PREMIER LEAGUE – Page 18

Conor Gallagher completes £33m Chelsea exit with Atletico Madrid transfer

21Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Conor Gallagher completes £33m Chelsea exit with Atletico Madrid transfer

Conor Gallagher has joined Atletico Madrid for around £33million after leaving Chelsea. The England international had less than 12 months to go on his contract at Stamford Bridge and both parties have decided to part ways. Football Flame understands Gallagher turned down three offers from the Blues to extend his contract - with the latest one coming just last week. Atleti and Chelsea agreed a deal last week but the Madrid-based club were waiting on Gallagher's decision. The 24-year-old midfielder told Atleti of his decision on Sunday and flew to Madrid on Monday to complete his medical with Diego Simeone's side. However, his planned switch was delayed significantly when Samu Omorodion's move in the other direction collapsed. Despite concerns that would mean the Gallagher deal was called...

Erling Haaland has grave fitness warning for the rest of the Premier League

20Aug

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Erling Haaland has grave fitness warning for the rest of the Premier League

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has spoken about the benefits of doing a long pre-season after suffering from the effect of injuries last season. Haaland still scored 27 goals to claim a second successive Premier League Golden Boot last season, while his tally for City prior to the 2024/25 campaign stood at 90 in 98 appearances. But a foot injury forced him to miss almost six weeks across December and January, after which he struggled by previous standards with a return of four goals in his next nine Premier League games. Haaland didn't go to Euro 2024 over the summer, with Norway's failure to qualify for the tournament arguably a blessing in disguise because it meant the chance to recover and work out lingering issues. "It was a good pre-season for me – I've never felt better. ...

Veteran Vardy earns Leicester point against wasteful Spurs

20Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Veteran Vardy earns Leicester point against wasteful Spurs

Veteran striker Jamie Vardy earned newly-promoted Leicester City a 1-1 draw with a profligate Tottenham Hotspur in their English Premier League season opener.Spurs dominated the first half but Pedro Porro's opener in the 29th minute was the only time they could make one of a host of good chances count. Further clear-cut opportunities came and went after the break, with the visitors' wastefulness proving costly when Leicester skipper Vardy headed an equaliser into the net with 57 minutes gone.Brazilian Richarlison missed a golden opening to win it at the death and Spurs had to settle for one point in a match they really should have taken all three from. "Disappointing night for us," Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou told Sky Sports. "First half excellent and controlled the game but wasteful...

Brentford set price for Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd to sign Ivan Toney

19Aug

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Brentford set price for Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd to sign Ivan Toney

Brentford will demand between £50m and £60m to sell Ivan Toney after leaving him out of their Premier League opener due to transfer interest. The 28-year-old England striker has been linked with several Premier League clubs this summer, including Manchester United and London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli have shown the most interest in Toney so far and saw their opening £35m bid rejected by Brentford, according to BBC Sport. The Bees valued Toney at around £70m at the start of the summer but are prepared to drop that price due to a lack of significant interest and the player’s desire to leave. If they fail to sell Toney before the summer transfer window shuts at the end of the month, Brentford run the risk of losing him for free in 12 months time. There ...

Chelsea vs Man City: Preview, predictions and lineups

18Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea vs Man City: Preview, predictions and lineups

The Enzo Maresca era at Chelsea begins with the toughest test possible as the Blues welcome Premier League champions Manchester City to Stamford Bridge this Sunday. The Italian, who guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season, has replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout and will face his former employers on his competitive Chelsea debut. However, a torrid pre-season campaign - which included a 4-2 defeat to Man City - shows patience will be key as Maresca ushers in a new football philosophy in west London. Some things don't change, though. Chelsea have been as frantic as ever in the transfer market, spending big and snapping up the world's brightest talent. Their squad is overflowing heading into the 2024/25 season. Man City have been comparatively quiet in the market...

18Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Casemiro future remains in doubt

Casemiro has forced his way back into Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans, with two weeks left for clubs to make offers to lure him away from Manchester United. The Brazil midfielder’s future at Old Trafford looked in doubt over the summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia in the player signed two years ago for £60m. He was on the bench for the FA Cup final in May before pulling out of the match-day squad through injury, fuelling suggestions he could leave United. But he played in the Community Shield and impressed in the win over Fulham on Friday night. “In that midfield unit he was very important in and out of possession, organising with smart solutions,” said Ten Hag. “This is the Casemiro we all enjoy.” United have looked at Paris St-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Burnley’s Sander Berge sh...

17Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Havertz and Saka star as Arsenal start new season with win over Wolves

Kai Havertz headed Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal towards a winning start to the new season with a message to manager Mikel Arteta that he can be his side’s star striker this season. Arsenal are in the hunt for and being urged to sign a proven goalscorer, but maybe they already have one. The versatile German scored 14 times and served up seven assists in his first season at the club following a big money move from Chelsea last summer. Many of those goals came from midfield. Arteta, who had played Havertz in midfield for much of pre-season, opted to play him ahead of Gabriel Jesus in the main forward role this time and his tactical move ended up being the difference between the two sides. That said, Wolves did little to threaten the Arsenal goal aside from a first-half Jorge...

17Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mohamed Salah breaks goal record on opening day of Premier League season

Mohamed Salah has broken a Premier League record on the opening day of the season after scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich Town. The Egyptian latched on to Dominik Szoboszlai's pass to slide the ball under Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton, doubling a Liverpool lead that been handed to Arne Slot's side by Diogo Jota. Salah's strike was the ninth time he's scored on the first day of a Premier League season, pulling one clear of Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. The 31-year-old has previously scored on the first day against Watford - his Liverpool debut during the 2017/18 season - before going on to score goals against West Ham, Norwich City (2), Leeds United (a hat-trick), and Fulham. The only time Salah has failed to score on the first day of the season was during 2023/24,...

17Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United 1-0 Fulham: Dream debut for Zirkzee as Red Devils avoid frustration

Manchester United got off to winning ways with a 1-0 win against Fulham as the Premier League returned on Friday night. After a goalless first half with several chances, the second 45 needed a moment to echo the game into life a bit more. It took 87 minutes for a goal to ripple the net but, for Joshua Zirkzee, it was a debut to remember, as his effort went past Bernd Leno in goal for Fulham. Fulham did make a good name for themselves throughout the game as they challenged United right to the end, but it was their keeper who kept them in it with several saves made. Obviously, Man United go top and Fulham are bottom but it's gameweek one. Both sides will be looking to build on this opening result. Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United were looking to start their league campaign off with a win...

16Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Erik ten Hag insists he has no Dutch ‘favouritism’ after signing two more ex-Ajax players

Erik ten Hag dismissed suggestions he prefers players with experience of Dutch football after Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui became the latest to join Manchester United this week. The defenders completed moves from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford on Tuesday, linking back up with their former Ajax manager ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham.Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony also played under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, while former loanee Sofyan Amrabat was managed by him at Utrecht. Tyrell Malacia, Wout Weghorst and Joshua Zirkzee hail from the Netherlands, plus Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount played there, meaning 11 of the 20 signings made his since appointment in 2022 have a Dutch association. Asked if that background was something he favoured or just a ...

16Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd send clear Scott McTominay transfer message as Napoli plot bid

Manchester United have told Napoli to make them an offer they cannot refuse for Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay. Napoli are in talks with United and boss Antonio Conte wants McTominay to boost his midfield options. The Serie A side would prefer a loan move for McTominay, even though United feel he is worth at least £25million. McTominay, 27, has just 11 months left on his contract, although United have the option to extend it until 2026. United rejected a £20m offer from Fulham for McTominay and they are adamant they will not let him leave unless the deal is right for them. Although Erik ten Hag may not see McTominay as an automatic starter in his new-look side, he proved his worth to United last season, scoring 10 goals. United will happily keep McTominay if they do not receive a s...

15Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel, Drogba Want Osimhen’s Chelsea Deal Finalised

Only Chelsea remains in the chase for Victor Osimhen as PSG are now busy looking at other targets and there was never any truth in interest by Arsenal, according to Top Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano. The Transfer Expert reported today that big-spending Premier League club Chelsea never ended their interest in the Napoli striker. However, both Napoli and Osimhen have never been comfortable with a loan transfer to the London club. The player’s release clause of about 130 million Euros as well as his huge salary, which is beyond the pay ceiling at Chelsea were among the issues that had to be dealt with. Napoli have been clear on their interest in Romelu Lukaku and a swap deal involving Osimhen has been discussed. There is also the question of the player’s wish to play in the UEFA Champ...

14Aug

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester City line-up against Tottenham requires four big decisions

There are still a few days of training for Leicester City players to catch the manager’s eye and perhaps change his thinking, but the opportunity to impress in pre-season matches has now passed. City’s Premier League return is just days away and Steve Cooper will have a broad idea of the line-up he plans to field against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday (8pm). The likes of Mads Hermansen and Harry Winks are almost certainly going to start.But there are a couple of positions that are still up for debate, so we have taken a look at the most contentious areas of the City starting line-up. Ricardo or KristiansenGiven he was one of City’s best performers last season, his quality in tight areas integral to the success of the style of play, it was a surprise that Ricardo Pereira did not star...

14Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Why Liverpool are willing to sell young players this summer

Liverpool's seemingly sudden willingness to sell their young players is a result of various factors, rather than an order from new manager Arne Slot, Football Flame understands.Fans have voiced concerns on social media as Liverpool continue to entertain the departures of a number of young talents. Fabio Carvalho left for Brentford in a deal worth up to £27.5m, while the likes of Ben Doak, Bobby Clark and Sepp van den Berg are all facing uncertain futures at Anfield over the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Young players played a huge role in Liverpool's 2023/24 campaign, including their famous triumph over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, but sources have confirmed to 90min that such a level of exposure was not planned for their academy talents and was largely forced upon ...

13Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Luke Shaw injury setback confirmed as Man United release fresh statement

Manchester United have announced that left-back Luke Shaw is set to miss the start of the season with a calf injury.The star, who hasn't played a minute for United since he suffered an issue just before half-time against Luton Town back in February, recently made his return to football at the European Championships, where he played three halves of football for Gareth Southgate's England side that finished runners-up to Spain. In a statement released by the club on their website, they wrote: "Luke Shaw will miss the opening games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained at the start of pre-season training. He is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break." Throughout preseason, there's been the lingering...

13Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Cole Palmer ‘commits himself to Chelsea until 2033’

Cole Palmer has signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea, according to reports. The 22-year-old - who arrived from Manchester City in a £42.5million deal on transfer deadline day last September - has now apparently committed himself to the Blues through until June 2033.Palmer enjoyed a standout campaign last season, scoring 22 Premier League goals. The Chelsea winger was part of the England squad which reached the final of Euro 2024, where he scored an equaliser after coming off the bench in the defeat against Spain. The Blues posted a picture of Palmer on their official X account on Tuesday afternoon and the PA news agency has contacted the club seeking an update.

13Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton also wants Nketiah but they can only sign him on loan

Arsenal wants to sell Eddie Nketiah and has been in talks with Olympique Marseille regarding the striker’s transfer. The Englishman has agreed on personal terms with the Ligue 1 side and is eager for the move to materialise. Arsenal is aiming to secure a good fee for Nketiah’s departure and is open to other clubs joining the race, which has prompted Everton to express interest. Everton is keen on acquiring Nketiah due to his Premier League experience and his status as a player from one of the top clubs in the competition. However, a report from Football Insider suggests that it is unlikely Everton will complete the signing due to their financial constraints. The report indicates that although Arsenal has proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy, Everton may struggle to meet this...

13Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Zubimendi Snubs Liverpool’s €60M Offer for Sociedad Stay

Liverpool have faced a significant setback in their summer transfer plans, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi deciding to stay put in Spain. Despite the Reds identifying Zubimendi as their top target for the defensive midfield position, the player has firmly informed Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, that he will not be making a move to Merseyside this summer. Zubimendi’s Decision to Stay: A Blow to Liverpool’s Plans Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi was no secret. The club saw the 25-year-old as an upgrade on Wataru Endo, with manager Arne Slot being particularly impressed by Zubimendi’s performances for both Sociedad and the Spanish national team. The midfielder’s €60 million (£51.3 million) release clause seemed a reasonable price for such a talent, and Liverpo...

12Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Noussair Mazraoui potential shirt numbers at Man Utd

Manchester United are finalising a deal to sign right-back Noussair Mazraoui, a transfer that will reunite the Morocco international with manager Erik ten Hag. Dutch-born Mazraoui spent 16 years at Ajax in total, making 137 first-team appearances under Ten Hag - that included 48 during the Amsterdam club's incredible 2018/19 campaign in which they were no more than a kick away from reaching the Champions League final. To make way for Mazraoui, United have offloaded Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The move hinged on that happening and the former Crystal Palace man will start afresh back in London at West Ham United. Mazraoui is a right-back by trade and will primarily compete with Diogo Dalot. But both players are versatile enough that they can operate on the left, which has proven to be a weak spot....

11Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag provides Matthijs de Ligt transfer update

Erik ten Hag refused to speculate on the potential signings of Matthijs de Light and Noussair Mazraoui but conceded his Manchester United defence still had ‘problems’ to solve. The Red Devils have been chasing defensive reinforcements this summer and have already brought in Leny Yoro, but he has suffered a foot injury which will keep him out for three months. The hunt for more defenders has continued and has taken Manchester United to Munich, where they are now close to sealing the signatures of De Ligt and Mazraoui. Reports on Saturday suggested a deal for the Dutch centre-back had been agreed, while the signing of Mazraoui was progressing well, but Ten Hag would not get into specifics when speaking following his side’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. ‘No, I can’...