Goncalo Ramos is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season, and multiple Premier League clubs are interested in him.
According to a report from Hooligan Soccer, Manchester United have been following the player for years, and they could look to make a move for him. They need more depth in the attacking unit; the 24-year-old could be the ideal partner for Benjamin Sesko.
Finally, Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring in a mobile striker, and they believe the Portuguese international could be useful for them. Viktor Gyokeres has done reasonably well this season, but he needs more competition for places. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done for the PSG star.
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The 24-year-old has played just over 1300 minutes in the league this season, and he needs to play more often at this stage of his career. Sitting on the bench at the French club will be detrimental to his development. He has 12 goals across all competitions, and he could prove to be a superb acquisition in the right team.
Liverpool has agreed on a deal to sign Samuel Martinez from Atlético Nacional.
According to Fabrizio Romano, they have already agreed on a deal with the South American outfit for the attacking midfielder. The 17-year-old will join Liverpool when he turns 18. He has done quite well in the under-17 level with Colombia, and Liverpool have been tracking his progress.
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Liverpool agree deal for Samuel Martinez
Romano wrote onX: “Liverpool agree deal to sign Samuel Martínez from Atletico Nacional, here we go!
“Deal in place for 17 year old Colombian talent to join in 2027, as soon as he turns 18. #LFC anticipate Borussia Dortmund, as @PSierraR revealed.
“Agreement closed.”
Liverpool is reportedly paying around $1 million to secure his signature, and the player will sign a five-year contract with them. He is a young player with great potential and could prove to be a solid long-term investment for the club.
Liverpool has done well to bring in talented young players in recent years, and they have an excellent record of grooming promising youngsters. They could also play a key role in Martinez’s development.
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The opportunity to join a big club like Liverpool will be exciting for the youngster. He will look to force his way into their first plans in the coming seasons. Exposure to English football could help him develop further and fulfil his potential.
The investment is nominal, and Martinez could prove to be a huge bargain for the future if he adapts quickly to English football and fulfils his potential at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, it has been a disappointing season for Liverpool, and they need to bring in quality players during the summer window. Investing in the future is exciting, but they need players who can make an immediate impact. It remains to be seen whether they can plug the gaps in their squad this summer.
He could prove an excellent acquisition for all three clubs, and it will be interesting to see whether Bournemouth are willing to sanction his departure.
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Man United need Alex Scott
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester United are most determined to sign the player. They need control, composure and creativity in the middle of the park, and Scott would be the ideal acquisition. He is excellent at controlling the tempo of the game, and his ability to beat players and carry the ball forward would add a new dimension to the Manchester United midfield.
He is a complete midfielder, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. Manchester United would do well to secure his signature.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea has been conducting background checks on the 22-year-old, and they believe he would be a quality acquisition. Enzo Fernandez has been linked with the move away from the club, and the Blues will need to replace him properly.
The 22-year-old has the technical attributes to play for a big club, and he could be a star for Chelsea with the right guidance.
Finally, Arsenal are monitoring his situation, and it remains to be seen whether the Premier League champions are prepared to get the deal done. They could use an upgrade on Christian Norgaard, and the 22-year-old could be the ideal partner for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done.
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Man United likely to sign Mateus Fernandes
Meanwhile, Jacob Steinberg from The Guardian said on the United! United! United! podcast: “There’s quite a few clubs in for him. The information I had this week was if he were to stay at any club in England, then the place he’d be most likely to go is United.”
The 21-year-old will add control, composure and creativity to the team. He has five goals and five assists to his name for West Ham United in a disappointing season. His numbers could improve if he plays on a better team alongside quality players.
The Portuguese international would be the ideal long-term acquisition for Manchester United if they can get the deal done.
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Manchester United need more depth in the middle of the park, and the 21-year-old would be a long-term acquisition for them. He has the technical attributes to play for a big club, and he could be a star for the Red Devils with the right guidance.
Jonathan David has been linked with a move away from Juventus, and Premier League clubs have been offered the chance to sign the Canadian International.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Crystal Palace have all been made aware of the player’s availability this summer. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to make a move for him.
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Jonathan David needs a fresh start
The 26-year-old was outstanding for Lille during his time in France, and there is no doubt that he has the qualities to do well in the Premier League as well. The move to Italy has not worked out for him, and he needs a fresh start. Moving to England could be ideal for the player as well.
Newcastle need to add more quality to the attacking unit. Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade have not lived up to expectations. They need to invest in another striker. The Canadian International could be a very useful option for them if he manages to discover his form.
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On the other hand, Aston Villa need someone who can support Ollie Watkins in the attack. They have been overly dependent on the England international this season. They have secured Champions League qualification for the next season, and they need more quality going forward.
Leeds United and Crystal Palace will be looking to push for a place in the top half next season, and they need more cutting-edge in the final third. David could prove to be a very handy option, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Atalanta midfielder Ederson Dos Santos during the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has been a key player for the Italian club.
Manchester United need more creativity, control and defensive cover in the middle of the park. The Brazilian is a complete central midfielder who could be an asset for them. Ederson could form a solid partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.
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The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for the South American, and he will look to make his mark in England. Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he will look to win major trophies with them.
Manchester United have done well this season and secured Champions League qualification. They will look to push for major trophies next year, and they need quality players at their disposal.
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The midfielder has scored 16 goals during his time at the Italian club, and he will look to help out at both ends of the park at Manchester United.
The investment could look steep right now, but the 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers, and he could justify the investment in the coming seasons.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Sporting CP attacker Francisco Trincao during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Portuguese publication Record, the 26-year-old is a target for the Premier League club, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
He has a contract with Sporting CP until 2030, with a €60 million release clause. It is highly unlikely that Liverpool will pay that kind of money for the player.
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Francisco Trincao could be an interesting option
They need more quality and technical ability in the final third, but they will look to sign the player for a reasonable fee.
The 26-year-old has done quite well since joining the Portuguese club, with 13 goals and 18 assists in 53 matches. He can operate as an attacking midfielder as well as on the right flank.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League could be exciting for him as well. He’s at the peak of his career, and this could be the right time for him to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.
It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on a reasonable deal.
Meanwhile, Trincao previously played in the Premier League with Wolves but failed to make his Mark in English football. He will look to make amends this time around and prove himself in England if the move to Liverpool goes through.
Manchester United are interested in signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old Italian international has been outstanding for Newcastle since joining the club, and he’s currently one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
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Sandro Tonali could improve Manchester United
Manchester United need more quality in that area of the pitch, and the Italian International would be outstanding for them. He could be the ideal replacement for Casemiro, who has decided to leave the club. Manchester United will need to properly replace the Brazilian.
They have been quite poor defensively, and they need someone who can win the ball back for the side and protect the back four from the middle of the park.
According to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester United are confident of getting the deal done. It remains to be seen whether they can plug the gaps in the gaps during the summer transfer window and push for major trophies next season.
They have a talented squad and will look to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City. Bringing in quality signings in the summer could help them do well next season.
There’s some surprise World Cup news this afternoon as legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to join the Germany squad.
The 40-year-old remains the number one goalkeeper for Bayern Munich, but has not featured for Germany since his side’s defeat to Spain two years ago at Euro 2024.
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Still, BBC Sport now report that Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has recalled Neuer for this summer’s tournament, and that he’ll be the team’s number one in the tournament in North America.
Germany are so often among the favourites for the major international tournaments and a quick glance at the latest World Cup 2026 winner odds will show that they’re up there, even if not quite in that elite bracket with France, Spain, and England at the moment.
Including an experienced winner like Neuer will surely help, though, and there’s a great deal of quality elsewhere in that squad.
Germany’s World Cup 2026 squad – who’s in and who’s out?
Nagelsmann has made some interesting calls with the Germany squad, as Neuer returns and other experienced big names like Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka, Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich, and Kai Havertz are also there too.
There are notable players missing as well, though, with no space in the squad for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Niclas Fullkrug, Karim Adeyemi, or Kevin Schade.
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On paper at least, that looks like a decent draw for the four-time winners of this competition, who will then hope for a favourable draw in the knockout stages as they look to improve after a disappointing last few tournaments.
Germany last won the World Cup in 2014 but went out at the group stage in the following two World Cups, while they made the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but were out at the round of 16 in 2021, and the quarter-finals in 2024.
Nagelsmann’s side are in strong form going into this year’s tournament as they’re currently on a run of seven straight wins, but it’s about time they started showing what they’re capable of at the very highest level, rather than just in international friendlies and qualifying matches.
Newcastle United are interested in signing the Gremio defender Viery during the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old is highly rated in South America, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. Multiple clubs are interested in signing him, but Newcastle have already initiated the move to secure the deal.
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Newcastle scouting Viery
According to Sports Boom, Newcastle have recently sent a club representative to watch the player in action in person. They have a serious intent to sign the player, and he could cost around €20 million.
Newcastle need to improve defensively, and the 21-year-old central defender would be a quality long-term acquisition for them. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are in the twilight stages of their careers. Newcastle need to bring younger alternatives, and the Brazilian would be an excellent acquisition for them.
The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for the player as well.
The defender has a contract with Gremio until December 2029, and they are under no pressure to sell him. He also has a €50 million release clause in his contract. The Brazilian club is clearly in a position of strength in negotiations, and Newcastle will have to agree to their demands to get the deal done.
The €20 million investment might seem expensive right now, but the player has the quality to justify the outlay in future.
He could develop into a key player for Newcastle with the right guidance. Regular football in England could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential.
With multiple clubs keen on the player, the Brazilian outfit will certainly hope for a summer auction to recoup as much as possible from his departure.
Boca Juniors midfielder Milton Delgado has been linked with a move away from the South American club, and Everton is keen on him.
According to SportsBoom, they will also face competition from Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Italian champions Inter Milan are monitoring his situation. It will be interesting to see if Everton can get the deal done.
The player could be sold for around €17.2 million. It would be a bargain acquisition for Everton if they could get the deal done.
Everton needs more quality in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old defender with filler will add physicality and protection to the team. He has the technical attributes to compete at a high level, and regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him.
Everton has a talented team, and they will look to push for European qualification next season. They need to keep improving the team.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are looking to add more quality in the midfield as well. The 20-year-old could prove an excellent long-term investment and form a solid partnership with Adam Wharton. The England international has been outstanding in the middle of the park, but he needs more support.
The 20-year-old South American would be a future asset for the club if they can get the deal done.
The Eagles have recently won the FA Cup and the Community Shield, and they are in the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League. If they win the tournament, they will secure Europa League qualification for next season, making them an attractive destination for players.
It will be interesting to see where Delgado ends up.
Aston Villa is interested in signing the Celta Vigo midfielder Ilaix Moriba.
The 23-year-old Guinean has done quite well for the Spanish club, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Aston Villa. According to reports from Spain, Brighton are also keen on the player.
The report claims that Aston Villa have already submitted a significant offer for the player, and it remains to be seen whether Celta Vigo is ready to sell him.
Aston Villa are prepared to spend €20 million on the player, whereas Brighton would be prepared to go up to €25 million.
Moriba could be tempted by the possibility of moving to the Premier League, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
Aston Villa have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they have a quality set of players at their disposal. They could be a tempting destination for the player.
On the other hand, Brighton has an ambitious project as well. It remains to be seen where the 23-year-old ends up.
He will want to compete at a high-level and fight for trophies. The opportunity to compete in the Champions League will be exciting for him, and Aston Villa could have an edge in the transfer race.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo will look to recoup as much as possible for an important player like him. It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa can agree on a deal with them.
The 23-year-old central midfielder has one goal and four assists to his name this season. Apart from his ability to create opportunities, he is a hard-working player who will help out defensively. He could be a complete central midfielder for Aston Villa or Brighton.
Liverpool director Richard Hughes has reportedly made contact over a potential move for Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to replace Arne Slot.
The Reds have endured a difficult second season under Slot, despite the Dutch tactician doing a tremendous job to win the Premier League title last term.
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It now seems Slot could be in danger, with Foot Mercato reporting that Hughes has begun the process of bringing in Iraola to replace him at Anfield.
The claim is that Hughes has ‘discreetly activated a lead’, perhaps using his contacts at his former club Bournemouth to register an interest in Iraola.
It has already been confirmed that the Spanish tactician will be leaving at the end of his contract, and it’s slightly surprising that he hasn’t been snapped up yet.
Andoni Iraola looks ideal to be next Liverpool manager
Iraola has done a superb job with the Cherries, guiding them into Europe for the first time, while there’s even still the chance that they could be playing Champions League football next season if results go their way on the final day of the Premier League this weekend.
Still, despite Chelsea and Manchester United recently being in need of new managers, they have officially announced the decision to hire Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick, respectively.
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Iraola could surely have been a fine appointment for those clubs, and he also looks like an ideal option to give LFC an upgrade on Slot.
Football is unpredictable, of course, but it’s hard to foresee a future without Iraola enjoying great success at a bigger club.
Even if it’s not Iraola, Liverpool surely need to think hard about making a change this summer after such a dramatic drop-off in form in Slot’s second season.
Rashford is part of Thomas Tuchel’s side for the upcoming tournament after an impressive spell on loan at Barcelona this season, despite struggling for some time towards the end of his spell with Man Utd.
Although technically still a United player, Rashford hasn’t featured for the club since the first half of last season, as he spent the second part of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa before then leaving for another loan to Barca in the summer.
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Marcus Rashford’s Instagram dig at Manchester United
It seems Rashford really didn’t leave Old Trafford on great terms, as he has now posted on Instagram thanking his managers at Villa, Barcelona, and England, and making no mention of United at all…
Marcus Rashford’s Instagram post
Rashford has done well to turn his career around after struggling at United, so it seems he really made the right choice to leave for a new challenge.
UPDATE: Rashford has now posted again to clarify that this post wasn’t intended as a dig at United, and that he remains a fan of the club:
To make my IG story clear. It's not a dig of any sort! I'm a MU supporter, and that remains. I was showing gratitude to the clubs and coaches that I have worked with over the past 18 months, they have played a big role in this ??????? call up.
It remains to be seen if he’ll stay at the Nou Camp permanently, but he looks back to his best and fully deserving of a place in the England squad.
While it’s perhaps not guaranteed, it seems likely that Rashford will be in Tuchel’s starting line up for most games, playing on the left of a front three alongside Harry Kane as the central striker, and Bukayo Saka on the right.
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According to well-connected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague on X, formerly Twitter, Guardiola was keen to keep his decision to leave under wraps for as long as possible.
It seems Guardiola knew he would be leaving at the end of this season a few weeks ago, but decided he wouldn’t announce it early in case Man City ended up struggling like Liverpool did when Jurgen Klopp confirmed his exit months ahead of the end of his final season.
See below for details from Balague, with the key line being: “Once he decided to leave — and this is important, because that decision was only taken seven or eight weeks ago — he wanted to keep control of the situation so it would not influence matters on the pitch. He remembers Klopp’s experience and what happened after he announced his departure in January: after the initial positive reaction, Liverpool’s form tailed off badly during the run-in.”
The decision and timing of Pep Guardiola’s announcement is TOTALLY his!!
There is not a single person at the club who is happy about him going and, if Khaldoon had found a way to convince him to stay, he would have tried it.
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Manchester City not happy to be losing Pep Guardiola
Interestingly, Balague also provided some insight into the thinking behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola will be almost impossible to replace, regardless of the vast resources of the club, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss up there with the very best managers of all time.
It remains to be seen how City will recover from this, but Balague pointed out that there isn’t anyone behind the scenes who’s happy with the news that Pep is moving on.
As reported by BBC Sport and others, it looks like former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be Guardiola’s replacement.
Still, the Italian tactician has nowhere near the same kind of CV as Guardiola, who leaves Manchester after winning a stunning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.
Manchester United have officially confirmed that Michael Carrick will be staying on as the club’s manager permanently after his successful interim spell.
Jason Wilcox on Michael Carrick’s strong start at Manchester United
Speaking to the club’s official site, Wilcox praised the work done by Carrick since replacing Ruben Amorim a few months ago, whilst also stressing how important it is that he has a good relationship with the players.
“Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history,” Wilcox said.
“Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”
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MUFC fans will be delighted to see a legendary former player back at Old Trafford doing so well, and it seems like the 44-year-old’s strong understanding of the culture of the club has helped him a lot.
Michael Carrick on being named Manchester United manager
Carrick himself also released a statement expressing his joy at landing the job permanently, in what is undoubtedly a huge moment in his career after his only previous experience came as manager of Championship side Middlesbrough.
“From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United,” Carrick said.
“Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.
“Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.
“Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”
The Spanish tactician will take charge of his final game with the club in this weekend’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
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Guardiola’s exit has looked like it’s been coming for some time, and now it has been confirmed on the club’s website this morning.
Pep Guardiola to be replaced by Enzo Maresca at Man City
According to BBC Sport, it’s widely expected that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is in line to replace Guardiola as Man City boss.
The Italian tactician left his position at Chelsea earlier this season, and has previously worked under Guardiola on his coaching staff at City.
In truth, though, it will be close to impossible for the club to replace Guardiola, who leaves with six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups.
The 55-year-old, who has also previously managed and enjoyed great success at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is widely regarded as being up there with the very greatest football managers of all time.
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Guardiola took over at City in the summer of 2016 and has turned them into a winning machine, playing a sophisticated brand of football that has led not only to silverware, but record-breaking points totals and the first ever run of four Premier League title victories in a row.
This season has also yielded a domestic double of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, even if City ultimately missed out to Arsenal in a close Premier League title race.
Liverpool may be in luck as Bayern Munich are currently working on Anthony Gordon despite also making Yan Diomande a dream target.
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That’s according to Christian Falk in his CF Bayern Insider column, with the German journalist providing some insight into the Bundesliga giants’ interest in RB Leipzig’s Diomande.
The exciting young Ivory Coast international has been a joy to watch this season, contributing a total of 13 goals and eight assists for Leipzig.
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It’s easy to imagine Diomande, who’s still only 19 years of age, having a great career ahead of him, so it’s no wonder there’s been so much speculation about Europe’s biggest clubs snapping him up.
Bayern love Diomande but focusing on Gordon transfer
According to Falk, Bayern’s current focus is on doing a deal for Newcastle star Gordon, despite Diomande also being described as a ‘dream’ target for the club.
Still, it may be that Bayern would be willing to wait until 2027 to sign the 19-year-old, which could perhaps be the most tempting option for Leipzig.
“It is TRUE: Bayern Munich will try and bring Yan Diomande to Bavaria in 2027 – if they have the chance!” Falk wrote.
“These aren’t concrete plans at the moment, given that they’re pushing for Anthony Gordon at the moment. But if he’s still on the market in 2027 in the Bundesliga (if this happens, he’ll sign a new contract with RB Leipzig with a release clause included, which Bayern can trigger), it raises an opportunity.
“I also talked with other clubs in the Premier League and everyone thinks that Diomande is the next big thing. Whether it happens this summer – that remains the big question! The boss at Leipzig, Oliver Mintzlaff, has already insisted he won’t sell Diomande this summer. If he were to instead sign a new contract, then this could be a big chance for Bayern to go again for him.
“One thing his clear: he’s the absolute dream signing for Bayern Munich, as they expect he’s going to become really, really good. If he’s on the German market, it’s always easier for Bayern to sign him. That would become a different case if he were to sign for a Premier League club.”
Should Yan Diomande choose Liverpool or Bayern?
Liverpool and Bayern are both huge clubs, and it’s not an easy choice for Diomande as it looks like those two could be his main options.
The Merseyside giants urgently need to bring in someone to replace Mohamed Salah, who is leaving at the end of this season, and Diomande looks like one of the best options out there.
Still, given that Diomande has done so well in Germany, he might be tempted to continue there, as he could form an exciting combination with stars like Harry Kane and Michael Olise.
He might need to think about his playing time, though, as LFC might be better able to guarantee him regular minutes, whereas the potential signing of Gordon would mean there’s so much quality competition in Vincent Kompany’s squad.
CF Bayern Insider journalist Christian Falk has provided an update on Harry Kane’s contract situation amid some PSG interest in the Bayern Munich striker.
The England international is one of the best players in the world, and has enjoyed another superb season for Bayern, scoring a stunning 58 goals in 50 games in all competitions.
Bayern surely won’t want to let Kane go, and Falk says talks have not yet started over a new contract, which could be of interest to PSG.
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Still, it doesn’t sound like a desperate situation at the moment, with all sides relaxed about the former Tottenham man’s future.
Latest on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich future
“It is NOT TRUE: Bayern Munich and Harry Kane disagree over the contract length on the table,” Falk wrote.
“The rumours were that Kane is demanding a contract until 2030, while Bayern Munich are just offering a one-year deal. But no, at the moment, the negotiations have not really started.
“Of course, when they’re at the table, this will be the big question. Will it be one year more or two years more? I think it could be a one-year contract with the option of an additional year.
“But Harry Kane wants to concentrate on his next title, which is the DFB Pokal in Berlin. It won’t be a big topic before then.
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“On the England international’s end, he’s very relaxed. He’s said he can sign a contract before the World Cup and also after the World Cup.
“So, nobody is in a rush. Herbert Hainer also made it clear that Kane will get a new contract from Bayern Munich. Everything is relaxed.”
Harry Kane could be huge for England’s World Cup ambitions
The 32-year-old is already the Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer, and he’ll be hungry to add to his tally for what could quite likely be his last chance of playing at a World Cup.
Of course, it might be that Kane will be like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and able to carry on playing for his national team until his late 30s and even early 40s, but there aren’t many that can continue to perform at such a high level for that long.
With Kane leading the line, and with top attacking midfielders like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka around him, this could be one of England’s best chances to finally end their long wait for a second World Cup final victory.
The France international has been in world class form this season, contributing 22 goals and 25 assists to help Bayern win the Bundesliga title again.
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Needless to say, Olise looks like the perfect profile of player to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, but it’s also very hard to see it happening.
Michael Olise to Liverpool transfer rumours not true
Discussing the recent transfer rumours, Falk suggested he didn’t think it was true that LFC had made a bid for Olise, and even if they did, Bayern would just tell them to keep their money.
“To be honest, Bayern don’t care about any potential outside interest in Michael Olise. He’s not for sale,” Falk wrote.
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“Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that Liverpool could come to the table with a €170m [£147m] bid – but I don’t think it’s true! Even if it was on the money, Bayern Munich would say, ‘Keep your money, and we’ll keep Olise’.”
It sounds like there’s not much to this story, so Liverpool fans would probably do well not to get their hopes up over what would admittedly be a superb signing.
Olise previously shone in the Premier League with Crystal Palace as well, and it’s hard to think of someone better suited to being the long-term successor to Salah.
Today’s major World Cup news has broken as England manager Thomas Tuchel has officially announced his squad for the upcoming tournament in North America.
As expected, one big name to be left out is Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, as had previously been reported by BBC Sport ahead of the official confirmation.
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See below for the full official England squad that will be heading to this summer’s World Cup…
Goalkeepers:Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders:Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders:Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Forwards:Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Why did Harry Maguire miss out on England squad?
According to the Times, there could be multiple reasons for Maguire ultimately failing to make the England squad, with one of them tactical, and the other to do with his mentality.
The report suggests Tuchel wants to play a high line with more ‘mobile’ defenders, so it’s probably fair to say that Maguire wouldn’t be the best fit for that kind of system, though some might argue that he’d still have an important role to play off the field, even if he didn’t make it into the starting XI.
Another issue is supposedly the player’s ego, according to the Times, with the reaction of Maguire and his family perhaps illustrating precisely why there are some question-marks over his character.
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Will England regret snubs for Palmer and Foden?
England will also be without some big names in Cole Palmer and Phil Foden this summer – two elite talents capable of influencing the biggest games.
And yet, you could probably just about argue that they don’t deserve to be included based on their recent form, even if it’s a gamble that could really backfire if the Three Lions look like lacking spark in the final third.
Arguably more surprising are snubs for in-form players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton, whilst old favourites like Jordan Henderson continue to make it in.
Arsenal’s Noni Madueke is also one of the more surprising inclusions after a pretty underwhelming season at the Emirates Stadium, so it seems perhaps hard to justify him being in there ahead of Palmer and Foden, even if they haven’t been at their best.
Arsenal right-back Jurrien Timber has suggested that there is some hope of him being fit and available for the upcoming Champions League final.
The Gunners are set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest in just over a week’s time, with Mikel Arteta hoping to add another trophy after winning this season’s Premier League title.
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Timber could be key, however, with the Netherlands international proving to be one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers until an injury saw him miss much of the title run-in.
Ben White filled in for Timber for a while but is now also injured, so Arteta will be desperate to have Timber back to take on PSG.
Jurrien Timber answers questions on his fitness
See below as Timber spoke to the press about his fitness, with the 24-year-old seeming fairly optimistic that he could be back in time for the final…
? Jurrien Timber says there is "a chance" he could make it back for the Champions League final! ? pic.twitter.com/K4V4dSFSuT
It seems a bit early to know for sure if he’ll be able to start that game, which could give Arteta a major selection headache when it comes to naming his starting XI for the final.
Cristhian Mosquera is mostly a centre-back but can also fill in on the right, so he might be the best option, though he’s a bit young and inexperienced for a game of such magnitude.
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In truth, there aren’t too many other options for AFC, with Arteta perhaps unlikely to risk trying players like Riccardo Calafiori or Christian Norgaard in a new position for the first time in such a big game.
PSG have a lot of attacking threat on that left-hand side, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia likely to be one of the main names to watch in that final, so it’s crucial for Arsenal that they have a right-back who can handle the tricky Georgian winger.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly expected to miss out on a place in England’s squad for the World Cup 2026 this summer.
The 27-year-old left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer after running down his contract, and it increasingly looks like he made a mistake to seek a move away from Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold was a beloved star player at Liverpool after rising up through the club’s academy, but things haven’t quite gone to plan for him with an underwhelming trophyless campaign at the Bernabeu this term.
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And now, it seems Trent is set to be dealt the further blow of missing out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup, according to Paul Joyce…
Trent Alexander Arnold expected to be left out of England squad
This would have been unthinkable a few years ago, with Alexander-Arnold arguably one of the most naturally gifted players in the country, but this is now what we’re expected to hear when the squad is officially announced later on this morning.
Other England World Cup squad news
According to BBC Sport, a few other big names also look set to be snubbed by Tuchel this morning.
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reported to be out of the squad, as well as experienced defender Harry Maguire.
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In-form Premier League midfield duo Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton are also said to have missed out on selection.
The BBC posted the below as the squad they’re expecting to see announced today:
Goalkeepers:Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders:Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Midfielders:Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Forwards:Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
So much has been written about the Sandro Tonali transfer saga since January that it can be hard to keep up, but I’ve done my best to gather the latest information on his future.
As has been widely reported, Tonali sees his future away from Newcastle United this summer, with his agent already fielding interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
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Having consulted sources with ties to the agents industry, I’m reliably told that initial exploratory talks have been held between Arsenal, Man City, and those close to the player.
Manchester United and Chelsea also have Tonali on their lists for this summer, while I’m also told that Jose Mourinho’s imminent arrival at Real Madrid could see them join the race for the Italy international’s signature.
Sandro Tonali transfer not advancing…yet
However, for now the main message is that nothing is advancing with Tonali. This could change, of course, as there’s plenty of interest there, but one issue is that the player’s genuine preference is for a return to Serie A.
“Tonali is on the list of pretty much every top club,” one source explained. “He really wants to go back to Italy, though, so we’ll have to see if any club feel the deal is affordable.”
Despite links with Juventus, I’m not aware of anything concrete happening there at the moment, with Tonali’s high wages a significant issue for Serie A clubs.
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It could be that the 26-year-old will decide he’s willing to take a pay cut to head back to his home country, but for now it’s very hard to make predictions like this, with a move to another Premier League club or a European giant like Real Madrid looking the safer bet.
Newcastle don’t want to sell Tonali
Obviously the other thing to consider here is that Newcastle sources insist they don’t want to sell Tonali and there are no plans to do so.
But of course we know that football doesn’t always work like that, and that even though the Magpies played hardball over Alexander Isak last summer, he did eventually end up leaving in a mega-money move to Liverpool.
Tonali will not be short of offers to make the step up to playing in the Champions League, so we’ll have to see if anyone can come in with the kind of money to test Newcastle’s resolve.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap is reportedly likely to leave the club this summer, with industry insider Mick Brown saying he can’t see him surviving under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues only signed Delap from Ipswich Town last summer, but he’s had a hugely disappointing debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
With just one goal in 27 Premier League games, it’s little surprise that the 23-year-old will likely now be viewed as someone Chelsea are happy to offload.
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Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown provided his insight into the situation, saying he could see Delap leaving Chelsea for Everton.
Liam Delap set for Chelsea exit under Xabi Alonso
Delap doesn’t look like the right fit for incoming manager Alonso, with Brown admitting he can see that meaning the end of the England Under-21 international’s Stamford Bridge career already.
“Delap’s style suits Everton much more than it does Chelsea,” Brown said.
“I expect when Alonso comes in he will make that same evaluation because he’s not the type of striker who is going to involved with the ball at his feet.
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“If that’s how the new manager wants to play, then I can see him moving on.
“It’s good to have different options in the squad, but Chelsea will want to sign a new striker, and selling Delap would raise money and clear some space.
“If a good offer comes in from Everton or anybody else, I expect Chelsea will be prepared to let him go and then they will shift their focus elsewhere.”
It perhaps seems surprising that United would still be interested after his struggles in his time in west London, but he remains a highly-regarded young talent in the industry.
For now, however, perhaps a move to a club like Everton seems the more likely scenario for this summer.
Chelsea’s youth-focused project has earned them their fair share of criticism in recent times, but could it perhaps help them win the race for Eli Junior Kroupi?
The talented young Frenchman has enjoyed a superb debut season in the Premier League, becoming the highest-scoring teenager in his first season in the competition with 13 goals.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are now set to rival Arsenal for Kroupi by asking to be kept informed on the Bournemouth star’s situation this summer.
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Still, the general feeling is that the Cherries don’t want to sell the 19-year-old, so it will be interesting to see how this saga pans out.
Eli Junior Kroupi – a Chelsea signing that actually makes sense
We’ve been made aware of Arsenal interest in Kroupi, and one imagines he might find it hard to turn down an approach from the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have just won the Premier League title and are looking forward to a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, so it’s easy to believe Kroupi would view them as a priority.
Still, this is where Chelsea’s project could also help them, as Kroupi could feel confident of being given a key role and plenty of playing time to develop due to the Blues’ philosophy of building around young players.
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This project hasn’t won everyone over yet, as some of Chelsea’s signings have been pretty poor, such as Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap.
But in Kroupi they’d be signing a genuine elite youngster who has already proven himself in the Premier League at a young age. The deal seems perfect for both parties.
That’s a terrific score, with the player’s likely cost and lack of experience the only real things counting against him.
Chelsea really need an upgrade on their struggling attacking players, and Kroupi could be perfect to make both an instant impact and to potentially solve that position for CFC for many years to come.
Arsenal also need to add something fresh to their front line, though, so this is sure to be one of the most intriguing transfer battles of the summer.
The 33-year-old has been a key player for his country down the years, winning a total of 66 caps between 2017 and 2026, and representing the team at two other World Cups, as well as two European Championships.
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Still, it now looks like Maguire will not be involved this summer as BBC Sport have received some leaked information on Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of today’s official announcement.
Maguire is not the only big name who’ll be missing out, with the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer also not making it in, but the Man United star has released a statement making it clear how unhappy he is with the decision.
Harry Maguire’s statement on England World Cup snub
Posting to his official account on X, Maguire said: “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.
I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.
I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.
“I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer.”
Maguire has had his ups and downs over the years, but this somewhat surprising World Cup snub comes after the player’s return to form for the Red Devils this season.
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The former Leicester City man recently signed a new contract with Man Utd, as confirmed on their official site, having well and truly earned another chance to show how important he can be at Old Trafford.
It will be interesting to see how this summer’s tournament goes for England and if Tuchel ends up living to regret this decision.
England’s World Cup squad – who’s in and who’s out?
While we’re still awaiting the final confirmed squad, BBC Sport have clearly received some information ahead of the announcement.
There are some big calls by Tuchel, and a lot of fans are likely to be left slightly baffled and frustrated by a few of these decisions.
Who’s in?
While there’s no room for Maguire, it’s thought that John Stones is likely to be in despite injuries and reduced playing time for Manchester City recently. Jordan Henderson is also expected to keep his place, while Noni Madueke should also be in despite a pretty underwhelming season for Arsenal. Others like Kobbie Mainoo, Dan Burn, Eberechi Eze, and Nico O’Reilly are also likely to be in, while we can of course expect England regulars such as Harry Kane and Declan Rice to be there.
Who’s out?
As mentioned, there’s no room for Maguire, Foden, or Palmer. Another Man United player expected to miss out is Luke Shaw, while other high-profile defenders unlikely to make it are Fikayo Tomori and Levi Colwill. Other slightly surprising omissions include in-form midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton.
England’s expected World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers:Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders:Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle)
Midfielders:Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Forwards:Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Jamie Carragher has slammed Tottenham players Pedro Porro and Richarlison for cheating during matches.
Tottenham were in action against Chelsea recently, and the Sky Sports commentator revealed that some players tend to go down easily, even when there is no serious contact. He named Porro as one such player.
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Jamie Carragher slams Tottenham duo
Carragher said (h/t Chelsea Chronicle): “I mentioned this about Mac Allister at Liverpool a few weeks ago. And we’ve seen it a lot in this game withPorro, we’ve seen it with Cucurella.
“The number of cheats and players going down when there’s nothing wrong with them is a joke in the Premier League. Just touches him in his face and he goes down, absolutely nothing wrong with him.”
The former Liverpool defender went on to claim that Tottenham striker Richarlison has attendance to go down without any real contact as well.
His comments are unlikely to go down well with Tottenham fans, but there is no doubt that a number of players have been heavily criticised for their tendency to force officials into decisions by going to the ground at the slightest contact.
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Diving in modern football has been a major problem in recent years, and Carragher can hardly be blamed for his comments.
The former Liverpool defender went on to criticise Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister as players who tend to make the most out of any contact by diving.
Meanwhile, Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea in the Premier League game, and they are now 17th in the league table. They need to win the final match of the season in order to stay up. It remains to be seen whether they can get their act together and produce a strong performance.
Leeds United are hoping to sign the Netherlands defender Lutsharel Geertruida during the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. He is expected to leave the German club permanently in the summer, and Leeds are pushing to get the deal done.
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He needs to join a club where he can play regularly, and moving to Leeds United could be exciting for him.
They have secured safety in the Premier League, and they will look to build on it next season. They need to bring quality players who will help them survive in the top flight. Geertruida has shown his quality with Sunderland, and he has the ability to help Leeds United improve.
The 25-year-old has been a reliable defender and has shown he can contribute offensively as well. Leeds could use someone with his skill set.
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Meanwhile, Liverpool has struggled with injury problems in the right back department, and they need more depth in that area of the pitch. The Netherlands defender could be a very useful addition for them. They also wanted to sign the player during the January window.
Finally, Tottenham are keeping tabs on his situation. However, they already have players like Pedro Porro and Djed Spence. It would be quite surprising if they decided to move for the 25-year-old. They should look to invest in a quality central defender instead.
Sunderland are interested in signing Geoffrey Kondogbia during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Media Foot, they are keeping tabs on the Marseille midfielder, who has struggled for regular opportunities this season. He has played just 593 minutes of first-team football in the league.
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Sunderland move could be ideal for Geoffrey Kondogbia
He will be hoping to play more often, and Sunderland could provide him with that opportunity. The 33-year-old has the experience and the quality to help Sunderland, and he could prove to be a very useful option for them. The French outfit paid €8 million to sign the player in 2023, and he could be available for a knockdown price this summer.
Sunderland had an impressive season and will look to build on it. They will look to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, and they could use more quality and experience in the team. Even though Kondogbia would be a short-term acquisition, he could be a handy option for them.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League at this stage of his career could be exciting for the player as well. The 33-year-old will look to adapt to English football quickly and make an immediate impact.
Sunderland pulled off a similar move when they signed Granit Xhaka. They will hope that. Kondogbia can make a similar impact to that of the Swiss international.
It will be interesting to see if Sunderland follows up on their interest with an official proposal to get the deal done.
Convincing the midfielder to join the club will not be difficult. He will want to play more often next season, and the English club could provide him with the platform he needs.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
According to a report from Sports Boom, Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in the 22-year-old central defender.
Chelsea are under financial pressure after a disappointing season. They have missed out on Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and it will be a major hit to their revenues.
It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to sell players in order to balance the books.
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Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen on Levi Colwill
Barcelona and Real Madrid could use more quality in the defensive unit, and the 22-year-old would be a long-term acquisition. He has struggled with injuries at Chelsea, but he has shown his ability in the Premier League with Brighton. There is no doubt that he has the quality to play for big clubs. With the right guidance, he could develop into a future star.
Chelsea have looked quite poor at the back this season, and selling one of their best young defenders would be a mistake. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
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Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly looking to submit an offer of around €65 million for the player in the coming weeks. However, Chelsea will not sanction his departure for below £80 million.
The valuation gap is significant, and it seems unlikely that the Spanish clubs will be able to get the deal done. The 22-year-old has no reason to leave Chelsea either, and it is unlikely that he will force an exit. It seems that any club hoping to sign the Chelsea defender will have to wait for now.
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Liverpool lead Gleison Bremer race
According to a report from Hooligan Soccer, Liverpool are leading the race for his signature. The player will cost around $67 million (£50m), and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to break the Bank for him.
They have been quite poor at the back this season, and they need to tighten up defensively if they want to fight for major trophies once again. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done for the Brazilian international.
The 29-year-old is at the peak of his career, and this could be the right time for him to move to the Premier League and test at a higher level. Liverpool are among the biggest clubs in the world, and they are likely to be a tempting opportunity for him.
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Manchester United are also monitoring his situation. They could use more depth in central defence. The 29-year-old could be a replacement for Harry Maguire in the coming seasons. He has the quality and experience to compete at a high level, and he could be an important player for Manchester United.
It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done in the coming weeks.
Arsenal are looking to sign the Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders during the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international has struggled for regular gametime in recent months, and Arsenal are prepared to provide him with an exit route. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester City could consider selling the player for around £45 million.
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Arsenal could use Tijjani Reijnders
The 27-year-old has shown his quality with AC Milan in the past, and he made an impressive start to life in the Premier League as well. There is no doubt that he could be a very useful player in the right team.
The Netherlands international will want to compete at a high-level and fight for major trophies. Arsenal could be the ideal move for him. They have won the Premier League title this season and could go on to win the UEFA Champions League as well.
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It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make an offer to sign the player in the coming weeks. Along with the London club, Juventus and AC Milan are monitoring his situation. In the Premier League, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are keeping tabs on the player. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
The midfielder needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and he will look to sort out his future quickly. Reijnders has 15 goal contributions this season and has played just over 1,500 minutes in the Premier League.
The Chelsea striker has found the back of the net just once this season, and they need an upgrade on him. Thiago would be an excellent option for the Blues, and he could form a solid partnership with Joao Pedro.
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Chelsea could use Igor Thiago
Chelsea have been overly dependent on Pedro this season. They need more quality in the attacking unit. They will hope to return to the UEFA Champions League next season and will look to fight for trophies as well.
Thiago has shown his quality in the Premier League with Brentford, and he could be keen to take the next step by joining a bigger club. The move to Chelsea would be ideal for him.
If he manages to impress at the London club, it could help him cement his place in the Brazilian national team as well.
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Meanwhile, the report from FussballDaten claims that the player will cost around €80 million. The newly appointed Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, rates the player highly and has urged Chelsea to get the deal done. It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to break the Bank for the Brazilian.
Thiago is at the peak of his career, and he could justify the investment in the coming seasons.
It has been a disappointing season for Chelsea, and they will look to get back on track next year. They should look to invest in the attacking unit this summer. A reliable finisher and quality winger could make a big difference for them in the final third.
Arsenal have managed to win the Premier League title after 22 years, and they are now focusing on winning the UEFA Champions League final against PSG later this month.
After that, the club will focus on agreeing new contracts with key players and their manager, Mikel Arteta, as CaughtOffside’sMark Brus reported earlier today.
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Arsenal want a new deal for Arteta
Arteta has done an impressive job at Arsenal, and it is no surprise that they are looking to keep him at the club for the long term. It is fair to assume that the Spanish manager will commit his long-term future to the club.
He has put together a formidable project at the North London club, and there is no reason for him to move on. He will look to improve the team further and dominate English football in the coming seasons.
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On the other hand, key players like Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are likely to be offered lucrative contracts after an impressive season. Both players want to continue with Arsenal, and it is fair to assume that an agreement will eventually be reached.
Fabrizio Romano has informed CaughtOffside: “Arsenal are working on a new contract. It’s going to be one of the priorities after the Champions League final, of course, not for now. Now the focus is on the pitch after the Premier League title. It’s time to focus on the Champions League.
“But then Mikel Arteta will resume talks with Arsenal over a new contract with a pay rise. And so the expectation is for Arteta to get a new contract done at Arsenal after the Champions League final. It could take some time, of course. There are some holidays, and there is some free time. But then Mikel Arteta plans to continue with Arsenal again, the club giving him a pay rise.
“And then Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, the next two players who will discuss a new contract at Arsenal. There are conversations ongoing. The club is, I would say, obviously very happy with both of them. Talks are already ongoing, and my understanding is that both players are more than happy at Arsenal and happy to eventually continue.”
With clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City going through a period of transition, this is a golden opportunity for Arsenal to dominate the Premier League and win major trophies in the upcoming seasons as well.
For that to happen, they need to keep their best players and maintain stability in the project. Keeping their key players and tying down the manager to a long-term deal would be a masterstroke.
Manchester United are looking to sign the Brazilian midfielder Ederson Dos Santos at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has been outstanding for Atalanta, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for the Red Devils. They need someone who can add control and composure in the middle of the park.
The Brazilian is a hard-working midfielder who will help out defensively as well. He has consistently shown his quality in Italy, and he will now look to make his mark in English football. He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and Ederson could be a key player for Manchester United.
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Man United to hold talks for Ederson
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United will make contact to sign the player in the coming days, and he could cost around €45 million. The player is interested in the move, and it remains to be seen. Whether all parties can come to an agreement.
“New contacts will take place in the next days for Ederson’s future with Manchester United interested,” revealed Romano on X.
“He’s one of the names on the shortlist for midfield, not the only one + more options are being considered.
“Ederson would be open to joining #MUFC as Atalanta ask around €45m.”
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Manchester United have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they need quality midfielders at their disposal. They will look to dominate the contest in the middle of the park, and a reliable central midfielder like Ederson would be a wise addition.
They should look to invest in a quality defensive midfielder as well, who will protect the back four and help them win the ball back in the middle of the park.
The €45 million asking price is certainly affordable for a club like Manchester United, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
Manchester United is very interested in signing Maximiliano Araujo from Sporting CP during the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old left back has had an impressive campaign with the Portuguese outfit, and he will cost around €80 million. According to a report from Correio da Manha, Manchester United is ‘crazy’ about signing the defender and is leading the race for his signature.
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Man United want Maxi Araujo
The player has 12 goal contributions across all competitions, and he could prove an excellent acquisition for Manchester United. They need a replacement for Luke Shaw, and the 26-year-old Uruguayan international would be the ideal investment for them.
He is at the peak of his career, and he could settle in quickly and make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Manchester United have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, but they need to improve their team. Adding a quality fullback should be a priority. Shaw is a quality player, but his availability is concerning. They need a reliable defender who can contribute at both ends of the pitch and play every week.
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He has an €80 million release clause in his contract, and Manchester United might not want to pay that amount for a player. They need to improve the midfield immensely, and they will not want to overpay on the defender. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on a reasonable deal.
Tottenham Hotspur is looking to sign the Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Correio da Manha, the North London club is dreaming of signing the Greek international striker. Pavlidis has scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for the North London outfit.
It is no secret that they need more quality in the attacking unit, and Pavlidis could be a very handy option for them. The report further claims that the player is highly appreciated by the newly appointed Tottenham manager, Roberto De Zerbi.
Dominic Solanke has found the back of the net just three times in the Premier League this season. Tottenham cannot hope to win major trophies with the 28-year-old leading the line. They need a more reliable goal scorer, and it is no surprise that they are keen on the Greek International.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for the Benfica striker as well. He is at the peak of his career, and he will look to test himself against world-class players in the Premier League. Regular football in England could bring out the best in him.
The player has been linked with a Premier League move in the past, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done. They will need to secure safety in the top flight before making a move for quality players like Pavlidis. They are currently fighting for survival, and it remains to be seen whether they can stay up.
Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing the Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
According to a report from Correio da Manha, the two Premier League clubs are leading the race for his signature, and he could cost around £34 million. The player has a release clause set at double that, but the Portuguese club is willing to sell him for a more reasonable price.
Hjulmand has been an excellent performer for Sporting CP, and he could prove to be a very handy option for Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 26-year-old Denmark International is a defensive midfielder who will help break up opposition attacks and control the tempo of the game from deep.
Arsenal need someone like him, and he could be the ideal upgrade on Christian Norgaard. They have won the Premier League title this season, and they will look to build on it and further improve the team so they can dominate English football.
Hjulmand will add more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park for Mikel Arteta.
On the other hand, Manchester United need a replacement for Casemiro. The Brazilian has decided to leave the club, and they will need to find a quality alternative. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the 26-year-old to join the club. He is a boyhood Arsenal fan with a tattoo of the Gunners. If there is an attractive proposal on the table from Arsenal, he could be tempted to join them instead.
Meanwhile, the £34 million asking price is reasonable for a player of his quality and experience. He could prove to be a bargain at that price.
Arsenal have received a timely fitness boost at the perfect point of their season, with Mikel Merino returning to full training ahead of the final Premier League match against Crystal Palace and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The mood around Arsenal could hardly be better. Mikel Arteta’s side have already been confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, and they will lift the trophy after Sunday’s trip to Selhurst Park.
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They also have the chance to complete a historic double when they face PSG in the Champions League final on May 30.
Merino’s return is a big moment because he has been missing since late January but his come back has now come as a major boost to the Gunners, according to insider HandofArsenal on X.
Mikel Merino has been out of action for four months
The midfielder had been out for around four months after undergoing surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot.
He is now back with the main group at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre and could even be involved against Crystal Palace this weekend.
That matters for Arsenal because the squad is now entering the most delicate part of the campaign.
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The league title is already secured, so Sunday’s match against Palace is not about pressure or points anymore.
It is about rhythm, celebration and avoiding unnecessary injuries before the biggest European game in the club’s modern history.
Merino may not be thrown straight into a major role, but having him available again gives Arteta another experienced option.
He brings control, physical presence and intelligence in midfield.
In a Champions League final, even a 20-minute cameo from a player like that could be valuable.
Finals are often decided by small details, and Arsenal will want every possible option ready.
There was also some caution around other key players. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and David Raya were not part of the main training group, instead working separately.
However, the club have reportedly played down concerns that those players trained individually in the gym rather than being treated as major injury worries.
That approach makes complete sense. Arsenal have already done the hard work in the Premier League. Arteta does not need to take risks with his most important players now.
Saka, Saliba and Raya are all crucial to Arsenal’s Champions League hopes, so managing their workload is just common sense.
The only notable absentee was Max Dowman, but that one comes with a very normal explanation: the teenager is in the middle of his GCSE exam week.
The France international has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent times, with the feeling being that he was no longer in Real Madrid’s plans.
Indeed, well-placed sources had informed us that clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal had been offered Camavinga‘s services, while a report from TEAMtalk stated that the player was unhappy with his situation in the Spanish capital.
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Now, however, it seems that Mourinho’s arrival as manager could lead to Camavinga being kept around, according to Fichajes.
Eduardo Camavinga faces interesting transfer decision
It seems Mourinho has already made detailed plans about what he wants his Madrid squad to look like, with Camavinga seen as a key figure he doesn’t want to lose.
The 23-year-old is undoubtedly a fine player who has done well for much of his time in La Liga, with his ability to play a few different positions also surely an advantage.
However, if Camavinga can get the chance to try a new challenge with Liverpool or Arsenal, perhaps he should take it.
It could be a risk sticking around at Real for much longer, even if Mourinho is seemingly planning to make more use of him.
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This isn’t an easy call, and one imagines it will be some time before we see Camavinga coming to a final decision on his future.
It also remains to be seen, of course, how much control Mourinho will actually have if he returns to Los Blancos.
The Portuguese tactician will no doubt want some say over how his squad looks, but it is increasingly the case in the modern game that there are multiple decision-makers such as sporting directors and club presidents who can overrule managers.
Arteta’s side beat Burnley 1-0 on Monday night knowing that one more slip-up from nearest challengers Manchester City would guarantee them the title, with Pep Guardiola’s side away against Bournemouth the following evening.
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Despite a late equaliser from Man City striker Erling Haaland, the draw at Bournemouth meant Arsenal were confirmed as champions for the 2025/26 season, but Arteta couldn’t actually bring himself to watch the game.
Speaking in his press conference today, the Spanish tactician admitted it was one of the best feelings of his life to hear the news from his son.
“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I went home, I went outside, I started to do some bbq. I couldn’t watch it (the match). I could hear noises from inside, then my son opened the door, ran towards me. He was crying and he… pic.twitter.com/YmrA33kGU9
“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I went home, I went outside, I started to do some bbq,” Arteta said.
“I couldn’t watch it (the match). I could hear noises from inside, then my son opened the door, ran towards me. He was crying and he said ‘we are champions daddy.'”
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Arsenal’s season is not over yet
Remarkably, despite the immense scenes of celebration we’ve seen from Arsenal fans this week, the season isn’t over for them yet.
The north London giants have a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to at the end of the month, for what could well be their first ever European Cup triumph.
It won’t be an easy game against the current Champions League holders, but Arsenal now have that much-needed experience of getting over the line and winning a major trophy.
AFC are also still unbeaten in the Champions League this season, having finished top of the league phase, so you certainly can’t rule them out even if Luis Enrique’s star-studded side may be the slight favourites.
Newcastle United could have a difficult fight on their hands this summer as interest grows in Lewis Hall.
The 21-year-old left-back has developed into one of the most exciting young defenders in the Premier League, and several major clubs are now watching his situation closely.
Newcastle still see Hall as a key part of their long-term plans. He is under contract until 2029, which gives the Magpies a strong negotiating position.
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However, according to TEAMtalk, the player would at least consider leaving St James’ Park if the right opportunity arrived.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been linked with him, while Newcastle are determined to keep him.
Lewis Hall has impressed the top clubs
Hall’s rise has been impressive because he has gone from a talented Chelsea academy player to a serious Premier League full-back in a short space of time.
Newcastle originally brought him in from Chelsea on loan before making the move permanent, and he has continued to grow under Eddie Howe.
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His background as a midfielder has helped him become more than just a traditional left-back.
He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, stepping inside, progressing possession and helping attacks develop from deeper areas.
That is exactly why so many clubs like him. Man United have been looking for a long-term solution on the left side, especially with ongoing uncertainty around their defensive options.
Jason Wilcox is reportedly a big admirer, and INEOS are said to like Hall’s progression, attacking support and defensive discipline.
Bayern Munich’s interest may be the most dangerous for Newcastle. The German champions are already speaking to Newcastle about Anthony Gordon, and they have previously asked about Tino Livramento.
Now Hall is another name on their radar. Bayern want to strengthen at full-back, and Hall’s age, energy and ability to play multiple roles make him a very attractive option.
Reports have also said Newcastle are trying to protect their position by preparing improved terms for Hall.
Newcastle want to keep him, but the interest from Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich is real enough to create pressure.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly had some doubts about William Saliba when he first took over as Gunners boss in 2019.
Saliba first moved to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2019 when Unai Emery was still manager, but he immediately went back to previous club Saint-Etienne on loan.
The France international had a great reputation in Ligue 1 and many Arsenal fans were keen to see him get a chance, but he had to be patient and go out on loan to Nice and Marseille before finally getting a look-in in the 2022/23 season.
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According to the Independent, Arteta was not entirely sure about Saliba at first, though he “quickly realised what he had” on his hands.
It’s clear now that Saliba is one of Arsenal’s most important players, so fans will be delighted that Arteta didn’t end up getting this wrong.
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The 25-year-old is not only incredibly consistent with his positioning and strength in the tackle, but he is actually also Arsenal’s best passer this season.
Stats from WhoScored show that Saliba has a pass accuracy of 92.9% this season – for context, the other players just below him have also not played nearly as many games, as the table below shows…
Player
PL Appearances (as sub)
Pass accuracy
William Saliba
30 (1)
92.9%
Myles Lewis-Skelly
4 (15)
91.4%
Cristhian Mosquera
8 (11)
90.8%
Max Dowman
0 (5)
89.3%
Piero Hincapie
19 (5)
88.5%
Gabriel Magalhaes
30 (1)
88.1%
Arsenal like to control games by almost smothering their opponents, so having a centre-back that can pass this well is essential.
This helps AFC dominate possession and to stay on the front foot, even if there have been times this season when fans were frustrated by the team struggling to get its more creative players on the ball more often.
Still, it now makes sense that Saliba is such an important player for Arteta, and there’ll be widespread relief that the manager gave this elite defender another chance.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now a Premier League champion, but there was a moment early on in his reign that he apparently considered quitting.
The Spanish tactician took over in the 2019/20 season and it took some time for him to really turn the Gunners into a serious team again.
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Early on in the following campaign, Arsenal were in a really poor run of form, winning just once in ten Premier League games between October 17th and December 19th.
According to the Independent, it was around that time that Arteta felt like he’d made “a terrible mistake” and was feeling “very low” about the situation at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta inherited “toxic” atmosphere at Arsenal
The report also claims that the atmosphere inside Arsenal was described as “toxic” when Arteta took over, with some players clearly having a negative impact.
Although no specific names are mentioned in the report, it sounds like Arteta had to deal with some players who would fake injuries to get out of certain games they didn’t fancy.
Even going back to his time as a player at Arsenal, Arteta apparently noticed the habit of some players to mentally check out before the end of the season and start thinking about their holidays.
Given how bad things were, it’s not surprising that the 44-year-old had serious questions about if he could turn things around after that poor run of form in the winter of 2020.
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Arsenal now chasing historic double
Arsenal have been transformed under Arteta and they’re now set to lift the Premier League trophy after their final game away to Crystal Palace this weekend before gearing up for their clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
It could end up being one of the greatest seasons in Arsenal’s history if they get their hands on their first ever European Cup, perhaps even eclipsing the achievement of going the entire season unbeaten under Arsene Wenger in 2003/04.
Even if Arsenal miss out, the fact that they’re back at this level at all given the mess the club was in when Arteta took over seems like a minor miracle.
The 29-year-old is likely to be one of the first players out of the London Stadium exit door this summer if West Ham end up being relegated on the final day of the season.
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It’s not looking good for the Hammers as they need both a win and for Tottenham to slip up this weekend to stand a chance of holding on to their place in the top flight.
Bowen has been a star performer for West Ham in recent years and he’s sure to go down as a club legend for that memorable winning goal in the Europa Conference League final three years ago.
Still, there will likely be clubs ready to pounce for Bowen now as he’s too good to be playing in the Championship.
Darren Bent talks up Jarrod Bowen to Newcastle transfer
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Premier League striker Darren Bent made it clear he saw Bowen moving to St James’ Park as a logical move.
Newcastle have not had the best season, so could definitely do with a Premier League-proven goal-scorer coming in this summer, with Bowen likely to be a good option who’ll realistically be available.
“For me, the logical move for Jarrod Bowen, if he was to leave West Ham and stay in the Premier League, would be Newcastle,” Bent said.
Unsurprisingly, we’ve also already had other transfer rumours involving Bowen in the last few days.
It may even be that the England international has arguably better options than Newcastle, with the Guardian claiming he’s on the radar of the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
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Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Southampton midfielder Shea Charles ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to The Daily Mirror, United recently sent scouts to watch the Northern Ireland international, who has impressed with his performances in the Championship and FA Cup this season.
Charles’ situation has become even more interesting because of the chaos surrounding Southampton.
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The club were expelled from the Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on opponents’ training sessions, with the FA now launching its own investigation.
Southampton are going through a crisis
Southampton have also been hit with a four-point deduction for next season, while Middlesbrough have taken their place in the play-off final against Hull City.
Charles has quietly become one of Southampton’s most valuable young players.
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He is 22, already experienced at international level with Northern Ireland, and has the kind of profile that bigger clubs like: tall, athletic, disciplined and comfortable in midfield battles.
He can play as a holding midfielder, step into defence if needed, and give a team more physical presence in the middle of the pitch.
Man United’s interest makes sense. Michael Carrick is expected to reshape his midfield this summer, and the club have been linked with several names, from Elliot Anderson to Sandro Tonali.
But not every signing can cost £70 million or £100 million. United also need clever squad additions, players who can improve depth, compete for minutes and grow into bigger roles.
That is where Charles comes in. Reports have suggested he could be available for around £20 million, which is not a huge fee in today’s market for a young British-based midfielder with Championship experience and international caps.
Southampton’s situation may also influence the player’s thinking. Missing out on the play-off final in such dramatic circumstances is a massive blow, not just financially but emotionally.
The Guardian reported that players were left furious after losing the chance to compete for promotion because of the spying scandal.
If Charles had been planning to stay and push for the Premier League with Southampton, this punishment could change the mood completely.
Enzo Maresca has reportedly been holding talks with Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella about possibly following him to Manchester City.
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The Spain international has been a key player for the Blues and is someone Maresca will know well, with Simon Phillips now reporting that they could be reunited.
The Italian tactician is the favourite to take over from Pep Guardiola at Man City this summer, as per BBC Sport and other recent reports.
Guardiola’s exit and Maresca’s arrival have not yet been confirmed, but it’s surely something to watch and it could have major implications for Cucurella’s future.
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Chelsea face fight to keep hold of Marc Cucurella
Cucurella is not someone Chelsea will want to lose, but he’s perhaps signalled that he’s not entirely happy with how things are going at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old is also on the radar of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, according to Sky Sports, so it will be interesting to see how this saga develops.
Chelsea would surely rather sell Cucurella abroad than to one of their main rivals, but it might also be more realistic for City to afford him, while the Maresca connection could also be key.
Xabi Alonso could be key to Marc Cucurella’s future
Even if Cucurella hasn’t sounded content with life at CFC in recent times, perhaps the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager can persuade him to give the project more time.
Phillips’ report suggests, however, that Cucurella’s departure is perhaps looking the more likely outcome at the moment.
This is certainly far from an ideal situation for Alonso to be inheriting upon his arrival in west London, though there should at least be funds given to bring in a replacement.
Phillips names Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as one left-back Chelsea could target if Cucurella ends up leaving.
West Ham United face a fight for survival on the final day of the Premier League season, with Taty Castellanos seemingly all but certain to leave if the club do end up getting relegated.
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The Hammers still mathematically have a slim chance of staying up, but they’re relying on winning at home to a very decent Leeds United side, whilst also requiring a slip-up from Tottenham, who play Everton.
However, reports in Italy suggest his stay will be a short one, with the 27-year-old having no intention of staying with the club if they’re in the Championship next season.
Taty Castellanos surely heading for West Ham exit
“#WestHam is now practically one step away from relegation to #Championship, with mathematical certainty potentially arriving as early as Tuesday, in the event of a draw by #Tottenham,” Italian journalist Marco Mampreso posted earlier this week to his X account.
“Many big names ready to bid farewell (at bargain prices) to the #Hammers: #Castellanos, who arrived in the January transfer window, is set to part ways with #London after just 6 months. #Flamengo, already interested in the player during the previous winter session, could make a move in the summer and bring to #Brazil a certainly intriguing forward like the Argentine. No negotiations underway yet, but the striker’s intention is clear: he will not play in #SerieB.”
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This doesn’t sound good for West Ham, who will surely also lose other big players in the coming weeks and months as they look to be heading for a drop down to English football’s second tier.
Liverpool are reportedly making early moves in the race for Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré, and this is exactly the type of transfer link that makes sense for where the club are heading.
The 20-year-old Ivory Coast international has enjoyed a strong season in Germany, and his performances on the left wing have attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, according to TEAMtalk.
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Liverpool have formally registered their interest in Touré, while Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also watching him closely.
Hoffenheim are expected to demand a fee in the region of €40 million to €50 million, although some reports suggest a deal closer to €40 million could be enough if negotiations move quickly.
Bundesliga winger has been impressive this season
Touré’s rise has been impressive because he has not needed long to make an impact in the Bundesliga.
He joined Hoffenheim from Swedish side Hammarby in early 2025, and after an encouraging first few months in Germany, he has taken a much bigger step this season.
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FotMob lists him with five goals and nine assists in the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, along with more than 2,300 league minutes.
Those numbers are strong for a 20-year-old winger playing in a Hoffenheim side that has not been one of the Bundesliga’s strongest teams.
He has had to create moments without always being surrounded by elite-level attacking quality, and that is usually something scouts notice. It is one thing to look good in a dominant side.
It is another to stand out when your team needs you to carry threat in transition.
For Liverpool, this interest looks like part of a wider attacking refresh. Left-winger Cody Gakpo has struggled to perform this season, while Federico Chiesa’s future is also uncertain.
Touré fits that idea. He is quick, direct, comfortable taking defenders on, and already has senior international experience with Ivory Coast.
He has been capped five times and has scored twice for his country, which shows he is not just a club-level prospect.
The issue for Liverpool is competition. Manchester United need wide options too, Aston Villa are building for a stronger European push, and Newcastle could offer a clearer route to regular football.
Arsenal are not standing still after winning the Premier League title, with some big-name transfer targets in mind for the summer, and some key contracts set to be sorted out.
The aim is that one major deal could be completed even before the start of this summer’s 2026 World Cup, with talks already at an advanced stage.
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What else is on the agenda at Arsenal this summer?
Regardless of what the outcome of the title race had been, it was always the plan to award manager Mikel Arteta with a bumper new contract. The Spanish tactician is set for a pay rise to make him one of the highest paid coaches in world football, whilst extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond his current deal, which expires in 2027
Declan Rice set for new deal
Similarly to Timber, things have been looking good for a new contract for Declan Rice at Arsenal, despite no major hurry as he’s also on a deal until 2028. My understanding is that it’s not quite as advanced as Timber, but initial talks have taken place and have been very positive, so it could happen soon.
Even if Arsenal will feel their spending on new attacking players like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze last summer ultimately did the job to deliver them the title, there’s still a recognition that it’s the one area that could really do with improvement. Julian Alvarez and Eli Junior Kroupi are the main two names being mentioned to me at the moment for that area of the squad.
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Outgoings planned
It could also be a major summer of departures at the Emirates, with my previous information being that big names like Ben White, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli are likely to be able to leave if the right offers come in.
Arsenal need to balance the books after last summer’s spending spree, so there will likely be some trimming down of the squad, plus the addition of one or two big signings rather than the same kind of emphasis on depth that we saw from the Gunners last summer.
Barcelona are reportedly preparing to test Tottenham Hotspur’s resolve over Cristian Romero this summer, with the Argentine defender emerging as a serious defensive target for the La Liga champions.
The 28-year-old has been on Barcelona’s radar for a while, but Tottenham’s difficult season has made the situation even more interesting.
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Spurs are still fighting to stay in the Premier League, and that could play a major role in Romero’s future.
Barcelona like the player, but they are not keen on paying the full €60 million figure currently being mentioned, according to Sport.
Reports in Spain have suggested Romero has a special clause around that price for certain La Liga clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona need a defender like Romero in their squad
Romero is exactly the kind of defender Barcelona could use. He is aggressive, experienced, comfortable defending high up the pitch and has already won major honours with Argentina.
He brings personality too, which matters in a back line that needs leaders as much as technical quality.
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Barcelona’s interest is not hard to understand. Hansi Flick’s side won La Liga, but they are still trying to build a team that can compete more consistently in Europe.
For that, they need defenders who can handle pressure, defend large spaces and play with intensity. Romero fits that description better than many options on the market.
The problem is the price. Tottenham value him highly, and even with their struggles, they are unlikely to let their captain go cheaply.
That is why Spurs’ relegation battle matters so much. If Tottenham stay up, they can demand closer to their valuation and argue that Romero remains central to their rebuild.
At €60 million, it is a big commitment for a 28-year-old centre-back with an aggressive playing style and recent injury concerns.
At a lower fee, especially if Tottenham are relegated, it becomes much more attractive.
For Romero, the move would make sense. He would be joining a title-winning team, playing Champions League football and moving to a league where his profile is already admired.
Manchester United are reportedly taking a serious look at Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, and it is easy to see why the club’s recruitment team like him.
According to Flashscore, INEOS have been impressed by three specific parts of Hall’s game: his ball progression, his ability to support attacks, and his defensive discipline.
Those are exactly the qualities United need if they want to build a more balanced team under Michael Carrick.
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Hall is understood to be open to a summer move, while Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox is said to be a major admirer.
Stretty News, citing talkSPORT, reported that Wilcox is helping drive United’s interest, although any move may have to wait until after England’s World Cup campaign if Hall is selected by Thomas Tuchel.
Lewis Hall has impressed top clubs in England
Hall is the type of modern full-back that big clubs are always looking for.
He is not just a defender who stays back and keeps things simple. He can carry the ball forward, combine in midfield areas, overlap when needed and help his team move up the pitch.
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That progression side of his game is probably one of the biggest reasons United are interested.
Man United’s left side has needed proper attention for a while. Luke Shaw has quality, but injuries have often been an issue across recent seasons.
Tyrell Malacia is leaving as a free agent, and Patrick Dorgu has often been viewed as more useful higher up the pitch than as a traditional left-back.
That means United need someone who can bring reliability and tactical flexibility.
Newcastle, though, are not expected to make things easy. Hall’s contract runs until 2030, and recent reports suggest the Magpies have no real desire to sell unless a major offer arrives.
TEAMtalk has reported that Newcastle value him at around £55 million and do not want to lose him, even with United showing interest.
The 26-year-old is coming towards the end of a season-long loan spell at Aston Villa, but his lack of impact there could mean he has to find a new club this summer.
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And although Dortmund were seemingly in the mix to sign Sancho for a third spell, it now looks like that won’t be happening, according to Sport Bild.
One surprise reason for this is that Dortmund are unsure about paying a transfer fee for Sancho, who could end up getting a contract extension at Old Trafford.
Although the former England international had been coming towards the end of his Man Utd deal making him a free agent this summer, the club could take up the option to extend that by one more year so they can make money from selling him.
Sancho flopped with the Red Devils, though, and ended up returning to Dortmund on loan for the second half of the 2023/24 season.
Once again, Sancho really looked at home in that famous yellow and black kit, though his form suffered again with a loan spell at Chelsea, and then this season at Villa.
United would surely do well to just give up on Sancho now and let him leave for free rather than keeping this under-performing player with high wages on their books for another season.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson is reportedly still moving ahead, even with Pep Guardiola leaving the club.
According to the iPaper, City remain on course to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder, and the managerial change at the Etihad is not expected to derail the deal.
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Enzo Maresca, who is set to replace Guardiola, is understood to be fully behind the move.
This is one of the most interesting transfer battles of the summer because Manchester United are still planning to try for Anderson as well.
United admire the player and believe he could strengthen their midfield under Michael Carrick, but City appear confident that their long-term planning gives them the edge.
Man City have made Anderson their priority target
Reports elsewhere have also suggested Anderson is one of the priority names for Maresca’s first Man City squad rebuild.
Anderson has become one of the Premier League’s most wanted midfielders after a standout season at Nottingham Forest.
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He is not a flashy highlights-only player. His appeal is much more complete than that.
He can press, carry the ball, win duels, draw fouls, play through pressure and help connect defense to attack. That is exactly the kind of all-action midfielder top clubs are now fighting over.
For Man City, Anderson makes a lot of sense. Guardiola leaving could have created uncertainty, but Maresca’s approval changes the picture.
The Italian knows City’s style, understands the importance of technical midfielders, and will likely want players who can combine intensity with control. Anderson fits that brief nicely.
City are also expected to refresh their squad after missing out on the Premier League title to Arsenal, with Guardiola’s exit and Bernardo Silva’s departure marking the end of an era.
Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United is becoming a major talking point again, and Manchester United could be one of the clubs watching very closely.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Italian midfielder has been looking for a way out of St James’ Park since January, and his situation may now give United a more realistic midfield option than some of the more expensive names on their list.
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Crook claimed that Tonali “wants out of Newcastle” and suggested this has been the case since the winter window, when there were reports that he had been offered to Arsenal on deadline day.
Man United are looking to strengthen their midfield
Man United’s need for midfield reinforcements is pretty obvious. Casemiro is expected to move on, there is uncertainty around the long-term shape of the midfield, and Michael Carrick will need players who can bring control, aggression and reliability.
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United have looked at several options, but not all of them are realistic financially.
Crook said:
“He [Sandro Tonali] wants out of Newcastle he’s wanted out since January, that’s why we had that story come out on Transfer deadline day that he’d been offered to Arsenal. He is one of the names on United’s list. I think he’d be cheaper than many of those names on their list.”
That is where Tonali becomes interesting. Elliot Anderson has impressed United, especially after his strong display for Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, but his valuation is reportedly extremely high.
Tonali is an affordable option compared to Anderson
talkSPORT’s report suggested Anderson could cost around £100 million, which may push United towards alternatives. Tonali, by comparison, may be more obtainable if he is genuinely open to leaving Newcastle.
Tonali’s profile is also a strong fit. He is not just a defensive midfielder, and he is not just a passer.
He can play with intensity, cover ground, win duels, progress the ball and bring a bit of bite to the middle of the pitch.
Newcastle, though, still hold a strong hand. Tonali’s contract runs until 2029, with an option for another year, so they do not have to accept a cheap offer.
Bernardo Silva’s next move is turning into one of the most interesting free-transfer stories of the summer.
The Manchester City captain is set to leave the Etihad when his contract expires, and Atletico Madrid have now joined the list of clubs trying to position themselves for his signature.
Sky Sports News says Atletico are another side in the mix for Bernardo, while Barcelona and Juventus have already been known admirers.
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MLS and Saudi Pro League clubs have also been linked, but one source has suggested Bernardo’s dream is still to play for Barcelona.
The Portuguese midfielder has not made a final decision yet.
Bernardo Silva has been a legend for Man City
Bernardo leaving Man City is a huge moment. He has spent nine seasons at the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League, while becoming one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players.
City assistant Pep Lijnders confirmed in April that Bernardo would leave when his deal expires, describing him as a unique player who cannot simply be replaced by someone with the same profile.
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That is exactly why so many clubs are interested. Bernardo may be 31, but he still offers intelligence, control, work rate and big-game experience.
He can play wide, centrally, as a No.10, or deeper in midfield. He is not the sort of player who relies purely on pace, so his game should age better than many attackers.
Atletico Madrid’s interest is particularly interesting because Diego Simeone’s team could use a player with Bernardo’s brain.
Atletico enter intense race for the Portuguese icon
Atletico have often been associated with aggression, structure and defensive discipline, but they also need more technical calm in possession.
Bernardo could give them that. He would help them keep the ball better, manage difficult moments and bring elite experience to a squad that may be reshaped this summer.
Marca has reported that Atletico see Bernardo as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann because of his leadership, versatility and tactical intelligence.
The same report also notes that his salary could be an issue, with Bernardo likely needing to accept a lower wage than he earned at Man City if he moves to Spain.
Barcelona, though, remain the romantic option. Bernardo has been linked with them for years, and stylistically, it is easy to see why.
His close control, passing angles and ability to play between lines feel very Barcelona. Juventus also have a strong case, especially if they can offer him a central role and a serious contract.
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Now the Daily Mail are reporting similar, with the Allianz Arena described as likely being a strong pull for the experienced England international.
What next for John Stones as he nears free transfer?
Stones is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium this summer, and one imagines there’ll be a lot of interest in a top player who should still have plenty to offer at the highest level.
The 31-year-old may have fallen down the pecking order at City, but he could surely start for a lot of other Premier League clubs, while playing for Bayern could also work out well for him as they’re the dominant team in a less competitive league.
Interestingly, the Mail also links Stones with Barcelona and Coventry City, so it seems clear there will be a fairly broad range of options available to him this summer.
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Summer of change at Man City
Of course, Stones’ departure won’t be the only big story of the summer for MCFC, who are also expected to bid farewell to legendary manager Pep Guardiola.
BBC Sport have been among the outlets claiming a decision looks to have been made for City to replace Guardiola with Enzo Maresca, and other players could also be heading out.
Bernardo Silva is also due to be out of contract, while there could even be the threat of losing Rodri to Real Madrid, according to Marca.
Marcus Rashford’s future is moving closer to a permanent Barcelona stay, but the deal is not finished yet.
According to Sport, Barcelona have agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old forward as they try to turn his loan from Manchester United into a full transfer.
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The difficult part is still the club-to-club negotiation. Man United want the agreed fee paid, while Barcelona have been looking for a structure that works better with their financial situation.
Man United and Barcelona are yet to agree transfer fee
Sky Sports previously reported that Barcelona had a permanent option worth around £26 million, but were reluctant to trigger it exactly as written because of their budget limitations.
Rashford’s Barcelona spell has gone better than many expected. After a difficult final period at Manchester United, he needed a fresh start badly.
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At Old Trafford, the pressure had become heavy, the criticism constant, and his performances were being judged through years of expectation. In Spain, the mood around him has been different.
He has been able to play with more freedom, and his pace has added a direct weapon to Barcelona’s attack.
Reports in Spain and Catalonia have credited him with a strong loan campaign, including 14 goals and 11 assists, as Barcelona won the league under Flick.
Rashford is not a typical Barcelona-style winger in the old sense. He is not all short passes and delicate combinations. He is more vertical, more direct and more dangerous in space.
But that might be exactly why he has worked. Barcelona already have technical players.
Rashford gives them something different: speed, power and the ability to turn a defensive line around quickly.
Reports have suggested United would prefer a permanent sale rather than another loan, especially because Rashford remains on a big contract and does not appear central to their plans.
If there was a turning point in this season’s Premier League title race, it may have come at a surprising moment: when Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium last month.
On the face of it, that looked at the time like a hugely damaging defeat for Arsenal, who had seen a comfortable lead at the top of the table rapidly evaporate, something which was becoming all too familiar for Gunners fans who’d seen capitulations of this kind before.
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And yet, it seems like it fired Arsenal up, with the feeling being that Man City over-celebrated that result, according to the Independent.
The report read: “If there were obviously some key victories over the course of the season, this was an influential defeat.
“The worst had happened in losing 2-1 but it hadn’t happened in the worst way. There was even a sense that City had celebrated that victory too much. Arsenal felt emboldened, and encouraged. Declan Rice’s line, ‘this is not over’, was not – well – just a line.”
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Arsenal win first title in 22 years, but did Man City bottle it?
For all the talk of Arsenal being bottlers, they’re now finally champions of England again after a 22-year wait, and, in fact, it looks now like it was City who messed up the league from a strong position.
Pep Guardiola’s side got that crucial win over their rivals but quickly handed momentum back to Mikel Arteta’s men with a crazy 3-3 draw away to Everton.
City had taken the lead in that game, but then conceded three goals in a 13-minute spell in the second half to find themselves trailing. They hit back with two late goals of their own to come away with a draw, but when it comes to the run-in, a draw is often about as useful as a defeat.
That proved to literally be the case on Tuesday night, with City knowing only a win at Bournemouth would take the title race to the final day, only for the Cherries to put in the better performance in a 1-1 draw that flattered City.
It will be interesting to see how City rebuild from here, with Guardiola widely expected to step down as manager and be replaced by Enzo Maresca, as per BBC Sport and others.
We also already know that influential and experienced players like Bernardo Silva and John Stones are out of contract and leaving, while there could even be doubts over Rodri, who has been linked with Real Madrid by Marca.
Of course, winning both domestic cups is not to be sniffed at, but City have had exceptionally high standards in the last decade or so, and this is perhaps not the best way for them to prepare for the start of a new era.
Alisson Becker’s Liverpool future is looking increasingly uncertain, with reports in Italy claiming the Brazilian goalkeeper would like to join Juventus this summer.
The most interesting part is that his interest does not appear to depend on Champions League football.
According to Gazzetta, Alisson is still keen on the move even if Juventus end up in the Europa League rather than Europe’s top competition.
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His is a huge story for Liverpool. Alisson is 33 now, under contract until 2027, and has been one of the club’s most important players since arriving from Roma in 2018.
But after a difficult season under Arne Slot, and with several senior players already expected to move on, the idea of another major exit does not feel impossible anymore.
Juventus ready to offer Alisson Becker a new adventure
Juventus’ interest makes sense. They are planning a rebuild and want experienced players who can immediately raise the level of the squad. Alisson would do exactly that.
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Even at 33, he remains one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football. He is calm, commanding, excellent in one-on-one situations and still comfortable with the ball at his feet.
The Serie A link is also natural. Alisson already knows Italian football from his time at Roma, and reports suggest the chance to return to Italy appeals to him.
Juventus are said to view him as a key figure for their new project, while some reports have even claimed they could offer him a strong multi-year contract.
For Liverpool, this would be a massive emotional and footballing blow. Alisson has not just been a goalkeeper at Anfield. He has been a safety net.
How many times has he saved Liverpool when the defensive line was exposed? How many one-on-ones has he made look simple?
Brazilian goalkeeper has been legendary at Liverpool
When people talk about Liverpool’s success in recent years, they often mention Salah, Van Dijk and Klopp first, but Alisson belongs in that same conversation.
Still, Liverpool may already have one eye on the future. Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed as a long-term option, and if the club believe the time is right to move into a new era, selling Alisson while he still has value could be considered.
This Is Anfield previously noted that Mamardashvili’s arrival gave Liverpool a succession plan, even though Alisson remained the clear No.1 this season.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly both interested in a potential transfer move for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella this summer.
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The Spain international has been a key player for the Blues and it’s perhaps not surprising that big clubs are keeping an eye on his situation after what has been a difficult and unhappy season at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella is a long-term target for Atletico director Mateu Alemany, while Barcelona also retain an interest in him even if they might prioritise other positions for now, according to Sky Sports.
Chelsea have just lost the FA Cup final and are 8th in the Premier League table, so there could be some pressure to let big names leave this summer, but how big a blow would it be to lose Cucurella?
Marc Cucurella exit would be a blow, but could it help in the long run?
Even if Cucurella is a top player and one of the more experienced members of this CFC squad, there might be some logic in considering offers if clubs are willing to pay decent money for him.
While Chelsea fans will have found this season frustrating, it might be worth thinking about whether or not Cucurella is really the kind of character they want at their club to help them get out of this crisis.
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When things got difficult, the 27-year-old publicly hit out at the club’s transfer strategy and even flirted with a move away – not the behaviour of a leader willing to do his bit for the cause.
Speaking toMarca, when asked about a possible move to Barcelona, he responded: “It would be difficult to refuse. It’s not just about me; I’d have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made.
“You always think about going back. I’m very happy there, and so is my family. I’ll leave it for a few years from now.”
What Marc Cucurella said about Chelsea’s transfer strategy
In a separate interview with the Athletic, Cucurella also hit out at the direction the club had taken, saying: “I understand this is part of the club’s policy, and that they want to take this direction — signing young players and looking to the future. But, for all of us who are still here and want to win big things, moments like this make you feel discouraged.
“We have a good core of players. The foundations are there. But to fight for major trophies such as the Premier League or the Champions League, you need more.”
Even if these are all things that many Chelsea fans themselves would also have said, it’s surely better for the team’s players to keep this sort of stuff in-house?
It will be interesting to see what happens with Cucurella this summer, but it may well be that the Blues are better off getting rid of someone whose first instinct is to complain and fuel transfer speculation when things get tough.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are on red alert as Levi Colwill could leave Chelsea this summer, with Spanish outlet Marca reporting that the Blues’ failure to secure Champions League football for 2026-27 could force them into selling key assets.
Chelsea endured a torrid 2025-26 campaign by their own lofty ambitions, finishing 8th in the Premier League and crashing out of the Champions League in the Round of 16, suffering two humiliating 3-0 defeats to PSG.
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Chelsea could lose key players this summer including Levi Colwill
With no European football of any kind to offer next season, there could be several significant departures in the upcoming transfer window and Colwill is reportedly among the players who could be tempted away.
As per Marca, Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League next season is a serious threat to their ability to hold onto top-tier talent.
In their report, Marca described Colwill as a modern centre-back, a player with imposing physical presence but the technical quality and ball-carrying ability that elite clubs across Europe crave.
Marca notes that if Colwill were to become a market opportunity this summer, it would be entirely logical for both Spanish giants to register their interest.
Chelsea’s hierarchy view Colwill as central to their long-term project, and there is no desire at the club to sell.
However, the lure of Champions League football from two of the world’s biggest clubs could prove impossible to resist for the 23-year-old England international.
Colwill’s season has been marred with injuries
The 2025-26 campaign was one Colwill would rather forget from a personal standpoint.
The defender underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in August 2025, an injury sustained in his very first training session of pre-season after returning to Cobham, and was expected to miss the majority of the season as a result.
Season
Injury
From
Until
Days Out
2025/26
Cruciate ligament tear
07/08/2025
24/04/2026
261 days
The loss of Colwill was viewed as a hammer blow to Chelsea’s defensive preparations, given he was considered the cornerstone of the club’s long-term defensive project.
He did eventually make his return in the closing weeks of the season, starring in back-to-back starts against Liverpool and Manchester City before doubts emerged over his fitness ahead of the Tottenham derby.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is on the verge of securing a move to Inter Miami following his departure from Manchester United, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
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Fabrizio Romano on Casemiro’s next move
According to updates shared by Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami has been in the final stages of a deal to sign Casemiro for months, with negotiations stretching back since March.
The transfer guru revealed that Casemiro has firmly set his sights on South Florida as his next destination, with a clear expectation that he will officially sign with the MLS club soon.
The Brazilian international intentionally chose to finish the current European season at Old Trafford before putting pen to paper with Inter Miami.
Romano shared the following update on X: “Inter Miami have been at final stages of deal to sign Casemiro for months, as reported since March. Casemiro wants Miami as next destination, with clear expectation to sign soon. The Brazilian wanted to finish season at Man Utd then sign with Inter Miami.”
?? Inter Miami have been at final stages of deal to sign Casemiro for months, as reported since March.
Casemiro wants Miami as next destination, with clear expectation to sign soon.
Despite attracting intense interest from several clubs across the globe, the ambitious project in Miami, paired with the chance to unite with an all-star roster featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, proved too strong to resist.
The deal is currently progressing through its final steps, signaling a major coup for the American side.
Arriving from Real Madrid in 2022, the five-time Champions League winner quickly won over the Old Trafford faithful with his combative style, defensive masterclasses, and a knack for scoring crucial goals.
While his form dipped slightly briefly, Casemiro returned to his best in his last season.
Playing a key role under interim manager Michael Carrick, the midfielder experienced a spectacular return to peak form, scoring a career-best nine goals and guiding the Red Devils to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Leaving on a high as his contract expires, Casemiro’s legacy at United is firmly secured, and fans will long remember the elite mentality he brought to the club.
Aston Villa secured a dominant 3-0 win over German side Freiburg in Istanbul to clinch a historic Europa League triumph, ending a 44-year wait for European silverware and cementing Unai Emery’s status as the greatest manager in the competition’s history.
In a one-sided final, Villa were utterly dominant, outclassing Freiburg in every department to deliver one of the most commanding European final performances by an English club in recent history.
For a club whose last European trophy came in the form of the European Cup in 1982, the wait is finally over.
Stunners from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia set the tone
Villa broke the deadlock in the 41st minute through an exquisite team goal.
But Villa weren’t finished there. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Emiliano Buendia produced a moment of magic, finding space on the edge of the area before curling a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
It was a goal that drew gasps from the watching world and effectively put the game beyond Freiburg’s reach before half-time had even been reached.
Buendía brilliance ?
Emiliano Buendía with a beauty to make it 2-0 to Aston Villa just before half-time ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026
Freiburg, who had made history just by reaching their first-ever European final, were shell-shocked and offered little in response.
Morgan Rogers made it 3-0 early in the second half to secure the win
If there was any lingering doubt, Morgan Rogers ended it in the 58th minute.
The dynamic young Englishman, who has been one of Villa’s standout performers throughout the campaign, calmly converted a low cross from Buendía to make it 3-0 and send the Villa faithful into frenzy.
A beautiful team goal finished off by Morgan Rogers to make it 3-0 to Aston Villa ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026
The stats told the full story, Villa registered 16 shot attempts to Freiburg’s four, and five corners to Freiburg’s one.
Unai Emery’s incredible Europa League record
Unai Emery has now won the UEFA Europa League a staggering five times, three with Sevilla (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16), once with Villarreal (2020-21), and now with Aston Villa in 2025-26. No manager in history comes close to that record.
It is the ultimate vindication for a coach who arrived at Villa Park in November 2022, inherited a struggling side sitting just one point above the relegation zone, and has systematically transformed them into one of Europe’s elite clubs.
This season alone, Villa have secured Champions League qualification through their Premier League finish and now added Europa League glory on top of it.
Emery took charge of his sixth European final on Wednesday night. He has now won five of them. The man is, simply, the king of this competition.
Curtis Jones has reportedly fallen out with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and is actively pushing for an exit from Anfield, according to a bombshell report from Italian outlet TuttoSport.
The Liverpool academy graduate, who appears to have found himself at a career crossroads under the Dutch manager, has reportedly decided against signing a contract extension beyond his current deal.
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According to TuttoSport, the Italian giants are closely monitoring the midfielder’s situation as they look to reshape their squad ahead of next season.
Inter Milan are reportedly planning a tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation, and Jones is viewed as a primary target due to his exceptional versatility.
The Nerazzurri believe the 25-year-old’s ability to comfortably operate in multiple midfield roles, including playing as a dynamic midfielder behind a lone striker, makes him the ideal signing.
Jones has allegedly already communicated his desire to join Inter, sending “yes” signals to the club as early as January.
He has continued to hint at a move via his social media accounts. While Liverpool have yet to slap an official price tag on the Scouse midfielder, Inter are poised to strike the moment the Reds value the player’s card.
Jones under fire from Carragher for commenting on Salah’s social media post
The internal drama at Anfield has spilled over into the public eye, with Jones recently coming under heavy scrutiny from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
“I thought that was a bit strange,” Carragher blasted.
“I thought, ‘Jesus, this is why we don’t play heavy metal football, because of some players a little bit like Curtis Jones in the squad.’ He takes six touches on the ball before he passes it. I thought, ‘Steady on son, stay out of that one.'”
Slot is very quickly losing the support from within the dressing room as well as from the fans.
It remains to be seen whether the Liverpool hierarchy changes their stance on Slot and sack him at the end of the season.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Botafogo midfielder Danilo during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from ESPN Brasil, Manchester United are closely monitoring the 25-year-old midfielder and are looking to bring him in as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
The Brazilian International has decided to leave the club in the summer, and they need to replace him properly. The 25-year-old is highly rated across South America, and he has a bright future. He could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for Manchester United.
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Danilo keen on a move
The player is now hoping to sort out his future before returning to play. He was recently dropped in the game against Corinthians, and the report claims that the player wants to join a European club, especially in England, where he can fight for major trophies.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to submit an offer for him in the coming weeks. He would be a long-term investment for them, and they could help him develop further.
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Regular football in England could bring out the best in the player and help him fulfil his potential. Manchester United has a rich history of grooming players. They could also help Danilo fulfil his potential. Meanwhile, clubs in Brazil are monitoring his situation. Manchester United might need to act quickly in order to win the race for his signature.
Even though the asking price is quite high, the 25-year-old might be able to justify the investment in future. He is a promising talent with a bright future ahead of himself.
Bernardo Silva has decided to leave Manchester City in the summer, and Chelsea is interested in signing him.
According to a report from Marca, Chelsea will compete with Barcelona for his signature. The 31-year-old has won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for Chelsea.
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The 31-year-old is versatile enough to operate in central midfield, in the attacking midfield, and in the wide areas. His versatility would be a huge bonus for Chelsea if they can get the deal done. They need leaders like him in the dressing room if they want to build a team capable of winning major trophies. They could use his quality and experience.
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The player has consistently shown his quality in England, and he could be open to a new challenge. The opportunity to move to Spain could be exciting. Along with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid is keeping tabs on his situation as well.
The player is represented by Jorge Mendes, and he has strong connections at Atletico Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can convince the player and his agent. Signing someone like him on a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke.
Youri Tielemans has just scored an absolute screamer to give Aston Villa the lead against German side Freiburg in the Europa League final.
Tielemans has often stepped up on the big occasions and he has certainly done so tonight with a stunning volley.
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It’s a goal straight from the training ground as a well rehearsed corner is executed perfectly.
The corner is taken short to Morgan Rogers who puts in a flighted ball in towards the emptty space inside the penalty area where the former Leicester star made the run in to score a magnificent first time volley past the goalkeeper.
It’s a goal worth winning any cup final!
Watch below:
Sensational from Youri Tielemans ?
An absolute rocket to give Aston Villa the lead in the Europa League final ?
Tielemans continues reputation for incredible Cup final goals
This spectacular strike only cements Tielemans’ reputation as a man for the grandest stages.
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Football fans will instantly remember his knack for the spectacular from his time at Leicester City, where he netted one of the most iconic goals in recent FA Cup history.
In the 2021 FA Cup Final against Chelsea, the Belgian midfielder unleashed a ferocious, 30-yard thunderbolt into the top corner to secure a historic 1-0 victory and the trophy for the Foxes.
Tonight’s technical brilliance on the volley against Freiburg proves once again that when the pressure is highest and the lights are brightest, Tielemans has the unique ability to produce moments of pure magic.