Bradley Barcola has doubled the lead for France vs Sweden with a brilliant goal.
The Liverpool linked winger has justified his starting spot tonight, with a brilliant all round performance, with a goal to cap it off.
The goal comes in the 53rd minute, with Bayern Munich star Michael Olise producing an excellent pass, slipping the ball to Barcola through the legs of Victor Lindelof and the PSG star did the rest.
The 23-year-old thumped it in first time with his right foot, giving the goalkeeper no chace to save it.
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Spurs are in conversations with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, Tottenham secured Fernandes for a club-record, guaranteed fixed fee of £85 million, entirely free of add-ons or future sell-on clauses.
The structured clarity of the deal was exactly what West Ham demanded to get the deal across the line.
While Fernandes represents a massive coup for manager Roberto De Zerbi, Romano reveals that Tottenham are far from satisfied.
“Tottenham arrived with an £85 million guaranteed fixed fee, no add-ons, no future-sell-on clauses. West Ham got the guarantee they wanted. I told you the price three or four weeks ago: £85 million to sign Matheus Fernandes.
“And now the player has been signed for £85 million. I told you in a video two days ago that the payment terms would be important — they didn’t want a structure with too many add-ons or complicated routes to the price. Now the price has been reached in full: £85 million, for a player strongly wanted by Roberto De Zerbi.
“We’ll keep following the next moves, because Tottenham remain in conversations with Newcastle over Sandro Tonali. We’ll have to see how that develops too. But for sure they’re working hard to rebuild the midfield.”
Journalist Ben Jacobs has further corroborated the club’s audacious summer plans on X, clarifying that Spurs view Tonali as a completely separate pursuit from Fernandes.
Rather than choosing between the two elite operators, the North London hierarchy aims to finalize both deals simultaneously.
Securing Tonali won’t be as straightforward, however, as Manchester City are also tracking the Newcastle star.
The Premier League giants are keen on bolstering their own depth with a second midfield addition following their record signing of Elliot Anderson.
Spurs view Sandro Tonali as a separate transfer to Mateus Fernandes. Idea is to do both.
Manchester City the other club tracking Tonali. #MCFC also want a second midfielder after Elliot Anderson.?? https://t.co/rBiSYMaq94
Having narrowly navigated a tumultuous domestic campaign last season, Tottenham are backing De Zerbi heavily with significant financial backing to implement his trademark style.
Manchester United star Amad Diallo produced a moment of magic to equalise against Norway during their Round of 32 clash at the World Cup 2026.
Norway took the lead in the first half through Antonia Nusa, assisted by Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard.
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Amad Diallo scores stunning goal for Ivory Coast vs Norway
And the score line remained 1-0 for almost the entirety of the game until the 74th minute, when the 23-year-old played a quick one-two, continuing his run inside the box, dribbling past a couple of players before scoring past the Norway goalkeeper.
It was a moment of pure brilliance from the Man United winger.
Watch below:
Ivory Coast level the score!?
An incredible goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo brings Ivory Coast level against Norway. pic.twitter.com/vzTeIfM2Jm
Erling Haaland scores late winner to send Norway through
Norway pushed relentlessly for a winner, with Haaland frustrated throughout, twice denied by blocks at close range and guilty of a wayward volley when well-placed.
But with the game heading for extra time, Oscar Bobb played a lovely ball down the right channel for Patrick Berg, who squared it perfectly for Haaland, and the Manchester City striker found the net to send Norway through.
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Goalkeeper Nyland made a stunning stoppage time save, tipping over a swinging free-kick from Amad Diallo that was heading for the corner.
Norway return to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 28 years and will now face Brazil in the Round of 16, while Ivory Coast, making their knockout debut, exit the tournament with their heads held high.
GOAL!
It had to be him… Erling Haaland puts Norway back in front and surely seals the win!
Algeria and Austria played out a highly controversial 3-3 draw at the World Cup 2026, a game that has left fans and pundits convinced that the result was mutually engineered.
The dramatic match in Kansas City immediately revived dark historical memories, drawing heavy criticism across social media amid fierce allegations of match-fixing.
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Mutual advance knocks out Iran amid stoppage-time controversy
While the match featured plenty of goals, the nature of the final few minutes has sparked widespread outrage.
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez unexpectedly broke the tactical deadlock by scoring what looked to be a dramatic 93rd-minute winner to put Algeria 3-2 up.
However, his goal immediately sparked anger from the Austria bench toward the Algerian contingent, as a defeat would have eliminated the European side.
L'attaquant autrichien Arnaoutovic s'en prend au staff technique de la sélection algérienne après que Riyad Mahrez a inscrit le troisième but de l'Algérie dans les dernières minutes du match, permettant ainsi à son équipe de prendre l'avantage sur l'Autriche, et ce en raison de… pic.twitter.com/bah5Mynifu
Intriguingly, his own teammates also appeared to question his goal during the celebration.
The suspicion intensified just three minutes later. Deep into stoppage time, and two minutes after the initial four minutes of added time had been played, Austria seamlessly engineered an equalizer.
Saša Kalajdžić headed home in the 96th minute to restore the exact 3-3 scoreline both sides needed to comfortably progress.
While managers Ralf Rangnick and Vladimir Petković strongly rejected any suggestions of a pre-arranged agreement, Riyad Mahrez did very little to calm the storm in his post-match press duties.
In an interview that many have labeled a modern-day confession, the former Manchester City winger all but confirmed how awkward the arrangement became on the pitch.
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“It was a bit awkward, to be honest,” Mahrez admitted when questioned about the closing stages (quoted by Oliver Kay).
“We were playing wide and they were sitting… but the ball came to me, what do I do? I have to shoot and respect football.”
Riyad Mahrez on scoring what looked like the winning goal for Algeria against Austria:
“It was a bit awkward, to be honest. We were playing wide and they were sitting, but in the last minute someone plays a ball, he turns, and I have to make the run. I have to respect football.…
The candid admission has added massive fuel to the online speculation, particularly among furious Iranian supporters who have flooded social media to demand an official FIFA investigation.
Tottenham have made an enquiry for Como star Martin Baturina, according to the latest transfer update from Italian journalist Matteo Moretto.
The highly-rated Croatian playmaker has emerged as a top summer target for North London, but capturing his signature will require navigating a massive financial tug-of-war.
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Tottenham want Martin Baturina
Speaking on YouTube, Moretto revealed that Tottenham have reached out to Como to gather information regarding Baturina’s availability.
However, Spurs are not alone in their admiration. European heavyweight Bayern Munich and fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa have also registered firm enquiries for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Armed with a contract that runs until 2030 and backed by a historic fourth-place Serie A finish that secured Champions League qualification, the Italian club does not want to sell.
They view Baturina as an indispensable pillar of manager Cesc Fabregas’s sporting project, indicating they will only consider a sale if a club meets their staggering €80 million valuation.
Martin Baturina has impressed in World Cup so far
The massive inflation in Baturina’s market value is largely driven by his electric performances last season which has continued into the ongoing World Cup 2026.
Operating as Croatia’s creative heartbeat, the young midfielder has taken the tournament by storm during the group stages.
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Baturina grabbed headlines during Croatia’s Group L clash against England, scoring a magnificent equaliser to keep his nation fighting against one of the tournament favorites.
He followed that up with a masterclass performance against Panama, where he completed six successful dribbles and won seven fouls, a statistical feat not achieved at a World Cup since Diego Maradona against Belgium in 1982 (via Squawka).
With his stock rapidly rising on the world stage, Tottenham will have to act swiftly and decisively if they want to match Como’s steep asking price.
Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has equalised for Germany with a brilliant header past Paraguay goalkeeper.
With Germany chasing a crucial breakthrough to steady their rhythm, the high-stakes moment arrived in the 54th minute, that carved open a resolute Paraguayan defense.
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz delivered a beautifully weighted, pinpoint cross deep into the penalty area.
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Rising highest, the Arsenal forward powered a header into the far corner, completely beating the outstretched arms of the Paraguay shot-stopper to draw Germany level.
Watch the goal below:
GOAL!
Havertz gets on the end of Wirtz's cross and heads home to make it all square!
Germany have not been very convincing this World Cup
While Havertz’s equalizer has provided a massive sigh of relief for Julian Nagelsmann on the sidelines, it does little to mask the deeper issues plaguing the four-time world champions.
Germany entered the tournament with massive expectations but have struggled heavily to project their usual footballing dominance on the global stage.
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Aside from an explosive opening victory, Nagelsmann’s side has lacked cohesion, defensive stability, and tactical fluidity.
A shocking group-stage defeat to Ecuador exposed severe vulnerabilities when facing aggressive, transitional counter-attacks, while the star-studded attacking trident of Havertz, Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala has faced public scrutiny for failing to consistently replicate their scintillating club form.
As this match continues to play out into extra-time, the pressure remains on Germany to prove they can firmly establish themselves as true title contenders.
Manchester City could be set to lose one of their brightest academy prospects, Reigan Heskey, with the teenager reportedly on the verge of leaving the club on a free transfer.
According to a report from Football Insider, the highly-rated winger’s scholarship agreement expires on June 30, leaving his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium in serious doubt.
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Reigan Heskey could leave Manchester City on free transfer
Manchester City are facing the prospect of losing Heskey after talks over his first professional contract stalled.
The 18-year-old’s current scholarship deal is due to expire, meaning he could become a free agent if no agreement is reached.
The uncertainty has alerted a number of Premier League and European clubs, with several teams reportedly monitoring the winger’s situation and ready to move should he become available.
For City, losing one of the academy’s standout talents without receiving a transfer fee would represent a significant setback.
Who is Reigan Heskey?
The son of former England international striker Emile Heskey, Reigan joined City’s academy at the Under-8 level.
Capable of playing across the front line but most effective cutting inside from the left, Heskey enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, registering 27 goals and nine assists as City won both the Under-18 Premier League North title and the FA Youth Cup.
He continued his development with the Elite Development Squad during the 2025/26 season, recording four goals and 11 assists in Premier League 2 before earning his senior debut under Pep Guardiola in a Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield Town.
Could Manchester City repeat the Cole Palmer mistake?
Losing Heskey on a free transfer would be a significant blow to City’s academy structure, drawing immediate comparisons to the club’s past recruitment errors.
Palmer struggled for consistent first-team opportunities at Manchester City before completing his move to Stamford Bridge, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout attacking players.
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While Heskey is still at a much earlier stage of his career, City will be keen to avoid another situation where one of their most promising academy graduates flourishes elsewhere after leaving the club.
With time running out before his scholarship expires, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether Manchester City retain one of the brightest talents in their academy or watch another highly-rated youngster continue his career elsewhere.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli was the hero for Brazil on Monday, scoring a dramatic 96th-minute winner to secure a breathless 2-1 victory over Japan and send the Seleção rolling through to the Round of 16 at the World Cup.
Coming off the bench as a second-half substitute in the 65th minute, Martinelli produced the definitive moment of quality just as the high-stakes Round of 32 clash in Houston looked destined for extra time.
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Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli scores winner for Brazil
Deep into stoppage time, Japan was dispossessed on the edge of its own box. Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes capitalization was swift, sliding a deft, weighted pass into the penalty area to find Martinelli.
Armed with time and space, the Arsenal winger kept his composure, taking a touch before clinical guiding a right-footed shot off the inside of the far post, past the outstretched arms of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations in Texas, breaking a historic 24-year hoodoo for Brazil.
This marked the first time the five-time champions have successfully won a World Cup knockout match after conceding the opening goal since their iconic 2002 campaign.
Arsenal players play central role in Brazil vs Japan
The thrilling comeback victory was heavily manufactured in North London, with Arsenal players exerting a massive influence over the entire match structure.
Japan had originally taken a shocking first-half lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano capitalised on a misplaced midfield pass, driving forward to fire a stunning right-footed effort into Alisson’s net.
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Faced with a shock exit under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil rallied in the second half through a vital Gunners connection.
In the 56th minute, Arsenal center-back Gabriel Magalhaes turned playmaker, delivering a precise cross to the back post that allowed veteran midfielder Casemiro to power home a towering equalizer.
With the match hanging in the balance, it was another Arsenal-centric sequence that settled the tie.
Juventus’s newly appointed CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, has confirmed that the club is actively monitoring Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as a primary target for the summer transfer window.
Speaking to the media regarding the Bianconeri’s summer recruitment strategy, Carnevali did not hide the club’s desire to secure a top-tier presence between the posts.
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When questioned about potential long-term replacements for the number one shirt, the executive acknowledged that the Italian international is high on their priority list.
“Dibu Martínez is a top player with international experience, but he’s not the only name under consideration,” Carnevali revealed (quotes via Fabrizio Romano).
“There are more profiles on our list; we also think about Guglielmo Vicario and more.”
????? Juventus CEO Carnevali on new goalkeeper: “Dibu Martínez is a top player with international experience but he’s not the only name under consideration”.
“There are more profiles on our list, we also think about Guglielmo Vicario and more”. pic.twitter.com/R7fuOJ26lg
The public admission confirms that Juventus is prepared to battle for the 29-year-old, who has spent the last three seasons in the Premier League.
While Aston Villa’s Martinez remains another option, the substantial economic demands tied to the Argentine World Cup winner make Vicario a highly realistic and market-wise attractive alternative for the Turin giants.
Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave Spurs this summer
Vicario’s future at Tottenham has been the subject of growing speculation in recent months.
During his injury absence last season, Antonin Kinsky seized his opportunity and impressed with a string of assured performances, convincing the club that he can become their long-term first-choice goalkeeper.
Juventus are not the only Serie A club monitoring Vicario’s situation.
Napoli have recently joined the race for the Tottenham goalkeeper, while Inter Milan have maintained a long-standing interest and continue to assess the possibility of bringing him back to Italy.
With several of Serie A’s biggest clubs tracking the 29-year-old, Tottenham could find themselves at the centre of a competitive transfer battle if they decide to sanction his departure during the summer window.
Spurs captain Cristian Romero is expected to leave this summer following the arrival of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, as per former Tottenham senior scout Bryan King.
The aggressive defensive overhaul in North London signals a dramatic tactical shift under manager Roberto De Zerbi, which could spell the end for a massive fan favourite.
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Bryan King: I think Cristian Romero is going to go
Speaking to Football Insider, Bryan King highlighted that Tottenham’s early and decisive summer business heavily implies an impending exit for the 28-year-old Argentine center-back.
According to King, these moves are designed to replace Romero’s volatile profile in the backline.
“Now, does that mean that Romero’s going to go?” King questioned.
“I think Romero’s going to go. Whoever made him club captain, I could never ever understand that decision because you never knew whether he was going to finish a match. But again, he’s a world champion.
He’s a tough South American defender. But playing for Tottenham, he became a loose cannon, didn’t he?”
Top-tier Argentine journalists have confirmed that the Red Devils view Romero as a primary defensive target to partner alongside his international teammate Lisandro Martínez at Old Trafford.
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There is interest from other top clubs as well. Atletico Madrid have been long interested in signing the defender with Diego Simeone a big fan of his compatriot.
But Jude Bellingham changed the game in the second half with a goal and an assist to help England top the group.
Here’s how Thomas Tuchel’s men rated.
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England player ratings vs Panama
Jordan Pickford – 7
Largely untroubled for large stretches of a comfortable evening, but Pickford earned his keep when it mattered.
He got down well to deny José Luiz Rodríguez after Panama’s counter-attack threatened to open the scoring, showing sharp reflexes when England’s defence was briefly exposed.
Jarell Quansah – 6
Quansah came in for his first appearance at the competition after Reece James was ruled out through injury.
The former Liverpool man started right-back and had a decent game, although there were moments where he looked nervy.
He was booked for serious foul play in the 60th minute. But he night did not end well for him as he was taken off injured and Djed Spence came on to replace him.
Marc Guehi – 8
The Manchester City centre-back was a colossus at the back. Organised, composed, and dominant in the air, Guehi has been one of England’s standout performers throughout the group stage.
Led the backline with intelligence and kept Panama’s physical threat firmly under wraps. His best performance of the tournament.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Konsa got caught out of position several times during Panama’s counter-attacks but ended the game strongly, helping his side keep a clean-sheet.
Nico O’Reilly – 6
Another assured display from the Manchester City man. Offered width down the left and drove forward with intent throughout.
Saka and Rashford were seeing plenty of the ball out wide, but O’Reilly’s underlapping runs gave England an additional dimension. Growing into this tournament with each passing game.
Elliot Anderson – 7.5
The Nottingham Forest midfielder had a steady rather than eye-catching evening . Put in a proper shift without the ball and helped England keep a lid on any Panama attempts to break forward. The platform he and Rogers provided allowed Bellingham the freedom to roam, which proved decisive.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Rogers was handed a starting berth in place of the rested Declan Rice and did enough to justify Tuchel’s faith.
Industrious and energetic, he covered ground effectively and helped England maintain their press. Won’t grab the headlines but played his role to the letter.
Jude Bellingham – 9 | Man of the Match
The Real Madrid superstar announced himself on the grandest stage. Bellingham scored to make it 1-0 and then assisted Kane’s header for the second, making him — at 22 years and 363 days — the youngest England player on record since 1966 to both score and assist in a World Cup match.
He took over the game in the second half, doing some splendid work on the left before crossing for Kane to head home.
After a frustrating draw with Ghana, this was the Bellingham the world was waiting to see. Electric.
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The second half was better. Combined slick interplay with direct running and was unlucky not to add a goal of his own. His fitness, as Tuchel had said, is crucial to how far this England side can go.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Like Saka, he also saw plenty of ball in the first half and was England’s brightest player in the first 45 minutes.
Second half was a bit quiet comparatively but it was his long ball that freed Bellingham to set up Kane’s second.
Harry Kane – 8
The captain delivered when it counted. Kane made no mistake from close range with a brilliant header to double England’s lead, becoming England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cups in the process.
It was lovely work from Bellingham, who latched onto Rashford’s long ball before laying it on a plate for his captain. Had to wait for his chance but took it with the clinical authority you expect from one of the world’s finest strikers.
Alan Shearer has slammed England’s first half performance against Panama in the final group stage game of World Cup 2026.
Speaking at half-time with the score locked at a frustrating 0-0, the legendary striker-turned-pundit did not hold back in his assessment of the Three Lions’ stagnant display in New Jersey.
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Shearer says Rashford and Saka have not done enough with the ball
The former England captain directed his sharpest criticism toward wingers Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, accusing the Manchester United and Arsenal stars of failing to deliver quality despite seeing plenty of the ball.
Thomas Tuchel handed both forwards starting roles as part of a rotated side, but they struggled to break down Panama’s rigid defensive low block.
“I haven’t seen the stats but I can see it with my eyes that Rashford and Saka have been involved in a lot of what England have done but they haven’t done enough with it,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It’s been really disappointing from the first 10 minutes when we moved the ball with purpose and I expected us to carry that on but that hasn’t been the case.”
England have already booked their spot in the next round
While the first-half display has drawn heavy criticism online and in the commentary box, the stakes are relatively low for the Three Lions.
Tuchel’s men have already mathematically booked their spot in the Round of 32 following their opening matches in Group L.
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However, top spot in the group remains heavily up for grabs. A draw or a shock defeat against an already-eliminated Panama side could severely complicate their knockout stage pathway.
With a vital victory needed to guarantee a more favorable draw, England must dramatically step up their intensity and creativity in the second half if they want to avoid a frustrating slip-up.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared the latest on Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.
The Red Devils have made the Portuguese midfielder a priority target as manager Michael Carrick looks to overhaul his engine room ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
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Manchester United update on Mateus Fernandes
According to Plettenberg, Manchester United are heavily locked in ongoing negotiations to secure the 21-year-old maestro.
Taking to X, the transfer insider revealed that United are completely “determined” to wrap up the deal and have no intention of backing down.
Plettenberg reported that personal terms are not an issue between the player and Manchester United.
Fernandes is understood to favor a move to Old Trafford, where the lure of Champions League football under Carrick remains a massive selling point.
With the player side effectively resolved, the only hurdle left is club-to-club negotiations.
West Ham are demanding a steep £85 million for their prized asset following their relegation to the Championship, and while United’s opening bids are expected to fall short of that valuation, internal club figures view the deal as a major priority.
Spurs giving Man United strong competition
Despite United’s confidence, they face a fierce battle from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs, now under the stewardship of Roberto De Zerbi, are eager to disrupt the transfer and are reportedly willing to meet West Ham’s aggressive £85 million asking price.
The North London side can offer highly competitive wage packages to tempt Fernandes, and their hierarchy has made building a dynamic midfield a top summer objective.
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While Spurs remain firmly in the mix and are actively applying pressure, Manchester United believe they hold the ultimate leverage due to Fernandes’ clear preference to wear the famous red shirt next season.
Como have submitted an offer for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, as per the latest from prominent transfer expert Ben Jacobs.
The newly-promoted Italian outfit, who recently shocked European football by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League under the stewardship of Cesc Fabregas, have made the versatile Englishman their marquee summer target to bolster their backline.
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Ben Jacobs update on Trevoh Chalobah
Writing on X, Ben Jacobs confirmed that Como have officially launched a bid for the 26-year-old center-back worth in excess of £22 million (roughly €27 million including add-ons), corroborating initial breaking reports from Italian transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio.
However, the initial proposal falls considerably short of Chelsea’s valuation.
According to Jacobs, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy is holding out for a package closer to £35 million.
Como have sent an offer for Trevoh Chalobah worth over £22m, as @DiMarzio called.
Because Chalobah is a graduate of the Cobham youth academy, any potential sale represents “pure profit” on Chelsea’s financial books, giving the Blues strong motivation to maximize the fee as they restructure their squad under newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso.
Aston Villa lurking as World Cup displays boost value
Furthermore, Chalobah’s market value is on a distinct upward trajectory. Currently away on international duty with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the defender was a surprise call-up by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel following an injury to Tino Livramento.
Expected to feature heavily in the tournament, a string of strong performances on the world stage will give Chelsea all the leverage they need to maintain their firm £35 million asking price.
With two years remaining on his current contract running until 2028, a fierce bidding war between the Italian suitors is expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
Who can Chelsea sign to replace Chalobah?
Should Chalobah complete his move to Italy, Chelsea have already laid the groundwork to immediately fill the void in their defensive ranks.
The Blues are operating with a clear transfer strategy under new manager Xabi Alonso, aiming to bring in physical, aggressive, and technically astute profile players suited for a back-three system.
The primary target to replace Chalobah is Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix.
Reports indicate that Chelsea have escalated their pursuit, holding direct club-to-club talks with Palace over an estimated £47 million move after the 26-year-old reportedly “said yes” to Alonso’s project.
Currently competing for France at the World Cup, Lacroix’s robust Premier League experience and rapid recovery pace make him the ideal candidate to slot straight into the starting XI.
While Palestra is a wider defensive option, his arrival alongside the pursued capture of Lacroix signals a complete and aggressive reshaping of Chelsea’s backline for the upcoming campaign.
Ayyoub Bouaddi’s reps met Liverpool yesterday afternoon, according to club sources as revealed by a prominent ITK account on X.
The prominent transfer insider broke the news, stating that the Lille midfielder’s camp held face-to-face talks with Anfield chiefs as the race for the highly-rated wonderkid intensifies.
Taking to X, the ITK reported: “Exclusive: Ayyoub Bouaddi’s reps met@LFCyesterday afternoon, according to club sources.”
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With Europe’s elite clubs circling, the Reds’ hierarchy looks keen to position themselves at the front of the queue.
Bouaddi has been under the microscope of Premier League scouts for months, but the direct nature of yesterday’s reported meeting suggests Liverpool are exploring the financial framework required to pry him away from France.
Reports suggest Lille could demand a fee upwards of £60 million to £70 million for their prized asset.
While Arsenal and Real Madrid have also been heavily linked with the player, Liverpool’s aggressive move to hold direct talks signals their clear intent to secure a marquee midfield signing.
Strong competition for Bouaddi: Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid among clubs interested
Liverpool are far from alone in their admiration for the teenage sensation, and securing his signature will mean outmaneuvering some of the richest clubs in world football.
Adding to the intense competition, the player’s camp has made it clear that he will only entertain an approach from a club that can guarantee him a key first-team role next season.
Why Ayyoub Bouaddi is a highly-sought after youngster this summer
At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has evolved into one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
The defensive midfielder possesses a rare blend of physical stature, tactical intelligence, and technical elegance that defies his youth.
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He rose to prominence by breaking records as the youngest player to ever feature in a European club competition for Lille, and his reputation has skyrocketed even further this summer.
Representing Morocco on the grandest stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bouaddi put in a masterclass performance against Brazil, winning plaudits globally for his press-resistance and exceptional positional awareness.
With over 60 Ligue 1 appearances already under his belt, he boasts a level of top-tier experience rarely seen in teenagers.
His ability to anchor a midfield, shield the backline, and progress the ball cleanly makes him the prototypical modern anchor, making it no surprise that Liverpool are pushing hard to wrap up a deal.
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