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Arsenal are making an effort to restructure and revitalize their squad ahead of an all-important 2025/2026 campaign, with Mikel Arteta under some pressure to deliver a trophy after five years without major silverware, discounting the Community Shield.

Mikel Arteta set for a vital season with Arsenal silverware expected

Arteta delivered the FA Cup at the end of his first campaign in charge, but since then, Arsenal have had precious little to shout about despite some very close calls.

Fabrizio Romano says "deal is agreed" for "perfect" player to join Arsenal

Everything is in place for a move to be finalised.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 10, 2025

Arsenal registered an incredible 89 points during the 2023/2024 season, which would have been enough to win the Premier League title in many of the previous campaigns, but Man City’s imperiousness ultimately thwarted Arteta.

It was a similar story during the 22/23 campaign, but Arsenal were miles off this year’s eventual title winners Liverpool, having missed out on the domestic crown by a seismic 10 points.

The Gunners have also failed to deliver in all other domestic and European cup competitions since 2020, with Arteta now facing a vital next season where he simply must deliver glory to the Emirates after many years of building an elite-level squad.

“There’s no doubt next season the pressure will be on Arteta massively in terms of winning something and winning something big,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

“If they don’t do that, the Arsenal board will have a massive issue, because they won’t want to change the manager, but there will be lots of people saying ‘five or six years without a trophy’ and they will be looking at how many managers can make that next step.

“The problem with changing Mikel Arteta is that Arsenal could easily become what Chelsea are now, a team finishing second year in, year out, to a team not getting into the Champions League.

“That’s the big conundrum Arsenal will have in 12 months if they go close again but don’t get over the line. It feels like next season has to be the season.”

Trimming the deadwood and making room for vital new additions is imperative, and they’ve now managed to get previous highly-rated youngster Marquinhos off the books for good.

Arsenal confirm Marquinhos has joined Cruzeiro permanently

The 22-year-old Brazilian, according to Arteta, was actually a “very popular” player behind-the-scenes at London Colney, but he could never quite cement himself as a part of the manager’s long-term plans on the field.

Marquinhos has been on loan at Brazilian side Cruzeiro since January, which included an obligation to buy based on certain conditions, and that now appears to have been triggered.

Arsenal announced on Monday that Marquinhos has joined Cruzeiro on a permanent deal, bringing an end to his three-year stay at N5, which initially brought so much promise, only for the forward to be deemed surplus.

“He’s very popular, with no English, just with his smile and attitude,” said Arteta about Marquinhos in 2022.

“He has earned the respect and admiration of everybody here.”

Marquinhos’ move to Cruzeiro was initially under threat, according to some reports in South America, but he’s now officially set to start a new chapter back in his homeland.

Chelsea suffered a disappointing defeat in their second group match of the Club World Cup, going down 3-1 against Brazilian side Flamengo.

Enzo Maresca had led the Blues to an opening victory against LAFC, but the loss now means he will need to secure all three points against ES Tunis to qualify for the knockout round.

Given how big the prize fund is, going as far as possible is certainly within the club’s best interests.

The Stamford Bridge side have already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for a fee of £30m, while deals for Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez have also gone through so far this summer.

Maresca won’t be stopping there, that much is certain. With a move for Hugo Ekitike high on the priority list, it is clear the Blues want to sign another centre-forward this summer.

They have also been linked with moves to sign Tyler Dibling, Murillo, and Mohamed Kudus in recent weeks as Maresca prepares to take Chelsea into the Champions League.

With so many potential transfer links, the manager will surely be looking to offload a player or two. Not only to free up space in the first-team squad, but also to balance the books.

Several names have been touted as departing the club, but could Noni Madueke be the most high-profile sale this summer?

What the future holds for Noni Madueke at Chelsea

Last season saw Madueke come of age at Chelsea. Across 43 appearances in all competitions, the English winger scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the Blues.

He helped them win the Conference League in the process, and this campaign surely gave him plenty of confidence heading into the Club World Cup.

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are seemingly keen on making a move to sign the former PSV Eindhoven starlet this summer in a bid to improve their attacking options.

With Maresca continuing his heavy recruitment drive at Stamford Bridge, Madueke’s space in the starting XI is certainly not guaranteed heading into the 2024/25 campaign.

The report goes on to state that the winger is not up for sale, but should things change in the coming weeks, he could be obtainable in the transfer window.

He would be a fine signing for any club in the top flight, as evidenced by his statistics when compared to peers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Not only did he rank in the top 1% for progressive carries (6.82) per 90, but the winger also ranked in the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.15) per 90 and in the top 7% for total shots per 90 (3.54), proving just how big an impact he had at Chelsea.

Should an offer come in that is too good to turn down, Maresca will surely accept it. This could allow him to make a move for a player who is on his wish list of late.

Chelsea eyeing move for Lyon sensation

According to football.london, Chelsea are interested in signing Lyon starlet Malick Fofana this summer.

As per the report, the club have already initiated contact with the Ligue 1 side regarding a move.

Any deal for the Belgian international will likely cost around £45m, which shouldn’t pose too much of a problem for the Blues, that’s for sure.

Given how many players are set to make the move to Stamford Bridge, however, moving for a first-team star or two looks like the best bet, hence the interest in Madueke.

Swapping the current Chelsea winger for Fofana has the potential to be an excellent deal for all parties involved.

But just what would the 20-year-old bring to Chelsea next season?

Why Chelsea must sign Malick Fofana

Just a couple of months ago, football talent scout Jacek Kulig lavished praise on the young attacking talent, saying: “Malick Fofana – 17 G/A in around 2000 minutes for Lyon this season. 20 years of age.

“Still a bit inconsistent, but already showing flashes of his enormous potential.

“Big future ahead.”

If he continues on this recent upwards trajectory following a stunning breakthrough season with Lyon, then he could become one of the finest attacking talents on the continent.

With the Blues returning to the Champions League for the first time since the 2022/23 campaign, Fofana could be a dangerous weapon in their quest for glory. Especially taking his Europa League displays from last term into account.

Across ten games in the competition for Lyon, the young dynamo scored six goals while providing two assists.

In addition, when compared to his peers in Europe’s secondary competition, Fofana ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05), progressive carries (7.88) and touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) per 90 last term.

Of course, this wasn’t in the Champions League, but performing as well as this at such a young age, what is stopping him from shining on the biggest stage?

Fofana is a right-footed winger who prefers to operate on the left so he can cut in on a regular basis. Last season, however, Fofana did play a couple of matches on the right flank, scoring twice in the process.

Could he, then, be an ideal replacement for Madueke should the English starlet move on from the club this summer? It would be interesting to see exactly what position Maresca would utilise Fofana in, especially as he does appear rather flexible.

Given Madueke still has a few years left on his contract, the Blues should be able to demand a decent fee for the player, who only joined in January 2023.

If his sale can free up space for Fofana coming in, a player who appears to have a brighter future, then it would be a shrewd piece of business. For now, Maresca will just be looking to see his team defeat ES Tunis in order to seal a place in the last-16 of the Club World Cup.

Not just Jackson: 5/10 flop must never play for Chelsea again after the CWC

Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in their second game of the Club World Cup.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 21, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are now in talks with a European club over the sale of a “brilliant” key player, who has already agreed personal terms to go, according to a recent report.

Martin wants more defensive reinforcements at Rangers

The Gers are closing in on their return to pre-season action, as it is less than four weeks away until they return to competitive action in the Champions League second qualifying round. Before that, Russell Martin will hope to have as much transfer business wrapped up as possible, as he will want to make a strong start as the new Rangers boss.

The Scottish giants announced the signing of Max Aarons on a season-long loan deal from AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday. The defender is “delighted” to be joining Rangers, as he describes the Gers as a “huge club”.

Aarons told the club’s media team: “I am delighted to be here; as you can see, it’s a huge club, and you realise that when you walk through the doors. I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues, and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience; I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.”

Rangers bid made: 49ers table offer to bring "spectacular" 22 y/o to Ibrox

The Gers want a permanent transfer.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 26, 2025

Aarons may not be the only defender to arrive at Ibrox this summer, as the Gers are in talks to sign Conor Coady from Leicester City. Meanwhile, Rangers are also looking into the possibility of a deal to sign Owen Beck from Liverpool, with the new boss making it clear he wants to improve his defensive ranks.

Rangers now in talks to sell Hamza Igamane

Deals for Coady and Beck may soon become more financially viable too, as according to Sacha Tavolieri, Rangers are in talks to sell Hamza Igamane to French outfit Lille.

Tavolieri states that Lille have made Igamane a top target, as they see him as the person to replace Jonathan David, who is leaving the club on a free transfer.

He adds that the Rangers forward has spoken to the club and has now agreed personal terms, and all that remains is the two clubs, who are in talks, to agree a transfer fee.

Earlier this week it was reported that Rangers were “at risk” of losing Igamane, as teams such as Marseille and Lazio were circling with interest. In fact, it was claimed that Marseille had made an approach to sign the 22-year-old, which had rocked the Scottish club.

Rangers have set a £20 million asking price on Igamane, but it remains unclear if Lille would be willing to pay that much.

The Morocco international was sensational for the Gers last season, as he netted 12 goals in 33 league games, as well as a further four in the Europa League. A standout moment was him netting the winner in the 3-2 win away at Celtic, an impact that Derek Ferguson lauded as “brilliant”.

“Igamane is a real breath of fresh air, the young man. The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff, and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon – and took his goal brilliantly. I don’t know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane’s got that unpredictability.”

Chelsea have been given a Champions League ultimatum after reaching an agreement with UEFA over their high-profile fine last week, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea "machine" set to leave permanently with Madueke

The west Londoners have parted company.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 11, 2025

Enzo Maresca is currently preparing his side for a crunch Club World Cup final clash against European champions PSG on Sunday, and winning the tournament against all odds would bank the club a further £7.5 million.

They’ve already garnered around £80 million from reaching the final and winning five out of their six matches at the CWC, giving BlueCo a major boost when it comes to avoiding the PSR threshold, but it is worth noting that they haven’t been quite so lucky with UEFA’s different FFP rules.

Chelsea were fined a total of £26.7 million by UEFA for breaching their financial laws, and could be slapped with a further £51.2 million if they fail to comply with regulations over the next four years (BBC).

The Blues could even be prevented from registering new players for the Champions League next season as a result (BBC), and they’ll need to have a “positive transfer balance” by the end of this summer transfer window to avoid this outcome.

As a result, player sales will be vital at Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks, and it is no surprise that we’re now seeing a plethora of high-profile exit deals taking place.

Noni Madueke is completing his move to Arsenal in a deal worth around £50 million, while it is also believed that goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is joining Bournemouth for £25 million, following the confirmed departures of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys and Marcus Bettinelli previously.

Sharing further light on the situation, Solhekol has lifted the lid on a pact between UEFA and Chelsea.

Chelsea given Champions League ultimatum after UEFA deal

Speaking on Sky Sports, the journalist claims that Chelsea have reached an agreement with UEFA to sell players and balance their books – or they will indeed face the threat of not being able to register new players for their Champions League squad.

“I think it’s a bit of a complicated situation regarding Madueke because he’s played well for Chelsea since they signed him two-and-a-half years ago from PSV for £29m. But it’s been well documented that Chelsea have spent a lot of money in the transfer window already this summer, and they need to balance their books,” said Solhekol.

“Last week they came to an agreement with UEFA that basically said that if they want to register new players for the Champions League next season, they have to make sure that their transfer spend this season is balanced out this summer by the players they sell as well.

“So they’ve signed players like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. That means they also have to sell players.”

Other players who could depart Cobham in the coming weeks are Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Christopher Nkunku, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka, who all appear to be out of Maresca’s long-term plans.

Mathis Amougou is closing in on a permanent move to sister club Strasbourg too, and the same can be said of teenage left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith, who was spotted at the Ligue 1 side’s training ground earlier this week (L’Équipe).

Everton were slipping down a slope last season, headed for trouble with Sean Dyche in the dugout and Farhad Moshiri watching from above.

But David Moyes replaced Dyche, lifted the Toffees up, up, up. The relegation candidates finished 13th in the Premier League, comfortably away from the drop zone. Now, as they leave Goodison Park and step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson, with plenty to look forward to.

Thierno Barry has joined for £27m, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker went by the wayside at the end of his contract. Mark Travers has signed to provide competition for Jordan Pickford; Charly Alcaraz’s buy option has been triggered after his promising loan stint.

However, there’s been something of an exodus on the blue half of Merseyside. Departed players need to be replaced, with the midfield still a priority for Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear.

Everton searching for midfielders

With Abdoulaye Doucoure having left at the end of his deal, Everton need new midfielders. The latest name to crop up belongs to Douglas Luiz, who, one year after leaving Aston Villa for Juventus in a £42m deal, is being touted for a return to the Premier League.

Reports from Italy claim Everton have actually tabled their opening offer for the Brazilian ace. However, their £26m bid falls below Juventus’ £35m valuation.

However, according to Football Insider, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is also of interest to the Merseyside outfit, though he’s worth a pretty penny at £50m and is also attracting intrigue from Newcastle United.

However, given his homegrown status and style of play, which would see him dovetail right into Moyes’ system, this could be a statement signing and a half.

Why Everton want Conor Gallagher

Gallagher left Chelsea for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £33m last summer, with Enzo Maresca having informed the versatile midfielder he would be consigned to a bit-part role if he remained at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca’s flowing ball-playing style of football precluded Gallagher’s involvement in a prominent role, but Everton don’t need to worry about that: Moyes is rooted in his tactical principles, limited in possession but industrious and organised and direct.

An intense pressing force, Gallagher would slot right in, maybe even more complete than Luiz, the other top midfield target. Hailed as a “machine” by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, who also noted the 25-year-old “helps me a lot when we need to recover the ball”, it would be money well spent.

Luiz has struggled to adapt in Italy, only starting three Serie A games last season – albeit, this was marred by injury problems. Gallagher, meanwhile, hasn’t been a week-in, week-out starter for Diego Simeone’s Atletico, but he’s proved his worth, ranked among the top 10% of La Liga midfielders last year for ball recoveries and the top 11% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

And when looking at his last Premier League campaign, ranked against Luiz’s with Aston Villa, you begin to see that Everton might strike gold by signing the former Blue.

Gallagher is crisper in possession, with more ground-covering energy and defensive sharpness too. Luiz might have outscored him in 2023/24, but he took penalties, with four of his nine strikes above coming from the spot. All seven of Gallagher’s were from open play.

There is little question that either player would have a positive impact on Moyes’ project. Both have shared qualities that align with Moyes’ vision, with the way the Scotsman wants to play.

But Gallagher might be that little bit better, and he would pack a punch that might even steer the Toffees back into the top end of the Premier League table.

He’s Ndiaye 2.0: Everton make contact to sign £22.5m "sensational prospect"

Everton will be hoping they can add to their attacking output this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 18, 2025

The Inter Miami star recently cast doubt on his participation in the next World Cup.

• Messi will not face Ecuador
• The forward has prioritized MLS action
• Could be his sixth World Cup if he participates

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lionel Messi’s recent comments suggesting he may skip the 2026 World Cup made headlines around the globe, as fans are still hoping to see the Argentine captain have one last dance on football’s biggest stage and defend the trophy. 

  Ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Ecuador – a match Messi will miss after choosing to prioritize his fitness for the remainder of the MLS season – Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he has not discussed those remarks with the star forward.

  “I don’t think it’s right to put a percentage on it today because I honestly don’t know,"  Scaloni explained. "Many things can happen. We already have a core group of players; everyone knows that. From there, when we know how many spots we’ll have, we’ll make decisions. As for Leo, I haven’t talked to him about it. I only know what he said publicly, and he’s going to take his time with this decision.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi will be the notable absentee against Ecuador, having already returned to Miami to rejoin Inter Miami under Javier Mascherano’s supervision. Argentina, however, have already secured top spot in the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points, holding a commanding 10-point lead over second-place Brazil with one match left to play.

• AFP
  

  WHAT LIONEL SCALONI SAID

  This was also Scaloni’s final press conference of the World Cup qualifying campaign, as Argentina will wrap up their run against Ecuador in Quito. The coach left his own future beyond the World Cup somewhat open but reflected positively on his tenure so far.

  “I focus only on what’s next, I’ve never been one to think too far ahead. I don’t think it’s right because it distracts from the present. Right now, we’re focused on tomorrow’s match and the upcoming friendlies. What happens beyond that, we’ll see. For now, I feel good here,” he said.

  Scaloni highlighted the work ethic and identity his staff has instilled: “From Day 1, we aimed to build a sense of belonging, to play for the shirt without it feeling like an obligation, with the right mindset and respect for teammates. That has been achieved. Winning obviously helps, but even without the trophies, the players and everyone around the team lived up to the values we set out to build.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM?

  will visit Ecuador this Tuesday in the final match of the qualifiers.

Celtic were dealt a big blow earlier this month when Nicolas Kuhn officially completed a move to Serie A side Como for a reported fee of £16.5m.

The German forward, 25, produced 13 goals and nine assists in the Scottish Premiership for Brendan Rodgers last season, which means that the club have lost a scorer and a creator of goals.

Kuhn’s exit has left a hole in the squad in the right wing position ahead of next season, but the Hoops also have a hole to fill on the left flank because Jota may be out until the start of next year with a knee injury.

According to the Daily Record, Celtic are set to push to sign Belgian forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha on a permanent deal to take up that place on the left wing.

The report claims that the club have been in talks with Royal Antwerp in recent weeks and that they are now hopeful that a deal can be struck for the 24-year-old attacker.

Why Balikwisha would be an exciting signing for Celtic

Balikwisha would come in as a like-for-like replacement for Jota as another right-footed left winger who likes to drift inside onto his favoured foot to score and create goals.

The 24-year-old talent has caught the eye with some impressive performances in the Pro League for Royal Antwerp, and his statistics suggest that he would be an exciting player for supporters to watch at Parkhead next season.

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha is a winger who offers a threat in front of goal as a scorer, whilst also creating three chances every two games on average.

This shows that the Belgian sensation is constantly looking for that killer pass to provide his teammate with a high-quality chance to score, which means that fans could get excited when he gets the ball at his feet, knowing that the forward will be aiming to make something happen.

The Royal Antwerp star did miss 29 matches through injury last season, though, so there may be some concerns over whether he will be available week-in-week-out, but his form in Belgium suggests that the forward will be an exciting player when fit.

If Celtic are able to strike a deal for Balikwisha in the coming days, there is still a hole to be filled on the right flank after Kuhn’s departure and the club are reportedly keen on a winger who would be just as exciting as the Belgian whiz.

Celtic in the race to sign free agent forward

According to Football League World, Celtic are among a number of teams that are interested in a deal to sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer this summer.

He has been a free agent since his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired at the end of last month, and there is a fairly long list of suitors aiming to sign him.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that Celtic, Rangers, Bristol City, and Espanyol are all among the contenders to secure a deal for the right-sided attacker in the coming days or weeks.

It adds that he has strong interest from several unnamed clubs in the English Championship and that he has had offers from teams overseas, alongside the four teams mentioned in this latest report.

This shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature and that the Hoops will need to move swiftly and convincingly to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Celtic should push to sign Tyrhys Dolan

The Scottish Premiership champions should push to win the race for Dolan’s services this summer because he would be a valuable signing who would be just as exciting as Balikwisha at Parkhead.

Despite the modern trend of inverted wingers cutting in onto their favoured foot, the English forward is a right-footed player who predominantly plays on the right wing, which means that he could fill the spot left by Kuhn’s exit in that position.

Dolan is a versatile player who is not limited to one position, though, as he has also started 18 or more career games as a left winger, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, and as a striker, showing that Rodgers would be able to call on him in a multitude of roles.

His durability is also something that may be attractive to Celtic. The 23-year-old star has not suffered a single significant injury in his career, to date, and has already racked up 210 first-team appearances for Blackburn, playing 44 of their 46 league games last season.

Dolan’s performances for Blackburn, in a midtable team that failed to make the play-offs in either campaign, also suggest that he would be an exciting player for supporters to watch in action in the Premiership.

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old talent has scored 12 goals and created 14 ‘big chances’ in the last two seasons in the Championship, and has been unfortunate to only register ten assists from those 14 ‘big chances’.

These numbers may not be mind-blowingly amazing, but they are impressive within the context of him playing for an average team in the Championship, because at Celtic he would be in a dominant team that puts him in more positions to shine in the final third.

Dolan, once praised as “outstanding” by former manager John Eustace, could thrive in a team that has won their domestic title in each of the last four seasons, in the same way that Balikwisha could do on the opposite flank.

He'd revive Yamada: Celtic in ongoing talks to sign "creative" £5m star

Celtic remain in talks to sign a star who could help to revive Shin Yamada as a regular goalscorer.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 21, 2025

Both players have shown potential as both scorers and creators of goals from their respective wing positions, which is why both of them would be exciting signings if the club can pull them off.

A lot has changed since the last round of action in England's top flight, meaning this weekend's fixtures are full of intrigue

Two weeks is a very long time in football, and so much has changed since a ball was last kicked in the Premier League. We might be three games in already, but the closure of the transfer window after the pause for the international break means the picture has altered dramatically.

We've seen transfer records smashed, very early changes in the dugout and complete overhauls behind the scenes, as squads took their final shapes and clubs made extremely last-minute preparations for the 35 games to come.

The three rounds that preceded the break were just the warm-up; now the international break is out of the way, here are the biggest storylines to look out for as the Premier League season begins in earnest…

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  Ange is back (already)

  Saturday's early kick-off will witness the return of Ange Postecoglou to a Premier League dugout, as the Australian makes a swift comeback after being unceremoniously ditched by Tottenham in the summer despite guiding the club to a first trophy in 17 years in the form of the Europa League.

  Ultimately, though, he didn't get away with a dismal 17th-placed finish in the league – but just three months later, he's back, having been appointed at Nottingham Forest in the immediate aftermath of agitator Nuno Espirito Santo being relieved of his duties following a behind-the-scenes feud with the club's hierarchy.

  Seemingly a tactical misfit for a defensive-minded counter-attacking side, straight-talking Postecoglou has been typically bullish in his opening gambits, doubling down on his commitment to attacking football and insisting he intends to win more silverware at the City Ground. 

  His first match in charge? A return to north London to face Arsenal. Pure narrative.

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  Big Nick's Newcastle bow

  Newcastle will be incredibly relieved to see the back of what was a painful and energy-sapping transfer window on Tyneside. While the Alexander Isak saga dominated the headlines, the Magpies were also snubbed by a string of key targets including Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford.

  Shortly before Isak finally departed in a British-record £125 million ($169m) right at the close of the market, Newcastle finally managed to land the man they hope will replace the striker in towering German frontman, Nick Woltemade.

  The £69m ($93m) outlay represents a big risk given that the 23-year-old only has one strong Bundesliga season under his belt having impressed with Stuttgart in 2024-25, but with excellent feet and a 6'6 frame, he has the attributes to succeed in English football.

  The big man could make his big bow against Wolves at St James' Park, where he will come up against another failed Newcastle target in Jorgen Strand Larsen.

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  Can Simons spark Spurs?

  With Xavi Simons being hailed as Tottenham's biggest signing for a generation in some quarters, there is huge expectation on the shoulders of the attacking midfielder following what looks like a bargain £52m ($70m) move from RB Leipzig.

  The 22-year-old may feel he has a point to prove after Chelsea failed to make good on their summer-long transfer interest in him, despite the player's keenness on the switch. If he can hit the ground running, the fact he ended up at Spurs rather than their bitter London rivals will make him all the more popular.

  With Thomas Frank's team in dire need of creativity due to James Maddison's untimely pre-season injury, Simons will be expected to be the attacking fulcrum of the revamped Tottenham team.

  His journey will begin at West Ham's London Stadium on Saturday and it would be little surprise to see him thrown in from the start against a side that has struggled defensively.

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  Chelsea sweat on Palmer

  Chelsea may well be regretting their decision to pass up on the chance to sign Simons, with their own attacking talisman struggling with his fitness in the early stages of the new campaign. Cole Palmer has missed the last two league games and England's World Cup qualifiers this month with a niggling groin injury.

  The Blues face a tricky trip to west London neighbours Brentford on Saturday evening, and it's still unclear whether their key man will be available having seemingly only just returned to training despite being afforded extended time off during the international break.

  "Cole took part in a session yesterday for the first time – but not the entire session," head coach Enzo Maresca said in his pre-match press conference. "Today [Friday] in the afternoon, we have one more session, and we are going to try with him if he is OK. Otherwise, he will be out tomorrow again.

  "He had an injury. He has recovered from the injury. So, it's not managing him; it’s recovering from the injury. From the moment he is available, we have to think about how to manage him a little bit because of the amount of games [we have coming]."

West Ham United are now making their final checks on a “star goalkeeper”, who is open to a move to the London Stadium this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Hammers keen on new goalkeeper after Areola disappoints

West Ham suffered a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in their most recent pre-season friendly, and it would be fair to say that Alphonse Areola’s performance was extremely disappointing.

The Frenchman’s clumsy foul on Ayden Heaven gave Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot, with the Portugal international making no mistake, and the goalkeeper was arguably at fault for the second goal too.

The Daily Mail’s Dan Davis described the 32-year-old’s positioning as “atrocious”, while also adding that he ‘didn’t even move’ to try and prevent Fernandes adding a second, so it is little wonder that Graham Potter is keen to bring in a replacement.

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Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen has been a target for quite some time, but there has also now been a suggestion the Hammers could make a move for a different Championship goalkeeper.

According to Nixon on Patreon (via Goodison News), West Ham are now making their final checks on Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper, who would be open to a move to the London Stadium, should regular game time be guaranteed.

A deal for Cooper would not break the bank, with Sheffield United set to hold out for a fee of around £15m, and the Hammers could have the edge over Premier League rivals Everton in the race for his signature.

The Toffees have made an approach for the 25-year-old, but he was not keen on a move to the Hill-Dickinson Stadium, perhaps due to the fact that he would be behind Jordan Pickford in the pecking order.

However, given Areola’s recent display, the Blades’ goalkeeper could be capable of pushing for a starting spot at the London Stadium, particularly considering the level of some of his performances last season…

Cooper now the Championship's "star goalkeeper"

With Manchester City closing in on James Trafford, EFL pundit Ali Maxwell believes the Sheffield United shot-stopper is the best in the second tier, saying: “He’s the star goalkeeper in the Championship now James Trafford has gone. In fact, I would say that Trafford’s goalkeeping performance last season is the best that we’ve seen in the Championship, certainly for the last five years.

“But I would also say that Cooper’s performance last season was probably the second best that we’ve seen in the last five years.”

Of course, the Blades missed out on promotion to the Premier League in heartbreaking fashion, with Sunderland scoring a last-minute winner in the play-off final, but the Englishman performed remarkably throughout the campaign.

Putting in similar displays in the Premier League would be a tall order, but Cooper has proven he is ready to test himself in the top flight.

Liverpool are believed to be monitoring an “outstanding” player as an alternative option to Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer, with both players not taking part in pre-season.

Liverpool given potential Isak hope

The Reds have been unsuccessful in their efforts to sign Isak so far this summer, with the Magpies already rejecting one mammoth bid for his services. While Liverpool still clearly want to sign the Swede before the transfer window reaches its conclusion, a second offer is yet to be tabled and Newcastle have made it clear that they want new signings to be brought in first.

On the plus, journalist Luke Edwards has given the Premier League champions an element of hope, claiming that “there is a chance” the move will happen if the Magpies sign two strikers and the Reds bid £150m for his services.

In truth, it is hard to see Liverpool bidding that much for Isak, as good as he is, and it may reach the stage where they have to look at different options. Now, a Premier League player has been linked with a summer move to Anfield.

Liverpool eyeing move for "outstanding" striker

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa is a target for Liverpool and Richard Hughes, with the 28-year-old potentially seen as an alternative option to Isak. The Bees marksman is also wanted by Newcastle, and like the Swede has refused to train and even play during their pre-season preparations.

Wissa has grown into such an impressive footballer for Brentford, standing out as a consistent performer in the top flight, scoring 49 goals in 149 appearances in total, including bagging twice against Liverpool.

He has also netted five times in 28 gaps for Congo, while new Bees manager Keith Andrews is under no illusions as to what a top-quality player he is.

“Every coach would want him at the football club and every fan would want him at the football club, because he is an outstanding talent. He has proved to be an amazing football player for this club because of his importance within the group.”

There is so much to like about Wissa, so it is easy to envisage him shining for Liverpool, but he turns 29 next month, so it is hard to see them making a move for him.

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If they do ultimately miss out on Isak – there will surely still be hope that a deal can be agreed before the end of August – the Reds need to target a younger option than Wissa instead, with his peak having the potential to drift by fairly quickly.