The Carabao Cup third-round draw has set up a massive all-Premier League clash, with Liverpool preparing to host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. The draw also revealed several other exciting potential top-flight encounters, as Manchester United face Brighton, while Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town in a highly anticipated and busy week of domestic cup action across England.
Tottenham Hotspur secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, bouncing back from their opening Premier League defeat. New signing Savio made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut. Meanwhile, Everton and Newcastle United also navigated their second-round ties successfully to join Roberto De Zerbi's side in the third-round draw.
Newcastle United narrowly avoided a major Carabao Cup upset on Wednesday night as Harvey Barnes emerged from the bench to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Championship side West Bromwich Albion. On an evening that began with the high-profile unveiling of marquee signing Nico Gonzalez, the Magpies were forced to dig deep to ensure their place in the third round.
Kylian Mbappé delivered an absolute masterclass by scoring a brilliant hat-trick to guide Real Madrid to a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. The French forward was perfectly supported by Jude Bellingham, who provided two crucial assists. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior added a goal of his own before sharing a heartwarming celebration with manager José Mourinho at the Bernabéu.
Aston Villa are prepared to sanction the departure of talismanic striker Ollie Watkins as a massive move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal nears completion. The England international has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer and is now expected to travel for a medical in the coming days.
Liverpool have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. PSG have reportedly lowered their asking price, giving Liverpool renewed confidence that a deal can be struck before the transfer window closes. Negotiations are progressing rapidly right now as the deadline approaches for both clubs.
Aston Villa have made a major statement in the transfer market by reaching an agreement with Chelsea for the permanent signing of Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international is now set for a move to the West Midlands as Unai Emery secures one of his primary target attackers, reuniting with the forward he previously coached at Villarreal.
Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of securing a major summer transfer for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with negotiations advancing rapidly towards a lucrative agreement. The highly-rated Italy youth international is expected to become the latest promising talent to arrive at Stamford Bridge, as the London club continue their aggressive recruitment strategy to build for the future.
Newcastle United have confirmed the arrival of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City, providing a significant boost to Matthias Jaissle's squad. The deal sees the 24-year-old move to St James' Park as the Magpies look to rebuild their midfield following several high-profile departures earlier this summer.
UEFA is prepared to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions following a period of intense friction between the two governing bodies. The decision comes after European leaders received firm assurances that Gianni Infantino's controversial and now-failed plan to sell off World Cup rights to private investors will not be resurrected.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has admitted it is difficult for Ismaila Sarr to ignore strong transfer interest from Liverpool. Despite recent bids and the forward missing training, the boss expects the player to stay at Selhurst Park, clarifying that a groin injury is the real reason behind his current absence rather than an attempt to force a late summer departure.
Crystal Palace have launched a dramatic late move to hijack Aston Villa's pursuit of Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. The Eagles are looking to bolster their backline following a series of departures and injuries that have left Pierre Sage short of options in the heart of his defence.
Manchester United have been forced to make an immediate change to their shirts after accidentally breaking Premier League kit regulations during their opening weekend defeat to Hull City. The players took to the pitch missing a mandatory sleeve badge, a significant error that the club must now rectify to ensure full compliance before their next match.
Manchester United have reportedly launched an ambitious late move to sign Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga before the transfer window slams shut. The Red Devils are said to be preparing a £43 million opening offer for the French international as Michael Carrick looks to add elite quality to his engine room.
Sunderland have emerged as shock contenders to land Jack Grealish after submitting a loan proposal to Manchester City for the England international. The Black Cats are looking to pull off a statement signing as they prepare for a demanding campaign that includes a return to European competition.
Former Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky has been reported missing in his native Hungary, prompting his former English clubs to express their deep concern. Police are currently searching for the retired footballer, who has not been seen for over a week, as the football community unites in hoping for his safe and immediate return.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expects Enzo Fernandez to play in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, despite intense speculation linking Fernandez with a late summer transfer to Manchester City. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly extremely keen to bring Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium before the transfer window officially closes later this week.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly confirmed that the Catalan giants remain firmly in the hunt for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. Despite heavy competition from the Premier League and tension between the two Spanish clubs, the Blaugrana are refusing to give up on their primary attacking target.
Liverpool have officially shifted their focus in the transfer market, launching a massive bid for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. The move comes after the club decided to walk away completely from negotiations for Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh, leaving Andoni Iraola desperate to secure attacking reinforcements before the summer transfer deadline.
Chelsea have opened dialogue with the representatives of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the Blues look to solve their ongoing issues between the sticks. The West London club are increasingly concerned by the recent form of current number one Robert Sanchez following a shaky start to the Premier League campaign.
Brighton are flying at the Amex, with the Seagulls soaring into Europe, but Mark McGhee has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - lifted the lid on life before Premier League fairytales came true. He has, following the opening of a new gallery celebrating the club’s colourful history, explained what it was like to work at the divisive Withdean Stadium.
The Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 will forever hold a special place in football folklore, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira rewriting the Premier League history books. Arsene Wenger’s squad was loaded with talent at that time, and Highbury academy graduate John Halls - who has gone on to become a male model - has namechecked two iconic Gunners that would have been “super superstars” at any other club during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Bruno Fernandes will never be a Roy Keane, Paul Ince or Bryan Robson-esque leader, but legendary Manchester United captain Steve Bruce has explained to GOAL why the occasionally “petulant” Portuguese remains the best skipper option at Old Trafford. The Red Devils rely heavily on their "outstanding" and record-breaking playmaker to provide moments of inspiration.
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the £9.5m signing of Algeria left-back Jaouen Hadjam from Swiss side Young Boys on a five-year contract. The 23-year-old arrives to bolster Fabian Hurzeler's defensive ranks following a fine spell in Switzerland, offering additional tactical depth and competition on the left flank for the Seagulls this season.
Next week, the first notable FIFA tournament since Gianni Infantino's controversial FFE proposal will kick-off, with European teams set to be involved despite threats to the contrary
Villarreal have completed the signing of Canadian international Nathan Saliba from Anderlecht on a five-year contract. The 22-year-old midfielder arrives in a 15 million euro deal and is relishing the chance to play in the Champions League.
Manchester City have completed the signing of highly rated Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on a five-year contract. The 18-year-old midfielder arrives at the Etihad Stadium as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.