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It has been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year, to say the least.

At one point, it looked like Mikel Arteta’s side were falling behind their rivals in the transfer market, only for them to then go out and splash the cash on the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

Additionally, a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres appears to be nearing its conclusion, and the promising Cristhian Mosquera underwent his medical yesterday afternoon.

However, not every deal has garnered such a positive response, and it would perhaps be an understatement to say that Noni Madueke’s imminent arrival has split the fan base.

Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, the club are already looking at another international ace, someone who would be a better signing than the Englishman.

Arsenal target who'd be better than Madueke

While some of the responses to the move to sign Madueke have been entirely over the top, it’s not hard to see why some might not be overjoyed with it.

Transfer Focus

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

The first point is that, with the final price potentially reaching up to £52m, there is some argument that the North Londoners could be overpaying for a player who didn’t exactly excel last year.

Moreover, he’s yet another player making the now all-too-familiar move from Chelsea to the Emirates, and the second player to do so this summer after Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There is every chance the dynamic winger comes good and proves everyone wrong next season, but as things stand, it’s a somewhat confusing transfer, especially as the club is now looking at someone who’d represent a far better move.

At least that is according to Wednesday’s edition of Corriere della Sera, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in Ademola Lookman.

The report has claimed that the Gunners are going to initiate talks with Atalanta soon with Andrea Berta and Co prepared to pay €50m, which is about £43m to sign him. However, the report notes that a bid is only likely to be accepted if the Italian side receives €60m – £52m.

It could be a complicated and reasonably costly transfer to get over the line, but Lookman would be worth it and represent a far better signing than Madueke.

Why Lookman would be a better signing than Madueke

It might sound simplistic, and that’s because it is, but one of the main reasons Lookman would be a far better signing than Madueke this summer is his output.

For example, in the 23/24 campaign, he scored 17 goals and provided ten assists in 45 appearances, which was an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games.

Then, last year, he did even better, producing as many goal involvements, but in just 40 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.48 games.

In stark contrast, the Chelsea ace scored eight goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances during the 2023/24 season, and then scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances last season.

In other words, the former PSV Eindhoven star averaged a goal involvement every 2.83 games two years ago, and one every 2.87 games last year.

On top of the output, the former RB Leipzig ace is also far more versatile, being comfortable playing across the frontline and even in attacking midfield, compared to the Englishman, who mainly plays off the right.

Finally, the “world-class” Nigerian international, as dubbed by journalist John Bennett, has also proven he can step up on the biggest stages, as he scored a hat-trick to win Atalanta the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.

Ultimately, Madueke might come good, but Lookman feels like a sure bet, and that is why Arsenal should look to sign him as well this summer.

Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM

The impressive midfielder could add some extra bit to Arsenal this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 17, 2025

The former América and Mexico star weighed in on Javier Hernández’s struggles with Chivas.

• Only 19 minutes played in Apertura 2025
• Three goals in 35 games since returning
• Chivas sit 16th with four points

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mexican legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco has sent a tough but candid message to Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who continues to endure a difficult spell since returning to Chivas. The veteran striker has scored just three goals in 35 appearances and has played only 19 minutes so far in the Apertura 2025, as remain stuck near the bottom of the table.

  “I don’t like to criticize, but I think he should – like we used to say back in the neighborhood – throw his boots up on the power lines and leave them there, he should retire. These days, young players are faster and better prepared. With all due respect, I think Chicharito should hang up his boots and give the youngsters a chance,” Blanco said.

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  WHAT CUAUHTÉMOC BLANCO SAID

  The former América icon admitted that such a decision is never easy for a player of Hernández’s stature, but insisted that every career has an expiration date.

  “It’s tough for everyone. Retiring is complicated because what you really miss is the locker room, the friendships, the stories, the jokes. But eventually you reach a point where you say, ‘That’s it, I can’t anymore,'" Blanco explained.

  Blanco, who also played in Europe with Real Valladolid, nonetheless recognized the remarkable career Chicharito has built, highlighting his spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, West Ham, and other clubs.

  “He did incredible things in Europe, but you also need to know when it’s time to step away. You can see he’s struggling. In my opinion, he should retire while he still can. He scored plenty of goals with Madrid and United, but ultimately, the decision is his to make,” Blanco said.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Chivas picked up a 2-1 win over León in a friendly match played in Chicago over the weekend. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández started and logged 73 minutes, while Cade Cowell found the net to score one of the goals for the red and whites during their U.S. tour.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHICHARITO AND CHIVAS?

  Chivas now turn their attention to the upcoming Clásico Nacional against América in Matchday 8 of Liga MX next Saturday. While sit second in the table with 17 points, remain in the bottom places with only four points to their name.

Glasgow Rangers are looking to improve the options that Russell Martin has available to him at the top end of the pitch ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

21-year-old forward Djeidi Gassama has arrived on a four-year contract at Ibrox, and predominantly plays down the left flank.

Fellow new arrival Thelo Aasgaard, who can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide if needed, also joined from the EFL earlier in the summer transfer window.

The Scottish Premiership giants are not done there, though, as Martin wants to add even more attacking reinforcements ahead of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier.

It was recently reported that the Light Blues boss is pushing the club to strike a deal for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who the Gers want to sign on loan.

Martin wanted to sign the left-footed attacker, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, during his spells in charge of both Southampton and Swansea, and is now looking to land him at Ibrox.

What Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could bring to Rangers

If the Light Blues can get a deal for the Eagles youngster over the line in the coming days or weeks, Rak-Sakyi would bring plenty of attacking flair and quality to the team.

The 22-year-old star scored seven goals and provided two assists in 22 starts in the Championship for the Blades last term, as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

Rak-Sakyi also got supporters off their seats with his direct style of play. The winger completed 1.4 dribbles per game, despite coming off the bench 12 times, and was successful in 55% of his attempted dribbles, which shows that he constantly looked to get at the opposition’s full-back.

His return of seven goals and two assists does not paint the full picture of his attacking talents, though, as his output per 90 suggests that he has the potential to explode as a regular starter for Rangers.

As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi was let down by wasteful finishing from his Sheffield United teammates, who did not make enough of the chances that he created for them.

Therefore, if Rangers can bring the left-footed star to Ibrox, Martin would have a tricky right winger who can score and create at an impressive rate in the final third.

The Gers, though, may need to thin their squad out in order to make room for signings like Rak-Sakyi, and others, which is why they are reportedly open to moving on several players.

Rangers willing to cash in on first-team players

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers have decided that there are a group of first-team players who they are willing to cash in on before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Kieran Dowell, despite being named as part of the leadership group by Martin, and Rabbi Matondo are the two forwards who could be on their way out of Ibrox.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Jose Cifuentes, Robin Propper Ben Davies, Ridvan Yilmaz, and Leon King are also on the chopping block in the defensive and deeper-lying midfield roles.

Rangers want to reduce the number of players in the squad, in order to make room for new additions to come in and improve the team, and that is why they are willing to sell all seven of these duds.

Dowell and Matondo’s respective exits, in particular, though, would allow the Scottish giants to bring in the attacking recruits that Martin wants this summer.

Why Rangers should sell Dowell and Matondo

The Light Blues are right to want to sell both players ahead of next season because they have both failed to prove that they have what it takes to be a success at Ibrox, and they occupy positions out wide and in attacking midfield that can be taken up by new signings, like Rak-Sakyi.

Dowell joined the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 and, despite being an attacking midfielder, scored two goals and provided two assists in 32 appearances in all competitions in his first 18 months at the club.

That led to the English dud being sent out on loan to Birmingham City for the second half of last season, after it was deemed that he was not good enough for the first-team squad in Glasgow.

This is why the Gers are right to be looking to move on from the former Norwich man, as he has failed to deliver consistent quality in front of goal as either a scorer or a creator.

Matondo, who spent last term on loan at Hannover, is a slightly different story for Rangers, though, as he has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 67 games for the club, which is a respectable, albeit unspectacular, return.

Instead of his quality on the pitch, it has been the Wales international’s availability, or lack thereof, that has been a problem since his move to the club in 2022.

As you can see in the table above, the left-sided attacker has missed far too many games through injury in the last three full seasons, and is already projected to miss three competitive games at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Matondo, who Kris Boyd claimed has “blistering pace”, has simply not been a reliable player because of his injury record, which is why Martin is right to want to move him on this summer to bring in players who are more likely to be available each week.

Sima repeat: Rangers working to agree deal for "fearless" star this week

Rangers could repeat their Abdallah Sima blinder by signing this star this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 15, 2025

Overall, Rangers could significantly improve their squad by pushing Dowell and Matondo out of the door to make way for Rak-Sakyi, who played 36 times last season and delivered more goals in the Championship than the current Gers duo have managed in their entire Ibrox careers.

GOAL US writers evaluate the state of the USMNT after a 2-0 loss to South Korea and subsequent 2-0 victory over Japan

So, there's improvement from you. The USMNT were battered 2-0 by South Korea on Saturday. Suddenly, their fixture against Japan seemed massive. Must-wins don't really "exist" in friendlies. But if they did, Tuesday night in Columbus is what it would look like.

And for the first time, Mauricio Pochettino coaxed what felt like a performance out of this USMNT. Sure, there were the caveats of the fact that Japan generally played a B team. But the U.S. won comprehensively, controlling the ball when they had it and the spaces when they didn't. A 2-0 win was the final scoreline, but few would have been surprised by four or five based on the caliber of performance. 

There were a few keys to this all.

The first was a switch in formation. Pochettino went to a back three, which offered much improved balance to his side. The second was a complete showing from Christian Pulisic, who played his best with a lovely assist and countless big moments. And perhaps the most important was the . The U.S. were on it from the first minute. Japan never really got into the game, something the hosts made sure of. 

What can we take from all of this? Are the improvements a stroke of fortune against a lesser opponent? A false dawn ahead of tougher games to come? Perhaps a bit of both. Either way, it's encouraging, which might be enough.

GOAL US writers break down the 2-0 win over Japan in the latest edition of… The Rondo. 

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  How encouraging was the win over Japan?

  Tom Hindle: Pretty encouraging, without being world-changing. The USMNT showed that they can play in a different system, dominate an opponent, and, crucially, look pretty steady defensively. Sure, Japan rested the majority of their top players, but this was a good display that will open up further tactical options in the future. 

  Ryan Tolmich: So, yes, there's an obvious caveat here with Japan rotating their squad, but this is less about scoreline and more about the eye test. Aesthetically, the U.S. played a much better game, one with clearly-defined roles and ideas that, ultimately, did produce a win. The key wasn't necessarily the result, but how they got there. It offered a glimpse into the way forward, and that was much better than what we saw against South Korea.

  Alex Labidou: Encouraging is the wrong word. Needed is the right one. Context is key, and yes, it's important to note Japan heavily rotated their squad. But considering the amount of backlash for Pochettino and his team, there are likely a few exhales by U.S. Soccer right now. As big as the win was, the way the USMNT secured it might be the most important factor. The team played a three-man backline and played with some gusto, as opposed to waiting for the first punch. More of this, please.

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  Is Folarin Balogun the nailed-on No. 9 now?

  TH: He always should have been. When everyone is fully fit, the USMNT don't have a striker who comes close. He scored 20-plus goals in a big-five league in his early 20s, and has been held back by injuries since. But he's twice the player Josh Sargent is, and a fair bit ahead of Ricardo Pepi, too. 

  RT: In pencil, not pen. Balogun probably has the highest ceiling of any USMNT forward but, in a striker race, ceiling doesn't matter nearly as much as goals. With Pepi's return imminent, Balogun isn't the only contender in this race. But Balogun's showing was great news for the USMNT, who could head into the World Cup with multiple strikers they can trust after struggling with that very problem during the last cycle.

  AL: Nailed-on is probably a stretch, and Pepi might have a few things to say here. But Balogun showed the skillset that made him such a highly-coveted recruit a few years ago. He was clincial in his chance, but more impressive were the things he was doing off ball. Silky with his runs and pressing when needed, he’s likely the most complete striker in the pool – when he’s healthy. That’s still a big if, considering his track record.

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  Should Pochettino switch to a 3-4-2-1 full time?

  TH: It really depends on the opponent. The system doesn't necessarily get the best out of everyone – where the hell does Weston McKennie fit here? – but as a default, for a solid 90 minutes, it's certainly an option. And options are a good thing.

  RT: Absolutely, yes.The system is perfect for the pieces Pochettino has at his disposal. Given the lack of wing depth and the abundance of wingbacks, this system puts this team's most dangerous players in places where they can create the most danger, which is the whole point of a tactic, isn't it? Sure, more experimentation is needed and, of course, things can change by the summer. But right now, this makes too much sense.

  AL: Roll with what works. No more need for tinkering – until it doesn’t work.

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  Which World Cup outsiders made their case?

  TH: Ehhhh. Did anyone prove that they should be there full time? Tough to say. When it comes down to it, Pochettino will probably go with talent over a couple of decent showings in friendlies. But Max Arfsten and Alejandro Zendejas might have played their way into the team, which is never a bad thing. 

  RT: The two wingbacks, Alex Freeman and Arfsten, should now feel pretty good about solidifying backup roles. If the U.S. does stick with this system, both seem capable of contributing not just on the road to the World Cup, but at the tournament itself, should one of the starters be unable to play. While starting spots seem pretty far out of reach, both  can certainly play their way onto the plane, particularly if the U.S. continues with these tactics.

  AL: Zendejas was participating in just his second USMNT camp under Pochettino. For a team that doesn’t have much depth in width, it is inexcusable that the Club America winger hasn’t been more involved.

The INEOS hierarchy at Manchester United has been hellbent on avoiding the same mistakes as the previous regime, although there does appear to be a real sense of Deja Vu with regard to Jason Wilcox’s pursuit of a new centre-forward.

Rewind two years ago, with then-boss Erik ten Hag having identified Harry Kane as his primary striker target, albeit with United wary of engaging in protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur chairman, Daniel Levy.

The ageing Englishman instead packed his bags for Germany, while the Old Trafford side went down the high-potential route. Despite reportedly being Ten Hag’s fifth-choice option at the time, in came a 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund for an initial fee of £64m.

A player coveted by Paris Saint-Germain at the time, Hojlund had been earning rave reviews amid his promising displays in Atalanta, with then-boss Gian Piero Gasperini highlighting his electric pace that had ripped through Serie A defences.

We’d all seen the clips of the young Dane bursting into the box at breakneck speed. All dreamed of this ‘new Erling Haaland’ proving to be the next Scandinavian striking sensation on Premier League soil.

Overlooked, however, was the mere nine league goals he had scored in his solitary season in Bergamo, with such a gamble having yet to pay off for the Red Devils. The same mistake can’t happen again under Wilcox.

Latest on Man Utd's striker search

Speaking after scoring in the recent 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the latest Premier League summer series clash, the 22-year-old – who had been linked with a move to Inter Milan earlier in the window – outlined his desire to “stay and fight for his spot, whatever happens”.

A bright start to pre-season has raised hopes that United’s number nine can kick on in 2025/26, although Hojlund might not get his own way, with reports indicating that he could be used as part of a deal to bring in a new striker.

Indeed, it has been claimed – including by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – that a swap deal could be on the cards which would see the Denmark starlet head to RB Leipzig, with Benjamin Sesko moving in the opposite direction.

Transfer Focus

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

Additional reports, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, having indicated that there is an “internal confidence” at Old Trafford that a deal for Sesko will get over the line amid their ongoing talks, with the club currently going toe-to-toe with Newcastle United for his signature:

Reportedly valued at around £70m, Sesko – who has been the subject of a bid from Newcastle – is hot property amid two solid seasons in Germany. That said, doesn’t this all feel a little familiar?

Why Man Utd are risking a Hojlund repeat

For a brief moment, it looked like United’s decision to plump for Hojlund had paid off, following his destructive debut away to Arsenal in September 2023. Having endured an injury-hit start to life in Manchester, the towering left-footer announced himself in fine fashion, proving a real nuisance for Gabriel and William Saliba in the home defence.

That image of Casemiro grabbing the youngster by the jersey – a mark that he was to be the man to win the game for Ten Hag’s men – evoked that strong early impression, with Hojlund also subsequently making his mark by netting five times in six Champions League group stage outings, including a breathtaking brace at home to Galatasaray.

Such moments have indicated that there is a player in there somewhere, yet with 26 goals to his name in 95 appearances, this is an expensive risk that has yet to pay off, with TNT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher notably describing the misfiring marksman as perhaps the “most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”.

But should his woes be a surprise? His only season in a top-five league had yielded only nine Serie A goals, having previously scored 17 goals in 53 games for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen combined. Thrusting him in as the leading striker was perhaps a step too far, too soon.

Sesko’s path has worryingly been rather similar to date, with the 22-year-old – who is actually younger than Hojlund – having spent two seasons in the Bundesliga, after previously scoring 29 times in 79 games for Austria side Red Bull Salzburg.

A player whom United turned down for a fee of around £2.5m back in 2019, the Slovenian has reached double figures for league goals in each of the last two campaigns, although he hasn’t exactly ripped it up with 13 and 14 goals, respectively.

Like Hojlund, at 6 foot 4 the in-demand striker is an eye-catching figure, having been described as a “monster” of a striker by analyst Ben Mattinson. His penchant for the spectacular will also have onlookers licking their lips – boasting a highlight reel of goals that any number nine would be proud of.

That said, in the view of The Athletic’s James Horncastle, speaking on the Libero podcast, there is a sense that he merely is a “highlights player”, with the respected journalist even quipping that he is akin to a ‘Slovenian Andy Carroll’ in that regard.

A scorer of great goals, but not exactly a great goalscorer then, with United again at a juncture where they are in need of a proven talent, rather than a player of undoubtedly exciting potential.

Like with Ten Hag and Kane two years ago, Ruben Amorim is said to have a preference for signing Premier League menace, Ollie Watkins. Perhaps listening to the Portuguese coach would be the right choice this time around?

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 2, 2025

Arsenal are just one week away from the start of the new campaign, when they will meet Manchester United at Old Trafford to kick off their latest quest for the Premier League title.

Concerns have been heightened within the Gunners fanbase following a spate of pre-season results that have left plenty to be desired, with defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.

The mood should have been lifted following the £64m acquisition of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons with the two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions, but he has lacked the fluency and cutting edge that many have been hoping to see from the off.

Again, there is absolutely no reason to panic; this is only pre-season, after all. And while the north Londoners have made a series of signings to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad, one or two more creative additions may yet be made this month.

Arsenal eyeing more signings

Arsenal have been locked in a lengthy bid for Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze, who “has his heart set on Arsenal”, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

However, negotiations have become protracted, and there are suggestions that Spurs are keen on hijacking the move, for they need to replace the injured James Maddison.

With Leandro Trossard mooted to be leaving the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may yet sign an out-and-out left winger too. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been a persistent link this summer, though this would be a tough deal to complete, with Los Blancos valuing the versatile forward in excess of £78m.

However, Arsenal aren’t just looking at strictly creative players, with a potential opportunity arising for one of the Premier League’s most talented central midfielders.

Arsenal enter race for PL midfielder

As per Caught Offside, Arsenal have joined the swollen pack that are pursuing Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, with Manchester United leading the race following direct talks with the player’s entourage.

Baleba, 21, is valued at £104m by the Seagulls, who don’t want to sell, and is considered one of English football’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

A dynamic, box-to-box player, Baleba is earning renown for his steely physicality, but also his technical qualities, which could see him emulate an existing superstar within Arteta’s Arsenal fold.

Why Arsenal should sign Carlos Baleba

Brighton signed Baleba from Lille for around £23m in June 2023 as a direct replacement for the outbound Moises Caicedo, who would soon join Chelsea for a British-record fee.

Across the past two seasons, Brighton’s Cameroon-born talent has become an increasingly considerable presence, featuring 77 times across all competitions.

Arsenal signed Rice from West Ham United for £105m in June 2023 after the England international had led David Moyes’ side toward the Conference League title, so clearly one of the most talented midfielders in the world.

That hefty figure, a club record, has been vindicated over the past two years. Though Rice has yet to taste silverware as a Gunner, he has been a staple throughout a period of sustained pressure at the highest level of football, and was named on the Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist earlier this week.

As you can see, Baleba is performing at a remarkable level, and you could even argue he is on par with Rice when the Arsenal sensation played out his final year as an Iron, albeit less of a creative force. With that in mind, you can only imagine the heights Baleba could reach when under Arteta’s tutelage.

The Albion man also ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, which further underscores his ball-carrying athleticism.

Powerful forward strides are identifiable through Rice’s skill set, and Baleba’s emphasis on defensive work could create a neat sense of fluency between the two, similar yet different.

Baleba, who’s been described as “phenomenal” by one analyst, has established himself and then some at a Premier League rung below Arsenal on the ladder, but showcasing remarkable talent all the same.

His remarkable blend of just about every midfield skill required for a roaming player of his type highlights just how impressive he is, and indeed, how he could benefit Arteta’s Arsenal in transition.

Just like Rice, Baleba has managed to play himself into £100m-valued conversations, and that’s no easy feat. The power and pace and gusto that he plays his football at makes a firm comment on how he could improve Arteta’s project, reinforcing the engine room but also adding duel to propel the creative emphasis forward too.

He has, after all, shown that he has a ferocious ball-striking element to his game, and that he is endowed with the physicality to supercharge Arsenal’s high-octane team besides.

Baleba might be a work in progress, but he’s already proven that he has what it takes to be a bona fide success in the Premier League, and if Arsenal manage to pull it off, they would not just be replicating their Rice blinder, but signing a dream partner for the Three Lions superstar, allowing the duo to dominate for many years to come.

Better signing than Rodrygo: Arsenal plot move for £45m "superstar"

With the Premier League right around the corner, Arsenal could be set to make a better signing than Rodrygo, and it’s not Eze…

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 9, 2025

Javier Aguirre’s Mexico squad will close out 2025 with a friendly against Paraguay at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Nov. 18, the Mexican Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday. Days earlier, El Tri will host Uruguay at the TSM Stadium in Torreón, completing their schedule of friendlies for the remainder of the year ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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  Teams have met 21 times

  Paraguay is a familiar rival for Mexico, with the two national teams having played 21 times. El Tri holds the edge with 11 wins, while Paraguay has five victories, and there have been five draws. Their most recent clash came in 2022, when La Albirroja earned a 1-0 victory.

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  El Tri’s calendar now complete

  With the announcement, Mexico now has its full calendar locked in for the final two FIFA windows of 2025. In October, Aguirre’s side will face Colombia and Ecuador, while November will bring matchups against Uruguay and Paraguay. These games are expected to feature a squad much closer to what Aguirre envisions for the 2026 World Cup.

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  La Albirroja in World Cup for the ninth time

  Paraguay, meanwhile, already secured qualification for the tournament earlier this month, marking their ninth appearance on the global stage. They will arrive led by Atlanta United forward Miguel Almirón, who spearheads the new generation of Paraguayan talent aiming to make an impact in North America.

  Ranked 43rd in the FIFA standings, Paraguay will be looking to test themselves against a Mexico side sitting at No. 13. Despite the gap in rankings, the friendly is expected to be a meaningful test for both teams.

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  Mexico’s return to the Alamodome

  This will also mark El Tri’s return to San Antonio after several years away – their last appearance in the Alamodome came in September 2019.

Lionel Messi has made more MLS history with Inter Miami as records continue to tumble around the Argentine GOAT. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has become the first MLS player to post 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons after netting twice and registering one assist in the Herons’ comfortable 4-0 victory over New York City FC in the Big Apple.

• How many goal contributions does Messi have in 2025?

  Messi has been in spectacular form of late, with his contribution to Inter Miami’s collective cause helping them to secure a playoff berth. Said success means that, in his third campaign at Chase Stadium, he will get another shot at savouring ultimate MLS Cup glory. A second successive Supporters’ Shield is also there to be shot at, having set a new single season points record in that department last term.

  Messi’s latest outing saw him make light work of downing NYCFC, with the evergreen 38-year-old passing up more opportunities to bolster his numbers from the penalty spot as he allowed Luis Suarez to step up from 12 yards. He was still able to take his goal contribution tally to 37 in another stunning performance that delivered more moments of magic in the final third of the field. The history books were rewritten in the process, with the promise of even more records to come over the coming weeks.

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  What other MLS records can Messi break this season?

  Having become the first player to enjoy successive campaigns of 35-plus goal contributions, Messi has also moved third all-time in that department. He now sits level on that list with former LA Galaxy, Inter, Juventus, AC Milan and Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With five regular season games left to take in this season, it should not take long for Messi to leave the enigmatic Swede languishing in his wake. He still trails ex-LAFC forward Carlos Vela (49 contributions) on the all-time chart, but will have the Mexican in his sights.

  Messi needs just one more multi-goal game this year in order to post a new MLS single season high on that front, having enjoyed eight so far in 2025 – the joint-most that any player has ever delivered. He has five goals and three assists across his last three outings, with rivals struggling to contain his obvious threat.

• Supporters' Shield target: Inter Miami aiming to go back-to-back

  Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference, five games back on division leaders the Philadelphia Union. They do, however, have two games in hand on both of the teams above them in the table – Cincinnati FC being the other – and believe that another Shield triumph is there to be chased down with 15 points still up for grabs. Head coach Javier Mascherano wants to see his side finish with a flourish.

  Mascherano told reporters after witnessing a professional dismantling of NYCFC: “We are happy because now we are officially qualified for the playoffs. That was very important for us. We will try to finish as high as possible. If we can win the next five games that we have, that will be great, and we will have a chance to fight for the Supporters’ Shield.” The Herons will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Toronto.

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  New contract for Messi: Fresh terms set to be signed

  Messi, who has seen his game time carefully managed at times this season, will be hoping to lead by example through the remaining weeks of the season. If remarkable individual standards can be maintained, then he will come into contention for back-to-back MVP awards – especially if Inter Miami go deep in their bid for MLS Cup glory. It is also looking like the South American icon will be back for more in 2026. He could also play a role in another World Cup, with Argentina aiming to retain their crown in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer; Messi, of course, is well acclimated to conditions in the States, having played a key role for Miami in recent years. 

  As his current contract in South Florida runs down, fresh terms are being mooted. An extension is expected to be confirmed imminently, with Messi agreeing to stick around in Miami as his family feel settled in the United States. It would appear as though he is ready to emulate eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo – who is still going strong at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – in the longevity stakes by playing beyond his 40th birthday.

Tottenham Hotspur are “pushing to sign” an “unbelievable finisher”, and an offer has now been made, reliable reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed.

Tottenham keen on new attacker despite dominant opening day victory

Tottenham kicked off their 2025-25 Premier League campaign in perfect fashion, securing a 3-0 victory at home against newly-promoted Burnley, and new signing Mohammed Kudus certainly caught the eye with his performance.

The Ghanaian winger chipped in with two assists on his league debut for Spurs, with Richarlison bagging a brace and Brennan Johnson also getting on the scoresheet, underlining the quality Thomas Frank has at his disposal in attacking areas.

However, given that Son Heung-min has now departed for LAFC, and James Maddison is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, it will be important for Frank to bolster his options in attack further ahead of the September 1st deadline.

It has been clear that Tottenham have wanted an attacking midfielder for quite some time, having missed out on Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer, but they now appear to be closing in on a deal to sign a different England international.

Indeed, according to an update from Jacobs on X, Tottenham have now made an offer in the region of £55m – £60m for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who could complete a move to north London as soon as next week.

The structure of the deal is still under discussion, but it is now looking increasingly likely Eze will move across the capital, given that Spurs are “pushing to sign” the Palace star, and he “wants to join”.

Eze is expected to start for Palace against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, though.

"Unbelievable" Eze could be statement signing for Spurs

Tottenham will have been very frustrated to have missed out on Gibbs-White earlier this summer, but the Palace star would arguably be an even better signing, having outperformed his England teammate in terms of attacking contributions last season.

Oliver Glasner was also left impressed by his talisman’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1, he’s such an unbelievable finisher, in some situations he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score and he’s someone who everyone likes.”

Frank identifies third £60m top Tottenham target with Eze and Savinho

The Spurs boss personally wants him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 17, 2025

With Maddison set to miss the majority of the campaign due to injury, it is imperative that Tottenham bring in at least one more attacking midfielder this summer, and having already proven himself in the Premier League, Eze would be the ideal addition to Frank’s squad.

“Written in the stars, wasn’t it?” Mary Earps is referring to this season’s Champions League draw, which has pitted her Paris Saint-Germain side against former club Manchester United. Unsurprisingly, Earps’ phone pinged “straight away”, with Ella Toone the predictable name to pop up. “There’s a lot of familiar faces that I’m looking forward to seeing,” she says, with the two to meet at Old Trafford next month.

It's fair to say plenty has happened since Earps last played at United’s iconic ground in the final game of the 2023-24 season. A few weeks later, her move to Paris would be confirmed, while even her status as an England international has changed, following her international retirement ahead of this year’s European Championships.

And that is the shortened version of her last 15 months. Perhaps the best summary of it all comes when GOAL asks the 32-year-old what she has enjoyed most since swapping Manchester for the French capital. “I think in a crazy way, it’s helped me deal with chaos better,” she replies.

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  Under the microscope

  Earps had plenty of practice in that sense in her first season at PSG. The club suffered what she describes as a “gut-wrenching” Champions League qualifying exit, recovered to reach a French Cup final and the title-deciding game in the Premiere Ligue play-offs, but then ended the season with defeats in both matches as head coach Fabrice Abriel left his post.

  That all came while Earps had plenty of settling in to do off the pitch, living in a bigger city than ever before and learning a new language, and while she was constantly under the microscope at England level, due to the battle with Hannah Hampton to be the Lionesses’ No.1. “It’s definitely been a lot, to say the least,” she says.

  “I think it's also the price of success sometimes, being under the microscope. I've had to learn that over the last couple of years, since we won the Euros in 2022, then after the World Cup and [being named] Sports Personality [of the Year]. I try to just take it in my stride as best I can. It's not always easy, it's not always sunshine and rainbows, but I think all you can do is be grateful. Be grateful that that's on your shoulders, see that pressure as a privilege and take it as a compliment.”

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  'At peace' with England

  That attention was particularly big back in May, when Earps shocked everyone by calling time on her England career. After being one of the Lionesses’ biggest stars during their Euro 2022 triumph and the run to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, she watched Sarina Wiegman’s side retain their continental crown in July as a fan – quite literally, after flying to Switzerland for some of the tournament.

  “I didn't know how I was going to feel until I got there,” she says. “I hoped that I'd feel all right because it definitely wasn't an easy decision to make. I think it was nice for me to go. I wanted to go and show up in person. That was really important to me.

  “I was sitting with Tooney's boyfriend, Joe, and we were just hanging out and it was just dead nice. I felt proud watching. I felt like this was how it was meant to be. I guess when you're at peace with your decision… I think it was reaffirming in a way, that I knew I could go and there weren’t all these mad emotions. And it was nice that I could see them afterwards, just briefly before I had to hop on a flight back and get back into pre-season.

  “I think it's brilliant that they've won and what they continue to do for women's football. [Euro] 2022 massively changed the game for women's football in England and I think another win just cements that. It improves the situation and the conditions for future generations to come through and that's something I'm hugely passionate about. I really enjoyed watching them and watching my friends win. I feel immense pride.”

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  Change aplenty in Paris

  Earps’ full focus from here on out is on PSG then, as they look to bounce back from the disappointments of last season. They were dealt some blows in the transfer market, losing Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Korbin Albert to bitter rivals Lyon while captain Grace Geyoro became the most expensive women’s player of all-time when she signed for London City Lionesses. But there was some good recruitment, too, with Olga Carmona, the Real Madrid and Spain star, and Rasheedat Ajibade, named Player of the Tournament as Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in the summer, joining a squad now headed up by Paulo Cesar, formerly the coach of the Under-19s.

  “Change of players, change of formation, change of coach, there's been a lot of change,” Earps notes, “but we're all focused on the same goal. I think the team that we've got, we've got a good spirit, a good togetherness. We've started the season okay but we're nowhere near the level that we could reach. That’s exciting. We're still a new team coming together and there's a long way that we can go.”

  PSG have the benefit of time when it comes to the Premiere Ligue, which has recently changed to adopt a play-off format at the end of the season to crown the champion. It means as long as the Parisians finish in the top four, they have a shot at dethroning a Lyon side that has won 18 of the last 19 titles. “They're an incredible team,” Earps says. “Lyon are always trying to reinvent themselves. You can see the way that they've invested this year, the players they've signed, the resources they put into their team. It's great that Lyon continue to do that for their women's side but it just puts more fire in my belly that I want to go toe-to-toe with these giants.”

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  A special fixture

  Time isn't on PSG's side as much when it comes to the Champions League, however, which begins its league phase on Tuesday. Earps admits that herself. "So it's not a case of just keep building, keep building," she adds. "We've obviously got to perform and get results.” The Parisians will start against another of Earps’ former clubs, Wolfsburg. The former England goalkeeper enjoyed her first overseas spell with the two-time winners, in the 2018-19 season, something she fondly recalls as "an incredible point in my career" that "taught me a lot".

  It doesn’t get much easier, either. Real Madrid are second on their list and Bayern Munich are fourth, after that trip to Old Trafford. “I never really got an opportunity to say goodbye, so I'm looking forward to it,” Earps says of her return to Manchester. “I think the pressure of playing for Man Utd helped prepare me for the pressure that you feel at PSG as well. They are both really big clubs and they actually have a lot of similarities. I think that they've both got really passionate fan bases who naturally want the best for their club and take a really big interest and pride in the success of the team.

  “Ultimately, I hope it's an incredible game between two great teams at an incredible stadium on a great night in the Champions League. What more can you want? Those are the games that you live for.”