Sami Mokbel

Tottenham are negotiating with Manchester City over a potential double deal for forwards Savinho and Omar Marmoush, although no agreement has been reached. Savinho, who joined City from Troyes for £30 million in 2024, made only seven Premier League starts last season, while £59 million signing Marmoush scored eight goals in 36 appearances after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola. Tottenham are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo but may struggle to finance all three moves. The club has already spent £185 million on midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali and is seeking attacking reinforcements after finishing 17th and scoring 48 league goals.

Real Betis are close to agreeing a €20m deal with AZ Alkmaar for Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott. The 24-year-old, formerly of Tottenham and linked with West Ham, scored 16 league goals last season despite a knee ligament injury and produced standout international performances, including goals against Portugal and a hat-trick against Hungary. Parrott is expected to remain central to Heimir Hallgrimsson's Republic of Ireland team, while Betis prepare for Champions League football after finishing fifth in La Liga.

Real Betis are close to agreeing a €20m transfer with AZ Alkmaar for Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott. The 24-year-old, formerly of Tottenham and previously linked with West Ham, scored 16 goals in 28 Dutch league matches last season after returning from a knee ligament injury. He also made a major impact for Ireland, scoring against Portugal and Hungary as the team secured World Cup play-off qualification. Betis, who finished fifth in La Liga and qualified for the Champions League, are negotiating the deal.

Crystal Palace have re-signed Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on a season-long loan after his successful second-half spell at Selhurst Park, during which he helped the club win the Conference League. Guessand scored twice in 21 appearances for Villa following his £26m transfer, while Palace describe the new agreement as an option to buy and Villa as a conditional obligation to buy.

Manchester United are negotiating with Leicester City to sign 18-year-old midfielder Louis Page, who is regarded as one of the best young talents outside the top flight. Page, an England Under-20 international with 21 senior appearances, has attracted interest from Arsenal and Aston Villa as well. Because he signed professional terms with Leicester in 2025, United must agree a transfer fee. BBC Radio Leicester reporter Owynn Palmer-Atkin says Page has the technical ability, mentality and potential to become a high-quality Premier League midfielder.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year contract after previously considering his future at the club. The appointment of Roberto de Zerbi, who helped Tottenham avoid relegation, has been central to Van de Ven’s decision to remain. The Netherlands international said the club’s changes and renewed ambition have helped put a difficult season behind them, with Tottenham aiming for a brighter future after finishing 17th in the Premier League in consecutive seasons.

Vinicius Jr has agreed to extend his Real Madrid contract through 30 June 2032 after talks stalled and Arsenal showed interest. The Brazil winger, who joined from Flamengo in 2018, has scored 128 goals in 375 appearances and helped Real win two Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey. The agreement coincides with Real's signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee potentially worth £120m, while the club also pursues further reinforcements including Manchester City's Rodri.

Crystal Palace are advancing plans to sign Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after a successful trial and a broad agreement on contract terms. Manager Pierre Sage is assessing whether the versatile 27-year-old can fit a three-man defence, while the club remains concerned about his history of knee problems. Palace are also considering a move for former Brighton winger Solly March and have interest in a loan for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, although Chelsea have not indicated that Acheampong is available. The club also maintains interest in Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen following Maxence Lacroix's move to Chelsea.

A consortium led by former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley, including her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, has held talks to buy Vanessa Gold’s 25% stake in West Ham United. The group has secured global investment, is open to acquiring additional shares and could eventually seek majority control. The discussions follow West Ham’s relegation to the Championship and come as co-owner David Sullivan faces allegations from seven women of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour, all of which he denies. The Independent Football Regulator is seeking urgent information about Sullivan’s suitability for his role.

Manchester City winger Savinho is reportedly open to leaving the club and keen on a move to Tottenham, where head coach Roberto de Zerbi has made him a key target. City previously rejected Tottenham's interest but may now consider a transfer despite the Brazil international being under contract until 2031. Savinho has been included in City's 28-man pre-season tour squad, while Jack Grealish is absent as he continues recovering from a foot injury. The squad will play Inter Milan, the K League All Stars and Atletico Madrid during its Asia tour.

England defender John Stones is in advanced talks to join Inter Milan on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of June. Inter are reportedly leading the race for the 32-year-old, with a two-year contract under discussion, despite interest from Chelsea and Juventus. Stones made 295 appearances for Manchester City and won multiple major domestic and international honours, while earning 93 caps for England.

Crystal Palace are interested in 19-year-old Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen as Maxence Lacroix’s expected move to Chelsea advances. Le Guen made six Ligue 1 appearances in the 2025-26 season and started Brest’s final four matches. Palace are also considering 24-year-old Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima, who is reportedly open to joining the club and working under head coach Pierre Sage. The club has recently recruited young French defenders, including Jaydee Canvot, who established himself after Marc Guehi’s departure.

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for France defender Maxence Lacroix, with personal terms not expected to be an obstacle and a medical due shortly. The 26-year-old is expected to sign a contract running until 2032 after two strong Premier League seasons, during which he helped Palace win the Uefa Conference League and Community Shield. Lacroix’s defensive statistics, recovery pace and ability to play in both back-three and back-four systems are key reasons for Chelsea’s interest.

Arsenal are preparing a £70m bid for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, who reportedly wants to join the Premier League club. Newcastle's valuation may exceed Arsenal's hard spending limit. Arsenal are also pursuing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, while considering other defensive and attacking targets including Jacobo Ramon, Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola. The club recently declined to match Chelsea's £117m offer for Morgan Rogers.

Al-Hilal reached a £68.3m agreement to sign Crysencio Summerville from relegated West Ham, granting the winger clearance for a medical and offering him a long-term contract. West Ham, previously rejecting a £40m bid, continue raising funds after selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham while retaining Jarrod Bowen on a revised deal. The club aims to secure promotion next season under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Alex Scott has rejected a new contract at Bournemouth despite significant Premier League interest, but the club remain firm that he is not for sale. Bournemouth continue to rebuff approaches amid an £80m valuation and are under no pressure to sell after recent income and Europa League qualification. The club are maintaining similar positions on Junior Kroupi and Rayan. Scott is currently in pre-season camp, with his career trajectory highlighted alongside rising transfer fees across the league.

Chelsea have agreed a record £117m deal to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, making him the club’s most expensive purchase and setting a new record for an English player. Rogers will join on a six-year contract with an option for an additional year, with Middlesbrough set to earn over £20m from a sell-on clause. His arrival raises questions over squad balance and his role alongside Cole Palmer under new manager Xabi Alonso. Aston Villa continue reshaping their midfield after other departures and arrivals, while Chelsea strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season.

Chelsea reached a record £117m agreement to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, surpassing previous fees paid for English players and making him the club’s most expensive acquisition. Rogers will join on a long-term deal after completing his medical, with Middlesbrough earning a significant profit through a sell‑on clause. The transfer follows Aston Villa’s midfield changes and occurs as new manager Xabi Alonso reshapes Chelsea’s squad. Analysis highlights questions about how Rogers will fit into the team and how his arrival may affect Cole Palmer, with both players competing for attacking roles in an already deep squad.

Thomas Tuchel defended his tactical decisions after England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, accepting responsibility while insisting he had no regrets. He said England became too passive late in the match as Argentina pushed forward and found momentum, with physical strain from earlier games contributing to the performance drop. Tuchel acknowledged the emotional impact of the loss, emphasised the team’s determination to respond, and noted that England still trail the world’s top sides but remain committed to closing the gap.

Thomas Tuchel urged England’s players to finish the World Cup strongly after their semi-final defeat to Argentina, encouraging them to move past the loss ahead of the third‑place match against France. He expressed pride in the squad’s run despite criticism of late defensive tactics, insisting the team’s retreat was not his instruction. Tuchel, who has extended his contract, continues to hold the Football Association’s support and is expected to lead the team into the 2028 European Championship.

Arsenal will evaluate William Saliba’s persistent back injury when he returns from World Cup duty with France, with surgery among the possible options and likely to cause a long recovery period. The defender aggravated the issue during France’s semi-final loss to Spain after weeks of managing discomfort through club and international commitments. He previously missed a group-stage match but returned for the knockout rounds, and France are set to face England in the third-place play-off.

Nottingham Forest plan to submit a £45m offer for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall after an initial £38m bid was rejected. The Sweden international is keen on the move following limited playing time under Roberto de Zerbi. New Forest manager Oliver Glasner expects new signings to join the squad soon, though many targets are still on post‑World Cup breaks. Bergvall, who joined Spurs in 2024 and signed a long‑term contract in 2025, made 33 appearances last season. Forest are also seeking another midfielder, a goalkeeper and a striker but intend to prioritise quality over last summer’s large‑scale spending.

Thomas Tuchel will remain England head coach despite the World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, retaining full backing from FA chief Mark Bullingham. Although criticised for his late substitutions in the 2-1 defeat, Tuchel is expected to lead England into Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland. The FA views reaching the semi-finals as a relative success, and the team will play France for third place, aiming for their best World Cup finish since 1966.

England enter their World Cup semi-final against Argentina with no new injuries, as only Jordan Henderson and the suspended Jarell Quansah are unavailable. Thomas Tuchel is considering retaining the defensive lineup used against Norway, having been impressed with their performance. Declan Rice has recovered from illness and is expected to start after training fully in Atlanta.

England are assessing Declan Rice’s fitness ahead of the World Cup semi‑final against Argentina after the midfielder struggled with illness and an ongoing neural issue. Despite significant improvement over the past two days, team medics will make a late decision on his availability, while Thomas Tuchel monitors his recovery. Rice, who has started all but one match in the tournament, is expected to push to play given the significance of the fixture.

England advanced to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after defeating Norway 2-1 in extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals. His strong tournament performance continues a rise that began with his early emergence at Birmingham City and development at Borussia Dortmund before becoming a key figure at Real Madrid. Despite earlier doubts, injuries and tensions with manager Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham has regained form and become central to England’s campaign, earning multiple player-of-the-match awards. England now awaits a semifinal clash against Switzerland or Argentina as Bellingham’s influence grows on and off the field.

Marc Guehi has recovered from a hamstring strain and is expected to start England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway alongside recalled defender John Stones. Ezri Konsa is likely to shift to right‑back, while Declan Rice is fit despite recent illness. Noni Madueke is set to start ahead of Bukayo Saka, who continues to manage an Achilles issue. Reece James is expected to be on the bench after returning from injury. The anticipated lineup features a former all‑Manchester City central defence facing Erling Haaland, currently the tournament’s top scorer.

Bruno Guimaraes has asked to leave Newcastle, prompting Arsenal to advance their pursuit of the midfielder as they consider options to strengthen their squad. Initial discussions suggested a fee of about £60m, though Newcastle, having already sold key players, are reluctant to lose their captain. Arsenal are evaluating alternatives such as Alex Scott and Ayyoub Bouaddi and are expected to offload a midfielder if a signing is made. With high transfer fees for midfielders this summer and Guimaraes nearing 29, his age and value are central considerations. Analysis highlights his importance to Newcastle’s rebuild and warns that losing him would significantly undermine the club’s project.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson is expected to undergo surgery after suffering a serious wrist injury while celebrating England’s 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico. The 36-year-old was hurt after falling while attempting to jump over advertising hoardings, leaving him doubtful for the remainder of the tournament. Manager Thomas Tuchel is set to advise players to avoid similar celebrations to prevent further injuries. Henderson was taken to a hospital in Mexico City and did not return with the squad to Kansas City.

Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his Leeds contract expired. Meslier completed formalities at the club’s Hertfordshire training centre, with his arrival linked to uncertainty over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future. Meslier is expected to begin as the third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Arrizabalaga, but could move into the number two position if Arrizabalaga leaves. His signing will lead to Tommy Setford going out on loan this summer.

England expects Reece James to return from a hamstring injury in time for the World Cup quarter‑final against Norway, easing a right‑back shortage worsened by Jarell Quansah’s suspension. Multiple players have filled the role during the tournament, but James’ anticipated availability offers renewed stability for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

England plan to start Jarell Quansah at right-back against Mexico in their World Cup last‑16 match, with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon also expected to return to the lineup. Injuries to Djed Spence and Reece James have influenced defensive selections, while Declan Rice is set to play despite a recent hamstring issue. Background on Quansah details his club career and recent performances, including his recovery from an ankle injury sustained earlier in the tournament.

Mexico fans attempted to disrupt England’s preparations for their World Cup last-16 match by setting off fireworks and playing loud music near the team hotel, but increased police presence kept them at a distance and the impact on players was minimal. The action followed Ecuador’s earlier noise complaint to FIFA after similar disturbances. England manager Thomas Tuchel said the treatment in Mexico had been better than expected, describing supporters as friendly and respectful as the team prepared for their match at the Azteca Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel said England had been treated respectfully in Mexico ahead of their World Cup last‑16 match, praising the atmosphere and downplaying concerns about crowd behaviour and security. Enhanced measures were put in place after Ecuador previously complained about noise disturbances, but England reported no issues. Tuchel said altitude had affected players initially but they adapted during training. He urged calm regarding earlier kick-off time uncertainty and expressed confidence in England’s readiness for the high‑pressure match at the Azteca Stadium.

Declan Rice is expected to be available for England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico despite playing through a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back. Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the midfielder has been in significant pain but remains likely to start. Reece James is still doubtful as he has not returned to full training after a hamstring injury, while Jarell Quansah is recovering from an ankle issue with his availability uncertain.

England take measures to prevent noise disturbances from local supporters before their World Cup last‑16 match against Mexico, offering players sleep aids and keeping their accommodation location undisclosed. The team will arrive in Mexico City two days before the game and train there to meet FIFA requirements. High altitude poses a significant challenge, with Thomas Tuchel acknowledging a disadvantage due to insufficient time for acclimatisation, while Mexico have benefited from playing all their matches in similar conditions.

Tottenham are significantly increasing transfer spending, surpassing previous club records and potentially adding up to £250m more this summer as part of a major strategic overhaul. Ownership changes, leadership restructuring, and improved financial capacity under new squad‑cost ratio rules are enabling larger investments in players. New chairman Peter Charrington and an empowered Roberto de Zerbi are driving a recruitment model focused on experience, leadership, and early action in the transfer window. High‑value signings such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali reflect an expanded wage ceiling and willingness to compete with Premier League rivals. Increased stadium revenue and recent cash injections from Enic further support the club’s spending capacity, while player sales are expected to fund additional squad improvements.

Tottenham agreed to pay £85m to sign Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham after surpassing Manchester United’s bid. The move follows a series of early summer signings for Spurs, including Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. Manchester United withdrew from the Fernandes pursuit due to valuation concerns and questions over the player’s interest, instead prioritising other midfield targets such as Ederson. Injuries and delayed arrivals have impacted United’s transfer plans, while Spurs continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.

Arsenal are increasing their interest in PSG forward Bradley Barcola as a cheaper alternative to Morgan Rogers, whose high valuation by Aston Villa may hinder a deal. Barcola is seen as a strong option, with his situation potentially influenced by Yan Diomande’s pending move to PSG. Arsenal also plan to scout Barcola during France’s World Cup match and face competition from Liverpool. The club is additionally exploring goalkeeping options due to uncertainty over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future, with Leeds’ Illan Meslier emerging as a free‑transfer target.

Bournemouth have rejected Arsenal’s enquiry for Alex Scott and insist the midfielder is not available, despite interest from several Premier League clubs. Arsenal continue to assess options for a new central midfielder, including Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, while Tottenham advance efforts to sign Tonali. Bournemouth aim to keep Scott and extend his contract, which has two years remaining.