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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

AS Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has said during Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first press conference (via Calcio Mercato) that the Armenia international has “given up on lots of money” to join the Serie A outfit.

What did he say?

Mkhitaryan joined the Giallorossi on loan on the final day of the European transfer window from Arsenal with an option to buy at the end of the current campaign.

The player was presented to the press in his first press conference as a Roma player on Tuesday, with sporting director Petrachi also present.

Talking about the switch, the latter said: “The idea was to invest in important young people. In situations where we found ourselves at the end of the market, or we made investments in young people or operations like those for Micky.

“He is a top player with very high costs, the boy has given up on lots of money to come to Rome. Time will tell if we have the chance to keep players like that.”

How do football vloggers afford to watch their team week in, week out? Find out in the video below…

Refreshing in today’s footballing environment

The money involved in football at times is often obscene, particularly in the Premier League. Last year, the average player in England’s top tier earned £3.2m. Even in the Championship, players brought in an average of £25,000 a week, which is more than 46 times the salary of a worker in the United Kingdom over the same time period.

Players are often criticised for the money they chase. Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar, for example, was slammed for his move to the Chinese Super League, where he is said to be earning wages in the region of £400,000 every seven days.

Mkhitaryan does not earn that kind of money, but he is unlikely to have felt too hard done by as he picked up his £180,000 weekly salary with the Gunners. While it is not understood what kind of sums are involved at Roma, it is refreshing to hear that he has been willing to take a pay cut of some sort in his quest to find first-team football.

Contrary to popular opinion, perhaps not all footballers are just driven by the amount of cash in their bank accounts.

One can only hope that more players follow the 30-year-old’s lead by putting their careers first.

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Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah scored twice as England Under-21s recorded a 3-2 win over Turkey Under-21s on Friday night.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Leeds United from Arsenal, and he has scored three times in five appearances for the Whites this season.

Nketiah continued his impressive form for England’s Under-21s on Friday – netting a brace to help Aidy Boothroyd’s side pick up their first win since November.

As expected, a number of the Arsenal supporters took to social media to lavish praise on the attacker, with some calling for him to return to the Emirates Stadium.

Nketiah was involved in the club’s preparations for the 2019/20 campaign before being allowed to spend the year away from the Gunners on loan.

Watch Arsenal Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It might not be too long before the Lewisham-born ace is seen back at his parent club, though, especially if his recent scoring form continues.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Arsenal fans can be seen below:

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Zak Rudden has joined Plymouth Argyle on a six-month loan deal, and it should open the door for Eamonn Brophy to come to Rangers.

What’s the story?

The 19-year-old striker has swapped Ibrox for the southwest of England and League Two, leaving Steven Gerrard with not many options behind Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos. Rudden joins Kyle Lafferty in leaving the Gers this summer, although the Northern Irishman saw his contract torn up.

With both Rudden and Lafferty departing it would be no surprise to see Gerrard dip into the market to strengthen his options up top.

Despite Morelos and Defoe starting the season on fire, the club has been linked to strikers at various points over this window to act as their cover. The most recent name linked to provide support to the proficient pair was Kilmarnock’s Eamonn Brophy.

Bring in Brophy

In Morelos and Defoe, Gerrard has two forwards that will score goals for fun, but to go with just those two is a huge risk with four competitions to fight for.

While the Colombian goal-getter looks like he’s learned from last season’s disciplinary shambles, it’s still the early season and the Gers have cruised through the majority of their matches with little tension.

Morelos’ indiscipline largely came in the more intense games (see the Ufa red and his battles with Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna as pertinent examples), so we’re yet to see if he’s truly past the problems yet.

On top of the 23-year-old’s question marks, Defoe isn’t risk-free either. At 36, he’s not going to get fitter. So, having a third option could be beneficial for both the strikers currently at Ibrox.

Watch Rangers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

This is where Brophy would come in, operating as a reliable supporting act to the duo. There’s no guarantee he’d want to fill such a role having just come off a stellar season at Rugby Park that culminated in him making his Scotland debut, but he’d be ideal for the position.

Brophy’s a reliable Premiership player and, like Lafferty, can put in a shift on the park, allowing the more creative players and potentially a strike partner the space to create and score themselves.

Brophy could be the big benefactor of Rudden’s temporary departure, and the Gers should definitely bring the 23 year-old in before one of the aforementioned duo costs them either through injury or indiscipline.

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Lots of Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to pile the praise on Tanguy Ndombele after the midfielder netted a goal on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa.

The six-cap France international signed for Spurs in a club-record £55m deal from Lyon this summer, and was making his competitive debut for his new side against the Villans.

Ndombele played well, showcasing his all-action style of play with two shots, two tackles, one interception, one key pass and crucially, one goal – his curled effort tied the score at 1-1 and allow Mauricio Pochettino’s men to go on and win it.

The 22-year-old’s power and positivity in the middle of the park was key in helping Spurs progress up the field and take the game to Villa, and he certainly looks to be an excellent addition to the midfield.

Let’s take a look at how the Tottenham fans on Twitter reacted to their record signing’s debut…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Jack Clarke to Tottenham has been one of the most drawn-out transfer sagas of the summer, but somehow there are still new developments coming out.

The most recent reports state that Clarke will re-join the Whites on loan after completing his permanent move to Spurs, but this deal could spell the end of another bright young talent at Elland Road.

What’s the story?

If Clarke returns to Leeds on loan, then the left-wing position will be extremely competitive.

Jack Harrison’s return to the club was confirmed on Monday, and the Whites also have Ezgjan Alioski to play that role. Once Clarke returns, the Yorkshire club will have three solid left-sided players in the squad, and that could indicate that Mallik Wilks is on his way out.

Wilks going

Wilks had an exceptional campaign at Doncaster Rovers last term, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further eight, but his form at the Keepmoat Stadium seemingly hasn’t impressed Bielsa enough to give him a shot.

Realistically he would be the fourth choice on that side behind the aforementioned trio. He’s also capable of playing on the right, but with Helder Costa’s arrival looking imminent he’s unlikely to get in ahead of the 25-year-old or last season’s Player of the Year, Pablo Hernandez

With Barnsley interested in the 20-year-old it shouldn’t come as a surprise to any Leeds fan if the youngster chooses to continue his development elsewhere.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

His performances in League One showed that he is good enough to make the step up to the Championship, but it seems unlikely that he will be doing so in the famous white shirt of Leeds United.

So it looks like this summer is finally going to be an exciting one for you Tottenham fans? Well, we’ve been waiting a while for it and they say that good things come to those who wait, as far as we’re concerned signing a trio of Jack Clarke, Tanguy Ndombele and Benjamin Bourigeaurd would be more than good.

Sky Sports have claimed that Clarke is close to a Tottenham move and the Tanguy Ndombele rumours have most recently been fuelled by Jean-Michael Aulus recent comments, documented in The Sun, where the Lyon president has claimed that the player ‘is seeking a departure’.

With those two cleared up, we then move on to the man that this article is all about, the Stade Rennais star Benjamin Bourigeaurd, who’s been linked with Spurs by Estadio Deportivo. We know that the vast majority of you not have heard of the Frenchman, but let’s start by reminding you of the wonder-strike he lashed in against Arsenal in the Europa League.

If the 25-year-old was to sign and could score an equally good goal against the Gunners again then he would instantly become a favourite amongst the fans, and there is no reason he couldn’t do just that. In all competitions, the Frenchman scored nine goals and assisted a further ten last season in his 52 games for Stade Rennais.

It also helps that the midfield man has proven to be versatile. For a lot of the season, he played on the left of Rennais’ midfield, although he also has it in his locker to start in the middle of the park. That will be something that interests Mauricio Pochettino, as the Lilywhites have a number of versatile players like Heung-Min Son, Lucas Moura, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen who can all play multiple positions.

Bourigeaurd, according to the article linking him with Spurs, is also a transfer target for the likes of Sevilla, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and a number of top Italian clubs, so whilst he would be worth the hassle to sign, it certainly will not be easy for the Lilywhites to get this one over the line.

Tottenham fans, would you be happy to sign Bourigeaurd? Let us know by commenting below!

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According to Wales Online, Aston Villa have had an £8m bid rejected by Cardiff City for goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Etheridge kept 10 clean sheets in 38 Premier League appearances for Neil Warnock’s side during the 2018-19 campaign, impressing many with his performances between the sticks.

According to Wales Online, Championship playoff winners Villa are keen on landing the 29-year-old ahead of their return to the Premier League.

However, the report has claimed that Dean Smith’s side have had an £8m bid knocked back, with the Bluebirds looking for around £10m.

The Villa fans have been on social media reacting to the news and it would be fair to say that there are a lot of differing opinions.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…

Indeed, whilst some are in favour of their club pursuing a deal for Etheridge – even at £10m – others are not interested in a swoop for the 60-time Philippines international this summer.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Good news for the Manchester City’s coffers as Patrick Roberts is set to join Norwich on loan.

We think we’re past the days of expecting anything good to come from Patrick Roberts at Manchester City, and now it’s just a case of showcasing his talents to increase his stock for a future sale.

The 22-year-old is set (as per the Sun) to complete his third loan deal in four years when he joins Daniel Farke’s newly promoted Norwich City side this summer.

“The clubs are in the process of agreeing a season-long loan,” an Etihad source has revealed to The Sun.

Roberts has impressed in the past winning three Scottish titles at Celtic and spent the previous season at Girona, where he made 21 appearances in all competitions for the relegated La Liga side.

For one reason another (monetary we expect) City are prepared to let him get regular top-flight football away from the club, which in all honesty, is good news for all those involved. After all, if Leroy Sane struggles to get into the current squad, then what chance does Roberts have?

Norwich are apparently in the mind that the youngster can compete for a starting spot in Farke’s team and join the long list of young talents at the German’s disposal including Ben Godfrey, Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis.

With just a single year believed to be left on Roberts’ current contract, it is his last chance to impress his employers or anyone else monitoring his situation, for that matter, before he is released into the unknown. And both parties will undoubtedly have their fingers crossed for very different reasons.

Manchester City fans, do you think there is a future for Roberts at your club? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Neil Lennon is set to ramp up his interest in Charlton Atheltic’s Joe Aribo after he is confirmed as Celtic’s next manager, according to The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

Lennon was offered the job by the club in the wake of last Saturday’s superb Scottish Cup win over Hearts but has since taken a short holiday break, so the details have not yet been thrashed out on his appointment.

The paper say that he is set to be confirmed as manager on Friday though and after that he won’t be wasting time in signing players up this summer.

Charlton midfielder Joe Aribo is high up on his list of targets, states the report, with the 22-year-old available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at the recently promoted English club.

The Sun reckon Lennon has had him repeatedly scouted since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in February.

Keith from C’mon the Hoops throws back to player who was both a Hoop by name and by nature in the video below…

Can Aribo make the step up?

A central midfielder with presence, poise and attacking ambition, Aribo has the attributes to be a success in the Scottish Premiership and it’s no surprise he is being linked with bigger clubs this summer after a stand-out season at Charlton.

He starred in the Addicks’ promotion campaign which saw them rise into the English Championship through the play-offs, scoring 10 goals and assisting 5 times in 39 appearances.

Celtic are currently well-stocked in central midfield, but the chance to sign an athletic talent like Aribo on the cheap is understandably appealing and clearly Lennon is a fan of the player having had him regularly scouted.

Ntcham replacement?

With reports on Friday from The Daily Record suggesting French midfielder Olivier Ntcham could be heading to Ligue 1 for decent money, the capture of Aribo could spell the end of the former Man City man’s time at Celtic Park.

Recouping a fee for Ntcham, as classy a player as he is, and replacing his presence with Aribo sounds like smart business.

The core of Celtic’s Scottish midfield would remain intact, while ensuring that Lennon has a different, more attacking option if needed, with Aribo providing direct competition for Tom Rogic.

Having led Sheffield United to a superb second place finish in the Championship earlier this month, Chris Wilder will understandably be keen to pit his wits against the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League next season.

However, in order to ensure that the Blades have the best chance of being competitive in the top-flight, it is imperative that the former Oxford United boss gets his recruitment spot on this summer.

Although he already has a fantastic squad of players at his disposal at Bramall Lane, Wilder may benefit massively from bringing in one of the most impressive defenders in Croatian football.

According to the Daily Star, the Blades are reportedly interested in a possible swoop for Dario Zuparic after being impressed by the 27-year-old’s outstanding contributions for HNK Rijeka this season.

A mainstay in Igor Biscan’s side, the £1.58m-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) played a prominent role in helping his club secure a shock 3-1 victory in the Croatian Cup Final over Dinamo Zagreb last week.

Despite having never played in England before, if Zuparic can replicate the performance levels that he has produced for Rijeka over the past two years, there is no reason why he cannot thrive in the top flight for the Blades.

With the former Pescara defender expected to be available for a cut-price fee due to the fact that he only has one year left on his current deal, it may be worth taking a risk on him.

Whereas it is fair to say that the trio of Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell will almost definitely be United’s starting centre-backs in the Premier League next season, Zuparic could prove to be a great back-up option given his huge wealth of experience.

What do you think Blades fans? Should Wilder sign Zuparic this summer? If not, who would you like to see your club bring in when the transfer window opens in July? Let us know below.