Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The Middle Eastern giants have made the 28-year-old their top priority as they seek a replacement for former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.
Benzema is currently out of favour under manager Simone Inzaghi following a January move from domestic rivals Al Ittihad.
However, no direct negotiations have yet taken place with the Premier League side.
Al Hilal must first offload their French veteran, who is demanding his final contract year be paid out in full, before they can table a formal bid.
Villa face major squad overhaul
A departure for the England international would represent another massive change for the Midlands club this window.
The Villans have already lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, Lucas Digne to Paris St-Germain and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
Key midfielder Amadou Onana is also set to miss the upcoming campaign with a serious knee injury.
Manager Unai Emery has attempted to rebuild his ranks by recruiting Joao Gomes alongside Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
Matteo Ruggeri is also expected to arrive from Atletico Madrid, while Zion Suzuki will join as a new first-choice goalkeeper amid speculation surrounding Emiliano Martinez.
Emery desperate to keep attacking focal point
Losing such a prolific frontman at this late stage of the window would be a devastating blow to the Villa boss.
The former Brentford star has been an elite focal point for the team since the Spanish tactician arrived at Villa Park.
Emery has frequently praised his star striker’s relentless work ethic and professional attitude.
“He’s amazing,” Emery said. “Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.”
“When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team.”
“His commitment and behaviour is always a very good example for others. His mentality is the best quality he has.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that forging a solid partnership with new defensive arrivals Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo will take time following a major summer rebuild.
The Anfield club underwent significant restructuring at the back during the off-season.
This overhaul was triggered by Ibrahima Konate’s departure and persistent fitness issues for Joe Gomez and Giovani Leoni.
Integrating the new arrivals
French defender Jacquet finally made his debut in Sunday’s 2-0 friendly victory over Como.
A season-ending injury had delayed the 21-year-old’s first appearance since completing a £60m transfer late in the winter window.
He delivered an impressive 45-minute performance and scored the second goal before making way for Araujo.
The former Barcelona captain also caught the eye after arriving a week ago on a loan deal featuring an option to buy.
Building vital connections
Jacquet is widely expected to start the league opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park this weekend.
However, the Netherlands skipper stressed that competitive match conditions are essential for developing a genuine understanding.
“I won’t say it’s the only way, but games are totally different than training,” Van Dijk explained.
“Jeremy’s English is a bit better than Ronald’s, but at the end of the day we are all pretty good footballers who can see and smell some moments on how to defend.”
“But it’s pretty clear that you need to form a connection together and that takes a bit of time.”
A new era under Iraola
The upcoming fixture on Tyneside marks the first major test for new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Spanish tactician is seeking to reinstate the high-tempo pressing style synonymous with Jurgen Klopp, following Arne Slot’s two-year tenure.
To facilitate this aggressive approach, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have been deployed in deeper midfield roles.
This tactical shift allows recent addition Florian Wirtz to operate further forward as a traditional number 10.
Despite these creative changes, the Reds appear slightly depleted in the attacking areas heading into the new campaign.
The Merseyside outfit will start a season without Mohamed Salah for the first time in nine years, while Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined following Achilles surgery.
Managing match intensity
Iraola previously noted during pre-season that his squad struggled to maintain peak running levels for more than 30 minutes.
Van Dijk, however, offered a pragmatic perspective on the immense physical demands of top-flight football.
“What I see is that no team in world football can play full intensity for 90 minutes,” the defender added.
“Obviously you’re going to have some moments where players get tired and then it’s down to us to make sure we are compact and find the right moment to press again.”
“It’s a team game and we need everyone together in order to be able to do that.”
Martin Odegaard hopes to use the frustration of an injury-hit campaign to fuel Arsenal’s Premier League title defence following their dominant Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
The Norwegian midfielder lifted the Premier League trophy in May to end the club’s long wait for a league championship.
However, his individual contributions were frequently disrupted by persistent knee, shoulder, and muscle problems.
These physical setbacks restricted the playmaker to just 16 league starts during a historic season for the North London side.
Frustrations turn to motivation
The Arsenal captain was forced to miss the Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City during his challenging spell on the sidelines.
Mikel Arteta’s side spectacularly reversed that result on Sunday with a commanding 3-0 triumph in the Community Shield.
Capping a standout performance in the Welsh capital, the talented creator scored his first club goal since December.
“Last year was really a big struggle with a lot of difficult moments,” Odegaard said.
“It is the worst thing for a footballer to not be able to be on the pitch and I had quite a lot of weird injuries, and bad luck.”
“Last season, to miss so many games because of injury was really frustrating. What I have just worked on is to use that as motivation for this year and to come back stronger.”
Guimaraes adds midfield steel
Arsenal delivered a massive statement of intent by dismantling the opponents widely expected to be their main title challengers.
Their squad has been significantly strengthened by the £75m arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
The Scandinavian star revealed he has already formed a strong understanding with the Brazilian international.
“Since the first day he came in, it has been such a natural thing,” Odegaard explained.
“He has just come into the team as a real natural part of the team. He can win the ball, he’s a fighter.”
Transition period for Maresca’s City
While Arsenal look incredibly settled, Manchester City are enduring a difficult start under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The Italian tactician replaced Pep Guardiola during the summer and faces a major rebuilding task at the Etihad Stadium.
City’s challenges have been compounded by news that Barcelona have had a £65.4m bid accepted for Spain midfielder Rodri.
Following the heavy defeat in Cardiff, City defender Ruben Dias admitted the squad is going through a transitional phase.
“It is the beginning of the season, it is not good enough,” Dias told TNT Sports.
“It’s part of any transition for things to be not so perfect in the beginning. You need to push through, you need to communicate, and make things work between us.”
UFC president Dana White has expressed serious doubts over whether the long-awaited heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will actually take place, despite both fighters having signed contracts earlier this year.
The highly anticipated all-British mega-fight remains without a confirmed date or venue amid ongoing disagreements behind the scenes.
Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly pushing to stage the spectacle in New York on 20 November, while the former Olympian and his promoter Eddie Hearn are demanding a UK location.
White, who claims to have been instrumental in initial negotiations, has grown frustrated with the constant delays surrounding the generational showdown.
Frustrations mount over contract disputes
The 55-year-old mixed martial arts boss bluntly questioned the true intentions of both heavyweight superstars.
‘They either want to fight or they don’t. I don’t know. To make a fight, two guys have to want to fight. Period.’
Dana White
The outspoken promoter emphasised that both men must be fully committed for a bout of this magnitude to materialise, especially with substantial financial rewards on the table.
‘Do you want to fight or do you not want to fight? The fight should have happened 10 years ago, is it going to happen now? We’ll see.’
Dana White
Warren warns mega-fight could still collapse
While the WBC heavyweight champion remains silent on his preferred location, his long-time promoter Frank Warren has admitted the highly lucrative deal hangs in the balance.
Warren revealed that the undefeated fighter had originally signed an agreement in January for a September clash.
However, those initial plans were derailed following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of two of Joshua’s close friends.
Speaking to Box Nation, Warren warned that a failure to find common ground on the venue will ultimately terminate the long-overdue rivalry.
‘They’re either going to agree to it or not. If they don’t agree to it then the fight won’t happen.’
Frank Warren
Despite the ongoing friction, Warren maintains that the blockbuster event is still tentatively targeted for November, with a venue to be announced in due course.
Xabi Alonso is preparing to name his first competitive lineup as Chelsea manager when his side travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in their Premier League opener on Monday night.
The fixture marks the dawn of a new era for both west London clubs.
Alonso will share the touchline with his former Liverpool and Spain team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa, who now occupies the home dugout.
The Spanish tactician is expected to persist with the 3-4-2-1 formation that brought him enormous success at Bayer Leverkusen.
Defensive reshuffle and new faces
Wesley Fofana is suspended following a red card on the final day of last season.
Club captain Reece James could drop into the back three to partner Levi Colwill and new signing Maxence Lacroix.
On the left flank, Marco Palestra is pushing to retain his wing-back role after Marc Cucurella was sold to Real Madrid.
Jorrel Hato provides another defensive option, though the Dutch youngster may be utilised primarily as a traditional full-back this term.
The Fernandez transfer saga
Central midfield presents a significant headache for the new Blues boss amid ongoing speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentine international received a mixed reception of boos and cheers from supporters during the final pre-season victory over Real Sociedad.
Manchester City are reportedly circling the midfielder, despite an arbitrary transfer deadline passing without a formal bid.
If Fernandez is selected, he will likely partner Moises Caicedo in the engine room.
Record signing ready to launch
Chelsea possess an abundance of attacking riches to unleash against their local rivals.
Joao Pedro has showcased electric form throughout the summer and is primed to lead the line.
The Brazilian forward will be supported by Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, who recently arrived in a staggering £117m record deal.
Highly-rated prospects Estevao and Geovany Quenda are expected to provide additional firepower from the substitutes’ bench.
Arsenal will begin their first Premier League title defence in 22 years this Friday, kicking off a highly unpredictable season marked by widespread managerial changes.
The new campaign promises unprecedented volatility following Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City.
His exit concludes a decade of dominance and leaves the North London club as the division’s most stable force.
Mikel Arteta now stands as the longest-serving manager in the English top flight.
Managerial upheaval across the division
Nine clubs have appointed new head coaches during a turbulent summer break.
Andoni Iraola takes charge at Liverpool, while Xabi Alonso begins his tenure with Chelsea.
Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi are also preparing for their first full campaigns at Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.
Promoted trio face immediate relegation battle
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City replace the relegated trio of West Ham, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The new arrivals will look to emulate Sunderland, who remarkably qualified for European competition immediately after their promotion last term.
However, survival appears deeply challenging for the newcomers based on pre-season predictions.
Hull are heavily tipped to finish bottom despite their miraculous play-off victory at Wembley under Sergej Jakirovic.
New faces aim to secure survival
Ipswich return to the top tier seeking redemption following a forgettable previous relegation campaign.
New boss Gary O’Neil replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped away after guiding the Suffolk outfit through four tumultuous seasons.
The newly promoted side have broken their transfer record to sign Toulouse striker Emersonn and secured Daizen Maeda from Celtic.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard leads Coventry back into the elite division, ending a 25-year absence for the Sky Blues.
Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard will miss the remainder of the 2026 season to recover from a collarbone fracture sustained in July.
The Dane crashed out during stage 15 of cycling’s most prestigious race while trailing longtime rival Tadej Pogacar in the general classification.
His Visma-Lease a Bike team confirmed the early end to his campaign allows the 29-year-old to focus entirely on rehabilitation and training.
Focus shifts to recovery
After a long and intense racing period, a recovery period was planned after the Tour de France anyway.
Due to the collarbone injury, the start of my training has been delayed and it is not possible for me to get back to top level in the coming period.
The focus is on preparing optimally for the goals of the 2027 season. I will discuss these specific goals with the team in the coming period.
Jonas Vingegaard
The cycling outfit added that their lead rider is still experiencing the physical effects of the heavy fall.
They concluded that working towards any new racing targets in the short term was simply impossible.
A stellar spring derailed
Before his mid-summer crash, the reigning Vuelta a Espana champion had enjoyed a dominant first half of the year.
He secured overall victories at Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya before claiming a masterful win at the Giro d’Italia.
Taking the maglia rosa in Rome elevated him into an elite group of just eight male riders to have won all three Grand Tours.
Midnight testing controversy
His subsequent Tour de France title defence was abruptly halted on a seemingly innocuous corner during the descent towards the Plateau de Solaison.
The incident drew significant attention after it emerged he had been subjected to a highly unusual anti-doping test at 2am that same morning.
While the injured star refused to blame sleep deprivation for his fall, high-profile peers including Remco Evenepoel heavily criticised the nocturnal testing decision.
He had already intended to skip defending his Spanish Grand Tour crown this autumn to prioritise rest ahead of next year.
Chelsea have placed a staggering £100m valuation on Pedro Neto to deter potential suitors before the summer transfer window closes.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are understood to be highly reluctant to part ways with the Portuguese winger.
As a result, they will refuse to entertain any offers that fall short of their massive asking price.
Soaring market dictates valuation
The Blues are not actively looking to offload the 26-year-old over the coming weeks.
He has remained a prominent figure in the club’s pre-season preparations following his return from a post-World Cup break.
However, the London side’s steep valuation has been heavily influenced by an increasingly inflated market for wide forwards across European football.
Rival clubs circle the dynamic attacker
Several wealthy clubs have been closely monitoring the international forward throughout the current window.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have recently been credited with a strong interest in securing his signature.
He was also heavily linked with Premier League rivals Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer.
Despite the mounting speculation, it appears it would take a monumental financial package to prize him away from West London.