

"I heard of Fulham's interest and I was bowled over. I spoke with people around me and knew quickly I wanted to leave Lyon and join Fulham.

"The team is back in the Premier League now and I will give 100 percent to keep us there."


Tony Khan also commented: "I'm excited to announce the permanent transfer of Kenny Tete to Fulham Football Club.

"With the addition of Kenny, we've strengthened our squad to compete in the Premier League. He's a young player with great experience, and I'm thrilled that he's joining us on a long contract.

"I'm confident that with his talent and his desire to win, he'll be a great asset for us now and in future seasons. Come on Fulham!"

Tete arrives fresh from a fantastic UEFA Champions League campaign, with Lyon making their way to the Semi-Finals having eliminated some big sides along the way.

The Dutch international should feel right at home in SW6 as he too knows how to knock Juventus out of Europe, featuring in both games as Lyon triumphed over the Old Lady across two legs.


He also helped them to dispatch Manchester City 3-1 in the Quarter-Finals, before Lyon's valiant effort was brought to an end by eventual winners Bayern Munich in the Semis.

Tete helped Lyon to a 4-1 win in their first game of the current season last Friday, which proved to be the last of his 82 appearances for the club.

Prior to his time in France, Tete was a regular for Ajax, his local side having been born in Amsterdam.

He made his debut for the senior side in the 2014/15 season, and went on to make 55 appearances for the Club, including helping them reach the 2017 Europa League Final.

Having represented the Netherlands at youth level up to Under-21, he made his full international debut a day after turning 20 and has now gone on to win 13 caps. Tete was a member of the Dutch squad for the recent Nations League matches.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Kenny-Tete-Signs/

Premier League left facing £100million loss each month without fans

The top flight will be on the receiving end of enormous financial losses with fans unable to flock to stadiums due to the current social distancing rules in place

Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has warned the Premier League could lose £100million a month as long as fans are locked out.

Purslow says Villa Park's 42,000-capacity would be reduced to just 4,000 under the current rules for social distancing.

He wants to see potential test events expanded from 1,000 fans to thousands of supporters who are let in after they have been tested for coronavirus.

Purslow said: "Every month we delay return of fans costs Premier League over £100m.

"That has profound impact on the football economy.

"The only thing you will learn from having 1,000 fans in a stadium in a football test event is that football clubs lose huge amounts of money when their stadiums are empty and that has a profound impact on the economy of football.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article22401244.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Crystal-Palace-v-Manchester-City-Premier-League-Selhurst-Park.jpg)
The Premier League could lose £100million per month (Image: EMPICS Sport)

"The government have been in possession for over two months of a wide-ranging proposal for a set of test events that should have taken place in September, including what we thought of as a pioneering event in central London to try and move away from this social distancing limitation as the basis of which to determine how many fans can come in.

"In our stadium if we applied the one metre plus metric only about 4,000 fans could come in to 42,000-seater Villa Park and anyone can see that's not viable.

"We are advocating a testing largely in line with rugby where a huge amount of accurate pre-testing is done of a known audience of fans before and after matches.

"That not only provides a safe environment but helps the government with a very large sample size.

"We were proposing 50 per cent in a large London stadium which would have been the biggest sample ever taken."

The new Premier League season kicks off on Saturday afternoon, though Villa wait until the following weekend to play due to their opening clash with Manchester City being postponed.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-100million-loss-fans-22662688

Premier League reveal revised TV schedule for matchday three now every game is to be broadcast in September... with Crystal Palace v Everton to be Amazon Prime's first game of the new season

    All of the Premier League matches in September are to be broadcast live
    Crystal Palace versus Everton will be Amazon Prime's first game of the season
    Tottenham's clash against Newcastle will now be shown on Sky Sports

The Premier League have confirmed the TV changes for the final round of September fixtures, with Crystal Palace versus Everton to be shown on Amazon Prime.

The match will kick off at 3pm on Saturday September 26, with every Premier League game in September to be broadcast as fans are still not permitted to attend matches.

Meanwhile, Tottenham's game at home to Newcastle will now be shown on Sky Sports.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/17/33020454-8719339-Amazon_Prime_s_first_live_game_of_the_season_will_be_Crystal_Pal-m-35_1599755680457.jpg)
Amazon Prime's first live game of the season will be Crystal Palace against Everton

Originally scheduled for September 26, it will now take place a day later and will kick off at 2pm.

Another change sees West Ham versus Wolves moved to a 7pm kick off on September 27, with the game being shown on BT Sport.

Burnley versus Southampton on September 26 will kick off at 8pm and be shown on Sky Sports.

Two games will also be shown on Sky Sports on Monday September 28, with Fulham versus Aston Villa taking place at 6pm before Liverpool host Arsenal in an 8.15pm kick-off.

MATCHDAY THREE FIXTURES
Saturday September 26

12:30 Brighton v Man Utd (BT Sport)

15:00 Crystal Palace v Everton (Amazon Prime)**This may move to 19:00 BST 27 September depending on PL club participation in the third round of the EFL Cup

17:30 West Brom v Chelsea (Sky Sports)

20:00 Burnley v Southampton (Sky Sports)

Sunday September 27

12:00 Sheffield Utd v Leeds (BT Sport)

14:00 Spurs v Newcastle (Sky Sports)

16:30 Man City v Leicester (Sky Sports)

19:00 West Ham v Wolves (BT Sport)**This may move to 15:00 BST 26 September depending on PL club participation in the third round of the EFL Cup

Monday September 28

18:00 Fulham v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)20:15 Liverpool v Arsenal (Sky Sports)



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8719339/Premier-League-confirm-TV-changes-final-round-September-fixtures.html

Report: Monaco rival Fulham and Leeds for Florentino Luis, £29m offer submitted

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Monaco are rivalling newly promoted Fulham and Leeds United for Benifca midfielder Florentino Luis having submitted an offer.

The Portugal U21 international has been heavily linked with a summer move.

A recent report from Record claim Leeds and Fulham want him, with the latter launching a loan offer with the option to buy him in the region of £25 million.

But now it looks like the Premier League duo could miss out.

According to Italian editorial TMW, Monaco have trumped Fulham's bid with their own loan proposal with a future buyout clause of up to £29 million.

Luis has made plenty of headlines in his native Portugal following some terrific displays.

Florentino Luis earns plenty of plaudits:

Former Benfica coach Joao Tralhao has compared the holding midfielder with Brazil international Casemiro, telling Bernabeu Digital how Real Madrid should sign him.

"Florentino is a young player who has exceptional talent. From very early on, we realized that Florentino was on the road to becoming an elite player. I see Florentino as a logical option (for Real Madrid). He has a profile very similar to that of Casemiro and in Europe he is, without a doubt, one of the best in his position," Tralhao explained.

Fulham will be looking to strengthen their midfield as the Cottagers look to establish themselves in the Premier League following their promotion via the playoffs.

Scott Parker's side made a mess of their 2018-19 campaign in the top-flight.

But this time around, it seems Fulham have been more diligent in the transfer market as they seek top young talent such as Luis who would have a high re-sale price.

If the latest reports are true, however, both Fulham and Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds could struggle to win the race for his signature as Niko Kovac looks to rebuild Monaco.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/10/report-monaco-rival-fulham-and-leeds-for-florentino-luis-29m-offer-submitted/

Fulham complete signing of defender Tete

Fulham have confirmed the signing of right-back Kenny Tete and are bringing former Chelsea defender Ola Aina back to west London from Torino.

Netherlands international Tete, 24, has signed a four-year contract with the option of a further year.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," he said.

"I cannot wait to start my new journey and meet my new team-mates."

Aina, 23, signed for Torino from Chelsea on a permanent deal last year after impressing during a season on loan.

A product of Chelsea's academy, London-born Nigeria international Aina made six first-team appearances for the Blues – four of them as a substitute. He also had a season on loan at Hull City.

He is set to move to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/fulham-ola-aina-deal-close-kenny-tete-signs

Fulham Coach Parker Confirms Signing Of Chelsea Product Aina Is Still In The

Fulham coach Scott Parker attended a mandatory press conference on Thursday ahead of his side's Premier League curtain raiser against Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Ola Aina has been linked with an imminent move to the Cottagers since Sunday but surprisingly the newly-promoted Premier League club have not yet confirmed his signing.

The Nigeria international has been excluded from Torino's training camp in Biella amid speculation linking him with a return to England, a season after he moved to the Maroons on a permanent deal.

Parker admitted that Aina is a transfer target for Fulham and hopes to get the deal over the line.

Asked about the imminent arrival of Aina, Parker told reporters including Football.London : "At this point these players aren't officially signed. Players we're looking at but not official.

"We're looking to strengthen certain suspicions. Hopefully we can get a couple over the line."

Though Aina is a Nigeria international, he will count as a homegrown player when he joins Fulham.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37343

Euro player in London with big decision on horizon after West Brom table offer – report

West Brom have made a better offer for free agent Branislav Ivanovic than Fulham, according to Serbian news broadcaster B92.

Ex-Chelsea defender Ivanovic, 36, is available on a free transfer after being released by Zenit St Petersburg at the end of last season, in which he captained his side to the Russian Premier League title.

B92 now reports that the former Serbia international is in London ahead of making a decision on his next move amid interest from West Brom, Fulham and Everton.

It is understood that Ivanovic would like to stay in London but is not impressed by what Fulham have offered him.

West Brom have reportedly offered a better deal than the Cottagers but the idea of joining up with former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti at Everton is appealing.

B92 adds that Ivanovic is not rushing into a decision on his future but with the Premier League set to kick off this weekend, Albion might want a bit more urgency from their transfer target.

Telegraph journalist John Percy – who gets very little wrong on the Baggies – has reported that Ivanovic could become a new arrival at The Hawthorns within the next couple of days and sign a season-long contract.

But the news emerging from Serbia suggests the deal is anything but close.

Slaven Bilic has lost a lot of experience from his squad since the end of last season and Ivanovic, who won three Premier League titles and a Champions League with Chelsea, has that in abundance, as well as the leadership characteristics the defence could do with.

However, Bilic has a well-stocked defence as it is.

Ivanovic can play at right-back and centre-back but Bilic has Dara O'Shea and Darnell Furlong at right-back while Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, Ahmed Hegazi and new signing Cedric Kipre are the four centre-backs.

If Ivanovic arrives, would someone be moved on by the Baggies in a bid to boost their transfer budget?

With Bilic yet to sign a new striker, West Brom could be looking at ways to raise funds and signing Ivanovic for free and selling someone on for a transfer fee could help in that area.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/09/10/euro-player-in-london-with-big-decision-on-horizon-after-west-brom-table-offer-report/

Fulham's home clash with Aston Villa moved

Fulham's second home game of the season – against Aston Villa – has been rescheduled for a second time.

The Whites will now meet Dean Smith's side on Monday 28th September, with kick off at 6pm, and the game will still be televised live on Sky Sports.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulhams-home-clash-with-aston-villa-moved/

Interesting details emerge about Fulham's pursuit of Aston Villa man before Brentford exit

Brentford were reluctant to sell Ollie Watkins to Fulham due to the local rivalry between the two sides, according to a report from The Athletic.

The Bees striker scored 26 times last season and helped them reach the play-off final but always looked likely to seal a Premier League move after defeat to Fulham at Wembley.

Watkins secured that top-flight move by joining Aston Villa earlier this week in a deal worth up to £33 million.

Villa beat out a string of Premier League sides to the 24-year-old's signature, with Fulham, Leeds United, and Crystal Palace among those linked.

A report from The Athletic has revealed that while Leeds were ready to go hell for leather for the striker before they landed Rodrigo, Fulham's chances of landing the Bees man were slim.

The report claims that Brentford were reluctant to sell Watkins to the Craven Cottage outfit due to the local rivalry between the two sides – with both playing in west London.

In Aleksander Mitrovic, Fulham already have a proven goalscorer but if their last season in the top flight is anything to go by, Scott Parker's side may want to add reinforcements.

The west London club finished one place off the bottom of the Premier League and were relegated in the 2018/19 season.

The Verdict

This shouldn't come as a huge surprise. There is no love lost between Brentford and Fulham, particularly after the play-off final.

If the Bees had lost that game and then sold their star striker to the Craven Cottage side, you feel there would've been uproar from the fans.

£33 million would likely have been more than Fulham wanted to pay for a new forward given they already have Mitrovic at the club.

The Serbian was neck and neck with Watkins on goals last term, it's going to be interesting to see how the duo fair in the Premier League this season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/interesting-details-emerge-about-fulhams-pursuit-of-aston-villa-man-before-brentford-exit/

 Fulham sign Kenny Tete from Lyon for £3m on four-year deal
Torino defender Ola Aina set to join Scott Parker's side on loan with £11m option to buy

Fulham have signed defender Kenny Tete from Lyon for £3m on a four-year deal with the option to extend by another year.

Tete has won 13 caps for the Netherlands and came through the Ajax youth academy after joining at the age of 10.

The 24-year-old right-back made 55 appearances for Ajax, helping them reach the Europa League final in 2017, before moving to Lyon for £3.6m that summer.


He was an unused substitute in the Netherlands' 1-0 home defeat to Italy in the Nations League on Monday.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," Tete told FFCtv. "I cannot wait to start my new journey and meet my new team-mates.

"I heard of Fulham's interest and I was bowled over. I spoke with people around me and knew quickly I wanted to leave Lyon and join Fulham.

"The team is back in the Premier League now and I will give 100 per cent to keep us there."

Aina completes Fulham medical
Torino defender Ola Aina has completed a medical at Fulham and will join Scott Parker's side on loan with an £11m option to buy.

Former England youth international Aina is a graduate of Chelsea's academy and spent over a decade at the club.

He spent the 2017/18 campaign away on loan at Hull before making a season-long loan move to Torino the following year.

The Serie A side took up the option to make Aina's move from Chelsea permanent in June 2019. The 23-year-old made 37 appearances for Torino last season.

Before Tete's arrival Fulham had made three close-season acquisitions following their return to the Premier League, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, Mario Lemina joining on a season-long loan and Harrison Reed signing on a permanent basis after spending last season at Craven Cottage.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12067994/fulham-sign-kenny-tete-from-lyon-for-3m-on-four-year-deal

Exclusive: Fulham fight Aston Villa to sign proven star after big offer submitted

Fulham have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Josh King in this window, Football Insider understands.

The two clubs are both looking to bring in another centre-forward ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Fulham have registered their interest in King and are preparing an offer.

This comes after Bournemouth rejected a £16million bid from Villa for King as they hold out for their £20million for the 28-year-old to be met.

Villa are keen on King even though they signed Ollie Watkins from Brentford this week for an initial £28m rising to a potential £33m with add-ons.

King has scored 48 goals in 161 Premier League appearances and has proven his versatility by playing in a variety of attacking roles.

However, he was not prolific in attack last season with just six goals and four assists to his name in 26 top-flight games.

Nevertheless, King is able to play a number of roles including as the main spearhead, on both flanks and in a second striker role.

Villa's top scoring striker last season was Wesley with six goals across all competitions while Keinan Davis and January signing Mbwana Samatta struggled to find the net.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-fulham-fight-aston-villa-to-sign-proven-star-after-big-offer-submitted/

Inter Pondering Move For Fulham's Jean Michael Seri British Broadcaster Claims

Inter could possibly make a move to sign Fulham central midfielder Jean Michael Seri according to a report from British broadcaster Sky Sport.

Inter have shown an interest in signing Chelsea's N'Golo Kante but do not have the funds to sign him right now and could therefoe move for Seri, who would be more affordable for them if they move a player out.

Inter could potentially bring the Ivorian midfielder to the club on a loan basis and the report explains that Fulham are prepared to listen to offers for Seri, who spent the duration of the 2019/20 season out on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.

The 29-year-old joined the Cottagers back in the Summer of 2018 and is under contract with them until the end of the 2021/22 season.

During his loan spell with Galasaray last term, the 29-year-old made 37 appearances across all competitions in which he scored two goals and provided his teammates with four assists.



https://sempreinter.com/2020/09/10/inter-pondering-move-for-fulhams-jean-michael-seri-british-broadcaster-claims/

Fulham sign Dutch defender Tete

Right-back becomes promoted club's fifth senior summer signing after joining from Lyon

Fulham have announced the signing of right-back Kenny Tete.

The Dutch international has agreed a four-year deal with a club option to extend by a further 12 months.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," Tete told the club's official website. "I cannot wait to start my new journey and meet my new teammates.

"I heard of Fulham's interest and I was bowled over. I spoke with people around me and knew quickly I wanted to leave Lyon and join Fulham.

"The team is back in the Premier League now and I will give 100 per cent to keep us there."

Tete featured 18 times in Ligue 1 for Lyon last season and provided one assist.

The 24-year-old also made five appearances in the UEFA Champions League as the French side reached the semi-finals.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1820803

Fulham 'preparing offer for King'

Fulham have registered their interest with Bournemouth in signing striker Josh King, according to the Football Insider.

The Cherries have rejected a £16m bid from Aston Villa for the Norwegian international and Fulham are now said to be preparing their own offer. Bournemouth are apparently holding out until a club meets their £20m valuation of the 28 year-old forward.

Villa's interest is rumoured to be unaffected by their success in bringing Brentford striker Ollie Watkins to Villa Park this week as Dean Smith wants to sign another striker and address Villa's goalscoring problems as the new Premier League season approaches. Fulham would likely view King, who came through the Manchester United academy after starring in Norwegian youth football, as a potential back-up for Aleksandar Mitrovic given that the Whites have little in the way of forward cover should the Serbian striker get injured.

King has scored 50 goals in 167 appearances for Bournemouth – registering 16 Premier League goals in 2016/2017 and twelve in 2018/19. He managed just six in 27 games last term as Bournemouth were relegated from the top flight. King has scored 17 international goals in 48 appearances for Norway.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-preparing-offer-for-king/

Parker's top-flight coaching credentials to be tested; one huge Fulham dilemma to solve

In Fulham's last Premier League stint, a huge injustice occurred before a ball was even kicked.

Slaviša Jokanović dropped Marcus Bettinelli from the matchday squad for the Cottagers' opening day fixture against Crystal Palace, in place of new arrivals Sergio Rico and Fabri.

Cruelly, that came despite the Englishman keeping 14 clean sheets in 29 games as promotion was earned via the Play-Offs in 2017/18.

Funnily enough, history appears to be repeating itself. Scott Parker – who was part of Jokanović's backroom staff when the Serb made his harsh decision – looks to have the exact same situation on his hands.

The ex-West Ham midfielder guided the Cottagers back into the top flight via the play-offs and now has a dilemma in between the sticks.

World Cup winning goalkeeper Alphonse Areola arrived on a season-long loan deal on Wednesday. The Frenchman boasts Champions League experience from his time with Real Madrid and PSG.

However, despite Areola's pedigree, Marek Rodak cannot be dropped – not straight away, at least.

Parker himself watched the injustice involving Bettinelli take place, and he simply cannot allow history to repeat itself by replicating the move now.

The Slovakian shot-stopper made 36 appearances last term, keeping 15 clean sheets for Fulham. His fine efforts mean that he deserves to start the season as No.1, despite the vast qualities of the glitzy new recruit.

It will prove to be a real test of Parker's top-flight coaching credentials.

Will he be able to handle the potential unhappiness of Areola if he leaves such an accomplished figure on the bench? Or will he stick to his guns and be fair to the man who helped get Fulham promoted?

With morality in mind, he should definitely do the latter.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/10/parkers-top-flight-coaching-credentials-to-be-tested-one-huge-fulham-dilemma-to-solve/

Kenny Tete: Dutch defender joins on four-year deal from Lyon


Fulham have signed Netherlands defender Kenny Tete from French club Lyon for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend the deal for a further 12 months.

Tete, who has 13 international caps, began his career at Ajax before joining Lyon in 2017.

"The team is back in the Premier League now and I will give 100% to keep us there," the Dutchman said after completing his move on Thursday.

The right-back helped his former side reach the Champions League semi-finals in August and played against Dijon last week.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," Tete told FFCtv. "I cannot wait to start my new journey and meet my new team-mates.

Fulham host Arsenal in their opening Premier League fixture of the new season on Saturday (12:30 BST).

Tony Khan, Fulham's sporting director, said the arrival of Tete "strengthened our squad to compete in the Premier League".

"He's a young player with great experience, and I'm thrilled that he's joining us on a long contract."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54109423

Club reportedly close to signing Fulham player – Talks already held with president

Turkish newspaper Fanatik claim Super Lig side Goztepe are very close to signing Fulham goalkeeper Fabri.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who previously played in Turkey with Besiktas before departing for Fulham in 2018, is said to be wanted by the Aegean side.

Previous reports from Turkey claimed Goztepe president Mehmet Sepil held talks with the player during lockdown and also invited him over to Izmir for a further chat.

Fanatik adds Goztepe manager Ilhan Palut is a big fan of the player and is looking to sign him to replace Portuguese goalkeeper Beto, who departed the club earlier this summer.

It seems Fabri isn't in the plans of Fulham manager Scott Parker after he was loaned out to La Liga side Mallorca last season.

Earlier in the transfer window the former Deportivo man was also linked with a return to Besiktas, but at the time it was said their manager Sergen Yalcin wasn't keen to re-sign him.

Fabri's contract at Craven Cottage will expire at the end of next season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-reportedly-close-signing-fulham-player/

Fulham confirms Tete signing

Fulham has confirmed the signing of Dutch international right-back Kenny Tete from Olympique Lyon.

Tete has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League side, who have paid Lyon around €3.2 million for the 24-year-old.

Tete told the Fulham website, "I can't wait to start my new journey. When I heard of Fulham's interest, I was thrilled. I spoke to people in my area and quickly knew I wanted to exchange Lyon for Fulham."

The former Ajax right-back has been with Lyon since 2017 but has become a reserve at the club and could count on little playing time.



http://www.football-oranje.com/fulham-confirms-tete-signing/

Fulham ahead of Leeds in race to sign Euro midfielder who edges towards PL switch – report

Fulham appear to be in pole position to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis despite interest from Leeds United, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Italian news outlet claims that AC Milan are losing grip in their bid to sign the 21-year-old, who is edging closer towards joining a club in the Premier League.

And, based on this report, Fulham are favourites to land the Portugal Under-21 international but Leeds are also said to be an option.

Florentino was strongly linked with Leeds earlier in the transfer window.

Portuguese news outlet Maisfutebol reported in July that Leeds explored the possibility of signing the holding midfielder on a loan-to-buy basis but the Daily Mail followed up that report in August by saying that Benfica want £40million for a permanent deal.

Leeds have already spent a lot of money this summer and we highly doubt they will lock themselves into spending that £40million on a player next summer – especially after what happened with Jean-Kevin Augustin.

For that sort of money, you would expect Florentino to be talked about as one of the best up-and-coming defensive midfielders in Europe but that simply isn't the case.

He started just eight league matches for Benfica last season as he struggled to hold down a spot in the side while also suffering with injury issues.

Plus, Leeds have a top holding midfielder in Kalvin Phillips and also have back-up options in Adam Forshaw, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk.

The Yorkshire giants may well have their sights on Florentino.

But are they going to sign him? There's more chance of Patrick Bamford winning the 2020/21 Premier League golden boot.



https://motleedsnews.com/transfers/fulham-ahead-of-leeds-in-race-to-sign-euro-midfielder-who-edges-towards-pl-switch-report/

Scott Parker gets ahead in transfer market as Kenny Tete joins Fulham

Fulham have signed Holland defender Kenny Tete from Lyon for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old right-back has agreed a four-year deal, with the Premier League newcomers holding an option to extend by a further 12 months.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," Tete told FFCtv. "I can not wait to start my new journey and meet my new team-mates.

"I heard of Fulham's interest and I was bowled over. I spoke with people around me and knew quickly I wanted to leave Lyon and join Fulham.

"The team is back in the Premier League now and I will give 100 per cent to keep us there."

Amsterdam-born Tete, who has won 13 caps for Holland, began his career at Ajax before joining Lyon in 2017.
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Tete helped Lyon reached the semi-finals of the 2019-20 Champions League and made the last of his 82 appearances for the club in the 4-1 win over Dijon a week ago.

Fulham sporting director Tony Khan said: "With the addition of Kenny, we've strengthened our squad to compete in the Premier League.

"He's a young player with great experience, and I'm thrilled that he's joining us on a long contract.

"I'm confident that with his talent and his desire to win, he'll be a great asset for us now and in future seasons."

Manager Scott Parker insists the final say on transfers is his and suggested the club could yet do more deals before the window closes on October 5.

Fulham have now made six additions to their squad this transfer window, including Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed who had been on loan at Craven Cottage last season, and former Chelsea wing-back Ola Aina is expected to be the next arrival.

"Like anything really we're looking to strengthen the squad and looking to strengthen certain positions so hopefully we can get those two over the line in the coming weeks really," Parker said.

When asked about other potential deals, he added: "We are hoping to do a few things, there is no set number, there are areas of the team we need to improve, areas we need to evolve, for their development and our development as a team we need people coming in to improve us.

"This is the world we live in, part and parcel of football you want to progress – if you can bring people in that you think can make you better, then you will do that."

When Fulham were last promoted to the Premier League in 2018, they spent more than £100million in the summer transfer window, including the signings of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Alfie Mawson.

The west London club were relegated on April 2 the following year and Parker was named caretaker boss after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in February 2019, but the ex-England international believes this year will be different.

When asked who makes the final decision in terms of transfers, Parker said: "Do I have the final say on what players come into the football club? 100 per cent."

"Are we going to spend 100 million this time? No. But I don't think that's the issue.

"The issue is bringing the right people to the football club who understand what's needed and who understand what we're going into and that's key for me."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-gets-ahead-in-transfer-market-as-kenny-tete-joins-fulham-1599756209000

Fulham signing this 27-year-old Bundesliga star would be a fantastic addition to their backline

Why Martin Hinteregger to Fulham would be a real coup this summer

According to The Sun (September 6; Page 62), Fulham have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Martin Hinteregger as Scott Parker prepares to bolster his backline after securing promotion to the Premier League.

As per the report, Parker is keen to bring the Austrian international to Craven Cottage this summer and Fulham could make a formal offer for his services before the October deadline.

The Cottagers have already secured permanent deals for last season's loanees, Harrison Reed and Anthony Knockaert, as well as Wigan left-back Antonee Robinson. Mario Lemina has also been roped in on loan from Southampton to add more depth to the midfield.

Profile
Martin Hinteregger rose through the youth ranks of RB Salzburg in his homeland and went on to make over 200 senior appearances for his boyhood club, winning four domestic titles in the process.

After an unsuccessful loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, the 27-year-old eventually earned a permanent move to the German Bundesliga with Augsburg back in the summer of 2016.

Hinteregger established himself as a regular starter at Augsburg and spent two-and-a-half seasons there before switching boats to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the second half of the 2018-19 campaign.

The Austrian international signed a permanent deal with Frankfurt last summer after guiding the club to the semi-final of the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League, where they eventually lost to Chelsea.  Hinteregger made 49 appearances across all competitions in the previous campaign, scoring 9 times, as Frankfurt reached the last-16 of the Europa League and finished 9th in the Bundesliga.

Fulham need some defensive upgrades
Fulham conceded just 48 goals in 46 Championship games last season en route to their 4th-place finish in the second tier, which was pretty impressive as compared to some of the other teams in the division.

However, it's worth reminding that the Cottagers finished 19th in the Premier League standings during the 2018-19 season, with almost exactly the same set of defenders. Michael Hector was the only new addition to their backline in the Championship last season.

Indeed, Fulham's leaky backline was one of the key reasons behind their undoing in the top-flight a couple of years ago. Scott Parker needs to keep that in mind while reshuffling his squad in the summer window.

Tim Ream and Denis Odoi, both 32 now, struggled to make a big impact in the Premier League last time around, while Maxime Le Marchand was equally unimpressive. Alfie Mawson, a player with PL experience, has been shipped out on loan to Bristol City for the upcoming campaign, which is a clear indication that a backline reshuffle could well be on the cards at Craven Cottage.

To put things into perspective, Martin Hinteregger could bring loads of quality and experience to a Fulham backline that is in dire need of a marquee signing this summer. The Austrian has already proven his mettle as a dominant centre-back in the Bundesliga and also in the Europa League, so his arrival would definitely hand a massive boost to a promoted club like Fulham.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/09/11/why-martin-hinteregger-to-fulham-would-be-a-real-coup-this-summer/

Fulham seal deal for Holland right-back; Scott Parker makes transfer vow

Fulham have secured the signing of Holland defender Kenny Tete from Lyon for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old right-back has agreed a four-year deal at Craven Cottage. The Premier League newcomers also hold an option to extend by a further 12 months.

"It is a great feeling. I feel blessed to be here," Tete told FFCtv. "To start my new journey and meet my new team-mates, I simply can not wait.

"I heard of Fulham's interest and I was bowled over. Having spoken with people around me, I knew quickly I wanted to leave Lyon and join Fulham.

"The team is back in the Premier League now and I will give 100 per cent to keep us there."

Amsterdam-born Tete, who has won 13 caps for Holland, began his career at Ajax before joining Lyon in 2017. He has previously been linked with Manchester United.

Tete helped Lyon reached the semi-finals of the 2019-20 Champions League and made the last of his 82 appearances for the club in the 4-1 win over Dijon a week ago.

Fulham sporting director Tony Khan said: "With the addition of Kenny, we've strengthened our squad to compete in the Premier League.

"He's a young player with great experience. I'm thrilled that he's joining us on a long contract.

I'm confident with his talent and his desire, he'll be a great asset for us now and in future."

The arrival of Tete is Fulham's second from France this week after the capture of PSG's Alphonse Areola.


Parker has his say on transfers

Scott Parker insists the final say on transfers is his. He's also suggested the club could yet do more deals before the window closes on October 5.

Fulham have now made six additions to their squad this transfer window. They include Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed who had been on loan at Craven Cottage last season. Former Chelsea wing-back Ola Aina is expected to be the next arrival.

"Like anything really we're looking to strengthen the squad. We're looking to strengthen certain positions. Hopefully we can get those over the line in the coming weeks really," Parker said.

When asked about other potential deals, he added: "We are hoping to do a few things, there is no set number. There are areas of the team we need to improve, areas we need to evolve. That's for their development and our development as a team. We need people coming in to improve us.

"This is the world we live in, part and parcel of football you want to progress. If you can bring people in that you think can make you better, then you will do that."


Parker calms spending fears

When Fulham were last promoted to the Premier League in 2018, they spent more than £100million in the summer window. That included the signings of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Alfie Mawson.

The west London club were relegated on April 2 the following year. Parker was named caretaker boss after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in February 2019.

However, despite comparisons to 2018, Parker believes this year will be different.

When asked who makes the final decision in terms of transfers, Parker was adamant.

"Do I have the final say on what players come into the football club? 100 per cent," he said.

"Are we going to spend £100million this time? No. But I don't think that's the issue.

"The issue is bringing the right people to the football club who understand what's needed and who understand what we're going into and that's key for me."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-impressive-transfer-holland-right-back-kenny-tete-scott-parker-vow

Cottage Talk Season Preview With Fulham Legend Gordon Davies

Take a listen to a podcasst that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode is a preview of the Fulham season and Fulham legend Gordon Davies joined us for the entire show.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/9/10/21431340/cottage-talk-season-preview-with-fulham-legend-gordon-davies

Premier League snub EFL's plea for a share of Fulham's £34m parachute money to distribute to the lower divisions in another blow to cash-strapped clubs

    Premier League rejected EFL's request for a share of Fulham's parachute money
    Fulham's second-year payment of £34m was defaulted back to Premier League 
    EFL wanted to keep that as part of a rescue package demanded by Government

The Premier League have rejected a request from the EFL for a share of Fulham's parachute money to distribute to the lower divisions in another blow to cash-strapped clubs.

Under the terms of the parachute payment system introduced in 2006, Fulham's second-year payment of £34million automatically defaulted back to the Premier League following their promotion in July after one season in the Championship, leaving the elite clubs with an unexpected windfall.

Sportsmail has learned that the EFL wanted to keep that pot as part of a rescue package that has been demanded by Government, a request that is yet to be granted. As it stands, that money will instead be shared by the 20 Premier League clubs.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/20/33026412-0-image-a-99_1599767626018.jpg)
The Premier League rejected a request from the EFL for a share of Fulham's parachute money

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden made it clear in June that the Government's endorsement of Project Restart that allowed last season to be finished was contingent on the Premier League providing financial support for the rest of the football pyramid, but three months later there is no sign of a bailout being agreed.

The Football League season kicks off on Friday evening with the Championship clash between Watford and Middlesbrough, before a full programme of fixtures takes place this weekend in League One and League Two — competitions which were curtailed last season because the clubs were unable to afford the Covid-19 testing programme demanded by the Government.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday that conversations were continuing with the EFL board over a rescue package, but it is understood that the clubs are divided about the extent of any financial assistance they are willing to provide.

The Premier League has already lost £630m in broadcasting income over the last few months and total losses could reach £1.25billion if fans are unable to attend matches all season, a major financial hit which has led several top-flight clubs to implement significant redundancy and cost-cutting measures.

Many EFL clubs are fighting for survival however, as they have effectively been operating without income since last season was shut down in March, with their £119m-a-year television contract split between 72 clubs not providing the safety net of the Premier League's £3bn deal, which is divided among 20.

After losing £50m last season, the EFL have put the financial impact of completing an entire season without fans at £200m, a crippling loss that would put many clubs out of business unless a rescue package is provided.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/21/33026740-0-image-a-115_1599768250784.jpg)
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in June that allowing Project Restart to go ahead was contingent on the Premier League providing financial support for the rest of the football pyramid

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/20/33026518-0-image-a-114_1599767775195.jpg)
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday that conversations were continuing with the EFL board over a rescue package

Negotiations with the Premier League have yielded little to date, so the EFL are looking at other funding options including a commercial loan, as Sportsmail revealed last month.

The Premier League have advanced around £77m to the EFL to help clubs with their cash shortfalls, but the lower-division sides have not received any extra funding, leading to fears they are simply storing up problems for later in the season.

'We are in conversation with our colleagues in the EFL,' Masters said. 'We can't put any time frame on it or go into any specifics at this stage.'

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/21/33028212-8720075-image-a-116_1599771001676.jpg)
Negotiations with the Premier League have yielded little to date, so the EFL are looking at other funding options including a commercial loan



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8720075/Premier-League-rejects-EFLs-request-share-Fulhams-34million-parachute-money.html

Fulham not finished in transfer market insists Scott Parker after Kenny Tete becomes fifth summer signing

Scott Parker says Fulham are still looking to press ahead in the transfer market after landing their fifth signing of the summer on Thursday.

The Cottagers have signed Dutch defender Kenny Tete from Lyon for a fee of around £3million on a four-year-deal and are set to announce the signing of former Chelsea defender Ola Aina.

Earlier in the window, Fulham added left-back Antonee Robinson, midfield duo Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina and then goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

But Parker doesn't want to stop just yet, with a winger and perhaps another striker to support and compete with Aleksandar Mitrovic on his wishlist.

"We are hoping to do a few things," said Parker.

"There is no set number, there are areas of the team we need to improve, areas we need to evolve for their development and our development as a team we need people coming in to improve us.

"This is the world we live in, part and parcel of football you want to progress. If you can bring people in that you think can make you better, then you will do that."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-kenny-tete-scott-parker-a4544941.html

Fulham v Arsenal
SAT 12 Sept 2020  Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage

TEAM NEWS

Head coach Scott Parker has reported no injury concerns ahead of Fulham's Premier League return, with loanee Alphonse Areola pushing for his debut.

Fellow summer arrival Mario Lemina could also make a first appearance.

Arsenal defender David Luiz has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a neck injury sustained in the Community Shield win against Liverpool.

He could be replaced at centre-back by £22m defender Gabriel, with Rob Holding also in contention.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
The Cottagers must know most people think they will go straight back down, but their head coach Scott Parker can use that as a way of motivating them.

I just think Arsenal will be ready for them, though. For obvious reasons, it does not seem like very long at all since the Gunners won the FA Cup final.

Since then, they have won the Community Shield too, which is as competitive as it gets for a friendly. I'd expect them to be sharp.

Prediction: 0-2

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham have lost their past five Premier League matches against Arsenal.
    They conceded nine goals in the two meetings during their most recent top-flight campaign in 2018-19.
    Arsenal's only defeat in the past 13 Premier League meetings was 2-1 at Craven Cottage in January 2012.
    The two sides have met once before on the opening day of a top-flight season, with the Gunners coming from behind to win 2-1 in 2007.

Fulham

    The Championship play-off winners have avoided relegation in only 12 of the previous 28 Premier League seasons.
    Fulham finished 19th and were relegated in each of their last two Premier League seasons, in 2013-14 and 2018-19. They conceded the most goals in both of those campaigns.
    They have lost their opening game in successive seasons: 2-0 to Crystal Palace in 2018-19 and 1-0 against Barnsley last year.
    The Cottagers are currently on a top-flight record run of 10 successive London derby defeats.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 49 goals since making his Fulham debut in February 2018. Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (54), Mo Salah (54) and Jamie Vardy (50) have scored more often in England's top four divisions during that period.
    Mitrovic scored five goals in Fulham's opening six Premier League matches of 2018-19, but managed just six in the following 31 games.

Arsenal

    Arsenal are aiming to win their opening match in consecutive seasons for the first time in 11 years.
    The Gunners are undefeated in all four of their previous opening Premier League matches versus newly-promoted opposition (W3, D1). Their last opening day league defeat against a promoted side was a 1-0 loss at Highbury to Bristol City in 1976.
    They have not lost any of their last 24 matches in the month of September in all competitions (W19, D5) since a 3-2 home defeat by Olympiakos in the Champions League in 2015.
    Arsenal have already won two trophies in their 29 matches under Mikel Arteta: the FA Cup and Community Shield.
    They scored 56 Premier League goals last season, their lowest total since 1995-96.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 54 goals in 85 Premier League appearances since his debut in February 2018, a joint-league high during that period with Mo Salah.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54038550

The Premier League is back but the shadow of coronavirus looms large

Empty stadiums at matches due to the pandemic threatens to damage global appeal of England's top flight

On a bright lunchtime in early October 2018, Arsenal came to picturesque Craven Cottage. After their hosts Fulham had equalised through Andre Schurrle, a World Cup winner, the guests dazzled, winning 5-1. At the Bishop's Park End, supporters sang long and loud: 'We've got our Arsenal back!"

It was the sound of hope and optimism, qualities that in English football need only the lightest stimulation.

Since that day, Arsenal have changed manager twice and recorded their lowest finishing position in the table for a quarter of a century.

Fulham have been relegated and then promoted again. But when those two clubs meet on Saturday, at lunchtime at a Craven Cottage undergoing reconstruction but always picturesque, there will be optimism in abundance. Only it will be harder to hear it, with no fans in west London or in any ground.

Optimism will also be tempered. The 2020/21 Premier League season begins amid the usual patchwork of hopes – Can those Gunners really get their Arsenal back? Can Liverpool's remarkable momentum continue? How real is Manchester United's advance? – but beyond all that broader doubts over whether the Premier League can regain its status as the most admired and envied domestic competition anywhere.

Will the season even finish on time? The pandemic casts a long shadow. Three days before Fulham and Arsenal raise the curtain, new restrictions on gatherings of people in England have been imposed by a UK government fearful of rising numbers of Covid-19 infections. Cautious plans to have limited access to stadiums for paying fans in October are back under review.

The global appeal of English top-flight football – "our Hollywood," as one former UK foreign secretary described the great televised export that is the Premier League – has been partly built on the vibrant atmospheres of its stadiums. That, in turn, has nourished the league's financial muscle, the power to recruit so many of the world's leading players.

"We have to get fans back into stadiums," warns Richard Masters, CEO of the Premier League. "It's the big thing that's missing, economic or otherwise." Informed estimates have the Premier League £700 million (Dh3.4 billion) poorer if there are no crowds throughout 2020-21.

Other leagues face the same restrictions and will suffer financially from playing behind closed doors, and there remains envy from aboard towards a league that can still pack the mightiest punch in the transfer market.

It has a club, Chelsea, who can afford to poach two of the brightest talents from the Bundesliga, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, for a combined £120m.

It still entices the best of Dutch football – Donny van de Beek, Ajax to Manchester United – the brightest starlet from Portugal – Fabio Silva, Porto to Wolves – and routinely plucks off young Spanish excellence from La Liga – Ferran Torres, Valencia to Manchester City.

Even vulnerable Fulham can still recruit World Cup winners. France goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has just joined them, on loan, from Paris Saint-Germain.

But the assumption that the Premier League will, by force of wealth and its vibrant football culture, gradually end up dominating Europe has suffered an abrupt check.

In the hurried end of last season, no English club reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Only one, United, made it to the last four of the Europa League. Perhaps that was a blip, but in the short-term it was a very pronounced one.

In 2018-19, Liverpool and Spurs contested the Champions League final and Chelsea won the Europa League, beating the Arsenal whose fans had displayed such optimism at Craven Cottage eight months earlier.

This season, mastering the continental competitions will be made harder by a taxing domestic schedule.

The pandemic, and the late start to 2020-21, means the vigour and stamina demanded of Premier League players is unusually daunting. Midweeks are filled to bursting, what with two Cup tournaments to accommodate, and an international calendar that will extend into July with the finals of various major continental showpieces.

Yes, la Liga, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 – providers of the Europa League winners, Sevilla, and the two European Cup finalists, Bayern Munich and PSG, last month – also face condensed calendar. But they have given themselves a little more leeway by continuing to allow five, rather than three substitutions, per game. The Premier League goes back to the old normal, with a ceiling on three subs.

That may mean slightly fewer minutes for the up-and-coming would-be stars hoping that 2020-21 will be their breakthrough, for the next Mason Greenwood or Trent Alexander-Arnold to make an initial impact.

What can be relied on in the Premier League is that there are many fresh, young talents ready and waiting to thrive. The pity is that they cannot know when they will do so in front of the noisy, packed arenas that first made them fall in love with the great theatre of the Premier League.



https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/the-premier-league-is-back-but-the-shadow-of-coronavirus-looms-large-1.1075999

Michael Owen states his prediction for Fulham v Arsenal
Michael Owen is backing Arsenal to secure a 3-1 win against Fulham on Saturday

Michael Owen is backing Arsenal to ease to a comfortable 3-1 win against Fulham in their Premier League curtain raiser at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners will look to make a winning start to Mikel Arteta's first full season in charge of the north London side after the Spanish head coach was appointed as Unai Emery's replacement back in December.

Arteta led Arsenal to the FA Cup trophy thanks to a 2-1 win against Chelsea FC last season before the Gunners beat defending Premier League champions Liverpool FC on penalties in the Community Shield.

The north London side have signed Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian in the summer transfer window as well as making Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari's loan deals permanent.

Arsenal have managed to secure Dani Ceballos on a season-long loan from Real Madrid for a second successive Premier League campaign.

Fulham secured their return to the Premier League under Scott Parker thanks to their 2-1 victory over Brentford at Wembley.

Former Liverpool FC striker Owen is backing Arsenal to secure a comfortable win against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

"Scott Parker has done a superb job in getting Fulham back into the Premier League but of course, the real challenge is keeping them up and that will undoubtedly be the number one target for the Cottagers this season," Owen told BetVictor.

"Mikel Arteta has had a great start to his managerial career at Arsenal with a couple of trophies already in the bag courtesy of their FA Cup win just a few weeks ago and followed up with win over Liverpool in the Community Shield.

"I think they will have lofty ambitions for the upcoming season and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them pushing hard for a place in the top four come the end of the season.

"I fancy a comfortable 3-1 win for the Gunners in this one."

Arsenal have won their last five games against Fulham and the Cottagers haven't beaten their London rivals since a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage back in 2012.

The Gunners will be looking to improve upon their eighth-placed finish in the Premier League table last season to secure a return to the Champions League under Arteta.

Arsenal will take part in the Europa League this season thanks to their FA Cup win.



https://www.thesportreview.com/2020/09/fulham-v-arsenal-prediction-michael-owen/

Willian to wander in Grealish role as Arsenal take on Fulham in season opener? (+ Predicted/Preferred Lineups)

Willian as Grealish

I don't think that the first line up of the season is too tricky to guess.

It looks like Leno will start after the Martinez move.

It's unlikely that Saliba AND Gabriel start, so with many CB's out injured/just returning/about to be sold, its highly likely we go with Tierney.

The 3-4-3 has been the most successful formation recently and we are yet to sign the players or have them adapt yet to possibly be bolder. I would be bolder but I'm just an armchair coach.

So, if Tierney has to play at CB then Saliba is more likely to start as Tierney plays LCB like Gabriel. With Luiz out, Holding plays between them. Quite possibly why Holding hasn't moved yet, also.

With Tierney at LCB, then AMN will likely play LWB. If that has to happen then I'd imagine that Bellerin (unless he's got one foot out of the door), starts at RWB over Cedric.

I think this is logical so far. Hope so!

The midfield two would surely be Xhaka and Ceballos as ElNeny, as well as he played two weeks ago, is unlikely to break up a good partnership.

So we've got the first three layers without much fuss.

The forward line isn't so easy to predict.

Willian was brought in to unlock weaker teams. How will Fulham play? If they had a very excited promoted crowd, I'm sure they'd pour forward, as first game home energy is huge. They won't have this advantage though.

Will they park the bus?

If they do then Willian is needed.

We've realistically got 3 from 6.

Willian, Aubameyang, Lacazette , Nketiah, Saka and Pepe

If Lacazette has one eye on Southern Europe then Nketiah would start. It's very possible that Nketiah starts anyway based on Arteta's previous teams. Pepe and Aubameyang are the most likely to start due to form.

Here's what I think may well happen.

Willian will officially play left wing but have freedom to wander. The exact way Jack Grealish does at Villa. Helping out in midfield when three are needed. Roaming between the lines to connect, allowing AMN to go outside of him.

Staying wide to allow AMN to underlap.

This would of course see Aubameyang central. We haven't seen this yet under Arteta but maybe we do.

I like Aubameyang out wide as he is highly productive going forward and very efficient and committed defensively, but how do you fit our 'creator' into what I think is the short term formation unless Aubameyang is at CF? It could all be simpler than this with Willian on the right where he normally plays with Aubameyang on the left but.....

I just keep talking to myself. Telling myself that perhaps problem number 1 at Arsenal is not having a true creator in games we should win.

We sign one. We play a weaker team, so surely he starts.

This is my hunch for tomorrow.


This is what I'd do though


This is a version of a 4-2-3-1.

Martinez may have been sold by the time you read this but for a club who are needing to sell, I don't understand selling the goalkeeper who is at least equal quality, for £30M less than what you could get for the other.  So, I'm being stubborn and hoping (pretending) the story vanishes.

Pepe playing inside right, like Salah. Closer to goal. Allowing AMN the overlap. Saka's crossing ability wider left and Willian creating slot balls for Auba running behind.

After seeing the clip of Aubameyang's rasper in the secret Villa game and seeing Pepe, Lacazette and Willian in the picture when he scored, do we see this bolder 4-2-3-1?

Either way, I'm just a little excited.

@Mike_Mmcdonald



https://www.gunnerstown.com/arsenal/2020/09/11/willian-to-wander-in-grealish-role-as-arsenal-take-on-fulham-in-season-opener-predicted-preferred-lineups/

Arsenal Look To Re-Eastblish Themselves as Road Warriors With Trip To Fulham – EPL Match Preview

The 2020-2021 season begins looking eerily similar to the end of last season without the presence of supporters in the stadiums. However, that fact hasn't dampened the spirits of the Arsenal faithful as the Gunners kick off their season away to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Normally a tie resplendent with a cruise up the Thames by Arsenal supporters, the Gooners will have to be satisfied with watching the season kick off from the comfort of their own homes or various watch places.

Arsenal square off against newly promoted yo-yo club, Fulham. Fulham secured promotion through a dramatic playoff win and are looking to establish a foothold in the Premier League. Having Arsenal to play on opening day may not have been what they had in mind to get that idea started.

Much as they finished
The Arsenal squad that takes the pitch on Saturday may not be too dissimilar to the one that closed out last season a few short weeks ago. Sure, transfer business has been done, the most notable being the capture of Brazillian center back, Gabriel and the return of Dani Ceballos on a season long loan.

What hasn't occurred is outgoings. All of last year's faces are back with even outcasts getting a chance to re-establish themselves. Sure, by the time the window closes in October, that won't be the case but Gooners shouldn't be surprised when the team that takes the pitch on Saturday isn't that much different from last season.

That could also mean a return to three at the back. Though the lynchpin for that formation, David Luiz is facing a fitness test that should he fail would see him sidelined for quite possibly 4 weeks.

With Mustafi and Mari injured, joined possibly with Luiz, surely, we're likely to see either Saliba or Gabriel make their season/team debut alongside either Rob Holding or Sokratis. It's also quite possible that Areta with the injury situation and the "newness" of Gabriel and Saliba, reverts to four at the back with Holding and Sokratis along holding down the back line.

Building off of the FA Cup win
What we're all interested in seeing is if the FA Cup and even the Community Shield wins can be a catalyst for an Arsenal resurgence.

In 2014 after the dramatic FA Cup win, many hoped it would signal that Arsenal would build on that and challenge for titles. The season came and went and nothing. Same in 2015 and 2017.

Mikel Arteta has stressed the need to continue to build on this momentum from last season and use it to get back into the top 4 and competing for honors. It's a tall order for Arsenal considering their trajectory of the last few seasons. But Mikel Arteta not only has his players believing in his vision, the fan base is on board as well.

Still, belief is one thing, it's the actual doing it that matters. Belief can help. Football is after all, as they say, 90% mental. If you don't believe you can do something, then you won't.

Arteta has done wonders for changing the mindset of the club – in all areas – in such a short time that he could very well turn this club around this season. Still, it does seem the fan base is going to give him a wide berth and that's a good thing.

This turnaround is going to take time. It took Liverpool 5 years to get where they are now. We are half a year into fixing ourselves.

The squad under Arteta has taken some big steps forward and they need to continue to do so. They need to take the belief that came from winning the FA Cup and use it in a way that neither of the recent FA Cup winning teams did.

The good thing is they seem to have the right man at the helm to help them get there.

Improving Away Form
One of the key metrics we'll be using to see how this team has improved, is how the team does away from the Emirates. Under Emery for 18 months and under Wenger for the last season of his tenure the away form of this team was atrocious.

The improvements were modest since Arteta took over but they were there.

If Arsenal are going to mount any serious challenge than they have to be be more effective, especially against "lesser" teams on the road.

In the 2019-2020 season Arsenal managed a paltry 1.05 goals scored per game while conceding an average of 1.26 goal per game while playing away form the Emirates. The Gunners could only score 2 goals 5 times last season and managed 3 goals only once, also away from home.

Meanwhile, they conceded 2 goals 6 times away from home and 3 goals twice.

The away form of this team must improve dramatically if they are going to really push for the top four and beyond.

That has to start with this trip to Fulham where they can lay a marker for what kind of team they expect to be this season.

How the Match Should Play Out
Call it bias, call it eternal optimism but I do think Arsenal are going to come out firing and with a point to prove. They are likely more prepared to play than Fulham who haven't played nothing but friendlies. Arsenal for their part had the rigors of the Community Shield and Liverpool to deal with.

Arsenal should come into this match ready to play and Scott Parker's charges if they play opened up will be put to the sword early as Arsenal are going to look to establish possession and get the game going from the kick off.

Look for the Gunners to buck last season's away woes and stats and score 3 in this match as they take all 3 points and a clean sheet.

YAMA Predicts
Fulham 0 – 3 Arsenal

Arsenal Record vs Opponent (League Only)
20W 5D 3L

Match Officials
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Daniel Cook, Sian Massey-Ellis
Fourth official: Kevin Friend
VAR: David Coote
Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.

Match Facts (courtesy bbc.co.uk)

    Arsenal are aiming to win their opening match in consecutive seasons for the first time in 11 years.
    The Gunners are undefeated in all four of their previous opening Premier League matches versus newly-promoted opposition (W3, D1). Their last opening day league defeat against a promoted side was a 1-0 loss at Highbury to Bristol City in 1976.
    They have not lost any of their last 24 matches in the month of September in all competitions (W19, D5) since a 3-2 home defeat by Olympiakos in the Champions League in 2015.
    Arsenal have already won two trophies in their 29 matches under Mikel Arteta: the FA Cup and Community Shield.
    They scored 56 Premier League goals last season, their lowest total since 1995-96.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 54 goals in 85 Premier League appearances since his debut in February 2018, a joint-league high during that period with Mo Salah.
    Fulham have lost their past five Premier League matches against Arsenal.
    They conceded nine goals in the two meetings during their most recent top-flight campaign in 2018-19.
    Arsenal's only defeat in the past 13 Premier League meetings was 2-1 at Craven Cottage in January 2012.
    The two sides have met once before on the opening day of a top-flight season, with the Gunners coming from behind to win 2-1 in 2007.



http://youaremyarsenal.com/fulham-arsenal-premier-league-2020-2021-match-preview/

Dani Ceballos returns, Gabriel Magalhaes misses debut - Arsenal predicted team vs Fulham

Our writers give their thoughts on the Gunners team Mikel Arteta should pick vs Fulham

We're just a day away from Premier League football returning after a long su... oh wait. The summer wasn't even that long.

Just six weeks after lifting the FA Cup final on August 1, Arsenal begin their 2020/21 season with a trip to newly-promoted Fulham on Saturday [September 12].

Although an eighth place finish last year would have frustrated Mikel Arteta and his squad, they will be looking to build on the momentum formed in the side's FA Cup run and Community Shield victory.

Here, we ask our Arsenal writers how they would set up the team if they were in charge at Craven Cottage. Find out what they said below.

Art de Roche - Arsenal writer
Starting in goal, Mikel Arteta will have a great dilemma to solve as to whether Emi Martinez or Bernd Leno is to start. Both proved themselves to be exceptional options but Martinez's distribution gives him an edge on the German so he starts.

As for the shape of the team, the back three first used after the restart continued during pre-season and so will most likely be used at Fulham. William Saliba will take the right-sided role and with David Luiz dropping out, Rob Holding moves more central.

There may be expectations for a Gabriel Magalhaes debut but considering he joined the club just this month, throwing him for his full debut on the first day of an incredibly important season appears unlikely.

Kieran Tierney will continue as the left-sided centre-back with Ainsley Maitland-Niles at left wing-back, where he has excelled under Arteta in the FA Cup run as well as the Community Shield win over Liverpool.

Hector Bellerin will keep his place as the starting right wing-back as Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka reunite in midfield. Mohamed Elneny did impress in his time alongside the Swiss in pre-season but the partnership formed between Ceballos and Xhaka last season was the foundation for Arsenal to build on moving forward.

Bukayo Saka has had more game time in pre-season but with Arteta conscious of potentially 'burning out' his young talent, the 19-year-old may feature from the bench more often this season. As a result, Nicolas Pepe starts, but having returned in good form - for club and country - Eddie Nketiah will lead the line.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will keep his place on the left where he will continue to be the focal point of the side as captain.

Art de Roche's XI: Martinez; Saliba, Holding, Tierney; Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang

Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Live writer and Arsenal fan
It may be the opening game of the new season, but Mikel Arteta has some important decisions to make with his Arsenal team selection vs Fulham.

The first of which is who starts in goal. Emiliano Martinez was superb after lockdown last season, but I think Bernd Leno will get the nod at Craven Cottage which will result in the Argentine leaving the club.

David Luiz's injury means one of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will make their Gunners debut. Given the Frenchman has played alongside Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney in a pre-season friendly, I would expect him to start in a back three.

Dani Ceballos' return means the midfield four can be unchanged from the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

As Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe are probably short of fitness, Bukayo Saka and the in-form Eddie Nketiah are well placed to partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack.

Tashan Deniran-Alleyne's XI: Leno; Saliba, Holding, Tierney; Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles; Saka, Nketiah, Aubameyang



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/fixtures-results/ceballos-return-gabriel-debut-fulham-18914774

Ola Aina has completed his medical and will be announced as a new Fulham player today, on loan with option to buy from Torino for up to €15m https://t.co/2XktrzYZ2a #Torino #FFC #FulhamFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/f0pysHhLVU

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) September 10, 2020