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Arsenal are making a foolish mistake over Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the England international ready to leave the club on loan in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old has only played a bit-part role in Mikel Arteta’s side this season, featuring for just 485 minutes of Premier League football in total.

Now, The Daily Mirror claim that Maitland-Niles is “willing to consider a move in January if it means getting more regular minutes”, with an intention of trying to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s EUROs.

And, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester United game on Saturday, Arteta himself said of the situation: “Yes, it is a concern when there is international football involved as well and the chance to reach that opportunity. I understand that Ainsley wants more minutes and what he needs to do is fight, train and challenge his teammates and show us that he can be one of our starters.”

Foolish mistake from Arteta

After playing an integral role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph last season – the 23-year-old played left wing-back in both the semi-final and final against Manchester City and Chelsea respectively – it seems incredible to think that Maitland-Niles has fallen so badly out of favour under Arteta this campaign.

And with the Gunners boss giving the green light for Sead Kolasinac to join Bundesliga side Schalke on loan, the north London side are desperately short of left-back cover, with right-back Cedric filling in for Kieran Tierney whenever needed.

The £16.2m-rated Maitland-Niles proved last season that he can play that role effectively, and there’s an element of responsibility on the Arsenal boss to try and get the best out of the academy product.

Whilst it might be better for Maitland-Niles himself to go out on loan in this January window, it certainly wouldn’t be the case for Arsenal themselves. A lengthy injury to Tierney (he’s missed the last couple of games with a calf problem so the danger is already there), and even one to Cedric, would leave the Gunners without anyone who could adequately play that left-back role – Bukayo Saka could fill in, but Arteta would surely want his star sensation to play further forward.

The Arsenal manager either should have brought in some natural left-back cover before he allowed Kolasinac to leave, or given Maitland-Niles more of a consistent opportunity to impress – how can you expect some to shine when they don’t start more than two Premier League games in a row?

Once dubbed “the future” by Arsene Wenger, Maitland-Niles’ career this season has taken a step back.

Meanwhile, Arsenal can finally sign ace Arsene Wenger wanted…

According to The Scottish Sun, Filip Benkovic is a “possibility” for Celtic in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Neil Lennon’s side suffered a major injury blow when it was revealed that Christopher Jullien is set to miss the next four months of the Scottish Premiership season with the serious knee injury he picked up against Dundee United.

Now, The Scottish Sun claim that Celtic have drawn up a list of loan options with Parkhead sources claiming that Leicester defender Benkovic, who has of course played for the Hoops previously, being deemed a “possibility”.

The report adds that Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is keen for the 6 foot 4 centre-back to depart the King Power Stadium this month after his loan spell at Championship side Cardiff City was cut short.

Hammond can solve Lennon’s crisis

It was no surprise that after Jullien was forced off against Dundee United, Lennon made no attempts to hide just how big of a blow losing the big Frenchman was, saying: “He’s a very important player. It’s a bad injury, we are going to lose him for a period of time, perhaps three or four months.”

It was a massive statement about how the Celtic boss rates Shane Duffy, that he was more confident in throwing Nir Bitton in the heart of defence in the Old Firm clash against Rangers last time out in the Scottish Premiership.

In Benkovic, the Hoops would be getting a known quantity, with the Croatia international having played 27 times for the club in his time at Parkhead.

And club legend John Hartson was left suitably impressed by the big defender following his early performances for the club after joining on loan, saying: “You have Filip Benkovic in there who looks every inch worth the £13m that Leicester paid for him this summer. I think he has shown already that he exudes composure and confidence at the back.”

Nick Hammond could go a long way to solving Lennon’s big crisis at the back by swooping for Benkovic.

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has admitted that he is hopeful that Joe Aribo will be available again for the Europa League clash with Standard Liege on Thursday night.

The Nigerian attacking midfielder was forced to miss the past two games due to an undisclosed illness, but is now back in training ahead of tonight’s game.

Whilst Ryan Jack remains a “major doubt” for the clash, Aribo is set to return in some capacity against the Belgian club, which will be a huge boost for the Ibrox boss, as he has become an integral part of Gerrard’s side since he first arrived at the 54-time Scottish champions.

He was heavily involved in their Premiership title bid last season, although they ultimately came up short as they finished second, as Celtic were crowned champions for the ninth time in a row.

In the process, he was named the Young Player of the Season, having scored three goals and supplied eight assists in the top flight, via Transfermarkt.

It’s hard to believe Aribo is still only 24 as it feels as though he has been around forever and a day, even though the Gers only signed the Nigeria international from Charlton Athletic in 2019.

The versatile player, who can play on the right or in a more central role, has made 11 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring four goals in the Premiership, whilst he is averaging 1.8 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

In contrast, even Scott Arfield has only mustered 1.6 shots, 1 key pass and just 0.5 dribbles on average per game, as per WhoScored.

Arfield has been in such fine form in recent weeks, with three goals and two assists in total in his last three games.

But the fact remains that the 32-year-old isn’t getting any younger, and there may soon come a point where Rangers will have to refresh their squad, which is one of the oldest in the first division.

Gerrard may not have to look very far to find the perfect replacement, that’s for sure.

Whilst tonight’s game may come too soon for Aribo, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a brief cameo off the bench.

AND in other news, Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe start, no room for Morelos: Glasgow Rangers Predicted XI vs Standard Liege…

Steve Parish missed the boat with Crystal Palace’s failed pursuit of CSKA Moscow striker Fedor Chalov after the Russians rejected a £14m bid for the centre-forward last year.

What was the story?

According to a report from Sky Sports at the time, Palace were among several Premier League clubs said to be interested in signing the Russia international in the summer of 2019, along with Monaco, Lazio and Valencia, having been impressed by the striker’s prolific top-flight form in the 2018/19 campaign.

Chalov burst onto the scene with 15 goals and 7 assists in 30 games in Premier Liga, whilst he also scored two goals in the Champions League that  same season.

Following their futile attempts to sign Chalov last summer, his agent Christian Emile said: “Fedor is one of the most striking players in Europe, and the increased interest in him is completely justified.

“Especially from the side of one Premier League club, which made a significant offer, but CSKA refused to sell the player.

“The position of CSKA is completely understandable – they have serious goals, and Fedor is the most important player for them.”

It’s believed that Palace boss Roy Hodgson wanted to sign two centre-forwards, having identified the Russian as one of his top transfer targets, as well as then-Brentford striker Ollie Watkins. However, as we all know, Hodgson didn’t end up with either of those options, signing Jordan Ayew in the end instead, before bringing in Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day this season.

Missed the boat

Chalov has at times struggled for consistency so far this season, having scored two goals and supplied five assists in all competitions for his boyhood club, as a recurring knee injury has caused him several problems. However, he scored during the 2-0 win over Rostov before the international break, and has bagged two times and produced two assists in his past four games.

Per WhoScored, the 22-year-old has played 11 games in Premier Liga, scoring two goals and supplying four assists, whilst he is averaging 2.3 shots and 1.1 key passes per game.

By comparison, Batshuayi is barely managing one shot and just 0.2 key passes per game in the Premier League, via WhoScored, whilst he has failed to find the back of the net at Selhurst Park this season so far.

Pavel Koval, Chalov’s first coach at CSKA’s youth academy, once said his former charge “has everything a forward needs; speed, dribbling ability, a good scoring instinct – he has it all,” which is high praise indeed for someone who is still at the early stages of his career. 

In Chalov, Parish could have added a natural goal threat in the middle of the pitch to the Palace first-team squad, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, whilst he still has room for improvement at the age of 22.

The £11.7m-rated sensation could’ve become a first-team regular starter for years to come if he had brought him to Selhurst Park and he was able to hit the ground running, although his statistics seem to indicate that he would’ve done this, given his impressive return for CSKA Moscow (41 goals in 139 games), as he has shown he can score goals at the top levels of the game.

However, his contract is set to expire in 2022, and it’s unlikely he will be short of potential suitors if/when the chance once again arises to sign him.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace got rid of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the perfect time…

Leeds struggled down in London on Saturday, with their loss meaning they have now registered back-to-back 4-1 defeats. Crystal Palace were the latest side to hit them for four goals, following an identical scenario at Elland Road last Monday.

With an international break coming up, Marcelo Bielsa will be using his time wisely to see where he can change his team to get back into winning form. The Whites look a shadow of the side who put Liverpool to the sword in their season opener and held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.

Whilst in-form Patrick Bamford was able to find a consolation goal, it wasn’t enough on the day. Another man who put in a solid shift was the midfielder who supplied the assist for Leeds’ only goal of the game.

Mateusz Klich impressed against Palace

In a match of very few positives, Bielsa will be pleased with the performance put in by Klich. The Poland international played in a more advanced midfield role and it paid off with an assist.

According to Sofascore, the 30-year-old also made an impressive four key passes and contributed three tackles and completed seven of his eight (87%) attempted long balls. Klich boasts the ability to play in many midfield positions

His performance now puts him on two goals and three assists for the season so far (via Transfermarkt). The £7,700 per-week ace continues to show his impressive balance between attacking and defensive contributions. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bielsa either, who recently applauded him and said he “cannot do better” in his performances.

Arsenal await the Whites after international break, which will be a tough match to face at Elland Road. The manager may be ready to make some sacrifices and try a few wild cards, but Klich’s position in the team is all but nailed-on.

In other news, Stuart Dallas dropped clanger against Crystal Palace in another hefty Leeds loss…

Former Dundee head of development Jimmy Boyle has urged Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara to leave Ibrox as he has the ability to play at the highest level.

Kamara can do better

The Finland international was signed by the Gers in January of last year for the paltry fee of £50,000. That already looks to have been incredibly shrewd business – he has made 71 appearances in all competitions under Steven Gerrard, and he has been linked with a €10m (£8.9m) move to Olympique Marseille this year.

Boyle believes that the 24-year-old has the ability to play at a higher level than the 54-time Scottish champions. He told The Glasgow Times:

“When Glen came in Neil said to me: ‘What do you think?’. I told him: ‘He can play at a much higher level’. I don’t actually know how Neil managed to get him.

“Straight away, we felt he could go on to greater things. He was an excellent footballer. He got on the ball all the time, he read the game well, he didn’t give away possession, he was a good team player and, on top of all that, he was a great lad as well.”

“He suits the European game. With the schooling he has had at Arsenal, his style of play is ideal for continental football. He has done really well in the Europa League games for Rangers. He has done great getting to where he is now. But he has got the ability to go further.”

“I am really pleased for him. I would love to see him kicking on again somewhere else at some point in time. I fully believe he has got the technique and the mentality. But that will be up to Glen. If he wants to then I am sure he can do it.”

Vital to Gerrard

In the long run, Kamara is likely to depart the Gers. After all, the Scottish Premiership does not have enough prestige to hold on to its star players. However, right now, Steven Gerrard cannot afford to lose the midfielder – he is such an important part of the way the team plays.

Kamara has featured in 16 of the 20 matches the Gers have played this term, scoring one goal. In the Europa League, in particular, he has stood out, averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game. As Rangers go in search of a first piece of major silverware since 2011, Kamara has a big role to play – the club cannot afford to lose him.

In other news, this summer Rangers target shines on international duty.

What makes Marcelo Bielsa a great manager is his ability to improve his players.

The likes of Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips were all mid-table Championship players before El Loco arrived, but now they’re already looking like bona fide Premier League stars.

Bielsa has been able to improve almost every player he has worked with at Leeds, transforming the squad from a team that finished 13th in the Championship to champions of the second division, all while keeping a very similar core of the squad.

However, there is one player that has gone backwards under his tutelage.

Unfortunately, we’re talking about Barry Douglas.

The Scot arrived at Elland Road with one hell of a reputation, having assisted 14 and scored five in Wolves’ incredible promotion season, but since then he’s not come close to those types of numbers.

He’s had just five assists in two seasons since joining Leeds, while he’s still waiting on his first goal for the club.

The most frustrating thing about Douglas’ regression is that we know how good he can be, and if he reproduced his Wolves form he would undoubtedly be a Premier League calibre left-back. For one reason or another however, that hasn’t happened.

It’s rare for Bielsa to fail when it comes to bringing out the best in a player, but with Douglas he’s simply not been able to find the key to unlock his potential. Now the defender is set to head out on loan with his contract expiring in 2021, we may never see his best at Leeds.

Perhaps his incredible season at Wolves was more a testament to Nuno Espirito Santo’s managerial ability than his time at Leeds being a knock on Bielsa’s, but one thing is for sure, he has regressed since joining the Whites.

Wolves didn’t have much to celebrate on Sunday evening as they were battered by West Ham United at the London Stadium.

The Midlands outfit were in need of a win after losing to Manchester City last week, but a dismal defeat to the Hammers leaves them with just one win from three to start the campaign.

However, despite the all-round poor showing from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, there was one man who impressed the fanbase, and that was Pedro Neto.

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Indeed, the youngster did seem to be one of the only bright sparks in the Wolves side, consistently troubling the West Ham defence with dynamic runs, and coming close to levelling the game in the first half with a curling left-footed effort from range.

He once again had a good effort at goal late on, lifting one over the bar from 20 yards, but in a game where Wolves offered next to nothing going forward, that was actually a notable moment.

Unfortunately, Neto’s one-man crusade wasn’t enough for Wolves to get anything out of the game, but despite this, supporters wanted to sound their admiration for him on social media.

There were plenty of fans that were quick to make note of Neto’s efforts, with many saying that he was the only player showing any desire.

It’s hard to disagree with this sentiment, the Europa League quarter-finalist’s usual stars all struggled on Sunday, but Neto was at least putting a shift in.

Portsmouth fans have launched a crowdfunding campaign to see Kenny Jackett paid off and out of the club after a poor start to the League One campaign.

The Fratton Park outfit drew the opening League One game of the season against Shrewsbury Town before a similar result against Rochdale put early pressure on the shoulders of Jackett.

That pressure developed following last season’s failure to gain promotion from League One to the Championship in what proved to a second consecutive season.

Approaching Saturday’s game with Wigan Athletic, who were relegated from the Championship last season, getting a win was vital for Jackett but goals from Lee Evans and Thomas James cancelled out Elliot Harrison’s goal for Portsmouth, meaning a 2-1 defeat.

With pressure now on, one fan, Steve Betteridge, from Crookhorn, yesterday created an account on JustGiving with a target of £400,000.

Despite such poor form, The News understands that the manager’s position is currently safe, claiming that the first team’s poor start has little significance when considering the financial worries currently across the English Football League.

Portsmouth will now prepare to face Burton Albion this coming weekend, still in pursuit of their first League One win in 2020/21.

Well, what a statement from the one fan, and it will be interesting to see if anyone joins him. This could act as a huge amount of pressure on the shoulders of Jackett, who seems to be struggling with the pressure at the moment and indeed the club too.

Do you think Jackett should stay or go from Portsmouth? Let us know in the comments section below…

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has said that he wants to add another midfielder to his squad.

So far, the Gers have failed to do so, but that does not mean they have not been linked with a number of players. The Ibrox outfit were said to be heavily interested in Bongani Zungu, but that now appears to have died down, whilst they have also been said to be in pursuit of the likes of John Lundstram and Daler Kuzyaev (Russian report via The Herald).

Now, another name has been been mentioned – the Gers are said to be eyeing Genk midfielder Patrik Hrosovsky. The £3.6m-valued 28-year-old (as per Transfermarkt) – a former team-mate of Ianis Hagi – made 27 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian outfit last term, and the Gers are said to be interested in signing him on loan. Genk, though only want to sell him permanently, and are looking for a fee of £3.55m.

The speculation has attracted the attention of the Gers supporters, and it seems they would love to sign him – he fits the bill of what they need, and has performed at a Champions League level, even scoring against Real Madrid.

They have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

Let us know what you think below!