Sunday Fulham Stuff - 12/06/22...

[WhiteJC]

Out-of-favour Arsenal man 'in talks' with Fulham as Cottagers eye first summer signing

Premier League new boys Fulham are reportedly in talks to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The German shot-stopper was the Gunners' No. 1 between 2018 and 2021 but lost his place in between the sticks shortly after Aaron Ramsdale's arrival last summer.

He started his side's first three games of the campaign, conceding nine goals as the Gunners failed to pick up a single point.

Leno only played one more league game, a 1-0 win at Aston Villa in March, picking up Arsenal's final clean sheet of the 2021/22 season.

According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old is being targeted by Fulham.

The Cottagers are yet to make a signing since earning promotion from the Championship but have opened 'talks' over a deal for the Arsenal outcast.

Leno is thought to be one of many goalkeepers being considered by Marco Silva's side, who will benefit from the German's apparent desire to stay in London.

Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga shared goalkeeping duties for Fulham in their Championship title-winning campaign in 21/22.

Arsenal are thought to be open to letting Leno leave this summer having signed Matt Turner from New England Revolution; furthermore, young goalkeeper Karl Hein will step up to be Mikel Arteta's third-choice goalkeeper.



https://www.football365.com/news/out-of-favour-arsenal-man-in-talks-with-fulham-as-cottagers-eye-first-summer-signing

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'are in talks to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno' as Marco Silva's newly-promoted side turn their attention to the German outcast ahead of their Premier League return

    Fulham are in talks to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno this summer
    Leno has been out of favour since Aaron Ramsdale's arrival at Arsenal last year
    Marco Silva's side are looking to make Leno their first signing of the window

Fulham are in advanced talks to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the transfer window, according to the Athletic.

The German shot-stopper has been out of favour for Mikel Arteta's side since Aaron Ramsdale's arrival from Sheffield United in the last summer transfer window.

Marco Silva is hoping to make the 30-year-old his first acquisition of the summer as the Cottagers prepare for their return to the Premier League.


Fulham are in talks to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the summer transfer window

Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga shared goalkeeping responsibility for Marco Silva's side in the Championship last year - but the Portuguese coach wants Leno in goal for their Premier League campaign.

The 30-year-old was first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal between 2018 and 2021 after sealing a £22.5m move from Bayern Leverkusen but has lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale this season.

The German made just eight appearances in all competitions for the Gunners - with four of those coming in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Silva will be hoping to make Leno his first signing of the window - with his side already losing Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool and Franck Zambo-Anguissa to Napoli.

Arsenal will not be without a back-up goalkeeper this season - with American Matt Turner joining the club this summer.

The 27-year-old has made 18 appearances for the U.S Men's National Team and 102 for MLS side New England Revolution.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10906965/Fulham-talks-sign-Arsenals-Bernd-Leno-ahead-Premier-League-return.html

[WhiteJC]

Preston hoping to finalise transfer swoop for 29-y/o defender

Preston are looking to complete the signing of Cyrus Christie on a free transfer.

The right-back has been contract to Fulham for the past few years but he has struggled to get near the first-team at Craven Cottage, with his game time coming out on loan at Nottingham Forest and most recently Swansea.

But, with his deal expiring in the summer, Christie was always going to leave and he is on the lookout for his next club ahead of the 22/23 campaign.

And, according to reporter Alan Nixon, North End are going all-out to try and land the Ireland international, with talks to take place this week as they try to reach an agreement.

Boss Ryan Lowe has been looking to make new additions as he prepares for his first full season in charge and he will see Christie as the ideal choice for the wing-back position down the right flank.

The right-back has been contract to Fulham for the past few years but he has struggled to get near the first-team at Craven Cottage, with his game time coming out on loan at Nottingham Forest and most recently Swansea.

But, with his deal expiring in the summer, Christie was always going to leave and he is on the lookout for his next club ahead of the 22/23 campaign.

And, according to reporter Alan Nixon, North End are going all-out to try and land the Ireland international, with talks to take place this week as they try to reach an agreement.

Boss Ryan Lowe has been looking to make new additions as he prepares for his first full season in charge and he will see Christie as the ideal choice for the wing-back position down the right flank.

The verdict

This would be a very smart signing for Preston, firstly because it's an area of the pitch that they need to strengthen.

As well as that, Christie would appear to be a good fit in terms of suiting the style of play Lowe wants, as he is an attack-minded player and would contribute going forward as well as defensively.

So, if they can get this over the line then it would be a very good addition for Preston ahead of what's expected to be a very busy summer.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/preston-hoping-to-finalise-transfer-swoop-for-29-y-o-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Former Lazio Goalkeeper Set for Free Transfer to Fulham   

Fulham are edging closer to completing a deal for Thomas Strakosha, who is leaving Lazio on a free transfer this month.

The 27-year-old Albanian shot stopper failed to agree to a contract renewal after a tough two years in the Italian capital, where he was forced to re-earn his starting spot after dropping behind Pepe Reina in the club's hierarchies.

As reported by The Sun, Strakosha is close to signing a four-year contract with Fulham worth around €1.2 million net per season plus add-ons, as well as a fairly hefty signing-on bonus.

The Albanian goalkeeper joined Lazio in the summer of 2012 from Greek side Panionios in a deal worth around €75,000. In his 10 years in Rome, Strakosha made 208 appearances across all competitions, conceding 247 goals and keeping 62 clean sheets. He was a key part of the Lazio sides that won two Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

Apollo's Thoughts

The saddest departure of the summer, for me. Strakosha clearly loved Lazio and worked hard across his time in Rome, remaining professional even after losing his starting spot. The Albanian may not have been a top five shot stopper in Serie A, but he was a player who performed well and had the club close to his heart.




https://thelaziali.com/2022/06/11/strakosha-preparing-free-transfer-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League club look at double swoop on Irons

Fulham boss Marco Silva may be ready to stage a double swoop on West Ham with the winter window now open.

The Craven Cottage manager remains keen on his former Olympiakos player Arthur Masuaku and an offer is expected from the newly promoted boss.

There is also speculation that he may be ready to take Ryan Fredericks back to south west London following his departure from the London Stadium as he looks to overhaul his squad.

And we have learned that he is something of a fan of Said Benrahma and will wait to see what happens on that front as the window progresses.

Various insiders have made it clear over recent weeks that Moyes is open to selling the Algeria international and it has been suggested that his former club Brentford are one club that would be interested.

However, we have learned through an agent that Silva is watching the situation and could be ready to launch a bid of £12m – £15m.

Moyes, though, with a paper thin squad may choose to wait until winter or next summer before  releasing the 26 year old.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/premier-league-club-look-at-double-swoop-on-irons/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal outcast Bernd Leno set for Premier League switch this summer

Aaron Ramsdale was one of Arsenal's most important players this season, but his good form meant that Germany international Bernd Leno had to warm the bench for the campaign

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno looks set to leave the club this summer, with Fulham in talks with the German shot-stopper.

The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United last summer saw Leno become second-choice at the Emirates Stadium. Ramsdale has thrived for the Gunners and become one of their most important players, both on and off the pitch.

And with Matt Turner set to arrive this summer from New England Revolution, Leno is now surplus to requirements. Many expected the 30-year-old to return to Germany, having played for Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart previously, but that may not be the case.

The Athletic report that Fulham are in talks to sign Leno this summer and he is one of their 'more favoured candidates'. They also report that the goalkeeper is keen to remain in London.

Leno made just four Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta's side this season, and he would expect far more opportunities at Craven Cottage. It is likely he would become their no.1 under Marco Silva, though Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga performed well last season in the Championship and will be keen to make their mark in the top flight.

Building a team capable of surviving relegation is crucial for Silva, and he is not messing about in trying to get business over the line early this summer. As well as Leno, the former Everton boss is eying up several Premier League proven stars.

The Cottagers have been linked with Liverpool duo Neco Williams and Takumi Minamino. They are also keen to sign Hungary international Callum Styles, though face competition to secure his signature from fellow Premier League newcomers Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

Styles impressed at Barnsley this season and has spoken openly about his desire to leave the club this summer. Speaking after he featured in Hungary's 1-0 victory over England recently, he said : "The players want the best for me and my family and that - they will have a bit of a joke about me being English tonight, but I am so proud to be part of the team and winning against England is such an incredible achievement. I just never thought it would happen it's crazy.

"These experiences can only help, you wouldn't get at club level and the calibre of player you play against is the most elite in the world. Our team has really, really good players also and the standard is very good, so that is obviously going to help push my dream of becoming a Premier League player.

"Me and the club have spoke and we think it is the best time to move on. I just need to sit down with my agent and see what is on the table. Fingers crossed somebody will come in with an offer because I want to play at the top and the club have said that's how they see it as well, so hopefully, it will be an easy process." It remains to be seen whether Styles and Leno sign for Fulham this summer or the club are forced to look elsewhere.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-premier-league-leno-fulham-27208560

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham now in talks to sign £100,000-a-week Newcastle target, he wants London move

According to The Athletic, Fulham are now in talks to sign Arsenal glovesman Bernd Leno, who is also a target for Newcastle.

What's the story?

Well, this would be quite the signing for Fulham as they aim to stay in the Premier League.

The Athletic believe Leno is the preferred option for Marco Silva as the Cottagers search for a new goalkeeper, although the west Londoners do have alternatives – however, they are not named.

It comes after Newcastle were said to be eyeing a move for the Germany international, who Arsenal paid £22m for when signing him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018.

Leno lost the No.1 shirt under Mikel Arteta following the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale, and he is thought to be keen on regular playing time with the World Cup on the horizon this November.

The 30-year-old made just four Premier League appearances last season, as well as three outings in the Carabao Cup and one in the FA Cup.

Mikel Arteta currently has Ramsdale, Matt Turner and Karl Hein in the goalkeeping department, as well as Leno.

In our view, four goalkeepers is one too many, so we wouldn't be surprised to see the German depart.

Fulham have advantage over Newcastle

The Athletic also share a piece of bad news for Eddie Howe and the Magpies.

It is said that Leno would prefer to stay in London, which immediately puts Fulham ahead of Newcastle in the race for his signature.

Of course, Newcastle are now one of the richest clubs on the planet, and they may be able to sway Leno towards Tyneside with a bumper salary.

However, if the £100,000-a-week man's decision is due to family reasons, then we believe Howe might struggle to lure him away from London.

Whatever happens, Fulham are certainly showing a lot of ambition here, and it will be interesting to see where Leno ends up.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/11/report-fulham-now-in-talks-to-sign-100000-a-week-newcastle-target-he-wants-london-move/

[WhiteJC]

Transfer News: Fulham rival West Ham United in race to sign Emmanuel Dennis

London duo Fulham and West Ham United are both keeping tabs on Watford star Emmanuel Dennis this summer.

According to The Athletic, Fulham and West Ham United are interested in securing the signature of Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis this summer.

The 24-year-old joined the Hornets in 2021 and was one of the few shining lights in what was a disappointing season as a whole at Vicarage Road. Dennis topped the Watford goalscoring charts and gave his side whatever little hope they had of avoiding relegation.

Now that the inevitable has come to pass, Dennis's performances have found him several admirers in the English top flight. 10 goals and six assists in 35 games do not particularly stand out, but given the lack of service he had at Watford, it is a fine output.

The Nigerian international is primarily a centre-forward but is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline. A good dribbler, Dennis can thrive in a counter-attacking side and has also shown the tactical awareness of running into channels.

Fulham already have the impressive Aleksandar Mitrovic, but adding Dennis to their frontline will hand them more bite in attack. The London giants played on the front foot in the EFL Championship. However, the Premier League is a whole another ball game. They will be better off adopting a counter-attacking approach, and Dennis suits that tactic to a tee.

He will also help Marco Silva compensate for the loss of Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool. Scoring goals makes one's life easier in the top flight, and Fulham are right to focus on their attack. Given time and application, the Nigerian could prove to be an inspired addition at the London club.

The same can be said of West Ham United, who also could do with inspiration in attack. Their overdependence on Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen makes the London giants easy to predict, and David Moyes needs an ace up his sleeve. More so, Said Benrahma could be on his way out, meaning the Hammers could do with a versatile attacker.

Dennis could thrive under Moyes, who has shown himself capable of getting the best out of his players. A player of his potential belongs in the Premier League, and it would appear that a movie could be on the cards this summer, either by joining West Ham or Fulham.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/06/12/transfer-news-fulham-rival-west-ham-united-in-race-to-sign-emmanuel-dennis/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham to attempt Joao Palhinha hijack on Wolves

Fulham have reportedly emerged as a potential destination for Wolves target Joao Palhinha this summer.

According to Record (h/t Sport Witness), Fulham are looking to hijack Wolves' deal to sign Joao Palhinha. The Midlands outfit have a "deal in principle" with Sporting CP over the combative Portuguese midfielder, who is keen on a move to the Premier League. While Wolves are the undisputed favourites to sign the player, Fulham's late entry has made the deal complicated.

Wolves have a €20 million agreement with Sporting CP over Palhinha. However, the fact that Barcelona target Ruben Neves is still a Wolves player is holding up the deal, which has put Fulham on alert. The newly-promoted Premier League outfit have informed Sporting of their desire to match Wolves' €20 million offer.

Although the offer has not arrived yet, Fulham coach Marco Silva is heavily involved in the saga. Given his vast knowledge of Portuguese football, the former Everton coach is well aware of Palhinha's qualities as a midfielder enforcer, who is well-equipped to thrive in the Premier League.

Boasting a strong 1.90m physical frame, Palhinha is indeed a rock in the middle of the park. His aggression and ability to break up the play make the 26-year-old an ideal fit for the English brand of football. With almost 100 competitive appearances for Sporting and 14 caps for the Portuguese national team, he also brings considerable experience at the highest level.

The 26-year-old's experience, aggression and physical attributes have made him an ideal target for Fulham. After once again gaining promotion, the Londoners are determined to remain in the Premier League this time by adding real quality to their ranks.

For a fee of just €20 million, Palhinha represents excellent value for money, and the Portuguese connection between him and Marco Silva could go a long way in revitalising Fulham's second line of press next season.

However, Wolves remain the undisputed favourites to secure the services of the Sporting CP midfielder, who will be keen on working under Bruno Lage and other Portuguese stars in the team. The entire deal, though, hinges on the sale of Neves, who has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona.

Fulham, meanwhile, have already set their sights on other alternatives. Crystal Palace star Luka Milivojevic, for one, has emerged as a top target for Silva, while the Cottagers are also closing in on the capture of SC Braga's holding midfielder Al Musrati.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/06/11/fulham-to-attempt-joao-palhinha-hijack-on-wolves/

[WhiteJC]

Bolton Wanderers handed potential boost in efforts to sign Fulham wing-back Marlon Fossey

Wanderers have been dealt a potential boost as they aim to bring Fulham wing-back Marlon Fossey back to the UniBol.

The 23-year-old had a big impact at Bolton after joining on loan from Fulham during the January window.

Fossey made the right wing-back spot his own, getting one goal and five assists in 16 League One appearances.

However, his time in the North West was cut short after suffering a torn meniscus in the 1-0 defeat against Plymouth.

Wanderers have already strengthened their backline with the addition of former Cambridge left-back Jack Iredale on a free transfer.

And Ian Evatt is keen to add Fossey to his squad as the Whites aim to push for promotion to the Championship next term.

Several days ago, The Bolton News reported that Championship side Preston North End were also interested and keen to bring in a right-sided wing-back.

However, the Lilywhites have now agreed terms with Republic of Ireland defender Cyrus Christie, according to a Patreon report by Alan Nixon.

Christie is a free agent after leaving Fulham at the end of his contract and is comfortable playing in the wing-back role.

Meanwhile, Wanderers' chances of signing former Preston winger Tom Barkhuizen might have also been increased due to the current situation at Derby County.

The Rams have also been linked with a move for Barkhuizen as they aim to make an immediate return to the second tier.

However, the club has failed to resolve its administration problems after prospective owner Chris Kirchner reportedly "failed to meet a deadline" to prove he has the funds to complete the takeover.



https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/20203931.bolton-wanderers-handed-potential-boost-efforts-sign-fulham-wing-back-marlon-fossey/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham now hopeful of signing £17m Liverpool player Leeds keen on

Fulham are hopeful of signing Leeds United target Takumi Minamino from Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to 90min.

90min have reported that Leeds, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion all are interested in signing Minamino from Premier League rivals Liverpool this summer.

Fulham are keen on the Japan international attacker as well, according to the report, which has added that they are 'hopeful of agreeing' a deal with Liverpool.

The London club are 'on amicable terms' with Liverpool after the transfers of Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho, according to 90min.

The Daily Mail reported this week that Liverpool want £17 million for 27-year-old Minamino, who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.

Leeds could miss out on Takumi Minamino to Liverpool

In our view, Leeds United could miss out on Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino to Fulham.

The Cottagers have a good relationship with the Reds, and that could help them in their negotiations.

If Leeds are keen on the Japanese star, then they should make a move now and start talks with Liverpool.

Minamino has scored six goals and created two big chances in 40 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/12/fulham-now-hopeful-of-signing-17m-liverpool-player-leeds-keen-on/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham could be set for transfer setback as European interest emerges in Liverpool player

Fulham could miss out on Liverpool's Takumi Minamino after it was claimed that Monaco are 'leading the chase' for the attacking midfielder.

The Cottagers are back in the Premier League after an outstanding season under Marco Silva, and the Portuguese coach is expected to be backed heavily in the market.

And, one player who is supposedly on his radar is Minamino, with the Japanese international free to leave the Reds due to his lack of game time.

However, whilst he may be a target for the Londoners, a move isn't going to be straightforward, as there is plenty of competition for his signature, with the Times revealing that Monaco are the frontrunners for the player, who is valued at £17m.

The Ligue 1 outfit are now flush with cash after midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni sealed a move to Real Madrid that could be worth up to £85m, so they are expected to be busy in the coming weeks.

Minamino isn't the only Liverpool man that Fulham are considering, as they have also been linked with a move for Neco Williams after his productive loan spell last season.

The verdict

It's no surprise to see there is plenty of interest in Minamino because he is a good player and he needs to move from Anfield to get more minutes.

So, he would be a smart signing for Fulham but Monaco are obviously a very attractive option for him as well, and they now have the funds to get the transfer done.

It seems Fulham may need to act quickly to try and get ahead of the French side but you can be sure they have a whole list of targets that are under consideration.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-could-be-set-for-transfer-setback-as-european-interest-emerges-in-liverpool-player/

[Dodgin]

Leeds could miss out on Minamino, who may go to Fulham, who may also miss out because he may go to Monaco. to be continued.

[filham]

Can anyone remember a summer with so much early transfer rumour , the keepers in particular , it seems a certainty that we will not be seeing Rodak between the sticks next season.
Lets hope it all works out the way Silva wants and that he gets his new team in order for the start of the season.