All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal have now held talks with the agents of a “fantastic” Premier League player, with a view to a potential summer transfer swoop, according to a report.

Gunners' striker search continues

At this stage, a whole host of Europe’s top strikers have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta keen on bringing in a new forward, who could usurp Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI.

However, Arteta’s number one target remains Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, and there was recently a boost in the Gunners’ pursuit of the Swedish forward, with it being revealed he has now expressed a desire to move to north London this summer.

Shades of Sanchez: Arteta personally driving Arsenal move for £26m machine

Arsenal are stepping up their search for a new centre-forward

By
Robbie Walls

Mar 29, 2025

Isak would be a real statement signing, given the impact he has made at St. James’ Park this season, netting 19 Premier League goals, but Arteta’s side are also running the rule over some talented young English strikers.

Blackburn Rovers striker Harvey Higgins is the latest forward to be shortlisted, with the north Londoners planning an imminent move for the 16-year-old, while they have also made the first move towards signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Arsenal have now held talks with Delap’s representatives, having been impressed by how confident the Ipswich striker is.

Ipswich are looking to receive £40m for the forward, and there is widespread interest in his signature, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur making contact with his agents, while Newcastle United are also keen.

With Ipswich looking likely to be relegated from the top flight, the Englishman would be interested in a move to any of the interested clubs and believes he will be able to make an impact wherever he ends up.

"Fantastic" Delap enjoying impressive campaign

The Tractor Boys look set for an instant return to the Championship, currently sitting nine points adrift of safety, but their fate may have been sealed a long time ago if it wasn’t for Delap’s attacking contributions.

The 22-year-old has 10 goals to his name in the Premier League this term, which is an impressive total, given that he is in a struggling side, and he received high praise from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

“Fantastic player. He’s working hard off the ball. On the ball he understands the game. He can be an important player for England.”

The Ipswich star has shown some very promising signs this season, with his goal return indicating he could be a suitable alternative to Isak, but incoming sporting director Andrea Berta hasn’t given up on signing the Newcastle talisman.

Arsenal are set to make an “important proposal” for the 25-year-old this summer, and it would be a real statement of intent if they were able to get a deal over the line.

Dani Carvajal is ready to play in any position under new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as the veteran Spanish full-back eyes a return to the Los Blancos squad after remaining sidelined with an ACL injury since last October. Carvajal rejoined Madrid training earlier this month and is now hopeful of getting game time under Alonso in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Carvajal praised Alonso
• Ready to 'play anywhere' under Alonso
• Carvajal returning from ACL injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 2024-25 campaign proved to be a difficult season for Carvajal, who suffered an ACL injury during the club's La Liga victory over Villarreal in early October. The severe knee injury meant that the 33-year-old would miss the remainder of the season. The Spaniard recently returned to the pitch as he rejoined Madrid's training earlier this month, and he is looking to work on his recovery and stage a comeback in Los Blancos' squad.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As he watched new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso maintain an unbeaten record in the Club World Cup and qualify for the round of 16 stage, Carvajal heaped praise on the manager while claiming he is ready to play at any position under the Spanish coach. In the 2025-26 season, the Spain international will face stiff competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the club from English champions Liverpool this summer.

• WHAT CARVAJAL SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the full-back said: "The coach is bringing real versatility to the team with [Aurélien] Tchouameni's position. And I'll play anywhere, even in between the posts. I've played at centre-back, left-back, on the wing … I'm always ready for anything the coach asks of me. I'm available to help out in any way I can.

  "On a personal level, I feel great. I'm back in the group dynamics. I don't know if I'll be part of the squad tomorrow. I know myself and I know that if they bring me on, I'll give 100% out there. All out. No fear, confidence is sky high. This is all behind me now. I'm lacking match practice, I've only been back training with the group for a couple of weeks."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  The 15-time Champions League winners will be back in action in the Club World Cup on Tuesday as they take on Juventus in the round of 16 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

Jadon Sancho finally appears to be nearing a permanent Manchester United exit to Serie A, according to a report in Italy.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sancho could soon seal Man Utd exit
• Basic agreement with Juventus
• Personal terms still a sticking point

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus are the closing in on Sancho, according to . The claim is that a "basic agreement" with Manchester United has already been reached, to the tune of €25 million (£21.5m; $29m), only marginally less than the obligation to buy clause that Chelsea broke with a penalty fee last month.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea were prepared to keep Sancho following his loan at Stamford Bridge last season, but the proposed transfer broke down over contract negotiations. That has been a repeated feature of reporting on Sancho's future in recent weeks, but Pedulla suggests a compromise could be reached with Juventus. The Serie A giants started by offering a salary of €5m (£4.3m; $5.9m), plus bonuses. That number has since been raised but there is said to be more back and forth required to reach a final agreement. Crucially, however, it sounds more promising than anything that has come up to now.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite "other offers", Sancho is reported by Pedulla to have given "priority" to Juventus and "does not want to wait long" to complete his next move.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

  Sancho is among a group of Manchester United players who have not returned to pre-season training this week, granted extra time before being expected to report for duty to allow them to secure a transfer away – Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia are the others. If all goes well in further talks between Sancho and Juventus, he wouldn't have to go back at all and could start afresh in Turin.

Mexico defeated the USMNT 2-1 in the Gold Cup Final, coming back behind goals from Raúl Jiménez and Edson Álvarez

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• claimed their 10th Gold Cup title
• Secured back-to-back championships
• Jiménez reached 42 goals with the national team

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After defeating the United States 2-1 to win the Gold Cup, Mexico star Raúl Jiménez emphasized the importance of winning a title one year before hosting the World Cup.

  "We started off slow but kept improving; it’s an extra boost as we wrap up the summer before the World Cup – winning, lifting the trophy – it will be something very positive heading into the upcoming friendly matches and the World Cup. We had it in mind, and we’re very happy," Jimenez said.

  Jimenez was a key catalyst to El Tri's 10th Gold Cup win, scoring the equalizer ahead of halftime against the Americans.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT EDSON ÁLVAREZ SAID

  Edson Álvarez, Mexico’s captain, scored the game-winner against the U.S. and was full of emotion after the win.

  “I’m speechless, very happy because it was 35 days of training camp without seeing our families. Our desire was to win it, for all the effort we’ve put in to be rewarded with a title – but there are still many things we need to improve,” said the West Ham player.

  He admitted he was initially concerned he would have another goal that he scored ruled back by VAR, but he made sure to have a proper celebration following it being confirmed.

  “They had already taken several goals away from me before. I thought I was in a good position. They cut off the goal celebration, but when it was finally given, it was an incredible joy,” he said.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Gilberto Mora, the 16-year-old midfielder from Club Tijuana, continues to capture global attention with his standout performances for the Mexican national team. His role in the 2025 Gold Cup not only impressed fans but also secured him a place in football history.

  On Sunday, Mora became the youngest player ever to feature in the final of a major international tournament. At just 16 years and 265 days old, he started for Mexico in the Gold Cup Final against the United States and played 75 minutes in the team’s 2-1 victory under coach Javier Aguirre.

  His record surpasses that of Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who previously made history at age 17 by playing in the Euro 2024 Final, where Spain defeated England 2-1. Mora also edges past the legendary Pelé, who was 17 years and 249 days old when he starred in the 1958 World Cup Final, scoring twice as Brazil beat Sweden 5-2.

  In addition to this milestone, Mora had already made headlines earlier in the tournament by becoming the youngest player to debut in an official match with the senior Mexican national team.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

  Aguirre’s team will return to action during the September FIFA window, facing Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9. Both matches will be played in the United States.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be set to return to France and join his former club Marseille this summer. The Ligue 1 side are currently negotiating the financial details of the player's contract as they are set to offer the forward a two-year deal. Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah have agreed to mutually terminate Aubameyang's contract, which will make him a free agent.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Marseille closing in on signing Aubameyang

• Al-Qadsiah ready to release the striker

• Marseille could offer a two-year contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Aubameyang left Marseille to join Al-Qadsiah last summer but his stay in the Middle East has lasted just one year. Despite scoring an impressive 17 goals in his maiden season, the Saudi club have decided to let the player leave as they shift focus toward acquiring younger talent for their forward line.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , the French club held initial talks with the veteran forward earlier this week and are now negotiating the financial aspect of the two-year deal that they are preparing to offer to the Gabon international. Al-Qadsiah have already given their green light to releasing the player this summer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly in favour of adding the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star to his attacking ranks. The Italian tactician is understood to value the striker’s wealth of experience and goal-scoring pedigree, particularly in a squad that currently leans heavily on young forwards.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images/Goal
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR AUBAMEYANG?

  It now remains to be seen if the 36-year-old attacker would agree to Marseille's terms and link up with Mason Greenwood in the club's attack ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The temptation of playing Champions League football again could be a deciding factor for the forward.

Bayern Munich’s Bryan Zaragoza is set to return to Spain as Celta Vigo close in on the winger after a disappointing Bundesliga stint.

• Celta agree loan with buy obligation
• Winger impressed on loan at Osasuna
• Ends miserable spell in Bavaria

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Zaragoza is set to leave Bayern 18 months after initially joining from Granada, with Celta reaching a full agreement for a loan deal that includes a purchase obligation. The €13 million (£11m/$15m) clause will be triggered if Zaragoza plays a set number of games and Celta finish between 11th and 13th in La Liga. The Galicians will only cover part of his €2m annual salary during the loan spell.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 23-year-old Spanish international, whose Bayern contract runs until 2029, managed just seven appearances for Bayern before being loaned out to Osasuna, where he reignited his form. Now, with Bayern open to letting him go, and focusing on the potential arrival of Luis Diaz, the Spaniard’s switch back to La Liga represents a reset. For Celta, who have qualified for the Europa League and lost key attacking options this summer, Zaragoza could be a statement signing to kickstart their 2025-26 rebuild.

• TELL ME MORE

  Zaragoza’s deal with Celta had already been agreed in principle in June, but agent changes delayed confirmation of the move. Bayern’s stance changed during the Club World Cup, when sporting director Max Eberl made it clear the club would allow Zaragoza to leave. Celta's strategy is to avoid financial overcommitment, they originally preferred a non-mandatory clause but eventually accepted Bayern’s terms. The move aligns with Bayern’s attacking reshuffle, as the German champions prepare to bring in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and offload surplus options.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BRYAN ZARAGOZA?

  A return to Spain could be the career restart Zaragoza needs. Celta Vigo are expected to offer Zaragoza consistent first-team opportunities, and his recent loan spell suggests he can make an impact at La Liga level. If he meets the clause requirements, his stay could become permanent for €13m.

Nottingham Forest have made an approach for struggling Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz as he continues to push for a return to the Premier League.

• Forest are interested in Luiz
• Have offered loan with option to buy
• Juventus want close to €40m

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Forest have offered a loan move for Douglas Luiz with an option to buy that could become an obligation under certain conditions, according to Matteo Moretto. However, Juventus are demanding €40 million (£34m/$46m) to avoid incurring a loss on the player and to generate funds for the current transfer window.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Juventus signed Douglas Luiz for €51m (£44m/$58m) as a key addition under former manager Thiago Motta. However, poor performances, injuries and Motta's sacking made for a difficult season in Italy. His situation worsened due to disciplinary issues, including failing to report for the opening day of preseason training. Determined to offload him, Juventus even proposed a deal involving Luiz plus cash for Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Luiz isn’t the only player from Serie A that Forest are pursuing. They are reportedly close to completing the signing of winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna as a direct replacement for Anthony Elanga.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LUIZ AND JUVENTUS ?

  Luiz will hope that his future is sorted out soon before the beginning of the new season. Juventus meanwhile will hope to attract more clubs as Tudor does not seem to have Luiz in his plans for next season.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman will be given a brief break after an electrifying run of pre-season performances, which have raised expectations of a potential first-team debut this season. The young winger has taken full advantage of the Gunners’ summer friendlies, turning heads with his composure, creativity and attacking flair well beyond his years.

• Dowman turning heads with impressive displays
• Shone against Villarreal on Wednesday
• Arteta hints at Premier League debut

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On Wednesday evening, Dowman once again proved his potential, making a strong impression after being introduced from the bench in Arsenal’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Villarreal. His most notable contribution came when he won a penalty following a clever run into the box, showcasing the kind of confidence and technique rarely seen in someone his age.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dowman’s numbers back up the buzz. Against Villarreal, he made 27 touches, attempted 15 passes with 13 of them finding their mark and completed three of his eight dribble attempts, a healthy return for someone in a cameo role. He also won his second penalty of the summer during the Villarreal clash, having previously earned a spot-kick against Newcastle earlier in pre-season.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  When asked about Dowman’s chances of appearing in the Premier League, Arteta said: "Let’s see how it goes. Let’s go into Saturday, into the break as well. He needs a little break as well, because he hasn’t had any holidays, really. So, in the next few days, he’s going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he’ll be ready again to go.

  "He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attacking action, it’s incredible. Again, he deserves to have chances, and if he continues like this, let’s see what happens. I think the reaction [of his team-mates] is very clear. They have the ball and they give it to him! So, that tells you how much they trust him and I think the relationship he’s building within the team. So, I think nothing better than that. The confidence they show to make things happen, and the constant connection that they have with him."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Dowman joins the ranks of emerging Hale End graduates like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. While Arteta appears cautious about pushing Dowman too quickly, the talent is undeniable.

  "With Max it’s been so fast. Even last year when he was training with us, he was doing this kind of thing in training and now he’s doing it in the game consistently," he added. "So the three or four games that he’s played, he’s managed to impact and have big moments in the game. Great.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the new season, with midfielder James Maddison confirmed to have sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The England international is expected to be sidelined for the bulk of the upcoming campaign, leaving Spurs manager Thomas Frank facing an urgent challenge to fill the creative void left behind.

• Maddison sidelined with ACL injury
• Surgery confirmed & long-term absence expected
• Spurs consider attacking replacements urgently

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The injury occurred during Tottenham's recent pre-season encounter with Newcastle United in South Korea. The match, which ended in a draw, took a darker turn when Maddison was forced off after damaging his knee.

Advertisement

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After returning to London from Asia at the start of the week, Maddison underwent a series of detailed scans and evaluations. The results have left the club with no choice but to accept that the 28-year-old will undergo surgery to repair his torn ACL. This latest setback is especially concerning as it affects the same knee that had previously kept Maddison out of Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph over Manchester United back in May.

• TELL ME MORE

  Recovery from ACL injuries is typically long and demanding, often spanning six to nine months depending on individual response to treatment. Given the timing of the injury, Maddison's prospects for featuring again this season appear bleak.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Losing a player of Maddison’s calibre is a bitter pill for Tottenham to swallow, especially following the recent departure of Son Heung-min. While Son’s exit had been anticipated and factored into summer planning, Maddison’s injury has caught the club off guard and thrown their attacking plans into disarray. One name that may emerge as a short-term solution is Mohammed Kudus. The summer signing from West Ham United has experience playing in central attacking roles and could be deployed in Maddison’s position while the club searches for further reinforcements.

Manchester City’s midfield crisis has deepened as both Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic join Rodri on the injury list ahead of the Premier League season. Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kovacic could be sidelined until October with an achilles problem, leaving the champions scrambling for solutions in the No.6 role. Foden’s setback further adds to Guardiola’s early-season selection headache.

• Kovacic ruled out until October with Achilles injury
• Rodri also sidelined, Foden suffers fresh injury setback
• Nico Gonzalez likely to start in deep midfield role

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester City will begin the season without two of their key midfielders in Foden and Kovacic, with Rodri also missing the first three league games due to a groin injury. Kovacic’s absence, originally expected to be brief, is now likely to stretch into October. Foden has also suffered a knock, leaving Guardiola short of senior midfield options. The Catalan tactician has now revealed his midfield plans for the start of the season.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Speaking to the media about his options for the No. 6 position, Guardiola said: “We have three. Kova is injured until September or October, Rodri is coming back after six months and [we have] Nico [Gonzalez]. The others can play there but are more attacking, they like to be in the opposition’s box. Gundogan can play there and Tijji [Reinders] can play there but when everybody is fit their position is more up front.”

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kovacic’s absence is particularly damaging as he would have been the ideal stopgap for Rodri’s absence. Nico Gonzalez, once dubbed “mini-Rodri” by Guardiola, could now get a chance to re-establish himself after falling out of favour at the end of last season. The situation may also push Guardiola to experiment with Gundogan or Reijnders in a deeper role.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  Guardiola's side will face Wolverhampton, Tottenham, and Brighton without Rodri and Kovacic, meaning their midfield structure will be under the spotlight from day one. Gonzalez is likely to start in the No.6 position, with others filling in if needed. Guardiola will be hoping his key men return quickly to avoid the crisis deepening further.