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Charles Watts believes Mikel Arteta must drop Gabriel Martinelli from the Arsenal starting lineup.

The Lowdown: A slump in form

The Gunners may well be seeing their title aspirations fade away in front of their eyes as they’ve failed to win any of their last three Premier League fixtures including a damning defeat at home to Manchester City.

Arteta will certainly be concerned by this recent run of results and how some of his players have been performing of late with Gabriel lucky to not give away a penalty on Wednesday and for the sixth league game in a row, Martinelli failed to score or assist.

Martinelli has been one of the star performers for Arsenal this season and has been ‘deadly’ alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, but he has started every league fixture this term so could well be desperate for a rest.

The Latest: Martinelli needs to be rotated

Watts was far from impressed by what he saw from Martinelli on Wednesday and has claims on his YouTube channel that Leandro Trossard should start ahead of the Brazilian this weekend.

He said: (11:40) “Martinelli as well, 4/10 I thought he really struggled and definitely needs to be brought out of the starting eleven this weekend. I think Trossard has to start this weekend to give Gabriel Martinelli a bit of a rest because he clearly needs it.”

The Verdict: Arteta could freshen things up

Even if Martinelli had put in a stunning performance against Man City during the week his place could well have been up for debate given how much football he’s played and that the Gunners are the early kick-off on Saturday so rest and recovery will be difficult.

Trossard was signed in January for moments such as this when regular first-team players were looking leggy and out of form as he’s proved this season with Brighton that he can step up and put a team on his back with big performances like the one away to Liverpool.

Arteta must be brave and drop Martinelli this weekend because another stuttering display away to Aston Villa could well bring the curtain down on their title aspirations which looked so promising just a few weeks ago.

Southampton’s board have been told to appoint interim boss Ruben Selles permanently after a brilliant 1-0 win over Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Saints seal win…

The Saints sealed a vital 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a result which gifts the club a boost in their fight for Premier League survival whilst enhancing the credentials of Selles in the dug-out.

Southampton’s temporary head coach enjoyed a stellar first audition in full charge, securing a clean sheet and displaying his managerial know-how as the south coast side triumphed over star-studded opposition.

The Latest: Southampton told to make ‘brave’ Selles appointment…

Speaking to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), a man who knows Selles very well from their time working together in Greece, Oscar Fernandez, has told the Southampton board to give him the job permanently.

He claims the Spaniard is ‘very qualified’ and a ‘brave guy’ with ‘many skills’ – endorsing his former colleague for a crunch job in England’s top flight.

After Southampton’s win at Chelsea, AS themselves go on to claim that Selles can be considered ‘very close to the elite’.

The Verdict: Go for it…

Given the lack of stand-out candidates out there, we believe Selles may well be the right man for the job for a number of reasons.

The Southampton squad and players reportedly want their tactician to take the role full time and reports claim he is ‘highly regarded’ by the St. Mary’s squad.

What’s more, the 39-year-old has already been called ‘ambitious’ and can speak multiple languages fluently – adding to his credentials that he can manage egos from a number of different parts of the world.

He could hardly have got off to a better start with that crucial win in west London and we believe his permanent appointment may only be a matter of time.

Arsenal are plotting a move for attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta and they are willing to meet West Ham United’s huge asking price, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Arsenal eyeing midfielder

The Gunners are on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer, with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio emerging as an option in recent days, a signing that Gabby Agbonlahor believes would be ‘perfect’.

Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga is another potential signing for Mikel Arteta, should he choose to make a move for a youngster, and the Gunners are also said to be leading the race for Declan Rice.

The Latest: Paqueta targeted

Now, according to Spanish sources (via West Ham Zone), Arsenal are plotting a move for Paqueta, despite him only moving to West Ham last summer.

The Hammers are set to demand €70m (£62m) to part with the Brazilian, an amount that both the Gunners and Newcastle United would be willing to go close to this summer.

The Verdict: Get it done?

It is clear that the 25-year-old has bags of talent, judging by his last season in Ligue 1 with Lyon, in which he amassed nine goals and six assists in 35 appearances, however he has not got off to a flying start in the Premier League.

The playmaker has picked up just two goals and two assists in the top flight this term, although in fairness his season has been blighted by injury troubles, having had to deal with a serious shoulder problem.

Although there is every chance that Paqueta could kick on and become a top player, having been hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by sections of the media, £62m is too much for someone yet to prove themselves in England, and Arsenal should prioritise other targets.

Like any club, Newcastle United have seen a number of young talents go on to fail to make the grade at first-team level, with that transition from the youth ranks into the senior set-up not always running smoothly.

One notable example of a player who was unable to build on their early potential was Slovenian international, Haris Vuckic, with big things having been expected of the then-teenager after he was snapped up from Domzale back in January 2009.

Who is Haris Vukic?

The suggestion at the time – as per Sky Sports’ Pete O’Rourke – was that the youngster was ‘regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents’, having even reportedly had a trial with Serie A giants AC Milan prior to making the move to St James’ Park.

With it undoubtedly representing something of a coup for the Magpies to have secured the forward’s services, Vuckic was then handed his debut for a League Cup tie at the start of the 2009/10 campaign, coming on as a substitute against Huddersfield Town.

While the 6 foot 3 playmaker was gradually eased into the first-team squad, he continued to perform for the Tynesiders’ U21 side, eventually scoring 14 goals and providing nine assists in just 31 games at that level.

That early impact ultimately saw the Ljubljana native awarded a new deal in January 2011 at the age of 18, with manager Alan Pardew stating at the time of that contract extension:

“Haris is a player with real potential who we believe could have an exciting future here at Newcastle.”

Pardew would also go on to laud the emerging star for his impact off the bench in a Carling Cup clash against Scunthorpe later that year, with the Englishman providing a glowing assessment of the midfielder’s talent:

“When I first arrived I remember the staff saying to me: ‘We’ve got a really good young player but he’s injured at the moment. This tall, nice, Slovenian guy [Vuckic] kept passing me in the corridor and smiling. Haris is such a nice guy.

“He’s a lovely boy [who] we’ve got big hopes for; he’s got tremendous technique. Haris needs to learn to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League but he’s only 19 and his potential is excellent. He’s got a really clever pass on him. It’s a pass about 85% of Premier League footballers couldn’t even see.”

Despite that potential, however, Vuckic would spend much of the next few years out on loan at clubs lower down the footballing pyramid, with arguably the only notable success having come during his time at Scottish giants Rangers, where he scored nine goals in just 22 games in all competitions in the second half of the 2014/15 season.

As it proved, the 12-cap maestro would ultimately make just 19 appearances back at his parent club in total as he failed to earn a regular role under a succession of managers prior to his departure in 2017, with his solitary goal having come in a Europa League encounter with Atromitos in 2012.

Where is Haris Vuckic now?

Having been shipped off to Dutch outfit FC Twente just under six years ago, the one-time Cardiff City loanee would initially struggle to make his mark in his new home, albeit while enjoying a standout 2019/20 campaign in the Eredivisie, after scoring 11 league goals.

That impressive season has proven something of an anomaly rather than the norm for Vuckic, however, with the struggling asset subsequently failing to score after making the move to Spanish side Real Zaragoza the following season, before spending the next 18 months or so at Croatian side, Rijeka.

That spell at what are now his former employers saw the towering asset record a respectable haul of 16 goals and six assists in just 43 games in all competitions, although the 30-year-old has since decided to leave European football in order to try his luck in Thailand with Buriram United – scoring six times since making the switch back in December.

To have moved to such an obscure league is perhaps somewhat telling of the decline that the previously highly-rated midfielder has endured since his early days at Newcastle, with his career perhaps a case of simply wasted potential.

Glasgow Rangers have been gifted an injury boost as Michael Beale says Malik Tillman could play in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Unfit…

Tillman played 65 minutes in Rangers’ 2-1 loss to Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final last week, but showed signs that he was unfit.

As such, he was left out of the squad in their 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at the weekend, with question marks over his fitness.

The Latest: Could play Hibernian

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match away at Hibernian, Beale says that Tillman ‘could be an option’, although their Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon is the ‘priority’:

“Update on Tillman – MB clarifies he could be an option for Wednesday but cup tie is priority.”

The Verdict: Big boost

It would certainly be a big boost if Tillman is deemed fit enough to play against Hibernian.

Hailed as an ‘epic talent’ by former Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the Bayern Munich loanee has settled in very well in Scottish football, with nine goals and five assists in 37 games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

There have even been reports of them wanting to sign Tillman permanently given how well he has performed, and the Light Blues certainly look a better team whenever he is on the pitch.

However, it will be up to Beale to decide whether to risk him against Hibs, or save him for the weekend.

Chelsea defeated Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, securing three successive victories across all competitions and continuing their recent revival under Graham Potter.

After a wretched run of form that left the Blues boasting just two wins across the board from 15 attempts, there was mounting pressure on Potter and his outfit, who had fallen into the middle of the Premier League and faced a miserable end to the first term of the new era under owner Todd Boehly.

And while there is still much work to be done, there is newfound optimism emanating from the west London side, who remain tenth in the division after 26 matches but are now just five points behind Liverpool in fifth.

Ben Chilwell added to his match-winning assist against Leeds United last weekend by volleying the away team into the lead in Leicester, before an exquisite dinked finish from Kai Havertz gave the Blues the lead in the dying embers before the break; Mateo Kovacic sealed the three points in the second half with a thumping finish from £88.5m winter signing Mykhaylo Mudryk’s headed pass.

How did Kai Havertz perform against Leicester?

Havertz has not always been in the limelight at Stamford Bridge since his £71m move from Bayer Leverkusen, despite scoring the match-winning goal in the 20/21 Champions League final, but with a delightful finish against the Foxes to add to his penalty against Borussia Dortmund in mid-week, he now looks like he is enjoying his talismanic role under Potter’s tutelage.

With eight seasonal strikes, the 33-cap German is now Chelsea’s top goalscorer of the term, and his overall performance in the midlands will have been most pleasing for Potter and co.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old’s 7.8 match rating was bettered only by Conor Gallagher, who replaced Joao Felix early into the second half, with Havertz’s indeed in the thick of the action with two goals on target and a further two wide of the mark, also having an effort blocked.

An incessant thorn in the side of the home team, the £150k-per-week gem made 55 touches, assuredly completing 89% of his passes from his robust role and created one big chance, also winning four of his 11 ground duels.

And having made three tackles on the afternoon, the forward forged an all-encompassing display that will hardly hamper his chances of remaining as the first-choice striker to lead the line of this lucrative and expansive Chelsea squad.

Hailed for his “beautiful” goal by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Havertz expertly chipped the ball over the hapless Danny Ward, with Paul Merson even waxing lyrical over the ace’s “Bergkamp-esque” lob live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (11/03/2023).

With Chelsea now paving a sturdy foundation to build upon for the remainder of the campaign, casting the cobwebs of the awful run aside, Havertz’s rise to form comes at the perfect time, and should he continue to channel this newfound goal-scoring prowess, the Blues’ chances of completing a remarkable seasonal turnaround are only enhanced.

Manchester United are expected to offer their young prospect Facundo Pellistri a new contract before looking at a potential loan move for him in the summer.

How long does Facundo Pellistri have left on his contract?

The 21-year-old winger now has just over two years remaining on his deal with the Red Devils having returned from his loan move to Spain last summer.

Despite having spent a season and a half away from Old Trafford on loan with Alaves, Erik ten Hag decided to keep the Uruguayan around for his first campaign at the helm.

However, it seems as if he could be set to leave the club on a season-long loan over the summer in search of some more regular football.

But before he leaves, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the youngster could be rewarded with a new deal to extend his stay at Od Trafford beyond 2025:

"The idea is to send the player on loan. It's a concrete possibility. But at the moment, it's still not decided the next step because Man United's decision will be in the next weeks on the contract.

"I'm told there is a serious possibility that Manchester United will offer Facundo Pellistri a new deal before sending him on loan, probably in the summer, but this is something to be discussed internally in the next month, so there will be conversations."

Should Facundo Pellistri be sent out on loan?

Despite being kept at the club for the 2022/23 campaign, it is only recently that Pellistri has become a part of Ten Hag's side in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old has been included in numerous matchday squads, however, it is only recently where he has made an appearance from the bench.

United's recent draw against Leeds United saw the winger make his league debut for the Red Devils in front of the Old Trafford crowd.

Since, Pellistri has made another appearance in the Premier League against Southampton and came off the bench in the Europa League against Real Betis.

What is interesting to see, though, is that the 21-year-old has played significantly less than the 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho this season.

And like Pellistri, Garnacho is expected to be handed a new deal, however, unlike the Uruguayan, Garnacho is not expected to be sent on loan for next season.

So it does leave an interesting question as to where Pellistri fits into United's plans for the future and whether this new deal offers the youngster any hope or whether it is just a tool for United to cover their asset's value.

Manchester United are willing to allow Brandon Williams to leave Old Trafford on loan this summer, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: United career

Williams is a product of the Red Devils academy and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign during the 2019/20 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The former United boss described the left-back as ‘exceptional’ following a Europa League meeting with Partizan Belgrade, making a total of 36 appearances during that season.

However, since then, first-team opportunities have been limited, with the 22-year-old spending last season on loan with Norwich City in the Premier League.

Pundit Tony Cascarino stated last year that Williams and former Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour had ‘gone backwards’ during their temporary stays at Carrow Road.

“We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving. [Brandon] Williams as well from United, but they have gone backwards this year. Two players have gone there from big clubs have gone backwards at Norwich.”

It looks as if another loan exit is on the cards over the coming months, potentially to a side in the second tier.

The Latest: Transfer news

Football Insider shared a story regarding Williams in the last 48 hours, claiming there is ‘a growing stampede for his signature going into the main window’ from sides in the Championship.

The report states that ‘United are willing to loan out the defender next season in an attempt to reignite his faltering career’, with Williams missing large parts of the season through injury.

The Verdict: Good decision

It looks set to be an extremely busy summer at Old Trafford in the transfer window, potentially under new owners. Williams may not be the only defender to depart, though, with the club open to moving on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof after receiving the green light from manager Erik ten Hag.

Another loan move for Williams seems to be the best for all involved, with the player struggling to feature with Ten Hag having Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia to choose from.

He has featured in just five minutes of EFL Cup action under Ten Hag, so allowing him to play regular first-team football elsewhere next season seems to be what is needed.

Should a loan move to the Championship materialise, Williams may need to star in the 2023/24 campaign, with his contract at Old Trafford set to expire in 2024. There is an option for a further 12 months, though, so it could be a crucial 18 months in regards to the player’s long-term future in Manchester.

Newcastle United are one of the sides who admire Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves ahead of the summer transfer window.

Is Neves available to leave Wolves in the summer?

The future of the Portuguese midfielder is seemingly under speculation ahead of the summer with his contract at Molineux set to enter the final year over the summer.

And as a result, there have been reports claiming Liverpool have emerged as one of the clubs who would be looking to take Neves' career elsewhere in the Premier League.

As well as a possible move north to Anfield, there have also been some suggestions that Barcelona could be interested in making a move for the 26-year-old.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed the Magpies could also provide some competition in the summer for his signature:

"I think he's been absolutely fantastic. He's captaining his team now, I think whoever gets him, it'll be a massive coup because I think he's only going to get better. We know Newcastle like him, I think he'd be a great fit there alongside Bruno."

Would Neves be a good fit for Newcastle?

Coming out of the January transfer window, it was made pretty evident that Eddie Howe was not pleased with the options he had been left with in midfield.

Having gone into the window looking to bring in at least one new face in that department, no new midfield signings were made and Jonjo Shelvey was sold to Nottingham Forest.

So ahead of the summer transfer window, it is apparent Howe will have the midfield identified as an area for improvement over the coming months.

One name which has been linked with a potential move to St. James' Park is that of Manchester United's Scott McTominay.

Comparing the two midfielders, the Portuguese ace has provided Wolves with much more of an attacking threat than the Scotland international has at United.

Having returned five goals to McTominay's one, Neves has also offered Wolves with a higher number of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (via FBref).

As well as providing more passes per game, the Portuguese midfielder hasn't lacked in his defensive input with an almost identical return of tackles per 90 minutes as McTominay.

Given Newcastle are currently only three points off the Red Devils, there could well be a reluctance for Erik ten Hag's side to deal with Newcastle.

Therefore, a potential deal with Wolves could well prove easier to pull off in the summer, although the calibre of clubs also interested in Neves could prove a serious issue for the Toon.

Frank Lampard may have overseen a successful survival bid last season, but it quickly became apparent that he would be dragging the Toffees into another. Step forward Sean Dyche as the man to breathe new life into an inconsistent outfit that was crying out for stability.

Anxious

Progress under a new management team is steady, rather than spectacular, and it won’t have gone unnoticed to those betting on Premier League markets that those on the blue half of Merseyside are shooting anxious glances over collective shoulders.

The battle to avoid tumbling through a trapdoor into the Championship has become tighter than ever, with Everton priced at 2/1 in Premier League relegation odds to slip out of English football’s top flight for the first time since 1951.

If they are to avoid suffering that fate, then Dyche will need to build on solid foundations. He is famed for making his teams tough to break down, and he currently has the perfect last line of defence at his disposal.

Jordan Pickford is an established England international and a man that would not look out of place as the first name on any team sheet.

Fortunately for Toffees fans, he has committed to a new contract that is due to take him through to 2027. He has said of those terms: “Everton is a massive club. The past few seasons have not been what we wanted but we now have a manager who I believe will point us in the right direction and get us up the table. It’s definitely my aim to be successful at this club.”

Pickford has been a mainstay at Goodison since 2017, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in British history when a move from Sunderland was made, and he remains fully committed to the cause despite obvious difficulties.

Pickford added on future ambitions: “This contract will take me to more than 10 years at Everton and I want to build a legacy here to put myself up there with the likes of Neville Southall to be one of the best keepers to have played for Everton.”

That will be music to the ears of Toffees followers everywhere, but it remains to be seen whether such dreams become a reality. If Everton were to lose their Premier League status in 2023, would Pickford stick around to help them bounce back?

Transfer

Hugo Lloris is slowly edging his way towards the exits at Tottenham, and there has been plenty of speculation to suggest that Pickford figures prominently on recruitment radars in north London and may become the subject of another big-money transfer at some stage.

Spurs’ cause would certainly be aided if they were trying to do business with a second-tier club. Everton supporters will, as they continue to clutch at any straw which falls within reach, want to give no thought to losing their No.1, but will Pickford’s new deal end up lasting four years as intended or a mere four months?

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