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Journalist Charles Watts has outlined his concern that a number of Arsenal players could become unwell after Martin Odegaard travelled with the team before coming down with an illness.

What’s the latest on Martin Odegaard and Arsenal?

Ahead of their Europa League clash with Sporting CP, the club captain, as well as left-back Kieran Tierney, were unavailable due to them being ill.

While Tierney didn’t even travel to Portugal, Odegaard was on the plane before being deemed too unwell to play any part in the match that ended up all square at 2-2.

With Arsenal pushing for the title in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta will no doubt hope to have both players fit and available this weekend against Fulham.

And while it remains to be seen if they will be able to play, Watts has warned that any virus of flu could end up being spread around the dressing room after Odegaard spent that time on the aeroplane with his teammates.

While speaking on YouTube, the journalist said: “We know Kieran Tierney didn’t even travel because he was ill. Odegaard did travel but obviously came down with this bug that is going around.

“Hopefully, fingers crossed, that doesn’t become too much of an issue and Arsenal can sort it out. It’s not ideal that Odegaard’s obviously caught this and then been on the plane with the whole squad. You know, that’s a bit of a worry.

“Hopefully it’s not going to be anything too serious. You do get these issues during the season when a sickness bug goes around the squad and around the camp. It’s really hard to deal with it because everyone’s in such a confined space in the changing room, in the showers, or on an aeroplane, like we saw last night.

“It’s very difficult, if there is a bug going around, to stop it, and you’ve just got to sort of cross your fingers and hope that not too many people catch it.”

How bad is the illness for Martin Odegaard and Arsenal?In a report on the matter by football.london, it was claimed that both Odegaard and Tierney’s situations are understood to be “precautionary absences” and “not serious”.Even so, it’s noticed that the bug has had an impact on other areas of the Arsenal camp, as Fabio Vieira had to be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli for press conference duties on Wednesday due to a sore throat.With that in mind, there’s every chance that more players could soon go down with the same illness, which could be fairly disastrous for the club. After all, in this weekend’s round of league fixtures, they play travel away to high-flying Fulham, who are seventh.That wouldn’t be an easy game even with a fully fit squad, so Arteta will and Arsenal will no doubt be taking all the precautionary measures possible to isolate and drive out any possible spreading of the bug.

Leeds United defender Robin Koch has admitted he wants to become captain at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds regular

Koch made the move to Leeds following the club’s promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020. The German joined from SC Freiburg but struggled with injuries in his first two seasons as a Whites player, making a combined 35 top-flight appearances in those two campaigns, with some of those coming as a holding midfielder.

However, he has managed to remain fully fit in recent months and has made himself a regular at centre-back, turning out 25 times in the league and already impressing new head coach Javi Gracia, who praised Koch following the 1-0 win over Southampton.

Koch is ‘convinced’ Leeds won’t be relegated over the coming months and his representatives are currently in talks with Leeds over a new contract, despite rumours he could depart the club if they go down. His current deal expires next year, and it looks as if the player has big aspirations in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Koch’s comments

Sports Witness relayed comments from Koch in an interview with Spox in the last 48 hours. The Whites defender admitted he was happy in Yorkshire and was asked if he had aspirations of becoming the captain at Elland Road, to which he said:

“Why not? Yes. But even without an armband, I want to be a leader in the team and also set a good example on the pitch.”

The Verdict: Good to see

There had been reports recently that Koch, Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison are already planning to quit Leeds if they are relegated, so it is good to see that the centre-back wants to stay and is open to becoming captain.

The current club captain is Liam Cooper, with the Scot featuring just three times in 2023, missing plenty of action through injury. Luke Ayling has been leading the side in Cooper’s absence, so there could be scope for Koch to take on a new role over the next 12 months, especially if he signs a new deal.

Koch and January signing Max Wober have been regulars under Gracia in recent weeks, with the former of the two making more clearances than any Leeds player this season, as per WhoScored.

He also ranks highly for interceptions, blocks and passes made per 90, and should Koch remain injury-free and Leeds remain in the Premier League, the club may look to give him more responsibility in and around Thorp Arch and Elland Road.

Everton are ready to make a €15m (£13m) offer for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata this summer, according to a report from Il Giorno.

The Lowdown: Everton eyeing forward

The Toffees were keen on new attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, coming close to signing Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma, before he instead went on to join Tottenham Hotspur.

It was not just Danjuma that Everton missed out on, with Andre Ayew deciding to move to Nottingham Forest, having attracted the interest of the Merseyside club on deadline day, while Kamaldeen Sulemana preferred a move to Southampton.

Zapata was an option in the earlier stages of the January transfer window, with former manager Frank Lampard personally requesting the striker, however the two clubs were unable to strike an agreement.

The Latest: Interest reignited

According to a report from Il Giorno (via Sport Witness), Everton are looking for a striker with physical power who is available for a fee that won’t break the bank , and they feel the Atalanta forward meets these requirements, so they are readying an approach.

The Toffees would be willing to offer €15m (£13m) to secure the services of the 31-year-old, who has seen his price tag collapse dramatically due to injuries and the emergence of young striker Rasmus Hojlund this season.

With the Colombian’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2024, the next transfer window is said to be the ideal time for Atalanta to recoup some money for him while they still can, potentially opening the door for a move to Merseyside.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Serie A analyst Matteo Bonetti has waxed lyrical about the veteran forward in the past, describing him as: ‘A freight train of a striker. One of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe who finally exploded in his late 20s. Excellent in the air, physically imposing and a much improved finisher. “

It has not been the easiest of seasons for the 34-time Colombia international, for the most part being limited to appearances from the bench due to a variety of different injury issues, and the goal-scoring exploits of Hojlund.

By the time Zapata is able to complete a move to Goodison Park he will be 32-years-old, and so his age, coupled with his injury record, means that it would be a risk to bring him in on anything longer than a two-year deal.

Provided the Serie A marksman is able to put his injury problems behind him, he could be a decent addition Sean Dyche’s squad, weighing in with a very respectable 82 goals and 42 assists in 181 appearances during his time with Atalanta.

Leeds United's primary concern over the coming weeks will undoubtedly be to avoid a return to the second tier, with new boss Javi Gracia hoping to steer his relegation-threatened side away from danger with the club currently just two points above the drop zone.

For sporting director Victor Orta, however, there will also have to be a consideration as to the potential signings that the Whites could make provided they are able to secure Premier League safety, with the Spaniard no doubt aiming to avoid a repeat scenario occurring next term.

According to reports in Portugal – via Sports Witness – one man who is seemingly of interest to those at Elland Road is Sporting CP midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, with the Yorkshire side having reportedly sent scouts to watch the Uruguayan in action in the recent Europa League meeting against Arsenal at the Emirates.

The belief is that Orta and co are keen on signing the 21-year-old this summer, albeit with any deal potentially set to cost as much as €60m (£53m), due to the presence of a release clause in his current contract.

That figure does appear rather steep at first glance, although the midfield maestro – who has been plying his trade in Lisbon since 2021 – has seemingly warranted such an asking price due to his stellar form for Ruben Amorim's side of late.

Would Ugarte be a good fit at Leeds?

If Leeds are to plump for Ugarte any time soon, the hope would be that the Montevideo native could replicate the impact that his former Sporting teammate Joao Palhinha has had in the Premier League to date, with the 27-year-old having flourished since joining Fulham on a £17m deal last summer.

The Portugal international has arguably been "one of the signings of the season" – according to Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir – due to his stellar displays at Craven Cottage, with the towering asset currently ranking first in the division for tackles made this season (101).

As "strong as an ox", according to Weir, Palhinha has certainly made a strong impression during his relatively brief spell in English football, with recent reports even suggesting that the imposing titan has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, with a £40m fee having been mooted.

To be able to turn to the man who was Sporting's "in-house Palhinha replacement" – according to journalist Raj Chohan – in the form of Ugarte would surely represent a real coup as far as Leeds are concerned, with the youngster having replaced the current Cottagers' star as the destructive, ball-winning presence in Amorim's side.

Hailed as a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Familicao gem has notably recorded 3.9 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in 22 Primeira Liga outings this season, while Palhinha has averaged a rather similar record of 4.2 and 1.4 for the same two metrics, respectively, from his 24 league appearances this term.

Ugarte's remarkable, midfield dominance is also showcased by the fact that he averaged 4.8 tackles per game during his side's Champions League group stage run – the most of any player in the competition – having also shone against the Gunners in the recent meeting in north London.

Despite being dismissed late on after picking up a second yellow card, the tenacious asset remarkably won 13 ground duels against Mikel Arteta's men, while also showcasing a further string to his bow after completing all four of his attempted dribbles.

A figure who is clearly already able to perform against English opposition – much like Palhinha – Ugarte would surely be a truly impressive signing for Orta and co, offering further steel to an already eye-catching midfield department that includes the likes of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.

Jurgen Klopp has brought through a whole raft of youngsters into the Liverpool first team since arriving back in 2015.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot and more recently Stefan Bajcetic all making their mark in the senior side in recent years, the Liverpool academy is bearing fruit that’s for sure.

Could the German be about to unearth the next big thing with defender Billy Koumetio? With change afoot ahead of next season, the 20-year-old may just emerge into prominence.

Who is Billy Koumetio?

The Frenchman arrived at the Anfield side in 2019 from US Orleans aged just 16 and his talent was obvious, with journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi lauding him as “promising” with the defender earmarked as a future first-team star.

It wouldn’t be long before he made history, with the centre-back becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever player to feature in the Champions League aged just 18 years and 25 days. Indeed, Klopp looked as though he had another prodigy in the making.

That day was special, particularly because the "incredible" young talent – as dubbed by his manager – happened to be a ball boy on the night of that famous 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield. Clearly, Europe's most prestigious competition already has a big place in Koumetio's heart.

Klopp signed Ibrahima Konate in 2021 and the French defender was looked upon as the ideal mentor for Koumetio, with the youngster aiming to eventually take over from him in the centre of the Reds' defence in the coming years.

He was sent out on loan to Austria Vienna this season to experience first-team football at senior level and after making five appearances he was recalled in January. During his short stay in Austria, he won 60% of his duels, made 3.4 clearances and one tackle per game, certainly proving he can perform at a high level.

The decision to terminate his loan early could be because Klopp wants to keep a close eye on the player as he plays for the U21 side and since January he has featured eight times in Premier League 2, scoring once.

Although Konate is just 23 years old, if he continues his fine form at Liverpool then there will no doubt be a host of potential suitors lining up to take away from the club and instead of spending millions to replace him, Koumetio could be ready to replace him.

With nothing but European spots to play for between now and the end of the season, Klopp may soon give some youngsters a run-out. The young French sensation could be the future of the defence and all he needs is a chance to impress.

Leeds United have reportedly agreed on personal terms with loanee Weston McKennie ahead of a permanent transfer.

What’s the latest on McKennie and a permanent Leeds move?

McKennie arrived at Elland Road from Juventus during the January window alongside defender Max Wober and forward Georginio Rutter. Former manager Jesse Marsch was still in charge of the club when the midfielder signed on loan for the Whites, with the two sides negotiating an option to make a move permanent for around £30m in the summer.

The USA international has since featured on 10 separate occasions for Leeds, with his latest appearance coming in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.

Reports have previously stated that those in Yorkshire will trigger the £30m option to sign McKennie permanently, should Javi Gracia’s side remain in the Premier League, and terms with the player have seemingly been agreed.

Tuttomercatoweb relayed an update regarding Leeds and McKennie in the last 48 hours which stated that an agreement on personal terms with the midfielder has been agreed.

All that is left to do now is to pay the Italian giants the transfer fee, something which will happen if things go to plan on the pitch in the final nine games.

Are Leeds right to sign McKennie permanently?

McKennie looks set to be relied on heavily in the final weeks of the season, with fellow midfielder and countryman Tyler Adams currently ruled out with a hamstring issue.

The 24-year-old has turned out alongside Marc Roca in the wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest, with Gracia having limited available midfield options resulting in teenagers Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray making recent matchday squads.

He has caught the eye in recent months as well, with Adam Pope describing the midfielder as 'excellent' at half-time in an FA Cup clash with Fulham last month, whereas Phil Hay admitted he was 'impressed with McKennie's movement and interplay' during the same game.

Paul Robinson was also left impressed with one moment of play from McKennie on Tuesday, describing him as ‘fantastic’, and if Leeds stay up, you could argue that McKennie has earned a permanent deal in Yorkshire.

The player, previously described as a ‘monster in the air’ by football writer Wes Tucker, will hopefully continue to feature over the coming weeks, looking to help take Leeds away from the drop zone, especially with a full-time transfer now in place.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has slammed Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca amid his poor form following the club's recent defeat.

What's the latest on Marc Roca and Leeds?

It certainly was a match to forget for the Whites on Monday night as they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Indeed, the Reds came to Elland Road and blew their opponents away as they netted six times, while Leeds only managed a consolation through Luis Sinisterra.

The loss means Javi Gracia's men are in real trouble down at the bottom of the Premier League, sitting just two points above the relegation zone with seven games to play.

After any 6-1 defeat, very few players will come out with any praise but it seems as though Roca stood out as one of the worst performers.

Indeed, while talking about the Spaniard on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan explained just how disappointed he's been with the midfielder of late.

He said (25:46): “I've said multiple times, I'm a big fan of Roca. He is embarrassing at the minute, embarrassing."

While talking about midfield partner Weston McKennie, he added (26:19): "I mean Marc Roca has been as bad recently so I'm not just gonna lay him [McKennie] out to dry.

"You know, I think it's just an absolute sham at the minute."

Is Marc Roca's form a big worry for Leeds?

Last weekend against Crystal Palace, the Whites also suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace as they shipped five goals in front of their own fans.

In that game, LeedsLive writer Beren Cross signed Roca out for criticism too, handing him 3/10 in the player ratings.

While he noted: "Began promisingly, but all of his boisterous energy and will to impress amounted to naive anticipation of what was going on around him. Found himself dribbled past by the opposition on at least seven occasions."

With that being the case, it's not hard to see why the £50k-p/w Leeds United star is starting to lose some fans amongst his own fanbase.

And with midfielder partner Tyler Adams still out injured after having to undergo under the knife to help fix a hamstring problem picked up in March, there is even more pressure on Roca to step up with his displays in the middle of the park.

All in all, it's been a bad spell for the Spaniard and if he can't turn his form around, he may be playing in the Championship next term.

Everton are interested in a deal to bring Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Correa to Everton?

The Toffees could be forced to sanction a mass exodus of some of their most prized assets should they suffer relegation, but with Dominic Calvert-Lewin being monitored by Arsenal and Neal Maupay wanted by Salernitana, Sean Dyche will need attacking reinforcements regardless of his side’s status.

The Argentinian international’s deal at the San Siro isn’t set to expire until 2025, but having made just seven starts in 30 Serie A games this season, has fallen significantly out of favour under Simone Inzaghi and could therefore be looking for a move elsewhere in the summer.

TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Niccolo Ceccarini recently claimed that the Goodison Park outfit have already “carried out some surveys” on the 28-year-old and they must have liked what they discovered because it appears that they are now weighing up an approach.

According to Italian outlet Inter Live (via Sport Witness), Everton, alongside top-flight rivals West Ham and Aston Villa are all “interested” in signing Correa ahead of the 2023/24 term.

The Merseysiders will “hopefully” be able to move and negotiate a deal for the striker, whose club are open to selling him should they receive a fee of €15m (£13m), a sum that Farhad Moshiri could meet “without problems”. Inter's attacker and his camp, however, believe that he is “worth less” which could have been said to force through an exit as quickly as possible.

Should Everton splash the cash on Correa?

Correa might have fallen down the pecking order at Inter but he would make a hugely positive impact at Everton so they should 100% dig deep to wrap up this absolute bargain of a deal in the summer.

The World Soccer Agency client has 102 goal contributions (63 goals and 39 assists) to his name since the start of his career and ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion by strikers in Europe's top leagues, highlighting not only his prolific form in the final third but also his strong link-up play with his teammates.

The 6 foot 2 colossus would further add wonderful versatility to the squad having previously operated in six different positions, including anywhere across the frontline, and knows what it takes to be successful having won six trophies at both club and international level, alongside competing in both the Champions and Europa League.

Finally, Correa has been lauded a “formidable” player by his manager Simone Inzaghi and so it would be a massive coup for the board should they be able to get this deal over the line during the upcoming window.

Arsenal are interested in signing Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque this summer, and Mikel Arteta could be set to give the deal the green light, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Football Insider recently reported Arsenal have a two-man shopping list at striker, with Dusan Vlahovic set to be their priority signing, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be the back-up option, should a move for the Juventus forward fall through.

There may also be some outgoings in attacking areas, as it has been reported the Gunners are likely to sell Folarin Balogun, who they are hoping to receive £40m for, in order to fund a move for West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

It has previously been reported Roque would be interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium, having been in contact with the club, and it now appears as though they could win the race for the striker this summer.

According to a report from Football Insider, Arsenal see Chelsea's financial issues as a prime opportunity for them to hijack the deal for the Brazilian, and win the race for his signature, although Barcelona are also said to be interested.

The Gunners have conducted multiple scouting missions to assess the forward already this season, and they are considering a big-money bid, with Athletico Paranaense set to demand a fee in the region of £35m – £40m.

Having been successful in the Premier League with a very young squad, Arteta is searching for new up-and-coming talents, and he could green light a move for the starlet this summer.

Should Arsenal sign Vitor Roque?

Given that Arsenal have also been linked with more well-known names in Vlahovic and Calvert-Lewin, it would be a risk to sign the 18-year-old, but he might be exactly the type of signing they need at this stage.

Arteta already has Gabriel Jesus to lead the line, and the 26-year-old has weighed in with a very solid nine goals and six assists in 20 Premier League games this season, so it could be worth bringing in a younger striker to provide competition, rather than a replacement.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed Roque as "unstoppable", and he is already making a name for himself in the Athletico Paranaense first team, registering five goals and two assists in 11 games this season.

The £40m price tag attached to the youngster is a huge amount for a player yet to prove himself over a long timeframe, however he is showing all the signs he could go on to be a top player.

Newcastle United could be set to raid a Premier League rival this summer, with recent reports suggesting that the Magpies are interested in Leeds United sensation, Wilfried Gnonto.

What's the latest on Gnonto to Newcastle?

According to club insider, NUFC Blog, the Tynesiders are seemingly keeping a close eye on the Elland Road outfit's fight for survival, amid the prospect of potentially snapping up the teenage Italian on the cheap this summer if his current side are to suffer relegation.

The report suggests that Eddie Howe and co are 'aware' that 'several capable Premier League players will be available' at the end of the season with the likes of Leeds, Leicester City and Everton all battling to avoid the drop, with Gnonto among those of interest to the St James' Park hierarchy.

The diminutive 19-year-old only made the move to Yorkshire on a £3.8m deal last summer, although a move away from the Whites could already be on the cards, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City also reportedly keeping tabs on his progress.

Should Newcastle sign Gnonto?

Despite his relative youth, Gnonto has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with his current side thus far despite the club's collective woes, having contributed four goals and four assists in 24 games across all fronts thus far.

A real livewire in attack, the 5 foot 7 ace seemingly has that "X-Factor about him" – according to writer Casey Evans – having also been lauded as a "wonderkid" by talent scout Jacek Kulig during his time at former club FC Zurich, where he provided 22 goal involvements 74 games in all competitions.

The Verbania-born speedster was also dubbed the "new Obafemi Martins" by Kulig after leaving Inter Milan's youth ranks in 2020, with the ex-Newcastle striker having also left the Serie A side in order to make his move to Tyneside back in 2006.

While Martins may not be a real star name for those of a Magpies persuasion, the now-retired marksman did enjoy a respectable three-year spell in the northeast, having scored 35 goals and racked up ten assists in 104 games in total.

Something of a unique talent, the 42-cap machine was hailed as a "special player" by former boss Kevin Keegan back in 2008, with the legendary figure also going on to state that he had "never worked with a player like him".

Gnonto, too, is also able to offer a rather unpredictable quality having been lauded as "like a firework" by pundit Noel Whelan, as he is just such an "exciting player", with it easy to see why the £35m-rated asset is attracting such interest.

The hope will be that the youngster can prove a more successful signing than that of Martins – who was part of the side that suffered relegation in 2009 – and go on to become a leading figure in Howe's squad over the coming years.