Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit from Liverpool in edging closer but Jamie Carragher claims he’s not angered by a potential free transfer as Marcus Rashford is urged to quit Manchester United for Aston Villa
Premier League action will resume next week following the international break with Liverpool looking to edge closer to the title and put their latest setbacks behind them. Two successive losses have derailed what could’ve been a historic season.
Instead a top flight success is the only trophy they’re set to land with Arsenal’s challenge all but done, even if they are still mathematically still in the hunt. Their immediate challenge is on wrapping up second spot with the Champions League still in their sights.
Manchester United meanwhile will look to make it five games without a loss when they head to high flying Nottingham Forest. Ruben Amorim has enjoyed some time out of the spotlight but remains under pressure to improve fortunes at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently gave an insight into his time at the club, holding little back when it came to performances, financials and underperforming players. More changes though are needed if the Red Devils are to become successful amid continued fan discontent.
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Carragher not angered by Trent exit
Jamie Carragher has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of his possible free transfer to Real Madrid. The Liverpool icon admits he is disappointed that the academy graduate has decided to leave Anfield instead of pursuing more major honours with his boyhood club.
Real Madrid are long-term admirers of Alexander-Arnold, who has been free to speak with overseas clubs since January after entering the final six months of his deal. It has emerged this week that an agreement to take the player to Spain is all close to done – which has divided opinion.
He said on the Stick to Football podcast: “It seems like there’s not one thing people are unhappy with – it’s leaving on a free or that he should have come out and told the club earlier – people are angry for three or four different things. I’m not angry about him going on a free. In an ideal world, Liverpool would get £70m or £80m for him to reinvest, but you can’t have it both ways as a supporter.”
Villa will make Rashford better
Aston Villa have told Marcus Rashford that they can continue making him “better” as the striker enjoys a renaissance under Unai Emery having moved on loan in January after being axed by Ruben Amorim. His long-term Manchester United future remains in question, but he’s enjoyed a productive start to life with Villa.
He’s come up with four assists in nine appearances and it is understood the Midlands side are keen to keep Rashford on an extended basis. An option to make the deal permanent is present in the deal, believed to be in the region of £40million.
Sporting director Monchi has gone public with his desire to keep Rashford – and insists he’s best served staying where he is. He said: “Unai is a coach who has historically helped players grow. Coming here makes players better, and that’s our main selling point, beyond offering a project that’s fighting for the top eight in the Champions League, that wants to continue growing, and that wants to keep playing in Europe.”
Arsenal’s Isak alternative
Arsenal are ready to go after Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike as they consider alternatives to Alexander Isak in their pursuit of a striker. After years after failing to sign a renowned No 9 this summer is seen as the time that Mikel Arteta will finally act. Ekitike is now emerging as a leading candidate as his stock continues to rise in Germany.
Several clubs in England are keen on the Frenchman with Frankfurt set to demand around £60million if the player is to leave, reports The Sun. Ekitike has scored 19 times this term and recently hit a hat-trick for France’s U21s when they beat England.
Isak has become an increasingly difficult target to secure. The Swede is enjoying his best season to date at St James’ Park and the club have slapped a £150m bounty on him as the striker become’s one of the world’s most sought after players.
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