Tottenham Hotspur have adamantly refused to allow club captain Cristian Romero to join arch-rivals Arsenal this summer, despite the Argentine’s willingness to make the controversial switch.
The 28-year-old is expected to call time on his five-year spell in north London, attracting significant interest from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.
While the Gunners are actively keen on securing the centre-half, Spurs executives have definitively ruled out any scenario where he moves to the Emirates Stadium.
Echoes of Campbell and Gallas
A direct transfer between the bitter rivals would emulate Sol Campbell’s infamous defection in 2001, which remains one of the Premier League’s most fiercely debated moves.
Unlike Campbell, who departed White Hart Lane on a free transfer, the South American defender still has three years remaining on his current contract.
This lengthy contractual commitment leaves the Tottenham board in a formidable negotiating position, completely eliminating the prospect of a 4.5-mile trip across the capital.
William Gallas was the last high-profile player to cross the north London divide in 2010, though his arrival also followed the expiration of his previous deal.
Atletico prepare imminent bid
Atletico Madrid are preparing an initial £40m offer for the combative defender, offering him the chance to play under compatriot Diego Simeone.
The Spanish giants previously attempted to secure his signature last summer, but former manager Thomas Frank persuaded the standout performer to sign a new deal and assume the captaincy.
Current head coach Roberto De Zerbi has already proactively prepared for a defensive reshuffle by recruiting Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m.
The Dutchman’s arrival forms part of a lavish £200m summer spending spree by the club, which has also seen Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali join the ranks.
The wantaway captain previously faced heavy criticism after nearly missing a crucial season finale to watch his boyhood club Belgrano in Argentina, before making a late return to feature against Everton.
Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in his home city of Rosario following a long illness.
The businessman passed away in hospital on Friday after dealing with a significant, long-term health condition.
Newell’s Old Boys, the boyhood club of the Inter Miami forward, confirmed the tragic news in an official statement on Saturday.
A guiding force behind a legendary career
Jorge acted as a crucial pillar throughout his son’s illustrious career, managing his affairs from his early days in Argentina to the pinnacle of world football.
In an emotional tribute, the Argentine club described the 68-year-old as a visionary who supported his family with absolute rigour and affection.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.”
The club extended their deepest sympathies to the entire family, thanking Jorge for teaching his son to love their traditional colours.
Recent health struggles
Concerns regarding his wellbeing were initially raised during the World Cup in June, when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was visibly emotional following a match.
“Why was I crying? It had absolutely nothing to do with football, I have had a few difficult days.”
The global football icon clarified at the time that his tears stemmed from a strictly private family matter rather than sporting pressures.
Shortly after that incident, relatives released a statement confirming Jorge was under medical supervision and recovering from undisclosed health problems.
The family also expressed deep concern over intense public speculation, urging the media to show respect and discretion regarding their private circumstances.
Deep ties to Rosario
The late agent remained a devoted fan of Newell’s Old Boys throughout his life, closely following the team where his superstar son first showcased his prodigious talent.
He leaves behind his wife Celia Cuccittini, alongside their children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and María Sol.
The Scottish FA has identified a preferred candidate to succeed Steve Clarke as head coach and expects to finalise the appointment within the next two weeks.
This swift recruitment process ensures the new manager will be in charge for the opening Nations League triple-header.
The national team begin their upcoming European campaign with a crucial away fixture against Slovenia on 26 September.
Mulholland leads extensive recruitment search
Craig Mulholland has spearheaded the hunt for a new permanent boss since becoming the governing body’s chief football officer in May.
It is understood the experienced executive has interviewed a diverse variety of prospective candidates from both the UK and abroad.
The overarching football association has now concluded these formal interviews as they close in on a final decision.
However, it currently remains unclear whether the incoming national team manager will be a domestic coach or a foreign arrival.
Moving on from the Clarke era
The imminent arrival will replace a predecessor who recently ended his seven-year tenure in charge of the Tartan Army.
The former Chelsea defender resigned following a disappointing group-stage elimination at this summer’s World Cup.
That premature tournament exit came shortly after the 61-year-old had committed to a fresh four-year contract extension.
Meanwhile, Steven Naismith anticipates retaining his position within the international coaching setup.
The former Everton forward previously served as a trusted assistant and expects to work alongside the newly appointed regime.
Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor after confirming his departure from Anfield earlier this year.
The 34-year-old departed English football following a difficult final season where he struggled to see eye to eye with former manager Arne Slot.
The appointment of new Reds boss Andoni Iraola did not result in a U-turn for the two-time Premier League winner.
The Egyptian was mobbed by passionate fans upon his arrival in Turkey to finalise the unexpected transfer.
Financial sacrifices and passion
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan insists the prolific winger was not motivated by money when selecting his next destination.
According to the club chief, the veteran attacker rejected deals that were significantly more lucrative.
Dogan revealed the details of the negotiations to Turkish media.
“One of the contract offers he presented to us was four times the amount we offered. His intention was not financial; he wanted to experience the excitement and passionate love here.”
International connections
The Turkish club also benefited from a glowing recommendation provided by one of their former players.
Egypt team-mate Trezeguet gave a highly positive reference following his own successful spell in the Super Lig before moving to Al Ahly.
The new arrival joins a squad featuring familiar Premier League names, including former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is also spending a second consecutive season on loan with the club.
A new shirt number
The African football icon will leave behind his famous number 11 jersey for a fresh start in Turkey.
He will instead wear the number 10 shirt, mirroring the digit he dons for his national team.
This switch was facilitated by team-mate Ernest Muci, who voluntarily sacrificed the squad number to accommodate the signing.
Dogan praised the squad harmony already on display.
“I thank Muci regarding the jersey. Him voluntarily coming and handing over the jersey number to Salah was a very valuable stance.”
Former England international Raheem Sterling’s controversial £49m move from Liverpool to Manchester City in July 2015 remains one of the most turbulent transfers in modern Premier League history.
The then-20-year-old famously refused to participate in a pre-season tour to force through a lucrative switch to the Etihad Stadium.
Tensions between the player and former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers reached a boiling point after the winger rejected a new £100,000-a-week contract offer.
Pre-season protests and a damaged legacy
Desperate to secure his desired move to Manchester, the London-raised attacker informed Rodgers he would not travel with the squad to the Far East and Australia.
The wantaway forward escalated the situation by calling in sick to miss two consecutive days of training on Merseyside.
Liverpool initially stood firm by rejecting two opening bids from the Citizens before eventually sanctioning the record-breaking departure later that summer.
Regrets over Anfield departure
Following the completion of the transfer, the former Queens Park Rangers academy prospect admitted feeling remorse over the bitter nature of his Anfield exit.
“I was a bit disappointed how I left.”
“That was the main problem I’ve had with the situation – how I’ve left it with Liverpool. I’m good with everyone at the football club, the manager, the players and I wish them well for the new season.”
“But it was really disappointing how it did finish off.”
Vindication at the Etihad Stadium
Despite the acrimonious departure, the move ultimately proved wildly successful for the lightning-fast attacker’s professional career.
He established himself as a cornerstone of the dominant Manchester City side, securing four Premier League titles, five League Cups, and an FA Cup during a stellar seven-year stint.
The prolific wide-man registered 131 goals across 339 appearances for the Manchester giants, cementing his status among the club’s modern greats.
A £50m switch to Chelsea followed in 2022, where he spent two seasons before embarking on a season-long loan with Arsenal for the current 2024-25 campaign.
Liverpool face renewed competition from Arsenal in their pursuit of Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, while advancing their interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
The Anfield club are seeking to accelerate their transfer business as new manager Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his squad.
Finding a long-term successor for Mohamed Salah remains a pressing priority for the Merseyside outfit.
The Reds have already secured deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz during the current window.
Arsenal enter race for Barcola
Efforts to sign Barcola have been complicated by interest from the reigning Premier League champions.
Mikel Arteta is searching for a new left winger after Real Madrid agreed a contract extension with Vinicius Jr.
The north London club have reportedly identified the French forward as a prime target to provide competition for recent arrival Christos Tzolis.
Liverpool are believed to have agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, but must still negotiate a fee with his parent club.
Initial demands of £145m from the Parisian side have reportedly been lowered to a more manageable £109m.
Defensive reinforcements eyed amid Konsa interest
Alongside their attacking pursuits, Iraola is eager to bolster a defensive line recently impacted by an injury to Joe Gomez.
Aston Villa players are reportedly growing increasingly concerned that Ezri Konsa will depart the club before the transfer deadline.
The England international has emerged as a key target to provide immediate defensive stability at Anfield.
Further additions are deemed necessary as new signing Jacquet and young prospect Giovanni Leoni continue to build their match fitness.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed.
The 29-year-old was discovered unresponsive at a residence in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles on the evening of 11 May.
Law enforcement sources previously confirmed that narcotics were present at the scene, with authorities swiftly ruling out any suspicion of foul play.
An official news release on Friday stated that the formal cause of death was definitively linked to the combined effects of the two illicit substances.
A devastating loss for Memphis
The tragic passing of the seven-season veteran sent profound shockwaves throughout the NBA.
His loss was felt most acutely in Tennessee, where the dynamic frontcourt player had spent the entirety of his professional career.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
The franchise released that heartfelt tribute shortly after the initial news of his sudden passing emerged earlier this year.
Officials have stated that a comprehensive and finalised medical examiner report will be made available to the public at a future date.
The agent of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has denied holding transfer talks with Napoli after being spotted at the Italian club’s training ground on Friday.
Jesus has been made available for transfer this summer after entering the final year of his contract at Emirates Stadium.
The 29-year-old fell down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta following a series of frustrating injuries, making just 14 Premier League appearances last season.
Giovanni Branchini, representing the Brazilian forward, was seen at Napoli’s Castel di Sangro complex, sparking speculation of an imminent £17m move.
However, the representative insisted his visit was solely to catch up with Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri.
“Allegri and I have been in touch, I came here today to come and visit him.”
“He’s working hard and he’s happy with everything. He’s always had a good opinion of this team and is satisfied with the work that is being done.”
Gunners seeking attacking reinforcements
Arsenal are reportedly keen to cash in on the former Manchester City attacker to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
The North London side currently rely on Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz to lead the line.
Arteta remains in the market for further firepower, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez emerging as a primary target.
Selling fringe players is viewed as crucial for the Gunners to fund moves for a world-class forward and defensive cover for the injured William Saliba.
Napoli restructuring forward line
The Serie A giants hold a genuine interest in the South American, though they hope to negotiate down Arsenal’s €20m asking price.
Allegri is currently building his new-look attack around Rasmus Hojlund for the 2026-27 campaign.
The Danish international recently completed a £38m permanent switch from Manchester United following a successful loan stint in Italy.
Further spaces could open up in the Napoli squad, with Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Lucca both facing uncertain futures.
When pressed on whether those departures were necessary to facilitate a deal for his client, Branchini refused to be drawn.
“In my line of work, the ‘ifs’ count for very little, not as much as they matter for you journalists.”
“From my point of view, it’s better to not talk about speculation.”