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Real Madrid will not change their contract offer to Vinicius Junior amid a standoff between the Spanish club and the Brazilian winger. Having been dropped twice in recent weeks by new coach Xabi Alonso, the winger is facing further scrutiny this season and the club are reluctant to match his demands for a significant pay rise.

• Vinicius not happy with current situation

  According to a report by , Vinicius' status at Madrid has changed under new coach Alonso. The manager has kept his performance under scrutiny and not shied away from benching him in two games so far this season and has suggested the winger is not guaranteed to start in every game. While the Brazilian has rebelled against this and communicated his dislike of the situation to president Florentino Perez, he understands that the only way to turn the fortune is to bring back his old form. 

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  Vinicius' agent attends meeting in Madrid

  His agent, Frederico Pena, held a meeting with the CEO and the second in command at Madrid, Jose Angel Sanchez, on Monday to discuss the contractual situation. Although the forward has two more seasons left on his current deal, an extension was almost put in place six months ago. However, the 25-year-old's wage demands forced the club to halt the developments during the Club World Cup and his agent has been informed they will not change their last offer.

• Is Vinicius considering a move?

  Vinicius had been linked with a big money move to Saudi Arabia in 2024 but he has emphasised that he wants to stay at Los Blancos. However, in case no renewal takes place next summer, the player might consider exploring new opportunities.

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  Vinicius still key for Madrid

  Vinicius has scored two goals and set up two more in La Liga as Madrid got off to a perfect start. However, Alonso's decision to put him on the bench for the start of the games against Real Sociedad and Marseille has caused some speculation about his situation.

While it might be something of a cliché, this season does feel like it’s going to be Nottingham Forest’s most important in a very long time.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will need to prove that their form in the Premier League last year was no fluke, and on top of that, they’ll want to go as far as they possibly can in the Europa League.

Fortunately, there’s no reason to suspect that the Tricky Trees won’t be as good as they were last season, especially since the talismanic Morgan Gibbs-White is set to remain at the City Ground for the foreseeable future.

Moreover, while losing Anthony Elanga isn’t ideal, the club now look set to land someone who could be the perfect replacement.

Forest target perfect Elanga replacement

While the Gibbs-White saga has understandably dominated the headlines when it comes to Forest this summer, the club have made several smart additions to Nuno’s team so far.

Transfer Focus

Jair Cunha, for example, looks like he could develop into a useful defender for the side, while Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus produced a combined tally of 25 goal involvements last season, which could make all the difference this year.

However, there are still just over two weeks until the window slams shut, and the Tricky Trees seem intent on making the most of that time, reportedly set to welcome Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson to the club, alongside Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Yet, according to a recent report from mainland Europe, Forest are also closing in on signing Dilane Bakwa.

The Belgian journalist has revealed that, while the club have seen their €26m + €5m (£22m + £4m) rejected by Strasbourg, the two clubs are now much “closer to an agreement” than before, and the transfer is now “almost there.”

While Tavolieri does not mention what the final fee for the French winger is likely to be, a story from L’Équipe from earlier this month claimed that the French side value him at up to €35m, which is about £35m, and while that is a lot of money, Bakwa would be worth it.

Why Bakwa would be a perfect Elanga replacement

So, while there is no debating that Elanga was brilliant for Forest last season and one of their most important attackers, it certainly appears that not only would Bakwa be a great replacement, but potentially even an upgrade.

For example, when it comes to their pure output last season, which is fundamentally what matters most for any attacker, it’s the Frenchman who comes out on top.

In his 31 appearances for Strasbourg, the dangerous “diamond,” as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, scored six goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.06 games.

In contrast, the Swedish international scored six goals and provided 12 assists, but did so in 43 appearances, which comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.38 games.

However, it’s not just their output that paints the 22-year-old in a better light, as he comes out comfortably on top when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

In fact, it’s not even close, as the Créteil-born gem comes out ahead in almost every single relevant metric, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shot-creating actions, tackles, interceptions and more, all per 90.

In other words, the Ligue 1 ace looks to already be a relatively complete winger, who is as capable of creating chances as he is scoring them, and has no problem tracking back to do his defensive work either.

Ultimately, while he might cost them a little more than they were planning, Forest should be doing all they can to sign Bakwa as soon as possible, as not only does he look like the perfect replacement for Elanga, but he is also a potential upgrade.

Their new Gibbs-White: Nottingham Forest in race to land £30m star on loan

The hugely exciting gem could be a game-changer for Forest this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 14, 2025

Arsenal have submitted a “proposal” to sign a “fast and agile” new player for Mikel Arteta in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal and Berta targeting more signings after Eze

It has been an extremely busy summer for Andrea Berta in his first transfer window as sporting director, with the club’s spending now over £260m after successfully hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to land Eberechi Eze.

The Gunners secured the services of the England international, with a deal worth a total of £67.5m from Crystal Palace. Eze was unveiled as an Arsenal player before Saturday’s 5-0 win over Leeds United in the Premier League.

Arteta has praised the work that has gone on behind the scenes at the Emirates, however, he and Arsenal are still staying “very alert” to the prospect of more arrivals.

Staying alert they are, with Arteta, Berta and co working to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen. The centre-back has a €60m (£51.8m) release clause in his current contract, however, the Gunners are looking at a fee under that figure.

It isn’t just the Ecuadorian, though, with Arsenal wanting to bolster their defensive options even further before September 1, and an update on another target has now emerged.

Arsenal make £8m+ "proposal" to sign Martinez

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Arsenal have made an approach and proposal to sign Arnau Martinez from Girona. The offer on the table from the Gunners is worth a total of €10m (£8.6m).

Martinez is primarily a right-back who can play as a centre-back or higher up the pitch as a right midfielder if required.

The 22-year-old has come through Girona’s youth system and has already made 163 senior appearances for his current employers, even turning out in the Champions League.

Jacek Kulig has also been impressed with what he has seen from Martinez when he was coming through, calling him a “complete full-back” who is “fast and agile”.

Now, it looks as if we may see Martinez in an Arsenal shirt, should things go the Gunners’ way, with the Spaniard rivalling the likes of Jurrien Timber and Ben White at right-back.

Victor Osimhen fired Galatasaray to a stunning 1-0 Champions League win over Liverpool and declared the Turkish giants “the best team in the world” after the final whistle. The Nigeria striker’s first-half penalty settled a raucous contest in Istanbul, piling pressure on Arne Slot after back-to-back defeats for the Premier League champions.

• Osimhen penalty downs Liverpool

  Gala shocked Liverpool on a deafening night at Rams Park, securing a 1-0 victory thanks to Osimhen’s calm finish from the spot in the 16 minute. The forward, back from a three-week layoff, seized the moment after Dominik Szoboszlai was penalised for catching Baris Alper Yilmaz. Liverpool pushed late but saw an 89th-minute penalty overturned by VAR, confirming defeat.

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  Gala the best team in the world, says Osimhen

  The match-winner was full of pride when reflecting on the result. “I want to congratulate the team. It was a tough opponent for us. The odds seemed stacked against us. We managed to pull together,” Osimhen said. The Nigerian international added: “I was sidelined for three weeks, but for me, Galatasaray is the best team in the world. Thanks to the constant chanting of my name here and our fans, I’m playing better.”

• Rams Park roars in big Champions League win

  The win was only Galat’s second in their last 19 Champions League group games, but the atmosphere made it feel like a seismic moment. Rams Park shook from 45 minutes before kick-off as deafening whistles greeted Liverpool at every touch. The 51,000-plus fans embodied Galatasaray’s determination to bounce back after their opening 5-1 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt. 

  Gala’s triumph coincides with their 120th anniversary year, a symbolic win that further boosts confidence as they chase a fourth consecutive Super Lig crown. 

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  Liverpool struggles put Slot under pressure

  Liverpool, meanwhile, face scrutiny with consecutive defeats raising doubts about Slot’s tactical calls. Liverpool’s second straight defeat will trouble Arne Slot, who rested Mohamed Salah until the hour mark but saw little improvement when the Egyptian was introduced. The Premier League champions looked sloppy in possession, vulnerable defensively, and wasteful in the final third. The Reds return to domestic duty against West Ham this weekend before hosting Ajax in the Champions League.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has made no secret of his desire for further offensive reinforcements before the end of the summer transfer window.

After the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League, the manager said: “In defence and midfield, goalkeeper position and full-back position, we’ve done really good business. But we spoke quite open and honest about it, we would need to add some more quality up front.”

The Championship champions have only scored one goal in their first three matches back in the top-flight, which has placed further emphasis on the need for new attacking talent to arrive at Throp Arch.

Leeds in talks to sign new winger

With only a few hours left before the deadline passes, the club are reportedly looking to sign a player from one of their Premier League rivals.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Graham Smyth, Leeds United are in talks with Fulham over a potential deal to bring Harry Wilson to Elland Road in the coming hours.

The reporter does not reveal whether it would be a permanent or loan move for the former Liverpool man, who signed for the Cottagers for £12m in the summer of 2021.

Smyth adds, though, that he expects the club’s business to be done for the summer if they are able to get a move for Wilson over the line in this last-ditch approach.

What Harry Wilson could bring to Leeds

The Wales international is a proven Premier League performer who could slot straight into the side on the right wing as an upgrade on Daniel James.

Farke’s current Welsh winger has failed to create a ‘big chance’ or register a shot on target in any of his three starts in the Premier League so far this term, and only managed two goals and one assist in 24 outings in his last season in the top-flight with Fulham in the 2022/23 campaign, per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that Leeds should not expect the former Manchester United man to deliver much in the way of quality at the top end of the pitch this season.

As you can see in the table above, Wilson has delivered ten goals and seven assists in his last two seasons in the Premier League with Fulham.

These statistics show that the left-footed star, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Jurgen Klopp, can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right wing.

The Fulham forward has shown that he can score and assist goals at a decent rate in the Premier League and could, therefore, hit the ground running at Elland Road as an upgrade on Dan James, who has consistently struggled to deliver in front of goal at that level.

He has shown that he can make a bigger impact in front of goal than the current Leeds winger and that is why a move for the £12m forward could be a shrewd last-minute move.

Better than Buonanotte: Leeds eyeing Deadline Day move for £11m star

Leeds United could make a late move for a star who is even better than Facundo Buonanotte.

3

By
Dan Emery

Sep 1, 2025

England showed little mercy as they tore Wales apart in a 3-0 friendly win at Wembley on Thursday. The Three Lions destroyed Craig Bellamy's side in a frantic opening 20 minutes which all but put an end to any hope of the visitors securing an unlikely upset between World Cup qualifiers, even despite the hosts leaving some key players on the bench and out of the squad completely.

A fine evening for England saw Morgan Rogers break the deadlock inside the opening two minutes, taking advantage of a Wales defence that switched off after Marc Guehi kept a loose corner alive, with the Aston Villa man rolling his effort past a helpless Karl Darlow between the sticks.

Before too long, it was 2-0. Rogers and Guehi were both involved again, with the former's speculative cross flicked on by the latter and into Ollie Watkins, who was waiting at the far post to convert and had time to take a couple of touches, such were Wales' horrendous defensive instincts.

Home supporters were soon cheering and revelling in their rivals' misery again soon after when Bukayo Saka found the top corner with an outrageous strike from the edge of the box, and though England could have had five or six on the night, that proved to be the end of their scoring, much to the relief of Craig Bellamy and his men.

GOAL breaks down England's winners and losers from Wembley…

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  WINNER: Thomas Tuchel

  OK, it's too soon for Thomas Tuchel to start doing victory laps as England boss – and knowing his career to date, he won't – but this was another statement of intent from a manager who will take the full brunt of criticism at the first possible opportunity when he's in this job.

  The English public have long been demanding their team to play fast, energetic football. They have always wanted to see them take the game to whoever the opposition may be. On Thursday, the Three Lions were so rampant in this regard that if anything, they killed the excitement of the game – it was the first time they had scored three goals inside the first 20 minutes since November 1987 against Yugoslavia, who at that point were still five years away from splitting.

  Tuchel's mission to build on the club-style feel of the England camp led him to making only one change from the September squad to this one, with the injured Noni Madueke making way for club team-mate Saka. The connections and partnerships all over the Wembley pitch were clear to see here, with the hosts quicker, stronger and smarter than Wales in every department, irrespective of the gap in technical quality.

  Despite the win, Tuchel has still managed to make a rod for his own back by criticising the home crowd in a post-match interview with , claiming his players didn't receive the support they deserved and bemoaning how quickly the stadium emptied during a pedestrian second half. He'll soon come to learn that England matches at Wembley will never see a rip-roaring atmosphere, with the demographic of those who follow them abroad and to major tournaments being far more boisterous.

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  LOSER: Jude Bellingham

  When the England squad was announced last Friday, the most startling omission was that of Jude Bellingham, who has returned to action with Real Madrid after a two-month layoff following shoulder surgery. This was initially put down to the midfielder receiving only a smattering of minutes since taking to the pitch again, but Tuchel was blunt with his principles of team-building before Thursday's visit of Wales.

  "We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else," the German said. "That's how it is in international football. But the thing you are playing [back to me] is not what I am saying. You are playing the game that says: 'He [Tuchel] is saying the others who aren't in the team, you cannot build a team with them'. It's not like this. We built a team with the players who were available and they did so well so we go again with them. Nobody said we can't do the same with them. Or even better, or maybe the same level, with the others.

  "For this moment we stick with our choice and the radical statement is that we don't collect the most talented players. We collect the guys who have the glue and cohesion to be the best team. Because we need to arrive as the best team. We will arrive as underdogs at the World Cup because we haven't won it for decades and we will play against teams who have repeatedly won it during that time. So we have to arrive as a team or we will have no chance."

  The door is open for those who missed out on this camp to return in the future, but time is already running out for them to make an impression, with only two more international windows coming before the end of the club season. Bellingham is the headline loser, but the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden should also be concerned of how they fit into this team.

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  WINNER: Bukayo Saka

  One man whose place in the England fold isn't in doubt is Saka, whose super strike rounded off the scoring on Thursday. It was trademark from the Arsenal winger, coming inside onto his left foot and letting fly a la peak Arjen Robben. This also made him the highest-scoring Gunner in the history of the men's national team, with his 13 strikes now the number to beat.

  Since breaking into the Three Lions side at Euro 2020, Saka has consistently proven one of the team's most reliable performers. It's to his credit that his England naysayers barely get a chance to voice that opinion before he shuts their mouths again, usually in the most emphatic of ways. After Harry Kane, he's probably the outfielder who's most likely to definitely start for England when fit, on par with vice-captain Declan Rice.

  Saka also welcomed Tuchel's message from the top that he will pick players to form the best team, rather than 'collecting the most talented players'. "What he's setting is very healthy competition, it's fair," Saka told . "Everywhere I look I see quality, whether it's in my position or in other positions, whoever it is we have to perform. When you have the shirt, you have to perform whether you're starting or coming in. At the end of the day we're all doing our best so England can win, that's what it's about."

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  WINNER: Morgan Rogers

  For whatever reason, Rogers hasn't found his best form for Aston Villa this season. Then again, nor has anyone else in Unai Emery's squad, so that suggests the problem lies within the walls of Villa Park. Rogers' superb showings in an England shirt only add to that theory.

  The attacking midfielder has quickly become one of Tuchel's 'dependables', and if anything he is the one player most likely to prevent Bellingham from winning his place back as a starter. There isn't any need to drop Rogers at the moment, even despite his indifferent performances at club level. Some players are just better suited to the international game.

  A maiden goal for England set the 23-year-old and his team-mates on their way. With Wales' defenders sleeping from a corner, Rogers peeled away from centre-back Joe Rodon into a pocket of space inside the 18-yard box, affording him ample room to sweep a low shot into the net.

  Speaking to , Rogers said of his first international goal: "It's a proud moment to do it at home in a home nation derby. A dream come true. The quality of players we have with people here and not here, you can never be too comfortable, or else people will take your role."

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso provided a key update on Kylian Mbappe's fitness ahead of the club's La Liga fixture against Getafe this weekend. The star forward picked up an injury while on international duty with France. He limped off the pitch late on during Les Bleus' clash with Azerbaijan and missed their World Cup qualifier against Iceland after being released from the French squad.

• Mbappe suffered ankle knock against Azerbaijan

  Mbappe's participation in their first World Cup qualifier of the October international break was hanging in the balance due to an ankle injury he sustained while playing for Madrid against Villarreal in La Liga. Despite the knock, the France captain took to the the field against Azerbaijan last Friday but he suffered another ankle knock and had to be subbed off in the 83rd minute.

  The attacker was subsequently released from the France squad so that he could work on his recovery back at Madrid's facilities. A statement from the French Football Federation read: "Upon the French delegation's return to Clairefontaine, the French team captain spoke with Didier Deschamps. The national coach has confirmed his absence. Kylian Mbappe has been released to his club and will not be replaced."

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  Alonso provides key update on Mbappe

  Ahead of Los Blancos' upcoming La Liga match against Getafe on Sunday, manager Alonso provided a key update on Mbappe's condition. Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference, the Spanish coach said: "Yes, Kylian Mbappe is back and can also start against Getafe."

  Mbappe's recovery comes as welcome news for the Spanish giants, who will aim to occupy the top spot in the league ahead of their Clasico fixture against arch-rival Barcelona next week. The French star is currently enjoying a remarkable scoring run, having scored in his last 10 consecutive matches for both club and country. His recent scoring streak includes goals against Ukraine, Real Sociedad, Kairat, and Espanyol, with the 26-year-old hitting the net in multiple competitions. He also broke the deadlock in France's 3-0 win against Azerbaijan with his 17th goal in 13 appearances for club and country this season, which also marked his 53rd international goal for France, meaning he is now only four goals away from Olivier Giroud's record as Les Bleus' all-time top scorer.

• Mbappe wants to help Alonso win many trophies

  Alonso created shockwaves in Europe after his scintillating stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the German side win the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season. Following his brief stint as a manager at Leverkusen, the Spaniard returned to Real Madrid, where he had previously played with distinction. Mbappe, who is in fine form, lavished praise on the manager while claiming the Madrid players want to help Alonso with as many trophies as possible.

  Speaking about Ancelotti and Alonso's managerial style, Mbappe had to : "They're different, two generations of coaches who have crossed paths. Ancelotti is one of the best in history. When you arrive, you're happy to play for him; he's always close to the players. Xabi wants to help a lot, but he's younger. He has more need and desire to prove himself with Real Madrid, to achieve things in his first big opportunity at the best club in the world. We're going to try to help him win as many titles as possible. It's an important year for Real Madrid and the national team. We're starting to understand what the manager wants from us, but we have to improve to get where we want to be."

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  Real Madrid facing hectic fixture list

  Alonso will have to rotate his squad as much as possible in the next few matches, as they face a hectic fixture list that involves playing four matches in a span of 13 days, starting this Sunday. The fixture list also includes a key Champions League game against Juventus on October 22 and El Clasico in La Liga four days later. Madrid are currently at the top of the table with 21 points from eight matches. 

  The Real Madrid boss says he's taking one game at a time: "For me, the next one is always the toughest when I'm going through a block. This one with fewer games because we've had a clean week, but we want to keep making progress, being consistent in all competitions. We're thinking about what's coming next, which is Getafe. We're not looking any further ahead. We're aware of what's coming, obviously, but what we've talked about internally is tomorrow's opponent, which will be very demanding. So far, we've been very consistent and reliable, but we can't let our guard down."

Newcastle United already have Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale fighting it out for the number one jersey, but Eddie Howe has now been offered the chance to sign another figure to provide goalkeeping competition.

Newcastle see off Wolves with Woltemade winner

After a difficult start to the Premier League campaign and having to undergo a lengthy search for a striker in the wake of Alexander Isak’s exit, Newcastle claimed their first victory of the season on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Establishing himself as a new hero of the St James’ Park faithful, Nick Woltemade scored the only goal of the match to give the Geordies a precious three points on home soil.

Speaking post-match, Howe came in for high praise from the Germany international, who illustrated his gratitude to the manager after galvanising his side to claim a vital win after a slow start to the season.

Woltemade said: “I was just here for four days now, so everything was new for me. I was putting that bit away and I was focusing on myself today. I think the coach already gave me such a good feeling, so I felt good on the pitch. I knew what to do and I guess you saw today everybody knew what they have to do. This win was really important.”

Barcelona await next for Newcastle in their much-anticipated first Champions League fixture, and they will feel their solidity at the back can give them half a chance of stopping Lamine Yamal and company on Tyneside.

Three clean sheets in four Premier League encounters is a solid return for Nick Pope, who was linked with a summer exit to both Leeds and Manchester United.

Nevertheless, Newcastle appear to be looking at life after the Three Lions international and have now been offered a shock chance to sign an up-and-coming stopper.

Newcastle offered surprise chance to sign Sheffield United's Michael Cooper

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper by intermediaries, with the approach coming as a surprise due to his recent dip in form.

Conceding 12 goals in the Blades’ first five Championship fixtures, the 25-year-old has recorded a save percentage rate of 62.5%, per Fotmob. Following an extremely disappointing start to the campaign for his club, Ruben Selles has now been sacked at Bramall Lane.

Newcastle have hit gold on “monster" worth more than Wissa & Woltemade

Newcastle United have struck gold with this standout star, who is worth more than both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 14, 2025

Despite this, Cooper has made 20 saves in that time period and is also on the radar of West Ham United and Everton, becoming an appealing homegrown option on the market as his contract is set to expire in 2026.

After Odysseas Vlachodimos left to join Sevilla, Newcastle are said to be keeping a ‘close eye’ on his situation, likely as a consequence of 33-year-old Pope coming towards the twilight of his career.

While he wouldn’t be a first choice immediately at St James’ Park, Cooper would add another layer of talent to the goalkeeping group and could potentially be a long-term successor to Pope if he can rediscover his form.

Chelsea “love” an attacker with a “left foot made of gold” and “will push” to hijack Real Madrid’s move, it has been revealed.

Blues looking to sign new attacking midfielder

In Cole Palmer’s absence, the Blues struggled against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, succumbing to a 3-1 home defeat, with Andrey Santos failing to create any big chances prior to being replaced by Josh Acheampong after 54 minutes.

Enzo Fernandez, on the other hand, put in a more impressive performance, scoring his side’s only goal, but the Argentina international has been called into question for his creativity in the past.

With Palmer not fully-fit, Enzo Maresca’s side have put in some poor displays recently, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, following the England international being forced off with a groin injury just after the 20-minute mark.

Cole Palmer facing several weeks out as journalist details "new" Chelsea injury

The England star was hauled off early in to their defeat at Man United.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 23, 2025

As such, there is arguably a lack of depth in attacking midfield, which Maresca has now set out to rectify, with Chelsea joining the race for Real Madrid target Nico Paz, according to transfer journalist Mark Brus, in a report for Caught Offside.

Brus’ source said: “Chelsea love Nico, Chelsea will push for sure. Real Madrid are confident, but Como will try to negotiate a new contract for him to remove the buy-back clause. They believe they could then sell him for as much as €80m (£70m).”

Should Paz sign a new deal with Como, it could pave the way for a move to Stamford Bridge, but Real Madrid remain confident about re-signing the attacking midfielder, and they currently remain in control of his future.

Paz could take career to next level at Stamford Bridge

Real Madrid may be ruing the decision to let the Argentinian leave in the first place, given the impact he’s made at Como, chipping in with six goals and nine assists in his first Serie A campaign, and he has since made a flying start to the new season.

The Spain-born star has amassed six goal contributions in his opening five league games, showcasing that he could soon be ready to take his career to the next level by signing for one of Europe’s top clubs.

Lauded as having a “left foot made of gold” by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet also fits the bill age-wise, given that he is just 21-years-old, and the Blues are well-known to have a policy of signing young players.

Paz ticks every box for Chelsea, and with Maresca clearly in need of players to provide competition for Palmer’s starting spot, he could be the ideal addition to the squad.

Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee could be close to ending his nightmare spell at Old Trafford with another Premier League team touted to want the Netherlands striker in the forthcoming January transfer window. Zirkzee has barely featured for United this season and he is yet to start or score, managing just 74 minutes across three Premier League appearances and an eight-minute Carabao Cup cameo against lowly Grimsby Town – all as a substitute.

• Zirkzee reduced to bit-part role at United

  Zirkzee's lack of playing time follows the summer arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, which has pushed him down the pecking order. Frustrated with his peripheral role under Ruben Amorim, the Netherlands star is reportedly seeking a move in the January transfer window to secure regular playing time and boost his chances of a spot in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup squad.

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  Zirkzee’s revealing post-match celebrations

  After Man Utd's 2-1 recent victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Zirkzee – once again an unused substitute – joyfully joined in with his team-mates, celebrating in front of the travelling fans, and he was also seen putting Bruno Fernandes in a headlock and hugging goalkeeper Senne Lammens, which impressed the club's supporters. But it’s certainly not a clear demonstration that he wants to stay. 

  Ahead of the match, Amorim was asked about Kobbie Mainoo and Zirkzee’s frustration over their lack of playing time. The United boss said: "That is normal, and I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing. They want to play. Like you said, there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season."

• Premier League option for Netherlands star

  According to a report by , the Netherlands international is being considered by West Ham, who are crying out for additional firepower as their season lurches from bad to worse. Their recent defeat by Brentford was played out in front of a largely empty London Stadium during the final stages as supporters made for the exits as they showed their displeasure with events in east London.

  The report also states that Zirkzee is “desperate” to leave Old Trafford. The Hammers have struggled significantly all season, struggles which have continued since the arrival of new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter last month. The main forwards, Callum Wilson and Niclas Fullkrug, have contributed a combined one Premier League goal this season. Both have struggled for form and fitness, with Wilson having a history of hamstring issues and Fullkrug failing to deliver consistently.

  With eight games gone the east London club are already facing the real prospect of a relegation battle this season. West Ham are over-reliant on winger Jarrod Bowen, who is the team's top scorer, but opposition teams have focused on shutting him down, limiting the Hammers' overall scoring threat. They have netted just six goals in eight league matches this season, they’re currently second bottom of the Premier League and the urgent need for a new, reliable goal-scorer to help them survive relegation is a top priority for their Portuguese boss.

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  Transfer options for Hammers

  West Ham face competition for Zirkzee from Italian clubs like Roma, who are considering terminating Evan Ferguson's loan from Brighton due to his poor form to make room for a new forward. However, the Hammers boss may prefer a traditional target man, similar in style to Forest’s Chris Wood or Fulham’s Raul Jimenez. The run of matches leading up to the next international break will give Zirkzee a huge indication of where he sits in Amorim’s plans, with Brighton, Forest and Tottenham ready to face the Red Devils in the coming weeks.