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Chelsea are now believed to be “working” on the potential signing of a La Liga star behind-the-scenes, with Stamford Bridge officials apparently very impressed by him.

Chelsea looking to strengthen at centre-back and going forward

Enzo Maresca has guided the west Londoner to five wins from their last five Premier League games, as the Italian is forced to constantly refute suggestions that Chelsea are now contending for this season’s title with Arsenal and Liverpool.

Chelsea hold initial talks with £83m ace this week ahead of potential move

The west Londoners have approached his camp “in recent days”.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 14, 2024

Chelsea have scored more goals than any other top flight side, with only Arsenal and Liverpool conceding fewer, leaving little surprise that many are starting to believe Maresca could beat both Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta to the Premier League crown in his debut campaign as manager.

However, despite their excellent form, those within Chelsea are still looking to bolster some key areas of the squad – whether that be in the looming January transfer window or next summer.

BlueCo are said to be prioritising the addition of a new centre-back at Chelsea, potentially meaning one of Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashile could depart (Simon Phillips), with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Benfica’s Tomas Araujo and Antonio Silva all being looked at.

Meanwhile, there is also the very real possibility that Chelsea could bring in a prolific new number nine, despite Nicolas Jackson’s excellent performances leading the line this season and Christopher Nkunku being just as prolific off the bench.

According to some reports, Chelsea have made contact with Ipswich Town over Liam Delap, and talks over a potential deal have already been held.

The Englishman has impressed under Kieran McKenna, but Delap is by no means there only striker target, with Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, Victor Boniface and Dušan Vlahović sporadically linked in the past few months as well.

Chelsea "working" on deal for Getafe sensation Christantus Uche

Another player who can feature as a centre-forward, but is more traditionally an attacking midfielder, is Getafe starlet Christantus Uche.

The breakout Nigerian played amateur football in his home country just two years ago, but since then, Uche has risen to the top of European football and is now plying his trade in Spain’s top flight.

The 21-year-old is a mainstay for Getafe after signing for just €500,000 in the summer, and his performances have attracted attention from west London.

According to reports out of Spain, Chelsea are “working” on a deal for Uche, and the club’s board are particularly impressed by his versatility. They’re apparently the “most determined” club to secure his services, but Getafe won’t be letting him go for a penny less than his £21 million release clause.

América's coach says potential move to the Brazil national team unlikely, but that 'hopefully, one day I can be worthy'

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• América defeated Tigres 3-0 on Matchday 13

• Las Águilas secured their spot in the Clausura 2025 final phase

• André Jardine reached 100 matches with the club

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The dismissal of Dorival Junior as Brazil's head coach has brought names such as Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and even América’s André Jardine into the conversation as a potential replacement.

  Jardine is enjoying an exceptional moment, leading América to the top of the Clausura 2025 with 30 points. Las Águilas have already secured their spot in the tournament’s final phase, where they will aim for their fourth consecutive Liga MX title.

  But is Jardine’s move to the Brazil national team even a possibility? Here’s what the coach had to say about the rumors linking him as Dorival Junior’s replacement:

  "Obviously, I did a job in Brazil with the Olympic gold, and that is valued in Brazil," he said. "But, to be completely honest, Brazil is looking for top-tier coaches – [Carlo} Ancelotti, [Pep] Guardiola. I’m a step below that level. Hopefully, one day I can be worthy of that seat, which is a hot and heavy one.

  "Brazil is thinking about a world-class coach. Right now, things are heated, but I’m happy. I enjoy the moment, every match, every day, and the achievement of every tournament."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT ANDRÉ JARDINE SAID

  "First of all, I want to say that I appreciate the great value the Mexican press gives me today. I’m very happy with how I’ve been embraced here – it fills me with pride. I’ve felt welcomed in this country since day one in San Luis, loved by the fans. My son is Mexican, and I feel happy and fulfilled in this league. This is an important point – earning the respect of everyone, from the press and fans to rival coaches."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  André Jardine has reached 100 matches as América's head coach, an impressive milestone in his tenure with the club. Since his arrival in mid-2023, the Brazilian manager has led Las Águilas to a historic period of dominance, securing three Liga MX titles in a row and positioning the team as a powerhouse in Mexican football.

  Jardine's Record with América (first 100 Matches):

  Wins: 66

  Draws: 21

  Losses: 13

  Goals Scored: 191

  Goals Conceded: 78

  Titles Won: 3 (Liga MX Apertura 2023, Clausura 2024, Apertura 2024)

  Under his leadership, América has established itself as the strongest team in Liga MX, currently leading the Clausura 2025 with 30 points. Jardine has also emphasized squad depth, rotation, and tactical flexibility, ensuring the team's consistency despite injuries and fixture congestion.

  Jardine and his team remain focused on their primary objectives: securing a fourth consecutive Liga MX title and winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the only major club trophy missing from his tenure.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

  After their 3-0 victory over Tigres on Matchday 13 of the Clausura 2025, América return to training to prepare for the first leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals against Cruz Azul Tuesday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.

  Following that match, Jardine’s squad will train on before traveling to Pachuca, where they will face Tuzos on Saturday for Matchday 14.

West Brom are now reportedly interested in hiring an “unbelievable” manager to come in and replace Carlos Corberan in The Hawthorns hot seat.

West Brom eyeing Corberan successor

The Corberan era with the Baggies has officially come to an end, with the Spaniard opting to take charge of La Liga side Valencia instead, in a job he ultimately found too difficult to turn down.

Now, it’s a case of West Brom finding the right person to come in and replace their former boss, ensuring that they remain right in the Championship promotion mix until the end of the season.

Plenty of names have already been mooted as potential options for the Baggies, with Liverpool first-team coach Johnny Heitinga a leading candidate to take charge and guide them to future successes. Whether the Dutchman is willing to leave Anfield so soon after coming in alongside Arne Slot remains to be seen, though.

Meanwhile, a reunion with Tony Mowbray has also been mooted, with the veteran manager out of work since leaving Birmingham City due to health reasons. It would be a decision that may divide the supporters, with some seeing him as a safe pair of hands and others maybe wanting a younger boss brought in.

West Brom keen on "unbelievable" manager

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, West Brom are interested in making Mark Robins their next manager, following his surprise recent sacking by Coventry City.

He is “ready to return to management” and the Baggies are in the mix to hire him, as they look to ensure that they nail their next appointment. He has been described by a fellow contemporary as “the best manager in this league”.

Robins stands out as a good option for West Brom, with many left shocked at his recent firing, considering the job he did at Coventry, guiding them into the Championship and then the playoff final in the 2022/23 season.

Only a penalty shootout defeat to Luton Town prevented him from inspiring his side into the Premier League, and Shaun Derry has waxed lyrical over the job he did in the past, saying:

“You look at some of the teams in and around the top six, you know, there’s a lot of pressure on them teams, of course, to get into the Premier League, the promised land, it’s massive. But if you think about the job that Mark Robins has done, it’s absolutely unbelievable. Complete safe pair of hands at that football club, but now he’s got some brilliant players, young players, really aggressive plays in the final third, and that was a massive win today.”

Attacking 4-3-3 coach leading candidate to replace Corberan at West Brom

West Brom are on the hunt for a new manager.

By
Barney Lane

Dec 27, 2024

Robins has caused West Brom problems in the past, picking up two wins in nine appearances against them, and his preferred 3-4-1-2 formation could get the best out of wing-backs and be an awkward system to come up against. He could soon be seen as a front-runner to take charge at The Hawthorns.

Mauro Icardi aimed another dig at Jose Mourinho after the Fenerbahce manager's nose grab stunt during the Turkish Cup defeat to Galatasaray.

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• Mourinho lost his cool after Cup exit
• Pinched Okan Buruk's nose
• Icardi mocked the Portuguese on Instagram

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A dramatic Turkish Cup quarter-final saw Galatasaray claim a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, but the main talking point was a controversial post-match altercation involving Mourinho and Okan Buruk.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As tensions flared after the final whistle, Mourinho approached Galatasaray boss Buruk and provocatively grabbed his nose. The unexpected gesture saw Buruk react by falling to the ground, sparking a heated exchange between players and staff from both sides. Fenerbahce winger Irfan Can Kahveci attempted to diffuse the situation, while security personnel rushed in to prevent the scene from escalating further. Referee Cihan Aydin took immediate action, brandishing a red card for Mourinho, adding another chapter to the Portuguese manager’s long history of controversial touchline incidents.

• WHAT ICARDI SAID

  Following the incident, Icardi wasted no time in mocking Mourinho on social media. The Argentine forward posted: "They not only play handball, they also do boxing." – a direct jab at Fenerbahce’s aggressive approach during the match.

  Icardi didn’t stop there. He further taunted Mourinho by referring to Buruk as "The one and only", a clear reference to the Portuguese coach’s self-given title, "The Special One."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The incident quickly drew comparisons to Mourinho’s infamous altercation with former Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova during the 2011 Supercopa de España. On that occasion, while managing Real Madrid, Mourinho was caught on camera poking Vilanova in the eye during a post-match scuffle. Although he later issued an apology, the incident remains one of the most talked-about moments of his career.

Former Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.

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• Beenhakker a managerial great
• Took charge of Ajax & Real Madrid
• Dutchman dies at the age of 82

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Dutchman enjoyed an impressive managerial career, taking charge of Madrid, Ajax, Feyenoord, Netherlands, Real Zaragoza and more over the space of 50 years. Tributes have poured in for the ex-Poland boss following news of his death on Thursday, April 10.

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  WHAT AJAX AND REAL MADRID SAID

  An Ajax statement read: "Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker. Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax."

  Madrid added: "Real Madrid C.F., its president and board of directors, are deeply saddened by the death of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary Real Madrid coach who led the Whites between 1986 and 1989, and in 1992. Real Madrid would like to express their condolences and affection to his family, clubs, and loved ones."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During his glittering managerial career, Beenhakker won two league titles with Ajax and three La Liga titles with Madrid. When he managed Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold Class) – which is the country's second highest state decoration. It's clear he will be missed by many.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While preparations for his funeral are likely to be underway soon, he famously once said: "Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win."

Leeds United can be fairly content with their position in the Championship table heading into the second half of the season, with Daniel Farke’s side sat in first place.

Their goal heading into the 2024/25 campaign was automatic promotion, having lost in the play-off final last year, and they are currently on course to achieve that.

However, they are only one point clear of Sheffield United and Burnley in second and third, which means that they are only one more slip up away from potentially being in the play-off positions.

As you can see in the highlights above, Leeds could have been three points clear of their rivals after the weekend if they had not let a 3-1 lead against Hull slip in the last ten minutes.

The Whites know that they will need to be better at seeing out games in the coming months if they want to avoid dropping down into the play-offs, which is what happened last season.

Farke and his recruitment team could look to use the January transfer window, which opened for business last week, to bolster the squad ahead of the promotion run-in.

Leeds eyeing January additions

According to the Daily Mail Online, Leeds are serious about dipping into the market to ensure that they have a team that is ready to get automatic promotion over the line in the second half of the campaign.

The report claims that a centre-back, a full-back, a midfielder, and a striker are all on the agenda for the Whites, who could make up to four signings before February’s deadline, as they look to leave Farke with plenty of options to choose from across the park.

There is no mention of any targets Leeds have in the first three positions, although reports from elsewhere have seen them linked to Hoffenheim forward Mergim Berisha, central defender Ben Godfrey, and Nottingham Forest outcast Andrew Omobamidele.

The Daily Mail Online does, however, reveal that Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Dor Turgeman and Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry are both on the club’s radar as potential forward additions.

Leeds, however, appear set to miss out on a transfer for Barry as Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, has reported that Derby County are closing in on a deal to sign the attacker.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It was claimed that the Rams could win the race for his signature because they can offer him guaranteed game time week-in-week-out, which would not be the case if he were to join one of the top sides – including Leeds – in the Championship this month.

It is a shame that the West Yorkshire outfit are unlikely to strike a deal for the former Barcelona and West Brom youngster, as he enjoyed a strong first half of the season.

Louie Barry's form this season

The 21-year-old starlet spent the first half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Stockport County in League One and showcased his attacking qualities week-in-week-out for the third division outfit.

Barry caught the eye of Leeds, as well as Derby and others, because of his impressive goalscoring output whilst playing out wide on the left or through the middle for Stockport, contributing with 15 goals in 23 appearances in the league.

As you can see in the table above, the English gem rarely missed a ‘big chance’ to find the back of the net but was not as prolific when it came to creating chances for his teammates to score.

Barry, however, has yet to prove that he can step up and do it in the Championship, after just five months of strong performances in the third tier of English football, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to translate his attacking threat over to the second division.

Leeds can, now, move on from the Aston Villa youngster by focussing their efforts on signing the other forward on their radar this month – Dor Turgeman.

Why Leeds should sign Dor Turgeman

Firstly, the 21-year-old star, who is reportedly available for a fee of around £4m this month, would arrive on a permanent deal and come in as a long-term option for Farke, whereas Barry would only have been a short-term fix.

Turgeman, who was described as “very exciting” by The Rangers Journal’s Kai Watson, still has plenty of time left to develop and hone his skills, at the age of 21, and could be a project player for the manager to work on over the years to come.

The Israel international’s form for Maccabi Tel Aviv so far this season also suggests that he could come in as a strong addition to the German head coach’s squad to bolster his attacking options ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Whilst, like Barry, he has not played in the Championship before, Turgeman has played at a higher level in the Europa League this term and contributed with one goal and one ‘big chance’ created in four starts, after three goals in four matches in the qualifying stage.

This shows that the potential is there for him to impact games against high-quality opposition, whilst the young gem, who Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetić described as “a beast on the pitch”, has also been a star in domestic football for his club.

As you can see in the table above, Turgeman has contributed with an impressive 13 goals and ‘big chances’ created in nine league games in the Israeli Premier League so far this term.

These statistics show that he has racked up ten goals in 17 starts in all competitions, to go along with his eight ‘big chances’ created, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide in the final third.

Therefore, Farke and Leeds could forget all about Barry by landing a £4m deal for Turgeman, who could offer a greater quality on the pitch – given his European exploits – whilst also coming in as long-term, permanent, solution for the club.

Bad news for Bamford: Leeds lining up swoop for "exceptional" forward

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the centre-forward this month.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 7, 2025

Celtic are back in action for the second time in 2025 in the Scottish Premiership as they prepare to welcome St Mirren to Parkhead this afternoon.

The Hoops are looking to bounce back from their horrendous day on the other side of Glasgow on Thursday, as they were beaten 3-0 by rivals Rangers at Ibrox.

It was a first defeat of the league season and the first time that Kasper Schmeichel had conceded more than two goals in a league match for the club, having only let in four goals in the previous 18 games.

Brendan Rodgers could react to the poor performance and result by making some changes to his line-up, starting with Reo Hatate coming out of the team.

Why Reo Hatate should be dropped

The Celtic manager should ruthlessly bin the Japan international from the starting XI after his dismal performance in and out of possession in the loss to Rangers.

Hatate was selected to start in the middle of the park alongside captain Callum McGregor and Portugal U21 international Paulo Bernardo, but failed to justify his inclusion with a strong display.

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese midfielder did not excel in any phase of the game at Ibrox, as he was incredibly wasteful in possession and failed to offer much in the way of defensive protection.

The 27-year-old star should, therefore, be ditched from the starting line-up after such an ineffectual performance, and that will open the door for Rodgers to bring summer signing Arne Engels back in.

Why Arne Engels should start

The Belgium international, who joined from Augsburg, was dropped to the bench for the Old Firm clash, despite an impressive display from the start against St Johnstone in the previous match.

Engels, who Rodgers claimed is “excellent” in training, produced a sublime cross to assist Kyogo Furuhashi’s second goal in that match, with the Japan international simply having “wow” to say in response to a question about the pass in his post-match interview.

It was his first assist in 16 appearances in the Premiership this season, but it was the fourth ‘big chance’ that he has created for his teammates, which suggests that he has been let down by wasteful finishing from others.

Engels has found the back of the net four times in those 16 matches, starting ten of them, and has recorded one goal and seven assists in nine outings in the Champions League and League Cup this term.

The 21-year-old dynamo, who has won 50% of his duels in the Premiership, is a midfield player who can pick up intelligent positions to create moments in the final third, as shown by the ‘big chances’ he has created and the assists he has racked up.

Therefore, Rodgers should immediately ditch Hatate, after his dismal performance against Rangers, and unleash Engels to cause problems for the St Mirren defence at Parkhead this afternoon with his creativity and quality.

Celtic can sign new Rogic in move for "special" star who's "like Odegaard"

Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Premier League talent.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 2, 2025

Dele Alli is refusing to give up on his 2026 World Cup dream, with the Como midfielder confident that he can earn an England recall.

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• Last Three Lions cap earned in 2019
• Rebuilding his career with Serie A outfit
• Confident that lost spark can be rekindled

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The goal-scoring midfielder, with 37 senior international appearances to his name, earned his last Three Lions cap in 2019. Dele has endured a tough time on and off the field since then.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has, however, rediscovered his smile since moving to Italy alongside model girlfriend Cindy Kimberly. After hitting free agency at Everton, Dele was offered a surprising career lifeline by Cesc Fabregas and Como.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Dele did not enjoy the best of starts there, as he picked up a red card on debut, but has unwavering belief in his own ability. With that in mind, the 29-year-old is determined to catch the eye of new England boss Thomas Tuchel.

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  WHAT DELE ALLI SAID

  Asked about his personal ambition by , Dele said: "I’m definitely not done yet. I’m a very ambitious person. I’m hungrier than I have ever been. It’s been two years of difficult times for me, where I have learned a lot and had to grow.

  "I’m a big believer in everything happening for a reason and I think my purpose is to come here now and to exceed what I have done already. I don’t think that any challenge or anything that I put as my goal or ambition is too high to reach.

  "I think I’ve made it clear before that one of my closest goals is to be in the squad for the next World Cup in 2026. That is still my aim."

After beating Brentford on New Year’s Day, Arsenal have failed to win any of their subsequent three games.

Mikel Arteta’s side drew with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League and then lost to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the League Cup and FA Cup, respectively.

Despite conceding in each of those matches, the biggest issue is proving to be the Gunners’ attack, and while club captain Martin Odegaard looked better against the Red Devils – bar his dreadful penalty, that is – he has looked someway off his sensational best this year.

His poor form is undoubtedly in part down to the ankle injury he suffered earlier in the season, but it could also be down to the chopping and changing of the midfield around him, so recent reports linking the club to someone who could be a mainstay in the team next season and a dream teammate to boot, should excite fans.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook, Arsenal are seriously interested in signing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this summer.

In fact, Crook goes one step further, claiming that personal terms are “already in place” with the player and that Liverpool are now “not expected to revisit their interest.”

Crook does not mention how much the transfer may cost, but in another report from earlier today, journalist Sami Mokbel revealed that the Gunners will activate the £51m release clause in the Spaniard’s contract in the summer.

It’s undoubtedly a lot of money, but given Zubimendi’s ability, it could prove more than worth it, especially as he could be a dream teammate for Odegaard.

Why Zubimendi would be an ideal teammate

So, there are several reasons why Zubimendi would be an excellent teammate for Odegaard in this Arsenal team, and the first is that they have already played together.

Before he joined the Gunners in 2021, the Norwegian maestro spent the 19/20 season on loan with Real Sociedad, where he played with Mikel Merino in a midfield which the 25-year-old Spaniard then joined towards the end of the campaign.

The second reason he’d be a great teammate is that he’s rarely out injured, having missed just ten games since the start of the 20/21 campaign.

This is incredibly important, as his ability to start games week-in-week-out should help him build footballing relationships with his new teammates, keep a sense of continuity within the team and help build momentum.

As they say, availability is the best ability.

Lastly, as his underlying numbers show, the “world-class” international, as dubbed by Spanish football writer Alexandra Jonson, is capable of fulfilling both the defensive and offensive responsibilities of playing at the base of midfield, thus allowing Odegaard to focus his attention on what’s happening at the sharp end of the pitch.

For example, according to FBref, the 25-year-old sits in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League for successful take-on percentage and percentage of aerial duels won, the top 10% for percentage of dribblers tackled, the top 11% for clearances, the top 12% for passes blocked, the top 15% for shots blocked and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, it might not make a difference this season, but the news that Arsenal are primed to sign Zubimendi in the summer should seriously excite the fans, as with him in the team, Odegaard could have more licence to get forward and play to his full potential.

Alongside Zubimendi: Arsenal want to sign £50m PL star who's like Isak

The incredible attacker could solve Arsenal’s biggest problem this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 14, 2025

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas believes Ben White may ask to leave north London thanks to the excellent form of Jurrien Timber.

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• Gallas sceptical of White
• Ex-Brighton man has struggled with injuries this term
• Timber has 45 appearances this year alone

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former France international pointed to Timber's sparkling form and White's unnatural fit at right-back as key factors behind his comments. White featured at centre-back for both Leeds and Brighton before making the move to the Emirates.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gallas went on to say White has two options – stay at the club and fight for his place, or move on. This will be difficult, as Mikel Arteta has shown little interest in dropping the Dutchman. The 24-year-old has made 45 appearances for the Gunners in 2024-25.

• WHAT WILLIAM GALLAS SAID

  Gallas told : "Jurrien Timber has set the standard so high at right back, it will be very difficult for Ben White to get his position back in the starting XI.

  "White will get minutes, but right back isn't his main position, he was never a real right back. He got a few goal contributions, but he needed to do more, like how Timber is performing.

  "Ben White has two options, he can stay and fight for his position and show he's the best right back at the club, or he can ask to leave. We'll see."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  With the title race all but over, White may get some minutes in the Premier League as Arteta prepares his best XI for the Gunners' Champions League semi-final against PSG.