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Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz “looks like he’ll stay” beyond the summer at the St. Mary’s Stadium, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Is Carlos Alcaraz leaving Southampton?

The Argentine only arrived in the Premier League from Racing Club back in January and made a total of 21 appearances during his debut season. The Saints star was, the majority of the time, a regular feature under Ruben Selles having made 13 starts and five substitute outings on the south coast, via WhoScored, and he made quite the impression despite not being able to prevent relegation.

The La Plata native ranked as the third best-performing offensive player in SO14 last term even though he only joined halfway through the campaign which shows how much of an instant impression he made.

Despite the 20-year-old having now dropped down to the Championship, not to mention that he still has another four years remaining on his contract, the good news for supporters is that it doesn’t sound like he’ll be going anywhere during the upcoming window.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook insisted that Southampton will be able to retain the services of Alcaraz ahead of the 2023/24 term. He said:

"Joe Aribo I think will probably be alright in the Championship, he's not been good enough in the Premier League. The one who looks like he'll stay actually, I think maybe it's just because he enjoys the lifestyle and loves the club, is Alcaraz. He will be a good one to keep hold of in the Championship."

Should Southampton keep or sell Alcaraz?

Despite Southampton’s relegation, Alcaraz was one of the main bright sparks in Selles’ squad having been dubbed a “baller” by journalist Alfie House, so Sport Republic keeping him beyond the summer should be a no-brainer of a decision to make.

The Rol Sports Management client, who earns £25k-per-week, posted six goal contributions (four goals and two assists) in 18 top-flight appearances last term, with the impressive standard of his performances having seen him rewarded with two man-of-the-match trophies.

Southampton’s central midfielder also brings wonderful versatility to the side having operated in defensive, central and attacking midfield alongside at centre-forward throughout the previous season alone, so is a great option for any manager to have at his disposal.

Finallly, Alcaraz will be aware that Swansea City’s Russell Martin is expected to complete an imminent move to the south coast, so should that get finalised, he will no doubt be hoping that he gets a chance to prove himself under the new boss in the Championship.

أعلن نادي برشلونة في بيان رسمي، تعرض مهاجم الفريق، جواو فيليكس، للإصابة خلال الفترة الحالية من الموسم.

ويلاقي برشلونة غدًا أوساسونا، ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ20 من الدوري الإسباني على ملعب “مونتجويك”، في تمام الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الرابع في سلم الترتيب العام للدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم برصيد 44 نقطة، فيما يأتي أوساسونا بالمركز الثاني عشر برصيد 26 نقطة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تشافي يُعلن أسباب رحيله عن برشلونة: إذا قلت فريقنا تحت الإنشاء تقتلوني.. ولا نحظى بالتقدير المناسب

وأكد نادي برشلونة في بيان رسمي أن لاعبه البرتغالي جواو فيليكس، قد تعرض لإلتواء في الرباط الجانبي للكاحل الأيمن خلال تدريبات الفريق اليوم.

وجاء في بيان نادي برشلونة الرسمي: “خلال تدريبات اليوم، أصيب جواو فيليكس بالتواء في الرباط الجانبي للكاحل الأيمن. مدة الغياب تتوقف على وتيرة تعافيه من الإصابة”.

خلال تدريبات اليوم، أصيب جواو فيليكس بالتواء في الرباط الجانبي للكاحل الأيمن. مدة الغياب تتوقف على وتيرة تعافيه من الإصابة. pic.twitter.com/3T9ZqRWynx — نادي برشلونة (@fcbarcelona_ara) January 30, 2024

Arsenal return to Premier League action tonight, as they host Southampton in what is a must-win clash; although, with just seven games left as they battle for the title, every game has taken on such importance.

That is what makes their recent slips against West Ham United and Liverpool all the more frustrating, especially given they squandered leads in both.

Tonight, however, they face a wholly different challenge, as they welcome the 20th-placed team in the division with the hopes they can use it as a return to form. With a trip to face Manchester City on the horizon, tonight marks a fine opportunity to bolster confidence in preparation for such a monumental game.

However, they are to once again be without William Saliba, as Mikel Arteta admitted:

"He’s not progressing as quickly as we hoped and it is a bit delicate so we want to be certain that when we push him, he’s ready to absorb the load and the risk that we’ll take, and that’s not possible at the moment."

Whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko is at a more advanced stage in his recovery, a start tonight also seems unlikely given the risk it would pose in a fixture they should be able to win without. However, his absence could pose an interesting opportunity for a tactical shift.

How could Arsenal line up against Southampton

Arteta could make as many as three changes to the side that drew 2-2 at the London Stadium, with alterations made both due to necessity and with one eye on Wednesday's crunch match.

Aaron Ramsdale will be seeking to put aside his disappointment from last week with a fine showing tonight, but will have to remain sharp when his moment comes. The 24-year-old made just one save last game, yet shipped two goals.

The back four is expected to remain largely unchanged, but after his struggles to perform in the inverted full-back role, Kieran Tierney could drop out. Given Granit Xhaka deputised in his position after his substitution last time out, perhaps Arsenal could seek to add such a fine creative presence to the defence given their expected dominance of the ball.

Ben White will occupy the opposite flank, whilst Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes retain their spots through the middle.

Seeing the Swiss general move into the back four opens up an opportunity for Fabio Vieira to take his chance beside Thomas Partey. They will offer a defensive foil to supplement the creativity of captain Martin Odegaard.

As mentioned, their dominance in tonight's clash should see them through without needing a full-strength side, especially when the likes of Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith-Rowe are the alternatives to replace Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Seeking to keep the star men fresh, so they can truly wreak havoc next week, perhaps handing the 22-year-old his first league start of the season following a return from injury could be the injection of enthusiasm needed to put this game to bed early.

The Belgian's inclusion needs no explanation, with the £40k-per-week maestro having already garnered praise despite only joining in January. Journalist Richie Mills, who reports on Brighton and Hove Albion, will know more than most just what a "magic man" the 28-year-old can be.

These two will flank Gabriel Jesus, who has made a seamless return to first-team action after his own lengthy lay-off, scoring four in his last three.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Holding, Xhaka; Vieira, Odegaard, Partey; Smith-Rowe, Jesus, Trossard.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has shared an update on Chelsea's pursuit of free agent manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Who could Chelsea appoint as manager?

Reports have suggested that co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have certainly started their search for a new permanent manager after Graham Potter's departure earlier this month.

Many credible candidates have been linked with taking the job, perhaps most notably Nagelsmann, former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique and ex-Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The west Londoners have appointed Frank Lampard on an interim basis until the end of this Premier League season, and it could not be going any worse for the club legend – who is still yet to record his first win since taking charge.

Chelsea are also out of the Champions League and officially will not bring home a piece of silverware this summer, making their search for a new boss all the more important for next campaign.

Nagelsmann, who was surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich this season despite them fighting on all fronts at the time, is being billed as a major contender to succeed Potter.

Now, sharing news from 'sources' close to Enrique, Crook claims to talkSPORT that those around the Spaniard believe Nagelsmann has entered pole position for the job as he 'emerges as frontrunner'.

The 35-year-old has apparently already held talks with the Chelsea hierarchy about replacing Potter, but they will still need to negotiate a settlement with Bayern if they do opt to appoint Nagelsmann.

Indeed, despite being relieved of his duties, Nagelsmann is still 'under contract' with the Bavarian giants.

Is Nagelsmann perfect for Chelsea?

The former RB Leipzig boss has been revered for his excellent approach to games tactically with BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan calling him 'outstanding' in that regard.

The same reporter has also called Nagelsmann 'crazy' for some of his unique in-game tactics and formations – potentially making him an exciting option for Chelsea.

Nagelsmann's teams adopt an intense, high-pressing style where his players push on the front foot with Man City boss Pep Guardiola tipping him to be a success as far back as his Hoffenheim days.

Speaking before City's Champions League group stage clashes with the German side in 2018, Guardiola explained:

“I’m really, really impressed [with Nagelsmann]. Taking over Hoffenheim in such a bad situation so young. He will have a lot of success in his career.

"He’s already at a good team in a top competition. It’s the first time we meet, but hopefully it won’t be the last."

Chelsea could bank, arguably, the most exciting young manager in Europe if they do make him a formal offer.

The managerial search continues at Tottenham Hotspur as chairman Daniel Levy seeks to find a suitable successor to Antonio Conte at N17, with the Lilywhites in line to make their fourth permanent appointment since sacking Mauricio Pochettino back in November 2019.

While Conte is yet to actually be shown the door, the writing is seemingly on the wall with regard to his impending exit, with the 53-year-old having taken aim at both the club and his own players during his explosive, post-match outburst on Saturday.

It does appear that it is now a matter of when and not if the experienced Italian – who has just a matter of months left to run on his contract – will be moved on, with Levy and co already lining up potential candidates who could get the north Londoners firing again.

Among the list of names that have been mentioned to take on the top job – including the aforementioned Pochettino – one potential surprise figure has emerged in the form of Burnley boss, Vincent Kompany, with The Guardian revealing earlier this week that the 36-year-old is 'of interest' to the Tottenham hierarchy.

The up-and-coming coach is relatively inexperienced in the dugout as he is only in his second managerial post after leaving Pro League side Anderlecht to make the move to Turf Moor last summer, although the Belgian's remarkable campaign thus far in charge of the Clarets has showcased his elite credentials.

Is Kompany the man to replace Conte?

It would be something of a gamble to turn to a man who is currently working in England's second tier, although Kompany appears to be a "million miles ahead" of the other Championship coaches, according to pundit Nedum Onuha.

That quality has been showcased by the fact that despite losing the likes of Nick Pope, Dwight McNeil, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski in the summer, the 89-cap international has steered his youthful and rampant side to the top of the table, with the Lancashire outfit enjoying a 13-point lead at present.

It looks as if the former Manchester City captain is almost nailed on to lead his side to promotion at the first time of asking, with that impending success rubberstamping the belief that the exciting coach is simply a born "winner" – as hailed by Burnley youngster, Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

What has been most impressive about Kompany's work with the Clarets has been the rapid nature in which he has taken the club away from the old-school approach of former boss Sean Dyche, with his side now playing "very attractive football" according to pundit Aaron McLean.

That progressive style has also been lauded as "exceptional" by City boss Pep Guardiola, with the trailblazing Spaniard only recently outlining his belief that his former skipper could go on to replace him at the Etihad in the near future.

If Levy can get their first, however, it could represent a real coup for Spurs, with Kompany beginning to showcase the winning mentality that had previously been the theme of his playing career, as he notably swooped four Premier League titles during his stint with the Cityzens.

To have an asset in charge who knows all about what it takes to claim silverware and also has an attractive brand of football to boot is a rare commodity, with Tottenham needing to pounce sooner rather than later before the ex-Belgium titan ends up at another elite club.

One an inspirational "leader" as a player – according to Guardiola – Kompany is now having that same effect in the dugout, showing himself the type of figure who supporters and players can well and truly get behind.

Amid the apparent division that Conte has sparked of late, the capture of the Burnley boss could well be the uniting presence that Spurs are craving, while also helping to get the club rocking once again amid their recent woes.

A number of Manchester United supporters have been left fuming at an injury update involving Anthony Martial.

The Lowdown: Back in training but still out

The Red Devils are gearing up for their Europa League last 16 first leg against Real Betis but will once again be without Martial.

The French forward has played just 29 minutes of Europa League action due to Achilles, back and hip problems and isn’t match-ready despite being back on the pitch at Carrington.

Marcel Sabitzer is also out of tonight’s meeting at Old Trafford, as Erik ten Hag’s side look to take an advantage to Spain.

The Latest: Fans react

The United Stand shared the injury news regarding Martial and Sabitzer on Twitter ahead of the game, with a number of fans sharing their frustration towards the former of the two.

“Just sell Martial. Man’s injured all the time” – @meleirofilipe03

“Martial is the new Phil Jones now.” – @Pranadsptr

“Martial should genuinely stop playing football for a year and go work on his body and fix himself. This is beyond abnormal. I genuinely think we need more than 1 striker in the summer. 1 massive one and 1 to provide competition because there’s none coming Martial atm.” – @MirZa786109

“Martial useless” – @marca_57

“Martial can stay wherever he is. I’ve had it. Mans is always injured” – @_wavyboy

“Sell this Martial guy… he’s too injury prone” – @K_Tibbzz

The Verdict: Summer exit?

Reports have suggested that United are open to selling Martial in the summer, which overall, seems to be a wise move.

The 27-year-old is out of contract in 2024, so the summer may be the last chance United have to receive a respectable fee for his services.

He has started just nine games in all competitions, and you’d expect that number would be a lot higher if he could stay fit, but his injury issues have shown no signs of stopping, making a sale a wise move.

Leeds United have placed Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou on their managerial radar, according to Italian journalist Marco Conterio.

The Lowdown: Marsch gone

The Whites officially parted ways with Jesse Marsch on Monday, less than 24 hours after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Marsch departs Elland Road after 11 months in charge, with Leeds without a top-flight victory since November and level on points with Everton, who occupy the final relegation spot.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe, the president of investors 49ers Enterprises, appear to have the key say when it comes to managerial decisions, and it looks as if Postecoglou is now of interest.

The Latest: Postecoglou interest

Conterio, chief editor for TuttoMercatoWeb, took to Twitter following Marsch’s dismissal to share a Leeds managerial update.

He stated that Victor Orta is a great admirer of West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, however, both Postecoglou and former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard are also on the list of potential successors.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Postecoglou has transformed things at Celtic Park after taking over in June 2021, winning a league and cup double during his first season in charge and averaging 2.46 goals per game in Scotland.

The 57-year-old has continued to impress during the current campaign, winning 23 of a possible 25 Scottish Premiership games (92%). He also likes to play an attacking 4-3-3 system, so could get the best out of a number of wide options at Elland Road that include Wilfried Gnonto, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville.

Marsch tended to play a narrow system during his time in charge, so a change of approach with someone like Postecoglou could help turn things around, making this potentially one to watch.

Chelsea are targeting a marquee midfield signing to bolster their flagging fortunes this season, and could soon make a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo has emerged as a key component to the Seagulls’ soaring success in the Premier League, and has consequently been touted with a move to one of the division’s giants, with Chelsea indeed among the suitors, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs took to Twitter to discuss the likelihood of a transfer, stating that Albion would be more inclined to grant Caicedo’s departure than touted teammate Alexis Mac Allister, with £70m the latest figure put forth for him to part ways with the South Coast outfit.

And speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, Jacobs stated that:

“Chelsea are looking at Caicedo, and we know that Graham Potter knows the player very well, so that’s one to watch. I think him more so in this window than Alexis Mac Allister, who Brighton really want to hang on to.

“It’s definitely a player to keep an eye on, more so from the Chelsea perspective than the Liverpool perspective at this point.”

With speculation mounting over the 21-year-old’s signature, Blues boss Graham Potter would be wise to lodge an official bid for his services quickly, landing one of English football’s most talented and exciting prospects.

He’s Kante 2.0

Since arriving in Brighton in early 2021 for just £4.5m from homeland team Independiente del Valle, Caicedo has forged 29 competitive displays, plundering two goals and three assists from his industrious midfield role.

And this season, the 28-cap ace has made 19 appearances for the high-flying side, scoring one goal and one assist, growing into his cemented starting berth and captivating with the robust, all-encompassing nature of his game that belies his tender age and inexperience within the relentless pace of the Premier League.

As per Sofascore, the “future leader” – as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has recorded an impressive average rating in the league of 7.11 this term, completing 88% of his passes, making 1.1 key passes per match and making a stunning 2.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions from the centre, illustrating his ubiquitous presence and tenacity in recycling possession and assuredly instigating forward manoeuvres.

Should he sign for Chelsea, Potter would yield a star that could take the baton from esteemed maestro N’Golo Kante, who has been one of the game’s standout stars since his emergence to prominence.

Kante has made 262 appearances for Chelsea since his reported £30m arrival from Leicester City in 2016, scoring 13 goals and registering 15 assists.

The 31-year-old is an embodiment of the dogged, omnipresent force that can leave opponents lamenting the supreme work-rate and intensity that can prove the difference in the quest for major silverware, as evidenced by his World Cup, Champions League, and two Premier League triumphs, and Caicedo indeed bears similarities in this regard.

As per WhoScored, the French engine boasts a career passing accuracy of 85.9%, also making a spectacular 3.0 tackle and 2.3 interceptions per outing – a further illustration of the semblance between the pair.

Meanwhile, Caicedo has actually been described as “a cross between Kanté and Pogba” by Ecuadorian football historian Enrico Castro-Monte (via Sport Witness).

South American football expert Tim Vickery once dubbed Caicedo a “terrific athlete”, which is exactly what Chelsea need to stabilise the ship and pave a successful future under new owner Todd Boehly; it’s a no-brainer really, the Blues’ technical director Christopher Vivell must bring him to Stamford Bridge this year.

Chelsea returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, narrowly beating their London rivals courtesy of a Kai Havertz header, and the victory could now serve as the catalyst for positive change. 

Having lost seven of their previous ten games across all competitions, victory was indeed imperative for Blues boss Graham Potter as he looks to steady the ship, and three points now creates a sturdy platform to build upon, with a trip to Liverpool awaiting next weekend.

Chelsea’s second victory in five league outings takes them onto 28 points from 19 matches and instils some much-needed optimism after a tough few weeks.

With Havertz wheeling away in celebration and Mason Mount pumping the air with joyful fists of celebration, £88.5m weekend signing Mykhaylo Mudryk watched on from the stands, his presence emboldening the Blues’ ranks.

While Chelsea’s German talisman stole the headlines, and superlative veteran centre-back Thiago Silva produced a momentous display of defensive might (winning all 11 of his duels), it was winger Hakim Ziyech who orchestrated the win, pulling the strings and producing an all-encompassing display which will undoubtedly leave Potter delighted.

Having made 14 appearances across all competitions this term, the Moroccan’s well-placed assist for Havertz’s driven header was his first direct goal involvement of the campaign. That outlay will need marked improvement, although the 29-year-old has only started three Premier League games so far in 2022/23.

There has been speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge, with Serie A champions AC Milan among the reported suitors for the creative playmaker in recent weeks.

Against Palace, his 8.0 Sofascore rating was a telling reminder of the robust performance that he can produce in pivotal situations; without his ingenuity and flair, Chelsea might have failed to break down a resolute Eagles backline.

Alongside his assist, Ziyech took 85 touches and played two key passes, indeed creating one ‘big chance’.

Completing four of his five dribbles, winning a remarkable 12 ground duels and making a stunning five tackles all serve to illustrate the omnipresent approach that he brought to the pitch, flourishing in subduing Palace attacks and instigating promising forward transitions of his own.

Only Kepa Arrizabalaga between the posts boasted a better match rating on the afternoon, and Potter will hope that the 50-cap Ziyech can channel this destructive aura when the Blues make the trip to Anfield next weekend.

Prominent statistical website Squawka hailed the Moroccan for his “monster” performance on Sunday, highlighting the robust level of performance which oozed from his very core.

With Chelsea now establishing a base from which to build, Ziyech has staked his claim for a consistent run in the starting line-up; and following from such a stellar showing, he might just have a say in further crucial moments as Potter looks to restore balance and control at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United are reportedly still planning on making a move for Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Leandro Trossard, despite an update regarding the Belgian’s future at the Amex.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are believed to be showing the ‘strongest interest’ at present in the 28-year-old ahead of Graham Potter’s Chelsea, with manager Eddie Howe said to be a ‘huge admirer’ of the former Genk forward.

The report does suggest, however, that the Seagulls will look to exercise the option of a one-year extension in the 24-cap gem’s contract, with the player’s existing deal currently set to expire at the end of the season.

That fact should well ease the south coast side’s fears over losing their star man in January, although Roberto De Zerbi and co could still look to cash in if a longer-term extension can not be agreed upon, with the aforementioned Howe said to favour Trossard over another attacking target in the form of Leeds United’s, Jack Harrison.

Final piece of the jigsaw

The Tynesiders may well be hoping to rely on sporting director Dan Ashworth to try and get the deal wrapped up, with the Englishman having previously worked at Brighton prior to joining the northeast side earlier this year.

If Ashworth can utilise that relationship to get a deal secured, it could well prove to be the final piece of the jigsaw as far as Newcastle are concerned, with the club seemingly lacking a consistent, quality asset on the left flank.

Cult hero Allan Saint-Maximin – who was tipped for an exit over the summer – has once again endured a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, with that fact seeing the Frenchman score just once in seven Premier League outings.

In his absence, teammate Jacob Murphy has been a solid presence in that wide berth so far this term, although despite the 27-year-old being a firm favourite of Howe – having Norwich City ace scoring just once and laying on only one assist this term.

With the rest of starting XI having looked rather settled this term, the addition of Trossard could well be that extra boost in the race to secure Champions League qualification, with the “unreal” talent, as described by pundit Rio Ferdinand, having been in sparkling form this season.

The 5 foot 7 “absolute baller” – as lauded by journalist Sean Markus Clifford – has scored seven goals and registered three assists in just 14 outings so far this term, with that tally of goal contributions greater than any player at St James’ Park this season.

The clinical dynamo has also showcased his knack for driving his side up the pitch and making things happen in the final third, as he notably ranks sixth in the division for total chance-creating carries (20), as well as second for goal-ending carries (three), as per Opta Analyst.

Such a direct and ruthless presence could well add that extra sprinkling of magic to Howe’s ranks, with Ashworth now needing to return to his former employers with a notable offer in the New Year.