Friday Fulham Stuff - 25/08/23...

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'Doing everything they can': Club are desperately trying to stop Liverpool signing their £17m player – journalist
Liverpool are circling around some of the Premier League's best midfielders like sharks in an ocean, and the potential selling clubs are starting to panic.

The Reds have been liked to the likes of Cheick Doucoure and Joao Palhinha throughout the summer, and as we get to crunch time, Crystal Palace and Fulham are trying to bat the Merseyside club away.

According to Dean Jones, speaking on The Done Deal Show, Fulham are doing everything they can to keep Liverpool away from Palhinha by pricing him out of such a move.

Fulham trying their hardest
Jones shared what he knows about the £17m midfielder.

"Obviously Palhinha they have looked at a few times now, Fulham are just doing everything they can to price him out and push Liverpool away, because if Fulham lose Palhinha our season is dead and we will probably be relegated to be honest, I can't fathom that," Jones said.

Disaster
To put it bluntly, Fulham, quite simply, can't afford to lose Palhinha this summer.

The Whites have already lost their most important player in Aleksandar Mitrovic, and if Palhinha goes too, as Jones says, they will be in massive trouble.

The west London club are absolutely doing the right thing in pricing the Portuguese star out of a move, and, interestingly, the player himself hasn't kicked up a fuss and tried to force anything this summer.

Palhinha has looked as happy as ever at Craven Cottage, and it doesn't appear as though this speculation has affected him at all.

It would be a massive surprise if the midfielder were to leave Fulham at this late stage of the window.



https://tbrfootball.com/doing-everything-they-can-club-are-desperately-trying-to-stop-liverpool-signing-their-17m-player-journalist/

[WhiteJC]

Duvan Zapata: Fulham interested in signing Atalanta striker and make Eric Dier inquiry

Duvan Zapata's proposed move to Roma has broken down and Fulham are now considering an approach; Fulham recently sold striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for a club-record fee; the club wants to sign as many as five players before the end of the transfer window

Fulham are interested in signing Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata.

A proposed move for the Colombia international to join Roma has broken down and Fulham are now considering an approach.

Marco Silva needs a new striker after selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for a club-record fee.

Zapata is high on the list of striker options Fulham have in mind ahead of Transfer Deadline Day on September 1.

The club want to sign as many as five players including at least one winger, at least one full-back, a centre-back should Tosin Adarabioyo leave, and possibly a midfielder.

Fulham are in advanced talks with Leicester over the signing of Timothy Castagne, who can play at both right and left-back.

Fulham have also made an inquiry into signing centre-back Eric Dier from Tottenham and believe he is an option for them ahead of the deadline.

Spurs have been one of the clubs keen on Adarabioyo and a deal involving an exchange between the two players, as well as some money to Tottenham, has been explored.

However, Monaco have been pushing the hardest to sign Adarabioyo so far.

Roma have turned their attentions to completing a deal for Sardar Azmoun at Bayer Leverkusen following the collapse of talks for Zapata.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/12946661/duvan-zapata-fulham-interested-in-signing-atalanta-striker-and-make-eric-dier-inquiry

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva insists Moise Kean 'is NOT a solution' for Fulham amid reports linking the former Everton striker with a move to Craven Cottage

    Fulham were linked with Moise Kean after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi 
    But Silva, who managed the striker at Everton, says they are not keen on him

Marco Silva has revealed Fulham are not interested in signing Moise Kean amid reports linking the striker with a move to Craven Cottage.

Kean will best be remembered by English top-flight supporters from his hugely unsuccessful first stint at Everton.

The 23-year-old centre forward moved to Goodison Park for £27.5m but endured a torrid time of things on Merseyside and was subsequently sent back to Italy.

Recent reports had suggested Fulham were keen to bring Kean back to the Premier League after Aleksandar Mitrovic's move to Al Hilal, but Silva says he is 'not a solution' for the club.

Speaking ahead of his side's clash with Arsenal, the Cottagers boss said: 'Moise Kean is not a solution for us. I can confirm to you that is not a player we are looking for.'


Fulham were linked with Moise Kean after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi side Al Hilal
 

But Marco Silva, who managed the striker at Everton, says Fulham are not keen on signing him

Silva managed the Italy international during their short spell together at Everton in the 2018-2019 season.

Kean spent one season in the English top-flight but struggled to impress and was sent out on loan to PSG for a season. He then secured temporary deal back to Juventus before making it permanent in March.

Kean has so far made 103 appearances across two spells for Juventus, scoring just 22 goals and struggling to build on his early-career reputation as one of Italy's brightest young prospects.

There have also been reports of attitude issues that have followed the player throughout his career so far with Kean recently denying he was refusing to play for Italy's under 21 side due to a lack of motivation.

Fulham chief, Silva, will be hoping the next striker he brings in won't carry the same disciplinary issues that Mitrovic did as he tried to manoeuvre a exit.

Former Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has already moved to Craven Cottage this summer but Fulham look short of attacking impetus after scoring just once in their two opening Premier League fixtures.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12442083/Marco-Silva-insists-Moise-Kean-NOT-solution-Fulham-amid-reports-linking-former-Everton-striker-Craven-Cottage.html

[WhiteJC]

Revealed: Fulham loan update after £13m paperwork filed
Fulham have been able to write off £13million worth of loans by converting it into shares, Football Insider can reveal.

The London club filed a new Companies House submission on Wednesday (23 August) showing that 13 million new shares had been allotted at £1 each.

The filed documents also state that the new shares are set off against related debt at the club.

Fulham's 2021/22 accounts showed that the club's gross debt sat at only £1million, with owner Shahid Khan converting the majority of his loans into equity.

A similar Companies House submission was filed in April this year, with Fulham again writing off debt with 16million shares allotted at £1 each.

Much of the club's debt will likely come from the ongoing development of their Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage.

Fulham were dealt a blow this week after learning that the contractors responsible for the construction of the stand – The Buckingham Group – filed for administration.

As a result, all construction has halted and Fulham now face further delays before being able to open the stand to fans with tickets now not expected to be on sale until the start of the 2024/25 season.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (18 August) that Fulham will have spent over £120million on the stand's development by the time it is completed.

By writing off club loans, owner Khan will assist the club's day-to-day finances by potentially eliminating any interest costs incurred.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/revealed-fulham-loan-update-after-13m-paperwork-filed/

[WhiteJC]

Silva admits it'll be 'really difficult' for Fulham to find the 'right' striker to replace Mitrovic
Marco Silva admitted it will be tough to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic and strengthen his squad as Fulham's pursuit for new players picks up ahead of next week's transfer deadline.

The Cottagers will be without the Serbian striker after he was sold for a club-record fee to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. This is a blow as he scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season.

Silva hinted Fulham have left it too late to find the right players to fill his squad with just one week remaining before the market closes until January.

"In this moment in the market, I have to say it is really difficult (to sign players) and this is the problem when you leave things until the last week of the market," Silva said.

"I am 100 per cent sure even if we lose an important player for us (Mitrovic) that with time we would be able to sign a player that could help us but right now we are doing the maximum, so let's see if it will be possible.

"Seven players left us at the end of the season and we lost Mitrovic too and we've just signed two so I think it's clear to people how many players we need.

"If we are to sign a striker it needs to be the right one, it has to be someone who can have the right impact in our squad with the conditions to help us, this is the main thing for me."

Fulham meet Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday in search of their first Premier League win over the Gunners since 2012.

Silva earmarked their opponents as one of the best teams in the competition and highlighted the size of the challenge at hand this weekend.

"Last year they played at a very good level, they are one of the best teams in the competition, they showed that last season and they will again this season, they are a tough team and at home even more with all the support which will make it a good challenge for us," Silva added.



https://www.football365.com/news/silva-admits-really-difficult-fulham-find-right-striker-replace-mitrovic

[WhiteJC]

Fulham line up a move for AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara after Kenny Tete emerged as a shock target for Bayern Munich - with Japan international valued at £10m

    Fulham defender Kenny Tete has received shock interest from Bayern Munich
    The Cottagers are exploring a move for Yukinari Sugawara as a contingency plan

Fulham are exploring a move for AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara as they weigh up contingency plans for Kenny Tete's possible departure.

The Cottagers have a firm interest in the Japan international, who is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League club.

An agreement on personal terms is unlikely to be an issue though there is yet to be deal between both clubs.

Right-back Sugawara, 23, is valued at a mimimum £10million by the Eredivise club.

Tete is emerging as a target for Bayern Munich and Fulham are looking at replacements for the Dutchman.


Fulham are exploring a move for £10million-rated AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara

Fulham have also considered Timothy Castagne from Leicester but their interest in Sugawara is more advanced at this moment.

Sugawara has been a regular for the AZ Alkmaar in recent seasons and is viewed as one of the most consistent full-backs in Holland.

The defender has five caps for Japan.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12442329/Fulham-AZ-Alkmaar-Yukinari-Sugawara-Kenny-Tete-Bayern-Munich-Japanese.html

[WhiteJC]

Games for the weekend – 26/08
We get to travel to Arsenal for a 3 o'clock kick off

Lets forget about the Brentford game, just a really, really "bad day at the office"? as Gentleman Jim said for some reason Brentford appear to have "an Indian sign" over us, apart from the play off game they always appear to have the upper hand?
Tim Ream getting sent off was the cherry on top, the red card means that he's unavailable for this game, at least we've got Bassey.

Talking of unavailable, Mitro finally got his move to Saudi, personally I wish him well and thank him for the 5 1/2 seasons, now we have to face life without our talisman.

Last season's fixture was an unlucky one for us, we really should have come away with something, perhaps we can pull off a surprise this time?

Our recent record against the Gunners is woeful with 2 wins, 11 losses and 5 draws

Will we get to see the shocking pink away kit for the first time?

assuming no more additions, departures or injuries my team would be...

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Friday 25th
Chelsea v Luton

Saturday 26th
Bournemouth v Spurs
Arsenal v Fulham
Brentford v Palace
Brighton v West Ham

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0




http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2860

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest-linked player could now end up signing for Fulham
Nottingham Forest-linked defender Ismail Jakobs could now end up at Premier League rivals Fulham before the transfer window ends. The Reds had been linked with a move to sign the player but interest has recently gone cold.

According to TEAMtalk, the Cottagers are now set to go full steam ahead to try and sign the Monaco performer. The transfer window closes on Friday next week and Marco Silva is keen to strengthen before it slams shut.

Jakobs was on the shortlist at Forest a while back. Forest did instigate talks with Moncao but it was later claimed that they'd walked away due to the valuation placed on his head by the Ligue 1 outfit.

The 24-year-old has been with Monaco since 2021 when he signed from Bundesliga outfit Cologne. He has made 82 appearances but could now be on the move should a Premier League club match his valuation.

Fulham have endured a pretty turbulent summer on the transfer front. Their top marksman Alexsandar Mitrovic has departed and they look like they will be quite busy until the transfer deadline.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2023/08/24/nottingham-forest-linked-player-could-now-end-up-signing-for-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Jay Stansfield joins Blues on loan!
Blues are excited to announce the signing of Jay Stansfield.

The 20-year-old has joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan from Premier League Fulham, subject to League and FA clearance, with the Club beating more than a dozen other teams to his signature.

A dynamic and versatile forward, as a first-year scholar, he joined the Cottagers from Exeter City for an undisclosed fee and has represented the West London outfit on eight occasions in senior football to date.

He spent last term back at Exeter, making 39 appearances across all competitions for the Grecians as they made a solid return to Sky Bet League One, assisted by Stansfield's nine goals.

Speaking to BluesTV upon the completion of the deal, he talked of his satisfaction at getting the move secured.

"I am buzzing. It has been a long time coming. I have been in contact with a lot of people in the last three or four weeks and I made the decision to come here.

"It is a very family club and I can't wait to get started."

Stansfield's CV includes a Football League hat-trick on the final day of the 2022/23 season, whilst his first senior goal came against Blues during an August 2021 Carabao Cup tie at St. Andrew's.

A threat across the frontline, October 2022's EFL Young Player of the Month has also represented England's youth teams on eight occasions since 2019.

Welcome to Blues, Jay!



https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/jay-stansfield-joins-blues-on-loan

[WhiteJC]

When Arsenal must register new signing for debut vs Fulham if deal is agreed for next transfer
Arsenal are back in Premier League action against Fulham on Saturday afternoon, but will manager Mikel Arteta be handing out any more debuts at the Emirates Stadium?

Mikel Arteta has handed out competitive debuts to all but one of his Arsenal summer signings so far this season and whilst it seems unlikely the number will increase against Fulham at the weekend, it can't be ruled out just yet.

As the Gunners kicked off their 2023/24 campaign with a win over Nottingham Forest almost a fortnight ago, it was noticeable that the Spaniard opted to field Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice in the starting line-up, although there was one downside from the afternoon with the Dutchman sustaining a serious knee injury.

That left the aforementioned pair to fly the flag for Arsenal's summer signings against Crystal Palace on Monday night with the club's £105million record signing impressing many. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen when David Raya - signed on a season-long loan deal from Brentford - gets his chance.

With that said, even if the Spaniard doesn't replace Aaron Ramsdale in between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium, there is still a chance that Arteta will have the option of handing out another Arsenal debut against the Cottagers on Saturday - but only if one condition is met around 24 hours before kick-off.

 Now, the talk this week surrounding the north London outfit has been outgoings rather than incomings as that is sporting director Edu Gaspar's main priority at the moment rather than pressing ahead with plans to wrap up the club's fifth signing of the summer transfer window.

Although, if the Brazilian and Arteta have been working on a deal behind the scenes and something is agreed upon, there's a scenario - albeit an unlikely one - where a new signing will be available for selection on Saturday as Arsenal go in search of making it three wins from three at the start of the Premier League season.

As per the Premier League regulations, the Gunners would have to register any new signing(s), by 12pm on Friday, August 25 to have them available for selection against Marco Silva's side.

A statement reads: 'Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match).'

As mentioned above, Given Arsenal's focus since signing Raya just under a week ago has been player sales, the fact that no deal for a potential incoming appears imminent at the moment indicates, barring a major surprise, Arteta will choose from the same pool of players, aside from the suspended Takehiro Tomiyasu - that featured against Palace for the game at home to Fulham.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-new-signing-debut-fulham-27583811

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Fulham - Premier League

    A big chance for Nketiah to show his worth
    Arsenal looking for a third Premier League win in a row
    Zinchenko makes his return to the team

Arsenal have got a 100% record so far in their attempted charge towards the Premier League title and they will be expecting to extend that when they host Fulham at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta is without a few players that he would ideally have in his starting eleven, the headline absentee being Jurrien Timber. Takehiro Tomiyasu is suspended and Folarin Balogun is also out with an injury. Gabriel Jesus is at least back in training but is still unlikely to play.

Having struggled to beat Crystal Palace on Monday night, Arteta will want to see a more coherent display from his team in front of their own fans on Saturday afternoon.

Here is the team that the Spanish coach could choose to get the better of Fulham.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-3-3)
GK: Aaron Ramsdale - Despite the arrival of David Raya, Ramsdale is expected to keep his place in between the sticks for the visit of Fulham.

RB: Ben White - The former Brighton man seems to have been fully converted into a right back at this stage and he is doing what Arteta requires each week. He is strong with the ball at his feet and has the stamina to be a threat at both ends of the pitch.

CB: William Saliba - One of the best defenders in the Premier League, it would take a lot for the Frenchman to be dropped from Arteta's side for any league game this season.

CB: Gabriel - Much like Saliba, Gabriel's place in this team is secure and this is one of the most settled centre-back partnerships in the Premier League.

LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko - The Ukranian is back in the side following his injury and he will take the place that has been vacated by Jurrien Timber and then Takehiro Tomiyasu.

CM: Martin Odegaard - A mainstay in the Arsenal midfield, no team likes to face Odegaard and he is going to be a real threat to Fulham throughout the game.

CM: Declan Rice - Rice seems to have settled into life at Arsenal seamlessly and it already seems unlikely that he is going to be deemed a waste of money.

CM: Kai Havertz - Likely to have a go in midfield here, Havertz has got a lot of positions in this Arsenal team to choose from but regardless of where he plays, fans will want to see some goals.

RW: Bukayo Saka - Probably the most important player at Arsenal, on and off the field at this stage, Saka will continue to do his thing on the right wing.

ST: Eddie Nketiah - This is an incredible opportunity for Nketiah because with Gabriel Jesus and Folarin Balogun injured, and Havertz in midfield, Nketiah is getting the chance to show why he should be the main striker at Arsenal. Jesus is back in training, so the pressure is on now.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli - As each week goes by, it seems more and more clear that this is Martinelli's position to lose at Arsenal.



https://www.90min.com/posts/arsenal-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham-premier-league-26-8-23