I’ll start this week by writing about Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri, who proved he’s the best player in that position after his outstanding World Cup. As I've said many times, when Pep Guardiola explained that you won't see the best of Rodri until the World Cup—he was spot on. I thought he was fantastic for Spain, and it'd be a huge blow for Manchester City if he left.

City are going to play hardball, and I don't blame them, because I think he's got a year left on his contract. So they might keep him for another year and then let him go in the summer. But from the outside, it seems like he wants to go to Barcelona. It'd be some coup for them, because I think he'd be fantastic there.

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That style of football suits Rodri perfectly. Barcelona have a similar style of play to Spain, and lots of their players are in the national team. He would easily slot into their midfield and make things happen.

'Araújo alongside Virgil van Dijk is brilliant'

One player who has left Barcelona this summer is Ronald Araújo, after joining Liverpool. His biggest issue will be staying fit after having lots of injury problems last season. He’s missed a lot of football, but he’s someone with natural talent. Liverpool needed to go into the market to get a defender, and they got one.

Obviously, Giovanni Leoni is coming back, but is still a young player learning his trade. So I think having Araújo alongside Virgil van Dijk is brilliant. Hopefully he just stays fit, and can produce some of the form that we saw at Barcelona.

Someone else whose name has been touted with a transfer is Myles Lewis-Skelly. We all knew him as a left-back, but I thought he was outstanding after coming into midfield for Arsenal. He can play in numerous positions, and you can understand why a club like Manchester United would be linked with him. They want to strengthen in midfield, and he could also be a long-term successor to Luke Shaw at left-back. And you can see why Chelsea are keen on him, because they've lost Marc Cucurella, and he just fits straight into that hole.

But if I'm Arsenal, I'm not selling Lewis-Skelly to a rival, that's for sure. They are likely to go deep into the cup competitions and are the favourites to win the Premier League. So you're going to need your squad, and Lewis-Skelly is the type of player you would like to call upon.

If I was him at 19-years-old, I'd probably stay for at least another season. I'd be thinking to myself that I’m with the Premier League champions, so I would want to stay there and I want to fight for my position.

I want to say to Mikel Arteta, ‘I'm good enough to get into this team.’ And that's how he's got to be thinking. It looks like Arsenal want him to stay and Lewis-Skelly wants to stay too, which is probably the best thing for both parties right now.

We also saw a rare swap deal this week, with Brennan Johnson going to Everton and Dwight McNeil arriving at Crystal Palace. I must say, it was crazy for Palace to lose Johnson. I haven't spoken to anyone at Palace about it—I think I might do that very soon—but I don't get it, because Palace paid big money for Johnson. He was on massive wages though, so that may have come into their thinking.

It hasn't really worked out for him there so far, and the new manager's probably seen him in pre-season and thought, ‘It's not going to work for me.’ They've obviously strengthened too, with the signing of Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa, and they're looking at other players in that area as well. I know they also tried to go for Dwight McNeil previously, but the deal fell through at the last hour. McNeil's wages are probably lower than Johnson’s, so that’s the biggest benefit to Palace in the deal.

Looking at the football matches coming up, we’ve got the Community Shield taking place this Sunday. I was at the match last year when Palace beat Liverpool on penalties, and you could see that neither team were treating the game like a friendly. I realise that nobody wants to get injured a week before the start of the Premier League season, but it’s the opportunity to get another trophy in the cabinet. Both Arsenal and Man City will be going for it, and it should be an entertaining game. So I totally agree with what Viktor Gyökeres said when he dismissed the match as a friendly. It's all about winning now, and that can only breed confidence going into the new season.

This is also the opening weekend of the EFL season, and it’ll be interesting to see if West Ham can hit the ground running in a battle of the relegated Premier League teams against Burnley on Sunday. A lot of eyes will also be on Lincoln City after winning promotion, and they’ve got a very tough start away at Middlesbrough, who have spent a fair bit of money in the transfer window.

Sheffield United are also up against my old team Birmingham City–can they get in the promotion mix this season? A lot of money is being spent in the division, and the play-offs now go down to the team which finishes eighth.

A team that I feel could do well this season is Norwich City. I think they've got a good manager in Philippe Clement, with some good, exciting players, and quite a few internationals. They could be a force in the division this season.

Manchester United's pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye has received a boost after Liverpool reportedly cooled their interest in the Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid.

The Red Devils are one of several clubs across the continent to have been linked with the 18-year-old winger, who scored against Michael Carrick's side in a pre-season friendly last weekend.

Mbaye has already made 41 appearances for PSG and found the net for Senegal against France at World Cup 2026, but he could leave this summer in search of more game-time.

Why Liverpool cooled their interest in Ibrahim Mbaye

Mbaye is the latest in a long line of French wonderkids produced by PSG and became the youngest player to start a game for the club when he lined up against Le Havre in August 2024, aged 16 years, six months and 23 days.

His goal against France also made him the youngest African to score at a World Cup, aged 18 years and 143 days, but his path to the first team at club level is blocked by the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool were one of the clubs hoping to tempt Mbaye away from Paris, but transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Reds have pulled out of the race.

The Anfield club are also pursuing PSG team-mate Barcola, but stepped away from the Mbaye deal after learning via talks with his agent Jorge Mendes that a joint transfer could cost €200m (£171m) - with Mbaye reportedly valued between €40-50m (£34-42m).

That could open the door for United, who are one of several clubs - alongside the likes of Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund - to reportedly make contact with the Champions League holders to enquire about the teenager.

Mbaye could be pushed further towards the exit door if PSG complete a move for Spain's World Cup final hero Ferran Torres, who is said to be closing in on a switch from Barcelona.

The 26-year-old can play across the front line, thereby increasing the competition for places in Luis Enrique's squad, with Spanish newspaper AS reporting that the French champions may consider Mbaye departing on loan as a result.

The teenager would be an excellent addition for United, who are light on wingers heading into the 2026/27 season.

Marcus Rashford has returned to the fold following his loan spell at Barcelona last season, while Amad Diallo has also impressed, but the remaining options available to Carrick include Patrick Dorgu, who joined as a wing-back, and 19-year-old Shea Lacey.

Mbaye showed United what they could be getting with an assured finish in the second minute of last Saturday's friendly in Stockholm, which ended 1-1.

Newcastle United representatives were spotted watching transfer target Amar Dedic on Thursday night as the club look to complete a deal for the Benfica right-back.

The Magpies have reached an agreement for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, although hurdles remain over a potential transfer.

Dedic played under Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle at Austrian club RB Salzburg between 2021 and 2023, and the Premier League side are keen to bring in the 23-year-old following the departure of Kieran Trippier this summer.

Benfica manager responds to Amar Dedic exit reports

Dedic played 43 games in all competitions for Benfica last season after joining from Marseille in summer 2025, before starting three of Bosnia's four matches at World Cup 2026.

Despite Newcastle's interest, he made his first start of the 2026/27 campaign on Thursday night against Hearts at Tynecastle, in a 1-1 draw which saw the Eagles progress 7-2 on aggregate from their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

Newcastle and Edinburgh are only around 100 miles apart and Magpies officials took the chance to watch Dedic in the flesh, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

The Bosnian played the full 90 minutes and hit the post with a header, with the publication reporting that the Magpies' representatives in the stands were "very attentive" to his performance.

While Dedic has reportedly agreed to join Newcastle, the fee remains a sticking point. It is claimed that the Portuguese giants want €35m (£30.4m) for the defender, whereas the Premier League club don't want to pay more than €30m (£25.6m).

Benfica manager Marco Silva, who moved from Fulham earlier this summer, was asked after the game about the reports surrounding Dedic.

“I care very little about what’s going on behind the scenes, which is normal at this point in the transfer window," he told Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

“We want players and there are other clubs who want players. That’s part of the market and it has zero influence on my decisions.”

Newcastle have made five first-team signings this summer but are yet to bring in a right-back, despite Trippier's departure and Tino Livramento's absence throughout pre-season with a calf injury.

They start the Premier League season at home to Liverpool next Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur are about to sign their second Liverpool player of the summer.

The Lilywhites started their transfer window by landing veteran full-back Andrew Robertson on a free transfer, months after they tried to snare him in the winter window.

And now, Tottenham have agreed terms with Cody Gakpo in principle to join from Anfield.

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo agrees terms with Tottenham Hotspur

Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof has said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that “all parties” believe Gakpo to Spurs is “very realistic”.

Blaauwhof's outlet Voetbal International  concur, noting that there's an agreement in principle.

The fee is said to be around £60 million for the 27-year-old, who joined Liverpool in the winter transfer window of 2023, with the Reds still wanting to sign Bradley Barcola as a replacement.

FourFourTwo understands that Spurs are still keen to land Savinho – and may well use him on the opposite wing.

Gakpo has had a relatively successful time on Merseyside, winning a Premier League title and establishing himself as one of the Netherlands' better players during his time in English football.

The arrival of Barcola would complicate his position, however – and with Liverpool also boasting the likes of Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha at left-wing, there's a clearer path under De Zerbi to flourish.

Blaauwhof has described De Zerbi as wanting “Gakpo all the way” for his left wing.

Spurs have been busy during this transfer window, signing the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali from Premier League rivals – but the question of who will play in forward positions for De Zerbi is still unclear.

Dominic Solanke has suffered with chronic injury problems since joining, while Richarlison has had periods of poor form.

Gakpo is worth €60 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool face Newcastle United when Premier League action begins next weekend.

Arsenal are in talks with Galatasaray over a potential move for striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports.

The Premier League champions are keen to upgrade their attacking options during the summer transfer window and have been linked with several stars, including Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

However, Arsenal are yet to seal a marquee signing in that area, and long-term target Osimhen is back in the picture - but a deal may be more complicated than it appears.

Arsenal eye Victor Osimhen as Gunners duo linked with Galatasaray move

Osimhen has been among the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past few seasons, scoring 32 goals for Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in 2024/25, then adding 22 more last term after joining the Turkish giants in a sensational €75m move.

The Nigeria striker signed a four-year contract with the Istanbul club 12 months ago, but the possibility of a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer has been raised during talks involving two Arsenal players.

According to The Telegraph, talks between the Gunners and Galatasaray over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have included discussions over Osimhen potentially moving to North London.

The report adds that the Super Lig club have already bid £38.4m for winger Martinelli and have expressed an interest in 19-year-old attacking midfielder Nwaneri, who was on loan at French club Marseille during the second half of last season.

It is unclear if it was Arsenal or Galatasaray who first mentioned the possibility of Osimhen joining the Gunners, while there is no indication whether the Turkish side would insist on any deal including one or both of Martinelli and Nwaneri going in the other direction.

The Gunners have long held an interest in the 27-year-old but The Telegraph states that he had fallen below Atleti star Alvarez in this summer's list of targets.

However, the report adds that Arsenal have considered switching attention elsewhere due to the Spanish club's £100m-plus valuation of the Argentina striker.

The Gunners have signed four first-team players so far this summer: midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75m, defender Piero Hincapie for £34.5m from Bayer Leverkusen after turning last season's loan into a permanent move, Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis in a £34m deal, and former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer.

Osimhen would certainly boost their options up front, where manager Mikel Arteta is currently able to call on Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year helped Napoli win Serie A in 2022/23 and is a proven goalscorer in the Champions League, finding the net seven times in 10 matches in last season's competition - including bagging the only goal in a 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah for £52m - just 14 months after arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

The Netherlands international, 28, cost City £46.5m when he arrived from AC Milan last summer.

But Reijnders started just 19 Premier League games last season as he struggled to hold down a regular place in the side and is now on the verge of a transfer away from English football.

Tijjani Reijnders set to link up with former Liverpool, Leicester and Celtic manager

Reijnders scored one goal and assisted another as he enjoyed a dream debut in City's 4-0 hammering of Wolves on the opening day of last season.

But that was arguably the high point of the Dutchman's spell in Manchester and he did not play in either the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal, or the triumph over Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Reijnders started all three of City's pre-season friendlies under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola this summer, but he missed the team's open training session on Thursday, ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield.

And BBC Sport reports that he is set to join Al-Qadsiah, who are managed by ex-Liverpool, Leicester City and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.

The former Reds head coach took over the Saudi Pro League side last December, when they were fifth in the table, and led them to a fourth-place finish, before starting this season with a 3-1 win at Al-Shabab this week.

Their most notable players are Italy striker Mateo Retegui and Mexico's World Cup 2026 star Julian Quinones, so the signing of Reijnders represents a real coup.

His departure is the latest chapter in a summer of change in City's midfield, with Elliot Anderson arriving for £116m from Nottingham Forest and Rodri expected to join Barcelona.

The club are also reportedly interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who played under Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

City also have Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez as options in the centre of the park, while left-back Nico O'Reilly played there several times last season.

After facing Arsenal in the Community Shield, Maresca's men start their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23.

Arsenal fans already love Eli Junior Kroupi, thanks to his goal for Bournemouth against Manchester City sealing them the Premier League title.

But now, one former Arsenal star says that the Gunners should be in the conversation to sign the Cherries attacker – and that the club should go back to their roots when it comes to Frenchmen in the squad.

Last season, Mikel Arteta only had one player from across the Channel in his side – William Saliba – a far cry from years gone by…

Jeremie Aliadiere: 'Arsenal need top-level French talent again'

Arsenal were one of the first clubs to fully embrace bringing players from the continent to English shores, with pioneering boss Arsene Wenger signing a plethora of French stars over the years.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord turned the Gunners into one of France's most popular clubs – even today – with another former French star from Highbury, Jeremie Aliadiere, now telling FourFourTwo that the club need to target more stars from his homeland, given the talent currently coming through Les Bleus' setup.

“Absolutely, Arsenal should be looking at these types of players,” Aliadiere says now, courtesy of Casino Groups. “Barcola has already been mentioned this summer for one of Arsenal’s targets.

“He has been excellent for PSG and France and would be perfect on the left-hand side of the attack for Arsenal. He is a fantastic player and would take Arsenal to the next level if they look to pursue a transfer for him.

“And being French, there will obviously be comparisons to former French attacking players who were successful at Arsenal.

“But also, Kroupi has been mentioned as well: I know he has an injury, which may mean he stays at Bournemouth, but has shown last season he is a good young player who has a lot of potential, and teams will be interested in him for sure.”

This summer, Arsenal signed their first Frenchman since 2019 when they brought in Ilian Meslier on a free transfer.

The Gunners kickstart their Premier League defence at home to Coventry City.

Liverpool are looking to sign one of the most exciting wonderkids in world football.

The Reds spent well over £400 million last summer as they looked to defend their Premier League crown with well-established talent – but new manager Andoni Iraola has welcomed lower-profile signings this summer, as the club move on from Arne Slot, along with veterans Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah.

Victor Munoz has signed to bolster the attack, with Jeremy Jacquet a highly-rated defender – though there could be more signings on the way before the window closes.

Liverpool in talks with Gilberto Mora, the Mexican superstar wanted by half of Europe

Bradley Barcola has been extensively linked to the Reds, as the club look to bolster their attack and sign an A-list talent this month.

But one name who certainly won't be signing before the deadline – but could well pen terms at Anfield – is Mexican superstar teenager Gilberto Mora.

The teen was described as “Diminutive and flighty, always ready to take a shot on and never afraid to get stuck in”, this summer by FourFourTwo's youth football expert Joe Donnohue, in a report during the World Cup.

At 17 years and 240 days, the Tijuana playmaker was the youngest player at the tournament, and has been consistently linked with swapping Mexico for Merseyside, with one report suggesting that Liverpool were stepping up interest in July.

Now, Wednesday’s print edition of 24 Horas in Mexico, via Sport Witness, comments on Iraola's team bringing the youngster over this winter when he's 18 years old – noting that Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona are all in the hunt, too: while FourFourTwo understands that both Arsenal and Manchester City have kept tabs.

Sport Witness relays that, “Still there is still no statement of an agreement or formal offer,” though it appears that Liverpool have more of a concrete idea of how this deal will work, with the Mexican sensation needing an adaptation period, should he move to Europe.

Andres Lillini, who oversees Mexico’s youth national teams, has been credited with saying that, “After playing a World Cup, with everything he went through physically and emotionally, we have to look after the person and not wear him down just because we want to win something” – and this will almost certainly be the approach from the Premier League giants.

Liverpool already have a stack of talent in forward areas – especially on the lefthand side, where Mora can be effective – with another teenager in Rio Ngumoha seen as the long-term heir to the position.

It remains highly likely if the Reds do strike a deal for Mora in January, they will look to integrate him culturally and physically, as offer him minutes to get up to speed with English football, with a view to a potential loan move in the summer to develop elsewhere out of a spotlight.

The 17-year-old is worth €25 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool face Newcastle United when Premier League action begins next weekend.

Newcastle United have agreed their next signing of the summer.

The Toon have had a dramatic summer, losing manager Eddie Howe halfway through pre-season, while selling the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali for big fees.

But it's veteran right-back Kieran Trippier who appears to have finally been replaced with Newcastle's latest move in the market, as new boss Matthias Jaissle will hope to get a key man in before the season starts.

Newcastle United agree deal for Amar Dedic

FourFourTwo's Joe Donnohue recently noted that he expected Newcastle to sign Amar Dedic, who made 52 appearances under Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg.

“Given Newcastle's need to refresh their options at full-back after Kieran Trippier's exit and Tino Livramento's persistent injuries, Dedic could be an option given he already knows the manager's demands,” he wrote in a report.

Now, SportSport in Bosnia have reported that Dedic has “already agreed to the transfer”, with the Magpies just needing to agree terms with Benfica.

The report states that Newcastle want to pay no more than €30 million for the talent, and that, “There will be no problems in the agreement, because the Portuguese giant are ready to sell”.

Dedic moved to Lisbon last year following a short loan spell with Marseille, playing 43 times in all competitions before beginning this season with two appearances for the Eagles.

After the big-money sales of Guimaraes and Tonali, Newcastle have made a concerted effort to move to a model that sees them pick up young talent they can develop, rather than compete for the biggest names.

Last year, the Toon were linked with the likes of Hugo Ekitike, James Trafford, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro, only to be beaten to the punch by so-called Big Six clubs for each.

This summer, however, has seen a change in approach, with 20-year-olds Bazoumana Toure, Ewen Jaoen and Aladji Bamba signing from Hoffenheim, Reims, and Monaco respectively, while teenager Sean Steur – still only 18 – is expected to plug the sizeable gap left by midfield departures.

Any deal for Dedic would take the Magpies spend up to around £170-180m.

The 23-year-old is worth €20m, as per Transfermarkt. Newcastle's Premier League season begins against Liverpool.

A long-standing Arsenal transfer record looks set to be broken following a new bid.

The Gunners have flirted with the idea of smashing several records this summer, with an audacious plan to land Vinicius Jr that would have smashed their all-time arrival record – currently £105 million, which they spent on Declan Rice in 2023 – and exceeded the £350,000-a-week contract given to Mesut Ozil in 2018.

But it looks like another Arsenal record in the transfer market – which has stood for almost a decade – is on the cusp of finally being broken.

Arsenal receive record-breaking bid for Gabriel Martinelli

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Arsenal have received a new bid for Gabriel Martinelli from Galatasaray, with the Turkish giants looking to bring top-level talent to the Super Lig.

The North Londoners' current record sale stands at around £35m, set by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017, after he left for Liverpool.

The Gunners have had success in recent seasons by selling homegrown talent to raise funds, with the likes of Joe Willock, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun and even Emiliano Martinez all players that the Gunners sold for £20m or more for pure profit.

But though Martinelli isn't a Hale End academy product, Arsenal would see a steep profit on his services, having signed for just £6m from Ituano.

Plettenberg has confirmed that Gala's offer is worth €45m (around £38m) – though FourFourTwo understands that the Premier League champions want to hold out for around £50m for a player who they deem to be one of the more valuable in their squad.

The Brazilian is still just 25 years old – having signed for Arsenal as an 18-year-old – and though he only scored once in the Premier League last season, he recorded 11 goals in all competitions, including six in the Champions League, outscoring plenty of players on Arsenal's radar in the competition, including Bradley Barcola and Vinicius Jr.

The arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge will surely generate more competition on the left wing for the Gunners, who still want to bring in a marquee name on that flank.

Martinelli has been a huge success for Arsenal, scoring key goals for the club over his seven years, including a key equaliser against Manchester City in the title race last season, and strikes against each of the other so-called Big Six over his time in English football.

FourFourTwo understands that the Brazil star would prefer to play at a higher level than in Turkiye.

Martinelli is worth €45m, as per Transfermarkt. Arsenal play Coventry City when Premier League action begins again with the 2026/27 season opener.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence is leaving N17, with an agreement in place for the full-back to move to Inter Milan.

After a poor season with Spurs in which the club were nearly relegated from the Premier League, Spence was a surprise hit at the World Cup in North America, becoming one of the Three Lions' better players in their run to the semi-finals.

But a report from Italian journalist, Orazio Accomando of SportMediaSet claims that a deal has been struck for around £30 million, plus bonuses.

Djed Spence leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Inter Milan

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Accomando confirmed the “imminent closure” of Spence to replace Real Madrid-bound Denzel Dumfries at Italian champions, Inter Milan.

The move appears to have come from seemingly nowhere, with Inter negotiating the fee down from an original £35m.

Spence enjoyed a positive summer with England and was thought to be a player who could perhaps kick on under Roberto De Zerbi.

The Kensington-born defender joined Spurs in 2022 after winning promotion to the Premier League on loan with Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough, but hasn't been a first-team fixture during much of his time in North London.

Loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa, followed after his initial signing, with Spence only becoming more of a regular under Ange Postecoglou before he won his first of 14 England caps in 2025.

The 26-year-old has played both as a right wing-back and on the left for both club and country in recent seasons, and follows international team-mate John Stones to the San Siro this summer, as manager Cristian Chivu looks to defend the Scudetto.

The defender is reportedly signing a long-term deal until 2031.

Spurs are heading into the Premier League season with World Cup winner Pedro Porro as the starting option at right-back, and Destiny Udogie likely to be the first-choice left-back.

Cristian Romero is all but certain to leave this club in the coming days, too, with Inter themselves having fought Atletico Madrid and Arsenal for the Argentine's signature.

Spence is worth €40m, according to Transfermarkt. Tottenham take on Brentford when the Premier League season begins.

Arsenal are ready to lose one of their highest earners, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his club.

One of manager Mikel Arteta's first jobs when he arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 was to get the wage structure of the club under control, and with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil leaving North London on free transfers, Arsenal have always been keen on cutting costs in salary, as much as making sales.

That could certainly be true when it comes to the remaining weeks of the transfer window, as the Gunners look to shift stars who command high wages.

Arsenal looking to get Gabriel Jesus off the books

A report from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb says that Napoli are in the process of freeing up space in their squad to land Gabriel Jesus, with Romelu Lukaku close to leaving Italy once more.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal are open to offers of around £20m for Jesus – less than half of what they paid for his signature in 2022 – in order to free up funds to spend elsewhere.

According to Capology, Jesus is still the third-highest earner at London Colney behind Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, picking up around £265,000 a week, with just a year remaining on the contract he signed four years ago.

Jesus was a transformational signing when he arrived from Manchester City, spearheading a surprise title assault in 2022/23 and improving the dynamics of Arteta's attack, as the Gunners accrued 50 points in their first 19 games of that campaign.

But after the Brazilian suffered a knee injury at the World Cup in Qatar, Jesus has struggled to regain the same form, losing his place in Arteta's side first to Havertz and then to Viktor Gyokeres, as the Basque boss has moved away from using the same style of false nine in his line-up.

After returning in 2024/25 and showing promise with a hat-trick against Crystal Palace, Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in an FA Cup tie against Manchester United, becoming a peripheral figure in the squad.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal are also open to letting the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira leave the club, too, which could free up over £300,000 a week more in wages.

Martinelli is believed to be earning around £180,000 a week, having signed a long-term extension in 2023, while Nelson is thought to be on a six-figure sum, too.

The Hale End graduate has played just 50 Premier League fixtures for the Gunners since making his first-team debut in the competition nearly a decade ago, but was rewarded with an extension in 2024 after crucial goals in Arsenal's title challenge against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Jesus is worth €17m, as per Transfermarkt. Arsenal play Coventry City when Premier League action begins again with the 2026/27 season opener.

The Premier League's reputation as a magnet for Europe's finest talent remains as strong as ever. Increasingly, though, the division's middle class are becoming renowned for finding and developing the raw, high-upside talent before the world's elite clubs can poach them.

FourFourTwo has selected three young attackers who have arrived on English shores with the potential to light up the Premier League this season.

Here are our picks...

Zadok Yohanna (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Brighton’s recruitment structure rarely misses. Powered by data-led analytics under Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics, the Seagulls repeatedly scour global leagues to uncover hidden gems before anyone else. Their latest £21.5 million gamble, if you can call it that, is 19-year-old Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna - and he looks set to continue that tradition.

Yohanna’s journey has so far followed a proven path for African talent, albeit reaching the heights of the Premier League sooner than his continental peers.

Leaving home at a young age to join the Ikon Allah Football Academy, he eventually made the leap to Scandinavia, a pathway previously trodden by the likes of Mikel John Obi, Victor Boniface, and Mohammed Kudus.

Signing for Swedish side AIK, Yohanna spent his initial months adjusting to European football before exploding into life. Deployed on the right wing in a 4-3-3 system under coach Jose Riveiro, his pace and trickery overwhelmed Allsvenskan defences.

In just 12 senior appearances and under 1,000 minutes of action, he registered five goals and four assists, prompting AIK to net a staggering 3,200 per cent profit as Brighton smashed the Swedish transfer record to secure his signature.

Yohanna possesses a frightening burst of acceleration from a standing start. Receiving wide on the right before shuffling inside onto his favoured left foot, he brings an unpredictability that Premier League full-backs will dread.

Whether he immediately establishes himself in Brighton's starting XI or spends time on loan elsewhere in Europe, Yohanna is an electrifying player whose mainstream breakthrough feels inevitable.

Bazoumana Toure (Newcastle United)

If one player rivalled Yan Diomande as the Bundesliga's breakout star last term, it was Bazoumana Toure.

Newcastle made the 20-year-old Ivorian their marquee summer acquisition, shelling out €50 million (£43m) to lure the winger from Hoffenheim.

Toure’s rise has been meteoric. He moved from ASEC Mimosas in Cote d'Ivoire's capital Abidjan to Sweden for a modest fee.

From there, he spent less than a year with Hammarby in Sweden's top flight, helping the club to a ten-fold return on their investment when Hoffenheim took the plunge.

Then, in the past 12 months has quadrupled his value through his displays in the Bundesliga.

Toure clocks top speeds that rank him among the fastest players in European football; the left-winger thrives on driving directly at opposing full-backs and threatening the space in behind.

Unlike many young speedsters whose decision-making lags behind their athleticism, Toure combines acceleration with genuine end product. As a high-volume dribbler and consistent chance creator, he gives Newcastle's attack a new dimension and an immediate out-ball on the counter.

Alvaro Rodriguez (AFC Bournemouth)

At 22 years old, Alvaro Rodriguez is slightly older than the typical 'wonderkid' profile, but the Uruguayan forward is so unorthodox that he demands attention.

Signed by Bournemouth from Spanish side Elche, having originally developed in Real Madrid's academy system, Rodriguez stands at an imposing 6ft 4in. Calling him a traditional target man fails to capture his complete skill set, though.

As you might guess from his frame, he is a handful who plucks aerial balls out of the sky with ease, offering an effective Plan B for long-ball outlets when tiki-taka play breaks down. However, Rodriguez also boasts impressive technical ability, comfortable running directly at defenders with close control and unexpected agility.

With Eli Junior Kroupi sidelined for the opening months of the campaign, Rodriguez will carry an immediate responsibility on the south coast, alongside Evanilson. But, once Kroupi returns, Bournemouth fans can look forward to a classic 'big-man, little-man' striking dynamic that could prove difficult for Premier League centre-halves to contain.

Paul Pogba’s attempt to resurrect his professional career has suffered a setback, with AS Monaco reportedly offering to terminate the 33-year-old midfielder's contract by mutual agreement just over a year after his arrival.

According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 outfit have opened talks to negotiate a financial settlement that would cancel his deal, which was originally scheduled to run until 2027.

The decision follows reports of a fresh thigh injury suffered in pre-season training. Pogba's first season since returning from a doping ban was punctuated by injuries.

Paul Pogba is on the move again

The Frenchman joined Monaco in June 2025 on a free transfer, aiming to rebuild his career after serving an 18-month anti-doping ban.

The suspension was initially handed down as a four-year ban in late 2023 following a failed test for elevated levels of DHEA while at Juventus, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction on appeal, clearing him to return in early 2025.

However, his spell in Monaco has been disrupted by repeated physical issues. Plagued by knee injuries and recurring muscular problems, the former France international managed just 115 official minutes across six substitute appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.

Having featured for only 45 minutes in warm-up friendlies this summer, his latest training breakdown has seemingly accelerated Monaco's push to sever ties before the transfer deadline.

Pogba's rapid decline marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of the most gifted midfielders of his era. Pogba remains Manchester United's record signing, having rejoined the Premier League giants from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world record £89 million (€105m) fee.

During his peak years, Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus, scored in the 2018 World Cup Final as France won the trophy in Russia, and lifted the UEFA Europa League and League Cup with Man United.

Since leaving Old Trafford for a second time to return to Turin in 2022, his career has been beset by chronic injury setbacks and his doping ban.

Rumours continue to link the 25-year-old with a move away from Stamford Bridge, but there are a catalogue of reasons why a deal appears highly unlikely.

A combination of huge valuations, accounting necessities , and dressing-room dynamics mean the Argentine looks firmly locked in place at Chelsea.

Firstly, the Blues have slapped a massive £120 million asking price on Fernandez. In any transfer climate, that figure eliminates 99 per cent of teams who might be interested.

Chelsea can't afford to sell Enzo Fernandez this summer - here's why

Only a tiny handful of the ultra-wealthy clubs could even theoretically entertain such an outlay, and none have shown a willingness to meet Stamford Bridge's demands, at least not recently.

Fernandez's reputation precedes him, too. There have been off-pitch controversies whilst on international duty and questions over how he fits into a dressing room, leaving plenty of managers erring on the side of caution, especially for such a fee.

From the player's perspective, there is also no reason for him to force an exit on unfavourable terms. Fernandez has six full years remaining on his lucrative Stamford Bridge contract.

According to wage data from Capology, Fernandez earns an estimated £11.7 million per year before tax.

And with six years still to run, Chelsea are committed to paying him roughly £56 million in remaining wages.

With that massive sum guaranteed through 2032, Fernandez will be in no hurry to abandon his deal unless a suitor matches or exceeds his current earnings.

The fact he is contracted for such a length of time also gives Chelsea no reason to lower their asking price.

The main barrier preventing a transfer comes down to the Premier League's financial controls and transfer fee amortisation.

When Chelsea signed Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023 for £106 million, they initially tied him to an eight-and-a-half-year deal to spread the fee across the length of the contract. It was later reported Chelsea extended his stay by a further year to a total of nine-and-a-half years, spreading that amortisation cost even more thinly.

As of June 2026, here is how the remainder of that deal looks on paper.

• Initial Transfer Fee: £106 million
• Contract Amortisation Length: 9.5 years (Approx. £11.15m per year)
• Amortised Fee to Date (3.5 years): Approx. £39m written off
• Player's Current Book Value: ~£67 million

To avoid booking a loss in an accounting sense under Premier League financial control guidelines, £67m is the bare minimum fee Chelsea could accept.

However, having invested over £100 million in him, and selling anywhere near that accounting floor would represent a huge sporting write-down. To generate a meaningful accounting profit, Chelsea must hold firm on their £120 million valuation.

These financial obstacles are compounded by a lack of market activity in his services, as well. According to transfers journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have not received any formal approaches for Fernandez over the past two months.

And so, with no suitors stepping forward - including the most likely candidate Manchester City who have already dropped a British record fee on Elliot Anderson - £56 million in guaranteed wages, and Chelsea holding firm on their valuation, it is FourFourTwo's view that Enzo Fernandez is going nowhere.

Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly is surprised by links with Premier League rivals.

It has revealed that Arsenal were ready to cash in by football.london, who exclusively broke that Chelsea were interested in the player.

But despite the Gunners having landed Bruno Guimaraes in recent days, this apparently not the case.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is 'Arsenal through and through'

Well-placed Arsenal source, Hand of Arsenal – who has broken news of signings, line-ups and more in the last couple of years, to become a reliable social media presence online – has reacted to what they call the “noise” around Lewis-Skelly.

“Skelly is fully Arsenal through and through,” the account wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“The noise today did not come from the player side at all. Infact, they were shocked at reports and confused. The boy loves Arsenal but the interest in him is real.”

Lewis-Skelly broke into Arsenal's first XI in the 2023/24 season as a left-back during an injury crisis that saw several first-teamers injured, before signing a bumper extension to his contract last summer.

The first half of last season was a difficult one for the youngster with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie ahead of him in the pecking order – but after establishing himself in the centre of midfield, he managed to oust Martin Zubimendi, featuring prominently in the run-in and starting against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

The acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes could well limit the amount of minutes that Lewis-Skelly plays next season – but FourFourTwo understands that manager Mikel Arteta wants to have four players competing for the two spots in the double-pivot, with Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly and Guimaraes all vying for a place along with Declan Rice.

Lewis-Skelly also has the versatility to play at left-back – something that has interested both Chelsea and Manchester United.

As a homegrown teenager with a long contract, Arsenal are in a position where if the 19-year-old were to leave, they would expect a record sale for his services.

Fellow Hale Ender Ethan Nwaneri is expected to depart this summer, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and even Max Dowman as competition in his positions.

Lewis-Skelly is valued at €45m by Transfermarkt. Arsenal play Coventry City on Matchday 1 of their Premier League title defence.

Arsenal have been given the chance to bring a long-time target from Barcelona to North London.

The Gunners have suffered several setbacks in the transfer market this summer and are now racing to finalise a squad that manager Mikel Arteta hopes can defend the title – something that Arsenal haven't done in almost a century.

With Barcelona open to offers for big players this summer as they look to raise capital, the Premier League champions may well be in for a star that Arteta has coveted for years.

Barcelona open to letting Arsenal target Jules Kounde leave

Spanish publication Sport have reported that following Ronald Araujo's exit from Camp Nou on a loan deal to Liverpool, the Blaugrana are also willing to let Jules Kounde leave, too.

Manager Hansi Flick is said to have his right-back position covered with World Cup winner Eric Garcia and La Masia graduate Xavi Espart, with Barça still to sign a centre-forward following Robert Lewandowski's departure and grateful of any big bids for fringe players.

Arsenal have long coveted Kounde, and with the Frenchman's international team-mate William Saliba limping out of a World Cup semi-final over the summer with a worrying back injury, Arteta is weighing up his options in defence ahead of the new season.

Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel have looked somewhat shaky as a partnership in the heart of defence in pre-season, with Sport noting, “Arsenal would need to convince a player whom Hansi Flick no longer considers strategic.”

Towards the backend of last term, Liverpool and Manchester City were said to be interested in Kounde, though the 27-year-old would command a sizeable transfer fee, given his experience and wages in Catalonia.

With Arsenal interested in Ezri Konsa, however, Kounde could work out to be a more-effective option, as Europa League winners Aston Villa dig in their heels at the prospect of selling another first-teamer to a Premier League rival.

FourFourTwo understands that attackers remain the priority for the Gunners, with Arteta reluctant to bring in another defender unless the right opportunity presents itself.

With the Gunners boss admitting recently, however, that Jurrien Timber is still “weeks away” from returning to the pitch, the Gunners may well have to move for either a centre-back or a right-back before the transfer window closes.

Kounde can play in both positions, featuring more as a full-back since his move to Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022.

The Frenchman is valued at €60m by Transfermarkt. Arsenal play Coventry City on Matchday 1 of their Premier League title defence.

Liverpool have agreed terms with Bradley Barcola to sign a five-year contract.

After spending over £400 million last summer, the Reds have moved slowly this summer under new manager Andoni Iraola, signing Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet for modest fees before confirming the loan move of Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo.

But with Liverpool's No.1 target Barcola now agreeing terms, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it appears the 20-time English champions are closing in on what could be yet another £100m buy.

Bradley Barcola has agreed Liverpool move - but Liverpool haven't agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain

According to Tavolieri, Barcola has put agreed to move to Anfield on a five-year contract, with Liverpool now just needing to agreed a fee with Paris Saint-Germain for his signing.

With PSG targeting Ajax starlet Mika Godts – and the Belgian being pulled from de Godenzonen's Eredivisie clash of the season on Sunday – any Barcola exit could hinge on the European champions' pursuit of a replacement.

PSG are also said to be close to confirming a move for World Cup final hero, Ferran Torres, as they look to win three consecutive Champions League titles.

Tavolieri posted last year in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Liverpool had seen a bid for Barcola rejected and that the fee would exceed €100m, following the Alexander Isak saga last season, in which the Swede moved to Merseyside for around £125m.

FourFourTwo understands that the Reds have been reluctant to pay top dollar for Barcola, and are looking to talk PSG down from an original €140m valuation – though an agreement in principle on personal terms will certainly help their case.

The Frenchman was signed from Ligue 1 rivals Lyon in 2023 and has won two European titles since his move, making 152 appearances for Les Parisiens and establishing himself at international level for Les Bleus.

But there has always been a feeling that the 23-year-old is a peripheral figure in a frontline that also contains Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, while compatriot Desire Doue has ousted Barcola from the starting line-up in the last two Champions League finals.

While Barcola has made 45 appearances in the Champions League while in Paris, only 31 of those have been from the start.

At Liverpool, Iraola will have the likes of Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Florian Wirtz to choose from on the left wing, while also having to consider how to replace Mohamed Salah on the right.

Barcola is valued at €90m by Transfermarkt. Liverpool take on Newcastle United when the Premier League season kicks off.

West Ham United have discovered the steep cost required to land primary attacking target Troy Parrott.

Dutch side AZ Alkmaar are reportedly looking for a near-Championship-record fee of €20 million (£17 million) for Irish international Parrott.

According to Sky Sports, the Eredivisie outfit have rejected an opening proposal from the Hammers. As per reports in the Netherlands, the AZ hierarchy are adamant they will not sanction the departure of the 24-year-old unless their full valuation is met.

Troy Parrott on verge of record-breaking transfer

Nuno Espirito Santo remains in situ at the London Stadium following West Ham's relegation and is said to have identified Parrott as the focal point for the Hammers' forward line as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The East London club have generated substantial capital this summer following the sales of both Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, deals which will earn the club in the region of £150m.

Those outgoings have provided a new-look board with funds to reinvest in the playing squad. However, club officials will be mindful of maintaining strict financial discipline.

Relegation from the top flight brings a significant drop in revenue, meaning West Ham must balance their ambitious squad overhaul in the Championship with sensible financial planning.

Parrott’s stock has soared during his two-year stint in the Eredivisie, where he has netted over 50 goals across all competitions. His heroics for the Republic of Ireland last season catapulted him into the wider footballing consciousness, although he was ultimately unable to fire his country to the 2026 World Cup.

Parrott holds crucial homegrown player status owing to his formative years in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, which is vital for complying with squad rules in the EFL.

FC Porto have also expressed interest in Parrott's signature, but West Ham remain in pole position to complete a deal if a price can be agreed.

If West Ham end up paying upwards of £17m for the striker, he could become the most expensive signing ever made by a Championship club, particularly if performance-related add-ons are involved.

Currently that is the £20.5m obligated purchase of Florentino Luis by Burnley this summer, who was immediately sold to Premier League new boys Ipswich Town.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero is reportedly open to joining North London rivals Arsenal this summer, according to a report from transfer journalist Ekrem Konur.

Arsenal have entered the market for defensive reinforcements following injury to William Saliba, who suffered a long-term back injury while representing France at the 2026 World Cup.

Saliba's absence leaves Mikel Arteta short of options in central defence as Arsenal look to defend their Premier League title.

Cristian Romero is 'open to' Arsenal move

Romero has seemingly made clear to Tottenham management that he intends to leave the club before the transfer window closes.

A potential move to the Emirates Stadium would allow the 28-year-old Argentine international to remain based in London while competing in the UEFA Champions League with the reigning domestic champions.

However, Tottenham executives would be understandably reluctant to sell one of the core members of their squad to their local rivals, even if an exit has been in the offing for some time.

Spurs' hierarchy would prefer a transfer to an overseas club, with interest previously registered from LaLiga club Atletico Madrid.

Any formal approach from Arsenal would likely face significant opposition from both groups of supporters.

From Spurs' perspective, agreeing a deal with Arsenal would draw criticism from supporters, largely due to the principle of strengthening a direct rival and past cross-North London transfers.

Sections of the Arsenal fanbase remain skeptical about Romero as a player of interest, too. His poor disciplinary record in the Premier League, in addition to his conduct with the Argentine national team during their recent World Cup campaign only served to further alienate many English supporters.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, Romero joining Arsenal would ruffle more than a few feathers, to say the least.

It could even be a transfer that rivals Sol Campbell's switch in 2001 and the associated bad blood that came as a result of that particular move.

Barcelona could be forced back into the transfer market following a training ground setback for young forward Roony Bardghji.

The Swedish international is reported to have sustained a serious knee injury during a training session, leaving the pitch in pain, raising fears of a lengthy, layoff.

In light of the sudden blow, the Catalan giants may now reignite their interest in Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford back to Barcelona? Maybe

Rashford spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Spotify Camp Nou, offering attacking depth across Hansi Flick’s forward line.

Although Barcelona held an option to sign the England international permanently at the conclusion of the loan, they ultimately chose not to exercise the buyout clause earlier in the summer transfer window, instead signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

However, Rashford’s long-term future back at Old Trafford remains uncertain. His relationship with sections of the Manchester United fanbase has become strained in recent seasons, leaving both the player and the club open to a parting of ways before the transfer deadline.

Bringing in Rashford would not be a direct like-for-like replacement for Bardghji. The Swedish youngster typically operates as a winger on the right-hand side, whereas Rashford does his best work cutting inward off the left.

Nevertheless, adding the 28-year-old back into the squad would grant Flick tactical flexibility.

With new signing Gordon likely to start on the left, signing Rashford would allow Los Cules the option to deploy both Englishmen together on opposite sides, giving Spain World Cup star Lamine Yamal a rest after a long summer of international football.

Rashford arriving once more, potentially on loan, would offer much-needed insurance should Yamal suffer an injury.

Given Barcelona's tight financial constraints and the timing of Bardghji's injury, an outright purchase of Rashford appears less likely.

Instead, Barcelona could attempt to arrange another season-long loan deal with Man United rather than buying him outright, which would be a considerable outlay they have previously baulked at.

Arsenal are readying moves for Viktor Gyokeres' heir, as manager Mikel Arteta reshapes his attack.

The Swede signed for the Gunners 12 months ago as a long-awaited no.9 to spearhead Arteta's side and provide more of a focal point in an Arsenal side that struggled to score goals at times with Kai Havertz up front.

But after netting 97 goals in 102 appearances while at Sporting, Gyokeres has faced big critics, and failed to win over swathes of the Emirates Stadium faithful.

Arsenal in for Kaua Elias, as a long-term replacement for Viktor Gyokeres

While Gyokeres netted 21 goals in all competitions last season, the 28-year-old struggled massively against bigger teams, failing to net against all but two teams in the top 10 of the Premier League last season, and with his all-round game called into question, as he struggled to hold up the ball and bring others into play in the way that Havertz does.

FourFourTwo understnds that Atletico Madrid have an interest in the Gunners frontman – and with Arsenal wanting Julian Alvarez, there is the possibility that the Premier League champions offload Gyokeres a year after paying what the BBC reported to be £55 million for his services.

Now, Sport Witness have honed in on Brazilian no.9 Kaua Elias as a potential option for the Gunners to sign up front – with TNT Sports relaying information of Arsenal's interest.

The Shakhtar Donetsk frontman is cut more from the same cloth as Havertz, with his physical frame praised, and while Arsenal are still searching the market for an A-list attacker to bolster their threat in forward areas, Elias may be more of a supplementary squad player.

Arteta has already made a signing in that vein this summer in the shape of Christos Tzolis – who may well only feature as a backup to a bigger-name left-winger by the time the window is over – but with Arsenal focusing on Alvarez after their failed attempt to sign Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, the dynamics of Arsenal's frontline may shift a little.

If Alvarez plays on the left, he would work better alongside a target man – which Gyokeres has already shown he isn't in this system.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal would only entertain a particularly interesting offer for Gyokeres and are in no rush to move him on just yet, with Arteta loving the mentality and work ethic that the former Coventry City man brings to his side.

Arsenal were left with just Gyokeres as a recognised centre-forward for much of last season, as both Havertz and makeshift option, World Cup winner Mikel Merino, were sidelined for much of the season through injury.

Both have returned fit to pre-season, however, and may well alleviate some of the burden from Gyokeres' shoulders this term, with the reported £30m needed to secure Kaua Elias likely to be invested into another defender or as part of a bigger attacking transfer.

The 20-year-old is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Coventry when the Premier League season kicks off.

Chelsea's decision to sign 36-year-old Jordan Henderson earlier this summer had armchair analysts questioning what on earth the Blues were doing. But, the logic was sound.

Prior to Henderson’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, 28-year-old goalkeeper Robert Sanchez held the distinction of being the oldest member of a particularly youthful squad.

Over the past few seasons, many have believed Chelsea to be lacking supervision, dressing-room authority, and leadership, not least incoming boss Xabi Alonso.

Newcastle could be signing their own version of Jordan Henderson

Now, Newcastle United find themselves at a similar crossroads following the departure of key dressing room figures.

New manager Matthias Jaissle's preparations for his maiden Premier League campaign are well underway, but his squad is not yet complete.

According to reports in France, Newcastle are stepping up interest in Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - a transfer which if completed, like Henderson to Chelsea, has perhaps caught people by surprise.

The 31-year-old Dane represents a vastly different age profile to Newcastle's other summer business, which has prioritised youth with arrivals like 18-year-old Sean Steur and 20-year-old Aladji Bamba.

But in a squad suddenly lacking experience, the merits of a Hojbjerg-type arrival are obvious.

Newcastle need to add dressing room leadership and fast. Their coach is among the youngest managers in the league, the club have reluctantly sold the club captain and their vice-skipper came to the end of his Premier League shelf-life.

Bruno Guimaraes completed a £75m switch to Arsenal last week, Kieran Trippier departed at the beginning of the summer, and Italian international Sandro Tonali exited for Tottenham. In one fell swoop, Newcastle have lost the heart of their side.

Jaissle’s squad possesses talent, but it is currently lacking natural leaders, and at a time when the club is going through a transition, Newcastle need all the guidance they can get.

This is why Hojbjerg, on paper at least, makes sense as a summer move. Boasting 254 Premier League appearances from spells at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, the Denmark skipper is widely-regarded as a consummate professional.

Make no mistake, Hojbjerg will not arrive as a direct replacement for Guimaraes or Tonali in terms of what he is capable of doing on the pitch. Instead, he is a candidate for setting the standard at St. James' Park, much like Granit Xhaka’s impact down the road at Sunderland, or Henderson’s veteran presence at Chelsea.

Given the leadership vacuum left by Guimaraes and Trippier, it wouldn't be the greatest surprise if Hojbjerg arrived and immediately assumed the captain's armband. Although, there's every chance local lad and England international Dan Burn will be handed that particular responsibility.

Chelsea, or more likely Alonso, recognised that Henderson’s experience was required to anchor their young squad. In the same way, Newcastle seemingly recognise that Hojbjerg is a steady hand who can help a new coach navigate a transition season.

Newcastle United could add experience at the back in Fikayo Tomori, following their exodus this summer.

That's according to fresh reports, as the Toon look to rebuild their side after losing the likes of Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and most recently, Bruno Guimaraes, in the transfer market.

With new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle bringing in youth prospects who can develop with the club, Tyneside has lost plenty of experience – with Tomori one candidate to restore it.

Newcastle United at the front of the queue for Fikayo Tomori

Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that Tomori was left out of Milan's friendly against Chelsea recently due to new manager Ruben Amorim not favouring the Canada-born defender.

Quotidiano Sportivo now notes that Newcastle are “knocking” for his signature along with Coventry City.

While Amorim deciding he doesn't want Tomori may come as somewhat of a surprise, given that the Portuguese infamously favours a three-at-the-back formation, the 28-year-old hasn't been in the best form over the last year and has struggled with playing in a high line at times.

A return to the Premier League could well help to revitalise the former Scudetto winner's career, however, as a squad option with plenty of experience under his belt.

Newcastle are reeling from losing captain Guimaraes, with PIerre-Emile Hojbjerg reportedly eyed to vill the leadership void in the centre of midfield.

Tomori, meanwhile, could play in the centre of defence or as a full-back, given question marks over his positional sense – a role that the Magpies are still looking to fill after Trippier departed on a free transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of the season, and with questions persisting over Lewis Hall's future.

Milan would struggle to command a big fee for the England man, either way: Tomori's current contract expires in a year's time, with the Rossoneri in no rush to renew.

After making his senior England debut in 2019 – having represented the under-19s, under-20s and under-21s for the Three Lions, following a switch of allegiance from Canada's under-20s – Tomori has played just six international games.

The last of which came under Thomas Tuchel, however, with the Milan star in the first XI against Uruguay in March for a friendly, starting at left-back.

Tomori is worth €17m, according to Transfermarkt. Newcastle face Liverpool on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Manchester United have begun to turn away from Lewis Hall, as the club continue their recent transfer strategy.

It's been a frugal summer at Old Trafford with just Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos signed so far – both for under £50 million, with the likes of Matheus Fernandes deemed to be out of budget.

And that could well be a theme of the closing weeks of the window, with long-term Manchester United target Lewis Hall potentially too expensive, too.

Manchester United turn attention to Joaquin Seys, as talks begin

According to The Sun, United have opened talks for Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys, as they eye cut-price options at full-back.

Seys was a member of the Belgian side who made it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup over the summer, and with a price tag just £30 million, he could represent excellent value for money.

The Red Devils have identified left-back as a potential area of upgrade in the side, with Luke Shaw the club's longest-serving player and injury issues having hampered him throughout his career.

Despite featuring in every Premier League fixture last term, the 31-year-old played just seven times the previous season and has only completed 30 games a season three times in 12 seasons.

FourFourTwo understands that Hall was deemed to be the perfect upgrade, given his ability to invert into midfield, overlap like a traditional full-back and his excellent defensive attributes – but with United wanting to keep costs down, the England star would well fetch upwards of £50m, especially given the fire sale that's already happened at Newcastle United this summer.

Seys is a bright prospect at 21 years old, who has already played in the Champions League, appeared six times for his country and is attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

United may wish to consider that Patrick Dorgu could well be the starting option at left-back, with the Dane impressing in the Premier League thus far – though Dorgu has also played further forward, too.

After exiting at the first hurdle in both cup competitions, United played just 40 games last term, but will need to beef up their squad this time around, with a return to the Champions League looming.

FourFourTwo understands that the club are still weighing moves in midfield, right-back and potentially left-wing.

Seys is valued at €20m by Transfermarkt. United take on Hull City on the first day of the season.

Arsenal have begun talks to sign a €100 million left-winger to complete their XI.

That's according to a fresh report from Italy, which claims that long-term target Kenan Yildiz is being lined up by manager Mikel Arteta to fill the void on the left wing.

Arsenal's botched attempt to bring Vinicius Jr to North London has left the Gunners pondering their next move, with any transfer for Yildiz an ambitious one.

Kenan Yildiz is on Arsenal's radar

Arsenal are long-time admirers of Kenan Yildiz of Juventus, as FourFourTwo understands that the Premier League champions made an enquiry with the Old Lady in June, as one of a number of targets.

The Turkish international only signed an extension to his Turin tenure earlier this year, but with Arsenal having missed out on Vinicius Jr, the club are under pressure to land a top-class alternative to satisfy Arteta – and have turned back to Yildiz, as per Tutto Juve.

While FourFourTwo understands that Arteta is currently very happy in N5 and has had discussions about a new deal of his own – which currently runs until next summer – there has been no formal commitment from the Basque to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

The former Gunners captain has seen his ambition matched by the club over almost seven years of management, with the club sanctioning a British record transfer for Declan Rice and giving him with a club-record summer spend 12 months ago.

The Gunners have also backed their boss's decisions to banish the likes of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the first team.

But the North Londoners have consistently missed out on their first-choice targets in attack over the years, having to pivot from the likes of Benjamin Sesko to Viktor Gyokeres last summer – and should Arsenal fail to appease the manager who won them their first title in 22 years, it would only be natural for him to consider his long-term future.

With Gabriel Martinelli earmarked for sale, it is clear that Arsenal want to sign an elite left-winger, despite a poor market, with Arteta desperately needing upgrades in forward areas to continue evolving his team.

Signing a player that Arteta craves, like Yildiz, would be one such move that would show the Gunners gaffer how much the club value him and illustrate the power that he still wields at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal may well have to look elsewhere, however, with Tutto Juve's report noting that the 21-year-old simply isn't for sale: something that is labelled “a simple transfer decision” for the Italian giants.

Yildiz is worth €75m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal take on Coventry City on the first day of the Premier League season.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence has been offered to both Liverpool and Manchester United, according to transfers journalist Ben Jacobs.

The defender is reportedly seeking guaranteed first-team football following an impressive international campaign with England at the 2026 World Cup, amid uncertainty as to whether he is in Roberto De Zerbi's plans this season.

Spurs are said to be open to sanctioning a departure for the 25-year-old as De Zerbi continues to raise transfer funds for a rebuild in North London.

Djed Spence could be on the move from Spurs this summer

Tottenham's valuation is £35 million (€40m) for the right-back, who penned a new long-term contract only 12 months ago.

Despite his international displays, Spence faces stiff competition at club level, and is seen to be behind World Cup winner Pedro Porro in De Zerbi's defensive pecking order.

Spence's representatives have reportedly reached out to top Premier League sides in order to explore potential landing spots.

Manchester United and Liverpool are the two sides named in the initial report as being linked with Spence, but neither have made a formal approach as of yet.

The Old Trafford club are currently well-stocked in the full-back department with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui on the right-hand side, although both could feasibly be usurped by Spence.

Meanwhile, Liverpool do have a vacancy that could do with being filled at right-back with Conor Bradley still sidelined through injury. Joe Gomez is another who is currently injured, while back-up solutions Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai don't look entirely suited to the role.

Italian giants Inter Milan have also registered an interest in Spence as a potential right wing-back option, though talks remain at an early stage due to a gap between the Serie A side's valuation and Tottenham's asking price.

It has been a blockbuster summer transfer window for Real Madrid, who have reinforced their backline with the additions of Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and Ibrahima Konate.

Not only that, Los Blancos have added Carlos Espi and Bernardo Silva to their attack, too - but the marquee arrival is without question Yan Diomande.

One year on from leaving Leganes for RB Leipzig, Diomande returns to the Spanish capital with Real Madrid reportedly paying an initial €125 million plus €15 million in bonuses. But is the 19-year-old winger worth the investment? His former coach Todd Eason certainly thinks so.

Is Yan Diomande worth the price Real Madrid are paying?

"I see everyone in the media saying, 'Is he worth $100 million?' I think he is.

"Even though he doesn't have as much experience, he's going to be a guy that's going to continue to increase his value, as he continues to mature and get that experience," stated Eason in an exclusive FourFourTwo interview.

Born into poverty in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Diomande always knew that a professional football career was going to be the way he supported his family.

It's why he left home at nine years old, playing on the dirt pitches of the Académie Inter Foot Sud Comoé. At 15, Diomande flew to Florida by himself and joined DME Academy, acknowledging the professional pathway was more than likely closed to him if he stayed in Africa.

Despite battling homesickness and being one of the few players on Eason's team who didn't speak English, Diomande adjusted seamlessly to life in American soccer.

He won the amateur United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) national title and the UPSL Playoffs Golden Boot by scoring in all six rounds of the playoffs, going on to earn 2023 STARI Player of the Year honours.

Unable to find a new club, Diomande was forced to return to the Ivory Coast before eventually attracting the interest of Leganes, who signed him in November 2024. Diomande made his professional debut four months later, playing 10 times and doing enough to convince Leipzig to trigger his €20m release clause.

It proved a savvy investment, with Diomande leading Leipzig to a top-three Bundesliga finish and Champions League qualification with 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances.

The Bundesliga Rookie of the Season then returned to North America to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering a Man of the Match display versus Ecuador and bagging an assist in a must-win victory against Curacao.

While he was unable to steer his country past Norway in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, Diomande proved himself in the biggest competition in sport. It's no real surprise then, that Real have spent heavily on the 19-year-old.

While Rodrygo is sidelined with an ACL injury, Diomande has the potential to lock down a starting spot on the right side of attack alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe.

As opposed to other potential options on the right flank like Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, and Federico Valverde, Diomande is a natural winger with pace and panache who can beat his man by cutting inside as well as bursting towards the touchline.

"Obviously, you saw him in LaLiga, and once he got going, he was a standout all of a sudden, and then in the Bundesliga, everybody knew his name," Eason tells FFT. "It's scary to think what his ceiling's going to be. That's the hard thing, and now he's going to be on a team that he's not going to have to carry.

"I'm excited to see what comes of it because I never was able to challenge him enough here, and it didn't look like Leganes could challenge him enough.

"I think we're going to see elements of his game that we probably haven't seen, because he's just going to be one of the guys now, instead of the focal point of the team that he's on."

Two years after plying his trade under Eason, Diomande is now honing his talents under Jose Mourinho, who has returned to the Santiago Bernabeu after 13 years. He'll be looking to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who took significant strides under Mourinho during their time at Chelsea.

He may have been born in the Ivory Coast. He may have debuted in Spain. He may have broken onto the scene in Germany. But if it wasn't for his chapter in the United States, Yan Diomande might have never unlocked his potential and emerged as one of the most promising wingers in world football.

Would Yan Diomande be a good signing for Real Madrid? Tell us in the comments below

This week I’ll start with talking about Bruno Guimaraes’ move to Arsenal. I think he's a top player - one of the best around in that position.

The effect he had at Newcastle, alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, was first-class. When they were playing together a couple of seasons ago, I thought they were the best midfield three in the Premier League. He can play as a holding midfielder or as the one who goes from box-to-box.

Clinton was speaking on behalf of Free Bets, the number one destination for betting sites.

Clinton Morrison: '

You look at their midfield and think, "Did they really need him?" But when a player like that becomes available and ticks all the boxes, it's a no-brainer. Newcastle will be disappointed, because it feels like they're losing all of their players - but what a signing for Arsenal.

It'll be interesting now to see what happens with Martin Zubimendi, because obviously Declan Rice will play. I know they're in a lot of competitions and you need a big squad, but midfield is probably where they wanted to strengthen, as they’re going to lose Christian Norgaard.

There'll be certain games where all three probably play together and they won't play a natural ten - whether that's Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard or Mikel Merino. They've got fantastic options in those areas, so they're strengthening in the right places.

As for Newcastle, I think Eddie Howe’s departure was always coming; it wasn't a surprise. I feel for Howe, because I think he's a tremendous manager - even last year when people were saying he might lose his job. He's just a top manager, and I feel like he's probably been let down a bit by the people above him.

He's selling his best players, which I understand, money does talk, but they’re not bringing in players that are just as good as the ones who've moved on. He's probably got to the stage where he thinks enough is enough.

He probably doesn't want another season like the one he just had, so it's time to have a break and then come again. You never know - not now, but one day soon, you might see him as the England manager, because I do think he's a strong candidate for that.

His replacement, Matthias Jaissle, managed one of the top Saudi teams in Al-Ahli, but it’s difficult to judge him, because the standard is not as high as the Premier League. There will be a lot of questions surrounding his style of play, because everything at Al-Ahli was built around Ivan Toney to score goals.

This is a massive step [for Jaissle], but he deserves this opportunity - if you've done all your badges, you deserve your chance. So you wish him well, but it's a big job, considering he's stepping into Howe’s shoes. Howe got Newcastle a trophy and delivered Champions League football twice, so it’s a huge job for him.

Turning attention back to the transfer window, and it was interesting to see Mohamed Salah join Trabzonspor. You'd think that one of the bigger Turkish clubs like Galatasaray or Fenerbahce would have gone for him. But Trabzonspor are probably trying to fight to win the league ahead of those two, and a signing like Mo Salah might attract more big-name players through the door.

It is a bit disappointing. I'd love to see him still in the Premier League. You wish him well over there, and Liverpool will miss him, but it's a great signing.

One club that’s certainly been very busy in the transfer market is Chelsea. They’ve got Mykhailo Mudryk back in the squad, and he could be a threat. However, I think it’s likely he’ll be moved on, even if it’s a loan to get more game time. I'd be surprised if he stayed at Chelsea - but if he has a good pre-season, you never know, because there's a new manager in Xabi Alonso.

They have got such a bloated squad at the moment, and as a striker, if I’ve got four others to compete with, you start thinking, "What chance have I got, really?" They just keep signing players! I always said it's like the computer game, Championship Manager: you just keep signing players, and you're thinking, "Am I going to get an opportunity?"

I know the main number nine at Chelsea at the moment is Joao Pedro, and he's going to sign a new long-term contract, so I understand that. And the Danny Welbeck signing is a brilliant one.

For the season he had at Brighton & Hove Albion, and how good he is in and around the dressing room, signing him is a very, very good bit of business. But the other players will be thinking, "Where do I fit in?" Chelsea need to move players on.

First and foremost, they've spent a lot of money over the previous seasons and haven't been good enough. They're not in Europe. So it might help Chelsea, like it helped Manchester United last season - but how are you going to keep everyone happy? That's the big question.

Finally, I’ll end the column with a few words about Franco Baresi. He was an unbelievable player and one of the best ever to play the game.

When me and my friends were out somewhere and someone was standing too close, we'd say, "Give me space - you're man-marking me like Franco Baresi!"

That AC Milan back four had him marshalling it - I remember when he used to play beside the likes Alessandro Costacurta, Paolo Maldini and Mauro Tassotti. A fantastic back four, but Baresi was pure class. He just oozed quality as a centre-half, and my condolences go to his friends and family.

Reports indicate that last season's Premier League runners-up have identified Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi as the Spaniard's long-term successor at the Etihad Stadium.

With Rodri nearing a return to LaLiga with Barcelona, Manchester City’s recruitment team have moved swiftly to ensure their engine room suffers no lasting void.

According to reports from The Athletic and French publication L'Equipe, City have begun discussions to secure Bouaddi's signature.

One in, one out at the Etihad Stadium - but are Bouaddi and Rodri like-for-like?

At just 18 years old, 'The Boy's A Bit Special' alumnus Bouaddi has established himself as one of the more complete deep-lying playmakers in European football.

Having broken into Lille’s senior setup at the age of 16, the Moroccan international has drawn positive reviews for his press-resistance and passing range from the base of midfield.

His standout performances in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League have led Manchester City to position themselves at the front of the queue.

Man City’s recruitment structure are said to view Bouaddi as a talented potential successor to Rodri. Replacing a Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner like Rodri is no easy task, but City’s proactive manoeuvre suggests they're in a position to bring a similar calibre of player to the Etihad Stadium.

Rather than seeking a short-term, potentially costly stopgap, the club are choosing to invest heavily in a long-term solution that can grow with the new iteration of this Man City team in the post-Guardiola era.

While Rodri’s anticipated departure to Catalonia marks the end of a trophy-laden chapter in Manchester, securing Bouaddi ensures the club remain well-prepared for the future. If Rodri's £60 million transfer reaches its expected conclusion, it would greenlight Bouaddi's move, leaving the Etihad faithful to witness the arrival of Europe's next top-level midfield anchor.

Bruno Guimaraes is closing in on a £75 million move to Arsenal, ending a transfer saga that has punctuated the summer window.

However, the Brazilian midfielder’s departure from Tyneside was set in motion long before formal negotiations between the two clubs took place.

FourFourTwo understand Guimaraes informed Newcastle as early as January that he would like to leave the club in the summer.

Bruno Guimaraes to complete Arsenal move

While external speculation suggested Arsenal’s interest only gathered momentum deep into the summer, Guimaraes' exit roadmap began at the start of the year.

Despite making his intentions clear to the Newcastle hierarchy in January, the 28-year-old remained committed on the pitch, captaining the team and performing with trademark intensity throughout the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.

Newcastle officials were initially hopeful of convincing their captain to sign a new contract. However, with the club unable to offer European football for the upcoming season, Guimaraes viewed an exit as his preference.

It is widely reported the Brazilian deems his Gunners switch as the final opportunity to consistently compete for domestic and European trophies.

When incoming manager Matthias Jaissle met with Guimaraes at Newcastle's pre-season camp in La Manga, he respectfully reiterated his desire. The conversation was reportedly cordial, and Newcastle subsequently accepted Arsenal's £75m package.

Since the turn of the year it had become apparent in Newcastle circles that marquee members of Eddie Howe's squad had one eye on the exit door at St. James' Park.

The team were struggling in the league and looked unlikely to clinch European football, and so conversations between players and their agents began taking place. Guimaraes was one of a number who privately communicated their wish to be granted a move.

For Arsenal, signing Guimaraes provides Mikel Arteta with a battle-tested midfielder capable of adding steel and swagger to their engine room.

His press-resistant traits, ball progression, tenacity, and tactical intelligence will alleviate the burden carried by Declan Rice over recent campaigns.

Upon the completion of medical tests, Guimaraes will complete his long-awaited switch to the capital.

Arsenal and Chelsea doing business with one another used to be on just one condition: “only if we have to”.

The London rivals didn't actually negotiate a deal until 2006, and the highly contentious cross-capital switch of Ashley Cole from north to west – with William Gallas thrown into the deal for good measure.

Even in 2015, there was an extreme reluctance from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to accept Arsenal's move for Petr Cech – but it had been promised by owner Roman Abramovich.

Times have changed: Arsenal and Chelsea could do business yet again this summer

By 2018, the Gunners were struggling to qualify for the Champions League and Chelsea were faring a lot better – meaning that Olivier Giroud left N5 for SW6 with a fraction of the bad blood that came with Cesc Fabregas' move, via Barcelona, of course.

David Luiz in the opposite direction wasn't seen as strengthening a rival either, followed by Willian on a free from the Blues to the Gunners – while in recent seasons, it's been Chelsea rebuilding and Arsenal taking their used parts, with manager Mikel Arteta making a signing in every year of BlueCo's ownership.

Often it makes sense for Arsenal to shop in West London: Chelsea have a recent history of stockpiling talent, developing them in the Premier League and are willing to listen to offers for players of a certain level that would be way more expensive elsewhere.

That was certainly the case for Kai Havertz, a player who was nowhere near his prime but had already scored in a Champions League final and who certainly strengthened Arsenal in a problem position – and Noni Madueke, who had shown plenty of promise and was available for a good price and good wages, especially when compared to others on the market at the time.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jorginho and Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, were market opportunities – and while it's debatable how successful each has been, they did all at least provide experience and cover for very little expense.

Simply put, Arsenal would have been quoted at least £80 million for a starting target man from most clubs, but got Havertz for around £60m: Madueke went for a similar fee to Anthony Elanga, and Chelsea spent nine figures replacing Jorginho with Enzo Fernandez.

So given that, yet again, Chelsea are looking at trimming a 41-man squad, it makes sense for Arsenal to do their rivals another favour.

There are contenders – but Josh Acheampong could be Arsenal's best bet to buy from Chelsea

This is Chelsea, and only a handful of their squad – not even including all their new signings, hilariously – are untouchable.

Arsenal need a left-winger (as is well broadcast) and cover on the right side of defence, while they would likely be open to opportunities across the pitch: it wouldn't exactly be a shock for Arteta to rekindle a desire to revive Mykhailo Mudryk's career, there was historic interest in Jamie Gittens, while Nicolas Jackson feels like a very Arsenal signing all over.

Really though, the opportunities lie at the back, following new manager Xabi Alonso's comments that his collection of nine centre-backs needs reducing to “four or five”.

In terms of those who can replace either William Saliba or Jurrien Timber, Malo Gusto is valued at £75m amid interest from Manchester City; Wesley Fofana has had his injury problems; Trevoh Chalobah looks to be leaving for Como; and either the jury is still out or we haven't seen enough of Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino; Reece James, meanwhile, is as unsellable as you get.

Which leaves Josh Acheampong, who is still just 20, able to cover both right-back and centre-back, and would fit the bill technically and tactically of what Arteta demands from a player in that area of the pitch.

The BBC noted in June that the defender really is viewed within the “untouchable” bracket at the club, and that Arsenal were among a throng of English clubs interested in the England youth international – but with the transfer window approaching the endgame, the move makes a lot of sense for all involved.

Chelsea need to offload before the window ends, having spent big again, and though pure profit sales perhaps aren't as golden as they once were for the Blues, they could collect a good fee for a player who doesn't have a clear future – and who reportedly wants to leave the club to develop elsewhere.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have a very clear hierarchy with Timber and Saliba as the established first-choice options in their respective positions, but it makes sense to bring in someone who could potentially challenge either within three years, while adding quality in depth now.

FourFourTwo understands that rather like Gusto, Tino Livramento is valued at around £75m, too: so could spending slightly less on Acheampong could be looked back upon as sensible business in five years' time with inflation?

Manchester United are chasing yet another cost-effective signing.

The Red Devils have enjoyed a frugal summer, completing the likes of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos while shunning the opportunity to pay bigger bucks for Matheus Fernandes – and that trend could well continue.

Manager Michael Carrick is hoping to add a little more depth to his squad this month, as Manchester United return to the Champions League and look to compete on four fronts once more.

Manchester United to move for Jhon Lucumi - in another cut-price transfer

According to Corriere di Bologna in Italy via Sport Witness, United are weighing up a move for £21.7 million defender Jhon Lucumi.

Chelsea are also in the race for the Colombian, who starred at the World Cup, while Juventus have an agreement in place with the 28-year-old but haven't met Bologna's modest demands.

United, meanwhile, would reportedly be happy to simply pay the asking price for the player, while Bournemouth, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have all been credited with interest this summer, too, with the report describing Lucumi's exit as “inevitable”.

With Bournemouth having tied up a deal for Antonio Silva and Forest still chasing Ousmane Diomande, however, United have a clear run and can offer Champions League football – something Chelsea can't – though they, too, have other targets.

Giorgio Scalvini has been linked with a move in recent days, with the fellow Serie A stopper capable of stepping into midfield, which may interest Michael Carrick.

FourFourTwo understand that United have also been credited with an interest in fellow Bologna man, Jonathan Rowe, with the Red Devils exploring moves to improve their frontline as well as their defence.

With the BBC confirming that Tielemans cost just £35m and Santos £48m, United have spent just £83m in the transfer market since returning to the top table of European football – but will no doubt have to spend more to improve their squad.

Moves for Lewis Hall and Ismaila Sarr have both been explored, with owners INEOS looking to operate within a tighter wage structure.

Lucumi's contract expires next year, forcing Bologna's hand into a sale before they lose him for nothing.

The Colombian is worth €22m, according to Transfermarkt. Manchester United kickstart their season against Hull City.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is to commit to a new deal in N17.

That's according to new reports that claim Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has pulled off a masterstroke to convince his player to remain a part of the project, and turn down some of Europe's elite circling.

Van de Ven joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in 2023 and has been a hit – with TEAMtalk claiming that a five-year extension beckons for the 25-year-old.

Micky van de Ven commits his long-term future to Tottenham Hotspur

According to the report, De Zerbi has “transformed the mood” at the club and played a huge role in convincing Van de Ven to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and complete a U-turn on his future.

The Lilywhites have endured 17th-place finishes in the past two seasons, with the Netherlands international one of the bright sparks in a patchy team – but injuries have blighted his career in English football thus far.

With Cristian Romero edging ever nearer to the exit door, Van de Ven has taken on more importance in the squad – and with Jan Paul van Hecke joining from Brighton & Hove Albion, De Zerbi may look to build on the Dutch partnership next season.

FourFourTwo understands, meanwhile, that Van de Ven will be leaned on post-Romero as one of the leaders in the Italian's squad, and may well be given the captaincy once his fellow centre-back departs.

The fastest player ever recorded in the Premier League, Van de Ven's Spurs career started brightly under Ange Postecoglou, as the club went on an unbeaten run at the start of the 2023/24 season until November, and a first international call-up came mere weeks into his journey with Spurs.

Postecoglou's first Premier League loss of the season, however, coincided with a game in which the defender was withdrawn with a hamstring injury – a theme of his time in the capital, with Spurs enduring several injury crises at the back during their relegation battles.

Tottenham have recruited the experience of Andrew Robertson at left-back, but the Scotsman turns 33 this season: and De Zerbi may well be leaning on the recovery pace of Van de Ven on that side of the pitch this season, with this extension coming as an important part of the Italian's project.

Earlier this summer, World Cup winner Pedro Porro committed his future to the North Londoners, too.

“Internally, Spurs view renewals as every bit as important as their summer signings, believing they have secured the core of the squad for years to come,” TEAMtalk says.

Van de Ven is worth €50m, according to Transfermarkt. Spurs travel to Brentford to begin their Premier League campaign.

Arsenal are set to pay Newcastle United more for Bruno Guimaraes than has been publically revealed.

FourFourTwo understands that a deal has been all but completed for the Brazilian, who will sign his contract with the Gunners to bring an end to one of the longest-running sagas of the summer.

But while Arsenal have managed to talk Newcastle down from the €100 million that they received for Sandro Tonali, the fee isn't quite as low as some outlets have claimed, according to those in Brazil.

Bruno Guimaraes to sign four-year Arsenal deal for around £80m

ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade has provided an update on Mikel Arteta's new signing, after previous stating that the deal was all but completed by weekend.

“There are a lot of details involved in this transfer and many bonuses that Newcastle are not planning to make public,” he explained.

“I’ve spoken to people who took part in the negotiations, and there is actually more money involved in the agreement between the clubs.”

The move apparently totals around £80 million in all, with FourFourTwo understanding that the two clubs have met somewhere in the middle of the £60m originally offered by the North Londoners for a player in the last year of his deal, and the £100m asking price.

Win bonuses for another Premier League title, and that elusive first-ever Champions League crown are almost certainly included, while there may be a figure to settle once Bruno has played a certain number of fixtures.

Intriguingly though, the champions seem to be looking to amortise their payment over four years rather than five, meaning that they could be looking at paying £20m a season to the Magpies rather than £16m.

According to Andrade, Bruno will sign a four-year deal with Arsenal, with the option of a fifth year on the table at the end of his contract – perhaps given his age.

The Rio-born schemer turns 29 in November, with Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta perhaps wishing to avoid another scenario like Bruno's compatriot, Gabriel Jesus.

Like Guimaraes, Jesus was signed in his prime, but after injuries took their toll on his body, Arsenal have struggled to move him on this summer – four years into his contract – and may have to stick with the star and his healthy salary for another year.

Guimaraes is worth €70m, according to Transfermarkt. It's champions vs champions on the opening day of the Premier League season, as Arsenal face Coventry City on Matchday 1.

Merely eight months ago, Mohamed Salah was benched for three consecutive matches by struggling Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

The response from the Egyptian was vicious: a scathing assessment of Slot's management, and veiled accusations towards the Reds' hierarchy, claiming the prerogative was to see him escorted for financial gain out of the back door.

Salah believed then, and later backed it up, that he had far more left to give to the game. With his move to Trabzonspor confirmed, those media antics should be called out exactly as they now appear – farcical, disappointing, and an insult to his most ardent fans.

Mohamed Salah has betrayed himself and his supporters with this decision, but the Egyptian can still achieve redemption

The truth is, Salah was right. Being benched was a statement, and the Liverpool hierarchy were almost certainly devising ways to send him packing, and free up their wage bill from his astronomical salary.

But his choice to move to the Super Lig, a competition that would do well to make it into the world's top ten highest-quality leagues, is no less than a stab in the back to those long-time supporters that adamantly defended him in light of that unfair treatment.

Salah ended the 2025/26 season with 29 goal contributions across the Premier League, Champions League, Africa Cup of Nations, and the World Cup.

He appeared in just 41 games for Liverpool, reaching 22 involvements in at least ten less matches played than any season barring 2023/24, another injury-ridden campaign for Salah, since the turn of the decade.

He enjoyed his most prolific Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt, and spearheaded his nation to their first-ever World Cup win, and a victory in the knock-outs vs Australia, with seven contributions across both major tournaments.

But even his most optimistic supporters would surely concede that the decision to move to Turkey reeks of a man who has seemingly given up.

In a summer when similarly aged departing Premier League legends have opted to lower their salary demands to remain at the top level, including free agents Bernardo Silva and John Stones, both leaving the team that Salah rivalled for nearly a decade, this decision should disappoint followers of his extraordinary career deeply.

FourFourTwo understands that the Egyptian, now the highest paid player in Europe after tax, turned down lower salary offers from multiple clubs in the Serie A. Even Salah's most vocal critic, Jamie Carragher, acknowledged that Turkey is ‘a level too low' for the Liverpool icon, and confessed that he expected to see him back in Italy.

FourFourTwo also understands that two factors were particularly vital in Salah's decision: his wife, Magi, was enticed by Turkey as a location for their family to live in, and, naturally, the size of his enormous pay packet played a significant role, which links back to his financially strained upbringing in Nagrig.

The Salah family purchased a sea-view villa for $10 million in Bodrum, Turkey, over a year ago, which initially signalled that they believed the country was as an attractive place to reside.

The Egyptian escaped impoverished, isolated conditions from his rural farming village roots to become one of the greatest players in history, and, as a result, Salah views salary as a crucial measurement of his worth and success.

Despite these motivations, the collective disapproval of this decision globally is entirely rightful, and becomes far more intense when narrowed down solely to Egyptian supporters.

In that corner of the world, the response is fuelled by love – Salah is the greatest African footballer in history, and he, virtually single-handedly, put their nation on the sporting map.

But to see the Liverpool icon choose money over glory feels like both the disappointing conclusion to an era they hoped would never end, and a deep betrayal, because he appears to have pulled the plug prematurely.

For those fans, the ones who believed Salah's words when he told the press last December that he is still one of the finest players in the world, and watched him excel for the Egyptian national team throughout 2026, it is as sad as it is rage-inducing.

Luckily for the 34-year-old, he can indeed redeem himself. But he has placed a ludicrous burden on his shoulders, perhaps the most ever in his career, to pull off a feat he has been unable to get over the line since his debut.

That is to win the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt, the most successful footballing nation in the competition's history, who have never won the tournament since Salah made his international debut.

Of course, Salah is far from responsible for that. In fact, the 34-year-old is the primary reason that Egypt did not fade into obscurity after the Port Said disaster stalled footballing development in the country, back in 2012.

The riot tragically caused the deaths of 74 people, and injuries to over 500 others, and shut down domestic football in Egypt for two years.

As a result, the national team was greatly affected, and Salah's talent was integral in them still making it to two AFCON finals in 2017 and 2021, and the third and fourth World Cups in Egypt's history.

To redeem himself in the eyes of those who rightfully feel that Salah has abandoned his competitive edge at an age far too early (the Egyptian, one of football's fittest athletes, confessed to Gary Neville in 2025 that he will still be playing at 40), winning Africa's greatest international prize is a must.

During his Premier League playing days, it became truth among fans that the tournament, if held mid-season, would inevitably lead Salah to suffer an underwhelming end to the campaign, due to the overwhelming demands of Africa Cup of Nations football.

This was clearly evident in 2021/22, when the now 34-year-old was, by a considerable stretch, the best player in the world from August to December, contributing to 21 goals in 15 straight Premier League games.

During the January tournament, he registered involvements in 75% of Egypt's goals en-route to the final vs Senegal, which Salah's side lost, and played four consecutive matches that went to 120 minutes.

Upon his return to Liverpool, Salah's output dropped, as the mental and physical load of carrying his domestic and international sides finally took its toll.

In Turkey? That problem no longer exists, not even at 34, with Salah being able to enjoy the lessened physical impacts of a far, far less competitive league than the English top-flight.

And with Egypt almost prevailing against eventual finalists Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, in which Salah delivered a stunning assist for his country's second of the game, which was controversially disallowed, expectations were already high ahead of the 2027 tournament.

The Liverpool legend will have two chances back-to-back, first in 2027, during the summer tournament hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, then again in 2028.

After that, the Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years, meaning Salah's next opportunity would be in 2032. That is, for obvious reasons, entirely unfeasible.

In the Super Lig, Salah's clearest shot at Turkish football immortality is taking Trabzonspor to Europa League glory, if the team even makes it beyond the qualifying phases.

However, long-time fans of the Egyptian will likely not care even if he breaks Messi's 91-goal calendar year haul in Turkey. A better ending to his career could have came still on Merseyside, continuing to break Premier League records as a rotational player.

Perhaps most sickeningly of all for those supporters, this choice has effectively vindicated the most dishonest of narratives surrounding Salah, even emanating from within the Liverpool fanbase, that rushed to proclaim him as 'finished' after one sub-par season.

Salah still has plenty left in the tank, even if his transfer priorities appear to disagree with his, often warranted, arrogant antics.

He can cement his legacy in finely carved stone with the Africa Cup of Nations victory which has eluded him for his entire career, but Egyptians will no longer accept excuses if he doesn't find the means to prevail.

For a player who impossibly escaped the most arduous of childhood circumstances and became arguably the greatest player in Premier League history, it feels bizarrely apt that he'd place such extraordinary pressure on himself to deliver at the tail end of his journey.

And somehow, because it's always somehow with Mohamed Salah, isn't it obvious he will do it?

Liverpool are looking to hijack Arsenal's next transfer.

With the Gunners have tied up a move for Bruno Guimaraes and their ambitious pursuit of Vinicius Jr now over, Arsenal are looking to bring in a new defender, with Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa high on the priority list.

But with Liverpool also looking to bring in defensive cover, the Reds could hand another blow to the Premier League champions behind the scenes.

Liverpool weighing up move for Ezri Konsa – despite Arsenal interest

According to The Guardian, Konsa is now on the Reds' radar, as Andoni Iraola looks for who to partner Virgil van Dijk in defence.

With Ibrahima Konate having left for Real Madrid and Van Dijk now 35 years old, there is a need to improve depth at the back – especially given the youth of both Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, who are both coming off the back of injuries.

Jacquet and Victor Munoz are the only two signings brought to Anfield thus far this summer, with Andoni Iraola's lack of depth highlighted by the fact that his assistant, former Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick, had to fill in at centre-back during a recent training session.

Konsa has the benefit, too, of being able to play at right-back – which has been a problem position for both Arsenal and Liverpool.

FourFourTwo understands that the North Londoners have been spinning plenty of plates in the transfer market, with the £60 million price tag one that the champions have been reluctant to meet while pursuing the likes of Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes.

Interest from Mikel Arteta's childhood friend Iraola may spur the Gunners on to wrap up the move, with Ben White and Jurrien Timber having both suffered injuries to rule them out of the World Cup.

With doubts over William Saliba's fitness, too, Konsa could well cover there.

“With the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now,” Iraola recently admitted.

Joe Gomez will miss the start of the season, too, through injury.

Konsa is valued at €45m, per Transfermarkt. Liverpool take on Newcastle United on the first weekend of the new season.

Manchester United are to pivot, with another lower-price central midfielder in mind for Michael Carrick's rebuild.

The Red Devils have been priced out of several big moves this summer, with the likes of Youri Tielemans preferred to Matheus Fernandes, as Carrick looked to strengthen ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.

With more depth still needed, Manchester United are now targeting Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph.

Manchester United to pivot to alternate targets (again)

United are trying to keep costs down this summer: players like Eduardo Camavinga have been linked with moves, but United have brought in Tielemans and Andrey Santos, both for less than £50 million.

Now, Atalanta star Scalvini is said to be on the radar for around £32m – due, in part, to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Italian was valued at around €60m at the start of 2024, with the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan competing with United for the star – but following an ACL injury that kept him out of Euro 2024, Scalvini's value has dropped hugely.

The Express relays that the 22-year-old is now worth £32m, which could represent a huge steal, given that he was one of the great hopes of Italian football just a few short years ago.

Interestingly, Scalvini could well be an option across the defence – but also in midfield.

The Italian can play as a midfielder, with his tall frame and ability to get around the pitch likening him to Declan Rice as a midfield presence, suggesting he could well develop into a more defensive-minded presence alongside Tielemans or Kobbie Mainoo.

Scalvini played just eight times in the season following his injury, but racked up 30 games in all competitions last term, as he returned to his best.

With United eyeing what could be an expensive move for Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, cheaper signings elsewhere could fund a bigger rebuild.

Another forward could well be targeted, along with a right-back.

Scalvini is valued at €38m by Transfermarkt. United face Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Transfer season invariably breeds sensationalism, and the latest rumour swirling around St. James' Park is a classic example.

A recent report from CaughtOffside claims that Newcastle are actively considering offloading Nick Woltemade this summer, with suggestions that the Magpies would even entertain a loan offer with an option to buy.

Naturally, domestic rivals including Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United have reportedly been put 'on alert.'

Nick Woltemade is gannin' naewhere

To the casual observer, the narrative makes sense. Woltemade’s debut campaign in Tyneside wasn't exactly a goal-a-game triumph, culminating in a bench-warming role for the latter part of the season.

But are Newcastle really ready - or able - to cut their losses so soon?

This assumption would overlook the most crucial factor dictating Newcastle's immediate future: their new head coach.

Newcastle’s decision to appoint German manager Matthias Jaissle as Eddie Howe's successor was not made on a whim, you'd hope. Football governance at the top levels dictates that when a club makes a managerial hire, they do so with their core squad investments firmly in mind.

Just 12 months ago, Newcastle committed roughly £70 million to bring Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart to the Premier League. Boardrooms don't simply write off a 24-year-old German international after a single adjustment season.

On the contrary, when Newcastle executives sat down with Jaissle during the recruitment process, maximising the potential of their £70 million marquee asset was almost certainly high on the agenda.

Part of Jaissle's remit will be to build a framework that puts to work the talent already in the building.

Throughout his successful tenure as Red Bull Salzburg boss, Jaissle deployed a dynamic, high-pressing 4-4-2 diamond midfield shape.

Unlike systems that rely heavily on traditional wingers, Jaissle’s diamond demanded a very specific profile upfront - a pairing featuring a clinical focal point alongside a technically-proficient, physically-striking forward able to drop into the half-spaces, link play, and connect midfield to attack.

Standing 6ft 6in, with great technical ability and link-up play, Woltemade is on paper, tailor-made for this role. Far from being surplus to requirements, the German forward is arguably the most natural tactical fit for Jaissle’s pressing diamond in Newcastle's squad.

Setting tactics aside, the logic of selling or loaning Woltemade to domestic rivals falls completely flat.

Newcastle’s leadership has repeatedly declared their ambition to consistently challenge for titles and silverware, outlining their 2030 goals. Sanctioning a move, especially a loan deal, that strengthens rivals with a 24-year-old German international forward to direct competitors would be foolish, to say the least.

Why would any club actively bolster a rival's attacking depth, undermining their own competitive objectives, all the while receiving little in return?

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso wants Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

That's according to reports from Spain, which claim the new Blues boss still wants to add faces to his midfield options, and has targeted his fellow Spaniard as a potential new signing alongside Moises Caicedo.

Zubimendi has enjoyed a phenomenal 12 months, winning the Premier League and World Cup – but may well be open to the switch, given his playing time might be about to drop significantly.

Arsenal braced for Chelsea move, with Martin Zubimendi in Xabi Alonso's sights

FourFourTwo understands that Real Madrid – managed at the time by Alonso – were one of the frontrunners to sign Zubimendi a year ago, when it became apparently that the no.6 was open to leaving boyhood club, Real Sociedad.

Real pushed hard for the midfielder – as did Liverpool and Manchester City at different stages – though Zubimendi was won over in the end by the prospect of working with fellow Basque, Mikel Arteta, along with former team-mates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.

Zubimendi played a whopping 57 games in all competitions last term for the Gunners, including every single Premier League fixture – but now, Spanish outlet Fichajes have reaffirmed claims from Chelsea writer Si Phillips that Alonso has requested the signing, following a potentially complicated future.

Arteta leant on Zubimendi heavily in the first half of the season, but by the end of the campaign, Myles Lewis-Skelly was starting in midfield alongside Declan Rice, even starting the Champions League final in place of the more experienced midfielder.

With Arsenal closing a deal for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes now, minutes might become even harder for Zubimendi to come by in N5.

The 27-year-old was one of Arteta's most important players early in his debut term but looked tired towards the end of the campaign, becoming sloppier on the ball and failing to play with the same verticality and bravery that he showed when he first joined.

From Zubimendi's perspective, a move to Stamford Bridge would give him the opportunity to work with another Basque coach who understands his position – also having played there himself – and with Chelsea out of Europe this season, he wouldn't be as overworked in his sophomore season in English football.

Arteta has been quick to make up his mind about midfielders in the past, though FourFourTwo understands that he doesn't want to lose the World Cup-winning Spaniard, and the club will not be entertaining offers unless they're exceptional – especially with fitness concerns over Declan Rice.

The England international carried a back injury for much of the World Cup and played through “terrible pain” for the Three Lions at times, sparking fears that he may need a lengthy layoff before returning to domestic duty.

Zubimendi is worth €75 million, according to Transfermarkt. Chelsea start their Premier League season against Fulham.

Barcelona are on the brink of pulling off one of the most daring transfer hijacks of the summer window.

Ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid, Los Cules are reportedly now in pole position to secure the signature of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

According to a report from The Athletic, the Catalan giants have swooped in, capitalising on a breakdown in negotiations between Madrid and Man City, with a deal to take the 30-year-old Spain captain to Spotify Camp Nou now nearing completion.

Rodri to Real Madrid HIJACKED

For weeks, it appeared as though Real Madrid looked destined to land Rodri.

Following his excellent performances leading Spain to World Cup glory, Madrid president Florentino Perez supposedly prioritised the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid star as the missing piece in Los Blancos' midfield.

Despite reaching an initial verbal agreement on personal terms, transfer talks between Madrid and Man City have broken down.

The Spanish club were unwilling to meet City’s £80 million asking price given he turns 31 next summer and is entering the final year of his contract. City’s refusal to lower their demands stalled progress, leaving the door open for a late intervention.

Rodri is reportedly open to the idea of joining Barcelona instead of Madrid, which will no doubt leave Man City chiefs pleased given the previous breakdown in talks that would have cost them up to £80m.

Barcelona are keen to bolster their central midfield options after a long-term injury to Frenkie de Jong, too.

With Los Cules guaranteeing a key tactical role alongside up-and-coming pair Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, Rodri has reportedly agreed to make the switch to Catalonia rather than Madrid.

A successful hijack would represent a statement of intent for Barcelona ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The LaLiga champions' transfer decision could see them land one of the world's best defensive midfielders, in addition to doing so from under the noses of their closest rivals.

For Real Madrid, losing out on their top transfer target to Barcelona would be a bitter pill to swallow, but does free up resources and strengthen their negotiating positions elsewhere.

When reports first surfaced linking Arsenal with a move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Júnior, eyes widened across North London and further afield.

Signing one of world football’s best wingers would be the ultimate statement of intent for a club keen to build on their recent Premier League success.

But strip away supporters' excitement over transfer rumours and examine the realities of modern transfer sagas, and a very different picture emerges.

Vinicius Jr. knows how to work the Real Madrid boardroom

It is this writer's opinion that Arsenal are not on the verge of landing a Real Madrid superstar.

Instead they're being used as a pawn in a game of contract poker with eye-watering stakes.

The core of this drama lies in the ongoing contract negotiations at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to reports from ESPN, Real Madrid recently presented Vinicius with a fresh extension offer worth approximately €22 million per year. For Vinicius, this fell short of expectations, leading to another round of contract talks.

The 26-year-old Brazilian international is said to have rejected the proposal, with his representatives holding out for a total package closer to €30m annually, to reflect his standing alongside football's top earners and importance at Real Madrid.

Enter Arsenal.

Reports of Mikel Arteta’s interest and the Gunners' theoretical willingness to make Vinicius the highest-paid player in their history have naturally made headlines - he would be the Premier League's marquee summer signing.

But while Arsenal are undeniably ambitious, the notion that the Emirates hierarchy would blow apart their wage structure to offer in excess of the €22 million proposed by Real Madrid is fanciful.

Arsenal have built their recent success on smart financial discipline; destroying that wage balance for a single arrival would undermine a lot that Arteta has built during his seven years in charge.

The public narrative of Arsenal links growing increasingly credible couldn't be more conveniently timed for Vinicius' camp.

With just 12 months remaining on his current contract, Real Madrid face time pressure to reach a solution that satisfies all parties. This window represents the club's final realistic opportunity to command an above-market transfer fee for their star man before risking a cut-price deal or losing him for free next summer.

Florentino Perez and the Madrid board know they are backed into a corner: sign the extension or watch a prime asset walk next summer.

In modern transfer sagas, a mega-club’s public interest is the ultimate bargaining chip, and Vinicius evidently knows how to play the room.

Keeping Arsenal’s interest front and centre, and highly publicised, Vinicius and his representatives are generating maximum leverage for ongoing contract talks. The threat of the Premier League champions waiting in the wings forces Real Madrid’s hand, nudging them closer to bending towards that €30m figure.

Arsenal’s summer pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes is reaching its climax as the Brazilian midfielder prepares to finalise a £75 million move to the North London club.

Fresh details have emerged revealing the specific negotiation tactics employed by the Gunners during the transfer saga which is nearing a conclusion.

According to Sky Sports' North East reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle executives were left perplexed by Arsenal’s approach, particularly during the initial weeks of discussions.

Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal is almost a done deal

The groundwork for the transfer was reportedly laid weeks ago when intermediaries approached Newcastle to gauge what it would take to tempt their star midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.

Shortly thereafter, Guimaraes indicated to Newcastle management that he was open to joining the reigning Premier League champions.

Rather than capitalising on the momentum with an immediate, official approach, Arsenal backed off.

Downie reports: "Arsenal elongated the transfer by refusing to contact Newcastle for weeks — which Newcastle found bizarre."

Instead of opening a direct line of communication between boardrooms, Arsenal are said to have continued operating through middle-men for an extended period. This approach reportedly left Newcastle officials scratching their heads over why the Gunners were deliberately stalling formal contact when the player's interest had already been established.

Newcastle were desperate to retain Guimaraes and had zero desire to sell their marquee midfielder, but found their hands tied. Had the 28-year-old expressed a willingness to remain on Tyneside, the Magpies would have rejected any offers from Arsenal or any rival suitor.

However, 28-year-old Guimaraes maintained his stance, informing Newcastle bosses that he wanted to leave because he felt joining Arsenal represented a better chance of competing for major titles.

Once Arsenal did initiate club-to-club contact and met Newcastle's financial valuation, negotiations progressed swiftly towards the £75m agreement which is close to being ratified by the Premier League.

Relations between Guimaraes and Newcastle remain entirely amicable ahead of his arrival in North London.

While losing their captain is a major blow, the £75m windfall provides financial flexibility as the club rebuilds itself ahead of the new season and a new sporting cycle on Tyneside.

The Sky Blues are expected to complete the signing of 20-year-old Ghanaian international Caleb Yirenkyi, bringing in a player whom talent spotters across Europe view as a future top-flight star.

Yirenkyi’s development follows a proven blueprint. Developed at Ghana’s famed Right to Dream Academy, he made the well-trodden transition to its European partner club, FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark.

That exact pipeline previously launched international talents like Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana into top-five European leagues.

All you need to know about Caleb Yirenkyi

In the Danish Superliga, Yirenkyi rapidly developed into an elite performer, combining tactile composure with excellent physical capacity - in short, he is the epitome of box-to-box.

At his core, Yirenkyi is a complete, dynamic engine in the middle of the park. Scouts who have monitored his progression have told FourFourTwo all about his well-rounded skillset.

Yirenkyi disrupts opposition build-up with his defensive work-rate, winning loose balls, tackling hard, and hassling ball-carriers. Meanwhile, in possession he displays press-resistance under pressure, distributes cleanly, and drives forward into open space.

While nominally a central midfielder, which is where he is likely to feature for the Sky Blues, Yirenkyi's athleticism and discipline mean he has regularly been trusted to operate as a right-back for his national team.

Yirenkyi is no hidden secret on the international scene, having announced himself to a global audience with Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The youngster featured prominently throughout the Black Stars' tournament run, highlighting his big-stage composure by scoring on his World Cup debut against Panama, whilst competing admirably in high-stakes fixtures against England and Colombia.

With Coventry beginning the 2026/27 campaign as newly promoted underdogs, most casual observers won't expect the Midlands club to make waves or do much else than stay up, meaning signings like Yirenkyi could initially fly under the radar.

That lack of fanfare gives the Ghanaian huge underdog potential. If he adapts quickly to the tempo of English football, of which there is no guarantee, Yirenkyi has every chance of outperforming expectations and emerging as one of the most underrated transfers of the entire Premier League season.

Liverpool are expected to tie up a signing from Paris Saint-Germain – and it's not Bradley Barcola.

Barcola has been a primary target for the Reds since the start of the transfer window, following Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool after nine years – and now, according to RMC Sport, a move for Senegalese striker Ibrahim Mbaye is “expected” to reach an agreement.

The report suggests that this will be a “historic” summer in terms of sales from the European champions, with Paris Saint-Germain having already trousered nearly €150 million from to the sales of Kang-in Lee to Atletico Madrid, Goncalo Ramos to Milan, and Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus.

Ibrahim Mbaye close to Liverpool move - with Bayer Leverkusen circling, too

Mbaye has two years left on his current Paris Saint-Germain deal and is a highly-rated striker in French football – but with plenty of competition for places in attack and Les Parisiens hoping to land an A-list attacker in the shape of Julian Alvarez or Yan Diomande earlier in the window, a pathway for the 18-year-old to be regularly starting for manager Luis Enrique looks to be a little hazy.

The Senegalese is valued at anywhere between €35-45 million – but with interest from Bayer Leverkusen, too, Liverpool are in a battle for his signature.

Canal+ journalist Olivier Talleron has claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the Bundesliga side have the edge of Liverpool at this stage, in contrast to RMC Sport's report, with the latter claiming that Mbaye is interested by the prospect of developing on Merseyside.

They also note that despite discussions continuing for Barcelona to move to Anfield, “the two sides are currently far apart” in their valuations of the French international.

“Between the price set by the Parisian club (over €150 million) and the Reds' desire to avoid breaking the bank, a compromise will need to be found for the deal to go through,” they state.

FourFourTwo understands that the Mbaye pursuit is a separate deal from Barcola and not necessarily an alternative, with the Frenchman more of a left-winger and the Senegalese primarily an option on the right wing.

Both players can play on both flanks – and up front – with new signing Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike all players who can play on the left, too.

It's uncertain just yet as to which any of those options will play on the left, up front or behind the striker, and whether any will play on the right – or whether that spot will be filled by the likes of Jeremie Frimpong or Dominik Szoboszlai, who played there last season.

While Bournemouth manager, Iraola was no stranger to playing a right-footed right-winger, or a left-footer on the left, with Alex Jimenez used on the right for swathes of last season before Marcus Tavernier became first-choice on the left towards the end of the season.

Mbaye is worth €30m, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool kick off their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United when the new season begins.

Arsenal have begun talks to sell an academy star, as they look to bring in Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid.

The Gunners are looking to pull off arguably the most ambitious move in their history by landing the Brazilian superstar, with FourFourTwo understanding that Arsenal's owners have agreed to smash their wage structure to sign Vinicius.

But there will have to be sales this summer in return, as the North Londoners look to balance the books – with one particular Hale End star for the chop.

Arsenal have engaged in talks to sell Ethan Nwaneri

Journalist Carlo Pellegatti has revealed via MilanNews that “talks have taken place and are at an advanced stage” to send Ethan Nwaneri to RB Leipzig, with a buy-back clause set to be included.

Nwaneri's breakthrough came in the 2024/25 season as an understudy to Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – but following the acquisitions of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, the 19-year-old has seen a lot less game time, leading to a loan move to Marseille in January.

Nwaneri was sent to the south of France with a view to being a key starter under Roberto De Zerbi, but with the Italian's leaving the Stade Velodrome acrimoniously shortly after, the teenager ended up playing just nine times in Ligue 1, with successor Habib Beye only using him sparingly.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently claimed after a preseason rout of Girona that Nwaneri's difficulties at l'OM would “help him a lot in his career” – but seemingly opened the door to him returning to the first team when he commented that he “looks like a different man”.

Incredibly, Nwaneri received a Premier League debut before the 2022 World Cup to become the division's youngest-ever player at just 15 years old, with Arsenal showing him from a young age that there was a pathway to the first team during a time when the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea were angling for his signature.

Indeed, the wonderkid wouldn't actually compete directly with Vinicius if he joined, given that he primarily operates from the right, as a no.10 or at false nine: though Nwaneri represents a player who could attract a big fee if he moved on.

The North Londoners' record sale is still Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who moved to Liverpool in 2017 for around £35 million – and while Arteta's tenure has seen success in selling academy prospects such as Folarin Balogun, Joe Willock, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, Nwaneri could be the biggest sale yet, given his age, potential, current low salary and contract situation.

The England youth international and fellow Hale Ender Myles Lewis-Skelly signed long-term extensions last summer, to keep them contracted at the Emirates until 2030.

With fellow teen sensation Max Dowman also breaking through at the moment and looking to collect minutes in the same positions as Nwaneri – and Madueke a far more established prospect still getting up to speed in N5 – Arsenal may well be resigned to having to balance out their squad in terms of who can play in that right half-space, given that Eze, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz have all been the preferred as options to deputise for Odegaard in the past 12 months.

Nwaneri is worth €35m, as per Transfermarkt. Arsenal play Coventry City on the first day of the Premier League season.

Leeds are set to miss out on the signing of a long-standing player of interest after it emerged Premier League rivals Fulham have moved into advanced negotiations.

According to a report from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Cottagers are closing in on an agreement to bring 22-year-old Southampton man Shea Charles to Craven Cottage.

Talks between the two clubs are said to be around a transfer fee of approximately £25 million, with personal terms not thought to be an issue.

Leeds miss out on Shea Charles signing

Leeds have had a long-held interest in the Northern Ireland international and are understood to have identified Charles as a main target to bolster their central midfield options.

However, the Saints hierarchy consistently held firm, turning down a succession of bids from Elland Road insisting on their £25 million valuation.

The reluctance to meet Southampton's price has seemingly allowed Fulham to step in and seize control of the race to sign the highly-rated youngster.

Charles’ tactical versatility and domestic background has made him a coveted player in this window.

Having developed within Manchester City’s youth system before joining Southampton in a £10.5 million deal in 2023, the midfielder qualifies as a homegrown player.

His composure, press-resistance, and defensive work-rate saw him emerge as a key performer on the south coast.

Manchester City are said to have retained a 15 per cent sell-on clause during his initial sale, meaning the reigning Premier League champions will collect a portion of the incoming £25m fee.

While Charles would have been happy to end up in West Yorkshire, moving up a division in the process, the prospect of immediate top-flight football under Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has swung negotiations in the West Londoners' favour.

Fulham are now expected to finalise personal terms, meaning Leeds will be forced to pivot to alternative options to bolster their engine room before the deadline passes.

The Whites, however, are still on track to secure the signing of fellow homegrown star and ex-Manchester City academy graduate James Trafford.

Manchester United have reached an agreement to offload goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to La Liga side Celta Vigo, according to a recent transfer report.

The 28-year-old Turkish international is set to complete a season-long loan move to Spain after finding first-team opportunities limited at Old Trafford.

Celta Vigo manager Claudio Giraldez has reportedly identified Bayindir as his primary target to strengthen his goalkeeping options and provide direct competition for Andrei Radu.

Manchester United duo set to depart on loan

The two clubs are said to have agreed on terms for the loan deal, with documentation and medical checks set to be finalised before Bayindir formally joins up with his new team in Spain.

Bayindir arrived at Manchester United in September 2023 from Turkish giants Fenerbahce in a deal worth approximately £4.3 million (€5m).

However, his three years in England ultimately proved frustrating as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, as well as making a handful of high-profile errors.

Across his entire spell with Manchester United, Bayindir made just 17 appearances in all competitions. He spent his first two seasons primarily acting as understudy to Andre Onana, before serving in a similar backup role behind Senne Lammens.

Despite occasional opportunities, Bayindir's path to regular playing time was permanently blocked, aside from a brief period at the beginning of last season under Ruben Amorim.

The arrival of former Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer has further demoted him in the squad depth chart. With 40-year-old veteran Tom Heaton also offering experienced cover, Bayindir is on his way out.

Meanwhile, there is a the possibility that out-of-favour striker Joshua Zirkzee will join Juventus, as per Gianluca Di Marzio.

It is suggested the player's representatives are in talks with the Italian giants, as well as club-to-club talks having been initiated.

Zirkzee joined the Red Devils from Serie A club Bologna two summers ago but has managed just nine goals in 75 appearances.

A loan move for the striker is the deal most likely to be agreed between the two clubs given Zirkzee's contract does not expire at Old Trafford until June 2029.

Liverpool are looking at alternatives to Bradley Barcola after their initial conversations with PSG over a transfer came to nothing.

The Reds are keen to add a winger to their side after Mohamed Salah's departure earlier this summer, with new arrival Victor Munoz still unproven at the very elite level.

To that end, Liverpool have made a €100m (£85.6m) overture to PSG, only to be told they will need to pay nearly twice that much if they want to get their hands on the France international.

High Bar

However, Liverpool's opening bid is still a lot of money even for a financial powerhouse like PSG, particularly for a player who has been in and out of the side over the years.

Barcola was part of the PSG side that won back-to-back Champions League titles this year and last, but did not start in either final with Luis Enrique instead plumping to start Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the 5-0 win over Inter in 2025 and the penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in May.

Now the Reds are looking to test Les Parisiens' resolve by quietly letting it be known that they considering their options elsewhere.

The Guardian reported last week that Liverpool were intent on making Barcola their 'statement signing of the summer'.

But subsequent reports have suggested that PSG have indicated they want a deal in the region of £140m-£145m if they are to allow Barcola to depart.

Caught Offside claim that Liverpool have numerous potential options in mind already, among which are Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

Bournemouth's Rayan is also touted as a possibility. The 20-year-old Brazil international moved to the Vitality Stadium to play under Iraola in January and made an immediate impression with five goals and two assists in his 15 Premier League appearances.

The hitch there is that Rayan cost Bournemouth £24.7m in January, and they now already believe he is worth several times that figure.

Rayan is said to have an £85m release clause in his contract, but it has been suggested that it does not activate until next year, handing Bournemouth an advantage in negotiations for the time being.

While it would obviously be sensible for Liverpool to look at other options if they feel a move for Barcola may not be possible, it is just as plausible that their apparent willingness to move on from the Frenchman could be a way to entice PSG to return to the table and find an acceptable compromise.

Newcastle United are looking to provide Matthias Jaissle with the signing of a player he has long admired.

Jaissle is expected to be confirm as Eddie Howe's successor at St James' Park following the latter's resignation last week.

Fans are in something of a funk following the departure of several key players over the past 12 months, with Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali all leaving for whopping fees.

We Don’t Talk About Bruno

Captain Bruno Guimaraes remains the subject of speculation amid reports that Newcastle have rejected Arsenal's first offer for his services.

Newcastle are now in need of new recruits not only to help fill those holes in the squad, but to try and get Jaissle off to the best possible start once his move from Saudi side Al-Ahli officially goes through.

Reports suggest that Newcastle are already working on signing a player Jaissle has had his eye on for some time: Feyenoord's Anis Hadj Moussa.

The Algerian international, who usually plays off the right wing, has been a first-team regular for the Dutch giants since making the move from Belgian side Petro Eisden two years ago.

Jaissle is said to have tried to sign the forward for Al-Ahli in the past, but was rebuffed.

Hadj Moussa has been linked with a fleet of English clubs over the past couple of years, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all reported to be interested in him.

That sounds to FourFourTwo like somebody has a busy agent, in all honesty - but Dutch journalist Dennis Kranenburg has claimed that Newcastle want to bring him in as Anthony Gordon's replacement.

Hadj Moussa's output for Feyenoord over the past two seasons has been decent but not outstanding, with the winger claiming 25 goals and 12 assists in 83 appearances in all competitions.

However, his performances have generally been strong in a Feyenoord side who have been badly struggling by their own standards. He put in a star turn against Manchester City in the Champions League in 2024/25, and at 24, he may still have further potential to unlock.

He was involved for Algeria at this summer's World Cup, starting their opening game against Argentina before being dropped to the bench for the rest of the tournament.