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AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has opened up about his bold financial vision for the Rossoneri, revealing how he plans to make the club competitive with Premier League giants. The RedBird Capital founder has set an ambitious goal of transforming Serie A’s global standing as he insisted the Italian top-flight is "the most competitive league".

Cardinale’s bold Milan vision: competing with England’s elite

Milan's American owner Cardinale has laid bare his grand ambition to elevate the Rossoneri to the financial level of Premier League clubs. In a candid interview on podcast, the American investor described managing Milan as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” but confirmed that the project is beginning to yield results.

Since acquiring the club in 2022 through RedBird Capital & Partners, Cardinale has pushed for a model of reinvestment and sustainability rather than profit-making. “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “In three years of owning Milan, we’ve been positive in terms of cash flow for the first time in 17 years. And I don’t keep that money for myself, I reinvest it in the team.”

The owner also pointed to Milan’s strong summer transfer window as proof of his commitment. “We spent more than any other Serie A team in the last summer transfer window. We are building a new stadium, not to pocket money, but to transform Milan’s financial profile and bring it up to the level of Premier League teams.”

Cardinale’s message was clear that Milan are not content with being Italy’s biggest traditional powerhouse; they want to be a global economic force capable of competing with the cash-rich English league.

AdvertisementFinancial transformation and the new stadium project

Cardinale underlined that Milan’s ongoing stadium project is central to his long-term financial plan. The proposed new venue will replace the historic but aging San Siro, which Milan currently share with Inter. The move is expected to drastically increase matchday revenue, corporate partnerships, and global visibility.

“The new stadium will transform AC Milan's financial profile and bring it to the level of Premier League clubs,” he said. “Because for us, the real competition is there, in the English league.”

Cardinale’s focus on self-sufficiency echoes his earlier remarks about wanting to innovate like the late Silvio Berlusconi once did. “My PR has gone crazy, but I meant to say that I want to innovate, like he did and like [George] Steinbrenner did with the New York Yankees in their day. But today you can't do it the same way, everything is too expensive, there are billion-dollar funds. We need to find another way.”

The American executive’s approach marks a major cultural shift for Serie A, where clubs often rely on owner funding or player sales rather than sustainable business models. Milan’s steady financial recovery under RedBird is now being viewed as a model for the future.

Premier League comparison and European imbalance

Cardinale also addressed the financial gap between Serie A and the Premier League, which he described as “the biggest challenge in European football today.” “The Premier League has almost four times the TV revenue of other European leagues, which is a problem,” he explained. “However, in Serie A, the last-placed team can beat the first, it's the most competitive league, but it's not paid for that. Distributors only want the best, which is why the idea of the Super League was created.”

His comments highlight a tension between sporting competitiveness and commercial appeal. Cardinale’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment across European football, that Italy’s domestic product is strong on the pitch but undervalued commercially.

By positioning Milan as the face of Serie A’s modernisation, Cardinale is not only aiming to close the gap with England but also to reshape the league’s global brand. The planned new stadium, coupled with a focus on digital innovation and fan engagement, could make Milan the Italian club to fully modernise its infrastructure in the 21st century.

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Getty Images SportWhat’s next for AC Milan?

The Rossoneri have started the Serie A campaign strongly, having lost just one of the 10 matches they have played so far. Milan’s squad, featuring key players like Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Luka Modric, who all hold the experience of the Premier League, embodies Cardinale’s goal of blending European heritage with international appeal. Off the pitch, plans for the new stadium continue to progress, with hopes to begin construction by 2026.

On the field, Milan will travel to Bergamo on Tuesday night to face an unbeaten Atalanta side in a highly anticipated Serie A clash. Milan are eager to return to winning ways after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Pisa that saw Zachary Athekame rescue a late point. With Massimiliano Allegri’s side unbeaten in their last eight matches and Loftus-Cheek back in contention, the Rossoneri will look to reclaim the Serie A top spot and strengthen their title credentials against a disciplined Atalanta outfit.

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OPalmeirasterá desfalque importante por um longo tempo: o atacante Dudu. Após se lesionar e ser substituído navitória do Verdão sobre o Vasco, no domingo (27), o camisa 7 foi submetido a exames nesta segunda-feira (28) e teve constatadas ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito e lesão no menisco.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasJá sem Dudu, Palmeiras se reapresenta e inicia preparação para duelo decisivo na LibertadoresPalmeiras28/08/2023PalmeirasÍdolos e jogadores do Palmeiras desejam força para Dudu após grave lesãoPalmeiras28/08/2023PalmeirasOLHAR DO PORCO: Abel Ferreira terá que se virar para substituir Dudu no PalmeirasPalmeiras28/08/2023

+ OLHAR DO PORCO: Abel Ferreira terá que se virar para substituir Dudu no Palmeiras

Dudu se lesionou sozinho ainda no primeiro tempo da partida diante do Cruz-Maltino e precisou ser substituído, aos 37 minutos. Para o seu lugar, Abel Ferreira optou pela entrada de Breno Lopes. O camisa 7 sofreu uma torção no joelho direito em um lance sem disputa, na beira do campo, foi atendido pelos médicos e até tentou permanecer em campo, mas pediu a substituição cerca de cinco minutos depois.

Visando a preparação completa do atacante na Libertadores, Dudu vinha sendo poupado nos jogos do Brasileirão devido a uma lesão na panturrilha direita. Recuperado, ele foi titular na goleada por 4 a 0 diante do Deportivo Pereira, pela ida das quartas de final do torneio continental, e começou entre os 11 iniciais contra a equipe carioca.

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O clube informou que o jogador iniciará a recuperação com sessões de fisioterapia e será operado nas próximas semanas. Como de costume, o Palmeiras não informou o prazo de recuperação do atacante, mas a expectativa é que o tempo de ausência seja de aproximadamente seis meses.

+ Já sem Dudu, Palmeiras se reapresenta e inicia preparação para duelo decisivo na Libertadores

Portanto, Dudu não deve atuar mais pelo Verdão em 2023, em uma temporada que ainda reserva possibilidade de título no Brasileirão, além de ser um dos favoritos a conquistar a Libertadores. Sem o camisa 7, o Palmeiras volta a campo nesta quarta (30) diante do Deportivo Pereira-COL, às 21h30, no Allianz Parque, pelo duelo de volta das quartas de final do torneio continental. Na ida, a equipe de Abel Ferreira goleou os colombianos por 4 a 0.

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lesãoPalmeiras

Leeds United have always gained great pride from allowing their homegrown starlets eventual minutes in the first team.

Kalvin Phillips would become a household name in the Premier League after making his Elland Road breakthrough, with Archie Gray also going on to be a £30m purchase by Tottenham Hotspur after he exploded into life in the senior picture at the Whites.

With Daniel Farke also recently stating that the development of youth is one of the “cornerstones” of the club’s ongoing philosophy, it wouldn’t be a great shock to see a new Phillips or Gray emerge in the very near future.

Amazingly, another member of the Gray family in Harry Gray, is already making considerable strides to break into the men’s set-up.

Harry Gray's rise at Leeds

With the young pair also having Leeds royalty deeply ingrained into their family tree in the form of great uncle Eddie Gray, it appears as if Elland Road is just woven into their DNA.

Before anyone gets too carried away, the 16-year-old striker has only made one fleeting cameo in Farke’s first-team to date, but his future does look very rosy in West Yorkshire, with his early goalscoring form in the Premier League 2 this season only adding to his immense hype.

From just four games this campaign in all competitions, Gray has helped himself to a blistering four strikes, with his weighty goal tally for both the U18s and U21s now standing at a very impressive 15 goals from 22 outings.

Branded the “real deal” by analyst Ben Mattinson, it does only feel like a matter of time now before the teenage sensation is leading the line for Farke’s men, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially pushed all the way for a starting spot very soon by the England U17 international.

However, he isn’t the only hotly-tipped youngster at this moment in time in the U21 picture.

Leeds could even be brewing their next Phillips when looking at this very promising midfield talent who just signed his first-ever professional contract at his boyhood employers.

Leeds' next Phillips

While his career path has hit many a bump since exiting Leeds in 2022, with just 31 Manchester City appearances coming his way in three years, it goes without saying that he is the standard that many of the new rising crop at Thorp Arch still try to hit.

Indeed, under Marcelo Bielsa’s transformative guidance, Phillips would turn into an extremely hot midfield commodity, with a senior Three Lions call-up even falling into the 29-year-old’s lap, before moving on to the Etihad for a substantial £40m.

While Ollie Pickles is way off hitting those heights at the moment, he will hope – sometime down the line – that he can experience these same amazing highs, having just penned his first-ever professional contract at Elland Road that runs until 2028.

The 17-year-old hotshot warranted that deal coming into play, too, with Pickles even donning the captain’s armband for the U21s last time out to show off similar leadership skills to those of Phillips in the main team.

DM

22

2 + 1

CM

10

3 + 2

AM

5

1 + 0

RW

1

0

LW

1

0

The similarities don’t just end there, however, with Pickles also showing off a similar eye for a goal and an assist to that of the former Bielsa favourite, with a standout five-goal contributions tallied up from the central midfield position from just ten outings.

Arguably, his added adaptability to slot into a right-wing or left-wing spot if needed also stands him in good stead to replicate Gray’s sharp rise, with the Spurs number 14’s malleable nature turning him into a constant regular under Farke.

Still, with previous interest in his services coming from the likes of Gray’s new employers, it could be that Pickles goes on to be another major sale for Leeds in the midfield department, like Phillips.

Before anything more concrete pops up over Pickles leaving, however, the teenager will have to prove himself in the senior side, with chances potentially handed to him in the near future.

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2 ByDominic Lund Sep 23, 2025

USMNT striker Damion Downs has yet to find his footing at Southampton, drawing criticism in the early weeks of his Championship debut.

Damion Downs doesn't particularly enjoy attention. He told GOAL as much earlier this month. With his hood pulled up, Downs spoke softly about what felt like a life-changing summer for club and country.

"I don't like the spotlight so much, you know what I mean?" Downs said from the U.S. men's national team hotel during the most recent international break. "I like my privacy. I don't really mind people not knowing too much about me. At the same time, I'm not that exciting anyway."

So, when Downs seemingly deleted social media earlier this week, it wasn't too out of character. 

It came, unfortunately, as Downs did find himself in that spotlight, and not for the reasons he'd want to be. Just weeks into life as a Southampton player, the striker has already become a lightning rod for abuse and criticism as the 21-year-old has been unable to hit the ground running.

The criticism, for the most part, has been unfair. Very few players adapt to English football instantly, and even fewer do so before turning 22. Downs arrived at Southampton this summer with a reported $9.5 million price tag, which naturally brought high expectations. In the opening weeks of his first Championship season, those expectations haven’t yet been met. Unsurprisingly, social media has had its say, and with Southampton struggling, Downs has found himself singled out.

So what comes next for the young USMNT star? Just seven games into his first season with a new club, it seems that Downs is already at a turning point as the spotlight is fixed on him.

Getty ImagesThe season so far

Downs's big move to Southampton was preceded by plenty of hype. He arrived fresh off a breakout season in the 2. Bundesliga with FC Koln, whom he helped lead to promotion with 10 league goals. Instead of helping lead Koln into Germany's top flight, he made the move to England's second division, taking a risk to join the Saints. 

The keyword there is . Downs could have easily remained at Koln to play in a bigger league. Instead, he saw Southampton as an opportunity to both develop and, hopefully, get a crack at the Premier League.

“I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that’s my goal – to help the team as much as I can to bring the club back to the Premier League," he told the club's official website after signing. "The Premier League is the best league you can possibly play in. Being able to promote the team and the whole club to the Premier League would be a big honour for me.

“Obviously promotion is the No. 1 [target], and for me personally I just want to score as many goals as possible, help the club and help the team.”

It started well enough. Downs scored a preseason goal against Espanyol, seemingly impressing USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, who happened to be in attendance. He assisted a goal in the league opener against Wrexham, too, announcing himself as a difference-maker early on in the Championship season. Now, six games later in all competitions, he remains scoreless as he searches for his first official Saints goal.

There's a caveat, of course. Downs has played just 151 Championship minutes, making just one start this season. In those games, he has generally struggled on the ball. This week, Southampton boss Will Still, who left Downs out of the squad for two fixtures this week, against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, called for Downs to be more imposing and to use his 6-4 frame more effectively.

“We have to encourage him to pick a fight with someone and make it difficult, and then get into the game that way," Still said.

It is clear, though, that Downs is still in the adjustment phase.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe realities of a move

Speaking to GOAL earlier this month, Downs was largely thankful to those who have helped him adjust to life in England. The move from Cologne to Southampton wasn't easy, but his family was helping more than he could explain.

"It's been very, very busy, but, thankfully, I have a good family around," he said. "They've been taking care of most of the things, so I don't have to take care of it, and I'm thankful for that. They've been helping me as much as possible."

The move was just one piece of Downs' summer of change. Prior to his Southampton transfer, Downs made his USMNT debut this summer, and he ended up playing a big part in the team's Gold Cup run. His penalty kick sealed a shootout win over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal round, helping the U.S. survive despite the presence of Keylor Navas on the other side.

In general, it was transition after transition for Downs. From the USMNT, he went straight to Europe for preseason. Just a few weeks into the season, he was back stateside with the U.S. to face South Korea and Japan. It's been a whirlwind, to put it lightly, which could explain some of the early-season difficulties for Southampton's summer signing.

Still, moves like this carry inherent uncertainty. Staying at Koln would have been the safer path, even with the chance to play in Germany’s top flight. Downs chose instead to challenge himself in England during a World Cup year, with no guarantee of immediate success, even if the long-term rewards could be significant.

(C)Getty ImagesUSMNT impact

Ahead of the season, American soccer's striker race centered around the Championship. It seemed that the top two spots on the depth chart were claimed by Folarin Balogun in France and Ricardo Pepi in the Netherlands. Behind them, though, were a group of Championship strikers that looked set to go goal-for-goal in pursuit of a World Cup spot. Downs, one of the newer members of the race, would be directly compared to Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Patrick Agyemang as they fought to be part of next summer's team.

Sargent, of course, started hot, scoring for fun before slowing down post-international break. Wright has shined for Coventry City, making his claim to be a part of the upcoming camps. Agyemang, meanwhile, started the season injured, but has already set up two goals for Derby County as he hunts down a goal of his own.

And then there's Downs. He's had chances to score, but so far, that first goal remains elusive. If Downs is to get into the World Cup picture, though, the goals will have to come. Same for Sargent, Wright, and Agyemang, too.

"Seven or eight months is a pretty long time," Downs said earlier this month when asked about the World Cup, "So I'm not too focused on it. I just want to be here and represent my country when I am here. I'm not one to focus on the future and not be there for the present and what's going on right now. I'm focused on the now because the work that I put in right now is what it will take for me to be there."

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Getty Images SportTime on his side

The season is still young, and games come thick and fast in the Championship. The Saints face Agyemang's Derby County on Saturday. Fortunes can change quickly for a striker. Downs, given his pedigree, is a prime candidate for the ketchup theory – once the goals come, they may not stop.

Southampton, though, will need things to change quickly. Through seven games, , one of the relegated Premier League teams, have claimed just seven points. That leaves them 19th and fighting for survival, even this early in the season.

Still is keeping the faith, though, particularly in Downs. He believes that the club's big signing has a part to play, as long as everyone shows the patience needed for him to get there.

“It’s a work in progress," Still said last week. "Not all transfers are going to come in and hit the ground running and click and understand the culture of the league, the opposition, and our team itself. Damion started on Saturday and came on tonight, and played a good chunk of the second half. We just need to keep working with him and helping him."

Until then, the spotlight will remain on Downs. A goal or two will change the reason for that spotlight as Downs looks to finally make his mark on his new club.

Earlier in the match, Haris Rauf went off the field with what was later confirmed to be a low-grade side strain

Danyal Rasool08-Feb-2025New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra is unlikely to feature in the ODI against South Africa on Monday, after sustaining a blow while fielding during Saturday’s tri-series ODI against Pakistan.Fielding at deep square leg in the 37th over, Ravindra steadied himself to take a catch as Khushdil Shah slog-swept Michael Bracewell towards the on side. But Ravindra seemed to lose the ball, struck flat and low, mid-flight, and took no evasive action as it struck him square on the forehead. He was seen staring at the ground, apparently in a daze, as blood streamed down his face while medical staff rushed onto the field.New Zealand Cricket [NZC] has since released a statement saying that Ravindra is “otherwise well” and will continue to be monitored.Related

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“Rachin Ravindra sustained a laceration to the forehead after being struck by the ball in yesterday’s ODI tri-series win over Pakistan in Lahore,” the release said. “Ravindra passed the initial head injury assessment and the laceration, which required stitches, was addressed and treated at the ground. He is otherwise well and will continue to be monitored under HIA (Head Injury Assessment) protocols. He is unlikely to feature in tomorrow’s match against South Africa.”A stunned silence took hold of the ground after Ravindra went down. A stretcher was brought on as well, though it was ultimately not required. The Pakistan team doctor, nearest to the incident, also rushed on to provide first-aid assistance. After lying down on the ground while receiving a few minutes of treatment, Ravindra got up with the assistance of medical staff, and walked off the field, holding a towel to his head, to warm applause from what had just recently been a packed Gaddafi Stadium.New Zealand, riding on Glenn Phillips’ maiden ODI ton, won the opening game of the tri-series comfortably by 78 runs. Ravindra had earlier opened the batting and scored a brisk 25 off 19 balls to get his side up and running and sent down three overs.Haris Rauf walked off the field with a side strain•Associated PressEarlier in the match, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf went off the field two balls into his seventh over, and the PCB later revealed he had complained of “sharp pain in the left side of the chest and abdomen muscles”, which was later confirmed to be a “low-grade side strain”. Rauf, it was confimed, would not come out to bat during Pakistan’s chase.These developments come just 11 days before the start of the Champions Trophy, which begins when these two sides meet in Karachi on February 19. New Zealand’s next game is on Monday, when they take on South Africa in the second match of this tri-series, while Pakistan are scheduled to meet South Africa on Wednesday.As the Champions Trophy looms, New Zealand could also be without the fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the ILT20 in the UAE. As yet, the team is awaiting reports of a scan on Ferguson’s injury.GMT 0925 The news report was updated following NZC’s statement on Ravindra’s injury.

Arsenal are beginning to turn a Liverpool target’s head as we enter the final few weeks of this summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta’s side making an approach for the player amid their long-winded pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

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Sporting director Andrea Berta has already made quite the impression in his first summer operating as Edu’s replacement, spending north of £200 million on the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners are seemingly determined to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for another Premier League title, and despite their need to offload surplus squad members right now, Arsenal could still sign Eze before the window closes.

They view the England international as a more potent playmaker in terms of goals, and who could complement club captain Martin Odegaard in a central role (Sky Sports).

Eze is Arsenal’s top target from now until the transfer deadline on September 1, and they’re expected to make a formal bid for the Palace star after holding extensive talks with his representatives.

The 27-year-old has also spoken directly to both Arteta and Berta about joining Arsenal, according to Ben Jacobs for talkSPORT, with some initial talks taking place with Palace as the north Londoners aim to get his signing done for around £55 million.

However, Eze may not be there only signing in the next few weeks, with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet believed to be a target as well.

The promising Ligue 1 sensation only signed a new deal until 2029 in May, but some reports suggest Jacquet is increasingly tempted by the prospect of a move to Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano also reporting that an approach has been made.

Jeremy Jacquet debating future with camp as Arsenal and Liverpool eye moves

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for TBR Football, Jacquet is holding talks with representatives over his future amid this contact from Arsenal, while it is also believed that Premier League champions Liverpool have registered an interest.

While Rennes insist that he’s not for sale, the 20-year-old is still speaking to his camp about what could be next for him, so Jacquet’s head may be turning amid this attention from England.

There is a feeling among the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool that he could still be attainable despite Rennes’ stance, with the idea of a ‘buy-to-loan’ type move, similar to how Arteta’s side got William Saliba from Saint-Etienne, not ruled out.

Even in that scenario, Rennes would keep Jacquet in France for at least another season, but Arteta would have to wait before fully integrating him into the squad.

His price tag is rumoured to be around £25 million, which could be a savvy investment for the future considering his already-glowing reputation across the channel.

Jacquet has been dubbed the “technical leader of his generation” by his former development coach at Rennes, Pierre-Emmanuel Bordeau, and football writer Phil Costa believes he’s “one of the best defensive prospects in France” in a similar mould to Ben White.

Marc Guehi may have seen his dream transfer to Liverpool fall apart on deadline day, but the Crystal Palace captain certainly didn't let it affect his mood with England. Instead, the 25-year-old made an emphatic statement during the latest Three Lions World Cup qualifiers, emerging as one of the standout performers.

Guehi scores first goal for EnglandThree Lions thrash Serbia 5-0 in World Cup qualifierLiverpool move collapse didn't affect Guehi muchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Though he was on the verge of making a high-profile switch to the Premier League champions, Palace pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, leaving Guehi in limbo. But the disappointment of the move collapsing was quickly forgotten as he joined up with England manager Thomas Tuchel for their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Three Lions hammered Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday, and Guehi was on the scoresheet with his first international goal, securing a dominant victory in what was supposed to be their most challenging match of the campaign.

AdvertisementWHAT GUEHI SAID

Despite the Liverpool transfer saga hanging over him, Guehi spoke with nothing but positivity following the international break. He was asked by ITV if there was any difficulty joining up with the national team after the drama of deadline day, to which he replied: "It’s been great! It’s always easy coming here, such a good group of players, good group of staff. We are all working towards one goal."

On scoring his first goal for the national team, Guehi added: "I’m just over the moon. It’s a fantastic feeling. You work really hard growing up, so to score a goal for your country is the best feeling."

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Guehi also grabbed an assist for centre-back partner Ezri Konsa, while Harry Kane, Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford were also on the scoresheet.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GUEHI?

After a fantastic international week, Guehi is quickly back to club duties with Crystal Palace. He will face Sunderland this Saturday in the Premier League, where he will look to continue his fine form for both club and country.

It’s almost time for Arsenal to return to action.

On Wednesday, the Gunners will take on AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium, also facing Newcastle United in Kallang next Sunday, before heading over to Hong Kong for a meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at Kai Tak Sports Park.

Ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia, the Gunners have been busy in the transfer market, but are they about to land their most important target of all?

Arsenal's busy transfer window

So far this summer, Arsenal have made four signings, following the announcement that Noni Madueke had arrived from Chelsea on Friday, doing so for a reported £53m.

He follows fellow new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi, and Christian Nørgaard, while it is widely expected that Cristhian Mosquera will join from Valencia for £16.5m.

Meanwhile, Mark Brus of Caught Offside claims that Arsenal are in talks to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, which would certainly be an exciting addition.

Nevertheless, as noted by Art de Roché of the Athletic, a new centre forward remains the priority position that both those inside the club and supporters are concerned about, but there could be a breakthrough in that regard.

That’s because, according to Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport, Arsenal are now close to a “full agreement” with Sporting CP over the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, with optimism that a “breakthrough”, when it comes to add-ons, will be made over the weekend.

The Gunners have agreed to pay the Primeira Liga champions £55m plus close to £9m in add-ons, with the Swedish international still ‘waiting for permission to undergo a medical’, but there is hope he will be able to feature for Arsenal during their aforementioned fixtures in Asia.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It was reported by Miguel Dantas and Ed Aarons of the Guardian last weekend that Gyökeres had failed to report for pre-season training, having informed Sporting he had no intention of returning, so this deal does appear set to be finalised.

Why Viktor Gyökeres will be so transformational for Arsenal

Given that midfielder Mikel Merino started pretty much every game from Valentine’s Day onwards last season at centre-forward, it was clear to all that Arsenal needed to spend big in this position.

Speaking on the Arsenal Vision podcast, Clive Palmer believes that the Gunners simply need a forward with a killer instinct in front of goal, and Gyökeres certainly provides that, whilst Simons would only offer a decent threat as a scorer from an attacking midfield role.

Viktor Gyökeres

102

97

Xavi Simons

76

22

Arsenal’s highest scorers in 23/24 & 24/25 combined:

Bukayo Saka

84

32

Kai Havertz

87

29

Leandro Trossard

102

27

Gabriel Martinelli

95

18

Martin Ødegaard

93

17

Declan Rice

103

16

Gabriel Jesus

63

15

As the table outlines, no Arsenal player or Simons comes remotely close to having scored as many goals as Gyökeres across the last two seasons, with the Swede having bagged only six fewer goals than Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus combined.

Of course, there is the caveat that the Primeira Liga is the seventh-best league in the world, according to Global Football Rankings, but even if Gyökeres scores 20 times across all competitions next season, that would be a major boost.

Recent Portuguese top-flight golden boot winners, namely Jackson Martínez, Bas Dost, Haris Seferović, Carlos Vinícius and Darwin Núñez do raise a bit of a red flag, but Thom Harris of the Athletic believes Gyökeres will be a success in North London, impressed by his ‘frightening physical profile’ as well as his ‘unerring ability to thump’ the ball really hard into the net.

So, of course, signing Simons would be exciting; it’s Arsenal heritage to have a team full of diminutive number tens. Tomáš Rosický, Alexander Hleb, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Cesc Fàbregas, Jack Wilshere and many others spring to mind.

Nevertheless, the Gunners need to win and they need to win now, and the signing of Gyökeres underlines this mission statement, even more so than Simons.

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Emilio Galantini

Jun 27, 2025

Mikel Arteta is facing a crucial campaign in the dugout as pressure grows on the Spaniard to clinch major silverware, with their FA Cup triumph in 2020 coming as their last major honour, if you don’t count Community Shields.

Their summer business will be absolutely vital when it comes to Arteta’s chances of bridging the gap between Arsenal and Premier League champions Liverpool next term, with Arne Slot’s side already making a serious statement this window.

The Reds have signed Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already, spending nearly £200 million in the process, and this will worry Arsenal supporters, who are desperate to see their side win a first league title in over 20 years.

Man City have also splashed the cash in an effort to seriously rebuild their squad after a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign for them, but Arsenal have made some progress when it comes to their own recruitment plans.

Arsenal finalised a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi last week after months of talks, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also completing a medical in the last few days ahead of his £5 million move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are in ongoing talks to sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard poised to join the north Londoners before him.

Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Arsenal agreed a deal for Norgaard after accelerated talks, with Fabrizio Romano also sharing that the Denmark international will undergo a medical.

The 31-year-old is set to become their third signing of the window to replace the exit-bound Thomas Partey, and while Norgaard’s signing has been questioned by pundits like Gabriel Agbonlahor, former Chelsea and Tottenham director, Frank Arnesen, has heaped praise on the transfer.

Frank Arnesen praises Christian Norgaard with Arsenal deal agreed

Speaking to Danish news outlet Tipsbaldet, as translated by Sport Witness, Arnesen says that Arsenal are about to sign a “fantastic” player in Norgaard – calling him the “whole package”.

“It would be fantastic for him if he could get a contract at Arsenal.

“Christian is a fantastic guy. I have nothing but good things to say about him. You meet players many times in your life, but I always hoped this one would have a fantastic career. He has got that. He has become captain of Brentford and has done incredible.

“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

When Harvey Elliott was quizzed during England U21 duty on his Liverpool future, he responded by saying he was wary of “wasting years of my career” as an understudy in Arne Slot’s system.

The young playmaker only made two starts in the Premier League last season, ands both came in May. The boyhood Red would hope to stay on with the Merseysiders, but he’s 22 now and understandably wants to be competing regularly from the opening whistle.

Maybe the signing of Florian Wirtz has had a say in the matter?

The German international rejected interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich last month, and after several weeks of negotiations, Liverpool have finally reached a breakthrough with Bayer Leverkusen for what will be a British-record signing.

Liverpool's deal for Florian Wirtz

There were understandably a few Liverpool fans dotted about harbouring concerns that Wirtz’s expected transfer to the club would fall through.

But the Reds have sealed the deal, and Wirtz, 22, will play in Liverpool red. Sure, things turned a tad protracted, but the Anfield side have pulled off a deal for a “truly generational talent”, as he has been called by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

It was never going to be easy, with Die Werkself obstinate in their stance, ekeing out every last copper from their Merseyside counterparts. Indeed, with all add-ons included, this could prove a €150m (£127m) transfer.

Wirtz has been one of the most sought-after players in world football, rising from strength to strength and stronger still under Xabi Alonso’s wing. He will raise Liverpool’s frontline to the next level, and indeed, could take a fellow transfer target and turn them into something special.

Liverpool have advantage in race for Premier League star

As per Sky Sports, Liverpool have joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign on the south coast.

The Red Devils are in the picture, but it’s felt that the Ghana international favours a move to a club competing in the Champions League, making Liverpool the favourites over their historic rivals, who have failed to secure any level of European competition after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.

However, at this stage, Spurs have done the most work on the talented winger, who the Cherries would only sell for a £50m fee.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

Mohamed Salah has Liverpool’s right flank on lock, but with Federico Chiesa prioritising a return to Italy after a difficult opening campaign in the Premier League, featuring only six times, bringing in a rising star of Semenyo’s quality could work a treat for Slot’s project.

Having joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10.5m in January 2023, Semenyo’s stock has risen in increments, becoming a major player in Andoni Iraola’s system.

Two-footed and ferociously explosive, the 25-year-old embodies many of the tactical virtues Slot employs, not least the fact that a hard-working attitude will get you far on the field.

His intelligence and link-up play further highlight the success that could be found in a high-flying Liverpool system with Wirtz at the centre, pulling the strings.

Not just a powerful goalscorer, Semenyo has been hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson for being a “duel monster”, so tenacious and determined to win the ball back, to drive play forward.

This level of commitment and sharpness is something that Wirtz could relish playing alongside, especially since the elite playmaker would find in Semenyo a partner whose ball-striking is a relentless thing.

Having been praised by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp for mastering the art of the “Salah goal”, finding pockets of space in the danger area and pouncing with merciless hunger, Semenyo is the real deal, and given that Chiesa is being linked with a return to Italy, could prove the perfect player to challenge Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar for a place on the right.

Of course, Semenyo is more than just a one-position man.

Where Semenyo’s best position would be at Liverpool, should he indeed sign, remains to be seen, but the fact that he can maintain a steady rate of scoring across both wings bodes well, especially with someone like Wirtz influencing from behind.

Wirtz, who is more than happy to roam around the park himself, has actually been described as something of a “genius” on the ball by his former Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.

Despite only featuring 197 times as a professional for Leverkusen, Wirtz has already built up quite the prolific resume, having scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists, crowned the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Season after winning the league with his invincible outfit.

Further illustrating his creative flair: last season, he ranked among the top 9% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, and the top 7% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Semenyo likes to fire on goal, all right, and Liverpool could find themselves striking a sure-fire formula for success by combining the Bournemouth sensation with Wirtz, whose creative capacity knows no bounds.

Sealing this deal could prove the perfect way to add that bit of extra depth and dynamism to Slot’s ranks, consolidating Liverpool’s position as a superpower above all the rest.

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