Soham Mukherjee

Viktor Gyokeres has escalated his transfer standoff with Sporting CP by not appearing for the club’s pre-season training, further fuelling speculation of an imminent move to Arsenal. The 27-year-old forward was expected to report to camp by 5pm local time on Saturday but failed to meet the deadline, prompting Sporting to consider disciplinary repercussions.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has begun the festivities for his milestone 18th birthday with a blend of family warmth and star-studded anticipation. Although the official date of his birthday falls on Sunday, July 13, the young forward chose to begin the celebrations a day early, gathering close relatives and friends for an intimate dinner.

Newcastle United have reportedly reignited their pursuit of young French forward Hugo Ekitike, as they hope to strengthen their attacking lineup alongside Alexander Isak. The Magpies were disappointed when Joao Pedro opted for Chelsea over them this month, but remain determined to add another frontline threat during this transfer window as they gear up for Champions League football next season.

Paul Mullin revealed his pick with an epic answer when he was quizzed on who would win in a fight between Wrexham co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After an underwhelming season with the Red Dragons, the striker has found a new home in Wigan Athletic but his eyes lit up again when he faced a question that involved his former employers.

Real Madrid suffered a massive defeat during their Club World Cup semifinal to Paris Saint-Germain, a match that not only confirmed their struggles on the pitch but also amplified tensions within the squad as internal discord between the two biggest names, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., became evident. According to Sport, Xabi Alonso will now choose between the two superstars, with the odds favouring the Frenchman.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was seen soaking up the city’s cultural energy as he mingled with music royalty just hours before Oasis took to the stage for their highly anticipated reunion gig at Heaton Park. The Spaniard joined members of the Gallagher family backstage in Manchester, showing his support for the legendary Britpop band whose ties to the blue side of the city run deep.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has launched a blistering attack on UEFA following the governing body’s decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Conference League. The move comes in light of concerns over multi-club ownership rules and has left Parish furious, calling it “one of the greatest injustices” ever witnessed in European football.

Patricia Guijarro and Esther Gonzalez's goals helped Spain beat Italy, who sneaked through to the Euro 2025 knockout stage despite a 2-1 defeat.

AC Milan are reportedly evaluating a group of six forwards as potential additions to bolster their attack ahead of the new season, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson among the names under serious consideration. Despite Chelsea maintaining a firm stance that the striker is not for sale unless a substantial offer is made, Milan are confident Jackson may be attainable, especially given the player’s recent dip in form and apparent slide down the pecking order.

Bayern Munich have reportedly been hit with another transfer setback after a €40 million (£35m/$47m) bid for Nick Woltemade was rejected by VFB Stuttgart. According to German outlet Bild, the proposal, which also included an additional €5 million in performance-related bonuses, was deemed far below Stuttgart’s expectations for the 23-year-old attacker.

Enzo Fernandez revealed he nearly fainted during Chelsea's Club World Cup clash with Fluminense due to "very dangerous" extreme heat. The match against Fluminense was played in the afternoon with temperatures soaring to 95°F (35°C), prompting officials to introduce cooling breaks during each half.

Chelsea were reportedly convinced to sell Noni Madueke owing to his questionable discipline and 'poor' training performances. The 23-year-old, known for his flair and versatility in wide positions, is on the verge of sealing a high-profile switch across London after both clubs reportedly agreed on a transfer fee in the region of £52 million.

Chelsea legend William Gallas believes Joao Pedro will force Nicolas Jackson to seek a summer transfer away from Stamford Bridge after impressing on his full debut in the Club World Cup. The Brazilian wasted no time in announcing his arrival when he struck twice — once in each half — to secure a 2-0 victory and propel Enzo Maresca’s side into the tournament’s final.

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of finalising a £50 million ($68m) transfer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, but the move has been criticised by former Liverpool and West Ham midfielder Don Hutchison. The 23-year-old, currently with the Chelsea squad in the United States ahead of the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, appears set to make a surprise switch to north London once the Blues return to England next week.

Manchester United have reportedly had a substantial £78 million ($105m) offer for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni turned down as new manager Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his midfield following the club’s dismal 2024-25 campaign. After finishing in an unprecedented 15th place in the Premier League last season, the Red Devils are under pressure to revamp their squad and initiate a new era under Amorim.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could link up with Mason Greenwood at the Stade Velodrome as Marseille reportedly eye a swoop to sign the former Arsenal striker. The 36-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Qadsiah, is said to be on the verge of leaving the Saudi Pro League side and could become a free agent in the coming weeks.

Switzerland have qualified for the Euro 2025 quarter-finals, thanks to Riola Xhemaili's injury-time equaliser, as heartbroken Finland head home.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo resumed full training on Thursday in a bid to recover in time for the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. The Ecuadorian international picked up a knock late in Tuesday night’s semi-final clash against Fluminense, casting doubt over his availability for the much-anticipated final in New Jersey.