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Arsenal interested in Mikel Merino but could face competition for his signature

Arsenal are interested in Mikel Merino, but I’m not aware that things have moved beyond the interest stage yet.

He is a player they appreciate, but it’s been difficult to progress things while Merino has been away with Spain at the Euros.

Now the tournament is over of course, the opportunity to firm up that interest and try and get a deal done for the midfielder is there, but I’ve not been told that things have reached that stage yet.

Midfield is an area Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer, with Merino’s Spanish international team-mate Martin Zubimendi another player the club admires. Both players have impressed in glimpses during the Euros, even though neither were regular starters.

Merino could be a more appealing option than Zubimendi because he would cost far less than the 25-year-old. He only has a year left on his contract with Real Sociedad and it’s understood that the La Liga side would be willing to accept an offer for the midfielder this summer rather than risk losing him on a free.

Merino has just turned 28, so he is a bit older than the type of player that Arsenal usually go for under Mikel Arteta and Edu, but they have shown with Leandro Trossard and Jorginho that they will add older players should they believe the deal is worth doing.

And Merino does tick a lot of the boxes in terms of what Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder.

He can play as a No.6, but he can also play in a more advanced box to box type role. So he would bring the versatility that Arteta demands from any player that he signs.

It is a potential deal to keep an eye on this summer when it comes to Arsenal, but it must be noted that there are some top clubs in Spain who are also mulling over a move for the Euro 2024 winner.

Desire Doue linked with Arsenal but sales may be needed first

Desire Doue is a player who has been generating plenty of headlines this summer. The talented young Frenchman has been linked with a whole host of clubs, including Arsenal, with the expectation that he will get a big money move away from Rennes before the window shuts.

He does look like a really exciting talent, so it’s no surprise to see so many big clubs being linked with an interest in the 19-year-old.

I’m constantly getting questions from Arsenal fans asking whether the club are interested. But it’s not one that I’ve ever had confirmed to me.

That’s not to say the interest isn’t there of course, it’s just not something I have heard myself yet.

But when you look at Doue, he does look like the type of player who could impress at Arsenal. The thing is though, Arteta already has several talented attacking midfielders within his squad and until their futures are sorted it looks difficult for Arsenal to bring anyone in.

We know there is strong interest in Emile Smith Rowe from clubs like Fulham and Crystal Palace for example, but Arsenal have yet to agree to any deal for the 23-year-old. There is also Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson.

So I would be surprised if anything happened for someone like Doue at this stage. I would imagine players would need to be moved on first.

Arsenal working to avoid losing goal-scoring wonderkid Chido Obi Martin

Arsenal are working hard to try and keep Chido Obi Martin at the club.

We’ve seen strong links to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund this summer and it’s no secret that both German clubs are pushing to lure Arsenal’s bright young talent away after his exceptionally prolific form at youth level.

But Arsenal remain in talks with Obi Martin’s camp and as far as I’m aware nothing has been decided yet when it comes to the striker’s future.

Arsenal do not want to lose him and they have made that clear during recent talks. A first professional contract is on the table that could be signed the moment he turns 17.

But he is not 17 until December and so Arsenal remain vulnerable to the in-demand striker leaving before then.

They are hoping, however, that all the groundwork that has been done over the last few months will prove successful and he will stay and continue his development in North London.

England wouldn’t have been worthy Euro 2024 winners

So, the Euros is done and dusted and I had to admit, I don’t believe it is a tournament that will live long in the memory.

It’s not been great has it? So many teams and big players underperformed, which was a real disappointment.

The big positive is that the best team won. Spain were head and shoulders above everyone else throughout the tournament and were deserving winners. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were a joy to watch and Rodri was as imperious as always.

Obviously, I was really disappointed that England lost in the final. But had they won, it really would have been a complete smash and grab job. Gareth Southgate’s side were awful for large parts of the tournament and it would have been travesty really had they got their hands on the trophy at the end of it all.

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Again, the big players just didn’t really get going for England. Harry Kane was awful and a stronger manager would surely have left him out for the final. Jude Bellingham had a couple of big moments, but aside from that was way below his best. The same goes for Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

I was so happy Saka had that really special moment against Switzerland, but I’m sure he will admit himself he was not at his best in Germany. I thought Declan Rice was one of England’s better players. But even he looked absolutely shattered and was unusually sloppy at times.

Both he and Saka just look like they need a holiday and hopefully they will now go away and recharge their batteries over the next few weeks before returning to Arsenal and linking up with the squad once they return from the pre-season tour of the States.

Getting off to a strong start next season is going to be absolutely crucial for Arsenal, so they need Saka and Rice back at their best very quickly.

The post Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Merino interest, Desire Doue links, possible forward exit & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal FC writer Charles Watts has admitted that Gunners star Bukayo Saka was not at his best for England at Euro 2024 this summer.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Watts admitted that he felt England wouldn’t have been worthy winners of the Euros after a number of unconvincing displays at the tournament.

Watts feels Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was one of England’s better players, even if he looked very tired by the end of the campaign, but Saka was a bit of a disappointment apart from his fine solo goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final.

Saka is capable of doing so much better, as Arsenal fans will know all too well, so it’s a shame England didn’t get to see that side of his game this summer, even if he was far from the only big name not to perform at their true level for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Discussing England’s tournament, Watts said: “The best team won. Spain were head and shoulders above everyone else throughout the tournament and were deserving winners. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were a joy to watch and Rodri was as imperious as always.

“Obviously, I was really disappointed that England lost in the final. But had they won, it really would have been a complete smash and grab job. Gareth Southgate’s side were awful for large parts of the tournament and it would have been travesty really had they got their hands on the trophy at the end of it all.

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“Again, the big players just didn’t really get going for England. Harry Kane was awful and a stronger manager would surely have left him out for the final. Jude Bellingham had a couple of big moments, but aside from that was way below his best. The same goes for Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

“I was so happy Saka had that really special moment against Switzerland, but I’m sure he will admit himself he was not at his best in Germany. I thought Declan Rice was one of England’s better players. But even he looked absolutely shattered and was unusually sloppy at times.”

The post Exclusive: Arsenal star was “not at his best” for England at Euro 2024, says expert appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Euro 2024 ended on Sunday night with England falling just short again as Gareth Southgate’s men lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin.

In truth, the Three Lions took a very long time to get going in Germany and arguably never showed their true potential, waiting until the semi-finals against the Netherlands to put in a truly fluid performance.

They then impressed in flashes against Spain but were firmly second best in Sunday’s final.

Spain duo Rodri and Lamine Yamal ended Euro 2024 with the Player of the Tournament and Best Young Player awards.

But who were England’s star men? We have ranked Southgate’s top boys, starting with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham in fifth place.

5. Jude Bellingham

Like Harry Kane, Bellingham was often criticised during the tournament and appeared at times to be playing with the brakes on.

And yet, it was Bellingham’s powerful header that got the Three Lions going in their 1-0 opening win over Serbia a month ago. And without his ridiculous overhead kick — seriously, who tries a bicycle kick under those circumstances?! — England would have suffered a round-of-16 humiliation on par with that of Euro 2016, when they crashed out to Iceland.

England simply would not have made it to the final without Bellingham’s genius, which ultimately saved them from embarrassment.

4. Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo played just four minutes across England’s first two games and was named as a substitute in their third group game against Slovenia.

However, since coming on at half-time in that match, he proved himself a crucial player for Southgate.

The 19-year-old provided composure, stability and quality in midfield at a time when things seemed to be unravelling in that area, with the Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment failing and Conor Gallagher not really doing anything of note.

That’s an incredible thought considering Mainoo entered the tournament with just three senior caps to his name, while he’s still only played 25 Premier League games for Manchester United.

Mainoo posted a pass completion rate of 91.92% at Euro 2024, along with 16.05 final third passes completed per 90 minutes. The youngster changed the way England approached matches from the moment he stepped on the pitch against Slovenia and may well have nailed down his place alongside Declan Rice for years to come.

3. Marc Guehi

With Harry Maguire injured, finding a capable centre-back partner for Stones was seen as one of Southgate’s biggest dilemmas. With Marc Guehi around, he needn’t have worried.

The Crystal Palace defender showed supreme composure throughout Euro 2024, using the ball expertly and reading the game brilliantly without it.

There were a couple of mistakes, but Guehi showed excellent recovery speed to ensure they didn’t lead to anything fatal.

At just 23 years old, Guehi has his best years ahead of him and proving himself at this tournament could be a launchpad after an excellent 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

2. Jordan Pickford

We don’t need to remind you about Jordan Pickford’s biggest moment at this tournament, but it cannot be overstated how important that save to deny Manuel Akanji was in providing the platform to beat Switzerland 5-3 in the quarter-final penalty shootout.

Pickford has now saved five penalties in shootouts for England, stopping at least one in each of the four he’s been a part of.

He just turns up for his country — and Everton, to be fair — and it’s not just from penalties, with Pickford ending Euro 2024 with two clean sheets and just conceding just six goals. The former Sunderland stopper was second only to Georgia’s Giorgi Mamardashvilli (30) for saves (18).

Pickford’s composure and alertness were particularly important during England’s turgid group-stage campaign.

1. Bukayo Saka

A little like Kane and Bellingham, Saka never actually found his very best form at Euro 2024. However, what he definitely did was grow into the tournament, and how!

It was Saka’s brilliant cut inside and finish that drew England level against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, just five minutes after falling behind.

After a nerveless spot-kick in the shootout, he then went on to terrorise the Netherlands and was only denied the winning goal thanks to a narrow offside call on Kyle Walker.

Across those two matches alone, Saka posted a team-highs for crosses completed (4) and chances created (3), while he was second for successful dribbles (5).

Saka will be disappointed with his performance in Sunday’s final but he still carried a bigger threat than most in an England shirt, creating two chances and drawing more fouls (3) than any other player on the pitch.

Arsenal’s star boy was England’s star boy.

Honourable mentions: Cole Palmer (goal in the final and assist in the semi-final), Ollie Watkins (late winner in the semi-final), John Stones (team-highs for clearances and passes completed), Declan Rice (team-high 19 tackles), Harry Kane (joint-highest goalscorer at Euro 2024).

The post England’s best players from Euro 2024 ranked: Jude Bellingham and Man Utd ace in top 5 behind Arsenal star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Spain’s Dani Carvajal made a crying gesture towards Bukayo Saka after he fouled the England man in the first half of the Euro 2024 final.

The Spanish have started the game on the front foot, and have had plenty of possession with Nico Williams looking a threat, whilst England have yet to get a foothold in the game.

It’s been a cagey affair as you would expect in a final, but Carvajal has no doubt wound up the England players and particularly Saka, after making a crying gesture in his direction after he made a clear foul on Saka, but the Real Madrid man clearly felt otherwise.

If England do end up victorious that gesture will no doubt come back to haunt the Real Madrid man.

England are looking to end their 58-year wait for international success and win a major tournament on foreign soil for the first time in their history, whilst Spain are in a first major final since 2012.

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Dani Carvajal's reaction after fouling Bukayo Saka ?#ESPENG #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/ge63mXzWnT

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 14, 2024

The post (Video) Dani Carvajal makes crying baby gesture to Bukayo Saka following deserving foul appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Southgate has made just one change to his squad that will face off against Spain in the European Championship final in Berlin.

The English manager has surprised a lot of fans by making a change in defence for his side, with Luke Shaw replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.

The Manchester United man is starting his first game since February when he picked up an injury while playing for his club with the 29-year-old only making his return to the pitch in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

The left-back position has been a major issue with Southgate forced to play Trippier out of position which as a result has hindered the side’s attacking fluency on the left-hand side.

The rest of the team remains the same with Bukayo Saka retaining his spot as a right-wing back behind Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.

Team News for the final

– Carvajal and Le Normand return to the starting XI following their suspensions.

– Luke Shaw starts instead of Kieran Trippier in England’s only change. #BBCFootball #EURO2024 #ESPENG pic.twitter.com/Gt0Yom4l2O

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 14, 2024

Spain on the other hand will be boosted by the return of Dani Carval and Robin Le Normand who missed the semi-finals due to a suspension.

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The post England squad confirmed as Gareth Southgate makes one surprise change appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka could be key for England tonight and could potentially have Chelsea and Spain left-back Marc Cucurella on toast, according to pundit Jamie Carragher.

It’s a huge game tonight as England prepare to take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final, with the Three Lions reaching their second Euros final in a row, having been beaten on penalties by Italy back in the summer of 2021.

England will be desperate to make up for that defeat three years ago, and Gareth Southgate’s side also have the chance to win a first trophy since 1966 for the men’s team, but it seems Carragher isn’t too fazed by the occasion as he’s excited by the prospect of Saka coming up against Cucurella…

"I think Saka can have him on toast" ?@Carra23 previews the Euro 2024 final ?? ??????? pic.twitter.com/FrpDuoIibz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 14, 2024

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Saka has enjoyed his games against Cucurella in the Premier League, so it could be that we’ll see him do something similar at international level tonight, though of course the circumstances are very different.

Arsenal would expect to dominate games against Chelsea these days, but Cucurella has looked a lot better in this far stronger and more settled Spain side, whereas Saka has also arguably not been quite as convincing playing for his country as he often has been for his club.

The post Bukayo Saka will have Spain star “on toast” in Euro 2024 final, says Jamie Carragher appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chris Sutton believes England’s ‘best chance’ of winning the Euro 2024 final against Spain is if they use Bukayo Saka to target Marc Cucurella. 

Despite failing to find their best form and coming under intense scrutiny, the Three Lions have gone all the way to their second consecutive European Championship final.

England’s best performance at the tournament by far came in their 2-1 comeback win over the Netherlands in the semi-final, but even that required a 91st-minute winner from substitute Ollie Watkins.

Spain, on the other hand, are most people’s pick for best team at the tournament so far, winning all six of their games despite facing the likes of Italy, Croatia, Germany and France, while scoring more goals (13) than any other team.

Saka is England’s ‘best chance’, says Sutton

Gareth Southgate’s men will be the marginal underdogs in Berlin on Sunday, but still possess a team full of world-class quality that, on any given day, can beat the very best.

One of their stars in Germany has been Bukayo Saka, who scored England’s equaliser in the quarter-final against Switzerland, while he’s in the top two among his teammates for take-ons completed (14), chances created (6) and crosses completed (7).

Saka is most likely to go head-to-head with Marc Cucurella on Sunday in an individual duel that will bring the Arsenal vs Chelsea rivalry to the international stage.

Cucurella has proved a lot of doubters wrong with his strong performances at this tournament for Spain, but former England striker Sutton still believes this is an area England can profit from greatly.

“England’s best chance is probably if they can get Saka one-on-one with Marc Cucurella — Spain’s left-back — because he can cause him all sorts of problems,” Sutton wrote in his predictions column for BBC Sport.

“That’s not because I think Cucurella is a poor player, by the way, more because I don’t see any weaknesses in any other areas of the Spain team.”

Despite Saka’s potential to cause havoc against Spain, Sutton is still backing La Roja for a 2-1 win.

“Southgate’s side are growing in confidence, plus they have togetherness and individual players who can hurt Spain, but I don’t think it will be enough,” he said.

“Nothing would please me more than seeing England get over the line and for Southgate to fly home as a European champion, but I have not been backing them blindly throughout and I am not going to start now.

“I am going with Spain to win, because they are in sync, they have been so superior so far… and I don’t see England stopping them.”

The post Arsenal vs Chelsea duel backed to decide Euro 2024 final for England appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former England striker and football pundit Alan Shearer has named Bukayo Saka as the player who has been England’s outstanding performer at the European Championship.

The Arsenal player has been used in a number of different positions by England boss Gareth Southgate but he has still managed to perform better than all other players.

England were on the verge of getting knocked out by Switzerland in the Round of 16 stage when Breel Embolo gave the Swiss the lead in the 75th minute.

Five minutes later, Saka stepped up to score a long ranger stunner to bring England back into the game, which they eventually won in the penalty shootout, in which the Arsenal right-winger scored one of the spot kicks.

Shearer picked Saka as his player of the tournament while also praising midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and defender Marc Guehi.

‘When looking at who’s been England’s standout player, you have to mention a few,’ Shearer told Betfair, as reported by the Daily Mail.

‘Saka has been fantastic, Kobbie Mainoo, too. Everything about him, he has that aura, nothing seems to faze him.

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‘We all thought England’s defence could be a weak point but it hasn’t, Marc Guehi has had a really good tournament alongside John Stones.

‘Jordan Pickford deserves a mention too, not only for his penalty save, but because he’s made some big saves in big games.

‘I have to say though, Bukayo Saka is my player of the tournament. He’s had a wonderful tournament, he’s a breath of fresh air and everyone loves him.

‘Let’s hope he has another magical moment on Sunday.’

England need Saka at his best to win the Euros

The Three Lions would be hoping for more inspiration from Saka in the final against Spain.

Gareth Southgate’s team will come up against the best team of the tournament in Spain as they have made it to the final after beating Germany in the quarterfinal and France in the semifinal.

Saka is expected to start the match for England, as he has done in all other matches.

The England faithful would be hoping to see Saka complete his redemption after missing a penalty in the previous Euro final against Italy.

The post Alan Shearer names England’s best player at Euro 2024 ahead of final on Sunday appeared first on CaughtOffside.

England thought they took the lead against the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final clash courtesy of Bukayo Saka but the goal was chalked off due to a very close offside call. 

The match went into the halftime break level at 1-1 following goals from Xavi Simons and Harry Kane. The Three Lions were the better of the two teams in a very entertaining first 45 minutes but the second half was not the same game.

The match slowed down massively and Gareth Southgate’s men went back to the form they showed throughout the tournament.

However, England did think they took the lead when Saka had the ball in the net. The move was a lovely piece of play but it was chalked off as Kyle Walker was in an offside position.

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Watch: Bukayo Saka sees huge goal for England chalked off in Euro 2024 semi-final

Offside! ?

England has the ball in the back of the net but it won't count…#Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/w3Y2tWTxda

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024

NO GOAL FOR ENGLAND ?

After review the goal is disallowed for offside pic.twitter.com/KnsmcpI2cO

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2024

The post Video: England’s Bukayo Saka sees huge goal chalked off following very close decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

England legend David Beckham has praised Bukayo Saka and the team’s performance in their brilliant win against Switzerland.

The Three Lions won the match on penalties and advanced to the semifinal of the competition, where they will come up against the Netherlands.

However, they had to battle hard to win as the Swiss team took the lead thanks to a goal from Breel Embolo in the 75th minute.

With nothing working for England, Saka stepped up and scored a stunning goal to put England back on level terms.

From there, the Three Lions looked like favourites to win the match and even though it was not in normal time or extra-time, they made sure they scored all their penalties in a famous win for Gareth Southgate’s men.

Saka, who scored in normal time for England, also scored his penalty and was the inspiration behind their win.

After receiving abuse for missing a penalty in the Euro final against Italy three years ago, the Arsenal winger has put his past behind him and performed amazingly well for his country.

So much that Beckham wrote on Instagram:

That’s the smile we all needed to see… Courage & happiness @bukayosaka87, well done to the lads,’ Beckham wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Saka celebrating.

Picture via: Instagram 

Saka saved England from embarrassment

England’s performances have come under severe criticism recently with Saka shifted from his preferred right-wing position to the left-back position in one of the games.

However, the whole team and Saka in particular has answered the criticism in the best possible way.

The confidence this win will give to the players cannot be measured and they now have the final in their sights.

If they can manage to beat the Netherlands, they will come up against either Spain or France in the final.

The post David Beckham sends message to England hero Bukayo Saka after famous win appeared first on CaughtOffside.