Alan Shearer has slammed England’s first half performance against Panama in the final group stage game of World Cup 2026.

Speaking at half-time with the score locked at a frustrating 0-0, the legendary striker-turned-pundit did not hold back in his assessment of the Three Lions’ stagnant display in New Jersey.

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Shearer says Rashford and Saka have not done enough with the ball

The former England captain directed his sharpest criticism toward wingers Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, accusing the Manchester United and Arsenal stars of failing to deliver quality despite seeing plenty of the ball.

Thomas Tuchel handed both forwards starting roles as part of a rotated side, but they struggled to break down Panama’s rigid defensive low block.

“I haven’t seen the stats but I can see it with my eyes that Rashford and Saka have been involved in a lot of what England have done but they haven’t done enough with it,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s been really disappointing from the first 10 minutes when we moved the ball with purpose and I expected us to carry that on but that hasn’t been the case.”

England have already booked their spot in the next round

While the first-half display has drawn heavy criticism online and in the commentary box, the stakes are relatively low for the Three Lions.

Tuchel’s men have already mathematically booked their spot in the Round of 32 following their opening matches in Group L.

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However, top spot in the group remains heavily up for grabs. A draw or a shock defeat against an already-eliminated Panama side could severely complicate their knockout stage pathway.

With a vital victory needed to guarantee a more favorable draw, England must dramatically step up their intensity and creativity in the second half if they want to avoid a frustrating slip-up.

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England have been really poor against Panama so far this evening in their final group game at the World Cup 2026.

The Three Lions are earning a fair amount of criticism on social media at the moment as they edge closer to half time with the score still at 0-0.

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As you can see in our World Cup live blog, the best chance so far has come from a pretty tame effort from Marcus Rashford, with Thomas Tuchel’s side struggling to open up a pretty weak opponent.

This really isn’t good enough from England, who beat Panama 6-1 in their previous meeting, and who should really be able to look a lot more dominant given the gulf between the two teams.

England slammed on social media

See below for just a few of the posts on X as fans and journalists alike react to this poor England performance so far…

Tuchel should be done for crimes against football.

This is pathetic

— • dave ellis • (@fullback03) June 27, 2026

This is outright bad at the moment from England.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 27, 2026

England really are a bore, aren't they? ??

— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) June 27, 2026

Have no connection with this England side at all. What’s the gameplay or the identity under Tuchel, pass it until we bore the other team to death. ?

Rubbish.

— W?s? H?? S????? (@WestHamSocial) June 27, 2026

Where are all the people who thought Gareth Southgate was the main problem with England’s ‘unentertaining’ style of play?
That 45mins against Croatia 2nd half is the only bit of football I’ve enjoyed under Tuchel so far… ?? #England

— David (@Swanny1882) June 27, 2026

This is certainly worrying for England, who may now find they’re not even going to win this group as Croatia are 1-0 up against Ghana in the other game at the time of writing.

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England were making great progress under Gareth Southgate, but Tuchel was hired to replace him as manager to help take the team to the next level.

So far, it’s not clear if that’s actually happening, with some of the selection decisions and tactics looking pretty uninspiring.

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At least England have a lot of options on the bench, so perhaps we’ll soon see some changes to this side as the players who’ve started just aren’t doing the business at the moment.

The post “Crime against football!” – Fans slam “pathetic” England as they struggle against Panama appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared the latest on Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.

The Red Devils have made the Portuguese midfielder a priority target as manager Michael Carrick looks to overhaul his engine room ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

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Manchester United update on Mateus Fernandes

According to Plettenberg, Manchester United are heavily locked in ongoing negotiations to secure the 21-year-old maestro.

Taking to X, the transfer insider revealed that United are completely “determined” to wrap up the deal and have no intention of backing down.

Plettenberg reported that personal terms are not an issue between the player and Manchester United.

Fernandes is understood to favor a move to Old Trafford, where the lure of Champions League football under Carrick remains a massive selling point.

With the player side effectively resolved, the only hurdle left is club-to-club negotiations.

West Ham are demanding a steep £85 million for their prized asset following their relegation to the Championship, and while United’s opening bids are expected to fall short of that valuation, internal club figures view the deal as a major priority.

Spurs giving Man United strong competition

Despite United’s confidence, they face a fierce battle from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs, now under the stewardship of Roberto De Zerbi, are eager to disrupt the transfer and are reportedly willing to meet West Ham’s aggressive £85 million asking price.

The North London side can offer highly competitive wage packages to tempt Fernandes, and their hierarchy has made building a dynamic midfield a top summer objective.

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It has been reported that Spurs too are in advanced talks with the player, having already held ‘positive’ talks.

However, Tottenham’s lack of elite European football could work against them, given their poor league performances in the last two years.

Reports suggest that the West Ham midfielder would prefer a move to Man United over Spurs.

While Spurs remain firmly in the mix and are actively applying pressure, Manchester United believe they hold the ultimate leverage due to Fernandes’ clear preference to wear the famous red shirt next season.

The post ‘Personal terms not an issue’ – Sky Sports man drops exciting Manchester United transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Como have submitted an offer for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, as per the latest from prominent transfer expert Ben Jacobs.

The newly-promoted Italian outfit, who recently shocked European football by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League under the stewardship of Cesc Fabregas, have made the versatile Englishman their marquee summer target to bolster their backline.

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Ben Jacobs update on Trevoh Chalobah

Writing on X, Ben Jacobs confirmed that Como have officially launched a bid for the 26-year-old center-back worth in excess of £22 million (roughly €27 million including add-ons), corroborating initial breaking reports from Italian transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio.

However, the initial proposal falls considerably short of Chelsea’s valuation.

According to Jacobs, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy is holding out for a package closer to £35 million.

Como have sent an offer for Trevoh Chalobah worth over £22m, as @DiMarzio called.

Chelsea’s are seeking a package of around £35m.? pic.twitter.com/yiKgziB0gl

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 27, 2026

Because Chalobah is a graduate of the Cobham youth academy, any potential sale represents “pure profit” on Chelsea’s financial books, giving the Blues strong motivation to maximize the fee as they restructure their squad under newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso.

Aston Villa lurking as World Cup displays boost value

While Como have made the first concrete move, they face competition from Aston Villa, who have also been linked with the English defender.

Furthermore, Chalobah’s market value is on a distinct upward trajectory. Currently away on international duty with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the defender was a surprise call-up by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel following an injury to Tino Livramento.

Expected to feature heavily in the tournament, a string of strong performances on the world stage will give Chelsea all the leverage they need to maintain their firm £35 million asking price.

With two years remaining on his current contract running until 2028, a fierce bidding war between the Italian suitors is expected to unfold in the coming weeks.

Who can Chelsea sign to replace Chalobah?

Should Chalobah complete his move to Italy, Chelsea have already laid the groundwork to immediately fill the void in their defensive ranks.

The Blues are operating with a clear transfer strategy under new manager Xabi Alonso, aiming to bring in physical, aggressive, and technically astute profile players suited for a back-three system.

The primary target to replace Chalobah is Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix.

Reports indicate that Chelsea have escalated their pursuit, holding direct club-to-club talks with Palace over an estimated £47 million move after the 26-year-old reportedly “said yes” to Alonso’s project.

Currently competing for France at the World Cup, Lacroix’s robust Premier League experience and rapid recovery pace make him the ideal candidate to slot straight into the starting XI.

Additionally, Chelsea have already finalized a £43 million deal for Atalanta’s highly-rated 21-year-old wing-back Marco Palestra.

While Palestra is a wider defensive option, his arrival alongside the pursued capture of Lacroix signals a complete and aggressive reshaping of Chelsea’s backline for the upcoming campaign.

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Manchester United and Tottenham reportedly both remain in active talks over the potential transfer of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Spurs’ talks have reached an advanced stage, but it seems Man Utd have also been at the table for some time now, with no clear indication yet of the player showing a preference to one club over the other.

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That’s according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who has posted on X about the latest on the situation, playing down talk that Fernandes has picked between United or Tottenham at this stage.

See below for details in Jacobs’ X post…

Manchester United and Spurs both in talks with Mateus Fernandes and West Ham.

Suggestions the player has decided on a club are premature as of this morning.

Spurs have held advanced talks with the player, while Manchester United discussions ongoing since May.

Both clubs are… pic.twitter.com/8tpvlxPJLB

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 27, 2026

“Manchester United and Spurs both in talks with Mateus Fernandes and West Ham. Suggestions the player has decided on a club are premature as of this morning,” Jacobs said.

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“Spurs have held advanced talks with the player, while Manchester United discussions ongoing since May. Both clubs are in active talks with West Ham. A £90m cash injection, plus multiple suitors, mean West Ham have to date stuck to their asking price.”

He added: “Further clarity expected soon. Not a saga the clubs or player want to drag out beyond July.”

Mateus Fernandes transfer and the alternatives for whoever misses out

Fernandes is one of many top class midfielders on the market this summer, with some movement already taking place.

Elliot Anderson looks set to join Manchester City, as per the Athletic and others, while United also already have a deal in place to sign Ederson from Atalanta, according to BBC Sport.

Fernandes looks like he could be another good addition for MUFC, but Spurs will no doubt hope they can get there first.

More Stories / Latest News

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Jun 28 2026, 0:46

Who England could play next in the World Cup after winning Group L

Jun 28 2026, 0:09

Alan Shearer slams England first-half display, singles out ‘disappointing’ Man United and Arsenal stars

Jun 27 2026, 23:17

Then again, the north Londoners have also been linked strongly with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali by the Daily Mail and others.

Other names to watch will surely be the likes of Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, while there’s also been a lot of buzz about Lille and Morocco wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The post “Advanced talks” held as Man United & Tottenham transfer saga should be resolved soon appeared first on CaughtOffside.

One of Arsenal’s coaches, Sam Wilson, is reportedly leaving the club as there continue to be changes made to Mikel Arteta’s staff.

According to BBC Sport, Wilson seems to be content to try a new challenge, with the expectation being that he’s already in line for a more senior role at another club.

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Wilson was Arsenal’s ‘lead performance coach’, and the BBC note that there have been some links with Juventus due to the presence of another former Gunners coach there.

It seems Wilson may have been largely behind this decision to move on, but it comes as Arsenal make other changes to their staff and medical team.

Mikel Arteta keeping things fresh at Arsenal

As well as Wilson, we’ve also seen Arsenal sack their head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal after a number of injury problems in the last two seasons.

The Premier League champions don’t seem content to sit still after their success in 2025/26, with the team finally ending a 22-year wait to win the title again, while they also reached only their second ever Champions League final, losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.

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Jun 28 2026, 0:46

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Alan Shearer slams England first-half display, singles out ‘disappointing’ Man United and Arsenal stars

Jun 27 2026, 23:17

This success also followed other changes at the Emirates Stadium last summer, when former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze joined Arteta’s coaching staff, while Andrea Berta also took over from Edu as sporting director.

In general, it seems like the policy at Arsenal is to keep freshening things up to avoid any resting on laurels so that the club can continue to be competitive and unpredictable.

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The post Arsenal coach leaves as club continue revamp of title-winning staff appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s reps met Liverpool yesterday afternoon, according to club sources as revealed by a prominent ITK account on X.

The prominent transfer insider broke the news, stating that the Lille midfielder’s camp held face-to-face talks with Anfield chiefs as the race for the highly-rated wonderkid intensifies.

Taking to X, the ITK reported: “Exclusive: Ayyoub Bouaddi’s reps met@LFCyesterday afternoon, according to club sources.”

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Ayyoub Bouaddi’s reps met Liverpool

The reported meeting marks a significant step up in Liverpool’s pursuit of the midfield prodigy.

With Europe’s elite clubs circling, the Reds’ hierarchy looks keen to position themselves at the front of the queue.

Bouaddi has been under the microscope of Premier League scouts for months, but the direct nature of yesterday’s reported meeting suggests Liverpool are exploring the financial framework required to pry him away from France.

Reports suggest Lille could demand a fee upwards of £60 million to £70 million for their prized asset.

While Arsenal and Real Madrid have also been heavily linked with the player, Liverpool’s aggressive move to hold direct talks signals their clear intent to secure a marquee midfield signing.

Strong competition for Bouaddi: Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid among clubs interested

Liverpool are far from alone in their admiration for the teenage sensation, and securing his signature will mean outmaneuvering some of the richest clubs in world football.

Premier League champions Arsenal have reportedly been trailing Bouaddi for months, maintaining regular contact with his camp as Mikel Arteta looks to future-proof his midfield engine room.

Chelsea are also firmly in the mix, keen to add another elite young profile to their project.

Meanwhile, Spanish giants Real Madrid have been tracking him closely, with chief scout Juni Calafat reportedly keeping tabs on his progress.

Adding to the intense competition, the player’s camp has made it clear that he will only entertain an approach from a club that can guarantee him a key first-team role next season.

Why Ayyoub Bouaddi is a highly-sought after youngster this summer

At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has evolved into one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

The defensive midfielder possesses a rare blend of physical stature, tactical intelligence, and technical elegance that defies his youth.

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He rose to prominence by breaking records as the youngest player to ever feature in a European club competition for Lille, and his reputation has skyrocketed even further this summer.

Representing Morocco on the grandest stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bouaddi put in a masterclass performance against Brazil, winning plaudits globally for his press-resistance and exceptional positional awareness.

With over 60 Ligue 1 appearances already under his belt, he boasts a level of top-tier experience rarely seen in teenagers.

His ability to anchor a midfield, shield the backline, and progress the ball cleanly makes him the prototypical modern anchor, making it no surprise that Liverpool are pushing hard to wrap up a deal.

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The officiating at the FIFA World Cup is coming under increasing scrutiny over the past week, following a series of strange decisions, and a general impunity towards physical play. Spain were the victims of both during their clash against Uruguay, and look set to pay the price.

La Roja have not been particularly impressive so far in their opening three games, only really kicking into gear against Saudi Arabia for the first half. De la Fuente has defended his side’s play throughout, and again said that his side did well to compete in a scenario that was not familiar to them.

“This team’s work is worthy of praise. We aren’t used to playing matches like this, yet we handled it well. From now on, the demands will be greater, but I believe this team is very solid. It is worth highlighting that this team concedes few goals and is capable of scoring plenty. They surprise me every day. This match was worlds apart from our usual style of play, yet we knew how to handle it,” he told Diario AS.

“I hope we can play normal matches”

Late on in the encounter, Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, but in Spain, there were significant complaints about the permissiveness of the referee. De la Fuente said he hoped his side could play ‘normal games’.

“I continue to admire Marcelo Bielsa. It is the players who play the matches. We knew it was going to be an extremely demanding game. It isn’t the type of match where we feel most comfortable. But that is what the referee is there for. It was a match played right on the edge, with extreme physicality. And we rose to the occasion.”

“Refereeing is difficult, but that is what VAR is for, to help in all kinds of matches. I hope we can play normal matches. regarding the challenges for the ball and the intensity, and focus on the football itself. I don’t want to talk about the referees anymore. I have enough to worry about regarding the game itself. Ultimately, everyone has their own responsibilities.”

De la Fuente confirmed that Yeremy Pino has suffered a shoulder injury, and he could be out of the remainder of the tournament as a result. Nico Williams is also a doubt, both being involved in aggressive challenges from their opponents.

De la Fuente: Demands at World Cup are different to Euros

During the clash with Uruguay, La Roja managed just a single shot on target from Alex Baena, which proved to be the difference. De la Fuente explained that it was no surprise his side were not performing as they did during their swashbuckling Euro 2024 win.

“I have blind faith in this team, knowing that the demands of a World Cup differ from those of the European Championship. The national teams we face have different characteristics. The starting point is different, but I have total and absolute confidence in this squad. I believe that, with our 34-game unbeaten run, we have surpassed Brazil. That shows this team aims for the highest level, and I think we are on the right track.”

Nonetheless, Spain qualified first, and will face the runner-up of Group J in the Round of 32. That is currently set to be Austria, but Algeria can overtake them with a win in their final match.

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move away from the club.

According to a Belfast-based football agent, David Lavelle, the Netherlands International could be on his way out of the club soon. In an interview via SportWitness, Lavelle has claimed that the Dutch International is likely to be on his way out of the club, along with Mohamed Salah.

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Virgil van Dijk set to leave?

While speaking about Alisson Becker’s potential exit, he mentioned that the Liverpool captain could be on his way out.

He said: “Players of the calibre of Salah and Van Dijk are about to leave, and you need an older player in the dressing room. I think the Reds want to keep him (Alisson) for that reason.”

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Liverpool must keep Van Dijk at the club

The 34-year-old defender has been exceptional for Liverpool since joining the club from Southampton, and he has helped them win every single trophy at the club level. He is an indispensable asset for the club, and they simply cannot afford to lose him.

He has a contract with Liverpool until 2027, and naturally, there is speculation surrounding his future. Liverpool will not want to lose him for free next year. Ideally, they should look to tie him down to a short-term extension.

He is still a top-quality defender and one of the best in the world. Liverpool simply cannot afford to lose a player like him if they want to bounce back strongly next year and fight for major trophies.

Regardless of what the football agent has claimed, it is extremely unlikely that Liverpool will sanction his departure any time soon. Perhaps Lavelle made the comments because of his contract situation and the fact that he could be on his way out of Liverpool next summer. However, any exit this summer is simply out of the question.

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Christian Norgaard has struggled for regular opportunities at Arsenal since joining the club, and he might need to leave in order to play more often.

According to Sports Boom, Crystal Palace is prepared to provide him with an exit route. The player is surplus to requirements at Arsenal, and they are unlikely to stand in his way.

The midfielder will look to get his career back on track with regular opportunities, and joining the Eagles would be ideal. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can finalise a deal.

Crystal Palace need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 32-year-old would be a short-term acquisition. Apart from his quality, he is a leader, and he could prove to be an excellent addition to the Crystal Palace dressing room. They will be competing in Europe next season, and Norgaard could prove to be a very handy option for them on and off the pitch.

The opportunity to compete at a high-level will be exciting for the Danish midfielder as well. Meanwhile, he has also been linked with a return to his former club Brondby.

It remains to be seen what the player decides. He has shown his quality consistently in the Premier League with Brentford. There is no doubt that he has the ability to succeed at Crystal Palace as well. Perhaps staying in the Premier League with the Eagles for now would be ideal. He will have plenty of opportunities to return to his homeland and play for his boyhood club in future. He is still at the peak of his career, and he could make a useful contribution at the London club.

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Chelsea are hoping to sign the AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone during the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Il Messaggero, the player is interested in a move to the Premier League as well.

The 24-year-old has shown his quality in Germany and Italy. He has the physical and technical attributes for English football and could be an important addition to Chelsea’s midfield. Enzo Fernandez has been linked with the move away from the club. Kone could be a quality replacement.

Along with Chelsea, Arsenal are interested in signing the player. It remains to be seen which of the two clubs can get the deal done.

The 24-year-old central midfielder will add control, defensive cover and drive to the midfield. He has the technical attributes to play for a big club, and he could be available for a reasonable fee as well. Roma need to raise funds to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules, and they are prepared to sell the player.

Kone will be hoping to sort out his future quickly. He is entering the peak years of his career, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League would be ideal. He will look to establish himself as a key player at the top club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal need more quality in the midfield as well. They should look to bring in an upgrade on Christian Norgaard. The Premier League champions will be able to provide Champions League football next season, and they could be an attractive destination for the player. It remains to be seen which of the two clubs can convince the player to join.

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The fairytale of the World Cup so far certainly belongs to Cape Verde. The Atlantic archipelago, consisting of a population of just 800,000 people, have made it through to the knockout stages of the tournament on their debut.

Qualifying top of their group in Africa, little was expected of Cape Verde despite besting Cameroon in the qualification process. They proved the doubters wrong in their opening game though, battling to a heroic 0-0 draw with European champions Spain. A 2-2 draw with Uruguay followed, showing that they very much belonged to this level, and in their final group game, Cape Verde held out for a third 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde find out they’re in the knockout stages

Their final result left Cape Verde sitting second in the group, ahead of Uruguay on two and Saudi Arabia on two. With Uruguay’s game against Spain finishing after their own though, and the South American side trailing by a single goal, Uruguay could have sent them down to third with an equaliser.

The moment Cape Verde secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup ??? pic.twitter.com/nsUcOCtSRX

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2026

A nervy finish for Cape Verde ???

They were left waiting on the result of Spain v Uruguay to confirm their place in the knockout stages.

Their reaction says it all… ? pic.twitter.com/i3FpVKTCq2

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 27, 2026

Cape Verde celebrate history. ??

Fans and players together after sealing a historic knockout qualification on their World Cup debut.

Pure emotion. ??#WorldCupwithMicky#CapeVerde pic.twitter.com/lHSmGwh9eC

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 27, 2026

It left the Cape Verde watching the final moments of Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay on a phone, before eventually breaking out into wild scenes of celebration.

Moments no one can ever take away from Cape Verde. ????#FIFAWorldCup | ? @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/r6XCxhThxh

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 27, 2026

What next for Cape Verde?

The Cape Verdean national team, led by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and captain Garry Rodrigues, will face another dream tie in the Round of 32, coming up against a fellow aging star. None other than world champions Argentina and tournament top-scorer Lionel Messi await them in the next round in Miami. That game will take place on Friday the 3rd of July.

Cape Verde dressing room after making history. pic.twitter.com/gvKCDLHNMn

— ??????? (@Varticoo) June 27, 2026

Few will give them any hope of progressing through that tie, but then again, the statistic doing the rounds is that Cape Verde were only given a 1% chance of making it through to the knockout stages in the first place.

The post VIDEO: Insane scenes as Cape Verde find out they’ve qualified for World Cup knockout stages appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea is now closing in on the capture of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

The 21-year-old right back was on loan at Cagliari last season, and he impressed with the Italian club with his regular performances. He scored once and picked up four assists in Serie A.

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Chelsea have been eyeing Marco Palestra for a while

According to former Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi, Chelsea have been tracking the talented young defender for quite some time and have made constant enquiries about the player over the past year.

“Chelsea and Manchester City had been following him for a year. They were always at the stadium, at Cagliari and away from home,” he said to SportMediaset.

“They kept calling me. They wanted to know everything. Obviously they already had all the data, but they were looking for information about the boy’s character and his qualities.”

Palestra is highly rated across Europe, and he could prove to be a quality long-term investment for Chelsea. They have Reece James and Malo Gusto at their disposal, but Gusto has been linked with an exit this summer.

The arrival of the Italian defender will certainly push the Frenchman down the pecking order. It seems that it could only be a matter of time before the defender leaves the club. He has been linked with Manchester City in recent weeks. He is expected to reunite with the former Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca.

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Palestra could be an asset for the Blues

Meanwhile, Palestra will be hoping to establish himself as a key player for Chelsea in the coming seasons. It remains to be seen whether he can compete with and dislodge James from the starting lineup.

Regular first-team football will be crucial to his development. The young defender will not want to sit on the bench at Chelsea. It remains to be seen whether they can provide him with the required opportunities and help him fulfil his potential.

Reports suggest that Chelsea is paying around £43 million to complete the deal. It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old can justify the investment in future.

The post “They kept calling me”: Chelsea close in on £43m transfer after months of scouting appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Arsenal and current Real Betis right-back Hector Bellerin says that the game is losing players to homophobia. Bellerin, 31, has always been outspoken about social issues and equal rights, and continues to advocate for change in football.

One of the topics he has not been afraid to speak on is the lack of openly homosexual players in the men’s game, and during an appearance on a Catalan talk show, Bellerin was asked about it again.

“It’s a question I get asked a lot and I haven’t met anyone,” he explained on Cara Al Show, as carried by RAC1.

“I once spoke to an anthropologist and he told me that players who don’t consider themselves heterosexual are moving up the age groups and leaving every year because they are not safe spaces,” he continued.

‘Football has same issues as society’ – Bellerin

Recently, during a friendly between Spain and Egypt at the RCDE Stadium, there were also anti-Muslim chants during the game. This is despite the fact Spain’s star man, Lamine Yamal, is himself a Muslim.

“Football has always been a reflection of society. The tense atmosphere that is felt and the impunity for certain behaviours have led to this type of behaviour being exhibited inside stadiums,” Bellerin opined.

Bellerin critical of Ukraine-Palestine comparison

The former Barcelona defender also criticised football’s lack of response over the genocide in Palestine, comparing it with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

“In football, many things were done with the war in Ukraine, with flags on the scoreboards and others, and here in Spain with the genocide in Palestine, only Athletic did something when it was impossible not to take a position,” Bellerin reflected.

Earlier this season, Athletic Club hosted a match between the Basque national team and the Palestine national team, with all proceeds going towards aid for people suffering in Gaza.

The post Hector Bellerin – ‘Non-straight players leave football because it isn’t a safe space’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger has been accused of racism by Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae, following the former’s comments on African football. Schweinsteiger appeared as a pundit analysing Germany’s World Cup clash with Ivory Coast, and called African football ‘unorthodox’.

Die Mannschaft crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Ecuador on Thursday, but were already through as group winners courtesy of wins over Ivory Coast and Curacao. Fae had not been made aware of Schweinsteiger’s comments following their clash with Germany, but it was brought up to him following their own win over Curacao.

Emerse Fae responds to Schweinsteiger: “We could call it racist”

Fae accused Schweinsteiger of perhaps seeking attention with his comments, and felt that they could be classed as racist.

“It is regrettable. We could call it racist. When I heard his comment, I was disappointed. I have no choice but to accept it,” he was quoted by Cadena Cope.

“I don’t agree with him. All I can do is show that we play not only physically but also tactically and technically. Schweinsteiger is a global star who may have faded from the spotlight and perhaps needs a bit of attention.”

What did Schweinsteiger say about African football?

In the build-up to Germany’s clash with Ivory Coast, Schweinsteiger appeared as a pitchside analyst, and was asked about their opponents’ style of play on Magenta.

He described it as “a bit African, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, and perhaps also a bit less constrained by tactics. We have to be prepared for it to be unpredictable,” he continued.

Certainly Schweinsteiger’s comments paint African football as less sophisticated, and less organised. The similarities with some of the descriptions of African people by former colonising powers clang uncomfortably in this day and age, and Fae’s response is entirely justified.

The post Ivory Coast manager accuses Bastian Schweinsteiger of racism for comments on African football appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ousmane Dembele stole the show for France as he hit a hat-trick in tonight’s 4-1 World Cup 2026 win over Norway.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward hit all three of his goals in the opening half an hour, and Desire Doue added his side’s fourth in this one-sided victory.

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France were superb for much of the game, and Dembele in particular, with Les Bleus continuing to look like the major favourites for this World Cup, while Dembele may well be heading for a second Ballon d’Or in a row.

Here’s a look at our France player ratings from tonight’s big win over Norway…

France player ratings

Mike Maignan – 9/10 – Bailed out his defence on a few occasions, including with a fine penalty save in the second half.

Jules Kounde – 6/10 – Not the most convincing game from Jules Kounde or indeed most of the France defence as this heavily rotated Norway side had their moments throughout the game.

Maxence Lacroix – 6/10 – Linked as a top transfer target for Chelsea by L’Equipe and others, Maxence Lacroix had a solid but unspectacular game for France on Friday night.

Dayot Upamecano – 7/10 – One of the stronger French defenders on the night, it was a typically strong and assured display from Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.

Theo Hernandez – 6/10 – Normally more of an attacking threat from left-back, we saw a slightly subdued performance from Theo Hernandez this evening.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 8/10 – Bossed the midfield, showing why Rio Ferdinand has urged his old club Manchester United to sign him from Real Madrid this summer.

Manu Kone – 7/10 – Not a guaranteed starter for France, but Manu Kone did himself no harm with an impressive performance tonight, albeit against an under-strength Norway side.

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Desire Doue – 8/10 – One of many exciting talents in this Les Bleus attack, Desire Doue was a threat throughout the game and added his team’s fourth with a well-taken header.

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? What a goal by Ousmane Dembele as he sealed his hat-trick for France against Norway!! ?? pic.twitter.com/u4BcJeZ8Bf

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) June 26, 2026

Ousmane Dembele – 10/10 – What a performance. What a player. Ousmane Dembele hit a hat-trick inside 32 minutes, and all three goals were of exceptional quality. If he carries on like this he’ll surely be leading France to the trophy.

Michael Olise – 6/10 – An uncharacteristically quiet game from Michael Olise, but admittedly not the most important one either.

Kylian Mbappe – 9/10 – No goals for Kylian Mbappe on this occasion, but two assists and a superb performance leading the line for France.

The post France player ratings: Ousmane Dembele hits hat-trick in World Cup win vs Norway appeared first on CaughtOffside.

England will reportedly be without Reece James for at least two World Cup games due to the Chelsea right-back’s problems with a hamstring injury.

James is known for being quite injury-prone, and yet Thomas Tuchel still decided to leave Real Madrid star and former Liverpool hero Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his squad for this summer’s World Cup.

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According to the Guardian, England are now in real trouble as James is expected to miss at least two games, meaning he’ll be out of the final group stage clash against Panama and the first knockout tie.

James is a huge loss for England, having generally shone for the national team whenever he’s been called upon, and Tuchel used him for 90 minutes in each of the team’s first two games at this World Cup.

England will struggle to replace Reece James

It looked a real gamble not to call up Alexander-Arnold this summer, and it’s already backfired badly for Three Lions boss Tuchel.

England now face having to use Djed Spence, Jarrell Quansah, or Ezri Konsa at right-back for their upcoming games, and all three are a significant downgrade on James.

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It will be interesting to see who Tuchel goes for, but it’s not going to be pretty if England have to take on big teams like France, Brazil, or Spain without a key player like James available.

Chelsea fans will also be nervous following this and will be hoping this doesn’t turn into another lengthy spell on the side-lines for James, who has missed so much playing time at Stamford Bridge in recent years with recurring fitness problems.

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France forward Ousmane Dembele is on fire against Norway this evening, with the Paris Saint-Germain star scoring two superb solo goals as part of a first-half hat-trick.

Dembele, who won the Champions League with PSG for a second season in a row, must be on course for a second Ballon d’Or in a row as well, with this World Cup only likely to boost his credentials.

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The 29-year-old scored 20 goals in 40 games in all competitions for PSG in 2025/26, and he’s now proving a star player for the French national team, who will be arguably the favourites to go all the way in this year’s World Cup.

If Dembele keeps scoring goals like this, it’s certainly hard to see who can stop Les Bleus from being crowned world champions, or indeed who can prevent Dembele being named the best player in the world again…

Ousmane Dembele’s superb brace for France against Norway

First Dembele zig-zagged his way through the Norway defence before a clinical finish with his right foot to make it 1-0 in the 6th minute…

France are off the mark after just 6 minutes ??

Check out this strike from Ousmane Dembélé… pic.twitter.com/qmkgAinx3E

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2026

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Then Dembele reminded us all just how two-footed he is with a sublime long-range strike with his left…

Ousmane Dembélé doubles France's lead with this spectacular hit ??? pic.twitter.com/ZeTeaO4whG

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2026

Finally, he did the business again for a hat-trick inside just 32 minutes…

Just like that, Ousmane Dembélé completes the hat-trick ? pic.twitter.com/wEfHyagtOm

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2026

Norway managed to pull one back to make the game interesting again, but it’s also worth noting that they’ve rested a lot of their best players, including Erling Haaland, for tonight’s game.

That will undoubtedly make things easier for Dembele and the rest of the France team, who are pretty much at full strength.

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Still, take nothing away from the quality of Dembele, with the former Barcelona man continuing to show just how much of a game-changer he is on the biggest stage.

Even if Ligue 1 isn’t particularly competitive for PSG, Dembele scored eight goals in 13 games for his club in the Champions League this season, including in the final victory over Arsenal.

The post Video: Ousmane Dembele shows Ballon d’Or credentials with stunning World Cup hat-trick appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City are reportedly still expected to try a transfer move for Sandro Tonali even after agreeing a deal for Elliot Anderson.

Tonali is valued at around £100m by Newcastle United, but it seems that won’t stop Man City, who are expected to step up their interest in the Italy international soon after frequent contacts in recent times.

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That’s according to the Telegraph, who have also provided some insight into Tonali’s thinking about all this, with the 26-year-old also ready to consider a proposal from Tottenham.

Spurs currently seem to be further ahead in the race for Tonali’s signature, but the Telegraph suggest that he’d have a decision to make if City also came in for him.

The race is on for Sandro Tonali

Tonali has shone at Newcastle, and it seems he has no shortage of suitors this summer, with City and Tottenham likely to be joined by Arsenal, according to BBC Sport.

That report also mentions that the Gunners like Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes, as well as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.

We’ve also previously been informed that Manchester United will be one to watch for Tonali, though that was when it looked like City were prioritising Anderson.

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It’s a bit of a surprise that MCFC also seem keen to bring in Tonali as well, as it perhaps raises questions about Rodri’s future.

It’s hard to see how City could possibly fit in all three of Rodri, Anderson, and Tonali into their midfield, so perhaps this points towards a major rebuild to cope with the experienced Spaniard’s departure.

Rodri to leave Man City?

While it’s by no means certain that Rodri will leave, there has been noise to that effect in recent times.

Fabrizio Romano posted on YouTube about Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri, and it’s certainly hard to envisage him staying if he’s going to face competition from potentially over £200m’s worth of spending in the form of Anderson and Tonali.

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Arsenal are reportedly preparing a second bid for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, though it’s still felt that they’re likely to fail with their approach.

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The message from Newcastle is that Guimaraes is not for sale, but it seems Arsenal are still pushing to land the Brazil international, according to the Daily Mail.

It’s been a busy 24 hours or so in the Guimaraes to Arsenal transfer saga, with a round-up below of some of the key stories…

• Yesterday, the Daily Mail broke the story of Arsenal’s interest in Guimaraes.
• David Ornstein later reported for the Athletic that Arsenal made a verbal £60m offer for the 28-year-old.
• Further reports from BBC Sport have linked Arsenal with an interest in both Guimaraes and his Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali.
• Earlier this evening, the Telegraph reported on Newcastle wanting £100m for Guimaraes and feeling that it’s unlikely Arsenal would even come close to meeting that asking price.

Now the Mail have reported on this again, with Arsenal seemingly set to make another offer for the former Lyon man.

Do Arsenal need to spend big on Bruno Guimaraes?

Some Arsenal fans might feel this is precisely the kind of signing Arsenal need to give their midfield something different this summer.

Guimaraes is Premier League-proven, and arguably has more quality on the ball and more of a goal threat from the middle of the park than Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

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Still, it’s far from the weakest position in Arsenal’s squad, and it looks like it’s going to end up costing a lot of money, while this is also a player who’ll be turning 29 early next season.

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All in all, it perhaps seems slightly surprising that AFC are putting so much into this potential deal instead of someone younger, but perhaps Newcastle’s stance means it’s inevitably going to fail to materialise anyway.

The post Update: Arsenal to bid again for Bruno Guimaraes appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United reportedly don’t expect Arsenal to meet their £100m asking price for Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The 28-year-old has been the subject of interest from the Gunners, and it seems there is some concern inside St James’ Park about star players leaving.

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A source has been quoted by the Telegraph as saying: “We may as well pack up and go home if we sell them both (Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali) this summer.”

The report adds that Newcastle want £100m for Guimaraes, and they can’t see Arsenal even coming close to that fee.

Bruno Guimaraes looks overpriced

We’ll have to see how this pans out, but we’d probably agree that it’s hard to see Arsenal paying anywhere close to £100m for Guimaraes.

Put simply, even if the Brazil international is a fine player, he’s going to turn 29 in a few months and there’s just no value for money in paying quite that much for him.

Perhaps an offer like that two or three years ago would have been justifiable, but it doesn’t feel very Arsenal to splash the cash like that on a player with no resale value.

Newcastle to keep their stars?

Looking at this situation now, Newcastle seem to be playing hardball over their stars after the blow of losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, as well as Anthony Gordon to Barcelona already in this year’s window.

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In that context, it makes complete sense for NUFC to ramp up their asking prices for the likes of Tonali and Guimaraes.

This surely means we won’t see more exits from St James’ Park this summer, or it’s going to be a hell of a job for Eddie Howe’s side to recover.

The post Internal feeling at Newcastle about potential Arsenal bid for £100m-rated star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged Aurelien Tchouameni to join the club if he ends up leaving Real Madrid.

The Red Devils have been linked with Tchouameni several times by outlets such as the Telegraph and others, and it seems that Ferdinand has spoken with him about moving to Old Trafford.

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Ferdinand is clearly a big fan of Tchouameni, and you can see in the video below that he’s sent a direct message to the France international about coming to Man Utd if there’s any possibility of him leaving the Bernabeu…

Yoooo Tchouaméni if you are going to leave Madrid… Man United are waiting for you bro!!! #manchesterunited #halamadrid #fifaworldcup pic.twitter.com/yBNdgaRCqu

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 26, 2026

“If Tchouameni has half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man United have to be the first team at the door,” the former United defender said.

He added: “Tchouameni, I know we’ve had a few conversations in private, but man, I know you watch this show…looking down the lens right now at you, behind these shades, there’s only one club for you man. If you’re looking to leave Real Madrid, we are the club.”

Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United?

It seems clear that United need a new midfielder or two this summer, with Casemiro leaving at the end of his contract, while there could also be doubts over Manuel Ugarte, who hasn’t had much playing time after some unconvincing form.

Ederson is expected to join MUFC from Atalanta, as per BBC Sport, but Tchouameni could be another fine addition in that area of Michael Carrick’s squad.

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It sounds like Ferdinand has been doing his bit to win the player over, but we’ll have to see how realistic this is, as he’s also a key player for Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has been the subject of some recent controversy, though, having got into a serious fight with Los Blancos teammate Federico Valverde, as reported by Marca and others.

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Perhaps that will mean Tchouameni is tempted to leave, and that Real are open to a sale, and if so then United could do well to pounce.

Ferdinand is clearly keen, and fans will hope this can prove influential in this saga.

The post “We’ve had a few conversations…” – Rio Ferdinand drops exciting Man United transfer message appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ben Jacobs has some Liverpool transfer news that will excite fans as he thinks they could step up their interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi after the World Cup 2026.

Speaking to The Redmen, Jacobs explained that top clubs have long been aware of Bouaddi as a “serious talent”, and he’s now showing how good he is at this summer’s World Cup with the Moroccan national team.

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Still, Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of Bouaddi, with the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid also mentioned by the journalist.

See below for details, though, as Jacobs made it clear that Liverpool are one of the teams in for the 18-year-old, in a deal that could advance after he’s done with the World Cup…

"This one could develop." ?@dan_clubbe asks @JacobsBen about the #LFC interest in Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi ??

Liverpool Transfer Update | Expert Insight

Available now on the Redmen Plus App ?? pic.twitter.com/sxCsCXsrxD

— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) June 26, 2026

“There’s two clubs that are in to him from the Premier League, along with, for example, Real Madrid, who have looked, and PSG, and that’s Liverpool and Arsenal,” Jacobs said.

“This one could develop. Liverpool like the profile, he’s going to be one of the hottest properties in world football. It wouldn’t at all surprise me if Liverpool advanced this after the World Cup.”

He added: “The asking price at the moment is roughly €75-80m.”

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Where should Ayyoub Bouaddi move this summer?

It seems inevitable that Bouaddi is going to be on the move sooner or later, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

If it comes down to Liverpool or Arsenal, he’d surely do better to choose the latter right now after their Premier League title success in the season just gone.

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Still, Arsenal also have a lot of competition for places in that area of the pitch, so Bouaddi might do better to choose Liverpool if he wants to play more regularly straight away.

The Reds look like they need to make some changes after a difficult season, with Bouaddi perhaps an upgrade on Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.

The post Ben Jacobs tips Liverpool to “advance” for €75-80m “serious talent” after the World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal reportedly have an interest in the potential transfer of Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, though it looks like he won’t be available.

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This has led the Gunners to explore other targets in midfield, with Andrea Berta said to have had multiple contacts over a possible deal for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

That’s according to a detailed report on X from reliable account Hand of Arsenal…

As far as I am aware this is what has been going on. Arsenal were interested in Fernandes / Tonali / Pablo Barrios (exclusive). When Tonali was offered to us at the end of January, it peaked everyone's interest at the club. Berta kept in contact as did City. It became clear the… pic.twitter.com/1K2wI3XF9e

— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) June 26, 2026

“As far as I am aware this is what has been going on,” the post reads. “Arsenal were interested in Fernandes / Tonali / Pablo Barrios (exclusive). When Tonali was offered to us at the end of January, it peaked everyone’s interest at the club. Berta kept in contact as did City. It became clear the deal was not feasible due to Newcastle wanting £85m or even more. To further add, the agent fees are incroyable. Barrios was not available for several reasons.”

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On the interest in Scott, Hand of Arsenal added: “Berta then made contact multiple times to explore the situation of Alex Scott, the interest is real and there was a feeling a potential bargain could be secured around £65m. Bournemouth began to panic while Alex Scott was out in the USA with the England pre camp and want to rush to secure a renewal for Scott with a possible release clause. Their stance currently is he is not for sale at any price.”

Which midfielder will Arsenal sign?

Arsenal clearly have a few different targets on their agenda, with BBC Sport also reporting similar as they name targets such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

It’s not obvious at this point which player the Gunners will decide to move for, and of course it’s still early in the window, so it might still be a while before they choose who to make their priority.

Barrios is a new name coming up, and it seems he’s not the most realistic choice, while it perhaps looks like Newcastle are going to be asking for too much for Tonali and Guimaraes.

There are perhaps early signs of Scott looking like the one Arsenal will go for, and that could make a lot of sense as he’s got that good blend of youth and experience, meaning he can be a strong investment to improve the team straight away but also for the long term.

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Guimaraes in particular looks too old, though he remains a superb player who would surely contribute a lot to Arsenal, even if only for two or three years.

Barrios is only 23 and a similar profile to these, so it makes sense that AFC checked on him, even if it seems he won’t be available.

The post Arsenal interested in La Liga star while Andrea Berta also in “contact” over Premier League midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has hinted that he will play his strongest side available against Uruguay in their final group game, despite knowing that a point will be enough to qualify them as group winners. Their opponents know they must all but certainly win in order to make it through themselves.

La Roja come off a confidence boosting win over Saudi Arabia, with three goals in the opening quarter of the match. De la Fuente restored Pedro Porro, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena to the line-up in favour of Marcos Llorente, Fabian Ruiz, Ferran Torres and Gavi. Less changes are expected this time round.

“The performance the other day doesn’t call for changes, but I am very happy with how the players who stepped in performed and with what I see in training. Whoever takes the field will do a good job. We’ll go over a few final details this afternoon, but I already know who is going to play,” he told Marca.

Baena and Valverde battle

If no changes are made, it will see Fede Valverde and Baena face each other on the same flank. The pair have an ongoing feud, with Valverde having punched Baena after a game two years ago.

“Baena and Fede are great professionals, but on the pitch, everyone defends their own,” responded de la Fuente on the prospect of the two facing off.

“Tomorrow will be a very demanding match for everyone. As for the physicality, football is what it is – it’s football. Everyone will stand their ground. It will be a high-intensity match.”

De la Fuente on Marcelo Bielsa

Not all is well within the Uruguay camp either, with Valverde one of the players who has reportedly confronted Bielsa on his approach. De la Fuente only had praise for his opposite number though.

“I have to tell you that I am a huge admirer of Bielsa. I have closely followed his career, and I spent five or six months watching his training sessions at Athletic. It is an honour to be able to play against him.”

“Marcelo has evolved, like everyone else. He got Athletic playing wonderfully well. He employed man-to-man marking all over the pitch… His tactical approach is based on knowing the players he coaches inside out; that is his greatest strength.”

Spain currently sit top of Group H on four points, trailed by Uruguay and Cape Verde on two points. Saudi Arabia sit last on a single point going into the final round of games.

The post Spain manager not expecting changes, gives take on Alex Baena-Fede Valverde battle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham may reportedly have been handed a boost in their transfer pursuit of Mateus Fernandes as Manchester United seem prepared to walk away from the deal.

West Ham United are said to be asking for £80m for Fernandes, but Man Utd view that as too expensive, and could explore Alex Scott as an alternative instead, according to iNews.

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Fernandes has shone for West Ham and looks like an obvious candidate to be sold this summer as he surely won’t want to stay with the Hammers now that they’re playing in the Championship.

The talented young Portugal international looks like he could do a job for a number of bigger clubs, and he’d surely help United replace the departing Casemiro.

Still, it seems they’re ready to look at alternatives, so that could be good news for Tottenham.

Mateus Fernandes would apparently prefer Manchester United

This is less good news for Fernandes himself, though, with previous reports suggesting that the 21-year-old would prefer a move to Old Trafford if possible.

That’s what’s been claimed by Andy Mitten on the Talk of the Devils podcast on YouTube, even if he acknowledged that Fernandes could be open to joining Spurs if a move to United doesn’t work out.

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MUFC should surely do all they can to bring in this top talent who wants to play for them, but sometimes it isn’t as simple as that, and they also need to be careful about over-spending again.

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This has long been an issue for the Red Devils in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with a number of their most expensive signings proving to be major flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba, Antony, and Jadon Sancho.

Fernandes maybe doesn’t quite look like an £80m player yet, but this is a market in which midfielders look like moving for huge money, with Nottingham Forest bagging as much as £116m from the sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, according to BBC Sport and others.

The post Boost for Tottenham as Manchester United ready to U-turn on £80m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a transfer move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who has also been linked with Manchester United.

The Germany international, currently at the World Cup 2026 in North America, has shone for Dortmund and for his country, and it’s not surprising to see him being linked with big Premier League clubs.

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Sky Germany have reported on Man Utd chief Christopher Vivell being in contact with Nmecha’s representatives, but now Sky’s Keith Downie has an update on Newcastle considering joining the race for his signature.

Newcastle in for Felix Nmecha

See below for Downie’s post on X, which states that Eddie Howe is a big fan of the 25-year-old, who the club have also looked at before, though his £73.5m release clause could be an issue for them…

The clause is the issue for Newcastle. Dortmund would need to be willing to lower their asking price below the £73.5m buy-out clause. And only then would #NUFC consider making a move. They won’t, and aren’t, at £73.5m. https://t.co/g5rD1pRraV

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) June 26, 2026

“Newcastle are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha,” Downie posted.

“Eddie Howe is a big fan of the German international, and came close to signing him in the summer of 2023 — but instead opted for Sandro Tonali. Nmecha has a €85m (£73.5m) buy-out in his Dortmund contract, that runs til 2030. Newcastle would be looking to pay less than that given their model, so unless Dortmund renegotiate the clause, it would be a difficult deal to do.”

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He added in a follow-up post: “The clause is the issue for Newcastle. Dortmund would need to be willing to lower their asking price below the £73.5m buy-out clause. And only then would #NUFC consider making a move. They won’t, and aren’t, at £73.5m.”

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Where next for Felix Nmecha?

Nmecha could be part of an interesting midfielder merry-go-round in this summer’s transfer market.

The Dortmund star could be ideal to help replace either one of Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle, with BBC Sport reporting that the duo are two players being explored by Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Nmecha might also be an option for United, and it will be interesting to see if he favours that opportunity.

MUFC have Champions League football to offer, which is sure to be tempting for a player of Nmecha’s calibre, but he might also be excited by Newcastle’s project, especially if Tonali or Guimaraes leave and guarantee him a likely key role in Eddie Howe’s side.

The post Newcastle “considering” move for Man Utd transfer target with £73.5m release clause appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal are reportedly actively exploring four midfielder transfers this summer, including Newcastle United duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Also on the Gunners’ list of targets are Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, according to a report from BBC Sport.

It seems internal discussions have taken place over bringing in one elite central midfield signing, while there have also been some contacts over Guimaraes.

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However, it remains to be seen which deal Arsenal will advance with, as the report notes that the club’s sporting director Andrea Berta is known for trying to agree personal terms with multiple targets before moving on to club-to-club negotiations.

Sandro Tonali also wanted by Tottenham but could cost £100m

The BBC report also notes that Tonali has been targeted by Tottenham, with Newcastle rejecting an offer of £80m for the Italy international.

It’s thought that it could take as much as £100m to convince the Magpies to sell Tonali this summer.

Guimaraes also surely won’t come cheap, with David Ornstein posting that £60m won’t be enough, and it’s debatable if AFC should really go any higher than that for someone who turns 29 later this year…

? Arsenal made verbal offer to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. #AFC proposal through intermediaries below £60m – rejected + #NUFC insist sale of 28yo #Brazil int’l midfielder will not be entertained. W/ @gunnerblog @ChrisDHWaugh @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/EAsKXjwYCW

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 26, 2026

Tonali is slightly younger, so might be the better option, but would also be more expensive, so there are no easy answers here.

Bouaddi and Scott are both a lot younger so might represent better long-term investments for Arsenal, even if there’s also some risk when it comes to bringing in players who are less proven and experienced at the very highest level.

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The midfielder market is hotting up

It looks like being a big summer for midfielders, with the BBC noting that Elliot Anderson is moving from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for a whopping £116m.

That will drive up prices elsewhere, so that could end up being a problem for Arsenal as they look to find both quality and value on the market.

The post BBC: Arsenal actively exploring four elite midfielders, including £100m star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal officials will reportedly meet in the next hour to discuss the next steps in the Bruno Guimaraes transfer pursuit.

The Gunners seem to have failed with an initial approach for the Brazil international, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein.

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However, another X account run by multiple journalists has replied to Ornstein’s post saying there will be further talks over this potential deal at 5pm today, which is just under an hour away at the time of writing.

Guimaraes has been a key player for Newcastle, so obviously won’t come cheap, with Ornstein insisting that there is no chance of the 28-year-old moving for £60m…

? Arsenal made verbal offer to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. #AFC proposal through intermediaries below £60m – rejected + #NUFC insist sale of 28yo #Brazil int’l midfielder will not be entertained. W/ @gunnerblog @ChrisDHWaugh @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/EAsKXjwYCW

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 26, 2026

Newcastle have lost some key players in recent times, with Alexander Isak moving to Liverpool last summer, while Anthony Gordon has already made the move to Barcelona this year.

Guimaraes may be another who’s keen for a new challenge, but one also imagines Newcastle will do their best not to lose more big names without a fight.

How much should Arsenal pay for Bruno Guimaraes?

Arsenal could probably do with more depth in midfield, but it’s not exactly an emergency issue for Mikel Arteta right now.

The north London giants already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Christian Norgaard as solid options in that area of their squad.

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At the same time, however, there’s surely a high chance of Norgaard leaving after barely getting any playing time in the season just gone, with Arteta perhaps just not trusting him enough.

Guimaraes would surely be a significant upgrade, and would therefore allow AFC to rotate more and allow the likes of Rice and Zubimendi more opportunities to rest after playing so much football in the last year or so.

Still, paying more than £60m for that kind of player seems like a lot, especially when Guimaraes would likely only be a signing for the next two or three years at most, due to his age.

The post Talks imminent: Arsenal officials meeting in next hour to “discuss next steps” on £60m-plus transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United’s midfield search has taken them towards Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha, but the Red Devils may need to spend heavily if they want to bring him back to England this summer.

The 25-year-old Germany international has been attracting growing attention after impressing at the World Cup, where he has helped boost his reputation on the biggest stage.

Nmecha scored and assisted in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao before providing another assist against Ivory Coast.

That form has only strengthened interest from Premier League clubs, including Man United.
United’s interest appears serious but not yet at the formal bid stage. Dortmund, however, are not making things easy.

Man United step up interest in Dortmund midfielder

According to TEAMtalk, United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell has been in close contact with Nmecha’s camp.

Vivell’s knowledge of the German market could be important here, especially as United look for midfielders who can add power, technical quality and long-term value.

Nmecha also has an interesting connection to Manchester.

He spent time in Manchester City’s academy before leaving England to build his senior career in Germany with Wolfsburg and then Dortmund. That background could make a Premier League return appealing.

However, as per Kicker, Dortmund will not sell for less than €100m, around £86m.

His contract runs until 2030, and no release clause is active this summer, giving Dortmund full control.

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Nmecha would suit United but price could be too high

From a Man United point of view, Nmecha is easy to understand as a target.

He is strong, composed on the ball, capable of carrying possession forward and has the physical profile needed for Premier League football.

His performances for Germany at the World Cup also show he can handle pressure.
United are right to explore this deal, but they should not panic.

Nmecha would improve their midfield, but £86m is a massive fee for a player who is still developing into an elite-level star.

If Dortmund lower their demands, United should be ready. But at €100m, this feels more like a transfer to monitor than one to force immediately.

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The post Man United would have to pay £86m to sign midfielder impressing at the World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are reportedly showing serious interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, but they may have to pay a sizeable fee to get a deal done this summer.

According to Football Insider, Palace are expected to demand at least £50m for the 26-year-old France defender.

The report claims Lacroix has emerged as a top target for Chelsea, who are looking to strengthen their back line ahead of the new season.

There is no confirmed agreement between the two London clubs, but Chelsea’s interest appears to be growing.

Chelsea hold strong interest in the French defender

Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements is clear. The Blues have plenty of centre-backs on their books, but there are still questions over consistency, injuries and long-term balance in defense.

Lacroix would offer something different. He is quick, physically strong, comfortable defending in a high line and already proven in the Premier League.

That makes him a safer option than signing a defender from abroad who may need time to adapt.

talkSPORT has also reported that Chelsea are preparing a bid for the Palace defender, with the player’s performances in England and rise into the France setup increasing his appeal.

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Crystal Palace hold strong transfer position

Palace are in no rush to sell cheaply. Lacroix only joined the Eagles from Wolfsburg in 2024.

That contract gives Palace power in negotiations, and after his strong performances under Oliver Glasner, it is no surprise they want a premium fee.

Lacroix would be a smart signing for Chelsea, but £50m is still a serious price. He has Premier League experience and the athletic profile Chelsea need, so the interest makes sense.

However, Chelsea should only go that high if he is genuinely their first-choice defensive target. If not, they may be better off looking for better value elsewhere.

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The post Chelsea learn Maxence Lacroix price as Crystal Palace stand firm on high valuation appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is once again being linked with a huge move to Saudi Arabia, but the message from Old Trafford appears clear: he is not for sale.

A claim circulating on X suggested that a Saudi club submitted a massive £100m offer for the Portugal international in the last 24 hours.

However, that figure has not been confirmed by a major reliable outlet, so it should be treated with caution.

What is clear is that Saudi interest in Fernandes has been around for some time.

talkSPORT recently reported that Fernandes is expected to stay at Man United despite fresh interest from Saudi clubs, while Sky Sports also carried reports that the midfielder is set to remain at Old Trafford.

Man United cannot afford to lose their captain

For United, rejecting any approach would make sense. Fernandes is not just another senior player; he is the captain, main creator and emotional leader of the team.

Even during difficult seasons, he has often been the player driving standards and producing decisive moments.

Losing him now would leave a huge gap in midfield, especially at a time when United are still trying to rebuild the squad and regain consistency.

The Guardian previously reported that Fernandes turned down a Saudi move because he wanted to keep playing at the highest level.

That stance remains important, particularly with United needing players who are committed to the project.

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Saudi club sees Fernandes as a statement signing

From the Saudi side, the interest is understandable.

Fernandes has star power, experience, leadership and global appeal. A £100m offer would be eye-catching, but United’s sporting position matters more than the money.

United are absolutely right to shut this down. Selling Fernandes might bring in a huge fee, but replacing his creativity, leadership and mentality would be extremely difficult.

Unless Fernandes personally pushes to leave, United should not even entertain talks. This is one player they need to keep.

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The post Not for sale: Man United to reject £100m offer for club leader from Saudi club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham are reportedly keeping a close eye on Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reshape his attack this summer.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Spurs have shown interest in the Egyptian international, with reports suggesting he could consider his future at City if regular minutes become difficult to secure.

De Zerbi is a big admirer of the player and that Tottenham could make an attempt in the coming days.

This remains one to watch rather than a deal close to completion.

The Tottenham boss is showing ambition in the transfer market this summer. Moves for players like Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are also being eyed by the North London club.

Tottenham want a forward who can also press

Tottenham’s interest makes sense. De Zerbi likes forwards who can press, combine quickly and move across the front line. Marmoush fits that profile well.

He is not just a traditional striker. He can play centrally, drift wide and attack space, which would give Spurs more flexibility in the final third.

After an inconsistent attacking season, Tottenham need more pace, movement and competition up front.

With Marmoush looking for playing time, this move could be perfect for all the parties involved.

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Man City transfer decision could be key

City signed Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 in a deal worth around €70m plus add-ons.

He arrived with a strong reputation after an impressive spell in Germany, but competition at City is always intense.

Any exit would likely depend on both his playing-time situation and City’s willingness to sell.

Marmoush would be an exciting signing for Tottenham. His speed, versatility and direct style would suit De Zerbi’s football, and he could become a key attacking weapon if given more responsibility.

However, Spurs must be careful. City paid a big fee for him, so this would not be cheap.

If Tottenham can structure a smart deal, it is worth exploring. If City demand a huge fee, Spurs may be better off looking elsewhere.

Bergvall has several options on the table but Tottenham rivals clear favourite to sign him

The post De Zerbi shifts focus towards attack as Tottenham boss have versatile PL attacker on radar appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are now giving serious attention to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as they weigh up alternative options in their summer midfield rebuild.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham’s strong push for the Portuguese midfielder has forced United to look closely at other targets, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Man United, Tottenham and Arsenal are all keen on Scott, with United and Arsenal making initial enquiries for the 22-year-old.

No formal agreement has been reached, but Scott is now one of the more interesting names on United’s radar.

Man United step up pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder

United’s interest in Scott makes sense because the club are expected to make major changes in midfield this summer.

The Guardian previously reported that United were leading the race for Mateus Fernandes, but Sky Sports now claims Tottenham are willing to pay around £85m for the West Ham midfielder.

That has made the situation harder for United, who cannot afford to wait too long if Spurs continue to push ahead.

Scott, meanwhile, offers a different but very attractive profile. He is younger, Premier League-proven, technically sharp and capable of playing in different midfield roles.

Bournemouth do not want to sell, but reports have suggested Scott could be valued at around £60m. That is still a big fee, but it may be more realistic than entering a bidding war for Fernandes.

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Scott could be a smart signing for the Red Devils

Scott could be a very clever signing for United if they decide Fernandes is becoming too expensive.

He may not have the same physical presence as Fernandes, but he is tidy on the ball, confident under pressure and still has huge room to improve.

United need midfielders who can grow with the project, not just expensive short-term fixes.

Scott fits that idea well. He already understands the speed of the Premier League and would give United another creative, energetic option in the middle of the pitch.

The key issue is price. At £60m, United must be completely convinced he can become a long-term starter.

But if Tottenham win the Fernandes race, moving quickly for Scott would be a smart response rather than a panic move.

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The post Sources: Man United line up £60m alternative as Spurs lead race to sign Mateus Fernandes appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal’s search for a new midfielder has taken an interesting turn, with the Gunners reportedly making contact over a possible move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães.

According to Craig Hope, Newcastle have already made their stance clear to representatives involved in the situation: they do not want to entertain offers for the Brazilian midfielder.

That message comes after Arsenal explored the possibility of a deal, although there has not yet been any formal club-to-club approach.

This looks more like an early market check from Arsenal rather than an advanced transfer pursuit.

Newcastle United have made their stance clear

Newcastle’s position is understandable. Guimarães has become one of their most important players and remains central to their long-term project.

Losing him this summer would be a major blow, especially when the club are trying to stay competitive near the top end of the Premier League.

The Times has reported that Arsenal have spoken to the midfielder’s representatives as part of a wider search for midfield options, but Newcastle are not encouraging a sale.

That makes any move extremely difficult unless the player pushes strongly or Arsenal arrive with an offer too big to ignore.

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Arsenal are actively looking to sign a new midfielder

For Arsenal, Guimarães would be a statement signing. He is aggressive, technically sharp, experienced in the Premier League and capable of playing in different midfield roles.

Mikel Arteta’s side are assessing several options this summer, and a player of Guimarães’ quality would give them more control, energy and leadership in the middle of the pitch.

However, Arsenal know Newcastle will not make this easy.

Guimarães would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal, but this deal feels very difficult right now.

Football pundit Jamie Carragher has described the Newcastle United star as a ‘complete midfielder‘.

Newcastle do not want to sell, and that usually means the price becomes unrealistic very quickly.

Arsenal are right to explore the opportunity, but they should not get stuck chasing one expensive target.

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The post Arsenal suffer transfer setback over early enquiry to sign ‘complete midfielder’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal’s midfield search appears to be gathering pace, with the club reportedly making contact with Bruno Guimarães’ camp as they assess several possible summer targets.

According to Ben Jacobs, Arsenal have held exploratory discussions with the Newcastle United midfielder’s representatives, similar to the approach Manchester United made before the transfer window opened.

However, there has been no direct contact with Newcastle, and the Magpies have no desire to sell one of their most important players.

That makes this more of an early market check than an advanced transfer move, but it still shows Arsenal are seriously looking at experienced Premier League midfielders.

Arsenal are looking to sign a new midfielder

Guimarães would be an ambitious target for Arsenal.

He already knows the Premier League, brings aggression, technical quality and leadership, and would add another elite-level option to Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

The Times has also reported that Arsenal are intensifying their midfielder search, with sporting director Andrea Berta exploring different profiles before deciding which deal is worth pursuing.

For Arsenal, that patient approach makes sense. They do not need to rush into an expensive deal, especially when Newcastle are unlikely to make negotiations easy.

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Gunners have several options on their shortlist

Guimarães is not the only name under consideration.

Arsenal are also said to be looking at Alex Scott of Bournemouth and Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille as they weigh up younger midfield options.

Jacobs has also reported that the Gunners made contact with Sandro Tonali in January, although Newcastle’s stance and the likely cost of any deal would make that move difficult.

Guimarães would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but only if the deal is realistic. He is proven, aggressive and technically strong enough to improve Arteta’s midfield immediately.

However, Newcastle do not want to sell, and that means the fee could become huge. Arsenal are right to explore the market properly.

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The post Journalist issues early morning update on Arsenal interest in Bruno Guimarães appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal could be handed an interesting opportunity this summer, with Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand attracting serious Premier League attention.

According to A Bola, Arsenal and Manchester City are both monitoring the Denmark international as they look at midfield options ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Hjulmand has become one of Sporting’s most important players since joining from Lecce, and his leadership in Portugal has naturally caught the eye of clubs in England.

There is no confirmed agreement with any club, but the interest appears to be growing.

Arsenal may have edge in the transfer race

The Arsenal angle is particularly interesting because Hjulmand is reported to have supported the Gunners growing up.

That does not guarantee a transfer, of course, but it could make a difference if Arsenal decide to make a serious approach.

Mikel Arteta’s side may still look for another midfielder this summer, especially if they want more depth and physical presence alongside players like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.

Hjulmand would bring intensity, leadership and defensive balance, qualities that could help Arsenal compete across the Premier League and Champions League.

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Man City interest adds pressure on Gunners

Man City are also in the conversation, which makes this a more complicated race.

The Guardian has reported that City are pushing hard for midfield reinforcements, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, so their interest in Hjulmand fits a wider rebuild in the middle of the pitch.

Sporting are protected by Hjulmand’s €80m release clause, but reports suggest a deal could potentially be done for around €40-50m.

A return to Italy appears less obvious at this stage. TEAMtalk reports that AC Milan are no longer expected to push strongly, leaving Inter Milan and Napoli as the more realistic Serie A options.

Hjulmand may not be the flashiest midfield target, but he looks like the kind of reliable, aggressive and intelligent player Arteta values.

If Arsenal want more leadership and control in midfield, this could be a very smart signing.

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Newcastle United do not have a sell-on clause for Elliot Anderson as he closes in on a transfer to Manchester City worth a whopping £130m.

The England international has come a long way since his time as a youngster at Newcastle, where he made only 44 Premier League appearances, with the majority of those coming from the bench.

Newcastle probably weren’t too worried about letting Anderson go when Nottingham Forest came in for him, with their focus at the time being to sell a homegrown player because of PSR concerns, according to BBC Sport.

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This means the Magpies were in a weak negotiating position on Anderson, and simply sold him for £35m (fee via Sky Sports), with no sell-on clause or buy-back clause included.

Now Anderson is on his way to Man City for a British record transfer fee of £130m, as per BBC Sport‘s report on Thursday evening.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now changed his reporting, stating that it’s £116m, though this might be before eventual add-ons later take the fee up…

?? More on Elliot Anderson deal final fee: Manchester City side believe price will be £116m with NO add-ons included.

Elliot will undergo his medical in the US this weekend. Deal set to be signed. ? pic.twitter.com/emUW4log25

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2026

Either way, it’s a huge amount of money, so just think what even a 20 or 25 per cent sell-on clause would have done for Newcastle.

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Newcastle needed Anderson sale to avoid points deduction

Despite having such a top talent in their academy, Newcastle’s spending on other signings meant they were facing the very real threat of a points deduction.

As noted in the BBC’s report, this put them under pressure to sell Anderson with more favourable terms to Forest, who have now made a massive profit on the deal.

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The 23-year-old has blossomed into a world class player at the City Ground and it will be intriguing to see what he can now achieve at the Etihad Stadium.

Newcastle fans will be gutted by this, though, and it raises serious questions about some of the club’s work in the transfer market if they found themselves needing to sell such a top talent on the cheap because of over-spending elsewhere.

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Are we back in 2013? Because five goals in two games is pretty ludicrous from a 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who leads the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race.

The Argentine maestro hit a hat-trick in that win over Algeria in the first group game, before then hitting a brace in the second match as his country beat Austria.

Yes, that means Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far.

So, what next? The Inter Miami forward will no doubt be eyeing the World Cup trophy again after winning it back in 2022, but he could also bag himself the Golden Boot after putting himself in a strong position early on.

WC Picks at Stake will no doubt have some tempting odds for the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland now, and even if Messi’s fast start puts him ahead of them, there’s a long way to go yet.

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Who else is a main contender for the Golden Boot at this World Cup?

Here’s a look at the World Cup’s top scorers so far, and what it could mean for this summer’s race for the prestigious top scorer prize…

Cristiano Ronaldo only has two goals so far as he finally found the back of the net twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, but now that he’s got going you perhaps can’t rule him out either.

Still, the main man to watch in terms of competing with Messi will surely be France star Mbappe.

Even if Haaland is currently level with Mbappe on four goals, he’s surely less likely to progress as far in this tournament.

Perhaps the Manchester City striker’s fine form can inspire Norway on a surprise run, but France will likely be one of the big favourites to at least reach the final, so more games means more opportunities for Mbappe to add to his tally.

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Similarly, even if Canada’s Jonathan David has started well and has a fine scoring record throughout his club career, he’s surely going to struggle due to the fact that his national side are one of the weaker ones in this tournament.

It was Messi vs Mbappe in the World Cup final in 2022, and we could be about to see the same this summer. It’s surely also Messi or Mbappe for the Golden Boot.

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Manchester City have reportedly agreed a £130m transfer deal with Nottingham Forest for England midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Fabrizio Romano has given the deal his trademark ‘here we go’, while it’s also been reported by David Ornstein for the Athletic.

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This follows weeks of speculation, with Anderson impressing at Forest and going to the World Cup with England this summer.

It makes sense that City have now decided to pay big to get this deal over the line, in what could be one of the summer’s most significant pieces of business…

?? BREAKING: Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, here we go! Deal in place between the clubs, fee up to £130m.#MCFC sources confirm agreement now done after talks at final stages as reported last week.

Anderson asked Forest today to go and leave the club. Medical in the US. pic.twitter.com/9lWGxWyS3w

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2026

Posting on X, Romano said: “BREAKING: Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, here we go! Deal in place between the clubs, fee up to £130m. #MCFC sources confirm agreement now done after talks at final stages as reported last week. Anderson asked Forest today to go and leave the club. Medical in the US.”

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Elliot Anderson breaks English football transfer record

This deal now looks to be eclipsing the initial £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.

It also means Anderson is set to become the third most expensive footballer ever…

*Anderson’s move is not done yet, of course, as there’s always the chance he has a last-minute change of heart or fails his medical.

This shows huge ambition from City after a difficult two seasons in which they missed out on Liverpool and Arsenal in the last two Premier League title races.

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They also spent big on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January, and they proved fine additions to the squad.

In Anderson they’re spending big again on another proven Premier League player with world class potential.

The post “Deal in place” – Manchester City agree £130m Elliot Anderson transfer with Nottingham Forest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea’s imminent new signing Marco Palestra has broken his silence on his upcoming move to Stamford Bridge.

The talented young Italian defender is due in London tomorrow for a medical with the Blues, and Fabrizio Romano has been posting updates about the situation.

See below as Romano has posted on X about Palestra having his Chelsea medical on Friday, while he’s also added another with a quote from the player himself saying he’s happy to be making the move…

?? Marco Palestra will undergo medical in London on Friday as new Chelsea player.

Travelling to England to seal move from Atalanta as Palestra will sign contract until June 2032 plus option until 2033. pic.twitter.com/tzRrRlSIPT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2026

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“I’m happy to join Chelsea. I’m so happy for this new chapter,” the 21-year-old said, as quoted by Romano.

??? Marco Palestra: “I’m happy to join Chelsea. I’m so happy for this new chapter”.

Medical booked tomorrow. ? pic.twitter.com/201OLrDFN3

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2026

Chelsea fans will be pleased to see that an exciting young talent like Palestra is feeling positive about this move, as Stamford Bridge hasn’t exactly been the happiest place to be in recent times.

Chelsea investing in youth again

Still, many CFC fans will surely be questioning the logic of a signing like Palestra when this summer is surely the time to start trying bringing in more experienced players.

This current Chelsea ownership have put a lot of emphasis on recruiting the world’s best young talents and building for the future, but it’s not exactly delivered much success so far, and there were fan protests against the owners towards the end of last season.

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Even if Palestra has a bright future ahead of him, Chelsea need to be sure they’re adding players who can make a big impact straight away.

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If bringing in someone like Palestra means that a more proven and experienced player like Malo Gusto makes way, as has been suggested by BBC Sport, then it’s hard to see that as anything but bad business overall.

The post “I’m happy to join Chelsea” – Imminent CFC signing breaks silence ahead of arriving in London on Friday appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mateus Fernandes would reportedly prefer to join Manchester United, even if he’d also be happy with a transfer to Tottenham.

That’s according to the Athletic’s Andy Mitten in the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast on YouTube.

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There has been a lot of speculation about Fernandes after his fine form for West Ham United in the season just gone, with the talented young Portugal international likely to earn a big move this summer.

A talent like Fernandes won’t want to be playing in the Championship, and the Independent have reported on positive talks taking place over a potential £85m move to Spurs.

Mateus Fernandes showing preference towards Manchester United

Still, Mitten seems aware of Fernandes leaning towards a move to Man Utd if possible, so the Red Devils will simply have to get their act together if they want to make this happen.

“I’m told that he would play for Spurs, but he’d prefer Manchester United,” Mitten said.

He added: “It boils down to how much Manchester United are willing to pay. if the club want to pay that amount. They certainly don’t want to get into an auction situation.”

Mitten also explained that an auction for Fernandes would suit West Ham as they could do well to raise huge funds from this sale and rebuild their squad in preparation for pushing for promotion back to the Premier League.

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Should Mateus Fernandes choose United or Spurs?

Let’s be real here, Fernandes leaning towards United over Spurs is no surprise after how the two clubs’ seasons went in 2025/26.

Tottenham only escaped relegation on the final day of the season, making it back-to-back 17th place finishes in the Premier League.

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There’ll be no European football at the north London club next term, whereas United are back in the Champions League after finishing third.

Michael Carrick looks like he has the team on the up again, so Fernandes would do well to wait it out and see if he can get his preferred move to Old Trafford.

Even if United don’t end up paying what’s required for the 21-year-old, he could probably still be patient and find he has better opportunities than Spurs before too long.

The post £85m star would “prefer Manchester United” transfer over Tottenham, says top journalist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Reece James looks likely to miss England’s next World Cup 2026 game as Thomas Tuchel must surely now face serious scrutiny for leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his squad.

It looks like England won’t risk James for the upcoming game against Panama, with the Chelsea right-back once again rocked by fitness issues that have plagued a large chunk of his Stamford Bridge career.

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According to the Telegraph, there’s mixed news for England as James probably won’t make it for their next game, but Declan Rice is waiting to be cleared to take part, so that sounds a little more positive.

Still, the issue at right-back means Tuchel is now likely to have to decide to play either Djed Spence, Jarrell Quansah, or Ezri Konsa in that position.

England will surely live to regret Thomas Tuchel’s Trent Alexander-Arnold snub

James is a fine player, but leaving Alexander-Arnold out of the World Cup squad looks like a huge mistake already.

Quite simply, if England end up having to take on any top teams in the knockout stages with any one of Spence, Quansah, or Konsa at right-back that’s a huge step down from what James offers.

Given that everyone knows the Chelsea defender’s poor injury record, it seems bizarre that Tuchel didn’t include Alexander-Arnold.

The former Liverpool man may not have quite had the best debut season for Real Madrid, but he remains someone with world class crossing delivery, and a superb range of passing.

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Even if the plan was to have James as first choice, there was surely still a role for Alexander-Arnold, who could have filled in in midfield if required.

England will probably be fine against a team like Panama, but it already looks like one of Tuchel’s biggest calls for this World Cup has majorly backfired.

The post Mixed injury news for England highlights absurdity of Thomas Tuchel’s surprise World Cup snub appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United have again rejected a Tottenham bid for Sandro Tonali as they hold out for a £100m transfer fee.

This looks like a complicated saga as Spurs seem to really push to sign the Italy international, but the money is starting to look unrealistic.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham have failed with a £75m offer for Tonali, with Newcastle seemingly not budging as they value the player at £100m.

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The report also mentions interest from other clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, and it’s perhaps hard to see this Tottenham saga going any further.

Tottenham shouldn’t over-pay for Sandro Tonali transfer

Spurs may well have a decent amount of money to spend, but if they’re going to splash the cash like this, then Tonali doesn’t look like the player to do it for.

The 26-year-old has impressed at Newcastle, but it’s hard to see any particular stand-out qualities that make him a £100m player.

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THFC might do better to look at younger alternatives with a higher ceiling, such as top young players like Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, or Kees Smit.

Newcastle need to keep Sandro Tonali

Of course, it’s also perfectly fair for Newcastle to demand huge money for Tonali after the blow of losing some of their other stars.

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It was a big blow for NUFC to lose Alexander Isak last year, while Anthony Gordon has also already left St James’ Park for a move to Barcelona this summer.

More sales will make life very difficult for Eddie Howe, so even if Tonali is not really a £100m player, it’s fair for them to slap an unrealistic price tag on his head in order to fight off suitors.

The post Bid rejected: Newcastle still blocking Sandro Tonali transfer – is it time for Tottenham to walk away? appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal have reportedly had some talks with the representatives of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer.

The Gunners are now said to be weighing up making an offer for the Brazil international, whose representatives remain in the UK while he’s at the World Cup 2026 with his country.

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Guimaraes has been a key player for Newcastle, and it’s not thought that he’s pushing to leave, but it seems Arsenal have been in contact over a potential transfer, according to the Daily Mail.

It will be interesting to see if this ends up also being covered by the likes of Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, but so far that’s not the case.

Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal – reasons to be sceptical

For now, we’d advise some caution with this story, even if it’s perfectly possible that Arsenal have sounded out multiple targets and that Guimaraes is one of them.

It’s hard, however, to imagine the 28-year-old being a priority for the Premier League champions, who already have a lot of options in midfield.

Find out more about our Transfer Fit rating system here!

It therefore seems unlikely that they’d go out and pay the kind of money required for Guimaraes, whose age means he wouldn’t be a particularly long-term option anyway.

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Our understanding remains that Arsenal’s priorities this summer are in attack, though we have been informed about some interest in Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.

A long-term investment like that makes more sense than someone like Guimaraes, who would also surely only look to leave Newcastle if he were to be guaranteed regular playing time anyway.

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Newcastle to lose more big names?

Another important factor to remember here is also Newcastle, who won’t want too many further departures after losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool last year, and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona already this summer.

It’s vital for Eddie Howe to keep this squad together, so that likely means it’s going to be harder for interested clubs to convince them to part with players like Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, or Lewis Hall for anything other than huge money.

Let’s see how this saga develops, but for now we wouldn’t expect this to turn into something particularly concrete.

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Manchester United chief Christopher Vivell is reportedly in contact with the representatives of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha.

The Red Devils are said to be intensifying their interest in Nmecha, who has impressed at the World Cup with Germany so far.

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Nmecha is now being strongly linked with Man Utd by Sky Germany, who also mention interest from the likes of Liverpool, though there’s the suggestion that the Vivell links could give MUFC the edge.

This is not the first time we’ve seen Nmecha linked with United either, with a previous report from Bild also reporting on their interest, and adding that the 25-year-old could cost around €70m.

What next for Felix Nmecha amid United transfer links?

While there seems to be genuine interest in Nmecha, Dortmund’s sporting director Lars Ricken has previously made it clear that the player is seen as essential for his club.

Money talks, though, and we’ve seen before that BVB do tend to cash in on their star names fairly often, with a long list of their former players going on to shine for elite European clubs.

Nmecha looks like he has it in him to have a great career, and there’s no doubt he could be a good option to strengthen this United side.

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Felix Nmecha to follow Ederson to Man Utd?

With Casemiro leaving Old Trafford at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte struggling for form, it makes sense that we could see United make two new signings in that position.

BBC Sport have reported on Atalanta’s Ederson looking set to make the move to United, but Nmecha could be another fine addition.

The Germany international also has some experience of English football already, having been on the books at Manchester City as a youngster, as well as representing England at youth level before switching to the German national team.

The post Manchester United chief intensifying talks to sign €70m World Cup star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are reportedly “obsessed” with an ambitious transfer deal for Aston Villa star and top Arsenal target Morgan Rogers.

The 23-year-old is currently at the 2026 World Cup with England, but that hasn’t stopped the recent transfer speculation over his future.

According to Simon Phillips, although there’s the sense that Rogers’ preference is Arsenal, Chelsea are “obsessed” with him and have been working on the deal for some time.

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It remains to be seen if the Blues can realistically beat the Gunners to this signing, however, as their project looks a lot more chaotic at the moment after some poor decisions in the transfer market, frequent managerial changes, and a lack of European football for next season.

The latest on Morgan Rogers’ future

Based on recent reports, Arsenal look the clear favourites for Rogers, even if we’re not yet at the stage where it’s advancing or getting closer to being a done deal.

These big transfers are rarely quick or straightforward, but what we can say so far is…

• Rogers is Arsenal’s top target and the Premier League champions are preparing to make an approach to Aston Villa for him, according to yesterday’s report in the Evening Standard.
• Villa publicly insist they want to keep Rogers, but will sell for the right price, according to Ben Jacobs for Give Me Sport.
• However, that price could be as high as £100m, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk.

Rogers would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to this Chelsea squad, but everything is pointing towards Arsenal for the moment.

Chelsea’s obsession with Morgan Rogers

Chelsea fans may be interested to know, however, that the club are seemingly not giving up on landing the England international just yet.

Phillips cites his sources as saying: “Chelsea are ‘obsessed’ with Rogers and have been chasing him and working on a deal for ages.

He added: “They are not giving up on Rogers yet, is what we heard yesterday from our top source, despite Arsenal being his preferred destination.

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“As I keep reporting, Rogers has not rejected Chelsea, he would just prefer to go to Arsenal. As of right now, nothing is advanced between Arsenal and Rogers. That could soon change, but Chelsea remain in the picture and a possible destination for Rogers.

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“Chelsea say that they will not sign any player without Alonso giving them the OK, so the fact they are still pursuing Rogers suggests that Alonso is on board with it as well – that is how they will work this summer.

“Sources are not describing the chances of Chelsea getting this deal done as positive like they have with (Adam) Wharton, but they are saying that Chelsea are still currently there for Rogers and still trying to get him in.”

The post “Obsessed” Chelsea working on beating Arsenal to dream £100m transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Rio Ferdinand has hit back at comments being attributed to him about Thomas Partey after Djed Spence appeared to snub him in the pre-match handshake this week.

Spence seemed to avoid shaking hands with Partey before England and Ghana played out a 0-0 draw in their World Cup 2026 Group L clash on Tuesday night.

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This comes amid Partey being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault back in 2025, relating to incidents which allegedly took place between 2021 and 2022.

It seems a fake quote doing the rounds had Ferdinand hitting out at Spence for his judgement, as Partey has not yet been found guilty, though the pundit has since posted on X that these comments are fake…

Ferdinand has not commented on the incident any further, it would seem, so it’s not clear if these are in any way an accurate representation of what he thinks.

There is seemingly no record of Ferdinand saying this anywhere apart from social media quotes that do not mention an original source.

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Despite the very serious allegations against Partey, he continued to play for Arsenal until leaving the club in summer 2025, and he’s now on the books at La Liga club Villarreal.

What’s the latest on the Thomas Partey case?

Partey is due to have a further trial after previously pleading not guilty to the charges against him, as reported by the BBC.

The report adds that Partey “remains on bail during the legal proceedings, with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims”.

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The Guardian have also reported on how Partey was not allowed into Canada for Ghana’s opening group game, though he did get a VISA to play against England in the US.

Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz has defended selecting the 33-year-old, saying: “Let events run their normal course, let the river flow and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we will find the truth.”

The post Rio Ferdinand hits out at “fake comments” about controversial England-Ghana incident appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United appear to be wasting no time in the summer transfer window, with their move for Harry Wilson looking like just the beginning of a bigger recruitment push.

According to Sky Sports, Leeds have agreed a deal to sign the Wales international on a free transfer once his Fulham contract expires at the end of June.

Wilson enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists for Fulham, so landing him without a transfer fee looks like smart business.

The deal is still subject to a medical, but Leeds look well placed to make him one of their first major summer additions.

Leeds United target more creativity after Wilson deal

Wilson’s arrival would give Daniel Farke more Premier League quality, but Leeds are not expected to stop there.

Daily Mail have reported that Leeds have been exploring a move for Julian Brandt, who is set to leave Borussia Dortmund as a free agent.

Brandt would be an ambitious signing. The German playmaker has Champions League experience, technical quality and the ability to play between the lines.

His wages could be a challenge, but if Leeds can make the numbers work, signing two proven attackers on free transfers would be a major statement.

Shea Charles is another player on Farke’s radar

Leeds are also looking at Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

Leeds All Over reported that Leeds have made a £20m-plus move for the 22-year-old, while Southampton’s difficult end to last season could influence the situation.

Leeds are moving in the right way. Wilson is a clever free transfer, Brandt would bring genuine class, and Charles would add long-term value.

The key is balance. Leeds need quality, but they cannot afford reckless spending.

If they can mix smart free-agent deals with one or two younger investments, this could become a very strong window.

Leeds weighing up move for one of Scottish football’s brightest prospects

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Tottenham appear to be making serious moves in the race to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with reports suggesting they have stepped up their pursuit of the highly rated Portuguese international.

The 21-year-old has attracted attention from several major clubs in recent weeks, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid.

However, Spurs now seem to be pushing hardest to get a deal done, with some reports claiming they have reached a verbal agreement with West Ham.

Neither club has officially confirmed an agreement, but the direction of the story is clear: Tottenham are trying to move quickly before their rivals can respond.

Man United transfer blow as Spurs step up interest

This could be a frustrating development for Man United.

The Guardian previously reported that United were leading the chase for Fernandes, while Sky Sports claimed the Red Devils were preparing an opening bid.

United have been looking to reshape their midfield, and Fernandes fits the profile of a modern Premier League player.

He is young, technically secure, energetic and capable of developing into a long-term starter.

That is exactly why Tottenham’s sudden progress will be viewed as a blow at Old Trafford.

Spurs, meanwhile, appear ready to offer a stronger financial package, and that could prove decisive in such a competitive race.

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West Ham’s £80m valuation sets up big London deal

West Ham are believed to value Fernandes at around £80m, with The Times reporting that Tottenham are hopeful of beating Manchester United to the midfielder.

For Tottenham, this would be an ambitious signing. Adding Fernandes would give them more quality, control and long-term potential in midfield, while also sending a message that they are ready to compete aggressively in the market.

This would be a huge statement from Tottenham if they can complete it.

Fernandes is expensive, but he has the age, profile and potential to become a major Premier League midfielder.

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Arsenal have had an opening offer rejected for Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga, but the Gunners remain firmly in the race for one of English football’s most exciting young talents.

According to The Times, Arsenal submitted a bid worth £5m, including a 10 per cent sell-on clause, for the 16-year-old winger. Leicester turned down that proposal, but there appears to be room for negotiation.

The Foxes were initially believed to value Monga at around £15m, though their asking price has now reportedly dropped to about £10m plus a 15 per cent sell-on clause.

Talks are not believed to be over, and Arsenal seem keen to move quickly before rival clubs get more serious.

Arsenal hold strong interest in the English winger

Monga is not just another academy prospect.

He has already made senior history, becoming the second-youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League when he featured for Leicester at just 15 years and 271 days.

For Arsenal, this deal fits their recent strategy perfectly. The club have invested heavily in elite young talent and have shown they are willing to give opportunities to players with serious potential.

Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all examples of how the pathway at Arsenal can attract the best young players in the country.

Monga is a quick, direct winger who likes to take players on, and that kind of profile is always valuable.

He would not be expected to walk straight into Mikel Arteta’s first team, but he could be developed carefully within one of the Premier League’s strongest youth setups.

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Leicester City are standing firm on their demands

Leicester’s stance is understandable. Even after reducing their valuation, they do not want to lose a top academy product cheaply.

A higher sell-on clause also makes sense, especially if Monga develops into a major Premier League player.

For Arsenal, the question is whether paying around £10m for a 16-year-old is smart business or a gamble.

Arsenal should push to complete this signing if the final package stays close to £10m.

There is always risk with teenage players, but Monga’s early senior experience and natural ability make him worth the investment.

This is exactly the type of deal Arsenal should be making before the price becomes impossible.

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Arsenal may have been handed a major boost in their search for midfield reinforcements, with Roma midfielder Manu Koné reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

According to reports in Italy, the 25-year-old has made it clear that Arsenal would be his preferred destination if he leaves Roma before the end of the transfer window.

There have also been suggestions that personal terms have already been discussed with the Gunners, although a club-to-club agreement is still missing.

Roma are believed to value Koné at around €50m, which is roughly £43m.

That is a serious fee, but not a shocking one in the current market, especially for a player entering his peak years and already performing at a high level for club and country.

Arsenal are looking for a powerful midfielder

For Arsenal, the interest makes plenty of sense. Mikel Arteta’s side have quality in midfield, but they still need more physicality, ball-winning ability and depth across a long season.

Koné offers something slightly different. He is strong, energetic, aggressive in duels and comfortable carrying the ball through pressure.

Those traits could make him a useful option next to Declan Rice, especially in bigger matches where Arsenal need more control and defensive security.

He is also part of France’s World Cup squad, meaning Arsenal fans will have another chance to watch him closely on the international stage.

Strong performances in the tournament could raise his price even further.

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Atletico Madrid interest adds pressure on Gunners

Arsenal are not alone in this race. Atlético Madrid have also been linked with Koné, and their interest could force the Gunners to make a quicker decision.

However, some reports have also suggested Arsenal are playing down talk of advanced negotiations.

That means this may not be as close as the Italian press are making it sound, even if the player’s preference appears encouraging.

Koné would be a smart signing for Arsenal, but only if Roma remain realistic with the asking price.

He fits the profile of a modern Premier League midfielder and could give Arteta more tactical flexibility.

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Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of the leading contenders to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer.

According to talkSPORT, the Sweden international has told Spurs he wants to leave, despite only signing a contract extension until 2031 last year.

That makes his situation one of the more interesting midfield stories of the window.

Forest’s interest makes sense. With Elliot Anderson expected to join Manchester City, they are looking for a young, high-upside midfielder who can help fill the gap.

Bergvall is still only 20, but he already has Premier League experience, international pedigree and the technical ability to play in different midfield roles.

Chelsea and Villa not active for Bergvall

Chelsea and Aston Villa have both enquired about Bergvall in the past, but there are currently no approaches from either club.

That gives Forest a potential opening. Chelsea explored the situation earlier this year, but Evening Standard reported that they are not planning a move at this stage.

Villa have also been linked, but their interest has not turned into anything concrete.

For Tottenham, that could be frustrating. If more clubs were actively pushing, Spurs might have been able to create a stronger market.

Tottenham face difficult decision

Tottenham are believed to want around £45m if they decide to sell. That is a big fee, but understandable given Bergvall’s age, contract length and potential.

The problem is his role under Roberto De Zerbi. If he does not see a clear pathway to regular minutes, a move may suit all parties.

Forest could offer him a more central project and regular football, while Spurs could raise funds for their own rebuild.

Forest appear to be in a strong position. Chelsea and Villa are watching from distance, but right now, the clearest route for Bergvall may be a move to the City Ground.

22-year-old Premier League winger has made up his mind over Tottenham move

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Manchester United look set to keep hold of Bruno Fernandes, with the club captain reportedly making it clear that he has no plans to leave Old Trafford this summer.

According to talkSPORT, the 31-year-old Portugal midfielder has told some of his teammates that he intends to stay at United, despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have been linked with big-money moves for Fernandes, and the interest has not come as a major surprise given his status, experience and influence.

The expectation is that Fernandes will remain a Man United player heading into the new season.

Saudi interest fails to tempt Man United star

Fernandes has been one of United’s most important players since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020.

He has carried a huge creative burden for several seasons and, even when United have struggled, he has often been the player trying to make things happen.

Saudi clubs can offer massive wages, but Fernandes appears to be prioritising competitive football and his role at Old Trafford.

That decision will come as a major relief to United supporters, especially during a summer where the club are expected to make changes across the squad.

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Keeping club captain matters for the Red Devils

This is not just about keeping a talented midfielder. It is about keeping leadership, experience and a player who understands the pressure of playing for United.

United still need fresh energy in midfield, but allowing Fernandes to leave would have forced them to replace both his creativity and his personality.

That is not easy, especially in a difficult transfer market where proven playmakers are expensive.

Keeping Fernandes is the correct decision. Some fans may argue United should cash in while his value is still high, but selling their captain during another rebuilding phase would be a risky move.

Fernandes can still be frustrating at times, but his quality, mentality and availability make him too important to lose.

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Sheffield United are moving closer to bringing Kalvin Phillips back to Bramall Lane, with advanced talks taking place with Manchester City over a fresh loan deal.

According to Football Insider, the Blades are working to finalise another agreement for the 30-year-old England midfielder after his previous spell in South Yorkshire.

Phillips joined Sheffield United on loan in February but his time on the pitch was limited after a knee injury disrupted his season.

Even so, the fact United are pushing to bring him back says plenty about how highly Chris Wilder still rates him.

Is it a gamble worth taking for Sheffield United?

From Sheffield United’s point of view, this would be a calculated risk rather than a flashy signing.

Phillips has not had an easy few years since leaving Leeds United for Man City in 2022, struggling for regular football under Pep Guardiola and then failing to fully rebuild his rhythm during loan spells away from the Etihad.

However, there is still a player there. At his best, Phillips offers control, defensive discipline and leadership in midfield, exactly the type of profile Sheffield United could use if they want to build a stronger promotion push.

ESPN also reported earlier in June that the Blades were interested in re-signing him, so this has clearly been a long-running target rather than a sudden move.

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Phillips needs a fresh start after Man City spell

For City, another loan would make sense if Phillips is not part of their first-team plans.

For Sheffield United, the deal could be smart if the financial terms are right and his fitness checks out.

Nothing has been officially completed, but talks appear to be moving in a positive direction.

If Phillips can stay fit, this could be the kind of low-risk, high-upside signing that gives the Blades’ midfield a much-needed lift.

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Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move for Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn as Michael Carrick’s squad rebuild continues.

According to The Sun, the 30-year-old has emerged as a possible target after being released by Nottingham Forest.

United are looking for an experienced goalkeeper this summer, with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford.

The situation makes sense from a squad-building point of view.

Senne Lammens has established himself as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Carrick still needs reliable depth, especially with Champions League football returning.

Signing an experienced free agent would allow United to strengthen the position without spending heavily.

Jason Wilcox link could matter

One interesting detail is Gunn’s previous connection with Jason Wilcox.

The Scotland international came through Manchester City’s academy when Wilcox was part of the coaching structure and later head of the academy.

That relationship does not guarantee anything, but it could help United understand the player’s character, development and suitability.

Gunn may not be a glamorous signing, but he is experienced, available and familiar with English football.

He has also been active at the World Cup with Scotland, starting their opening matches against Haiti and Morocco.

That visibility has kept him in the spotlight despite a quiet club season at Forest.

Karl Darlow also on shortlist for Man United

United are also tracking Karl Darlow, who is out of contract with Leeds United next week.

The 35-year-old made 22 appearances last season and is currently in talks over a possible renewal.

This suggests United are not looking for a new No.1, but rather an experienced squad goalkeeper who can compete, cover and accept a supporting role.

Gunn appears to be one of the low-cost names under consideration. If Onana and Bayindir both leave, United may move quickly for a practical replacement rather than chasing an expensive marquee option.

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Luka Vušković is quickly becoming one of the most interesting defensive names of the summer transfer window, and both Liverpool and Manchester United should be paying close attention.

The Croatian centre-back impressed during his loan spell at Hamburg, where his physical presence, aerial strength and goal threat helped build his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders.

His future at Tottenham remains uncertain, especially after Sky Sports reported that Brighton had made an improved £45m offer for the teenager.

Spurs are believed to value him at more than £60m, and with his contract running until 2030, they are under no pressure to accept a cheap deal, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are looking for a long term defensive solution

For Liverpool, this is exactly the type of situation worth monitoring.

The Reds have already had to think carefully about their defensive future, with Virgil van Dijk no longer a long-term option and questions around how the back line will evolve over the next few years.

Get German Football News previously reported that Liverpool were among the clubs watching Vušković, and it makes sense.

He is young, aggressive, dominant in the air and already experienced in a top European league.

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A missed opportunity waiting to happen for Man United?

Man United also need to be alert.

They have spent heavily on defenders in recent windows, but they still require long-term planning at centre-back.

If Vušković is available, even at a high price, he fits the profile of a player who could grow into a top Premier League defender.

The question for United is whether they can move early enough before clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich or Barcelona become too serious.

Liverpool should be more aggressive in this race than United. Vušković looks like a natural fit for a defensive rebuild and could be developed without needing to carry the team immediately.

United should monitor him, but Liverpool’s need feels clearer.

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Tottenham Hotspur are continuing talks over a move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reshape his midfield this summer.

According to BBC Sport, discussions are ongoing and there is some optimism that a deal could be possible.

West Ham are understood to want around £80m for the Portugal international, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

That price is high, but Tottenham’s interest feels serious.

De Zerbi wants more technical control, energy and creativity in the middle of the pitch, and Fernandes fits that type of profile.

He is young, confident on the ball and already has Premier League experience, which makes him an attractive option for a club trying to move quickly under a new manager.

Tonali setback changes Spurs’ focus

Tottenham’s move for Fernandes comes after they failed with an ambitious attempt to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

BBC Sport reported that Spurs had a bid worth around £80m rejected for the Italy international last week.

De Zerbi is a long-time admirer of Tonali, but Newcastle’s refusal has forced Tottenham to explore other midfield routes.

That is where Fernandes becomes important. He may not bring Tonali’s experience, but he offers more long-term upside and could develop into a key player in De Zerbi’s system.

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Man United still active in the background

Man United have also shown interest in Fernandes, which means Tottenham cannot afford to move slowly.

United have been linked with the midfielder for weeks, while talkSPORT has reported that Spurs are trying to rival them for his signature.

For West Ham, this situation is ideal. With several clubs interested, they can hold firm on their valuation rather situation is ideal.

Tottenham are pushing, talks are active and there is growing belief that an agreement could be reached.

After missing out on Tonali, Fernandes now looks like one of Spurs’ most important midfield targets but that is bad news for Michael Carrick and United.

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Chelsea have started talks over a move for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his defence this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have opened discussions for the French defender, who has emerged as one of several centre-back options under consideration at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are expected to sign at least one new central defender, and possibly two, depending on who leaves before the end of the window.

That makes this a very important area for the club. Chelsea have already been busy strengthening other parts of the squad, but Alonso clearly wants more pace, athleticism and reliability at the back.

Lacroix would be an ideal signing for Chelsea

Lacroix would make sense for Chelsea because he already has Premier League experience and has shown he can defend aggressively in a high line.

He is quick across the ground, strong in duels and comfortable enough on the ball to play in a possession-based system.

The Telegraph has reported that Chelsea are preparing to advance their interest, while Evening Standard claims the club are ready to sell Trevoh Chalobah this summer if the right offer arrives.

The French centre-back is currently at the World Cup as he is a part of the France national team squad.

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Chalobah exit could unlock move

Chalobah’s future is central to the situation.

The defender is wanted in Italy, with Como among the clubs showing interest.

Because he is an academy graduate, any sale would also help Chelsea financially from a squad-building perspective.

That may explain why Chelsea are moving early on alternatives. Lacroix is not the only name being assessed, but he appears to be one of the more realistic Premier League-proven options.

This is a sensible direction for Chelsea. Alonso’s system needs defenders who can cover space, defend one-v-one and build attacks calmly. Lacroix ticks many of those boxes.

Talks have started, Chelsea are working on several centre-back options, and the number of defensive signings could depend heavily on Chalobah’s future.

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Tottenham Hotspur are still trying to reach an agreement with Manchester City for Brazilian winger Savinho, with the player already understood to be open to the move.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Spurs remain in talks with City as they look to bring the 22-year-old to north London.

Savinho has reportedly given his availability to join Tottenham for around two weeks, meaning the biggest obstacle is no longer the player’s side, it is the club-to-club negotiation.

That is an important detail. When a player is open to the move, it usually gives the buying club more confidence.

But Man City are not an easy club to negotiate with, especially when they believe a player still has long-term value.

#Tottenham are still working to reach a deal with #ManchesterCity to try to sign #Savinho, who has already given his availability to joins #THFC since two-weeks ago. #transfers https://t.co/HjrRBRhNU2

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 24, 2026

Tottenham are looking to add attacking depth

This deal makes a lot of sense for Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham need more pace, creativity and unpredictability in wide areas, and Savinho offers exactly that.

He is direct, technically sharp and comfortable attacking defenders in one-v-one situations.

Football365 previously reported that Schira claimed Savinho was getting closer to Tottenham after agreeing terms on a long-term deal.

Spurs Web also reported that the winger had agreed a contract until 2031.

For Spurs, this is not just about adding another attacker. It is about giving De Zerbi the type of explosive wide player who can stretch teams and make his possession-heavy system more dangerous.

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Man City decision remains key

The main question is Man City’s valuation. Savinho has not always been guaranteed minutes, but City know his age and profile make him a valuable asset.

They may only sell if Tottenham reach a serious fee. This is the kind of signing Spurs should push hard for.

He is young enough to improve, but already experienced enough to make a mark at Spurs.

Tottenham are still working on the deal, Savinho is open to joining, and the final decision now rests on whether Spurs can satisfy Man City.

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Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make an approach to Aston Villa over the transfer of Morgan Rogers, while there’s also an update on Ayyoub Bouaddi and Jeremy Monga.

In what could be a busy summer for the Gunners, it seems they’re dead set on Villa and England attacker Rogers as one of their top priorities.

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That’s according to the Evening Standard, who also claim that Arsenal are closing in on a £10m deal for Leicester City wonderkid Monga, and that the north London giants have also held talks over Lille midfield wonderkid Bouaddi.

Arsenal fans will be excited to see increasing coverage on the club’s pursuit of Rogers, who finished the 2025/26 season with 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions.

The England international can play wide on the left or as a number ten – two positions Mikel Arteta could do with strengthening.

How Arsenal could line up with Morgan Rogers and Ayyoub Bouaddi signings

Out of those names being linked, it seems likely that only Rogers and Bouaddi would go into the Arsenal starting line up straight away.

Even then, it’s not exactly clear how AFC would line up, with Rogers looking like a decent upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left, though Martin Odegaard’s fitness and form is also a concern.

Bouaddi would probably not start a lot of games straight away, but has shown huge potential in recent times and could be a good option to occasionally partner Declan Rice in midfield…

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Is this a better Arsenal XI than the one that won them the league in 2025/26? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Approach prepared for Morgan Rogers and two other major Arsenal transfer updates appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After last night’s disappointing draw with Ghana, there’s more worrying World Cup news breaking for England today as Declan Rice and Reece James are reportedly fitness concerns for the Panama game.

The pair are key players for Thomas Tuchel’s side, and started both games of the World Cup campaign so far against Croatia and Ghana.

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However, the Telegraph are now reporting that the duo face fitness checks ahead of the Panama game.

Here’s what we know so far based on the report…

Declan Rice injury doesn’t look too serious

Rice couldn’t complete the 90 minutes against Croatia and also had some issues at the end of the 0-0 draw with Ghana.

The Telegraph state that the Arsenal midfielder left the stadium with strapping on his left calf, but it’s not thought to be anything particularly serious or long term.

It could, however, be an issue that requires late checks for Rice ahead of England’s final group game against Panama.

Reece James was uncomfortable against Ghana

The report is a bit vague on James’ fitness, with the Chelsea right-back said to have felt uncomfortable in the Ghana game.

Still, James was able to complete 90 minutes in both of England’s games so far, even if it’s perhaps sensible to be cautious with him due to his poor injury record over the years.

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The 26-year-old is an important player for England, with the Telegraph noting that Tuchel has also had him training in midfield as he could fill in for Rice in that position.

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Now, however, both players could be out for the Panama game, in a major blow for the Three Lions’ preparations in what looks a close group at the moment.

England have four points, putting them level with Ghana, while Croatia have three and Panama have zero.

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Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are reportedly set for further talks over the transfer of Elliot Anderson in a potential £130m deal.

It looks like Man City are progressing on a deal for Anderson at last after previously seeing a £120m offer rejected by Forest.

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According to the Daily Mail, further negotiations are scheduled, which could see City complete a deal for Anderson for a record-breaking £130m.

The report states that this would eclipse the current record transfer fee in Britain, which Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer when he moved from Newcastle for £125m.

Manchester United had also been keen on Anderson, according to the Mail, but it looks like City are now making progress on an agreement.

Elliot Anderson transfer is expensive, but also the statement Manchester City need

After two years in a row without winning the Premier League title, and with the blow of legendary manager Pep Guardiola leaving at the end of the season, it makes sense that City are now ready to go all-out with a major statement signing like this.

Anderson is a world class player who has shown immense quality during his time at Forest, becoming a key player for the England national team as well.

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Rodri is not getting any younger and has had injury problems, so it makes sense for City to spend top dollar to replace this hugely influential player.

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Elliot Anderson can undergo medical at World Cup

An interesting detail in this saga is that Anderson is currently at the World Cup 2026 with England, but he may be able to have a medical with City anyway.

Speaking on Latte Firm, journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that England manager Thomas Tuchel has no issue with his players doing medicals during international duty, which is good news for Arsenal in pursuit of Morgan Rogers, but also for City as they chase Anderson.

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Arsenal have been given some hugely positive transfer news on Morgan Rogers, with the World Cup 2026 hopefully not an issue in delaying the deal.

Rogers is a top target for the Gunners but is currently at the World Cup with England, though Ben Jacobs reports that manager Thomas Tuchel has no issues with his players undergoing medicals whilst on international duty.

Speaking to Latte Firm, Jacobs provided an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Rogers, with some interesting information emerging about the Aston Villa star’s preferences.

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It seems Rogers is happy to play as either a winger or a number ten at his next club, with no strong preference either way, while Jacobs generally seems confident that the 23-year-old will be heading to the Emirates Stadium…

Ben Jacobs on Morgan Rogers to Arsenal transfer

“I do expect Arsenal to sign Morgan Rogers. He is Arsenal’s leading target for left-wing and/or #10,” Jacobs said.

“My information is that Rogers has zero preference as to whether he’s signed as a left-winger or a #10. Arsenal are expected to bid and this could move quickly.

“Remember Thomas Tuchel is perfectly happy for players to do medicals on England duty. That may be the case with Elliot Anderson and Manchester City. But Arsenal perhaps in less of a rush than Aston Villa.

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“Aston Villa, even with Champions League football, are looking for a major sale to balance their books. When Rogers extended last year, there was an understanding that he could leave this summer for a fee of £80m as a starting point.

“It’s not a release clause or gentleman’s understanding, but Villa had said they will not unduly stand in his way. I’m still told engagement will start at £80m, that’s not to say it’ll be the number that secures a transfer, but that is the beginning to start a conversation with Aston Villa. I think there’s a very strong chance this deal happens.”

World Cup won’t delay Morgan Rogers deal

Arsenal fans will also surely be pleased to hear that Rogers can have a medical even while he’s away at the World Cup.

The Premier League champions will no doubt want this major deal done as quickly as possible to avoid other clubs getting involved, with Rogers sure to be hot property after two outstanding seasons in a row at Villa Park.

The England international hit double figures for goals and assists again in the 2025/26 season, and it’s clear he could improve this Arsenal side in the one area they arguably struggled most in despite winning the title.

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Mikel Arteta’s men sometimes struggled in the final third, and someone like Rogers should be able to add a bit more spark, as well as more of a goal threat than the inconsistent Martin Odegaard.

If AFC can get this done, it will be just the kind of signing that could take this team to another level next season, with Arteta’s side only narrowly missing out on the Champions League when they again just lacked a little bit of attacking quality in the final defeat to PSG.

The post Boost for Arsenal as Thomas Tuchel won’t delay key stage of England star’s transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United reportedly had meetings in London yesterday to discuss a potential transfer deal for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The France international has been on Man United’s radar, as we reported, though it was also our understanding that a new contract at the Bernabeu probably looks more likely at the moment.

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Things can change quickly in football, though, with the Telegraph recently claiming that Tchouameni was a firm target for the Red Devils, while a team of journalists on X are now saying secret talks have taken place and have been leaked.

“We have it on good authority that a high-level meeting took place yesterday in London between Manchester United officials and representatives of Aurélien Tchouaméni. We don’t know if this meeting was supposed to be kept secret, but it has been leaked,” the reporter posted.

Aurelien Tchouameni could fix Manchester United’s midfield

Tchouameni is a top player on his day, and even if he’s not proven in the Premier League, he’s been consistent and reliable at the highest level with both Real Madrid and the French national team.

With Casemiro leaving at the end of his contract this summer, a new defensive midfield player like this makes sense as a priority for United, so it will be interesting to see if these talks amount to anything.

More Stories / Latest News

Approach prepared for Morgan Rogers and two other major Arsenal transfer updates

Jun 24 2026, 19:32

“Official bid” for Chelsea star has just been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano

Jun 24 2026, 19:07

Sources: Arsenal lower their asking price for first-team star as transfer saga continues

Jun 24 2026, 18:56

There’ll likely be a lot of MUFC fans hoping these latest links are accurate, and we’d certainly give this potential deal a high score with our Transfer Fit rating system – find out more about how we score these here.

Tchouameni gets 18/25, which is a really solid score, with the 26-year-old only slightly dropping points because he’d probably be very expensive, while he’s also perhaps just a year or two older than absolutely ideal.

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The post Transfer meeting supposedly “leaked” as Man United work on signing 26-year-old appeared first on CaughtOffside.