With the 2026-27 Premier League campaign about to get underway, GOAL counts down the leading contenders for the Golden Boot, including current holder Erling Haaland.
Al-Hilal are preparing for life after Karim Benzema, with manager Simone Inzaghi targeting Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as his replacement. However, any deal for the England international remains stalled while the Saudi club negotiate a contract termination payout with the 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner.
One should always be wary of reading too much into friendlies but it's clear that some clubs - and players - are in better shape than others ahead of the big kick-off...
Juventus have made a significant breakthrough in their search for a new goalkeeper after reaching a full agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for Guglielmo Vicario. The Italy international is set to return to his homeland on an initial loan deal as the Bianconeri shift their focus away from Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has voiced serious concerns over Manchester United's summer recruitment strategy, suggesting the club may have moved for the wrong midfielder in Youri Tielemans. While Michael Carrick has been busy rebuilding his engine room at Old Trafford, Carragher believes a major opportunity was missed in the market.
Juventus have officially ended their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after failing to agree on a transfer fee. The Italian giants have completely closed the chapter on the Argentine international, pulling the plug on the potential move due to excessive financial demands, forcing them to rapidly explore alternative options before the window shuts.
Aston Villa have moved decisively in the transfer market, reportedly reaching a total agreement to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The deal represents a significant coup for Unai Emery, who has successfully hijacked a move that appeared destined for Paris Saint-Germain just days ago.
Aston Villa have ramped up their efforts to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as the club prepares for the potential departure of Emiliano Martinez. While the Midlands side had previously insisted the 2022 World Cup winner was not for sale, fresh developments suggest a move to Serie A is now a distinct possibility.
Aston Villa have suffered an untimely injury blow ahead of the new Premier League campaign after teenage sensation Brian Madjo picked up an issue during the UEFA Super Cup. The 17-year-old striker, who scored on his competitive debut against Paris Saint-Germain, is now facing a spell on the sidelines that will rule him out until at least September.
Free agent Jadon Sancho is leaning towards continuing his career abroad despite attracting interest and contract offers from several Premier League clubs. The 26-year-old winger is currently assessing his future six weeks after leaving Manchester United, with former club Borussia Dortmund among the prominent European sides monitoring his situation.
Gary McAllister has provided a rare insight into the managerial journey of Steven Gerrard, reflecting on the highs of their Rangers tenure and the subsequent challenges faced in the Premier League. The former Scotland international, who served as Gerrard's trusted assistant at both Ibrox and Villa Park, believes the Liverpool icon is simply waiting for the perfect project to reignite his coaching career.
Bayern Munich still have not found a buyer for Joao Palhinha. A move to Aston Villa will not happen, as board member for sport Max Eberl made unmistakably clear at a press conference.
Ezri Konsa has made his feelings clear on a move to north London after Aston Villa shocked Arsenal by demanding exactly double their initial offer. Mikel Arteta is desperate to land the England defender following William Saliba's injury, but Villa's staggering new price tag threatens to derail the transfer.
Youri Tielemans has been forced into a public apology to Aston Villa supporters after making controversial comments regarding his summer move to Manchester United. The Belgian midfielder sparked a backlash after suggesting that he had taken a step up by joining the Red Devils during the current transfer window.
Aston Villa
