English Premier League
Paul Scholes claims Arsenal star has ‘gone backwards’ under Mikel Arteta
Paul Scholes has expressed concerns that Gabriel Martinelli has “regressed” under Mikel Arteta and emphasized that Arsenal must get more goals from their midfielders to secure the Premier League title this season.
Martinelli had an impressive 2022/23 season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. However, his output dropped to just eight goals last season, and this term he has managed only four goals in 22 appearances.
During the latest episode of The Overlap’s Fan Debate, Scholes, along with Jamie Carragher, questioned Martinelli’s recent form. The former Manchester United star also highlighted the need for Arsenal’s midfielders to step up their scoring contributions if the team is to surpass Liverpool in the title race.
‘Do you think it’s necessarily a striker or just another top attacking player?’ Carragher said of Arsenal..
‘I look at Martinelli and actually think probably three years ago when this team was just getting built, it felt like Odegaard, Saka and Martinelli were all at the same sort of level, looked like they could go on and be top players.
‘I think the other two have, I’m not sure about Martinelli.’
Scholes then replied: ‘Yeah, it feels like he’s gone backwards a little bit.
‘You thought a year, 18 months ago, ‘wow, what a player’, and he has stalled a little bit.
‘He’s still young, isn’t he? We said pre-season a centre-forward was always something that we felt Arsenal needed, and for some reason I don’t think the manager did.
‘Then we all thought Odegaard coming back into the team would create more and I think he has made them a better team and I think eventually they will be okay. But January is so hard, who is out there?
‘I think you need goals from everywhere, and I don’t see them coming from the midfield area for Arsenal.
‘You think Declan Rice could be that man to go and get you 10, 15 goals but I’ve never actually seen it, and I don’t see where other than Saka scoring, Havertz drying up as well, I think Odegaard is still getting chances and eventually with the quality he’s got he is going to contribute but I think they all have to contribute.
‘At some point you’ve got to try to affect the game. I think too many times these days the midfield try to stay there, try to control the game, help defensively, but when you’re a midfield player it’s every aspect of the game, someone different has got to try and win a game, they don’t seem to be thinking about that. It’s, ‘I’m playing my position, I’m alright’, not taking responsibility. To win a league everyone has to contribute and I don’t think they all are.’
English Premier League
Chelsea ready talks with Everton over Chilwell and Dewsbury-Hall – report
The Merseyside club is actively assessing options in the loan market and intends to inquire about the availability of both players during the January transfer window.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s time at Chelsea has fallen short of expectations following his summer move from Leicester City, where he reunited with former manager Enzo Maresca.
Similarly, Ben Chilwell has had minimal game time this season, managing just 45 minutes across all competitions, which came in Chelsea’s 5-0 League Cup win against Barrow.
Everton has already filled their quota of four loan signings for the season, but the potential departure of Armando Broja would open up a slot for one of the Chelsea players.
With their January transfer funds limited by profitability and sustainability regulations, the Toffees are eager to create room for a loan deal before the window closes.
Additionally, CaughtOffside reports that while there is a broad agreement with Lyon for the permanent signing of Ernest Nuamah, the deal is still pending final approval from David Moyes. Personal terms are not expected to present any complications.
Everton’s attempt to return Armando Broja hits stumbling block
Everton’s attempt to recall Armando Broja from his loan spell has hit a snag, as Chelsea is now requesting compensation for the striker’s return.
David Moyes recently disclosed that the club is contemplating ending Broja’s season-long loan after the forward was ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks with a significant ankle injury.
Broja made the move to Everton last summer despite already recovering from an Achilles injury that had previously disrupted a potential transfer to Ipswich.
As part of the agreement, Chelsea committed to covering the Albanian international’s wages during his recovery.
English Premier League
Brighton now make contact over signing Cummings – report
The Seagulls are gearing up for an active January transfer window, aiming to bolster their squad in several key areas as Fabian Hurzeler seeks to revive their season following a disappointing spell of form.
With Evan Ferguson’s future at the American Express Stadium uncertain, Brighton is prioritizing the addition of a young striker and has identified Daniel Cummings as a potential acquisition this month.
However, Cummings isn’t the only forward on their radar. Brighton is also competing with Liverpool for FC Nuremberg’s Stefanos Tzimas, whose impressive displays in Bundesliga II have caught their attention.
Securing a new striker could prove essential if Ferguson departs, but Hurzeler is equally focused on shoring up the defense. The manager has reportedly set his sights on a fresh defensive target.
According to The Daily Mail, Brighton has expressed interest in signing Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, just seven months after the player’s move to Stamford Bridge.
Adarabioyo, earning £120,000 per week, has seen consistent action for Chelsea this season but has only started seven Premier League matches. The Seagulls are keen to secure a permanent deal and have reached out to their top-flight rivals to formalize their interest.
It remains uncertain whether Chelsea will approve the transfer. However, reports suggest that selling Adarabioyo could significantly aid the Blues in meeting financial regulations, potentially incentivizing them to strike a deal.
Tosin could be a quality signing
Tosin Adarabioyo has established himself as a reliable Premier League defender over the years. Recently, he has become a regular presence in Chelsea’s lineup, earning his place in Enzo Maresca’s plans. Known for his aerial strength, the Englishman ranks in the 82nd percentile for aerial duels won per 90 minutes over the past year, a quality that has drawn praise from journalist Zach Lowy.
While it might seem unusual for Chelsea to part ways with the 27-year-old so soon after signing him, the club could secure a full profit since they acquired him on a free transfer last summer. Considering Adarabioyo’s strong defensive capabilities, Brighton would do well to position themselves as frontrunners for his signature if he becomes available during this transfer window.
English Premier League
Fabrizio Romano: West Ham Eyeing Move to Sign Cummings
West Ham United may be preparing to tap into the Scottish Premiership for a potential bargain deal this January, with Celtic starlet Daniel Cummings reportedly on their radar, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Cummings, whose contract expires this summer, is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside Scotland. While Celtic would receive compensation for developing the young talent through their academy, West Ham are said to be actively pursuing the 18-year-old striker.
Romano’s report highlights that the Hammers are keen on bringing Cummings to London, though Celtic are making efforts to retain their rising star by offering him a new deal to continue his development in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite not yet featuring for Celtic’s first team, Cummings’ performances at the youth level have captured attention. He has scored an impressive 24 goals in 24 appearances this season, including 18 goals in Scotland’s fifth tier and six in six UEFA Youth League matches.
His standout performances, including braces against Slovan Bratislava and RB Leipzig, earned him the label “unstoppable” by UEFA.
Premier League clubs, including Brighton, have also shown interest in the 6ft 1in forward. Celtic are eager to avoid losing another promising player for a nominal fee, having seen Ben Doak join Liverpool for £600,000 and Rocco Vata move to Watford for £250,000—both players already making an impact in their new clubs.
For West Ham, Cummings could address their striker shortage, as Michail Antonio is sidelined for the season following a car accident, and summer signing Niclas Füllkrug faces his third lengthy injury spell of the campaign.
Although Cummings lacks senior experience, he could follow a development path similar to Doak’s, transitioning into the first team under the guidance of Graham Potter over time.
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