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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another injury concern

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Tottenham Hotspur have it all to do in the second leg of their round of 16 Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar after losing 1-0 on Thursday night. Lucas Bergvall’s own goal was the only thing to split the sides, as the Eredivisie club take a one-goal lead back to North London next week.

Up next for Spurs is a Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before they welcome Alkmaar to North London. Ange Postecoglou’s side then make the short trip to West London to take on Fulham in their final game before the international break.

Spurs have claimed just 33 points from their 27 Premier League fixtures so far and are all-but out of the race for European football next season. Their best chance of clinching a spot in Europe next season is by winning the Europa League. They will need to come from behind to do that now but scoring goals has not been a major issue for the club this season. In fact, only league leaders Liverpool have more in the Premier League.

Fresh Solanke concern

That impressive goal tally comes despite summer signing Dominic Solanke spending a number of weeks out injured. The former Liverpool and Bournemouth man made his return on Thursday as he was introduced in the 72 minute. However, he picked up a fresh concern and was taken off in stoppage time and replaced by Dane Scarlett.

Addressing the issue, Ange Postecoglou was hopeful the issue was not serious. He said: "I am not even sure. It looks like a knock, but I haven’t really seen it. Hopefully, it's nothing too bad."

The injury to Solanke comes after Dejan Kulusevski picked up an injury that has ruled him out until after the March international break. Providing an update before Thursday’s loss to Alkmaar, Postecoglou said: “He's had a knock on his foot. It's been sore last couple of weeks, but he has been able to train and play and still get through it, but it wasn't getting better, so we did some further investigations but there's no real clarity. We're just waiting on a couple of things to find out the extent of it. But he's unlikely to be back before the international break.”

Postecoglou reacts to defeat

Reflecting on Thursday’s loss, Postecoglou told Tottenham’s website: "It wasn’t great from us tonight, pretty much in all facets of the game. We didn’t really get to grips with any part of the game. We struggled to gain any momentum with the ball, we weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be without the ball. It was a tricky surface, but having said that, we knew that from (training). We just didn’t tackle the challenges we had out there in a positive way. That allowed AZ to get into a rhythm, which when you’re playing away from home, it is difficult to stem the tide."

He added: "I don’t think it’s a matter of effort or attitude. I don’t think it is going out there and not trying, but like I said, we didn’t really come to grips and have the right mindset to tackle an away fixture in Europe. It is always tough and we obviously conceded the goal, which was a disappointing set of events, but even after that we didn’t really settle down into the game at all. You are going to face some pressure when you play away from home in Europe and weather the storm and get to grips with it, but we never really did so that was a disappointment."

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Aston Villa could use their highly sought-after youngster to land a transfer blow on Tottenham Hotspur.

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Tottenham Hotspur emerged as frontrunners in the transfer race for Southampton hotshot Tyler Dibling this week ahead of a touted summer move.

The Saints are rock bottom of the Premier League and 13 points adrift of safety, looking condemned to relegation to the Championship. Should that happen, it is not expected that the talented Dibling settle for a campaign of second tier football.

Several Premier League clubs have been linked with the attacking midfielder and this week GiveMeSport claims that is is Spurs who are front of the queue. Dibling’s contract expires in 2026 but there is yet to be a renewal agreed at St Mary’s, with the chances of that looking increasingly slim.

Tottenham Hotspur frontrunners for Tyler Dibling transfer

Dibling’s minutes have decreased under Ivan Juric, who could be looking ahead to a future without the dynamic midfielder. The report adds that Southampton did not want to entertain a January exit for the player, who is valued at £50 million, but that a summer exit could be sanctioned for as low as £35 million given his contract extension.

Spurs are claimed to have already made contact with Dibling’s camp and believe he is sold on Ange Postecoglou’s project. Tottenham Hotspur are confident that agreeing personal terms with the player won’t be a problem but Newcastle United, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also linked with the player hailed as ‘something special’ by Danny Murphy.

Speaking on Match of the Day in December, former Tottenham Hotspur star Danny Murphy tipped Dibling to go on and achieve big things in his career. The pundit said: "It is the quality he has got - the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good.

"It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special. It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game.

"He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team."

Aston Villa could seduce Southampton into sale

Despite the claims that Spurs are in a strong position to land Dibling, BirminghamWorld suggest that Aston Villa may have a ‘genius’ trump card up their sleeves. The outlet has suggested that the Villains could use winger Louie Barry as a way to lure Southampton into selling to Villa rather than Tottenham Hotspur.

Barry is seen as a future star but, despite recent head-turning loan spells, has not forced his way into Unai Emery’s thinking. The winger was recalled from a League One loan with Stockport County in January and sent off to Hull City as he works his way up the leagues, with several Championship clubs linked with interest in the player.

BirminghamWorld reports: “Barry was highly sought-after in the winter transfer window - with over a dozen Championship clubs understood to have enquired about his availability - and he’s probably good enough to play for a promotion-chasing club. As Barry’s stock is lower than Dibling’s, Villa would still have to offer a fee along with the player.

“Barry being involved could make for a discounted deal, though, and would provide Southampton with an easy route to life without their prized academy asset. Another option could be Villa being offered a slight discount if they give Southampton first dibs on loaning Barry for next season. Either way, in our view this could make great sense for all parties.”

In other news, former West Ham and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has been linked with a sensational return to Premier League management.

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Wolves host Tottenham Hotspur at the start of April but could be without their man source of goals.

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Tottenham Hotspur could face a Wolves side without the services of the in-form Matheus Cunha next month with the FA confirming that it has charged the player following an incident against AFC Bournemouth last weekend.

The 25-year-old punched, kicked and headbutted Cherries man Milos Kerkez after 120 minutes in a dramatic FA Cup meeting with the Cherries. Cunha was shown a red card by referee Sam Barrott, having already scored a strike from distance labelled as ‘magnificent’ by the BBC in that game.

Wolves went on to lose to Bournemouth on penalties at the Vitality Stadium. Cunha has 14 goals in all competitions this season and was unable to take a spot kick following his red card.

FA charge Wolves striker Matheus Cunha

More importantly, as Wolves teeter just five points and one place above the Premier League relegation zone, they now face a period of time without their talisman. Cunha will certainly not play against Everton, Southampton and West Ham but could also miss out against Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur if a three-match ban is extended to five.

An FA statement read: “Matheus Cunha has been charged following the FA Cup tie between Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, 1 March.

“It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner around the 121st minute of the fixture after his dismissal. Matheus Cunha has until Monday, 10 March, to provide a response.”

Cunha has already been banned for two games this season and fined £80,000 following an incident with a member of Ipswich Town’s security staff in December. Sky Sports News claims that the previous suspension will not have a knock-on effect or lead to any additional punishment for the player on top of the ban he will receive for the Bournemouth incident.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson said: “Cunha’s been sent off for a full house. He’s called offside, they’re trying to get the ball off him, so he punches Kerkez.

“He goes down, kicks him, Kerkez gets up and [Cunha] headbutts him – full house, whole lot. The referee has a talk and gives him a red card, and he cannot believe it. It’s unbelievable. He can’t believe it, arguing with the ref and the linesman as well.”

Wolves manager on red card ‘frustration’

When asked about the incident after the game, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira said: "When the situation happened I was looking for the ball.

"It means that I didn't see the situation, but football is emotional and the level was very high today. Not only inside the pitch, but outside [the pitch]. With a lot of pressure, and in the end these are things that can happen.

"You know now he is frustrated, he is better in my opinion. I never speak to the team when we are nervous or frustrated. It is better to wait one day and think about everything. After we can have a talk.

"Of course, he is an important player, but next game we play with 11 and start with 11. We had the capacity to equalise the game in the second half and after that the injury limitations."

Cunha later apologised on Instagram, writing: "In the end, another game where you guys did your best. I couldn't lose my head at the end. Sorry."

In other news, former West Ham and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has been linked with a sensational return to Premier League management.

Tottenham could be without six players for the Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar.

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Tottenham’s hopes of silverware this season now come down to the Europa League which is the only competition that they are still in this year under Ange Postecoglou.

They sit 13th in the Premier League table, 13 points off the top four places, and just hoping for a solid end to the season. Their year could likely be judged based on the Europa League.

Postecoglou’s side finished fourth in the league phase of the competition, winning five of their eight games - two points away from the top spot which was held by Serie A side Lazio.

They remain one of the favourites to win the competition and could be seeing some key injured players returning back this week, which would provide a huge boost to Postecoglou going into Thursday when they play the first leg of the Round of 16 against AZ.

AZ Alkmaar injury news

AZ could be missing three players for the game against Spurs on Thursday as they look to get to the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the 2013/14 season when they got knocked out.

Firstly, attacking midfielder Sven Mijnans is out for the rest of the season with an injury to his Achilles tendon. He will be a big loss after scoring four goals in the Europa League so far.

Young striker Jayden Addai will also miss the game, as he is dealing with an ankle injury which is set to keep him out until later in March.

Finally, Mexx Meerdink, who plays as a forward too, could also miss the game. He is recovering from a hamstring injury and has been listed as doubtful, so there is a possibility that the 21-year-old could return against Spurs.

AZ Alkmaar players ruled out: Sven Mijnans, Jayden Addai

AZ Alkmaar players in doubt: Mexx Meerdink

Tottenham injury news

Meanwhile, Spurs have seven players that could miss the game, with three already being ruled out of the Europa League clash on Thursday. It was reported on Tuesday that Dejan Kulusevski will require a period on the sidelines with a foot injury in a fresh blow to Spurs.

Defender Radu Dragusin is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. He underwent surgery which is set to keep him out of action until the end of 2025, if all goes well.

The game will come too soon for Dominic Solanke, who is very close to a return for Spurs. He is dealing with a knee injury that he suffered in January against Rangers in the league phase of the Europa League.

Richarlison has also been ruled out, but he could return from his hamstring injury this weekend alongside Solanke, meaning that Postecoglou could have his striker options back to full fitness against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Defender Micky Van de Ven is a doubt for Thursday’s game, as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury which has been an issue since November.

Cristian Romero could also make his return alongside Van de Ven, as the pair have very similar hamstring injuries, and are on the same timeline. Last week, Postecoglou said: “We've got a week before the first Europa game. We've got the weekend off.

“And again, that's about the time we're hoping that guys like Romero and Micky, in particular. They should be in and around that sort of mark.”

Finally, Ben Davies is also a doubt for the game, as he is dealing with a knock that he picked up in training.

Tottenham players ruled out: Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski

Tottenham players in doubt: Micky Van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies

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Mauricio Pochettino was handed a two game ban by the FA in 2019 with that incident referenced by Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot referenced a former Tottenham Hotspur case with the FA, involving Mauricio Pochettino, when putting forward his argument that a ban should not extend for more than two games following a red card after the final whistle of the Merseyside Derby last month.

Everton scored a 98th minute leveller to pinch a point off their Premier League rivals with tempers flaring at Goodison Park. Slot was sent off after confronting officials with Liverpool man Curtis Jones and Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure also seeing red.

The FA launched a probe into the matter and Slot was given a two-game domestic ban and a fine of £70,000. The Liverpool boss served the first game of his ban against Newcastle United last week and the second will come against Southampton this weekend.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot handed two-game by by FA

The FA has now published the details of that investigation with some head-turning details for football fans. The statement from the footballing body reads: "It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by LFC’s Arne Slot (“AS”) who had entered the field of play to confront the Referee and the Match Officials team. Tensions were running high.

"It was alleged that AS’ manner was confrontational and aggressive. It was alleged that he initially used abusive words initially used abusive words whilst shaking the Referee’s hand including that the Referee had 'f------ give them everything' and that AS hoped that the Referee 'was proud of that performance'. Following on from this initial exchange, the probe found that Slot returned to continue his exchange with Oliver after this, with the findings reading: "The Referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by AS around one minute later.

"In this exchange, AS once again shook the Referee’s hand and said 'if we don’t win the league, I’ll f------ blame you'. It is then further alleged that AS turned to the Assistant Referee and shouted twice that it was “a f------ disgrace.” As a result of AS’ conduct, he was shown a red card by the Referee."

Mauricio Pochettino referenced in FA hearing

In the document, it was also outlined what Slot used to plead his case to the FA. One of those was the verdict handed to former Spurs manager Pochettino in 2019.

The Argentine was given a two match ban for confronting Mike Dean following a defeat to Burnley. The FA ruled that the coach’s ‘repetitive and aggressive’ actions at the time warranted a ‘sporting sanction’.

It appears as if Slot has used that case as to evidence why a two-game ban was sufficient. The former Spurs boss saw his ban reduced from three games to two thanks to his ‘previous exemplary record, admission and apology’, which Slot perhaps hoped may have reduced his punishment - although he has already served a touchline ban this season, for the EFL Cup quarter-final against Southampton in December after being shown three yellow cards.

When giving Pochettino the ruling in 2019, the FA said: "While the words used are not the worst, the choice of phrase 'you know what you are' was used in an on-field outburst, following the conclusion of the game, that lasted for 40 seconds, during which Pochettino was, at times, very close to Mr Dean and face-to-face.

"Pochettino's position is then aggravated by the fact of the second charge, which involved him waiting for Mr Dean in the tunnel area to resume his unacceptable comments. The commission finds as a fact that [Pochettino] did this quite deliberately.

"Such behaviour, at the elite level of English football, tarnishes the image of the game. Whatever decisions, and indeed whatever mistakes, may be made during a match, match officials are entitled to be treated professionally and with respect. They are not 'fair game' for a frustrated manager, or player, to vent their frustrations at."

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a key injury blow today ahead of facing AFC Bournemouth and Fulham.

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Ange Postecoglou will have to make do without forward Dejan Kulusevski for upcoming fixtures.

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Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a season cursed by injuries and the blows keep coming for Ange Postecoglou with news that the ever influential Dejan Kulusevski will require a period on the sidelines with a foot injury.

The Daily Mail have reported that the Sweden international is ‘undergoing tests to determine the extent of the issue’ but is certainly ruled out of Thursday night’s Europa League meeting with AZ Alkmaar and this weekend’s Premier League meeting with AFC Bournemouth.

Postecoglou is expected to confirm the extent of the injury tomorrow but, at this stage, it seems ambitious to think that Kulusevski will play before the upcoming international break. Tottenham Hotspur have a second leg fixture against AZ Alkmaar next week and then make the short trip to Fulham on March 26 before the league pauses.

Tottenham Hotspur handed Kulusevski injury blow

Kulusevski would normally be expected to represent Sweden during the international break. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side play Luxembourg and Northern Ireland later this month.

Tottenham Hotspur hope that first choice centre-backs Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero are close to returns but Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are all currently dealing with injury niggles.

Kulusevski has been a reliable attacking output for the North London outfit this term. The 24-year-old has racked up 42 appearances already across all competitions, his fitness key for Postecoglou. The versatile midfielder has 10 goals and 10 assists in those outings.

The wide man has earned the praise of pundits this season. Speaking after the 2-2 draw with AS Roma in the Europa League, former Chelsea man Joe Cole told TNT Sports: "He's a magician. He's such a good player. Tottenham are going to score so many goals with those two [Kulusevski and Johnson] combining this season.

The reason he's getting the nod over Maddison [is] off the ball, he's very good. He sets the press, but I think you can get both of them in the side.

"Players who can handle the ball – technicians, technicians, technicians – especially the way Ange Postecoglou plays, those players can be so exciting."

Former Liverpool and Spurs man Peter Crouch added: "He's in that deeper position, and it might frustrate Maddison because you probably can't play both of them there. But in this central area, he's got more of a free role, and he can run and get behind people. He's so good in these areas.

"He's not blessed with tremendous pace, but the way he moves, he can run all day, the way he creates and gets out of tight positions, and his intelligence is wonderful to watch. He's playing with so much confidence."

Ange Postecoglou frustrated by injury crisis

Keeping players fit has been a real problem for Tottenham Hotspur this season with first team stars deployed out of position and youth players called up to fill in. For Postecoglou, there’s no doubting that has contributed to his side’s underwhelming season.

Speaking in January, he said: "It's just injuries. I mean you can walk outside and say, 'Jeez it's really bright', and say to yourself maybe it's not the sun. But it is the sun, mate, we've just got injuries.

"Every decision that is made is from me. I am responsible for this. If you want a head on a stick, take mine, but I am absolutely 100% confident that we are in a better place as a football club today than when I started."

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal have learnt of a £66 million release clause in a target’s contract.

Arsenal in Champions League action against PSV on Tuesday night

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Arsenal shift their focus to Champions League football on Tuesday night as they put the final touches on their preparations for a clash against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

The Gunners finished a comfortable third in the league phase, losing just one of their eight games to put them straight into the round of 16. PSV finished outside the top eight but done enough to clinch a play-off spot and defeated Serie A giants Juventus over two legs to set up a two-legged tie with Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been struggling for form of late and have won just one of their last four games in all competitions. A plethora of injuries in the forward department has left Arteta short of options and the Gunners have failed to score in three of their last four games. They sit 13 points adrift of Liverpool in the Premier League title race but have played a game fewer.

Timber wants to change narrative

Arsenal’s season is at threat of fading out before the March international break. They are still in the title race from a mathematical stand point but will need a huge dip in form from Liverpool to give them a chance to get back in the race.

The Champions League still provides the Gunners with an opportunity to win a major piece of silverware. Defender Jurrien Timber said on Monday the Champions League was a chance to give Arsenal a successful season. He said: “We showed in the group stages that we did really well, we have a good team and this is a beautiful game and a chance to change the ­narrative to win.”

He added: “I don’t see it as negative but we’ve been through a lot, especially the last couple of weeks, but it’s a challenge for us and we have to take it. We have to score tomorrow, we have to win and in the Champions League you only have two games so you don’t get second chances, so we have to go for it in this game.”

Ex-Tottenham man comments on Arsenal’s lack of success

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Ivan Perisic is in line to face off against Arsenal for PSV. He was speaking on Monday and believes the Dutch club have a good chance to beat Arsenal in the home leg.

He said: “It is going to be a tough. They are a really, really good team - a young team with a good coach. But over the last years they are always missing something to step up and win something. But we have to be ready. I know we are going to have a good chance to beat them tomorrow. I really believe in my team, tactically we really have to be on the top level to beat them.”

Reacting to Perisic’s comments on talkSPORT, former Rangers and Scotland international Ally McCoist agreed with the ex-Tottenham man when it came to Arsenal lacking that extra bit needed within the squad to clinch silverware. McCoist said: “He’s right.”

Tottenham currently have six players who are dealing with injuries.

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Tottenham will be looking forward to their Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar next as they aim to win a piece of silverware under Ange Postecoglou in his second season.

Spurs’ season has been plagued by injury problems, with Postecoglou struggling for options both in defence and up front. However, the crisis has eased in recent weeks and they have a few names close to a return.

They face AZ on Thursday, kicking off at 5.45 pm, as they aim to start off the round of 16 tie well at the AFAS Stadium. But will they have players returning after an extended amount of time out of action?

Christian Romero

Defender Romero has been out injured since December when he suffered a hamstring injury during a game against Chelsea. He had to be taken off after just 15 minutes, and has been recovering since.

He is a possible candidate to return against AZ on Thursday, but Postecoglou will likely want to be cautious with him. The Spurs boss said about Romero and others last week: “They are all similar times, hopefully in the next seven to 10 days. A couple of them are already training, but over that period, we’ll start incorporating them back into matchday squads.”

Expected return date - Thursday 6 March vs AZ Alkmaar (A)

Micky Van de Ven

Centre-back Van de Ven has been out with a hamstring injury ever since he suffered a setback in January. He came back after initially suffering the issue in November but re-aggravated it - although the Dutchman could return soon.

He is back in training and could make his return on Thursday night against AZ, which would provide a huge boost for Spurs.

Expected return date - Thursday 6 March vs AZ Alkmaar (A)

Ben Davies

Yet another defender who is recovering from an injury, Davies is dealing with a knock that he picked up against Manchester United in mid-February.

He could return on Thursday and is currently being assessed ahead of the trip to the Netherlands.

Expected return date - Thursday 6 March vs AZ Alkmaar (A)

Richarlison

Brazil international Richarlison suffered an injury during Spurs’ 4-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at the start of February. He is getting closer to a return but looks like the Europa League game will come too soon.

Richarlison looks set to return at the weekend however in Spurs’ next Premier League match.

Expected return date - Sunday 9 March vs Bournemouth (H)

Dominic Solanke

Solanke will be working hard to return ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s first international break as England manager later in the month as he could be in line for selection.

The striker won’t be fit for the game against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night, but he could come back as early as the weekend as he is close to recovering completely from his knee injury.

Expected return date - Sunday 9 March vs Bournemouth (H)

Radu Dragusin

Dragusin suffered a season-ending ACL injury at the start of February, which required surgery. He has since begun the rehab process following his successful surgery.

The defender will likely miss the start of next season, with a return at the moment looking likely in December, which is a huge blow for him.

Expected return date - December 2025

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The Bundesliga striker could push through a transfer should a £66 million bid be sent to RB Leipzig.

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Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been sent fresh enticing transfer news on Tuesday with reports of a release clause to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer.

The 21-year-old has plundered 17 goals in all competitions so far this season and turned the heads of Premier League suitors. Now, transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg, claims that an €80 million bid - approximately £66 million - would be enough to force through a transfer.

Plettenberg wrote on social media platform X: “Until now, there had only been talk of a verbal agreement, but Benjamin #Sesko has a formally fixed release clause in his contract until 2029. This clause can be activated starting this summer.

‘All top English clubs’ interested in Sesko

“It is tied to various parameters – such as games played, goals, and assists – and increases regularly. Currently, the clause stands at around €70m for the 21-y/o top striker, but by the end of the season, it is expected to reach approximately €80m. All top English clubs have expressed interest, including Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal. The only club not involved in the race is Manchester City.”

That comes after The Mirror last week named Chelsea as another suitor for Sesko. That report claimed that the German side’s crashing out of the Champions League with a 32nd place finish combined with a fight to play in the competition next season could point Sesko towards the exit door.

The outlet cited ‘damaging financial implications’ for Leipzig this summer with the club having just spent £66 million on Xavi Simons in January. That could play into the hands of Spurs and Chelsea, as well as Arsenal, with the Gunners said to have done ‘notable groundwork’ to sign the player.

Mikel Arteta on Arsenal striker predicament

Arsenal are in desperate need of a talisman for the next campaign, as has been underlined by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in recent months. Speaking after the January window, Mikel Arteta said: "He [Havertz] has been our main striker for a while now and he's producing some big numbers and his work-rate is unbelievable. Not only that but what we demand him to do in our model, his availability has been exceptional, so he's always there and we are very happy to have him.

"It doesn't depend on us [transfers]. We have the intention, purpose and ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really strong, and we are actively trying to do that

"I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team. That’s certainly the case and if we can agree something we will. If not, we won’t. We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. I don’t know, it doesn’t depend only on us, so our intention is clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties."

In other news, Arsenal have had a boost in pursuit of a ‘no brainer’ transfer.

One Chelsea star is walking a suspension tightrope ahead of back-to-back London derbies with Arsenal and Tottenham

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Chelsea got back to winning ways in midweek as they beat relegation-threatened Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. The win came after a run of three-straight defeats in all competitions as they were beaten by Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup and Premier League before throwing a 1-0 lead away to lose 2-1 against Aston Villa.

Up next for the Blues is a trip to Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League before they host Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Their second leg against Copenhagen comes on March 13. They then make the trip to Arsenal in the final fixture before the international break and then return in April with a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur and a trip to Brentford.

Enzo Maresca has his eye on a Champions League spot and will be hoping to stay within the top five. A fifth spot is set to be enough for Champions League football due to England’s strong ranking with UEFA coefficient. Currently, the Blues are one point behind fourth-placed Man City.

Premier League suspension rules

Ahead of their next set of Premier League games, the Blues have one player who is facing a two-game ban after picking up an astonishing five yellow cards in his last six games.

Premier League rules state that any players who collect 10 yellow cards in their club’s first 32 games will be handed a two-match suspension. Will Hughes of Crystal Palace and Fulham’s Sasa Lukic are the first two players to hit the 10-caution mark this season but a clutch of players have been booked nine times so far.

One of those is Moises Caicedo, who has really racked the bookings up in recent games. The £115m signing from Brighton has been booked against Wolves, Man City, Brighton, Villa and Southampton. In his last six games they only match he wasn’t booked in was against West Ham. If he is booked against Leicester next weekend, he will be ineligible to face both Arsenal and Spurs. If he is booked in any of his next five matches he will be handed a two-match ban.

Caicedo’s importance to Maresca

Caicedo has been ever-present for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, starting all 27 games under Enzo Maresca. He has captained the side twice, doing so in a win over Bournemouth in September and a draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge back in November. He has one goal this season, which came in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Asked earlier in the season if Caicedo could compare with the likes of Rodri at Man City and Declan Rice at Arsenal, Maresca responded: “For sure, he’s now at that level, no doubt. Unfortunately now Rodri has an injury, but Declan is playing and I think Moi can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder.”

Further praise came for the midfielder just last month. Maresca said in early February: “Since we started he has been doing fantastic in all aspects. He’s improving a lot, he’s understanding the game, he’s going in different positions and he’s open-minded. He’s a good guy, he’s humble, he works hard, so for a coach he is the perfect player.

“He’s playing a lot of minutes, but I think if you compare to other players at Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City, there are many players that play more than Moi is playing for us. Moi is playing more or less one game a week and at 23 if you cannot play one game a week that means there is something wrong.”