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Arsenal could have a potential contract issue on their hands over the summer with the expected return of their on-loan striker Folarin Balogun.

What’s the latest?

The 21-year-old striker is currently out on loan with the French side Reims where he is enjoying regular football in Ligue 1 and he is expected to return to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

However, with the likes of Eddie Nketiah currently shining under Mikel Arteta amid Gabriel Jesus’ absence, there will be question marks as to where his future will lie.

Balogun’s contract is expected to run for another two years but it is apparent the youngster has two hungry strikers above him in the pecking order in north London.

Indeed, speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, journalist David Ornstein has suggested the Gunners may have a big decision on their hands as to what lies ahead for the 21-year-old striker:

“I think there’s only a couple of years left on his contract, so it’s a situation that Arsenal are going to have to look at. But clearly, he looks a top prospect who – for club and also for country, I’m sure – has a great future ahead of him.

“Arsenal will hope that’s with [them], but it looks like they’ll need to tie him down for longer. I remember there was a big contract story involving him, I was reporting on it myself, but we could be in that situation again, the way he’s going. And if Arsenal manage to hold on to him, it looks like they’ve got someone prolific on their hands for the long term.”

Decision to make for Arsenal

Having signed a new four-year deal in April 2021, it does leave the Gunners with a decision to make over the future of the England youth international.

As previously mentioned, the Gunners are not exactly struggling for options up top with the likes of Jesus and Nketiah playing a big role in the north London club’s success this season.

Prior to his injury in the World Cup, Jesus had provided a return of five goals and six assists in his 14 league appearances in the Premier League.

And in his absence, Nketiah has provided Arteta with a seriously impressive return of four goals in the league since the return from the World Cup break.

Adding to this, Nketiah signed a big-money deal over the summer which is believed to see the 23-year-old striker earn in the region of £100k per week.

Now with this in mind, it does seem as if Balogun could have a serious challenge on his hands if he is to return to Arsenal and make a claim for a spot in the squad.

Not only would the 21-year-old have to prove he is capable of outperforming the likes of Nketiah, but he would have to justify a decision to see Arsenal potentially reduce the responsibility given to Nketiah over this season.

However, when he has returned 14 goals in his 20 appearances in Ligue 1 – becoming the top scorer in the French top flight in the process – it will surely leave Arsenal with a welcomed headache of what to do with the 21-year-old.

Leeds United remain in talks with George Hall ahead of deadline day…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the Yorkshire side are still in negotiations to sign the Birmingham City starlet along with Servette centre-back Diogo Monteiro.

It comes as the Whites close in on their third signing of the January transfer window after Italian journalist Fabzirio Romano revealed that personal terms had been agreed with Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The 18-year-old could be the next steal from director of football Victor Orta in the transfer market, having signed the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sonny Perkins in recent years.

Orta masterclass

Indeed, whilst Hall wouldn’t be expected to pull up any trees at Elland Road instantly, there is always a chance that he catches the eye of first-team boss Jesse Marsch, with both of the aforementioned youngsters playing a role under him since his arrival in the dugout.

The latter, 18, played a crucial part in Leeds’ recent FA Cup third-round draw with Cardiff City, bagging a last-minute equaliser to set up a replay, which they went on to win to progress into the next round.

Following in the footsteps of England wonderkid Jude Bellingham, young Hall has already been exposed to the men’s game, having racked up 20 appearances, of which five have been Championship starts this campaign.

In doing so, he has also displayed some immense versatility, which will bode well for this chances of foraging a career in west Yorkshire, being able to operate through the middle as a no.8 or no.10, as well as on either flank.

Such quality saw Blues boss John Eustace wax lyrical about him, he said: “George Hall is one of the top young players in the league. He’s a very effective player whether he starts or we have him coming off the bench.”

Meanwhile, the “explosive” and “dynamic” teenager – as once described by U18 coach Martyn Olorenshaw (via BirminghamLive) – could clearly be the next young, emerging talent to make an impact at Leeds, given the evidence above.

Whilst he hasn’t quite had the major breakthrough as Bellingham, he certainly has a big future in the game and Orta must make sure that it is in west Yorkshire rather than somewhere else.

As such, he must look to sign Hall after he gets McKennie through the door and in doing so, he could repeat his masterstroke with the aforementioned Perkins and Gelhardt.

AND in other news, Orta could fix Marsch’s biggest problem with Leeds move for “exciting” £7m “prospect”…

Newcastle United progressed through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night as they beat Leicester City 2-0 at St. James’ Park under the lights.

The Magpies dropped out of The FA Cup at the weekend, after losing to League One side Sheffield Wednesday, but are well on their way to being in with a strong chance of picking up silverware this season in the EFL Cup.

Eddie Howe’s side produced an impressive performance against the Foxes as they dominated the match from the first whistle to the last and created a number of high-quality chances.

Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes both came close to opening the scoring in the first half but the opening goal eventually came in the second half when Dan Burn burst into the box and calmly rolled the ball into the far corner.

Joelinton then sealed the victory and Newcastle’s progression through to the last four as he raced onto a brilliant through ball from Miguel Almiron and slotted the ball past Danny Ward.

The Brazilian winger assisted the opener and scored the winner and, because of that, deserves plenty of plaudits for his involvement in the win. An unsung hero, however, for the Magpies was central midfielder Sean Longstaff.

Newcastle’s academy graduate put his big miss early in the match behind him to produce a sublime, high-intensity, display in the middle of the park.

The Magpies constantly put pressure on the away side in order to win the ball back in the opposition’s half and Longstaff played an important role in the tactical set-up.

He won eight of his 11 ground duels and made three clearances, one interception, and three tackles throughout the match, as per Sofascore. This shows that he was able to physically dominate the Leicester midfielders and this allowed Howe’s team to control the game and pile on Ward’s goal time and again.

Longstaff also showcased his ability in possession as he created three chances and completed 88% of his attempted passes from his 58 touches of the ball, as per Sofascore.

The dynamo made a big impact on and off the ball throughout the match and his intensity in and out of possession, alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock, set the tone for the match.

He may not have scored or assisted any of the goals but his aforementioned statistics show that Longstaff played a pivotal role in the win and that is why the gem was the unsung hero.

Southampton have suffered in front of goal this season, which has ultimately led to their miserable league position.

After 15 games, they sit 19th in the Premier League, having scored just 13 times.

Whilst Che Adams is hardly to blame entirely for their poor form, given that he is their top scorer by some way, he still lacks the required quality to consistently fire them to safety.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Southampton have flirted with relegation ever since the departure of Danny Ings, who scored 46 times in 100 games on the south coast, in 2021.

Adams’ return of four goals in the league so far this term is a far cry from what is needed to comfortably beat the drop, and it could explain the Saints’ continued interest in Goncalo Ramos, despite his ever-growing price tag and the appointment of Nathan Jones as manager at St Mary’s last month.

The Portuguese marksman had been enjoying a fine start to the season at Benfica, before he saw his value skyrocket with his displays in Qatar.

Since then, his club have begun pointing towards his €120m (£103m) release clause as the only port of call to secure a deal.

His World Cup hat-trick will have helped Benfica to demand such a lofty figure, as he helped Portugal to blow away Switzerland in the round of 16 in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Boasting a 9.8 rating in that game, the 21-year-old scored three goals and set up another in an offensive masterclass from the youngster. He supplement this with five shots on target and two key passes during the 6-1 rout (via Sofascore).

In fact, his average Sofascore rating across the tournament as a whole (7.22) far exceeded his legendary compatriot Ronaldo (6.46).

This international success is only an extender of Ramos’ already outstanding domestic form, further proving Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig’s notion that the 21-year-old is “incredibly prolific”.

After 21 games across the Portuguese top flight and Champions League this season, the five-cap international boasts 14 goals and six assists. He is averaging nearly one goal contribution per game, which would hint that his team essentially starts almost every game 1-0 up whenever he starts.

It is this kind of clinical attacking nature that the Saints have lacked, and it is what they will need in order to propel themselves up the table from January onward.

It is clear from their paltry goals tally that Southampton need some added firepower, and although it may seem a lofty ambition to sign Ramos, Jones can continue to dream.

In turn, he might be able to dispose of Adams, who just hasn’t scored enough to steer the Saints into a comfortable position in the league.

Celtic are reportedly already earmarking potential replacements for Giorgos Giakoumakis, as he could be offered a megabucks move to Saudi Arabia.

The Lowdown: Changed agent

According to Sportime, Giakoumakis has now changed his agent in a further bid to try and force through a move away from Parkhead.

The outlet goes deeper into why the striker wants a move away from Parkhead, citing his family being unhappy with the weather in Glasgow, and that he has the ambition to play in a bigger league and yield a bigger contract.

The Latest: Saudi move?

As per The Scottish Sun, Giakoumakis could now be offered a megabucks move to Saudi Arabia, after contract talks stalled with the Hoops.

It is thought that the oil-rich Saudi sides, who can also offer a better climate, have been attracted to his scoring record at the Bhoys, and with Dutch team VVV Venlo before that.

Clubs in England and Germany are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation ahead of the January transfer window opening, and Ange Postecoglou’s side could demand a fee of at least £6m for his signature.

The Celts are already earmarking potential replacements for Giakoumakis, with South Korean World Cup striker Cho Gue-sung high on their radar.

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The Verdict: Demand a high fee

With it looking increasingly unlikely that Giakoumakis will stay at Celtic, the Scottish Premiership holders need to demand a high transfer fee for him, which they can use to invest in another striker.

Lauded as a ‘hugely important‘ player for the Hoops by Postecoglou, he has netted 25 times in 50 matches over the last two campaigns (Transfermarkt), averaging a goal every other game.

There is no doubt that Giakoumakis would be a big loss to the club, but they will not want to keep an unhappy player at Parkhead in the long-term.

Manchester United are no stranger to a marquee deal and might have found one to cement success for years to come in Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. 

What’s the word?

Felix has not quite blossomed as hoped in the Spanish capital, largely due to the polarity in style between his own game and head coach Diego Simeone’s impetus on structured and resolute defensive play. 

And now, after signing for £113m in 2019 from SL Benfica, might be on the move once again, with Marca reporting that Felix has come to a decision on his future, and wishes to ply his trade elsewhere. 

And with Diario AS reporting that conflicts have reached boiling point, a departure from the club could materialise as swiftly as January.

Imagine him & Rashford

Were United to succeed in their pursuit, the entire offensive department would prosper as a result, although the impact it would have on the likes of Marcus Rashford would be immense.

With Rashford rekindling his best form after a drab year last season, he is finding the back of the net both for club and country, combining the return of his clinical prowess with a direct and energetic presence that leaves defenders scrambling in his wake. 

And with a creative mind slotted into the ranks, a new dawn might just be accentuated, with Erik ten Hag previously succeeding in nurturing the ability of Dusan Tadic at Ajax, a similar player. 

Managing just 33 goals and 18 assists in 129 appearances for Madrid, Felix would certainly wish for a team with more attacking intent, indeed somewhat prohibited by Simeone’s style.

As per FBref, Felix ranks within the top 12% for assists, 11% for progressive passes and 14% for dribbles completed, illuminating his creative presence that could power United’s batteries to new levels.

With his influence, Rashford would flourish, offering a platform to create direct frontal attacks and offered space by a forward who strives to provide a selfless contribution to his team. 

Hailed an “outstanding talent” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Felix would be a stunning addition to the Red Devil’s plans, perhaps the difference between struggling for a place in the top-four and challenging for the title. 

The “sensation” – in the words of writer Sacha Pisani – would be a sterling addition, and although a lucrative fee would be required, United have shown time and time again that they are unflinching when spending on those deemed capable of lifting them to the next level.

This time, it might just work out.

Crystal Palace are earning a reputation for developing some of the top young talents in the Premier League and Patrick Vieira could soon have another top talent on his hands in Zach Marsh.

The Eagles have helped develop the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Tyrick Mitchell and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from their academy in recent years, while also signing and progressing exciting youngsters such as Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

Palace poached Marsh from Watford’s academy earlier this year and the teenage forward has clearly impressed during his seven months at Selhurst Park, as he was rewarded with his first professional deal this week.

The striker has already registered one goal and three assists in just five games for Rob Quinn’s U18 side and will no doubt be an important player in the academy for years to come, before hopefully making the step up into the first team.

Ability and attitude do not seem to be any problem for Marsh, as academy director Gary Issott spoke highly of the youngster after he signed the contract.

He said: “Zach is a talented forward who has worked hard to earn his first professional contract. Though he only joined the club in February, he has adapted well to life here in south London.

“He has hit the ground running this season for the U18s and he will no doubt press on in the season ahead and beyond.”Given that Palace’s main striking options of Odsonne Edouard, Jean Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew have just three Premier League goals between them so far this season, developing a striker with an eye for goal should perhaps be a matter of priority at Selhurst Park, especially if top scorer Wilfried Zaha departs at the end of his contract next summer.Therefore, Vieira will be hoping that Marsh can join a long list of players at Palace to come through the academy and make an impression in the top flight, and signing his first professional deal is undoubtedly a big step towards that dream.