Ally McCoist has identified Xabi Alonso’s revamped Chelsea side as the primary dark horse to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League crown this season. After the Gunners ended a 22-year drought to secure the title last term, Mikel Arteta is now focused on a historic defence aided by high-profile summer recruitment.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has urged new manager Xabi Alonso to replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. Alonso has overseen a major summer squad rebuilding process following a disappointing tenth-place finish last term, but Leboeuf insists the Spaniard must prioritise bringing in a new shot-stopper.
Manchester United have officially announced the arrival of their sixth signing of the summer transfer window as Cristian Orozco completes his move to the Premier League. The highly-rated Colombian midfielder joins the Red Devils following his 18th birthday, marking the next phase of the club's recruitment strategy.
Man City boss Enzo Maresca has reportedly set his sights on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as his primary target to replace the departing Rodri. The Italian tactician, who worked closely with the Argentine during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, believes the 2022 World Cup winner is the ideal candidate to anchor the Citizens' midfield.
Manchester United have implemented a significant change to their contract negotiations in a bid to fix a broken financial model that has plagued the club for a decade. The Red Devils have introduced a specific performance-related clause that prevents squad players from earning massive pay rises simply by being on the books during a successful season.
Barcelona have moved into pole position to pull off one of the most audacious transfers in recent memory, securing the green light from Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spanish international has reportedly given his approval to the Blaugrana's sporting department, effectively ending Real Madrid's hopes of bringing the midfield anchor back to the capital.
Mikel Arteta is a graduate of the Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola school of coaching, with ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack explaining to GOAL the similarities that a title-winning tactician at Emirates Stadium shares with other Premier League champions. Arteta has become a managerial master in his own right, with important lessons being learned along the way.
Liverpool are sensationally weighing up a move to bring England’s World Cup breakout star Djed Spence to Anfield this summer. The Tottenham defender has seen his stock skyrocket after a series of dominant displays in North America, prompting the Reds to consider a major defensive reinforcement.
Gianni Infantino is facing explosive new allegations after leaked documents suggested he was involved in discussions to bring the European Super League under FIFA’s umbrella. While the broader football community opposed the breakaway project in 2021, reports indicate the FIFA president explored the possibility of branding the competition as the "FIFA Super League."
Marcus Rashford is seemingly set to be absorbed back into the fold at Manchester United, with Lee Sharpe explaining to GOAL why the England international is worth a calculated transfer risk. A home-grown star at Old Trafford was considered to have “downed tools” before heading out on loan, but is talented enough that a new contract at the Theatre of Dreams cannot be entirely ruled out.
Chelsea have been told that a new goalkeeper is a necessity this summer as former Premier League star Shay Given hit out at Robert Sanchez's inconsistent form. The former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland international believes the Blues need to act now to secure a more reliable presence between the sticks by signing a former Liverpool shot-stopper.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has expressed his delight following the arrival of Danny Welbeck at Stamford Bridge, describing the veteran striker as a mentor who has shaped his career in England. The Brazilian star believes the former Manchester United and Arsenal man will be a transformative presence for Xabi Alonso’s side both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.
Bruno Guimaraes appears destined to leave Newcastle for Arsenal, with Chris Waddle explaining to GOAL why a switch to Emirates Stadium holds obvious appeal for the Brazil international. A £75 million ($101m) transfer is being mooted, with the South American midfielder set to line his pockets in north London while competing for more major honours.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has called on the club to continue their ambitious recruitment drive, insisting that the Gunners must land elite talent like Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior to maintain their domestic dominance. The Italian defender believes that bringing in players of the highest calibre is the only way for the Gunners to improve upon their historic previous campaign.
Manchester United have been tipped to have secured the signing of the season following their cut-price acquisition of Belgian international Youri Tielemans. Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given believes the Red Devils have pulled off a masterstroke in the transfer market, while also hailing shot-stopper Senne Lammens as the club's most complete keeper in years.
Real Madrid’s proposed move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri has ground to a halt following a breakdown in contract negotiations. The Spanish international was open to returning to Liga, but major disagreements over personal terms and transfer fees now leave the transfer on the brink of collapse.
Cody Gakpo is seeing a move away from Liverpool speculated on, with Michael Owen admitting to GOAL that a summer transfer to Tottenham “could happen”. The Reds are in danger of leaving themselves short on wide attacking options, but a Netherlands international that has been at Anfield since January 2023 is considered to have been “consistently poor”.
Barcelona are reportedly ready to throw a massive spanner in the works for Real Madrid as they explore a sensational deal to sign Manchester City linchpin Rodri. The Blaugrana have held talks with the Spain international's camp as they look to capitalise on his desire to return to his homeland.
David Raya is the “most unfortunate goalkeeper in world football”, ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Graham Stack has told GOAL, but the Spain international is also considered to be the “best” that the Premier League has to offer. Raya savoured title glory with the Gunners last season, winning another Golden Glove, but remained rooted to the bench during a triumphant World Cup campaign at international level.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has hit out at Mohamed Salah's decision to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, claiming the Egyptian icon is still far 'too good' to be playing in the Super Lig. The forward has ended months of speculation by agreeing to move to the Akyazi Arena following his emotional departure from Anfield as a free agent.
The Reds will have to shatter the Premier League transfer record again to land their top summer target, but the fleet-footed 23-year-old could pay back that investment tenfold over the coming years
Wrexham are being backed to avoid any Wayne Rooney-esque mistakes in the managerial department, with former Red Dragons star Lee Trundle telling GOAL that Phil Parkinson “deserves another full season” at the helm. With Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac calling shots at the Racecourse, there has been talk of a big-name boss being sought.
Chelsea's latest recruit Marco Palestra has expressed his immense excitement at beginning his Premier League journey following a high-stakes transfer battle. The Italy international, who recently completed a move to Stamford Bridge, is already getting a taste of English intensity during the club's pre-season tour.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has delivered a chilling warning to the St James' Park faithful, suggesting that the club could be spiralling toward a relegation battle. Following a summer of absolute turmoil that saw manager Eddie Howe resign and the squad’s core ripped out, the Irishman believes the current state of the club is enough to justify the fans' deepest anxieties.
The winger is locked in showdown talks with Los Blancos with the aim of finally agreeing a new contract, but the Spanish giants are ready to cash in if they come to nothing as the Gunners circle - that would be a big mistake
Newcastle legend Shay Given has backed Eddie Howe to eventually lead the England national team following his departure from St James’ Park. The former Magpies goalkeeper believes Howe possesses all the qualities required to succeed Thomas Tuchel at the Three Lions' helm but expects the tactician to take a hiatus from the dugout first.
Christian Norgaard has officially left Arsenal to join Everton in a permanent £7 million summer transfer. The experienced Danish midfielder departs north London after just one season, revealing that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta actively encouraged his exciting move to Goodison Park.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with an ambitious raid on Real Madrid for Vinicius Junior, but ex-Blancos star Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why a “statement signing” at Emirates Stadium remains unlikely. The Premier League title holders have been exploring a deal that would bring a Brazil international to north London that likes to be the “main man”.
Arsenal have taken a massive step toward reinforcing their title-winning squad after reaching a £75 million agreement to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days to finalise a move that has left some former stars questioning the logic behind the deal.
Juventus are accelerating negotiations to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee on loan this summer. The Red Devils have given the green light to evaluate a temporary deal after the Dutchman expressed a strong desire to return to Serie A.
