USA striker on Barcelona’s radar?
Barcelona could target a move for Folarin Balogun, L’Équipe reports.
With no Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres, Hansi Flick is after a new striker.
Tottenham and Aston Villa are thought to be keen too after Balogun’s fine World Cup performances for the USMNT.
Folarin Balogun was able to play against Belgium with President Donald Trump’s intervention assisting the suspension of his ban (Getty)
Jack Rathborn23 August 2026 04:00
Andoni Iraola praises Cody Gakpo amid reports of Liverpool exit
Andoni Iraola said Cody Gakpo can offer a lot to Liverpool this season, both as a winger and as striker, amid reports that Tottenham will submit a bid for the Netherlands international.
“Cody is performing really well, has been training very well since first day, understanding everything we need,” Iraola said. “You can feel it straight away, he is smart, understands the game.
“He has been one of our best players in the friendlies, definitely performing very well. I cannot tell you the XI. The players do not know it, but he is in a good shape.
“I think Cody can play as a No 9. Not tried it preseason because we don’t have enough wingers.
“He knows what we need from him in his preferred position as a left winger, but I have spoken to him about his minutes as a 9. He’s done it before and he can help us there.”
(Getty)
Jamie Braidwood23 August 2026 02:00
Chelsea are braced for a bid from Aston Villa for Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson.
The 25-year-old had a lively World Cup off the back of a disappointing loan spell with Bayern Munich.
But the Telegraph reports that Unai Emery could look to add the Chelsea striker with an offer close to the £65m valuation.
Atletico Madrid are seemingly out at that price, despite their lofty £150m valuation of Julian Alvarez with Barcelona and Arsenal keen.
Jack Rathborn23 August 2026 00:00
Arsenal consider Victor Osimhen?
Now this would be audacious, Arsenal in for Victor Osimhen?
The Galatasaray striker, 27, would appeal, should he drop his wage demands, reports Footmercato.
It’s hard to imagine Mikel Arteta doing that one, with Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus still in the building, but the former Napoli striker has long since been linked with the Premier League, which could suit his all-action style.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn22 August 2026 23:00
Arsenal explore move for Kenan Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
Arteta has long identified the left side attack as a priority position to upgrade, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr having been the ideal target. The Brazilian’s decision to stay at the Bernabeu caused Arsenal to reconsider the situation, and some thought has been given to waiting until either January or next summer when other deals could become possible.
Miguel Delaney22 August 2026 22:00
Chelsea defender heads to Napoli on loan
Napoli have officially confirmed the signing of Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile on loan.
The Serie A giants have an option to buy for a fee thought to be €23m (£19.7m).
“Napoli announced that it has acquired the sporting rights to the player Benoit Badiashile from Chelsea on a temporary basis with a permanent option,” read a club statement from the Italians.
The loan fee could be in the region of €3m (£2.6m) with a further €20m (£17m) to €27m (£23m), depending on reports, should Napoli wish to make the deal permanent.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn22 August 2026 21:00
Villa eye free transfer for Germany international
Aston Villa are looking into a move for free agent and Germany international Leon Goretzka, reports The Athletic.
Goretzka left Bayern Munich at the end of last season and could prove to be a cheap fix with Amadou Onana out long-term with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
Villa did have talks with Bayern over a loan with an option for Joao Palhinha, the report adds.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn22 August 2026 20:15
Juventus boss dashes Arsenal hopes of signing Yildiz
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is adamant Kenan Yildiz will not join Arsenal or any other club this summer.
“They can offer whatever they want, but I want Kenan Yildiz with us”.
“His future is already important at Juventus”.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn22 August 2026 19:45
Brighton target Minteh replacement?
Brighton have been linked with Spanish winger Yeremay Hernandez, reports Marca.
The Deportivo La Coruña star scored 11 goals last term in the Segunda Division.
He’s also been part of Spain’s Under-21s.
With Yankuba Minteh linked with Liverpool and two bids rejected, with Brighton after upwards of £70m, Hernandez could unlock the Gambian’s move to Anfield.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn22 August 2026 19:15
Bradley Barcola frozen out by PSG with future uncertain
Bradley Barcola has been left out of the PSG squad once again with his future uncertain.
Liverpool and Arsenal have been strongly linked, with the Reds working on a deal in addition to a second winger, which could be Yankuba Minteh, despite two bids rejected, with the highest of which at £60m.
(PA)
Jack Rathborn22 August 2026 18:45