It is incredible to think that Iker Muniain is still just 26 years of age.[ad_pod ]The two-time Spain international appears to have been around for ages, and that isn’t too far off the truth. The winger made history on his debut, becoming the youngest player to ever feature for Athletic Bilbao at the age of 16. Since then, he has gone on to make 398 appearances in all competitions for Los Leones, writing himself into the club’s folklore.Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Having recently chosen to sign a new contract without a release clause – something that is rather uncommon in Spain – it seems unlikely that he would leave the Basque country. Don Balon, though, are saying that Liverpool will make a bid for him next season. Whilst a transfer fee has not been mentioned, it is being said the Reds would double his €2m (£1.7m)-a-season salary to €4m (£3.4m).
It seems that the club’s supporters would be like to see him move to Anfield. They have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.
Meanwhile, Sadio Mane has said one Liverpool man is the best in the world.
Arsenal's season has started impressively and crucially, they've picked up a win against a side they failed to take any points from in 2023/24.
There wasn't anything surprising about defeating Wolves 2-0 but against fellow Midlanders, Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta's men faced a colossal test.
They lost against Unai Emery's side on two occasions last season so to win 2-0 at Villa Park, showing defiance and character, was big so early into the new campaign.
There were some key performers, including David Raya who made a ridiculous save from Ollie Watkins in the second half. Leandro Trossard made quite the introduction too, scoring with his first touch after replacing Gabriel Martinelli.
Leandro Trossard scores for Arsenal
The ability for Arteta to rotate those two players on the left over the last year has been game-changing but he has not had the same luxury on Bukayo Saka's right-hand side.
Arsenal looking to sign new winger
So, the simple remedy for Arsenal would be to sign another forward player in the market. Nico Williams continues to be the dream signing but it's unlikely that one happens.
Former Everton and Fulham man, Ademola Lookman, has been the subject of interest too but with PSG lurking, competition is rife.
One option could be Raheem Sterling. That's according to David Ornstein who was speaking about the Chelsea player's future on NBC over the weekend.
Sterling has essentially been told to find a new club by Enzo Maresca after being left out of his opening two Premier League squads of the new term.
The Gunners could be one suitor according to Ornstein, who said: "The likes of Arsenal and Manchester City have been asked about him. They haven't really commented.
"I'm sure clubs like Arsenal, Man United, maybe Villa, Palace, hold varying degrees of appeal to Raheem Sterling. There's no guarantee that Sterling will demand the salary he's on now, he might accept a reduced [salary] if a deal can be struck."
That weekly commitment will no doubt be the obvious sticking point. At the moment he is the Premier League's fifth-highest earner on £325k-per-week. The club's current top earner is Kai Havertz who takes home a reported £280k-per-week.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
£400k
2. Casemiro
£350k
3. Mohammed Salah
£350k
4. Raheem Sterling
£325k
5. Kai Havertz
£280k
6. Heung-min Son
£190k
What Arteta has said about Raheem Sterling
This deal would be a shock, but Arteta and Sterling do have history. At Manchester City, the Spaniard had a huge influence on the winger who undoubtedly played the best football of his career.
Raheem Sterling
Speaking after the former midfielder headed to north London, Sterling was complimentary of his time at the Etihad, saying: "He’s a person that had a lot of say here. The manager trusted him here and he had a lot of influence on the players here and the team as well.
"So I knew once he went into Arsenal that it would be a great opportunity for him but also he would definitely implement what he wanted to bring in."
What has Arteta said about Sterling? Well, he was asked about the England international in a press conference last week.
"My time with Raheem was exceptional," Arteta said. "We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we help them and support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about."
Why Sterling would be a good signing
It's safe to say that under the stewardship of Arteta, he has enjoyed signing familiar players and players already at home in the Premier League.
He has signed Jorginho from Chelsea, a player he wanted in the past, and he also lured Havertz away from Stamford Bridge in a shock £65m deal.
Since moving away from west London, the German has been nothing short of exceptional in Arsenal colours, opening his account for 2024/25 with a goal and assist versus Wolves.
That followed up a seriously impressive season where as a centre forward, he scored eight goals and supplied seven assists in 18 appearances.
It came after a tough time of it at Chelsea where he failed to really establish a proper role in the team. That was summarised by a lack of involvement, finding the net seven times and assisting just one goal during his final Premier League season with the Blues.
Therefore, the hope will be that Sterling, who has also endured a rough old go of things across London, could have a similar impact. At times last term the wide man was barely recognisable, scoring only four times in 2024 to date.
That said, this is a player with 82 England caps to his name, with 379 Premier League appearances under his belt. Arsenal may well have a golden opportunity to sign him on the cheap here and should jump at the opportunity if they can't get to other targets.
Not 30 until December, Arteta could add a player he knows to his ranks and a player with vast experience. He might be more of a natural left winger but he can play on the right and would be the ideal rival for the aforementioned Saka.
Ranking among the best 14% of positionally similar players in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries and the best 7% for carries into the penalty area, there is clearly a very dangerous player still lurking within Sterling.
It's safe to say Arsenal won't find many better options before the market closes on Friday evening.
Fewer touches than Raya: Arsenal must drop 5/10 star after Villa display
It wasn’t perfect, but the Gunners maintained their 100% start…
With just a few weeks remaining of the transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign what would be their biggest signing of the summer for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies were on course to endure a fairly subdued summer before things came to life in the last two weeks, starting with the arrival of William Osula from Sheffield United. The forward arrived to end Newcastle's recent drought of signings and hands Howe further backup for Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson this season.
Welcoming Osula, Howe told Newcastle's official website: "William is a talented young forward with all the attributes to be an exciting player for Newcastle United.
"We have watched his development closely and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with him in this next step in his career. I know our supporters will join me in giving William a very warm welcome to the club and the city."
Newcastle investigating move to use Saudi links to sign "high-level" star
The Magpies could land another defensive reinforcement before Guehi…
ByTom Cunningham Aug 9, 2024
Not enough to necessarily steal the headlines, however, those at St James' Park are still in pursuit of what would be their marquee signing of the summer. According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Newcastle have submitted a second bid worth £50m to sign Marc Guehi, but have already seen that offer rejected with Crystal Palace valuing their defender at a hefty £65m this summer.
A second unsuccessful bid, Newcastle will hope to make it a third time lucky if they do decide to launch another attempt to sign the England international in a deal that would see them finally spend big again.
"Great" Guehi has earned big move
Some may have been fairly apprehensive about the prospect of Guehi stepping into England's starting side at Euro 2024 this summer, but by the end of the tournament, he was arguably the Three Lions' standout player. Now, after showing the rest of Europe what Crystal Palace are already aware of, he deserves to seal a big move before the end of the window, with Newcastle seemingly the option.
John Stones was one of many to praise the Palace star at the Euros, telling BBC Radio Five Live when asked about his centre-back partner: "So good, so good. For him to come in, not having felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances have been great.
"I said to him when we’re in this, or whoever’s playing or whoever I’m playing with, I’m your right arm, you are my left. We do this together. I’ve got your back and he’s bought into that so well."
West Ham United are closing in on signing French defender Jean-Clair Todibo after the club agreed a deal with Nice.
The move is an initial loan deal with an option to buy for £35m, and it will be a major coup for Julen Lopetegui should he get the deal over the line.
Nice centre-back Jean-Claire Todibo.
It might not be the only defender which the club could sign in the coming days either…
West Ham in contact with La Liga defender
According to reports in Spain, the Irons are chasing a move for Girona right-back Arnau Martinez and the club have already contacted his agent with regard to a potential move.
He only has one year left on his contract, which means Lopetegui could be tempted to make an offer for the youngster, as Girona may sell him for a reduced fee if he fails to sign an extension.
Martinez isn’t the only right-back that West Ham are keen on, as they have shown interest in signing Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka of late.
Could the Girona youngster perhaps be a better signing, especially for the future, than the Old Trafford defender?
Arnau Martinez’s season in numbers
Last season, Martinez shone for Girona as they claimed a stunning third-place finish in La Liga, thus qualifying for the Champions League.
The 21-year-old made 26 appearances in all competitions last term as he built on his impressive first season for the club during 2022/23, where he registered seven goal contributions.
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
Accurate passes per game
31.4
32
Key passes per game
1.2
0.5
Big chances created
6
3
Total duels won per game
5.8
2.9
Possession lost per game
11.2
5.3
Tackles per game
2.1
1.2
In the Girona squad, Martinez ranked in the top 10 for accurate passes per game (32), while also ranking in the top ten for key passes, tackles and clearances per game, showcasing his wide range of talents.
The £6.6k-per-week defender ranked in the top 1% for pass success rate when compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, a truly wonderful stat, and it proves just how impressive his passing ability is.
He also ranked in the top 10% in La Liga for passes into the final third, along with ranking in the top 11% for through balls per 90, proving that he loves to move the ball forward as often as possible.
It is no wonder he was dubbed a “jewel” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2023, going from strength to strength since then.
Wan-Bissaka may be the more experienced choice, yet he only ranks in the top 17% for pass success rate when compared to his positional peers.
The Englishman failed to even rank in the top 50% among his peers in the Premier League last term for passes into the final third, while he failed to play a single through ball, ranking in the lowest 80% for this statistic.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Manchester United
Initial impressions suggest that Martinez may be a much bigger talent than Wan-Bissaka. Not only is he five years younger than the United defender, but his passing ability is much better.
Much will depend on how much Girona will demand for one of their prized assets, but signing Martinez could be an ideal move this summer.
Even better than Wan-Bissaka: West Ham looking at signing "incredible" RB
Tottenham Hotspur could sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United this summer and club talisman Harry Kane wouldn't 'be too concerned' over the 30-year-old joining him in N17, according to journalist Dean Jones.
What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Maguire?
As per The Evening Standard, Tottenham are keen on signing Maguire from Manchester United this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets to work regarding potential additions in north London.
The report states that Spurs may be reticent to move due to Maguire's £190,000 per week salary at the Red Devils; however, a loan move may emerge as a potential option for the 30-year-old in the transfer window.
ESPN understand that both Tottenham and West Ham United have been offered the chance to acquire Maguire, with Erik Ten Hag said to be open to letting go of his club captain.
Ten Hag has also spoken about the future of Maguire in a recent interview, stating: "I'm happy he's here… it's also a decision he has to make [because] nobody would be happy with this situation."
CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs told The United Stand YouTube channel that Wolverhampton Wanderers could also become a contender to tempt Maguire with a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has suggested that Spurs marksman Kane would be content if his international teammate Maguire was to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
Jones told FFC: "He's a total professional, he's come through some really tough times if you think of the mental challenges that he's faced on the back of some of his performances. I think if Tottenham were to ask Harry Kane for his views on it, I don't think he would be too concerned about Maguire coming."
Would Harry Maguire be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?
Maguire has his critics, it is fair to say; nevertheless, he has shown impressive mental resilience over the last year or so and would offer an experienced head in the Spurs backline if he was to move to the Lilywhites.
In 2022/23, the Red Devils' captain made 31 appearances in all competitions for his current employers in total, as per Transfermarkt.
harry-maguire-man-united-everton-transfers
The 30-year-old has shown his awareness to dangerous attacking situations efficiently in the season just gone, making an average of 2.6 clearances per match in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.
FBRef also note that Maguire has excelled compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the art of aerial duels, winning around 3.01 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the top 12% for this metric.
Of course, some Tottenham fans would have doubts over the signing of Maguire due to his underwhelming time at Old Trafford, though he can still be a competent defender and has proved his worth at times for Manchester United over the last year.
The recently crowned 2023 Europa Conference League champions are riding the crest of a footballing wave; European success and the mouth-watering prospect of more memorable conquests across the continent for West Ham.
As a result of his monumental triumph, David Moyes could be awarded a lucrative transfer budget to prepare his squad for a third-consecutive season of European football.
With the impending departure of club captain Declan Rice on the horizon, the club will need to reshape its midfield, and Conor Gallagher has emerged as a possible target.
What’s the latest on Conor Gallagher to West Ham?
According to a recent report from Football Transfers, the Chelsea player, alongside James Ward-Prowse and Scott McTominay, have been tipped to fill Rice’s void.
In a previous report by talkSPORT, the Englishman has been valued at around £40m, which would leave the Hammers with a healthy segment of the £120m they are expecting from their captain's sale.
Gallagher’s season has divided many opinions, but a move to the London Stadium could reignite his stuttering career.
What can Gallagher bring to West Ham?
The 23-year-old was in formidable form when he was on loan at Crystal Palace last season. In 34 appearances for Patrick Vieira, the £50k-per-week star registered 11 goal contributions and the highest average rating (7.09) of any Eagles player, as per WhoScored.
Although he has been described as looking like a “fish out of water” during his time at Chelsea, his energy, work rate, and athleticism are infectious, and when his confidence is high he has a keen eye for goal.
This is showcased by the fact that the six-cap international ranks within the top 19% In Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, as well as the highest 23% for tackles per 90, according to FBref.
This displays his contribution at both ends of the pitch and an unrelenting willingness to constantly be involved.
His tendency to find himself in offensive positions means he could formidably link up with Jarrod Bowen, who wrote his name into folklore thanks to his last-gasp winner against Fiorentina.
Jarrod Bowen West Ham
It was Bowen’s 40th goal in a West Ham shirt, which is nicely complimented by his 32 assists, and he has emerged as a fountain of productivity and an indispensable component of the progression under Moyes.
As Gallagher largely outstrips Rice in attacking areas, with the Hammers skipper scoring five times this season, this could benefit the winger as the Epsom-born talent will undoubtedly offer him more support going forward.
Described as “fantastic” by his former manager Graham Potter, Gallagher has already proven his top-flight pedigree and deserves a chance in East London to shine alongside his fellow countryman.
A Chelsea fan has serenaded American owner Todd Boehly having been left excited by the recent managerial appointment of Mauricio Pochettino.
What’s the latest on Todd Boehly and Chelsea?
Back in May 2021, the 49-year-old billionaire led a consortium which completed a £4.25bn takeover of the Blues, ending Roman Abramovich’s 19-year ownership of the club.
While some may have expected a period of calmness to follow under the new ownership as they adapted to life owning a Premier League club, quite the opposite has happened.
Indeed, from that moment up until the end of the most recent January transfer window, Chelsea have spent a reported £556m on transfer under Boehly and more will no doubt be spent in the coming weeks and months.
What’s more, Thomas Tuchel was fired, as was his replacement Graham Potter, while Frank Lampard was questionably reappointed in a disastrous spell as interim boss – and now Pochettino has been handed the reins.
The Argentinian has a big job on his hands as he looks to steady the ship that sunk all the way down to 12th in the Premier League last season.
At least, though, it seems some supporters are more than excited for the new era and have high hopes for what Pochettino can achieve at Stamford Bridge.
In footage circulated on Twitter, a fan in Riyadh – the capital of Saudi Arabia – sang to Boehly and then told the American that Chelsea will win the league with their new head coach.
What is the Benoit Badiashile song at Chelsea?
Despite all the chaos and disappointment that has swept over Stamford Bridge since the 49-year-old arrived, this fan was delighted to meet the club’s owner.
He even sang a terrace song: “Todd Boehly went to France in a Lamborghini, brought us back a centre-back, Benoit Badiashile!”
The supporter then said: “I promise you Todd, that we’re going to get the league with Mauricio Pochettino,” to which Boehly replied: “Yes, Pochettino is going to be great.”
All in all, it seems as though there certainly are high expectations for Pochettino to bring back the glory days to Chelsea. Only time will tell whether the Argentinian will deliver, or end up suffering the same fate as Tuchel and Potter.
The nightmare is over for Chelsea. The club’s first season under new ownership has ended in complete disaster but everyone cannot contain their anticipation for the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino.
According to GOAL, the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on the final day sentenced the Blues to their worst-ever points total (44) in the Premier League era and their lowest domestic finish since 1994.
The upcoming transfer window is the pivotal first opportunity for the Argentine to attempt to trim a hideously bloated squad, whilst also adding some much-needed injections of quality.
During the tumultuous Graham Potter era, it was reported that after Todd Boehly’s inexplicable £600m outlay there were so many players that some had to get changed in the corridor.
It resulted in a team stricken with unhappiness, instability, and a pitifully distinct lack of motivation.
One player who embodied this feeling was Hakim Ziyech, and if the club are going to move forward, then the Moroccan must not be in Pochettino’s plans next term.
What should happen to Hakim Ziyech?
The 30-year-old has endured an ineffective campaign that has generated no productivity.
Across a ridiculous season, the west Londoners have had three different managers and no one has seemed to fancy the Morrocan; he has only started 13 games in all competitions, registering just three assists, whilst drawing a blank in front of goal, as per Transfermarkt.
In January, the £100k-per-week man was discarded by Potter, and was seemingly set for a move to Paris Saint-Germain. He was so desperate to secure the move that he made a late dash to the French outfit’s offices, but the deal collapsed leaving the player bemused and frustrated.
Hakim Ziyech
Since his move to England in 2020, the winger has often cut a dejected figure, which was made more apparent by his different demeanour when he represented his country.
This was recognised by Joe Cole during Morocco’s World Cup campaign, who said: “He just looks like a happier player for Morocco. He's had a very difficult time at Chelsea, and he hasn't had a rhythm to his game.
“The Premier League doesn't suit him. It's aggressive, up and down. Playing for Ajax he could hug the touchline and the team would very much play through the lines, give him the ball and he's got a lovely left foot, comes inside, and delivers the ball.
“But when we've watched him here [Qatar], he's playing with an intensity and a smile on his face. Ziyech is a talented boy but it's just not worked for him at Chelsea.”
Pochettino must not try to prevent the inevitable and persuade the former Ajax man to stay, as Ziyech’s exit would be the first significant step to herald in the new era at Stamford Bridge.
Having been dubbed "awful" on plenty of occasions during his spell in London, it would be a great surprise if we ever see him in a blue shirt again. This must be the end of the road for the diminutive winger.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed Tottenham Hotspur could announce Arne Slot as their new manager but there may be an issue with paying his compensation fee.
How much will Spurs pay for Arne Slot?
There has been plenty of speculation in recent months about who Spurs will look to bring in as a new coach as well as a new sporting director.
Some reports, such as a recent story in the Mirror, suggest a new manager will only come in once that other important position has been filled.
If that's true, then it sounds as though Tottenham could be potentially prepared to make two major appointments in the next week or so.
Indeed, while talking on 90min's Talking Transfers, Bailey claimed that Feyenoord manager Slot could be "confirmed" soon.
However, he did warn that Daniel Levy is being asked by the Dutch club to pay around £10m to get the deal across the line and this could yet to be a stumbling block
The journalist explained: “He has a release clause which doesn't kick in till next season, which is £6m million. And Spurs we have to pay more than that to get him out.
"Now we discussed before the show that they don't mind spending millions upon millions of pounds on even League One, Championship, or lower league foreign players. But when it comes to managers, they will not pay.
"So from what we're being told around £10m is what Feyenoord are looking for, something less than that.
"But yeah, it's getting to that stage now where Sllot could be confirmed this week. That's what we're hearing – Spurs not confirming it just yet."
Will Arne Slot end up at Spurs?
You could argue that the most important person at a football club is the manager. With that being the case, it certainly doesn't make sense for Levy to refrain from paying a decent fee to get the right man in.
After all, he happily spent an initial £12.5m on Djed Spence last summer and the right-back has only played 41 minutes of football for Spurs since then before being loaned out.
With that in mind, if Feyenoord are demanding around £10m for Slot, even if he will be available for £6m the following summer due to his release clause, it seems like a reasonable price to pay.
Many fans will no doubt hope Levy sees sense and gets this deal across the line. If not, Tottenham may come to regret their chairman's stingy nature.
Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly be set to make a fresh approach for long-term target, Paulo Dybala, following new developments involving the World Cup winner's future…
What's the latest on Dybala to Tottenham?
According to Italian outlet, Calciomercatoweb, the Lilywhites could finally get their hands on the experienced Argentine if they are to strike a deal for Roma's sporting director, Tiago Pinto, with the latter man said to be keen on bringing the 29-year-old with him to north London.
As per the report – as well as other sources – Spurs are believed to be keen on securing Pinto as the heir to Fabio Paratici this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy yet to fill that vacancy after the Italian was forced to resign from his role as managing director last month.
With regard to Dybala, the former Juventus sensation could well follow Pinto to N17 this summer, with the 38-cap forward said to be available for a fee of just €12m (£10m) due to the presence of a release clause in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Should Tottenham sign Dybala?
A move for the 5 foot 10 playmaker would certainly be a long-time coming for Levy and co, with reports as far back as 2019 having suggested that the Premier League side were close to snapping up the player from Turin, while further links emerged last summer prior to Dybala's eventual free transfer switch to Rome.
It was Pinto – who has been described as "world-class" Roma chairman Dan Friedkin – who was the 'driving force' behind bringing the one-time Palermo marksman to the Italian capital last year, according to iNews, with the hope being that the 38-year-old can repeat that trick by taking Dybala to England ahead of next season.
Roma's Tiago Pinto
With the signing of the £141k-per-week "phenomenon" – as hailed by I Giallorossi legend Francesco Totti – Spurs could certainly be able to secure a notable coup, with the dynamic gem having dazzled in Serie A so far this season.
After previously bagging 115 goals in 293 games during his time at the Allianz Stadium, the highly-rated talent has since enjoyed a fine debut campaign in his new surroundings, scoring 16 times and contributing eight assists in 36 games across all fronts.
The former Instituto youth product has been particularly integral in helping to steer Jose Mourinho's side to the Europa League final, having scored four goals in just ten games in the competition so far this season.
With doubts surrounding the future of talisman Harry Kane in north London – amid interest in the 29-year-old from rivals Manchester United – the Lilywhites could well be in need of a new attacking figurehead like Dybala next season.
The hope will be that if a deal can be agreed for the aforementioned Pinto, then the Argentine could well follow suit and finally make his way to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.