ARSENAL ANNOUNCE £34M WINGER SIGNING AMID 'GROUND-BREAKING PROGRESS' OVER STRICKER DEAL

Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and reportedly thundered towards the sensational signing of Atletico Madrid hitman Julian Alvarez.

Arsenal have already made Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent for €40million (£34m) and signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Tzolis has now become their third summer arrival. Mikel Arteta’s side have paid Club Brugge €40m/£34m to land Tzolis on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 17 shirt at the Emirates, has replaced Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s squad. Trossard recently joined Besiktas for €20m (£17m).

Reacting to Tzolis’ capture, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta told club media: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis.

“Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player who naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line. He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability.

“Christos has produced outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists over the last three seasons, and he’s a player who will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality to our team.

“We’re confident Christos will make a significant contribution to our club, and we hope our supporters will enjoy watching him play in an Arsenal shirt.

“We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter together.”

Arsenal remain on the hunt for a new striker and a second left winger to compete with Tzolis. They had earmarked Morgan Rogers for the latter role but were not willing to bid over £80m, with Chelsea ultimately snaring the Englishman for a huge £117m.

Arsenal are now targeting Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande and Nico Williams instead.

Recent reports have suggested Arsenal have overtaken Barcelona in the chase for Argentina striker Alvarez, too.

Arsenal move into pole position for Julian Alvarez

CaughtOffside revealed on Tuesday that Arsenal have made ‘ground-breaking progress’ in their pursuit of Alvarez after Berta held talks with the player.

Atleti have also told Berta they would rather sell to Arsenal than LaLiga rivals Real Madrid or Barca, setting up a potential move to the Premier League worth €130-150m (£111-128m).

On Wednesday, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips claimed the Blues could accidentally help Arsenal get closer to signing Alvarez.

He reported that Atleti are considering selling the 26-year-old to help fund a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

- James Holland

BRUNO GUIMARÄES IN HIGH-LEVEL TALKS AS ARSENAL WEIGH UP OTHER TARGETS AMID NEWCASTLE DECISION

Newcastle United have been rocked by a suggestion Bruno Guimaraes wants to leave the club this summer

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Bruno Guimaraes (l) and Sandro Tonali react during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Newcastle United FC and Athletic Club at St James' Park on November 05, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle United will stick to their guns if Bruno Guimaraes decides to hand in an official transfer request - with the Sandro Tonali sale an example of the club's sale policy.

Tottenham Hotspur did not want to pay £100m for the Italy international and were irked by Newcastle's stubborn stance on the deal. And Chronicle Live understands that Newcastle won't be prepared to do any business that isn't on their terms, with Arsenal yet to make an official approach for the Toon skipper.

Guimaraes is taking some time after his World Cup exit but remains in conversation with his representatives. Here's how things stand in the respective camps in the aftermath of news Bruno is considering his future:

Newcastle United's stance

The Brazil international is not for sale and one well-placed source suggested recently that even if an email dropped with the subject reading "Bruno offer", it would not be opened as the skipper is deemed as a vital cog in the wheel at St James' Park.

However, as of the close of play yesterday, the club had not received any type of official offer for the player's services. CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson aren't naive and know that there is interest being drummed up by third parties and those close to the player's agency, but as things stand, there is no question to answer, although that is likely to change.

Arsenal's stance

The Gunners have an interest in Bruno and a decision was made behind the scenes at Arsenal that of the two Newcastle midfielders with uncertain futures out of the Brazilian and Sandro Tonali, the South American was their pick.

Like Newcastle, Arsenal have their own ideas on valuation, and the conversation on Bruno with intermediaries and dealmakers is understood to have begun at £45m. That was dismissed immediately by those at the other end when it was put to them verbally.

The suggestion was that it would take a bid north of £60m for Bruno, but Arsenal may not be willing to meet that. Of course, it is all transfer brinkmanship and negotiation tactics, but the Gunners' case on the player is that he is 29 on his next birthday and his value is only going to go down.

One source at the Arsenal end has suggested that the Gunners may drop the idea if it becomes too expensive for their liking and move on to another target. Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi have been linked also.

Newcastle's dilemma could be if Arsenal do offer £60m, Bruno makes it clear he wants the move and pressure builds from the agency.

The Bruno camp

Bruno is represented by Bertolucci Sports, which is headed by Sao Paulo super agent Giuliano Bertolucci.

His close pal and representative on Tyneside is Alexis Malavolta, who runs the day-to-day life of Guimaraes, but the Arsenal situation, deemed transfer poker by industry insiders, could now be above Malavolta's head and be in the hands of Bertolucci and his legal team.

When the story that Bruno wanted to quit emerged last night, there was a suggestion from somebody close to the player's camp that the midfielder had not told anybody he wanted to leave.

What has been said, according to those on the inside at Arsenal, is that Bruno is concerned about the sporting project at Newcastle and the exits of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Tonali to Spurs are understandably making him wonder.

He left the World Cup having missed a penalty against Norway in the last 16 and while the player is emotional, it should have no bearing on how he feels about his future.

- Lee Ryder

ANTHONY GORDON'S HUGE £80M BARCELONA DEAL WITH THREE CLAUSES SET TO MAKE NEWCASTLE MILLIONS

Anthony Gordon's sale to Barcelona could prove highly lucrative for Newcastle United down the line

Anthony Gordon made a big-money move to Barcelona before the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona this summer could end up landing Newcastle United millions due to three clauses inserted into the deal. While he's been at the centre of one of the biggest transfers of the summer, the Liverpudlian winger failed to impress for England against Ghana on Tuesday evening.

In fact, so far, he's looked a shadow of the man that the Catalan giants shelled out in excess of £69.3million for. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel elected to keep Gordon in his starting line-up for the tie with the Black Stars despite also underperforming in England's 4-2 win over Croatia last week.

Gordon's speed, directness and ability to race to the byline are just some of the reasons Barcelona chose to move for him over Marcus Rashford, who had impressed on loan at Barca last season. However, Gordon will do well to keep his place for England's clash with Panama on Saturday night.

Despite Gordon more often than not starring for Newcastle during his time in the North East, there'll be sections of the fanbase who believe they've had the better end of the deal with the player currently struggling at the World Cup.

He's signed on for five years in Spain and the figures involved are rather astonishing. His deal is set to expire in 2031 and it's thought he's pulling in £300,000 per week, for an annual salary of £15.6 million. Over the full five years of his contract, this amounts to around just shy of £80m.

Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton in 2023, cost the club £45m. The deal to take the attacker to the Camp Nou will see 15 per cent being paid to the Toffees.

Gordon struggled to make an impact against Ghana(Image: Getty Images)

With that in mind, the Magpies' trio of clauses mean there's a reality where they will bank much more than the initial fee for Gordon in the future.

Here we take a look at the trio of clauses, which were added to the deal by the club's sporting director Ross Wilson, and just how much Newcastle could bank from the deal.

The 60% Appearance Clause

Newcastle will receive £860,000 (€1m) per season if Gordon features in at least 60 per cent of Barcelona's fixtures, something he has never struggled to do during his time at St James' Park. If he stays fit and remains a regular starter, Newcastle will max this out at £4.3m (€5m) by the end of his contract.

The Silverware Clause

A further £4.3m (€5m) will be paid to Newcastle if Gordon helps Barcelona win trophies during his stint at the Camp Nou. This could bode well for the Magpies with Barcelona having won La Liga for the past two consecutive seasons.

He signed a five-year deal(Image: Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Sell-On Clause

Newcastle also wisely inserted a sell-on clause into the deal. While the exact percentage has been kept under wraps, it will ensure that the North East outfit will take a cut of any future transfer fee. This is typically based on the sale's profit if Barcelona choose to cut ties with Gordon before his contract expires.

- Chris Burns

ARGENTINA FORWARD JULIÁN ÁLVAREZ SAYS HE WANTS OUT OF ATLETICO MADRID

 

Alvarez scored 20 goals in all competitions for AtleticoCredit: Getty

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Argentina forward Julián Álvarez wants out of Atletico Madrid.

Álvarez spoke after Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria on Monday at the World Cup in Arlington, Texas.

"The best thing for everyone is a transfer," the 26-year-old player told ESPN. "I don´t think it´s the right time to talk about this, but I can´t hide either. I have to be honest, and I spoke with people at the club, the ones I needed to talk to."

Not long after his comments were published in Spain, images of some Atletico fans burning the player's jersey were posted on social media.

Earlier this month, Real Madrid said Atletico rejected an offer of 150 million euros ($171 million) for the 26-year-old Álvarez.

The offer was part of the campaign promises made by Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez ahead of his re-election.

Barcelona is also reportedly interested in signing the talented Argentina forward.

Atletico has said it does not intend to negotiate.

Spanish media reported that there was a release clause for Álvarez worth 500 million euros ($571 million).

- AP

MAN UTD SET BARCELONA HARD LINE OVER MARCUS RASHFORD TRANSFER TALKS

 

Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United (Image: Getty

Barcelona's option to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for £26million expired at midnight on Monday, meaning the La Liga giants must now negotiate a fresh fee should they wish to pursue the forward. United have made clear they will not entertain any approach from Barcelona involving another loan arrangement.

Barca wasted little time in securing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £70m deal at the start of the transfer window. The left winger's arrival has had a significant impact on how Rashford's future is likely to unfold this summer.

Rashford is currently on duty with England at the World Cup, though he is expected to report back for United's pre-season following a period of rest after the tournament concludes.

The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19. Even should England go all the way to the final, Rashford would in theory be available in time for United's last pre-season friendly against AC Milan on August 15

While United are prepared for the possibility of Rashford returning for pre-season training, it is understood the club's preferred outcome would be to agree a permanent transfer fee before the summer window closes.

He has two years remaining on his £325,000 per week United contract, which he signed in the summer of 2023 following a 30-goal campaign.

Bayern Munich have also been weighing up a move for Rashford after missing out on Gordon, who opted for Barcelona instead. Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz have all previously made the move from England to the Bundesliga giants.

Rashford chipped in with 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona as they won the La Liga title. Michael Carrick, who has both played alongside and managed Rashford, hinted that the door remained open for a return when quizzed about the forward's future two months ago.

Carrick said: "I just think there are decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing's been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there's nothing to say."

When asked whether it was a case of never closing doors with players, Carrick responded: "Yeah, I'm not going on the Marcus individual one, because I think, like I've already touched on, I think to comment either way at this stage is just not the right thing to do, because there's uncertainties, for sure. 

But for me, as I said, individual players who I'm able to work with in this part of the squad then I enjoy doing that, and trying to get the best out of them."

While Carrick stopped short of ruling out a Rashford return, his comments came at a time when Barcelona were pressuring United into accepting a fee below £26m. Since Ineos assumed control of football operations, trimming the wage bill has been a key objective, making Rashford's departure a priority. His iconic number 10 shirt was handed to Matheus Cunha last year.

- Steven Railston & Mark Wakefield

THE STORY BEHIND THE TRANSFER PATRICK VIEIRA TO ARSENAL | TRANSFER 360

 

ARSENAL TRANSFER STATE OF PLAY AS PATH CLEARED TO BUY JULIAN ALVAREZ DESPITE MAN UTD FIGHT

Arsenal have been linked with a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez.

Julian Alvarez has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Arsenal (Image: Getty)

Arsenal haven't rushed to sign players in the January window but there is still plenty of time for some late business to be done. The north Londoners are yet to welcome any new arrivals and have only sanctioned one departure, with Ethan Nwaneri joining Marseille on loan. The youngster will be hoping to gain valuable experience across the Channel before returning to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Several high-profile players have been linked with Arsenal in spite of their reluctance to delve into the January market. They are on course to win their first Premier League title in over two decades and could benefit from an extra injection of quality to carry them over the line. It remains to be seen if this will materialise before the window slams shut at the start of next month.

Express Sport looks at the current state of play as far as the Gunners are concerned...

Path cleared for Alvarez

Arsenal are believed to be weighing up a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez, who has scored seven league goals for Atletico Madrid since the start of the campaign.

Barcelona have also been credited with a desire to land the former Manchester City striker, but their financial troubles could give Arsenal a free run at his signature.

According to Sport, the Catalan giants are unable to afford Atletico's asking price of around £104million, which could pave the way for the Gunners to swoop.

However, given the complexities of such a big move, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Arsenal wait until the summer to launch their pursuit.

They have been tipped to land a new striker to complete with Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled to make a huge impact since his arrival from Sporting.

Man Utd join transfer fight

Arsenal's hopes of signing Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong could be under threat, with Manchester United said to be plotting a potential move of their own.

The striker, who represented Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, has bagged six goals and three assists in 18 league appearances since the start of the campaign.

His impressive form is said to have drawn Arsenal's attention, with GiveMeSport reporting that club chiefs are 'exploring' the idea of a transfer.

However, they aren't the only team in the race with United also mentioned as an interested party alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Only time will tell how the situation will play out, with Levante certain to demand a significant profit on the £2.6m they paid to sign him in the summer.

- Archie Griggs

ARSENAL PRE-SIGN ECUADORIAN DUO EDWIN & HOLGER QUINTERO FROM INDEPENDENTE DEL VALLE

 

DIOGO JOTA TRANSFER PLAN WAS IN THE WORKS BEFORE TRAGIC DEATH

Porto president Andre Villas-Boas revealed a plan was in place to sign Diogo Jota, who would have turned 29 this Thursday

Diogo Jota could have made a sensational return to his homeland before his tragic death(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Diogo Jota was in talks with Porto about a potential return before the Liverpool star's fatal car accident. The Portuguese forward, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday today, was travelling with his brother Andre Silva in Zamora, Spain, when Jota lost control of his Lamborghini and crashed, killing both of them.

The incident sent shockwaves through the footballing world and happened just 11 days after Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso. During his time at Anfield, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup, League Cup and Premier League. He remained an integral member of the team but was offered a move back to Portugal.

Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, who is now the president of Porto, revealed that a plan was in place for Jota to return to the club where it all began, prior to his tragic death.

Speaking at the funeral of the two young men, Villas-Boas said: "Unfortunately, we were working with agent Jorge Mendes on Diogo Jota's return to FC Porto, and it won't be possible.

"It would be from 2026-27, and we had discussed the possibility. I made a point of conveying that message to Diogo, through Jorge Mendes, at his wedding, and it was a dream for all the Porto fans that it would happen."

Paying tribute, he added: "Diogo has a history in the senior ranks, and Andre has many years from the children's ranks to the under-19s. They were much loved. We've come to pay our respects to the family. Diogo, especially as the greatest public figure, was a silent hero. We all appreciated him for everything he stood for, not only on the pitch but also off it."

Andre Villas-Boas arriving at Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's funeral(Image: Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)

He continued: "He was a partner of FC Porto with its Esports team. Someone who will be remembered fondly, just like his brother. Diogo wasn't a member [of the club], but he became one today. I hope that all FC Porto members understand this move.

"In Andre Silva's case, we symbolically recovered his membership fees and gave them to his family. We intended to leave the two membership cards here. I did it as chairman of the board.

"Condolences to everyone, to the team-mates from Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Gondomar and P. Ferrreira. And Penafiel, who also lost a great mate. It's tragic and deserves a moment of reflection."

- Dylan James

BRUNO FERNANDES CAN LEAVE MAN UNITED ON ONE CONDITION AS TRANSFER RELEASE CLAUSE EMERGES

Bruno Fernandes recently confirmed he intends on staying at Manchester United, but other reports understand there is a transfer clause in his deal

Bruno Fernandes has been open about his future at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes would be allowed to leave Manchester United if a club meets a release clause of £56.68million, according to reports. Fernandes, 31, was subject to interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer.

The Portuguese midfielder went on to reject their approach, despite the lucrative salary which would have been waiting for him in the Middle East. He reaffirmed his commitment to United in a recent interview with reporters.

The Unitedskipper made it clear he will not think about his future at Old Trafford until the 2026 World Cup has been and gone. However, it's been reported a clause in his contract provides a route out of the club if another club meets it.

According to BBC Sport, Fernandes' current deal, which expires in the summer of 2027 but includes the option of an additional year, includes a clause which would allow him to depart England. Any club outside of the country would be allowed to snap him up if they tabled an offer of £56.68m.

At present, there is no suggestion he is looking for an exit, as he made clear to reporters. When asked if he is thinking about his future, he said: "As I've always said, I feel good here. I want to achieve my dreams still, but obviously I can't talk by the side of the club.

"I've seen a lot of news. I've seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn't made with me.

"So I haven't spoken with anyone. I could tell you that there are still people talking to me and saying that they will be very eager to have me next year, of course.

"But from my side, that's not talked about. Because my agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won't speak to anyone."

Fernandes will make his 300th appearance for United when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening(Image: Manchester United)

Fernandes did go on to admit other clubs in Europe also expressed an interest in his services as well as Saudi Arabia. When it came down to formal offers, none were tabled to United, who are keen on retaining the midfielder's services, while also willing to provide an avenue for him to depart, should he choose to.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon midfielder offered an insight into a discussion he had with United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. He added: "I spoke with both, obviously. I think the first time I spoke was already in Malaysia, because that was when everything started.

"I had a conversation with Omar and I told him, 'Look, this is what is on the table. I know the club might be looking at this in a way. I will be looking at it in a different way.

"'So I just want to know from your perspective, from your side, what's the point of view, what you guys want to do. And then from there on, I will do my things.'

Fernandes has won the FA Cup and the League Cup with United(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"And obviously, the first one, Jason said, like Omar said, 'We won't say no. But obviously, it's the thing that we want you to stay at the club. But if you want to go, we won't say that it's not the offer for us, because obviously it's massive money.' As I said this many times, the club's last biggest sale was £20million, probably from Daniel James.

"I'm not very sure. Scott [McTominay] went above that. But to go from that to the big amount that Al-Hilal was, like they could offer £80m, £100m. They were like more than eager to pay for the player to go."

Having arrived on the red side of Manchester from Sporting for £47m in the summer of 2020, Fernandes has contributed 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 appearances for the club.

- Patrick Austen-Hardy

LIVERPOOL'S SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW SPENDING

 

ALEXANDER ISAK DRAMA ENDS AS LIVERPOOL'S BRITISH RECORD FEE IS ACCEPTED BY NEWCASTLE: REPORT

The longest running transfer saga of the summer window is reportedly over as Liverpool have decided to dish out a British record fee for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak will be joining Liverpool on the last day of summer transfer window. Image: Reuters

Liverpool have reportedly landed the big fish Alexander Isak from Newcastle, who had become their biggest target in the transfer window, which will close on Monday. Despite signing striker Hugo Ekitike for £79 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, Isak was Liverpool's No 1 target throughout this transfer window.

Liverpool had a £110 million offer for the 25-year-old Isak rejected by Newcastle earlier, but the Telegraph and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that the Magpies have now accepted a British record £130 million offer for the Swedish striker.

- FP Sports Desk, FirstPost

THE TRUTH ABOUT JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK'S LEEDA EXIT AND CHELSEA TRANSFER | TRANSFER 360

 

NEWCASTLE SET TO PUNISH ALEXANDER ISAK AS LIVERPOOL TRANSFER SAGA ESCALATES

Alexander Isak has not trained with Newcastle's first team since they returned from their pre-season tour of Asia, as he looks to force a move to Liverpool this summer.

Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool. (Image: Getty)

Newcastle United are set to impose a club fine on Alexander Isak should he miss the first match of the Premier League season, as the striker is keen to secure a transfer to Liverpool. The Swedish international faces a penalty as his refusal to play for the Magpies coincides with their match against Aston Villa.

Isak has been pushing for a move to Liverpool this summer and hasn't trained with Eddie Howe's first team since their pre-season tour of Asia. The club's leading striker has been training separately from his teammates, who helped the club secure a Champions League spot last season.

Liverpool have already had a bid turned down by Newcastle this summer. Initially, Newcastle stated that the forward was not available for sale and it's not anticipated that the Reds will make another offer unless they're encouraged to do so.

However, Isak isn't ready to give up on a transfer and has declared he won't play for Newcastle again, no matter how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks. This stance could lead to the 25-year-old being penalised.

Despite the ongoing standoff, the former Real Sociedad star continues to receive his weekly wages of £140,000. No fine has been imposed yet, despite his declaration that he won't play for the club.

Alexander Isak is trying to force a transfer. (Image: Getty)

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle's position will change once Isak misses a competitive match, at which point disciplinary action will be taken. The Magpies are set to kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Aston Villa.

Isak's position is said to be steadfast, with concerns that any softening of his stance would only give Newcastle hope of a resolution and scupper any chance of a transfer.

Despite edging closer to signing Yoane Wisse, the St James' Park outfit have yet to find an adequate replacement for their main striker.

Howe has admitted that the current predicament has thrown a spanner in his squad's pre-season preparations. "I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he confessed.

"There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there. When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.

"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance that this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.

"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."

- Alex Turk

ALEXANDER ISAK'S 'NEWCASTLE CAREER OVER' AS LIVERPOOL TARGET 'WON'T PLAY FOR CLUB AGAIN'

Alexander Isak is pushing for a move to Liverpool (Image: PA)

Alexander Isak is adamant 'he will not play for Newcastle again' as the Sweden striker looks to force through a British record transfer to Liverpool before the deadline

Alexander Isak reportedly views his Newcastle career 'over' as he looks to force through a move to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has made himself an outcast at St James' Park after making it clear he wanted to leave the club to join the Reds in a potential British transfer record deal. Isak has since been frozen out of Eddie Howe's squad and he didn't travel to Asia for the pre-season tour.

Newcastle remain firm on the position they've held all along that the Sweden international will only be allowed to leave for the right place, while they look for a possible replacement.

But even if Newcastle refuse to sell the striker, Isak reportedly regards his career with the club as finished and has no desire to reintegrate with the squad.

Alexander Isak is still banished from training with his teammates (Image: Getty Images)

Isak's perspective is that after being told last summer he would not be offered a new contract due to Newcastle's need to comply with football's financial rules, and him already under a lucrative contract until 2028, he made it clear it would be his last season on Tyneside.

However, some at the club believe the forward planned to discuss the situation, and possibly fresh terms, at the end of last season.

Newcastle aren't under any financial pressure to sell Isak on the cheap, but the latest developments will give Liverpool renewed hope of signing the former Real Sociedad star.

Liverpool first launched a bid worth up to £120m, including add-ons, which was rejected. But an improved offer in the region of £150m could tempt Newcastle to accept.

Howe's side begin their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on Saturday, but Isak is not expected to feature.

The Reds have until the September 1 deadline to sign Isak, or the striker faces a very awkward season in the north-east.

Eddie Howe has been left in a tricky situation (Image: PA)

Howe admitted that all the noise surrounding Isak has made it difficult to maintain team morale, he said: "I think the group has been disrupted, of course, but I think whenever you have a player in this situation, it's unsettling for the team.

"I don't think we've been in that position since I've been here, the harmony and togetherness of the group has been at its highest.

"So I think naturally it's just been a topic of conversation, it's been a distraction and the biggest hit we've taken is we're not blessed with a number of players in his position, so I think you've seen a big gap.

"But I have to say, big credit to the players because they've got on with their work, training has been of a really high level.

"I haven't seen a negative output on the pitch, but I have been aware of feeling around the group that there's something there that's not to the benefit of the group."

- Cameron Winstanley

VIKTOR GYÖKERES ON MOVING TO ARSENAL

 

TOP PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS NET SPENDING IN 2025

 

LIVERPOOL SIGN FORWARD HUGO EKITIKE FROM EINTRACHT FRANKFURT

Liverpool completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday for a reported £69 million ($92 million) as the Premier League champions continued their summer spending spree.

Liverpool completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday for a reported £69 million ($92 million) as the Premier League champions continued their summer spending spree. "The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Asia later this week," Liverpool said in a statement. The deal taking the France Under-21 international to Anfield is set to push Liverpool's spending past £250m this summer.

Liverpool switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool have won the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign Ekitike, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was named in the Bundesliga team of the season as Frankfurt finished third in Germany last term.

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.

Ekitike began his career with his hometown club Reims and had a brief loan spell in Denmark in 2021 before earning a move to PSG the following year.

He struggled to make an impact in his first season in Paris alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but claimed a Ligue 1 winner's medal.

His opportunities were again limited at the start of the 2023-24 campaign before he joined Frankfurt on loan.

"Hugo has improved tremendously in his 18 months with us and has been a real asset to our team and the club as a whole on and off the pitch," said Eintracht sporting director Markus Krosche.

"We're delighted he can now take the next step – a step he has earned through his performances with us."

- Agence France-Presse

AFTER GYOKERES: £68M STRIKER READY TO JOIN ARSENAL 'TOMORROW' ARTETA IS 'OBSESSED'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is 'obsessed' with Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, and the England international would sign a five-year deal 'tomorrow' if given the chance, according to trusted insider Hand of Arsenal.

It's been a hectic summer transfer window so far for Arsenal, with news breaking on Tuesday afternoon that an agreement had been reached for their latest addition. Viktor Gyokeres looks set to join the north London club, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that a verbal agreement is in place between all parties involved.

Gyokeres could be the next to sign on the dotted line after Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke, with Arsenal looking to make a serious mark in the summer transfer window.

Arteta 'Obsessed' With Eberechi Eze

He's held talks with Arsenal

In a lengthy update on X, trusted insider Hand of Arsenal has provided the latest on Arsenal's pursuit of Eze. After holding talks with the Crystal Palace man, Arteta has become 'obsessed' with Eze and has directly communicated this to the board. Personal terms have never been an issue for the England international, who would be willing to sign a five-year deal.

Eze, described as a 'superstar' by Jamie Carragher, has told Chelsea and Bayern Munich that his preference is to join the Gunners this summer, with informal dialogue taking place between the two clubs. The Crystal Palace star has a £68m release clause in his contract, meaning the Gunners could easily get a deal done if they want to pull the trigger.

Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, any deal could rely on outgoings, so this could be a saga that goes on until later in the transfer window. If Arsenal can confirm the signing of Gyokeres and then move on to Eze, they are going to be serious contenders for the Premier League title during the 2025/2026 campaign.

- Matt Smith

IT'S ABOUT TO HAPPEN | VIKTOR GYOKERES TO BECOME A GUNNER