Leeds United news: Jesse Marsch reveals goalkeeper strategy as Nicolas Pépé nears Arsenal exit

Leeds United kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves this weekend – here are Friday’s key headlines.
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Jesse Marsch reveals goalkeeper strategy

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has revealed the vital criterion that any incoming goalkeeper must meet this summer transfer window.

United have already met several of their transfer aims, notably significantly strengthening in central midfield.

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But finding a new shot-stopper to act as back-up to Illan Meslier is one priority that yet remains unfulfilled.

Marsch says they won’t be rushing into a decision without making sure the personality is the right fit.

"I think there’s an argument to have a more established goalkeeper as a back-up,” said Marsch.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Illan Meslier of Leeds United acknowledges the crowd during the Pre-Season friendly match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Illan Meslier of Leeds United acknowledges the crowd during the Pre-Season friendly match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Illan Meslier of Leeds United acknowledges the crowd during the Pre-Season friendly match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

"Marcos Abad [goalkeeping coach] has created a really good environment with the goalkeepers.

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"Anyone we bring in we have to be very clear, there can’t be any friction.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin out for forseeable future

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his teams first goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Everton and Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park on July 29, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his teams first goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Everton and Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park on July 29, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his teams first goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Everton and Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park on July 29, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

The star striker of Leeds United’s Premier League rivals Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has suffered a knee injury in training.

Last term, the Toffees and the Whites went head to head in the fight to beat the drop.

Both sides survived, but this season the bookies have them tipped them among the teams at risk of being involved in a survival fight.

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Calvert-Lewin’s return gave Everton a huge boost at the tail end of last season, as the England international made three goal contributions in the Liverpool side’s final three games.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Seville at Emirates Stadium on July 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Seville at Emirates Stadium on July 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Seville at Emirates Stadium on July 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old won’t be on hand to help Everton hit the ground running, though, as he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"I think we're probably looking at around six weeks for the injury,” Lampard revealed.

"I saw a lot of crazy rumours yesterday, but he's been assessed over a couple of days and that's where we're at.

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"It comes with the territory of having a squad and training at this level. We'll have to work around it.”

Nicolas Pépé nears Arsenal exit

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ‘desperate’ to sell Leeds United target Nicolas Pépé, according to Goal.

The Gunners have the highest net spend in the Premier League this summer after signing Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira for big fees.

Pépé, meanwhile, started five league games last term and the club’s record signing made just three goal contributions.