Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough are to reap the rewards of a sell-on clause agreed in 2024.

Middlesbrough signed former West Bromwich Albion junior Morgan Rogers from Manchester City just six months earlier. He played 26 games in the Championship before Aston Villa made their move.

Rogers, from Halesowen, headed back to the West Midlands to sign for Villa and went on to star in the Champions League and Premier League. He was one of Villa’s most influential players as Unai Emery ended their 30-year wait for silverware by winning the Europa League.

Middlesbrough make fortune on Morgan Rogers

The 23-year-old scored Villa’s third goal in the final against Freiburg in Istanbul in May and was included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, where he played 335 minutes as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals and won the third-place play-off against France.

After a year of speculation about interest from former club Man City as well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Villa accepted a British record bid of £117 million on Saturday to set the wheels in motion for a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

The deal was announced on Tuesday evening and is a rare example of a transfer appearing to work for all parties.

Chelsea acquire a player capable of the highest of highs, at an age that leaves ample room for him to be shaped in their image. They’d be well advised not to over-engineer that process.

Rogers gets the move he wanted and links up with a manager he’s clearly excited to work with. If the Xabi Alonso project is a compelling reason to choose the Blues, a lack of European football next season is less convincing.

Villa lose another player after the unexpected departure of Youri Tielemans but bank a huge transfer fee for a player whose future would have remained in doubt for as long as he stayed at the club.

Operating under UEFA restrictions and needing to be watchful over their compliance with financial regulations, a nine-figure fee could be a game-changer as Villa embark on a necessary squad refresh.

The vast transfer fee works in Middlesbrough’s favour too. They booked a £15.5 million fee for Rogers six months after spending around £1 million to secure his services from Man City, and there’s much more to come.

Middlesbrough and Villa agreed a sell-on clause in 2024. Despite reported discussions to buy out the clause last summer, Boro are now entitled to a serious chunk of change.

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the 20% clause means another £20 million into Middlesbrough’s coffers courtesy of Villa’s profit in the ballpark of £100 million.

The only higher transfer fees collected by Championship clubs this summer were from West Ham United’s £85 million sale of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur, Villa’s reported £38 million purchase of Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Maxime Esteve’s £27 million switch from Burnley to RB Leipzig.

All of those selling teams were relegated from the Premier League in May.

Newcastle United are laying the foundations for life after Bruno Guimaraes and are reportedly pushing to sign a replacement for their captain.

Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal. It was reported last week that the Gunners had been given the erroneous impression that the Brazil midfielder would be available for a bargain fee of £50 million.

It’s understood that Arsenal are still sweet on the idea of signing the 28-year-old and that Newcastle won’t ‘stand in his way’ if their true valuation is met by Arsenal as they progress their bid.

Newcastle ‘intensifying’ transfer interest in a Guimaraes replacement

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are targeting 22-year-old Swedish international midfielder Hugo Larsson, who has spent the last three seasons playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany’s Bundesliga.

“Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes may have been handed a boost by the fact that Newcastle United are working to replace him with Hugo Larsson,” reports Mark Brus.

“Sources with close links to the agents industry have informed me that Newcastle are ‘intensifying’ their interest in Larsson as they look to strengthen in midfield this summer.

“Sources suggest there is an acceptance that Guimaraes will end up leaving, and the club want to have a replacement lined up.”

Brus reports that Newcastle face competition from Manchester United, who are understood to be eager to add Larsson to their midfield ranks along with new signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

Larsson has played 87 times in the Bundesliga and has three years left on his contract, which is understood to not have a release clause.

Eintracht have valued him at €60 million and have no immediate need to sell him beneath their asking price, which may have dropped from that high point after a less impressive season and Larsson’s omission from the Sweden squad for the World Cup.

With the German club reportedly willing to listen to bids closer to €40 million, Larsson’s destiny and that of Guimaraes could be connected.

Arsenal want the Newcastle captain to strengthen their midfield as they attempt to defend the Premier League title in 2026-27 and Newcastle’s ability to cost-effectively acquire a replacement they assess as suitable could grease the wheels.

The Magpies hierarchy will also be wary of putting themselves in a similar situation to the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, which turned the relationship between club and player sour and was completed late in the summer after both parties dug in.

Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in this summer transfer window, bringing in big fees for both and getting the deals done in good time to start working on successors.

Midfielder Sean Steur has been signed from Ajax and the Tynesiders won the race for winger Bazoumana Traore from Hoffenheim.

Selling Guimaraes too would create an obvious need to recruit in his position and Larsson appears to be top of the list.

“Larsson is a profile they really like, so that’s one to watch,” said a Caught Offside source.

Arsenal allowed a trusty servant to depart earlier this week, with Leandro Trossard joining Turkish side Besiktas for £15.3m.

The 31-year-old proved a shrewd buy for the Gunners and more than played his part in both the Premier League title success of 2025/26 and the run to the Champions League final.

But Arsenal clearly want to recycle their squad and add some youthful vigour to their attack as they prepare to defend their title.

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Arsenal set to sign Tzolis

Arsenal are set to complete their first signing of the summer transfer window, having agreed a fee of £34m with Club Brugge for winger Christos Tzolis, according to The Athletic.

Tzolis, 24, has been a standout performer for the Belgian side in the last two seasons, scoring 43 goals in 108 appearances.

He also registered 29 assists for Brugge in 2025/26, alerting the attention of some top European clubs.

Arsenal are now said to be “in the process of finalising a move” for Tzolis, who briefly played in the Premier League for Norwich as a youngster in 2021/22.

The Greece international was reportedly a target for Crystal Palace last summer, but Brugge rejected a bid from the London club and he signed a new contract until 2029.

It seems he won’t be seeing out that contract, though, with a move to Arsenal imminent after the Gunners shifted their attention to Tzolis having been informed that Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz is not for sale.

The Athletic claim the move for Tzolis is “separate from any interest in signing Morgan Rogers”, with the Aston Villa attacker still believed to be on Arsenal’s radar.

Tzolis is capable of playing on both the left and right flank, but has operated primarily on the left for Brugge, cutting inside onto his stronger right foot.

Should he join Arsenal, he will compete for a place in the team with Gabriel Martinelli.

It remains to be seen how impactful Tzolis will be in the Premier League, but he appears to be a direct replacement for Trossard, who started 21 league games last season, scoring six goals and providing six assists.

Manchester United have made midfield their priority in the summer transfer window so far as they prepare for a first full season under Michael Carrick and a return to the Champions League.

The Red Devils have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a combined fee of around £83m.

And it appears they have their eye on another top quality midfielder following Casemiro’s departure, and a serious knee injury for Manuel Ugarte.

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United interested in Camavinga

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid could allow Eduardo Camavinga to leave the club this summer amid reported interest from United and rivals Manchester City.

The report claims United want to target “more conservatively priced options” after spending big on Santos and Tielemans.

Much will depend, then, on Real Madrid’s potential asking price for Camavinga, who has spent five seasons with Los Blancos after arriving as a highly-regarded teenager from Rennes in 2021.

The 23-year-old, who missed out on France’s squad for the World Cup, reportedly wants to remain at the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid could look to sell to facilitate more incoming transfers.

City are interested, too, but are said to be prioritising a move for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, who at 18 was one of the standout players at the World Cup with Morocco.

If United do not do a deal to sign Camavinga, they have also been linked with Roma midfielder Manu Kone, who caught the eye in his five appearances for France at the World Cup.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that United have called Kone’s representatives to discuss terms over a potential deal.

United have reportedly shortlisted “several options” as they hunt for a defensive-minded midfielder to complete their rebuild in the middle of the pitch.

Their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson appears to have failed, though, with Romano claiming that deal is off, having seemingly been done before the World Cup.

Sunderland embark on their first European campaign in 2026/27 on the back of last season's impressive seventh place Premier League finish.

Head coach Regis Le Bris will need to reinforce his Black Cats squad ahead of their involvement in the Europa League, balancing domestic and continental commitments.

FourFourTwo understands that a move for a France Under-21 midfielder is in the works and could be completed soon.

Sunderland close to transfer of French youngster

NEC Nijmegen attacking midfielder Noe Lebreton is the player in question who could soon join from the Dutch club.

Sunderland already have 10 French-speaking first-team squad members at the Stadium of Light, which may have played a part in the decision to pursue Lebreton. This may also have been one of Sunderland's key selling points when pitching to the France U21 international.

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Last summer, the Black Cats signed Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen.

Roefs, 23, enjoyed an impressive first campaign in English football. Now it appears the club are returning to the well.

Twenty-two-year-old Lebreton joined NEC last summer from SM Caen in France's second tier, scoring seven and assisting a further six in 27 appearances for the Eredivisie side.

NEC finished third in the league table last season, earning 59 points whilst booking a first-ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round for 2026/27.

Their campaign was punctuated by high-profile victories against Eredivisie heavyweights, getting the better of Feyenoord at De Kuip. The club also reached the KNVB Cup final having beaten PSV Eindhoven in the semi-final - a game in which Lebreton assisted the winner.

Sunderland were applauded for their aggressive recruitment strategy last summer, bringing in the likes of Netherlands international Brian Brobbey from Ajax and Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

The club are evidently keen to build on the momentum of last season by signing in-form, up-and-coming players from Europe once again, in a bid to replicate their 2025/26 display.

The Black Cats begin the season away to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 22.

Football journalist Luke Edwards has fired back after former Newcastle United owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi labelled his reporting as ‘utter nonsense’.

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a transfer to Premier League champions Arsenal but Edwards reported that the Gunners were having second thoughts because they were ‘initially led to believe’ the Brazilian would cost them a fee of £50 million.

“Arsenal became interested in signing Newcastle’s captain only when they were told, via intermediaries, he could be prised away from their Premier League rivals for a bargain price,” reported Edwards in The Telegraph. “That is not the case and the deal remains deadlocked.”

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'I'm only reporting what was claimed'

The ensuing social media spat was the result of Edwards’ report stating that Arsenal’s expectation was informed by a conversation those intermediaries “claim to have had with Amanda Staveley, Newcastle’s former co-owner, who said they would be willing to listen to offers of that size if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.”

Edwards acknowledged that Staveley’s status as a former co-owner and the lack of a release clause in Guimaraes’ Newcastle contract mean there’s no indication from the current ownership that a cut-price deal has ever been possible, but the suggestion sparked a row on social media.

Ghodoussi replied to Edwards’ post to call it “Utter nonsense” but Edwards has robustly defended his reporting.

“Which part Mehrdad?” he replied. “The £50m fee? I agree. I’m only reporting what has been claimed from their side.”

Staveley, who is married to Ghodoussi and shared a stake in Newcastle with him until the summer of 2024, was instrumental in the takeover of the club by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which was completed in 2021.

Newcastle’s weakened position in the transfer market is a direct outcome of their failure to qualify for European competition. A year after securing Champions League football and their first major silverware for generations, the Tyneside club finished 12th in the Premier League in 2025-26.

According to Edwards’ report, that failure was believed by Guimarães’ team to make the player available for a lowered fee. Arsenal, he says, are reviewing their position.

The Telegraph journalist posted on X again: “I don’t want to do this publicly but I will if I have to do so. I have spoken to Amanda this morning and she has agreed the story is not utter nonsense.

“They deny they ever made a promise to Bruno that he could leave. That denial is in the article but it does not change the fact that this is what Bruno’s reps have claimed took place.”

Newcastle have had a busy start to the transfer window. The Magpies have received significant fees for Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali but are facing the prospect of starting another season without players who were important to them in the previous one.

It also looks as if they’ve missed out on the signing of Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, having also lost out on the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna, with Liverpool landing the 23-year-old winger in an 11th-hour swoop. The 20-year-old appeared to be destined for St James’ Park but is understood to be on the cusp of a move from Freiburg to Aston Villa instead.

Manchester City are eager to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, according to reports.

Bouaddi won rave reviews for his performances in Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals. He featured in every match apart from the last group game against Haiti, and was included in the starting line-up for the Atlas Lions’ defeat against World Cup favourites France in the last eight.

World Cup transfers aren’t the minefield they once were. Rare is the player who bursts onto the scene without prior exposure to the vast armies of recruitment experts working at the world’s leading football clubs.

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Bouaddi potential 'confirmed' by World Cup performances for Morocco

Bouaddi’s performances won’t have surprised any of the scouts and sporting directors already tracking his progress but the World Cup has perhaps sharpened their interest.

“The 18-year-old Lille midfielder was already well known by keen observers in Europe and beyond, with a host of top clubs monitoring his progress and determined to prise him from the Ligue 1 side,” reports David Ornstein for The Athletic.

“However, the [World Cup] served to confirm both his existing level and future potential – in turn, cranking up the interest from those suitors.

“Prominent among them are Manchester City, and the 10-time Premier League champions are pushing hard for Bouaddi ahead of him making a decision on his future, which is expected soon.”

Bouaddi was born in northern France and joined Lille’s academy set-up five years ago. He has played more than 60 matches for Lille in Ligue 1 since making his debut in 2023.

The teenager breezed through the junior ranks as a French international, ascending from under-16 to under-21 between 2022 and 2024, but the chance to represent Morocco at the World Cup persuaded him to switch.

Less than two months after playing for France Under-21s against Iceland, Bouaddi was named in Mohamed Ouahbi’s World Cup squad without ever having played for Morocco at any level.

Ornstein reports that Lille would be willing to sell Bouaddi for a fee in the region of £85 million, which is bound to put off some of the clubs interesting in signing the Morocco international.

According to The Athletic’s top transfer reporter, Arsenal and Manchester United have been ‘in contact with Bouaddi’s camp’ in the last year in addition to City.

“While there are clubs open to doing a deal now and allowing Bouaddi to continue developing at Lille for another season, it is thought City would rather integrate him immediately.”

Man City have already had an active summer transfer window. England midfielder Elliot Anderson has been signed from Nottingham Forest, while 19-year-old Troyes winger Mathys Detourbet was brought in and immediately loaned to Monaco.

Goalkeeper Pierce Charles and winger Jeremy Monga have both been signed from teams relegated from the Championship last season, while centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have been sold. Bernardo Silva and John Stones left the club upon the expiry of their contracts.

Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Youri Tielemans.

The Red Devils are back in the Champions League after a two year absence and are looking to bolster their squad in order to keep up with the demands of European football.

Veteran midfielder Casemiro left at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract, and Michael Carrick has made it a number one priority to fill the void he will leave.

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Manchester United close in on deal to sign Tielemans

Casemiro played 35 games for Manchester United last season, scoring some incredibly important goals as they returned to the Champions League.

The lack of any European football and early cup exits meant a slightly smaller squad could be managed for injuries easier, but a return to Europe’s premier competition means reinforcements are needed.

The first of those reinforcements seems to be coming in the shape of Tielemans.

The Belgian international was captain of his country for the 2026 World Cup and was an integral part of the Aston Villa team who finished just behind Man United in fourth last season as well as winning the Europa League.

Reliable transfer journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that the Red Devils are in talks with the 29-year-old midfielder, who is keen on the move to Old Trafford.

Man United will trigger his £35 million release clause, making the transfer relatively straight forward to complete.

Tielemans' arrival will follow that of Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, with a deal being agreed last week to take the Brazilian to the north west of England.

Although he struggled with some injury problems last season, Tielemans scored Aston Villa’s opening goal in their 3-0 win in the Europa League final with a fine volley from a well worked set-piece.

In FourFourTwo’s view, this is a good move for all parties involved. Manchester United will be getting a player with huge amounts of experience, whilst Aston Villa can cash in on an asset and help ease some financial problems they may have.

Transfermarkt currently value Tielemans at €30 million. If he joins he will likely join up in latter stages of Man United’s pre-season, likely facing Atletico Madrid or PSG in August.

Arsenal are looking to reinforce their title winning squad with the signing of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

Former Manchester City striker Alvarez has been subject to significant interest over the last year, with the Premier League champions the latest to try and lure him from the Spanish capital.

The Gunners ended their 22-year title drought last season after three consecutive second place finishes but the striker position remains one of the only in their team that is yet to be nailed down by one name.

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Arsenal pushing to sign Alvarez ahead of pre-season

The Gunners signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon last summer, but he struggled in his first season at the Emirates, and was dropped for the Champions League final against PSG in favour of Kai Havertz.

Havertz spent much of the season injured and is not a natural striker, so Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are looking to bolster their attacking options as they look to go back-to-back ahead of the new season.

Now, The Independent are reporting that Arsenal are making a serious play to sign Julian Alvarez before the start of pre-season.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have previously held interest, and the latter even saw a €150 million bid rejected before the World Cup.

The report by Miguel Delaney claims that Alvarez has long been Arteta’s primary attacking target, but with the deal seemingly difficult to make, they have looked elsewhere, including PSG’s Bradley Barcola.

However, interest from the two Spanish giants seems to have regressed and Arsenal now believe a deal may be possible, although the player does wish to remain in Spain.

One major sticking point for the deal may be the price tag. Arsenal have previously stated they don’t wish to bid above £90 million, whereas Atletico don’t want to sell, and if they did would want in the region of north of £100 million. It remains to be seen if either side will compromise significantly.

Alvarez is currently on international duty in the United States with Argentina, and he finally opened his account for the 2026 World Cup with a stunning effort against Switzerland in the quarter-finals which effectively won La Albiceleste the tie and sent them to the last four for the second tournament in a row.

The report also claims that the Gunners believe they can also sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, and in FourFourTwo’s view, signing both would prove a huge statement of intent for their ambitions for the coming season.

According to Transfermarkt Alvarez is currently worth €100 million. He will next be in action in the World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, 15 July.

When Bruno arrived on Tyneside in January 2022, four months into the Saudi project, there was a quiet sense that Newcastle had acquired something more than a midfielder.

Before the project had hardened into process, before the future of the club could be rendered as a consultant’s slide deck in Riyadh – strategic pillars, global tours, and upward arrows pointing to 2030 – Bruno made it feel tangible.

He gave flesh to what was otherwise an abstraction: a state-backed takeover, a distant ownership structure, a set of ambitions too large and too awkward to fit comfortably inside ordinary football language, let alone inside a club that has always understood itself less as a brand than a civic institution.

Newcastle can no longer match the ambitions of their captain and best player

At £40m, and with two Brazilian caps under his belt, he was the first genuinely glamorous signing of the Saudi era, striking a shrewd balance with Kieran Trippier: one a highly experienced hand, the other a glimpse of the kind of player Newcastle had spent years watching other clubs sign.

His talent was immediately obvious – little swivels under pressure, still a relatively exotic concept in recent Newcastle midfields; passes struck with the casual cruelty of a teacher correcting your posture and your entire understanding of where you are supposed to stand; the way he could receive even a square ball from Ciaran Clark as if it had arrived silver-service. The Angel of the North meets Christ the Redeemer: arms out, chest up, demanding the ball.

But, it was not simply talent that has earned him legendary status in Newcastle.

It was attitude: a refusal to show any opponent the proper level of deference; the sense that he had wandered into English football and found most of it in need of correction while still somehow looking like the most grateful man to be on the pitch.

That mattered because the early Saudi project required translation.

It needed something warmer than statements about ambition, investment and growth. Bruno provided it. He was the point at which the whole awkward arrangement could be experienced not as geopolitics, not as a moral argument, not as a sovereign wealth fund acquiring emotional real estate in the north-east, but as football: a great player in a great stadium, making people believe slightly unreasonable things.

And now, perhaps, Arsenal. As with Gordon, Real Madrid or Barcelona would have been easier to process, the old aristocracy doing what the old aristocracy does, floating across Europe with a velvet rope, self-important slogan and a chequebook.

Arsenal are different; they are the domestic benchmark that Newcastle were supposed to be chasing five years into the project: coherent, modern, upwardly mobile and perhaps close enough for the comparison to sting.

Rival fans have duly assembled online to gawp at another Tyneside doom spiral: Gordon, Tonali gone; perhaps Bruno next. There is a particular pleasure in watching another club’s grand ambitions meet the blunt end of the transfer market.

The strange thing is that many Newcastle fans understand it. Some may even feel a bleak sense of gratitude it has happened cleanly, honestly, without the long theatre of solitary fitness work at a former club and agent-polished farewell notes.

He will leave, if he does leave, as a club legend, having upheld his side of the bargain better than most modern footballers are ever required to do, and will likely win the trophies Newcastle haven't been able to deliver as of yet.

And yet the sadness among the supporters is not quite the whole story. Above it hangs the darker question about what Newcastle are becoming. Losing one beloved player is football. Losing several in the same summer can be dressed up as strategy or squad evolution. But losing the player who made the strategy look believable raises a more uncomfortable question: once the initial rush of acceleration has gone, what exactly are Newcastle asking supporting to believe in now?

Perhaps this is not the Saudi project failing, but entering its coldest phase: normality. The early years were about seduction: noise, flags, Champions League nights, the intoxicating sense that Newcastle had been lifted out of the food chain at last.

This summer suggests something more complicated. Supporters feel the rush of possibility; players confront the pace of progress; owners think in assets, timelines and portfolios.

Bruno made that arrangement feel like love. His departure would make it look rather more like business.

Newcastle United and SC Freiburg have agreed a fee around £50m for midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The Toon look set to secure one of the World Cup's emerging talents, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

Manzambi has impressed with his performances for Switzerland over the summer, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

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Newcastle have been tracking Manzambi for a while and Sky Germany are now reporting that a deal has been agreed.

A long term contract has been prepared for the 20-year-old, who also drew interest from Aston Villa and others this summer.

Manzambi was one of Newcastle's main targets for this summer before the World Cup even started, although his performances will only have reinforced their desire to sign him.

In 38 appearances in the Bundesliga for Freiburg, he has scored seven goals and laid on five assists, showing his potential at such a young age.

The news will come as welcome relief to Newcastle fans who have had a rough summer so far, particularly when it comes to midfielders.

Sandro Tonali has already departed, joining Spurs for £100m, while club captain Bruno Guimaraes has informed chiefs of his desire to leave and join Arsenal.

While Newcastle are hoping they can persuade Bruno to stick around, saying he is not for sale this summer, Manzambi's arrival would be a huge boost.

The Swiss international would follow the arrival of Dutchman Sean Steur, whose arrival from Ajax was officially announced earlier today.

Other midfield options have been tracked by the Magpies this summer, including Monaco's Lamine Camara.

Meanwhile, further departures are expected, with the club open to offers for the likes of Joe Willock.

Newcastle United have identified some midfield targets with Bruno Guimaraes' future increasingly uncertain.

News broke on Wednesday that the Brazilian had told club chiefs that he wants to pursue a move away from St James' Park.

Arsenal are poised to launch a bid for the Toon skipper, having informed both Newcastle and the player of their interest, but a deal is likely to be expensive.

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Toon prepare for life without their talisman in midfield

The Magpies have reiterated their stance that Guimaraes is not for sale, but the same was said about Alexander Isak last summer before the Sweden international eventually forced a move to Liverpool.

However, with Sandro Tonali already departing Newcastle for Spurs earlier this summer, it's difficult to believe that both would be allowed to depart in the same window.

Nevertheless, Newcastle appear to be preparing for the worst by eyeing up two potential replacements for their captain.

According to The Athletic Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has been tracked long term, along with Auxerre’s Kevin Danois. Both are 22-years-old.

The Magpies have identified several targets in case anyone departs, with The Athletic's report also claiming the club will look to replace anyone who leaves.

Meanwhile, youngster Sean Steur's arrival from Ajax is set to be announced in the coming days and move for Johan Manzambi, who has impressed at the World Cup, is also expected once Switzerland's campaign comes to an end.

Regardless of who they bring in, it will be interesting to see Newcastle's starting XI come the opening day of next season.

With the arrivals of 20-year-olds Bazoumana Toure and Ewen Jaouen already this window, it's likely it'll look very different to how it did at the end of last season, and much younger.

Anthony Gordon has also left the club this summer in a big-money move to Barcelona, and former club captain Kieran Tripper has signed for Wolves.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca may have been dealt an early blow in his hopes to recruit some of his former Chelsea stars.

The Italian is looking to build a team that will reclaim the Premier League, with the trophy heading to Liverpool and Arsenal in the last two seasons.

While Maresca has desires to bring in talented stars that he knows from his previous job, it may prove more difficult than he would have originally hoped.

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City plotting move for Chelsea right back

The top of Maresca's shopping list is a move for defender Malo Gusto, but Chelsea don't seem to be in any mood to help out their former boss.

According to reports in The Athletic, the Blues have slapped a £75m price tag on the Frenchman.

Man City view that price tag as prohibitively expensive, making a move for the full back unlikely for the time being.

Even the arrival of Italian right back Marco Palestra from Atalanta hasn't altered their stance.

Chelsea view their new acquisition as competition for places, rather than as a replacement for any outgoings.

This could force Man City to look elsewhere for a replacement, with Newcastle's Tino Livramento another long term target, but his injury record might dissuade them from pursuing that idea further.

Currently the first-choice right back option at the Etihad is Matheus Nunes, but Maresca would like more depth in that position.

Other options being assessed are Feyenoord's Givairo Read, a 20-year-old Dutchman, who is valued around £25m but would need time to adapt to the Premier League.

Another 20-year-old, Martim Fernandes from Porto, is being considered.

Arsenal have made Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers their top target for the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their side ahead of next season, with midfield an area in need of upgrades.

However, it's not an easy market for them to navigate with sky-high prices and competition meaning flexibility is required.

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Aston Villa could be forced to sell their top asset this summer

The Athletic has claimed that Rogers is Arsenal's priority and that Villa could be persuaded to sell arguably their best player by financial regulations.

After exceeding their UEFA loss limit, Villa had to enter into a settlement agreement, which could lead to some strict punishments if terms are not met.

While Villa's preference is that Rogers stays and plays for them next season, selling him could remove any worries over future problems caused by finances.

One such punishment could be a ban from European competitions, so Villa see it as vital that they stick to the rules.

With Rogers valued at higher than the £116m Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson this summer, a sale would bring in a substantial, potentially transformative, fee.

Arsenal are also monitoring the situation of Paris Saint Germain's Bradley Barcola, but he would also set them back north of £100m.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes is another player the Gunners are keen on signing, but have been told that the player is not available this summer following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Spurs.

Arsenal's need for a midfielder stems from an over-reliance on the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi last season.

Injuries to squad players like Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard and Mikel Arteta's reluctance to use the likes of Christian Norgaard mean reinforcements are needed if they are to compete for extra silverware while also defending their league title.

They have also recently struck a deal for goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a free agent.

Manchester United remain undeterred in their pursuit of Bournemouth's Alex Scott, despite being told he isn't for sale.

The 22-year-old has attracted interest from across the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City both also expressing an interest.

However, the Cherries are determined to hold onto their midfielder, stating he is not for sale, and hoping he will sign a new deal.

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Man United encouraged by Scott not signing a new contract

Currently, Scott is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with reports claiming he has even gone as far as to reject Bournemouth's offer, and Manchester United are pushing ahead with their attempts to sign him, according to The Sun.

Whether or not he leaves this summer remains to be seen, but with two years left on his current contract, it may be better for the Cherries to cash in on their asset now, rather than let him leave for cheaper, or possibly even as a free transfer, later down the line.

The Red Devils are still searching for a marquee midfield signing, after Elliot Anderson opted to join rivals Man City and Mateus Fernandes chose to sign for Spurs.

They have seemingly already tied up a deal for Atalanta's Brazil international, although complications around his medical seem to be delaying that signing, accord to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Yet, with the added demands of European football to contend with next season, Carrick wants a deeper squad than he currently has at his disposal.

Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte ruptured his ACL during his nation's World Cup campaign, increasing the need for squad depth.

Some reports suggest that an offer around the £80m mark would be enough to convince Bournemouth to sell after he turned down the new deal.

While that hasn't put Manchester Untied off, they are also assessing their options to see if there's better value elsewhere.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni are also being considered.

Scott is thought to be their number one choice, but interest from other clubs and uncertainty around his future means that it is not an easy deal to complete.

Newcastle United are continuing with their strategy of investing in young players with potential, with the unexpected signing of an 18-year-old wonderkid from Ajax.

The club has switched tactics when it comes to bolstering their squad this summer, with youth favoured over established, experienced stars.

The sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have paved the way for a complete squad refresh, with Eddie Howe keen to bring in youngsters with high ceilings.

Newcastle set to seal signing of third player under the age of 21 this summer

The Toon have been busy already this summer, picking up French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure, both of whom are 20-years-old.

They have also been heavily linked with a big money move for impressive Switzerland starlet Johan Manzambi, another player who is just 20.

It now looks as if they are set to complete the signing of 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax.

According to reports from the Netherlands, a £23m fee has been agreed for the teenager, who made his senior debut in the 2024-25 season, aged just 17 years and 36 days.

The midfielder went on to make 26 senior appearances with the club altogether, scoring his first goal in a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord.

The same reports claim that the player had initially been expected to sign a new contract at Ajax, but that he is now due to travel to Tyneside to complete a move.

A five-year deal has been agreed in principle between Newcastle and Steur.

The move for Steur comes with Newcastle looking to add new midfielders to their team this summer, following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.

Joe Willock is also expected to leave during the current transfer window, while Arsenal have also had an offer rejected for club captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle have repeatedly said that the Brazilian is not for sale and are hoping to keep their talisman around for next season.

Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Michael Olise.

Michael Olise has been on Real Madrid's radar throughout this summer as they aim to launch Jose Mourinho's second spell in charge with a marquee signing.

The Spanish giants are in the midst of a summer recruitment spree with four high-profile additions already winging their way to the Bernabeu in a matter of weeks.

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Real Madrid's world-record Michael Olise package revealed

Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries have all signed up with Los Blancos since president Florentino Perez's re-election.

However Bayern Munich winger Olise was a cornerstone of Perez's manifesto to stay in power for a 23rd combined year across two spells in the Spanish capital.

Although the Madrid figurehead did not publicly name the France international, the club has been forced to publicly dispute suggestions of talk with the player's camp.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer echoed that by insisting the only contact he received from Madrid was to deny allegations of any behind-the-scenes contact.

Hainer also cautioned Perez that he can 'save himself the effort' if he did have an offer in mind for Olise amid claims of a €150 million offer to tempt the Bavarians.

But fresh reports suggest that last season's La Liga runner-up are now planning to put together an eye-watering financial package for the ex-Crystal Palace star.

According to Fichajes, Madrid will table a proposal of €190 million with a further €30 million which would take the deal close to the existing world-record transfer fee.

Neymar continues to hold the title as football's costliest ever player following his €222 million switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2017.

Olise is in the throes of his best-ever season with Bayern in which he racked up 25 goals and 28 assists in 57 appearances to win his second Bundesliga title.

The 24-year-old remains in with a strong chance of winning the World Cup after France reached the quarter-final stage, where they will take on Morocco.

Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of publicly disavowing transfer speculation around Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentina international, who is currently in action for his country at the World Cup, has repeatedly been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and he and his representatives had not exactly gone out of their way to distance themselves from the rumours.

Chelsea handed Fernandez a two-game suspension by Chelsea after speaking about his desire to move to the city of Madrid while on international duty.

Chelsea have been consistent in their stance that Fernandez is not for sale,.

BBC Sport write that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy do not see their relationship with the playmaker as being irreparable.

In response to the speculation, Real Madrid wrote on their official club website: "In light of the information and statements that have emerged in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid C. F. in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation.

"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognized, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.

"Precisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid's actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.

"Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the absence of any action by the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and only serves to create confusion among fans and unnecessarily harm the entities and individuals involved."

Quite what prompted Real Madrid to go out of their way to publish that statement is not currently clear.

Fernandez, joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a £107m transfer fee.

The club had a poor season last campaign, finishing 10th after Enzo Maresca's resignation midway through the season and Liam Rosenior's appointment as his replacement.

For Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has been brought in ahead of the new season in hopes of turning the club's fortunes around.

Xabi Alonso's Chelsea reign is in its infancy but has already been dealt a blow.

Chelsea ripped up their rulebook when appointing Xabi Alonso, with the new manager set to be afforded greater control over the club's transfer policy.

The former Liverpool midfielder has been influential in the West Londoners' early summer recruitment strategy that saw Italy international Marco Palestra's recent arrival.

Xabi Alonso suffers early Chelsea transfer setback

Since owner BlueCo's 2022 takeover, Chelsea have focused almost exclusively on signing up football's brightest upcoming talents on eye-wateringly long contracts.

A flawed 2022-23 campaign led to the Americans abandoning their initial outlook of pursuing established players in favour of picking up future potential in the transfer market .

But Alonso's hiring as manager, rather than head coach, has seen the Todd Boehly-led investors lean into a more autonomous approach for their squad building plans.

As part of that, the Blues set their sights on reuniting the World Cup winner with one of his former Bayer Leverkusen lieutenants in Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka was integral as Alonso ended his former employers' wait for a first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season while also staying unbeaten in the league and DFB-Pokal.

The Switzerland international's return to the Premier League last summer proved similarly transformative as he helped the Black Cats to Europa League qualification.

However Chelsea's hopes of prising Xhaka back to London, where he spent seven years with Arsenal, have been dashed after an opening £8 million bid was rejected by Sunderland.

Sunderland are believed to have considered the offer for the 33-year-old, who is under contract until summer 2028, as disrespectful and effectively ended the pursuit.

"Following discussions, he has pledged his commitment to Sunderland and is set to remain at the Stadium of Light, where he is considered a key figure," reports The Athletic.

Although Xhaka was said to be enthused by the prospect of linking up with Alonso again, he has reaffirmed a commitment to his duties at the Stadium of Light.

The new Chelsea boss will have to go back to the drawing board as he attempts to shape a team reminiscent of the one he led to glory at the BayArena two years ago.

Liverpool have added France international Bradley Barcola to the top of their transfer wishlist for this summer.

The Reds need to add attacking depth to their squad, following the departure of Mo Salah and a difficult season for record signing Alexander Isak.

Barcola's future is uncertain, with the player seeking more game time than he is currently getting at Paris Saint Germain.

PSG have put a big price tag on Barcola

The French champions have offered Barcola an extension to his two-year deal, but he is assessing his options before making a decision.

However, moving elsewhere would require a sizeable offer, with PSG having no need to cash in on their asset.

Having just sold striker Goncalo Ramos for close to £60m, there's no desperate need to generate money.

However, a sale of Barcola would likely command a fee north of £100m, with The Athletic reporting that any offer should eclipse the £116m Manchester City have paid for Elliot Anderson.

The French club view that figure as the yardstick by which other transfer fees should be measured this summer and believe Barcola to be a much more valuable player.

That doesn't seem to have put Liverpool off, with Caught Offside reporting that they're planning to go "all in" to sign him this summer.

Whether or not a price can be agreed between the two clubs remains to be seen.

A deal is unlikely to be reached any time soon, with Barcola currently with France at the World Cup, where it is very likely he will stay towards the back end of the tournament.

France are the favourites to win the tournament and Barcola has made an important contribution to their success so far, scoring against both Sweden and Senegal.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the player.

Sandro Tonali has hailed Roberto de Zerbi's role in convincing him that making the move to Spurs is the right decision.

The Italian midfielder has agreed terms on a move away from Newcastle United for a reported £100m.

That comes despite reports of rival interest from Manchester City - and Tonali has revealed that a combination of family considerations and his connection with De Zerbi was ultimately decisive in picking Tottenham Hotspur instead.

The Brescia connection

De Zerbi and Tonali are both from Lombardy and share a connection to Brescia. De Zerbi hails from the city, while Tonali came up through the youth ranks and made his first-team breakthrough at the Brescia Calcio before his move to AC Milan.

Tonali indicated that a personal connection to the Spurs boss was important in getting him on board the Spurs project.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Tonali said: "Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them, so I think once you go like this, it is different.

"So we're all happy, and I'm ready for the new challenge.

"Let's say De Zerbi did a great job. He was a huge factor in all this.

"It was a life choice with my family, because we've been in Newcastle for the last three years and last year, our life changed because our child was born.

"So we decided to change our life a bit, and De Zerbi made a big difference. He did he job and he did it very well. He did it not only as a Brescia native and a friend, but he did it by truly demonstrating that he has a lot of work behind him and he's committed to it."

Tonali added: "We're definitely going step-by-step. First, getting there, getting the medical examinations, signing, and then we have to take everything slowly, starting with the training camp, which won't be easy.

"The World Cup is going on now, so the team will be put together in a month or so.

"The start will not be easy, especially since they're coming off two difficult seasons. We'll try to make sure everything is new and everything is positive."

Newcastle United are striding towards the signing of 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

Newcastle have agreed a £100 million deal to sell Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali to free-spending Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Winger Anthony Gordon has already departed for Barcelona.

Toure will be the Magpies’ second new signing of the summer transfer window after young French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen switched to St James’ Park from Reims last week.

Bazoumana Toure set for Newcastle medical ahead of transfer

It’s understood that major sales will enable Newcastle to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad despite the club’s compliance agreement with UEFA after breaches of their European governing body’s financial regulations.

“Newcastle intend to use the proceeds from the Tonali sale to reinvest in their squad, with Howe desiring a goalkeeper, at least one full-back, two midfielders (should Joe Willock also leave) and at least one attacker,” reports The Athletic.

“Toure was among the attacking targets after Newcastle lost out on [Victor] Munoz, and will be expected to fill the creative void which Gordon’s departure left.

“Until he is pictured holding the shirt and the deal is announced, there will be understandable concern among the Newcastle fan base as to whether they will be gazumped when chasing another target.”

Toure’s World Cup came to an end in the round of 32 on Tuesday when Erling Haaland’s fortuitous late winner sealed a win for Norway to set up a round of 16 clash with Brazil at the expense of the eliminated Ivory Coast.

The Hoffenheim winger was a very late substitute at Dallas Stadium. He played a total of 80 minutes in the Ivorians’ World Cup effort and ended the campaign with nine caps to his name after making his senior international debut as recently as last October.

He was snapped up two years ago by Swedish outfit Hammarby, who took a flyer on him after a trial in Stockholm after he moved to Europe from ASEC Mimosas, the most successful club in the Ivory Coast.

Toure played just 23 Allsvenskan matches before another move, this time to Hoffenheim where he has continued to impress.

Primarily a left-sided winger, Toure is being lined up as a more-or-less direct and ‘starting-calibre’ successor for Gordon, according to The Athletic.

The Magpies will also be in the market for a top-level central midfielder to accommodate the loss of Tonali, who will become Spurs’ club record signing upon confirmation of a deal reportedly worth an initial £92.5 million and £7.5 million in potential add-ons believed to be related to the Champions League.

While Newcastle are homing in on their second 20-year-old signing, Spurs are adding Tonali to Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion for a combined fee north of £200 million.

Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have been acquired on free transfers after leaving Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to a £100 million deal with Newcastle United to secure the services of midfield superstar Sandro Tonali.

The London side endured an abysmal 2025/26 Premier League season, becoming embroiled in a relegation battle with rival club West Ham.

After surviving the drop, Spurs pilfered Mateus Fernandes from their relegated London rivals; now, Newcastle United will part ways with Tonali in a club record deal.

Tottenham Hotspur splash £100 million and break club record in Sandro Tonali deal

According to reports from transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, the deal for Tonali could reach £100 million.

This would exceed the £85 million it took to purchase Fernandes from West Ham, and set a club transfer record for Tottenham Hotspur.

The deal is comprised of a £92.5 million upfront fee, with potentially £7.5 million in add-ons.

Spurs' pursuit of Tonali intensified in June, before contact was made with Newcastle to negotiate the midfielder's exit.

Tonali will join a growing list of players pilfered by Tottenham Hotspur this summer from fellow Premier League sides.

Liverpool lost veteran left-back Andy Robertson to the London club on a free transfer, after he departed from Anfield at the end of last season.

Spurs also took Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, again on a free transfer, and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, for a fee of over £50 million.

The add-ons are believed to be Champions League-related, in the event of Tottenham Hotspur qualifying for the competition next season.

Tonali played 53 times for Newcastle last season, in an underwhelming campaign that saw the Magpies finish 12th. The lure of London, a vast pay increase and the opportunity to work under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi has proved too strong.

The midfielder is not present at the 2026 World Cup due to Italy's failure in qualifying.

Marcus Rashford could stay at Manchester United this summer after positive talks between the player’s representatives and the club.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona where he helped them win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup after he was frozen out at Old Trafford by former United boss Ruben Amorim.

Rashford scored 14 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona and looked keen to remain at the Nou Camp.

But following the signing of England teammate Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69million, a move to Barca now looks off the cards.

With Michael Carrick now in charge at Manchester United it is reported by the Manchester Evening News that he could stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer transfer window after talks between the two parties laid the groundwork for his return in pre-season.

United are believed to be unwilling to sanction a third loan move for the England forward and while there is expected to be plenty of interest in the 28-year-old from Premier League clubs, it is believed that Rashford would rather see out the remaining two years on his United contract.

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It has already been agreed that Rashford would be part of the first-team squad this summer for pre-season and could feature in some of United’s six pre-season friendlies.

United are understood to be looking to strengthen on the left this summer and have earmarked Iliman Ndiaye of Everton and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville as potential options, but those plans could be shelved if Rashford stays at the club.

Instead the money saved on a left sided player could be used to strengthen their midfield with Manuel Ugarte now set to miss the majority of next season with a serious knee injury picked up playing for Uruguay against Spain at the World Cup.

Newcastle could be set for their second major sale of the summer transfer window, following the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

The ex-Everton winger joined the LaLiga giants in a reported £70 million move prior to England's World Cup campaign.

Newcastle have since received a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of Italy international Tonali, who is understood to be open to a move away from St. James' Park this summer.

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The Magpies turned down Spurs' initial approach but the north London club are expected to return with a second offer, said to be north of €100m (£86m), according to Italian transfers journalist Nico Schira.

Tonali joined Newcastle in the summer of 2023, featuring at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign before a betting scandal saw him suspended from all footballing activity for several months.

Newcastle stood by their new £55m signing and upon his reintegration into the team after 10 months on the sidelines, the Italian quickly established himself as a key player in Eddie Howe's side.

After two stellar seasons in which he has made 98 appearances across all competitions, there is significant Premier League interest in the 26-year-old.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the Italy midfielder.

It now appears that Spurs could be his next club, having reportedly agreed a contract until 2032 worth £10.3m per year.

It is believed new Spurs head coach and fellow countryman Roberto De Zerbi has played a key role in the bid to sign Tonali, and is seemingly receiving significant backing from the Tottenham hierarchy.

West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes is reportedly on the verge of an £85m move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the Hammers' top flight relegation.

Spurs are keen to avoid a repeat of the past two seasons in which they have battled relegation by recruiting aggressively this summer.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, Tonali would be a smart signing for any club, but £90m is a steep asking price to meet so early in the window, especially if an £85m deal for Fernandes is also close to being struck.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the target of serious transfer interest from abroad for the second consecutive window.

Fernandes was heavily linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League in January but stayed at Man United and completed his best season in a Red Devils shirt, winning both the Premier League and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year Awards.

More importantly, he was pivotal in United's return to the Champions League after two dismal seasons away from Europe's premier club competition.

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Fernandes 'wants to continue as captain' despite interest from Istanbul

According to reports in Turkiye, 31-year-old Fernandes is wanted by Istanbul giants and Turkish champions Galatasaray. Like United, they'll be involved in the Champions League next season.

Unfortunately for Gala and manager Okan Buruk, Fernandes is understood to be wholly opposed to the idea of a move this summer.

"Galatasaray wants to strengthen its attacking midfield (number 10) position during the summer transfer window," reports TRT Spor.

"The biggest obstacle to overcome in the transfer is the 31-year-old player's unwillingness to leave Manchester United.

"Fernandes wants to continue as captain of the English team, which will compete in the Champions League next season.

"For this reason, the experienced footballer rejected astronomical offers from Saudi Arabian teams, just as he did in the January transfer window."

Fernandes and United's reluctance to entertain the idea of parting are offset by the Portuguese player's age and contract situation. His Old Trafford deal expires in two seasons' time.

If the club have any plans to bring in a transfer fee for their captain, a decision will have to be made this summer or next to get a deal done with one of the many ambitious teams no doubt interested in rehoming United's big dog for the last few seasons of his career.

If not, a free transfer in the summer of 2028 would offer Fernandes an even wider selection of destinations even at the age of 33.

For now, the Premier League and Champions League are quite rightly the midfielder's post-World Cup focus.

"Despite all these circumstances, it has been learned that Galatasaray's transfer officials plan to hold talks with both United and Bruno Fernandes," reports TRT.

It’s no surprise that Bruno Guimaraes is a wanted man after another strong season with Newcastle United.

The midfielder is starring for Brazil at the World Cup too, playing a superb pass to set up Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner against Japan in the last 32.

Arsenal, it seems, want to make Guimaraes a team-mate of Martinelli’s at club level, but signing the 28-year-old might not be easy.

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Contract clause strengthens Newcastle position

According to Shields Gazette, Newcastle have an option to extend Guimaraes’ contract by an extra year.

His current deal runs until 2028, so that means the Brazilian could, in theory, be tied down until 2029.

That means Newcastle can be more forthright in any negotiations for the player, who they have insisted is not for sale.

It remains to be seen, though, if Guimaraes has had his head turned by the prospect of a move to the Premier League champions, where his salary would increase and he would again play Champions League football.

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte previously reported that the midfielder has a £60m release clause in his contract, but that has been disputed.

Arsenal have yet to make a formal approach for Guimaraes, and his age could mean the Gunners are unwilling to spend huge money.

But he is said to be “seriously considering” an exit, and Newcastle fans were left worried when he liked a post from Fabrizio Romano on Instagram linking him to Arsenal.

Guimaraes has been at Newcastle since 2022, when he joined the Premier League side from French outfit Lyon.

He has gone on to play a key role in a team that has twice qualified for the Champions League under Eddie Howe, though last season’s 12th-placed finish in the Premier League was a disappointment.

Guimaraes has earned 47 caps for Brazil, registering four assists so far at the World Cup.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who has caught the eye with Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

The 19-year-old, who will be in action tonight against Norway in the last 32, has also attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, who are now expected to secure his signature.

That would be a blow for Liverpool as they look to add an exciting young wide player to their squad following the exit of Mohamed Salah - but the Reds could have another option.

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Liverpool target PSG’s Barcola

If Diomande joins PSG, the door could be opened for a potential exit.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool could move for winger Bradley Barcola, who might be available in the case of a “big proposal”.

The France international scored 13 goals in 49 appearances for the European champions last season, but Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have often been preferred by Luis Enrique.

Liverpool have reportedly been interested in Barcola since 2025, though David Ornstein claims PSG do not want to sell the 23-year-old and they would prefer to keep him in their rotation with a star signing like Diomande.

The Ligue 1 side are said to value the winger at well over £100m and don’t need to sell even if they spend big on Diomande.

Barcola, though, is reluctant to sign a new contract and wants to start more regularly.

With AC Milan set to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG for a club record fee, and Lee Kang-in and Randal Kolo Muani set to leave the French capital, Luis Enrique wants to keep Barcola.

It remains to be seen if a big offer from Liverpool would persuade PSG to sell.

In FourFourTwo’s view, Barcola would be an exceptional addition for Liverpool and would likely thrive in an Andoni Iraola team, but much will depend on the fee required to do a deal, and the player's desire to leave Paris.

Arsenal have had an approach for England and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott rejected.

The Cherries - who have qualified for the Europa League for the first time in their history - insist the midfielder is not for sale and are planning on offering him a new contract, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsenal did not make an official bid for Scott but are keen to bolster their midfielder this summer but have a number of options they are looking at.

Arsenal looking for midfield reinforcements

Newcastle’s Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is an option, but they face competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

Relegated West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is also an option as is Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi but both players are highly converted by clubs across Europe.

Manchester United and Tottenham are the main runners for Fernandes so far.

United, Spurs and Chelsea are also interested in 22-year-old Scott who is valued close to £80m.

Sunderland’s signing of Granit Xhaka proved to be one of the Premier League’s best transfers last summer.

The then-newly promoted Black Cats paid out £13million to bring the Swiss back to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen, with head coach Regis Le Bris quickly naming the 33-year-old as his captain.

This decision was instantly vindicated as Xhaka became the lynchpin in Sunderland’s midfield, missing just four Premier League games all season as Le Bris’ side defied expectations with the pre-season relegation favourites surging to a seventh-placed finish and a place in next season’s Europa League.

Xhaka agrees terms with Premier League rival: report

Earlier this month Xhaka reflected on his first season at the Stadium of Light, claiming that “it’s a bit like home for me,” in an interview with Swiss outlet Blick prior to the World Cup.

“The city feels like Basel. Like the St. Johann district where I grew up. You can only perform at your best when you feel comfortable in a place,” he added.

Now, however, Xhaka has reportedly agreed personal terms with with Chelsea, as new Blues boss Xabi Alonso looks to reunited with his former Bayer Leverkusen stalwart.

Sky Germany report that Chelsea are now in talks with Sunderland over a deal for Xhaka after the Blues reached a ‘full verbal agreement’ with the player.

Alonso was appointed as Chelsea boss at the end of the season, replacing Enzo Maresca in the role, following the Italian’s dismissal back in April. Alonso had been out of work since January, when a turbulent six-month spell at Real Madrid came to an end.

The Spaniard’s managerial high-point was his 2023/24 unbeaten Bundesliga title victory with Leverkusen, a campaign in which Xhaka was instrumental, turning out 50 times in all competitions, with Alonso clearly keen on a reunion at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso is reportedly looking to add experienced players to his squad, as Chelsea get set for another busy season in the transfer market. This has already seen left-back Marc Cucurella join Real Madrid, who have also been linked with midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Xhaka is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland who are preparing for a last-32 clash against Algeria, and said prior to the tournament that he was settled in the north east.

"For me, the most important thing is that my family is happy,” he added in the Blick interview. “And we are in Sunderland. I'm not even thinking about a transfer. I'm really happy to finally have a summer without any speculation about my future. That's rarely been the case in recent years. This allows me to fully focus on the World Cup."

In FourFourTwo’s view, it’s easy to understand why Alonso would be looking to bring in a trusted lieutenant to a squad that has been assembled in a haphazard manner in recent years. But with Xhaka having another two years on his contract, Sunderland will not need to roll over in negotiations and can dig their heels in to get a fee larger than his €8million Transfermarkt valuation for a player who turns 34 in September.

Liverpool are in the market for wide forwards this summer following Mohamed Salah’s exit.

The Reds are keen to add Spain international Victor Munoz but are in the market for a marquee addition to make up for the loss of Salah and his goals output.

It was hoped by those at Anfield that player could be RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, but now the Ivorian appears unattainable having reportedly decided on his next club.

Liverpool miss out on £100m-rated winger

The 19-year-old is reported to have chosen Paris Saint-Germain, convinced by the project in the French capital, according to The Athletic.

Liverpool’s fifth place finish last season, in contrast to PSG’s back-to-back Champions League titles, is likely to have played a part in Diomande’s decision.

He is expected to complete his move to Paris once the Ivory Coast are eliminated from the World Cup.

Diomande and his international teammates face Norway in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. It is the first time the west African country has progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup.

Liverpool are still expected to add a young, proven wide forward in the summer window, despite missing out on Diomande’s signature.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, whilst Diomande is passing up the opportunity to play in the Premier League, he stands a greater chance of winning major honours at Parc des Princes.

England's Elliot Anderson is now Manchester City-bound, and is undergoing his medical in the United States ahead of an Etihad arrival.

The former Nottingham Forest star has shone at the 2026 World Cup in a Three Lions shirt, with a seemingly record-breaking transfer fee required to seal his signature.

Manchester City, FA and Carabao Cup winners, and Premier League runners-up, in 2025/26, will be without Pep Guardiola next season, however, their latest transfer business is a clear message that the Cityzens will remain firmly at the forefront of English football.

Elliot Anderson to Manchester City

Coping with the additional loss of veteran midfielder Bernado Silva, the star England midfielder will slot straight into presumed next manager Enzo Maresca's line-up in Manchester.

As one of the most sought after signatures in not only English, but world football, Anderson's possibly record-breaking cost has been revealed.

According to a report from David Ornstein of The Athletic, the former Nottingham Forest player has signed for a fee of £116 million.

The British transfer record is still held by Liverpool, who secured the services of Alexander Isak for £125 million after turbulent summer drama following the Reds' 2024/25 Premier League title win.

However, Anderson will go down as Manchester City's most expensive signing of all time, even after forming a dangerously stacked dynasty that won six out of ten available top-flight titles under Guardiola.

Despite earlier suggestions that Anderson may have eclipsed Isak as the most expensive transfer in British football history, in a deal worth around £130 million, that figure has since decreased.

According to report from The Telegraph, the England star has beaten Jack Grealish's previous club record fee of £100 million, however, the deal has indeed been set for £116 million, with no bonuses involved.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the figure, stating via X that the transfer has been completed with no financial add-ons.

However, to complicate matters, fellow transfer expert Ben Jacobs has revealed that Forest "maintain [the deal is] up to £130 million," making it possible that Isak's record will be dethroned.

In regard to the timeline of Anderson's move, his United States medical remains set for Friday morning, according to Ornstein.

That would occur prior to England's game against Panama, which the midfielder will likely be part of, as the Three Lions look to top Group L.

As it stands, Anderson's transfer fee is certain to break Manchester City's club record, however, the British record remains unclear.

Harry Wilson was one of the Premier League’s standout players in 2025/26.

The Fulham winger scored 10 goals and got seven assists in what was comfortably the best top-flight season of his career so far.

He turns 30 in March next year, but that has not deterred any of the clubs interested in his services this summer.

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Leeds in talks to sign Wilson

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Leeds United have held “positive talks” with the Wales international.

Wilson is out of contract at the end of June, after which he will become a free agent, assuming Fulham do not persuade him to sign a new deal at the eleventh hour.

Leeds are hoping to attract Wilson to Elland Road and fight off competition from clubs in the Champions League to do so.

The 29-year-old was reportedly close to a move to Leeds last summer, but the proposed transfer collapsed on the final day of the window.

Other clubs are said to be in talks with the player’s representatives, so the Whites may have work to do to complete his signature.

Aston Villa, playing in the Champions League next season, and Everton have also been linked with Wilson.

If Wilson departs, Fulham could be forced into something of a rebuild this summer, following the exit of manager Marco Silva to Benfica.

Leeds, meanwhile, are looking to build on a promising first season back in the Premier League under Daniel Farke.

In FourFourTwo’s view, Wilson would be an excellent signing for most clubs outside the division’s ‘big six’.

While he is about to enter his 30s, he would significantly improve Leeds’ attack as they look to become an established Premier League club once again.

Liverpool are on the verge of having two stars complete moves to the North London club this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are making moves to ensure such a scenario does not play out again.

Conversely, or not so much so, the 2024/25 Premier League victors are looking to get back to winning ways under new boss Andoni Iraola, after Arne Slot delivered a torrid sophomore campaign at Anfield.

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Liverpool on verge of having TWO stars pilfered by Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Andoni Iraola's first campaign

Liverpool's Andy Robertson departed from Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 season, ending a nine-year spell with the Reds.

The Scot, currently playing at the 2026 World Cup, could be joined in London by a fellow Red, also lighting it up on the world stage.

Cody Gakpo, currently enjoying a solid 2026 World Cup campaign with three goal involvements for the Netherlands, could join his former team-mate at Tottenham Hotspur next season.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the North London club are in discussions with Liverpool regarding the Dutchman's future.

This arrives after the Reds signed Spain's Victor Munoz, a young but exciting La Liga talent who could rival Gakpo on the left flank.

It also arrives after Spurs' long-time pursuit of Manchester City player Savinho, with the North London club now, reportedly, weighing up the benefits of a move for Gakpo instead.

The Dutchman, who endured a poor season individually under fellow countryman Slot in 2025/26, is concerned about his starter status, or lack thereof, at Liverpool under his new Basque boss.

The signing of Munoz was personally pushed for by Iraola, making it unclear as to whether Gakpo's future lies in being a starting or rotational player.

Mohamed Salah's departure also raises alarm bells, with Gakpo's best years coming under the Egyptian's guidance, and his form dropping significantly without his wing partner performing to the usual level last season.

Despite this, Liverpool's 'out-of-form' stars could be amongst the most intriguing transfers of the 2026 summer window.

Almost every player who performed poorly under Slot last season has seen a significant upturn in form at international level, with Gakpo being no exception.

For now, the Dutchman's future remains undecided, but Spurs are probing and could see two experienced Liverpool players in their team next year.

If you didn't know Yan Diomande before the World Cup began, you certainly do now.

The 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger claimed 12 goals and nine assists in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig last season, and has carried on his impressive form with the Ivory Coast with eye-catching performances against Ecuador and Germany.

Liverpool already had their eye on Diomande as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement, with reports suggesting they have had a transfer bid worth €100m (£86.7m) rejected amid claims of rival interest from PSG.

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Yan Diomande 'would add a lot to Liverpool' - Alan Shearer

Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Andoni Iraola desperately needs a player like Diomande, telling Betfair: "Liverpool need a host of players in their forward line because with Salah gone, you are left thinking...who have they got?

"They've got Isak. They've got [Florian] Wirtz. They've got Ekitike, but he's going to be out [injured]. And you’ve got [Cody] Gakpo, and [Ryan] Ngumoha.

"There's no doubt they'll need another striker in there, and a forward that's ready to go, and ready to come in and score 15 goals.

"They are linked with Yan Diomande and he's a really talented player.

"He would add a lot to Liverpool, but what the fee would be, I'm not quite sure.

"It would obviously be a lot of money, and I guess if they do buy him, then they've watched him several times.

"So, I think it would be a good buy for them."

For FourFourTwo, it comes down to just how much value Liverpool would put on signing another player for a forward line that received big investment last summer.

Shearer is not wrong in his assessment that the squad is light on the wings, even if Ngumoha were to step up to play a more prominent role.

Gakpo and Federico Chiesa have their uses, but are not wingers you would especially want to build a renewed title charge around.

A youngster like Diomande who has already shown what he can do in a Big Five league and still has room to get better feels like a very very solid investment.

Shearer's claims that they need another centre-forward is valid given Ekitike looks set to miss roughly the first half the season - and a 15-goal striker, rather than a 30-goal player, feels about right given the Frenchman was a rare shining light for the side last season and will not be out indefinitely.

It is clear that Liverpool desperately need recruits in the back line, however, so quite how far they deign to go with that may come down to a resource allocation issue and what sales they are able to secure in the window.

Liverpool have identified several back up options in case they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian is one of the Reds' key targets this summer, but RB Leipzig are determined to not lose the winger for less than their valuation.

That complicates things for Liverpool, who have already had a bid rejected for the attacker.

Liverpool are well prepared in case Diomande deal doesn't come off

The two clubs have reportedly been in talks for several weeks now, with an offer of around £86m reportedly rebuffed by the German side.

That has led to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs identifying three alternative options, including one already playing in the Premier League, who Liverpool will pursue if they are unable to get Diomande over the line.

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Included in their backup options is Brighton and Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, who has impressed on the South Coast since his move from Newcastle United.

He is joined by Köln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with pace a key attribute being targeted by the Reds.

In a post on X, Jacobs wrote that all were "options in case Diomande doesn’t arrive" and added that Bradley Barcola was "another player Liverpool have looked at this summer".

With Mo Salah moving on this summer, the Merseyside club are looking to invest in some young talent as they look to build a squad that can compete for the Premier League under new boss Andoni Iraola.

They are already close to signing Osasuna and Spain winger Victor Munoz, after hijacking Newcastle's move for the same player.

The exciting youngster was close to a move to St James' Park before Liverpool triggered his release clause.

His move is expected to be confirmed in the near future.

Whether or not Diomande follows will depend on how much Liverpool are happy to pay.

One of the World Cup's most coveted players has revealed the heartache fuelling his career at the top.

Yan Diomande made his World Cup bow for Ivory Coast and is considered hot property by Europe's elite with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain leading the hunt.

The RB Leipzig winger is already valued at £100 million and that figure could rise following a promising start in his homeland's opening Group E win over Ecuador.

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World Cup star Yan Diomande reveals family heartbreak

Diomande has enjoyed a meteoiric rise at the highest level since a half-season spell at La Liga outfit Leganes opening the door to a switch to the Bundesliga.

The winger made his debut in a narrow Copa del Rey defeat to Real Madrid in February 2025 before moving on to Leipzig that summer in a €20 million deal.

His star continued to shine during a debut season at the Red Bull Arena, where he registered 12 goals and eight assists from 33 German top-flight outings.

The 19-year-old also became the fourth-youngest player to reach double figures in a single Bundesliga campaign which has paved the way for his rising transfer stock.

But his route to the top has not been an easy one after a series of unsuccessful trials at the likes of Bournemouth, Chelsea, Rangers and Crystal Palace along the way.

Diomande's career has also been underpinned by tragedy after he revealed that his sister Roxane died last year at the age of just 15 from an alleged drink spiking.

"Remember when they took me on trial at Bournemouth? At Chelsea, Rangers, Olympiacos, Crystal Palace? Eze and Olise even came up to me after one training [session] and said, 'Yo kid, you’re really good'. But they still didn’t sign me," Diomande said on The Player's Tribune.

"Even the B teams in the MLS didn’t want me. I didn’t even know why. They never gave me a reason. The adults handled everything. They just kept taking me all around Europe, and everybody kept saying no.

"My visa was up. My dream was over. They sent me back to Africa, and we cried together. You were the one who never stopped believing. A few weeks later, I signed for Leganes and we cried different tears.

"That was back when I used to have emotions. Now, I don’t feel anything. It’s like I’m not even human. Since you died, I’m just blank."

Diomande has also vowed to preserve his sister's memory at the World Cup and beyond by living up to her prediction that he will be the the world's greatest player.

"This is my chance to show the whole world what you saw in me," said Diomande. "Every time I score, I’ll make sure everybody knows your name. I’ll make sure they don’t forget you.

"You always said that I could be better than Cristiano. If I see him there, I’ll tell him hello for you.

"I’m going to do what you predicted, I swear. Before I even had real boots, you were telling everybody, 'My brother is going to be the greatest in the world'. I will prove that you were right, or I will die trying."

Arsenal have made two moves for wonderkids, as they look to strengthen their squad for the future.

The Gunners are still riding high on the back of their first Premier League title since 2004, but they're not resting on their laurels.

Instead, they've made moves for two prodigious teenage talents, according to seperate reports, as they look to ensure they remain competitive for years to come.

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Arsenal make moves to sign teenagers from Leicester City and Georgian side Kolkheti 1913

Firstly, the North Londoners have submitted a bid to Leicester City for their 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga.

Monga made headlines back in 2025 when he made his Premier League debut, aged just 15 years and 271 days, when he was brought off the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Leicester have since suffered back-to-back relegations and are now in League One, leaving Arsenal in a strong position to prize away one of their young stars.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal have submitted a bid to the Foxes for the youngster, stating that a deal is "moving quickly" and that there is optimism that a deal will be done.

However, that's not the only move the Gunners have made to try and secure their future, with a bid set to be submitted for Georgian starlet Andria Bartishvili.

The attacking midfielder progressed through the youth ranks at Dinamo Tbilisi and is now on the books of side Kolkheti 1913.

The 17-year-old has even been referred to as "the new Kvaratskhelia" by local media following an impressive individual display during which he scored a brace against Kazakhstan U17s in an international tournament in 2025.

The BBC's Sami Mokbel has claimed that Arsenal are set to make a pre-contract offer for Bartishvili, saying that talks are ongoing.

It's believed that other teams are in the race for the teenager, but Arsenal are ready to make their move.

Should the Gunners seal both signatures, they could be well set up for the future, as they look to ensure that they aren't waiting more than 20 years for their next Premier League title.

Liverpool are making a habit of beating Newcastle to their summer transfer targets, after plucking Hugo Ekitike right from under their noses last year.

This time around, the Reds have obtained what is likely to be key signing for new manager Andoni Iraola.

The Basque boss will follow at Anfield in the stuttering footsteps of recently departed Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to almost nothing but misery in the 2025/26 season.

Liverpool scupper Newcastle again in transfer deal for highly-valued 22-year-old

Liverpool have triggered the £34 million release clause of Newcastle's summer transfer window target.

The 22-year-old, moving from Osasuna to Merseyside, has already completed his medical, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 22-year-old averaged over two dribbles at 40+% completion in La Liga this season, and nearly nine duels won per game.

His completion rate in those actions hovered at around the same figure: a forward truly unafraid to press and get stuck in.

In terms of creativity, this could be considered Munoz's key failing, however, the profile is there to be developed with so few young attackers excelling at both scoring and assisting.

For now, he will make a strong enough back-up to arguably oust a terribly poor Cody Gakpo from the left flank, should the Dutchman's abysmal form from last season continue in the Premier League.

Liverpool are expected to make other key signings, firmly in the mix for Yan Diomande and a breakout 2026 World Cup star, with the best player in their modern history, Mohamed Salah, departing at the end of their previous campaign and leaving a craterous hole to be filled.

Victor Munoz is the name in question: a La Liga standout for Osasuna last season who bagged six goals in 31 starts for his Spanish side.

Newcastle were initially believed to be winning the race for his signature, however, the Reds had other plans.

News of Munoz's Anfield arrival has been corroborated by transfer expert David Ornstein, with the 22-year-old joining after a late swoop.

Liverpool staff conducted the youngster's medical in the United States, following a speedy pursuit from Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.

The Osasuna attacker is known for his complex game, perhaps not a standout star in any one attribute, but a solid all-round option.

Arsenal are looking to build on their strongest season yet under Mikel Arteta with a busy transfer window this summer.

Arsenal prevailed as Premier League champions at the fourth time of asking under the Spaniard, and made it to an rare Champions League final.

Unfortunately for Arteta's men, PSG prevailed in Europe, however, a strong summer transfer window is looming for the Gunners, now weighing up a move for one of a full-back misused by ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.

Arsenal weigh up the move for an exciting European full-back, rivalling Manchester City and Newcastle for his signature

According to a report from Sport Witness, Arsenal are weighing up a move for Ivan Fresneda, one of Europe's most sought after full-backs.

The Spaniard rose to prominence at Real Valladolid in La Liga, before making the move to Sporting Lisbon in 2023.

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Fresneda's release clause currently sits at €80 million, with the Primeira Liga side deeming him untouchable.

Despite this, the 21-year-old, a long-term target of Arsenal's and more recently Newcastle, is attracting enough potential suitors to possibly soften Sporting Lisbon's stance.

Fresneda struggled to excel during the managerial tenure of Ruben Amorim, making just 10 appearances during his debut season in 2023.

The arrival of Rui Borges prevented a quick departure to Como, who saw something in the young talent that ex-Manchester United boss Amorim did not, making tactical changes and aiding Fresneda in developing his mentality.

Fresneda was a standout player for Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League this season, particularly against eventual winners PSG.

The 21-year-old covered 11km and recorded nine defensive contributions in a 2-1 win over the the two-time champions.

While it would appear silly to suggest that Arteta could have been swayed by that performance in particular when looking back at the 2025/26 season, it remains possible.

PSG look to be the dominant European force for years to come, and if Arteta is to break Arsenal's Champions League curse, then perhaps a strong move for a player who knows how to beat the French champions and is also being pursued by the Gunners' biggest domestic rivals makes too much sense to pass up.

Arsenal have agreed the signing of a new young talent, as manager Mikel Arteta gears up for a huge summer of business.

The Gunners have enjoyed their most successful season in two decades, ending their Premier League title drought, along with reaching the finals of both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

But while FourFourTwo understands that Arteta is currently taking time off, the recruitment team are working hard to make sure Arsenal improve on a winning squad and begin a dynasty in N5.

Arsenal strike wonderkid transfer ahead of Liverpool

Despite a huge influx of investment in the first team last summer, Arsenal remain committed to strengthening with youth, too, as several prospects have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

World Cup 2026 star Ayyoub Bouaddi is reportedly on the radar of both Arsenal and Liverpool, while Leicester City starlet Jeremy Monga could well jump ship following the Foxes' relegation to League One, and link up with the English champions.

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Now, the father of Larne teenager Phoenix Blayney has revealed that his son has agreed a pre-contract with Arsenal, as per the Belfast Telegraph.

Alex Blayney, a former Northern Irish goalkeeper himself, has revealed that triallist Phoenix will join the Gunners on professional terms when he turns 17 in November 2027, noting that Liverpool were also in the race.

“Phoenix enjoyed being at Arsenal, he felt a con­nec­tion there and really likes the coaches,” Blayney Snr revealed. “One of his good friends, Daniel Mccar­ron, has joined the club and that’s prob­ably one of the reas­ons, too. He and Daniel play in the same North­ern Ire­land team.”

Arsenal have made significant effort to revamp their goalkeeping department, headed by first-team goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, in recent years – with Kepa Arrizabalaga brought in as no.2 between the sticks last summer, and the likes of Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard acquired for the academy.

2008-born Jack Porter, meanwhile, made his senior debut for the club in 2024 at the age of just 16, after both David Raya and Setford were injured, and the club's then-deputy Neto was cup-tied.

Arsenal have signed a senior goalkeeper every year of Arteta's tenure, with Kepa (2025) following Neto (2024), Raya (2023, on loan, before a permanent move was triggered 12 months later), Matt Turner (2022), Aaron Ramsdale (2021), Mat Ryan and Alex Runarsson (both 2020).

FourFourTwo understands that Blayney is not seen as an immediate option for first-team football and will be eased into the senior set-up in time at London Colney.

It feels as though Liverpool were in danger mere months after their Premier League title victory in 2024/25 of letting that domestic dominance slip.

With the long-awaited sacking of Arne Slot, and subsequent arrival of Basque manager Andoni Iraola, hope has been restored - Liverpool are now in talks to sign a major World Cup breakout star.

They will rival Arsenal for the player's signature, as they shed the old guard and turn to rising talents to lead the Reds' next project forward.

Liverpool to sign major 2026 World Cup breakout star, rivalling Arsenal for Morocco international's signature

Liverpool are no strangers to the perks of African brilliance - they just saw the end of a stellar nine year reign from the Premier League's greatest ever, Mohamed Salah.

Elsewhere, the Reds appear to be trying with all their might to see the arrival of Ivory Coast's Yan Diomande as his replacement this summer.

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But who better to target than the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions? According to transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and TEAMTalk's Graeme Bailey, that's where they're looking.

Ayyoub Bouaddi, who featured in FourFourTwo's 'The Boy's A Bit Special' series, is the target of a Reds raid, and Arsenal.

And his stock has arguably never been higher, a true standout at just 18 years of age against Brazil, showing the world stage that his side's run to the semi-finals in 2022's Qatar tournament was no fluke.

FourFourTwo's Joe Donnohue saw it coming, writing: "In terms of up-and-coming No.6/No.8s across world football, there are few as accomplished on the field as Bouaddi.

"Few appear as capable of making the jump to a higher level... more robust on the floor than most central midfielders, never mind players of a similar age to him," he continued.

Of the Reds links, transfer expert Romano stated that both Arsenal and Liverpool have held meetings with Bouaddi's agent.

The 18-year-old Morocco international, currently a Lille player, will now reflect on which offer stands tall after the 2026 World Cup, with surely much more to give on the largest of international stages.

"A useful bellwether for young players is assessing not how much they get right, but how little they get wrong," stated Donnohue – Liverpool remain firmly at the table to sign a player whose composure and talent lies far beyond his age suggests.

Liverpool have embarked on their second manager change in three summers.

Arne Slot initially replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool head coach in May 2024 and memorably won them the Premier League during his first season at the helm.

However, things unravelled very quickly for the Dutchman as the Anfield club's title defence disintegrated within months and led to him being unceremoniously sacked.

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Liverpool winger's future changed by Arne Slot sacking

It is no secret that Slot had something of a fractious relationship with several players in the Reds' dressing room and was notably at loggerheads with Mohamed Salah.

The Egypt international did not hold back in his public criticisms of the former Feyenoord boss after agreeing to end his nine-year stay on Merseyside last season.

Federico Chiesa was another who fell out of favour under Slot and failed to start a single Premier League fixture last season as his former manager spectacularly faltered.

The Italy winger even appeared in the frame for a return to Serie A with former club Juventus reportedly prepared to consider a move during the January transfer window.

Although a deal failed to materialise, Chiesa continues to attract interest from his homeland with Champions League newcomers Como ready to rival the Bianconeri.

However the 28-year-old could be set to hold out for a previously unlikely stay with Liverpool despite touting a move away in the search for regular first-team football.

"If I don't find consistency in the Premier League, I'll have to look elsewhere," Chiesa recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I barely played in my first year at Liverpool, and in the last one, very little.

"I'll go on a training camp in the US, then I'll talk to the club and the new manager, Iraola, and we'll see."

According to TuttoJuve via Sport Witness, Chesa is now prepared to fight for his future with Slot's abrupt departure at the end of May credited with swaying his decision.

Chelsea have a lot of work to do in the transfer market this summer after a disappointing campaign in 2025/26.

With Xabi Alonso coming in as manager, there was always going to be some upheaval in the Chelsea squad.

Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid has now been confirmed, so the Blues need a new left-back and their reported top target is a player they're all too familiar with.

Chelsea want to bring Lewis Hall back to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea had been eyeing up Nathaniel Brown, but the German is heading to Bayern Munich instead. That has left Chelsea turning their attention firmly to former Blues ace Lewis Hall.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Newcastle United man could be on his way back to West London in a £60million move.

Hall became one of Newcastle United's most expensive signings of all time when he joined from Chelsea in a deal worth around £35million in 2024, following a successful loan spell with the club.

But, with the Magpies under pressure to sell to appease SCR rules, they could be forced to let Hall go for a tidy profit.

That news will come as a blow to Michael Carrick and Manchester United, who also have Hall on their shortlist for this summer. Either way, it is believed Hall and his representatives are said to be open to moving on ahead of next season.

Hall didn't make the England World Cup 2026 squad, rather surprisingly, and as such, has plenty of time this summer to assess his options.

Chelsea have other targets on their radar, though. Alonso is keen to reunite with Bayer Leverkusen star Alex Grimaldo who, despite being 30-years-old now, knows the Spaniard's style of play inside out.

Juventus wing-back Andrea Cambiaso is also admired by Chelsea's recruitment team, particularly due to the fact he can play on the right or left.

In FourFourTwo's view, if Newcastle are looking to move Hall on at a price anywhere near the €40million that he is valued at on Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old could be a very shrewd signing for any leading Premier League clubs.

The deciding factor here is likely to be just how badly Newcastle - who have already banked £70million for Anthony Gordon this summer - need to sell.

After three years with Manchester City, the rumour mill started turning regarding Josko Gvardiol's future in England.

The Croatian defender signed for Man City for around £77 million and still has two years left on his current deal as things stand.

However, with Pep Guardiola departing this summer, reports suggested Gvardiol might move on, too, with a switch to Spain potentially on the cards.

Josko Gvardiol's Man City decision

Just days ago, it was reported that Barcelona had made an offer for Gvardiol. Then, Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti claimed Real Madrid were also keen.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old will sign a new deal at the Etihad and stick around for a few more years.

The transfer expert posted on Twitter/X: "Joško Gvardiol’s new deal at Man City until June 2031 will be sealed soon, as reported yesterday.

"Formal steps to follow. Staying."

In addition, Sportske Novosti said there is now "no doubt" about Gvardiol renewing his deal with City, with sporting director Hugo Viana working hard to seal the deal.

It is thought Real Madrid were ready to offer around £60-69 million for Gvardiol, ranked at no.7 in FourFourTwo's list of the best centre-backs in the world right now.

Given his talent and significance at City, it's surely unlikely such an offer would have been entertained anyway.

Regardless, it sounds like the new deal will be in place to keep Josko Gvardiol in Manchester for quite some time.

And in FourFourTwo's view, this is the right call for City, who will hugely benefit from keeping an experienced head at the back as the club gets set for a transitional period following Guardiola's exit at the end of last season.

Yan Diomande announced himself on the international stage with an impressive display for Ivory Coast against Ecuador at the World Cup.

The RB Leipzig man has been the subject of intense speculation surrounding his future for months, and clubs like Liverpool and PSG will be getting a good look at the winger now.

He may not have produced a goal contribution in his first appearance at the World Cup 2026, but Diomande showed flashes of brilliance and got the rumour mill moving again.

Yan Diomande is focused only on the World Cup despite Liverpool and PSG links

Liverpool have long been mooted as the likely destination for Yan Diomande, but the teenager may have other ideas.

Just last week, Diomande spoke of his admiration for PSG. However, now, his international manager has insisted transfer talk must wait until after the World Cup.

Speaking after the win over Ecuador, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé said: "When we were in France, during the preparation, journalists told me he was about to sign with PSG.

"Here, they tell me he's about to sign with Liverpool. I don't know, but for now, he will focus on the World Cup, and then afterwards, he can think about the rest of his career."

Diomande terrorised Arsenal's Piero Hincapie all night on Sunday and created five goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

Whatever his future holds, one thing is for sure: this is a player of huge talent who is going places. And his national team boss knows it.

Fae added: "Yan - what can I say? I can't put it into words. He's very talented, but beyond the talent, he's very young and he'll improve.

"He's a kid who works hard, has real team spirit, laughs with everyone, and he listens. He listens to the technical staff whenever he's given advice, and tries to do his best.

"It's easy to work with someone like Yan, he's so talented and has what is needed, plus he can give you the victory and was a real challenge for Hincapié, a Champions League finalist."

Yan Diomande is valued at €90million as per Transfermarkt. He will next be in action for Ivory Coast against Germany on Saturday, June 20 in Group E of the World Cup.

Crysencio Summerville is set to be a man in demand after West Ham's relegation.

The end of West Ham's eight-year stay in the Premier League has opened the door for a number of high-profile departures as they prepare for life back in the second tier.

Summerville is among the names tipped to depart the London Stadium and already has a growing list of suitors after his senior international call-up for the Netherlands.

West Ham's Crysencio Summerville drawing major interest

Clubs competing in next season's Champions League have already emerged as viable destinations with Aston Villa and AS Roma both credited with interest in Summerville.

However the 24-year-old could be in line for an even bigger move with Paris Saint-Germain now preparing to rival the pair for his signature in the summer window.

Reports in France claim the reigning European champions are preparing to take advantage of West Ham's perilous financial situation with an audacious double swoop.

The Londoners will need to free up £100 million in player sales as a result of losing their top flight status to avoid breaching Premier League and EFL financial fair play rules.

Les Parisiens are said to be targeting a combined €130 million deal for Summerville and teammate Mateus Fernandes as part of their latest squad evolution plans.

The ex-Leeds man's explosiveness is seen as a key driver in PSG's pursuit of him which is only set to be magnified by his exploits at the World Cup for his homeland.

Despite the Hammers' relegation campaign, he was named in Ronald Koeman's 26-man squad for the tournament and has repaid his manager's faith almost instantly.

Summerville scored his first international goal during his country's Group F opener with Japan, netting a left-footed strike that restored the Oranje's 2-1 lead in Arlington.

Although Koeman's side were level-pegged during the closing stages, his display at Dallas Stadium has put clubs on alert and will only drive up those potential options.

If PSG are determined to get their man, they may need to move very quickly.

Bayern Munich were sniffing around Ismael Saibari even before the World Cup began.

The PSV midfielder has reportedly been the subject of a €53m (£45.7m) bid from the German giants this week, with the Dutch club still holding out for all of the money up front from Bayern before a deal is done.

But Morocco international Saibari may well have put potential transfer rivals on alert with a brilliant goal in a strong showing against Brazil.

Contentious African champions Morocco came into this competition tipped to be a dark horse once again after making it to the semi-finals of the last World Cup out in Qatar.

Brazil meanwhile had plenty to prove after going through a difficult qualification campaign that led them to pull out the stops and move to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as manager last year.

That may only have had the effect of raising the expectation on the Selecao once again, though.

Brazil will be desperate to do better this year than the four quarter-final exits and a sole semi-final appearance from their past five World Cups…and even that semi turned out to be one of the most embarrassing nights in the country’s football history.

They were given more than a little scare that their first game of the competition might not go as planned as they fell behind to Morocco in the opening game of group C.

Brahim Diaz played a brilliant ball in behind the Brazilian defence, and Saibari timed his run perfectly to get clean through on goalkeeper Alisson.

The Liverpool stopper was left powerless outside his box, however, as Saibari lifted the ball perfectly over his head to put Morocco 1-0 up.

Getting the better of megastars like Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Alisson with such apparent ease, and on such a big stage, showed why Bayern are so keen to sign Saibari.

But that is the kind of high-profile strike that might well put other potential suitors on his scent - and Bayern could be well-advised to stop quibbling over a €5m add-on and stump up the cash before anyone else sneaks in the back door.

Belgian-raised Saibari has been at PSV since 2020, intitially playing in their youth team before becoming a first-team regular in 2022/23.

The 25 year old scored 19 goals in 37 games in all competitions for the Dutch side last season, playing a key role in their romp to the Eredivisie title.

It's been a frustrating few years of one step forward, one step back for Chelsea.

Chelsea ended up finishing a lowly tenth in the Premier League last season after their decision to replace Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior utterly failed to work out for them.

The Blues hope that the imminent arrival of Xabi Alonso as new head coach will put them back in contention for a Champions League place next season, and one former Blue star believes he knows the ideal summer signing for them...despite the man in question having a less than glittering history in the Premier League.

Marcel Desailly: Chelsea should sign Darwin Nunez

World Cup winner Marcel Desailly spent six years at Stamford Bridge after joining from a hugely successful Milan side in 1998, and still keeps a keen eye on his former side's fortunes.

And he believes that Chelsea and Darwin Nunez could actually be ideal, if unlikely, bedfellows for one another.

Much was expected of Nunez after he made the move from Benfica to Liverpool in 2022 in a deal worth up to a potential €100m.

But the Uruguayan often failed to live up to his billing throughout a mercurial three seasons at Anfield.

Nunez alternated wildly between scoring worldies that only he would have thought to score, and missing very presentable chances on goal.

That ultimately led the Reds decision-makers to offload him to Saudi side Al-Hilal last summer.

But Desailly thinks that Nunez was never particularly set up for success at Liverpool, and that being the spearhead of a Chelsea side where he is treated as the star player could bring the best out of him.

Speaking to Betway, the Frenchman said: "A player who would could suit the profile is former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.

"If you give him the confidence and belief, he will not feel shy because the people in the system are a higher grade than him.

"That is what happened to him at Liverpool. There were too many players higher grade than him, so he couldn’t express himself.

"At Chelsea, I’m sure he would express himself and perform."

Sure, because Chelsea are extremely well-known for providing a calm, stable platform for players to play without pressure or expectation/

Imagine if you were watching highlights of England at the World Cup, Harry Kane scored off a Jude Bellingham set-up, and the on-screen graphics credited the goal to 'Harry' with an assist by 'Jude'.

That is effectively what the BBC have done on their highlights of Thursday night's Group A clash between South Korea and the Czech Republic (or, yes, the Republic of Korea and Czechia, if that saves us suffering the very same kind of pedantry we are about to embark upon).

South Korea came from a goal behind to claim a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

BBC render South Korean names the wrong way around in on-screen captions

After years of exposure to the likes of Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min, you will know by now that Korean names are in 'reverse' order by English standards.

That is to say: the family name equivalent to a surname ('Park' or 'Son') is written and said first, while the given name equivalent to an English-language 'first name' comes afterwards.

However, the BBC's own on-screen graphics on their World Cup highlights of the game fail to make that distinction.

The Czechs' opener was given as to 'Krejci' with an assist by 'Coufal' - surnames both, of course - to confirm that the Beeb have not decided as a matter of policy to just be massively informal at this World Cup.

But South Korea's equaliser is given to 'In-Beom' with an assist from 'Kang-In' - which should really have read as a goal by Hwang, assist by Lee.

It was a similar story when Feyenoord's Hwang set up the winner ten minutes from time by teeing up substitute Oh... or 'Hyeon-gyu', as the caption read.

If we're being generous, it seems likely that the player names have been fed into a database and the captions are being pulled from that automatically.

Nonetheless, it's something for the BBC to be mindful of for future games - and not just those involving South Korea.

In 2019, Japan asked foreign media to start using Japanese name order, which follows the same convention - although that call has gone almost entirely ignored, and the names are still being widely westernised by media and celebrities alike.

Ro Laren and Kira Nerys would be livid.