Arsenal were linked with Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola during the summer transfer window of 2026, but missed out on both. Jermaine Pennant has told GOAL that the Gunners will sign a superstar left winger at some point, as they have actually got “weaker” in that department. Mikel Arteta has pieced together a Premier League title-winning squad, but there is still room for improvement at Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened up on the club's decision to move for Anthony Gordon this summer, despite Marcus Rashford’s successful loan spell at the Camp Nou last season. The Catalan giants opted to pivot their strategy, prioritising Gordon’s specific profile to satisfy the tactical demands of new head coach Hansi Flick instead of pursuing a permanent deal for the Man Utd forward.
Haji Wright has suffered an unfortunate injury, delaying the start of his Premier League dream at Coventry, with Clinton Morrison telling GOAL what the USMNT star must do once back to full fitness. The versatile frontman represented his country at the 2026 World Cup, gracing a major tournament on home soil, but is currently ruled out of action for several weeks.
Alexander Isak has benefited from the injury-enforced absence of Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool, with Jermaine Pennant explaining to GOAL what Andoni Iraola is likely to do when both big-money forwards are fit and firing. Questions have been asked of Isak’s contribution to the collective cause, with a £125 million ($169m) price tag hanging around his neck, but the Swedish striker is too good to be “sitting on your bench”.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has lifted the lid on the club's failed pursuits of two of Europe's most exciting wingers during the summer transfer window. The Bundesliga giants were forced to watch from the sidelines as Bradley Barcola secured a blockbuster move to Liverpool, while Anthony Gordon opted for a switch to Catalonia with Barcelona.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of the match against Atletico after suffering adductor niggles in his previous outing. Head coach Andoni Iraola cannot guarantee the in-form attacker will recover in time for Saturday's crucial league fixture against Fulham at Anfield.
