Once a week for about 1 hour The AthleticSubscribers can ask me my opinion on everything in the world of football.
Below are my favorite questions and my answers from the latest Q&A. Thank you to everyone who participated today.
Want to ask a question? I’ll be back next week for another session.
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Skedira M asked: “How specific are the Bruno Guimaraes and Arsenal rumors?” This is a player that Mikel Arteta and Edu respect and do they have the budget to sign him? Finally, what does the signing of a player like this say about Newcastle’s project?
david ornstein: Arsenal really like Bruno as an option if they want to sign the number six. He can also play as a number eight, but the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal see him as a number six. Arsenal also have long-term interest in Martin Zvimendi (Real Sociedad) for the position, and there are no doubt many more candidates on their list.
However, it could depend on Declan Rice deciding to play as number six permanently, and what happens with other Arsenal players in that role, such as Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga. There’s no guarantee they’ll take No. 6. Focus on number 8.
Bruno has a £100 million ($126 million) release clause in his contract, with a reported triggering date. I don’t know if Arsenal or anyone else is willing or able to pay him that level of money, but there are always other solutions that could be explored to make such a signing possible. there is.
But Newcastle don’t want to lose him. I don’t think they would welcome interest at a value below the clause unless they are forced to do so in a PSR (Profit and Sustainability Regulation) situation and cannot raise the necessary funds elsewhere. But the fact that there is a clause shows that they are not completely in control of this situation.
Bruno seems very happy at Newcastle and that works in their favor. That said, few players would refuse a move to a club like Arsenal if they were to come to an agreement, especially given what is currently going on there.
Newcastle’s project is very ambitious and they would much rather be a fringe player than Bruno or Alexander Isaac if they have to make a sale to comply with the PSR. They want to build with them, not without them. However, not everything goes as planned. Let’s see what summer brings.
Newcastle don’t want to sell Isak (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Alex H asked: You said Liverpool are likely to look for a wide player in the summer, but this search is also likely to include Mohamed Kudus, with his release clause becoming an obstacle. Do you think it will?cheers
ornstein: You’re right, Alex, I mentioned this on Tuesday’s Athletic FC podcast. From what I’ve heard, wide forward is one of the areas that Liverpool are exploring in the summer.
I don’t know if Kudus is an option, but he’s a great player and has had a great debut season, and I’d be surprised if he hasn’t caught the attention of Liverpool or another powerful club looking to strengthen in that area. Dew. pitch. As reported in various places, this is not the alleged termination clause and a termination clause exists.
I don’t know the details, but Kudus is not the only company that includes such a mechanism in its contracts. The same goes for Paqueta and other West Ham players. You will remember that that was one of the reasons why he did not eventually join Brighton.
I don’t know if that will be a hindrance or a help…it depends on the terms and financial situation of his potential suitors. West Ham will of course want to keep Kudus and build with him.
Teddy B. asked: What are the chances of Eddie Nketiah moving from Arsenal in the summer?
ornstein: I feel like Nketiah’s lack of playing time this season speaks to that, Teddy. That suggests he may not be as central to their plans as envisioned when he signed his new contract. It’s also not ideal for someone who is at a stage in their career where they need and want to play regular football.
There has long been interest in Nketiah from the Premier League (including Crystal Palace) and overseas, but given his hometown background, a sale would be a pure benefit for Arsenal from a PSR perspective. . So I think there’s a good chance he’ll move forward, but we don’t know his specific progress yet.
Nketiah has barely played this season (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Dan Z. asked: Do you have any information on when the Manchester City/Premier League case will take place? Thank you.
ornstein: The consensus among other Premier League clubs is that the case is scheduled to be heard in the autumn, with a result expected in 2025. This was also reported by Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail.
We are aware that witness statements have been or are being taken, which is normal procedure, but officials and Premier League chief executive Richard Masters have said there is a date. It feels like we are getting closer to some clarity.
Xavier M asked: “Are Arsenal still interested in Pedro Neto or a similar profile?”
ornstein: Arsenal have long been looking for depth and competition in the wide forward position and we reported that they were interested in Neto.
Given his injury history and likely price tag, this doesn’t seem like a priority for them this summer. There are also several other clubs interested in signing Neto, so even if Arsenal do decide to sign him, they will face competition.
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao) is one of Arsenal’s other preferred options, but they are not his only fans and there is no guarantee he will leave the club.
Darragh M. asked: There are reports that NBC will push to bring Premier League matches to the United States. Do you think this is something that will happen in the future?
ornstein: We reported on this almost three years ago, Darragh. And we must not forget the proposal for a “39th game” from around 2006/07. On the one hand, it feels inevitable that something will happen someday… On the other hand, some people I’ve talked to still strongly doubt it.
The harder people push it, the stronger the resistance seems to be. Fan power is reaching new heights, and an independent regulator could enhance its movement. It’s also worth remembering that the US prime kickoff slot is not favorable to UK viewers.
Currently, most weekend Premier League games are held in the United States in the morning, when other sports are not being played.
I also work for NBC, and while I love their accomplishments and ambitions, it’s clear that there are many conversations that need to be had before we know whether Premier League games will be played in the United States.
Will B asked: “Is there a chance Gallagher will stay at Chelsea?”
ornstein:Of course Will. It’s possible. Chelsea and Gallagher could decide whether to continue with a new contract or whether Gallagher is entitled to enter the final 12 months of his contract. But I’m not aware of any major movement in extension talks and without that, clubs would normally consider selling rather than risk losing a player for free after a year.
Gallagher’s Chelsea contract expires in summer 2025 (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The interest from Tottenham and other teams is well documented, but the price these teams are willing to pay at the moment is lower than what Chelsea would ideally want. There is a good chance that a relocation will occur, as we saw with the 2023 Mt.
But I also accept that Gallagher being so important to the team (Mount injured and missing games) means things aren’t the same. This is sure to be a big theme in the coming weeks and months.
Andrew P asked: “It was widely reported that the appeal verdict against Nottingham Forest would be announced this week. Any idea when?”
ornstein: I think it will arrive early next week, Andrew.
Ben asked. Following Mauricio Pochettino’s comments on Sky Sports after the win against Tottenham, he appeared to be fighting less publicly for his job. Do you have a sense that he is unlikely to stay?
ornstein: As I have consistently reported, Ben, our information is that the situation will be evaluated this summer. This is one year of a two-year contract with a 12-month extension option.
We don’t know which way the odds will swing, but there’s still time in the season to make a difference. I’m sure the Chelsea leadership will consider all factors and his body of work before making a decision.
Atomic asked: “Will Casemiro and Raphael Varane leave United this summer?”
ornstein: Varane is out of contract and it is fairly well known that Man United would consider letting Casemiro leave if a suitable offer arrives. It is no exaggeration to say that there is a good chance that both will go.
Ben J asked: Do you have any ideas about Aston Villa’s thoughts on FFP? Last year’s financial results looked grim, so this year’s deadline was extended so he could sell in June. Is there a chance you can avoid a big sale if you win Champions League football? Or do you feel it is inevitable that you will need to sell a significant amount of your assets?
ornstein: It is clear that Champions League football will help and once that is secured it will be an assessment of how much money still needs to be raised to remain compliant.
Complying with the rules would likely see him leave Villa and a number of other clubs – which was part of the reason why Newcastle and other clubs showed interest in Jacob Ramsey in January. But the better the finances, the smaller the hole and the less need to sell your best players.
Ramsey (left) could move to help Villa in PSR (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Nicholas B. asked: “Do West Ham have a preferred managerial candidate?” Is Ruben Amorim still or completely off?
ornstein: It is understood that after meeting West Ham, Amorim decided that a move there was not for him. Julen Lopetegui is thought to be in the running if a managerial change is to take place, which seems likely but not 100% certain.
However, it remains to be seen whether there is a preferred candidate. And let’s give credit to David Moyes, who is still in his position and has done a great job.
(Top photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
