Chelsea have been warned that “no successful teams” follows the tactical blueprint that has been adopted at Stamford Bridge, with Ruud Gullit - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - questioning how much influence Xabi Alonso has on transfer business. The Spanish tactician has seen big money spent in another transfer window, but is he being dictated to in some respects?
The Tshwane giants are navigating a gruelling fixture schedule, juggling their league commitments with the MTN8 final and a glamour FIFA Intercontinental Cup encounter. While the Portuguese mentor has voiced his frustration and called for better planning to accommodate the congested schedule, he has now accepted that the fixture list is unlikely to change, leaving the Brazilians to find a way to manage the demands and keep competing on all fronts.
Fiorentina have moved decisively in the final hours of the transfer window to secure a new spearhead for their attack. The Viola have reached a full agreement to sign Norberto Beto from Everton in a deal that completely reshapes their offensive options for the new season.
Nick Woltemade poses a transfer “problem” for Newcastle, with Dietmar Hamann explaining to GOAL what the “best solution” for the German striker could be ahead of the summer deadline passing. The towering frontman has only spent 12 months at St James’ Park, following a big-money move, but could soon bid farewell to Tyneside and the Premier League.
Noni Madueke has opened up on his involvement in convincing England team-mate Ezri Konsa to sign for reigning Premier League champions Arsenal. The 28-year-old defender finalised a blockbuster £55 million switch from Aston Villa earlier this month, bolstering Mikel Arteta's squad for their title defence.
Emiliano Martinez has completed a whirlwind move to Chelsea, arriving from Aston Villa to bolster the goalkeeping ranks at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup winner has already made his presence felt, not just with his performance on the pitch, but by taking on one of the most significant squad numbers in the club's modern history.
