Dunbeholden defeated Vere United 2-0 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 4 stage in the 2019 season. D. Davy officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Dunbeholden vs Vere United meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Dunbeholden and Vere United. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Dunbeholden defeated Vere United 2-0 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 4 stage in the 2019 season. D. Davy officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Dunbeholden vs Vere United meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Dunbeholden and Vere United. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
In a mailbag edition of his newsletter, Jonathan Wilson answers questions about Michael Carrick, VAR and the Premier League’s new teamsSign up for our free newsletter hereManchester United finally seem to have something that resembles stability in the dressing room under Michael Carrick. I feel with quality signings in defence and midfield, they could mount a decent challenge for the Premier League next season. How do you feel they will fare? – Sterling.There’s an odd sense that Michael Carrick’s level of achievement last season was at precisely the most awkward level for the board. United didn’t produce indisputably brilliant football under him but equally 12 wins and three draws in 17 games was good enough that they pretty much had to give him the job. But it’s one thing to turn out those kinds of results when the pressure’s off, you’re already out of both cup competitions and you don’t have any European football; it’s quite another to do it in the heat of a full season. United don’t have to have an especially amazing season to play 15 more games this season than they did in 2025-26.This is an extract from Soccer Desk, a newsletter from the Guardian US. Subscribe for free here. Continue reading...
Adam asked: Arsenal are heavily rumoured to be after a left winger following the Vinicius Jr saga, so who do you think will be most likely to sign for the club in that position before the end of the window? Alex answered: It is a tough position to be in when the club have had such a public move for a player not come to fruition, and also when there are only a small number of players who can fit the bill of what Arsenal are looking for. The Gunners want players who can take them to the next level and that is hard to find after winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.
Could Michael Carrick pull off a major transfer coup for Man Utd (Photo: Getty) Manchester United have been told to consider signing Real Madrid striker Endrick, with the Brazil wonderkid looking to join a Premier League club. Real paid Palmeiras £50million to sign Endrick when he was just 16 and since then, the hype around the young forward has been immeasurable. But while tipped to be the future talisman of both Los Blancos and the Brazil national team, the now 20-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe firmly ahead in the pecking order. Endrick spent the second-half of last season on loan at Lyon and it has been reported that the player will seek another temporary transfer if he is not guaranteed regular minutes by Jose Mourinho. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Roma and Aston Villa have expressed interest in signing the striker, with the latter looking to replace Morgan Rogers following his record £117m transfer to Chelsea. It would present a major coup for Unai Emery’s side, but MLS icon turned pundit Ale Moreno thinks that Endrick would be a great fit at Old Trafford. ‘I really do think that Real Madrid could use Endrick this season. So, if I were Endrick, I actually would consider staying at Real Madrid,’ the former Venezuela international told ESPN. Endrick has struggled for first-team football at Real Madrid (Photo: Getty) ‘But if the question is about where he would go, where he should go, where he may end up… we’ve talked a lot about Manchester United. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense to have a player with a profile of Endrick. ‘He is different than anything else they have in the attack in a central position. So, I’m thinking that perhaps that could be a place that could think about Enrick as a possibility. ‘I would stay at Real Madrid if I were him but I’m looking at it from the perspective as to what team near the top of the Premier League could use a player like Endrick.’ Endrick recorded 16 goal contributions in 21 games for Lyon last season (Photo: Getty) Aside from Benjamin Sesko, United don’t have another natural No.9 in their squad, though Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and the returning Marcus Rashford can all play centre-forward. It is said that Endrick’s preference is to play Champions League football, something United, Villa and Roma can offer, with Moreno adding: ‘It wouldn’t feel like such a demotion [joining United from Real] if you will. ‘And after the season he had last year being out on loan and how well he did he must be thinking, “Alright, let’s keep it going. Is that going to happen at Real Madrid? Well, probably not. Let me go somewhere else that I can do that”. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are interested in signing the Brazil wonderkid (Photo: Getty) ‘I don’t know where that place can be. I’m just thinking that Manchester United could use a player like Endrick.’ On the contrast, Steve Nicol believes Endrick, who recorded eight goals and eight assists in just 21 appearances for Lyon, must join a club where it is certain he will start week-in, week-out. ‘I was thinking more along the lines of a Fulham where he’s 100 per cent going to play,’ the former Liverpool defender said. ‘Fulham are going to play attacking football. They’re not going to win all the time [but] they’re going to win a fair share, they’re going to create chances. ‘Somebody like Endrick has to go somewhere where he’s going to play all the time, otherwise what’s the point of moving away from Real Madrid?’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs (Picture: Getty) Ryan Giggs ‘tried to persuade’ England World Cup star Elliot Anderson to join Manchester United before his £116m move to Manchester City. Anderson signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium last month after Man City briefly made him the most expensive British player in history. Manchester United were interested in beating their local rivals to a deal but pulled out of the race once Nottingham Forest’s demands went above £100m. Anderson became arguably Forest’s most important player following his £35m move from Newcastle United, helping the club finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for Europe. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The 23-year-old was an integral member of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, featuring in all of England’s games as they reached the semi-finals before a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina. Ex-Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has revealed he and club legend Giggs bumped into Anderson earlier in the summer and tried to ‘persuade’ him to move to Old Trafford. After pulling out of the race to sign Anderson, Michael Carrick welcomed two new midfielders to Manchester – bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. England World Cup star Elliot Anderson (Picture: Getty) ‘Signing Youri Tielemans for £35m is a great bit of business,’ Bardsley told Casinolyze. ‘I think Manchester City and Tottenham certainly overpaid for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali. ‘I knew it was getting to a stage with Elliot Anderson where he’d be £100m plus and I just didn’t feel comfortable about going to that sort of price for him as a player. ‘Listen, he’s outstanding. I really like him. I was in Portugal earlier in the summer playing golf with Ryan Giggs and we saw Anderson on the golf course and had a chat with him to try and persuade him to join United. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbJFR9ajQwN/?hl=en&img_index=1 ‘He was still unsure what he wanted to do but north of £100m for a defensive midfielder like him? If I’m spending that money, I want a player who will add 30-40 goals to my team a season. ‘That’s what I’m looking for at that fee. That’s value for money. Compare that sum to what United have paid for Tielemans and it’s a steal. ‘He’s a proven Premier League player, he’s captain of Belgium, he can deliver and he’s won trophies. He won the Europa League with Aston Villa last season. Manchester United summer signing Youri Tielemans (Picture: Getty) ‘He brings an element of calm and real class on the ball too but he’s also not afraid to get stuck into the ugly side of the game too so I think he’s a really good signing, even leaving aside the price but I’ve been really impressed with the deal.’ Manchester City have been the dominant team in English football over the past decade but said goodbye to legendary manager Pep Guardiola at the end of last season, with ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca taking over at the Etihad Stadium. Following his huge move to Man City, Anderson said: ‘As soon as I knew [City] wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen. ‘You want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity. ‘As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team. ‘They’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies. Over the last 10, 12 years, they’ve dominated, so that’s why I wanted to join.’ Man City face Arsenal in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add a
Liverpool have taken a major step forward in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with the Paris Saint-Germain winger now giving the Reds the green light over personal terms. That removes one of the biggest potential obstacles in what could become one of the most expensive transfers of the summer. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us […] The post Romano drops Barcola bombshell and issues update on what Liverpool need to do next appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Michael Carrick during Manchester United’s pre-season camp (Picture: Getty) Manchester United have been told they have already secured one of the signings of the summer ahead of the new Premier League season. Michael Carrick has welcomed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Karl Darlow to his first-team squad at Old Trafford this summer. Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson and Cristian Orozco have also arrived at Manchester United but will join the club’s academy. United made Brazilian midfielder Santos their first signing of the summer in a £48m move from big-spending Chelsea. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The Red Devils raided another Premier League rival in Aston Villa to sign Belgium international Tielemans for £35m. Hundreds of millions has already been spent on midfield reinforcements this summer, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes all sealing lucrative moves. John Obi Mikel rates Manchester United’s deal for Tielemans as the pick of the bunch, however, describing the signing as a ‘f****** steal’. Man Utd summer signing Youri Tielemans (Picture: Getty) ‘For me, it’s Youri Tielemans,’ the Chelsea legend said on The Obi One podcast when asked for his take on the most impressive midfield signing of the summer. ‘Honestly, how the f*** did Manchester United get him for £35m? That’s a f****** steal. I watched him before and during the World Cup, and you can see that this is a player. ‘Obviously, we all know how Tielemans plays, he can play as a six, an eight or a ten and when you have a player that can play anywhere, it gives you the variety to change the way you want to play. Tielemans is that guy. Tielemans during Man Utd pre-season (Picture: Getty) ‘He scores goals, he’s dangerous from set pieces, he’s brilliant on the ball, and he rarely gives it away. The only thing people can say is that he’s not the quickest, but he reads the game so well. ‘He is very intelligent with and without the ball. When I look at all the midfielders that have transferred to different clubs [this summer], the best one is Tielemans.’ Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has also praised Manchester United’s move for Tielemans. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbdvh2TAoys/?hl=en ‘The problem with modern football is that sometimes we look too much at stats like assists and goals,’ he told Hajper. ‘Of course, Youri Tielemans creates assists and scores goals, and can shoot from outside the box and score free kicks, but he is so much more than that. ‘Tielemans is a link up player, and you have to watch him to understand why he is so important to his teams, not just look at his stats, because he is always trying to play the ball forward. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel (Picture: Getty) ‘You have some midfield players who have a pass success rate of 98% but they are always playing the ball backwards. Tielemans is a guy who turns, opens up and plays the ball between the lines, and that’s very important for a club like Manchester United who need to break other teams down. ‘Even when he’s playing in a deep role, he’s playing it in an attacking way. He’s thinking about going forwards, always. ‘Sometimes he will lose the ball but that’s what happens when you take some risks in games to make things happen, and I think that’s something United need, and he has the mentality to be brave and positive under the big pressure of the shirt. ‘He will put in ultra big effort and say to his team mates, give me the ball and let me change the game for you. He will take the responsibility to take Manchester United forward.’ Carrick is still interested in bringing a third new midfielder to Old Trafford this summer before the transfer window shuts. United drew 1-1 with European champions PSG in a pre-season friendly on Saturday night. Manchester United have two more tun
Nuno Espirito Santo is building a new team at West Ham (Picture: Getty Images) West Ham are are putting together their squad for the upcoming Championship season and are looking at some recognisable names. The Hammers were relegated from the top flight last season but have stuck with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, after finishing the campaign on 39 points. There have been some significant departures, with Mateus Fernandes going to Spurs for £85 million, Crysencio Summerville heading to Al Hilal for £55m and Freddie Potts joining Club Brugge in a £10.2m deal. Callum Wilson also departed on a free transfer and gets another crack at the Premier League by joining Brentford. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Experienced defender Joel Veltman has arrived from Brighton on a free transfer, while Venezuela international loan signing Keiber Lamadrid has made his move permanent. Espirito Santo will need more numbers, though, and West Ham are making moves for Troy Parrott and Reiss Nelson. Former Tottenham striker Parrott has been excelling at AZ since moving there permanently in 2024, scoring 30 goals in 59 Eredivisie games and 51 in 97 appearances across all competitions. Troy Parrott has been a big hit at AZ (Picture: Getty Images) He has been linked with a string of European clubs this summer, including Porto, but West Ham are hopeful of securing a deal and have made a bid of around £15m, according to the Daily Mail. The 24-year-old has hinted that he is in no rush to return to England, having enjoyed his time with AZ so far. ‘Before I went to the Netherlands, I was completely focused on England,’ he told De Telegraaf. ‘I dreamed of the Premier League. ‘But once in the Netherlands, I discovered that the football world is a lot bigger than England.’ Reiss Nelson has featured for Arsenal in pre-season (Picture: Getty Images) Nelson is also on the Hammers’ radar as he appears to be surplus to requirements at Arsenal. The 26-year-old came through the Gunners academy and has made 90 first team appearances, but has played just once for Arsenal in the last two seasons. He spent the majority of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Fulham and last season on loan at Brentford. The winger is back at his parent club and has featured in pre-season, but is unlikely to get much chance to shine in the first team in the coming campaign. West Ham are reportedly exploring a deal, but Fulham and Benfica are also credited with interest. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Mikel Arteta is dealing with some big injuries before the season has begun (Picture: Getty Images) Mikel Arteta has given the latest on the injury status of William Saliba and Jurrien Timber and it sounds like Arsenal fans will not be seeing either for a while. The Gunners boss was speaking after a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday at the Emirates which the German side won 3-2. Neither Saliba nor Timber were involved as the Frenchman deals with a back problem and the Dutchman is out with a groin issue. Arsenal are back in action in a friendly with Como on Wednesday before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Their Premier League title defence starts with a home game against Coventry on August 21 and it sounds unlikely either injured player will be involved. Asked on their return dates, Arteta told a press conference on Sunday: ‘I cannot be very precise with that. Jurrien is progressing really well, he’s on the pitch, he’s doing quite a lot right now, but is still weeks away, I cannot say how much. ‘William is in rest mode at the moment. For two weeks he had to do almost nothing, don’t aggravate the injury. It’s going to take some time to heal, we know that. William Saliba has been ruled out after the World Cup (Picture: Reuters Connect) ‘As quick as we have more news we can inform.’ Two weeks ago Arsenal released a statement on Saliba, saying he ‘has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.’ The club added: ‘Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme. ‘William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.’ Jurrien Timber has been training but is not fit to play (Picture: Getty Images) Arsenal are not short of options at the back, with Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly also in the squad. However, Arteta accepted that Saliba is a huge loss given his level of influence in the side. ‘We have experienced that in the past, unfortunately,’ the manager said on being without the Frenchman. ‘When he’s been available, his stats are incredible. ‘We know that we have lost an incredible player. Same with Jurrien.’ Arteta was asked if he is looking to add a defender to his squad in the transfer window, but did not suggest this is where he is looking to strengthen. ‘We conceded some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today, in the way we competed especially, but that’s a collective responsibility,’ he said. ‘We need to improve with the players that we have.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Mikel Arteta is aiming for back-to-back Premier League titles with Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images) Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is expecting ‘great things’ from the Blues this year, as they are able to focus on the Premier League without European distractions. It was a disappointing campaign last time round at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on any kind of European football for this season. However, Sanchez is looking on the bright side of the situation and sees the positives that will come in their league campaign as a result. The Blues have brought in Xabi Alonso as manager and Sanchez reckons his compatriot will have Chelsea riding high in the Premier League in the near future. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. ‘I think this year is a positive,” he said. “It can be a good thing that we do not have a European tournament, because we can focus on the league. ‘It is good for us as a team and as a squad because we get that time, one game a week, and I have a feeling we can do great things this year. ‘We have a new manager, and we are still trying to understand his game plan, what he wants from us. The most important thing [in pre-season] is everyone is getting minutes and putting in a good effort. The boys have done that. Robert Sanchez has high hopes for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso (Picture: REUTERS) ‘He [Alonso] is not rushing anything. He is checking every game, every area we are doing, and we are slowly integrating new things. Day by day, we are learning more, and we are hopefully getting better game by game.’ Sanchez has come in for criticism during his time at Chelsea, but he looks set to be first choice in goal again this season. The former Brighton stopper says the new manager has filled him with confidence ahead of the new campaign. ‘I feel amazing,’ he said. ‘Xabi has given me all the confidence in the world. Sanchez in pre-season action for Chelsea against AC Milan in Jakarta (Picture: AP Photo) ‘He is allowing me to perform. I know what he wants me to do. He understands the strengths of every individual. He understands my strengths. He is going to allow me to do what I am best at this season. ‘He has brought a different attitude, a lot of calm, into the squad. He is a really calm person. He brings that as a player because he used to play. I like his idea of football. ‘I don’t want to talk too much about it, but I like what he brings to the club and the staff. Everyone that has come is brilliant as well. I have a good feeling.’ Chelsea’s pre-season preparations continued on Sunday with a 3-3 draw with Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim, which saw Liam Delap score twice from the penalty spot. The Blues beat AC Milan 3-0 in a friendly on Saturday, so Alonso named an entirely different team against the Malaysian side. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty) Arsenal have received an approach for Gabriel Martinelli after completing a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes. After weeks of negotiations, the Premier League champions finally agreed a big-money deal to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The Brazilian bolsters an Arsenal midfield which already includes the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal have also strengthened Arteta’s options on the wing, signing Christos Tzolis in a £34m deal from Club Brugge. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Arteta sanctioned a move for the Greek international after allowing Leandro Trossard to leave in a £15m move to Besiktas. Trossard is not the only Arsenal winger being linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, however, with Martinelli also a possible departure. Martinelli is Arsenal’s longest-serving player having made his Gunners debut back in 2019 at the age of 18. Gabriel Martinelli could end his long spell with Arsenal (Picture: Getty) The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the team since then, making 278 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions. But Martinelli struggled to make an impact last season, only scoring one goal in 30 Premier League games, and is expected to be behind new signing Tzolis in Arteta’s pecking order. There remains a possibility that Arsenal will sell Martinelli and they have received a tempting transfer approach from Galatasaray, according to Football London. Arsenal summer signing Christos Tzolis (Picture: Getty) Turkish clubs have already made waves in the summer transfer window, with Trabzonspor securing a stunning deal for Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah. As mentioned, Besiktas have signed Arsenal title winner Trossard and Fenerbahce have held talks to sign England star Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. It is claimed Arsenal are reluctant to entertain interest in Martinelli after they fell short in their bid to sign Real Madrid icon Vinicius Junior. https://www.instagram.com/p/DYznzdrCB9W/?hl=en&img_index=1 However, Arsenal are already looking at alternative targets and could allow Martinelli to leave if they bring in another winger. For his part, Martinelli is believed to be settled in north London but aware his game-time could suffer if Arteta brings in a new winger. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith understands why Arteta may consider selling Martinelli but disagreed with Trossard’s transfer exit. Arsenal signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle (Picture: Getty) ‘The only one from that list I wouldn’t want to see go is Leandro Trossard,’ Smith told Metro on behalf of BestBettingSites. ‘I think he had a great season. ‘He can score important goals and he’s a very clever player, versatile as well. He’s mainly played on the left, but he can come inside. He’s a big fan favourite as well. ‘Looking at Gabriel Martinelli, it’s been a frustrating few years for him. Ben White, yeah, again, I’m sure there’s defenders coming to the club so he might feel like it’s time to go. ‘I can see Gabriel Jesus going as well, certainly if Arsenal buy another striker which it looks like they’re trying to do. ‘I think he would be the first one that they would try and offload. But Leandro Trossard, for me, is one you wouldn’t want to let go.’ Martinelli’s countryman Jesus was linked with a return to Brazil earlier in the summer and has recently emerged as a target for Napoli. Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Coventry City. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen (Picture: Getty) Michael Owen has backed Manchester United to sign a new striker as he ‘doubts’ Benjamin Sesko is the ‘long-term’ answer up front. Sesko scored 12 goals in 32 appearances during his first season at Old Trafford following his £73m move from RB Leipzig last summer. The Slovenia international endured a poor first-half to the campaign but improved after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in the United hot-seat. Sesko will hope to kick on this season and confirm his status as Manchester United’s first-choice No. 9, but legendary striker Owen has ‘doubts’. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Owen does not believes Carrick would trust Sesko to start a must-win game that was happening next week and reckons the club would like a ‘better option’ at their disposal. Asked whether Manchester United should be looking to bring in a new striker before the summer transfer window closes, Owen told GOAL: ‘Well, a lot of the time, half the time he [Sesko] doesn’t even play and they do quite well anyway. ‘Whether they push [Matheus] Cunha up front or [Bryan] Mbeumo or whoever, they’ve managed without him. Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko (Picture: Getty) ‘Even though he’s the only out and out centre forward, if it was the European Cup final next week, then I’m not sure he would start. If they had another option, a better option, I’m sure they would take that. ‘However, he has surprised a few. He wasn’t that convincing right at the start, but it’s not easy to be convincing in the Manchester United team over the last decade or so. ‘Obviously, in the second half of the season, Manchester United are playing really, really well. He’s grown into the role as well. You’d definitely say he’s going to get more game time this season and see how he does. Manchester United boss Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty) ‘Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I’d have my doubts.’ The former England striker added: ‘Attacking options, I wouldn’t say they’ve got loads of them, but they were quite good for them last year. ‘The one thing they’ve got this season, obviously, is a lot more games in the Champions League. They’re going to have to manage that. You’re always wanting to improve numbers as well as quality. ‘I think Michael Carrick will be keen on getting a couple more players. It’s not just any old player, but I do think it’s important to get numbers this time with the Champions League. ‘That’s going to be the one thing that could trip them up, is the amount of games they’re going to have to play.’ Manchester United’s two main signings so far this summer have been Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The Red Devils have two more pre-season friendlies before beginning their Premier League campaign against Hull City on August 22. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Tottenham rejected a move for Cristian Romero to Arsenal, while the Argentine reportedly closes in on a move to Atletico Madrid. Arsenal have been rebuffed in their approach for Cristian Romero, with Tottenham making clear they won’t do business with their London rivals as the Argentine defender edges closer to a move to Atletico Madrid. The reigning Premier League champions turned to Romero after William Saliba suffered a serious back injury during France’s World Cup campaign, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side short at the back with the transfer window nearing its close. Arsenal had already seen an earlier approach for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa rejected before shifting their attention to the Tottenham captain. Spurs, however, wasted no time shutting the door. Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal made inquiries this week but that Spurs prefer to sell abroad, while a separate report from The Athletic stated that Tottenham’s hierarchy have categorically ruled out selling Romero to Arsenal under any circumstances. That stance has left the door wide open for Atletico Madrid, who have emerged as the clear favorites for Romero’s signature. The Spanish club has already opened formal negotiations with Tottenham, seen an initial bid rejected, and is preparing a new offer, with Romano placing Atletico Madrid well ahead of Inter Milan in the race for the Argentine. Cristian Romero of Tottenham. (Getty Images) Inter, meanwhile, had reached a €40 million agreement with Tottenham but saw the move stall after failing to sell Benjamin Pavard to fund it and after Romero himself held off on agreeing personal terms — with reports suggesting the defender has a clause favoring a move to one of Spain’s traditional “big three” clubs. Romero hinted earlier at a LaLiga move Romero’s links to a Spanish move aren’t new. Speaking to Los Edul a few months ago, the defender admitted that a switch to LaLiga was something he’d long considered. “Growth is always on my mind, going to new places to keep growing. Playing in LaLiga is something I’m missing out on. I would love that, honestly,” he said at the time. Those comments now look particularly timely given how close he appears to Atletico Madrid. While Romero has been consistently linked with a move to Spain over the past year, his own words suggest the interest runs both ways.
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson says the club did not plan to sell Bruno Guimaraes, but their "very emotional" captain wanted to join Arsenal. The Premier League champions are set to complete a £75m move for the midfielder following a breakthrough in talks this week. Although Wilson said it was "disappointing" to see Guimaraes go, he stressed the 28-year-old did not want to "play here anymore".
If a recent update from transfer expert Pete O’Rourke is believed to be true, Celtic could return for Benjamin Arthur, despite Brentford rejecting the Hoops’ initial approach for the highly-rated ...
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In a mailbag edition of his newsletter, Jonathan Wilson answers questions about Michael Carrick, VAR and the Premier League’s new teamsSign up for our free newsletter hereManchester United finally seem to have something that resembles stability in the dressing room under Michael Carrick. I feel with quality signings in defence and midfield, they could mount a decent challenge for the Premier League next season. How do you feel they will fare? – Sterling.There’s an odd sense that Michael Carrick’s level of achievement last season was at precisely the most awkward level for the board. United didn’t produce indisputably brilliant football under him but equally 12 wins and three draws in 17 games was good enough that they pretty much had to give him the job. But it’s one thing to turn out those kinds of results when the pressure’s off, you’re already out of both cup competitions and you don’t have any European football; it’s quite another to do it in the heat of a full season. United don’t have to have an especially amazing season to play 15 more games this season than they did in 2025-26.This is an extract from Soccer Desk, a newsletter from the Guardian US. Subscribe for free here. Continue reading...
Adam asked: Arsenal are heavily rumoured to be after a left winger following the Vinicius Jr saga, so who do you think will be most likely to sign for the club in that position before the end of the window? Alex answered: It is a tough position to be in when the club have had such a public move for a player not come to fruition, and also when there are only a small number of players who can fit the bill of what Arsenal are looking for. The Gunners want players who can take them to the next level and that is hard to find after winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.
Could Michael Carrick pull off a major transfer coup for Man Utd (Photo: Getty) Manchester United have been told to consider signing Real Madrid striker Endrick, with the Brazil wonderkid looking to join a Premier League club. Real paid Palmeiras £50million to sign Endrick when he was just 16 and since then, the hype around the young forward has been immeasurable. But while tipped to be the future talisman of both Los Blancos and the Brazil national team, the now 20-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe firmly ahead in the pecking order. Endrick spent the second-half of last season on loan at Lyon and it has been reported that the player will seek another temporary transfer if he is not guaranteed regular minutes by Jose Mourinho. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Roma and Aston Villa have expressed interest in signing the striker, with the latter looking to replace Morgan Rogers following his record £117m transfer to Chelsea. It would present a major coup for Unai Emery’s side, but MLS icon turned pundit Ale Moreno thinks that Endrick would be a great fit at Old Trafford. ‘I really do think that Real Madrid could use Endrick this season. So, if I were Endrick, I actually would consider staying at Real Madrid,’ the former Venezuela international told ESPN. Endrick has struggled for first-team football at Real Madrid (Photo: Getty) ‘But if the question is about where he would go, where he should go, where he may end up… we’ve talked a lot about Manchester United. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense to have a player with a profile of Endrick. ‘He is different than anything else they have in the attack in a central position. So, I’m thinking that perhaps that could be a place that could think about Enrick as a possibility. ‘I would stay at Real Madrid if I were him but I’m looking at it from the perspective as to what team near the top of the Premier League could use a player like Endrick.’ Endrick recorded 16 goal contributions in 21 games for Lyon last season (Photo: Getty) Aside from Benjamin Sesko, United don’t have another natural No.9 in their squad, though Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and the returning Marcus Rashford can all play centre-forward. It is said that Endrick’s preference is to play Champions League football, something United, Villa and Roma can offer, with Moreno adding: ‘It wouldn’t feel like such a demotion [joining United from Real] if you will. ‘And after the season he had last year being out on loan and how well he did he must be thinking, “Alright, let’s keep it going. Is that going to happen at Real Madrid? Well, probably not. Let me go somewhere else that I can do that”. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are interested in signing the Brazil wonderkid (Photo: Getty) ‘I don’t know where that place can be. I’m just thinking that Manchester United could use a player like Endrick.’ On the contrast, Steve Nicol believes Endrick, who recorded eight goals and eight assists in just 21 appearances for Lyon, must join a club where it is certain he will start week-in, week-out. ‘I was thinking more along the lines of a Fulham where he’s 100 per cent going to play,’ the former Liverpool defender said. ‘Fulham are going to play attacking football. They’re not going to win all the time [but] they’re going to win a fair share, they’re going to create chances. ‘Somebody like Endrick has to go somewhere where he’s going to play all the time, otherwise what’s the point of moving away from Real Madrid?’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs (Picture: Getty) Ryan Giggs ‘tried to persuade’ England World Cup star Elliot Anderson to join Manchester United before his £116m move to Manchester City. Anderson signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium last month after Man City briefly made him the most expensive British player in history. Manchester United were interested in beating their local rivals to a deal but pulled out of the race once Nottingham Forest’s demands went above £100m. Anderson became arguably Forest’s most important player following his £35m move from Newcastle United, helping the club finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for Europe. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The 23-year-old was an integral member of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, featuring in all of England’s games as they reached the semi-finals before a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina. Ex-Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has revealed he and club legend Giggs bumped into Anderson earlier in the summer and tried to ‘persuade’ him to move to Old Trafford. After pulling out of the race to sign Anderson, Michael Carrick welcomed two new midfielders to Manchester – bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. England World Cup star Elliot Anderson (Picture: Getty) ‘Signing Youri Tielemans for £35m is a great bit of business,’ Bardsley told Casinolyze. ‘I think Manchester City and Tottenham certainly overpaid for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali. ‘I knew it was getting to a stage with Elliot Anderson where he’d be £100m plus and I just didn’t feel comfortable about going to that sort of price for him as a player. ‘Listen, he’s outstanding. I really like him. I was in Portugal earlier in the summer playing golf with Ryan Giggs and we saw Anderson on the golf course and had a chat with him to try and persuade him to join United. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbJFR9ajQwN/?hl=en&img_index=1 ‘He was still unsure what he wanted to do but north of £100m for a defensive midfielder like him? If I’m spending that money, I want a player who will add 30-40 goals to my team a season. ‘That’s what I’m looking for at that fee. That’s value for money. Compare that sum to what United have paid for Tielemans and it’s a steal. ‘He’s a proven Premier League player, he’s captain of Belgium, he can deliver and he’s won trophies. He won the Europa League with Aston Villa last season. Manchester United summer signing Youri Tielemans (Picture: Getty) ‘He brings an element of calm and real class on the ball too but he’s also not afraid to get stuck into the ugly side of the game too so I think he’s a really good signing, even leaving aside the price but I’ve been really impressed with the deal.’ Manchester City have been the dominant team in English football over the past decade but said goodbye to legendary manager Pep Guardiola at the end of last season, with ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca taking over at the Etihad Stadium. Following his huge move to Man City, Anderson said: ‘As soon as I knew [City] wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen. ‘You want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity. ‘As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team. ‘They’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies. Over the last 10, 12 years, they’ve dominated, so that’s why I wanted to join.’ Man City face Arsenal in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add a
Liverpool have taken a major step forward in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with the Paris Saint-Germain winger now giving the Reds the green light over personal terms. That removes one of the biggest potential obstacles in what could become one of the most expensive transfers of the summer. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us […] The post Romano drops Barcola bombshell and issues update on what Liverpool need to do next appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Michael Carrick during Manchester United’s pre-season camp (Picture: Getty) Manchester United have been told they have already secured one of the signings of the summer ahead of the new Premier League season. Michael Carrick has welcomed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Karl Darlow to his first-team squad at Old Trafford this summer. Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson and Cristian Orozco have also arrived at Manchester United but will join the club’s academy. United made Brazilian midfielder Santos their first signing of the summer in a £48m move from big-spending Chelsea. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The Red Devils raided another Premier League rival in Aston Villa to sign Belgium international Tielemans for £35m. Hundreds of millions has already been spent on midfield reinforcements this summer, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes all sealing lucrative moves. John Obi Mikel rates Manchester United’s deal for Tielemans as the pick of the bunch, however, describing the signing as a ‘f****** steal’. Man Utd summer signing Youri Tielemans (Picture: Getty) ‘For me, it’s Youri Tielemans,’ the Chelsea legend said on The Obi One podcast when asked for his take on the most impressive midfield signing of the summer. ‘Honestly, how the f*** did Manchester United get him for £35m? That’s a f****** steal. I watched him before and during the World Cup, and you can see that this is a player. ‘Obviously, we all know how Tielemans plays, he can play as a six, an eight or a ten and when you have a player that can play anywhere, it gives you the variety to change the way you want to play. Tielemans is that guy. Tielemans during Man Utd pre-season (Picture: Getty) ‘He scores goals, he’s dangerous from set pieces, he’s brilliant on the ball, and he rarely gives it away. The only thing people can say is that he’s not the quickest, but he reads the game so well. ‘He is very intelligent with and without the ball. When I look at all the midfielders that have transferred to different clubs [this summer], the best one is Tielemans.’ Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has also praised Manchester United’s move for Tielemans. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbdvh2TAoys/?hl=en ‘The problem with modern football is that sometimes we look too much at stats like assists and goals,’ he told Hajper. ‘Of course, Youri Tielemans creates assists and scores goals, and can shoot from outside the box and score free kicks, but he is so much more than that. ‘Tielemans is a link up player, and you have to watch him to understand why he is so important to his teams, not just look at his stats, because he is always trying to play the ball forward. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel (Picture: Getty) ‘You have some midfield players who have a pass success rate of 98% but they are always playing the ball backwards. Tielemans is a guy who turns, opens up and plays the ball between the lines, and that’s very important for a club like Manchester United who need to break other teams down. ‘Even when he’s playing in a deep role, he’s playing it in an attacking way. He’s thinking about going forwards, always. ‘Sometimes he will lose the ball but that’s what happens when you take some risks in games to make things happen, and I think that’s something United need, and he has the mentality to be brave and positive under the big pressure of the shirt. ‘He will put in ultra big effort and say to his team mates, give me the ball and let me change the game for you. He will take the responsibility to take Manchester United forward.’ Carrick is still interested in bringing a third new midfielder to Old Trafford this summer before the transfer window shuts. United drew 1-1 with European champions PSG in a pre-season friendly on Saturday night. Manchester United have two more tun
Nuno Espirito Santo is building a new team at West Ham (Picture: Getty Images) West Ham are are putting together their squad for the upcoming Championship season and are looking at some recognisable names. The Hammers were relegated from the top flight last season but have stuck with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, after finishing the campaign on 39 points. There have been some significant departures, with Mateus Fernandes going to Spurs for £85 million, Crysencio Summerville heading to Al Hilal for £55m and Freddie Potts joining Club Brugge in a £10.2m deal. Callum Wilson also departed on a free transfer and gets another crack at the Premier League by joining Brentford. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Experienced defender Joel Veltman has arrived from Brighton on a free transfer, while Venezuela international loan signing Keiber Lamadrid has made his move permanent. Espirito Santo will need more numbers, though, and West Ham are making moves for Troy Parrott and Reiss Nelson. Former Tottenham striker Parrott has been excelling at AZ since moving there permanently in 2024, scoring 30 goals in 59 Eredivisie games and 51 in 97 appearances across all competitions. Troy Parrott has been a big hit at AZ (Picture: Getty Images) He has been linked with a string of European clubs this summer, including Porto, but West Ham are hopeful of securing a deal and have made a bid of around £15m, according to the Daily Mail. The 24-year-old has hinted that he is in no rush to return to England, having enjoyed his time with AZ so far. ‘Before I went to the Netherlands, I was completely focused on England,’ he told De Telegraaf. ‘I dreamed of the Premier League. ‘But once in the Netherlands, I discovered that the football world is a lot bigger than England.’ Reiss Nelson has featured for Arsenal in pre-season (Picture: Getty Images) Nelson is also on the Hammers’ radar as he appears to be surplus to requirements at Arsenal. The 26-year-old came through the Gunners academy and has made 90 first team appearances, but has played just once for Arsenal in the last two seasons. He spent the majority of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Fulham and last season on loan at Brentford. The winger is back at his parent club and has featured in pre-season, but is unlikely to get much chance to shine in the first team in the coming campaign. West Ham are reportedly exploring a deal, but Fulham and Benfica are also credited with interest. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Mikel Arteta is dealing with some big injuries before the season has begun (Picture: Getty Images) Mikel Arteta has given the latest on the injury status of William Saliba and Jurrien Timber and it sounds like Arsenal fans will not be seeing either for a while. The Gunners boss was speaking after a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday at the Emirates which the German side won 3-2. Neither Saliba nor Timber were involved as the Frenchman deals with a back problem and the Dutchman is out with a groin issue. Arsenal are back in action in a friendly with Como on Wednesday before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Their Premier League title defence starts with a home game against Coventry on August 21 and it sounds unlikely either injured player will be involved. Asked on their return dates, Arteta told a press conference on Sunday: ‘I cannot be very precise with that. Jurrien is progressing really well, he’s on the pitch, he’s doing quite a lot right now, but is still weeks away, I cannot say how much. ‘William is in rest mode at the moment. For two weeks he had to do almost nothing, don’t aggravate the injury. It’s going to take some time to heal, we know that. William Saliba has been ruled out after the World Cup (Picture: Reuters Connect) ‘As quick as we have more news we can inform.’ Two weeks ago Arsenal released a statement on Saliba, saying he ‘has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.’ The club added: ‘Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme. ‘William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.’ Jurrien Timber has been training but is not fit to play (Picture: Getty Images) Arsenal are not short of options at the back, with Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly also in the squad. However, Arteta accepted that Saliba is a huge loss given his level of influence in the side. ‘We have experienced that in the past, unfortunately,’ the manager said on being without the Frenchman. ‘When he’s been available, his stats are incredible. ‘We know that we have lost an incredible player. Same with Jurrien.’ Arteta was asked if he is looking to add a defender to his squad in the transfer window, but did not suggest this is where he is looking to strengthen. ‘We conceded some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today, in the way we competed especially, but that’s a collective responsibility,’ he said. ‘We need to improve with the players that we have.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Mikel Arteta is aiming for back-to-back Premier League titles with Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images) Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is expecting ‘great things’ from the Blues this year, as they are able to focus on the Premier League without European distractions. It was a disappointing campaign last time round at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on any kind of European football for this season. However, Sanchez is looking on the bright side of the situation and sees the positives that will come in their league campaign as a result. The Blues have brought in Xabi Alonso as manager and Sanchez reckons his compatriot will have Chelsea riding high in the Premier League in the near future. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. ‘I think this year is a positive,” he said. “It can be a good thing that we do not have a European tournament, because we can focus on the league. ‘It is good for us as a team and as a squad because we get that time, one game a week, and I have a feeling we can do great things this year. ‘We have a new manager, and we are still trying to understand his game plan, what he wants from us. The most important thing [in pre-season] is everyone is getting minutes and putting in a good effort. The boys have done that. Robert Sanchez has high hopes for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso (Picture: REUTERS) ‘He [Alonso] is not rushing anything. He is checking every game, every area we are doing, and we are slowly integrating new things. Day by day, we are learning more, and we are hopefully getting better game by game.’ Sanchez has come in for criticism during his time at Chelsea, but he looks set to be first choice in goal again this season. The former Brighton stopper says the new manager has filled him with confidence ahead of the new campaign. ‘I feel amazing,’ he said. ‘Xabi has given me all the confidence in the world. Sanchez in pre-season action for Chelsea against AC Milan in Jakarta (Picture: AP Photo) ‘He is allowing me to perform. I know what he wants me to do. He understands the strengths of every individual. He understands my strengths. He is going to allow me to do what I am best at this season. ‘He has brought a different attitude, a lot of calm, into the squad. He is a really calm person. He brings that as a player because he used to play. I like his idea of football. ‘I don’t want to talk too much about it, but I like what he brings to the club and the staff. Everyone that has come is brilliant as well. I have a good feeling.’ Chelsea’s pre-season preparations continued on Sunday with a 3-3 draw with Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim, which saw Liam Delap score twice from the penalty spot. The Blues beat AC Milan 3-0 in a friendly on Saturday, so Alonso named an entirely different team against the Malaysian side. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty) Arsenal have received an approach for Gabriel Martinelli after completing a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes. After weeks of negotiations, the Premier League champions finally agreed a big-money deal to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The Brazilian bolsters an Arsenal midfield which already includes the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal have also strengthened Arteta’s options on the wing, signing Christos Tzolis in a £34m deal from Club Brugge. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Arteta sanctioned a move for the Greek international after allowing Leandro Trossard to leave in a £15m move to Besiktas. Trossard is not the only Arsenal winger being linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, however, with Martinelli also a possible departure. Martinelli is Arsenal’s longest-serving player having made his Gunners debut back in 2019 at the age of 18. Gabriel Martinelli could end his long spell with Arsenal (Picture: Getty) The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the team since then, making 278 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions. But Martinelli struggled to make an impact last season, only scoring one goal in 30 Premier League games, and is expected to be behind new signing Tzolis in Arteta’s pecking order. There remains a possibility that Arsenal will sell Martinelli and they have received a tempting transfer approach from Galatasaray, according to Football London. Arsenal summer signing Christos Tzolis (Picture: Getty) Turkish clubs have already made waves in the summer transfer window, with Trabzonspor securing a stunning deal for Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah. As mentioned, Besiktas have signed Arsenal title winner Trossard and Fenerbahce have held talks to sign England star Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. It is claimed Arsenal are reluctant to entertain interest in Martinelli after they fell short in their bid to sign Real Madrid icon Vinicius Junior. https://www.instagram.com/p/DYznzdrCB9W/?hl=en&img_index=1 However, Arsenal are already looking at alternative targets and could allow Martinelli to leave if they bring in another winger. For his part, Martinelli is believed to be settled in north London but aware his game-time could suffer if Arteta brings in a new winger. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith understands why Arteta may consider selling Martinelli but disagreed with Trossard’s transfer exit. Arsenal signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle (Picture: Getty) ‘The only one from that list I wouldn’t want to see go is Leandro Trossard,’ Smith told Metro on behalf of BestBettingSites. ‘I think he had a great season. ‘He can score important goals and he’s a very clever player, versatile as well. He’s mainly played on the left, but he can come inside. He’s a big fan favourite as well. ‘Looking at Gabriel Martinelli, it’s been a frustrating few years for him. Ben White, yeah, again, I’m sure there’s defenders coming to the club so he might feel like it’s time to go. ‘I can see Gabriel Jesus going as well, certainly if Arsenal buy another striker which it looks like they’re trying to do. ‘I think he would be the first one that they would try and offload. But Leandro Trossard, for me, is one you wouldn’t want to let go.’ Martinelli’s countryman Jesus was linked with a return to Brazil earlier in the summer and has recently emerged as a target for Napoli. Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Coventry City. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen (Picture: Getty) Michael Owen has backed Manchester United to sign a new striker as he ‘doubts’ Benjamin Sesko is the ‘long-term’ answer up front. Sesko scored 12 goals in 32 appearances during his first season at Old Trafford following his £73m move from RB Leipzig last summer. The Slovenia international endured a poor first-half to the campaign but improved after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in the United hot-seat. Sesko will hope to kick on this season and confirm his status as Manchester United’s first-choice No. 9, but legendary striker Owen has ‘doubts’. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Owen does not believes Carrick would trust Sesko to start a must-win game that was happening next week and reckons the club would like a ‘better option’ at their disposal. Asked whether Manchester United should be looking to bring in a new striker before the summer transfer window closes, Owen told GOAL: ‘Well, a lot of the time, half the time he [Sesko] doesn’t even play and they do quite well anyway. ‘Whether they push [Matheus] Cunha up front or [Bryan] Mbeumo or whoever, they’ve managed without him. Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko (Picture: Getty) ‘Even though he’s the only out and out centre forward, if it was the European Cup final next week, then I’m not sure he would start. If they had another option, a better option, I’m sure they would take that. ‘However, he has surprised a few. He wasn’t that convincing right at the start, but it’s not easy to be convincing in the Manchester United team over the last decade or so. ‘Obviously, in the second half of the season, Manchester United are playing really, really well. He’s grown into the role as well. You’d definitely say he’s going to get more game time this season and see how he does. Manchester United boss Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty) ‘Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I’d have my doubts.’ The former England striker added: ‘Attacking options, I wouldn’t say they’ve got loads of them, but they were quite good for them last year. ‘The one thing they’ve got this season, obviously, is a lot more games in the Champions League. They’re going to have to manage that. You’re always wanting to improve numbers as well as quality. ‘I think Michael Carrick will be keen on getting a couple more players. It’s not just any old player, but I do think it’s important to get numbers this time with the Champions League. ‘That’s going to be the one thing that could trip them up, is the amount of games they’re going to have to play.’ Manchester United’s two main signings so far this summer have been Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The Red Devils have two more pre-season friendlies before beginning their Premier League campaign against Hull City on August 22. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Tottenham rejected a move for Cristian Romero to Arsenal, while the Argentine reportedly closes in on a move to Atletico Madrid. Arsenal have been rebuffed in their approach for Cristian Romero, with Tottenham making clear they won’t do business with their London rivals as the Argentine defender edges closer to a move to Atletico Madrid. The reigning Premier League champions turned to Romero after William Saliba suffered a serious back injury during France’s World Cup campaign, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side short at the back with the transfer window nearing its close. Arsenal had already seen an earlier approach for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa rejected before shifting their attention to the Tottenham captain. Spurs, however, wasted no time shutting the door. Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal made inquiries this week but that Spurs prefer to sell abroad, while a separate report from The Athletic stated that Tottenham’s hierarchy have categorically ruled out selling Romero to Arsenal under any circumstances. That stance has left the door wide open for Atletico Madrid, who have emerged as the clear favorites for Romero’s signature. The Spanish club has already opened formal negotiations with Tottenham, seen an initial bid rejected, and is preparing a new offer, with Romano placing Atletico Madrid well ahead of Inter Milan in the race for the Argentine. Cristian Romero of Tottenham. (Getty Images) Inter, meanwhile, had reached a €40 million agreement with Tottenham but saw the move stall after failing to sell Benjamin Pavard to fund it and after Romero himself held off on agreeing personal terms — with reports suggesting the defender has a clause favoring a move to one of Spain’s traditional “big three” clubs. Romero hinted earlier at a LaLiga move Romero’s links to a Spanish move aren’t new. Speaking to Los Edul a few months ago, the defender admitted that a switch to LaLiga was something he’d long considered. “Growth is always on my mind, going to new places to keep growing. Playing in LaLiga is something I’m missing out on. I would love that, honestly,” he said at the time. Those comments now look particularly timely given how close he appears to Atletico Madrid. While Romero has been consistently linked with a move to Spain over the past year, his own words suggest the interest runs both ways.
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson says the club did not plan to sell Bruno Guimaraes, but their "very emotional" captain wanted to join Arsenal. The Premier League champions are set to complete a £75m move for the midfielder following a breakthrough in talks this week. Although Wilson said it was "disappointing" to see Guimaraes go, he stressed the 28-year-old did not want to "play here anymore".
If a recent update from transfer expert Pete O’Rourke is believed to be true, Celtic could return for Benjamin Arthur, despite Brentford rejecting the Hoops’ initial approach for the highly-rated ...
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