Premier League will not be cut to 18 clubs amid calendar tensions, says league chief
The Premier League will not bow to pressure to reduce in size from 20 to 18 clubs, says chief executive Richard Masters.
The Blues played almost a year of continuous football before the end of their 2024/25 season gave them a long-awaited reprieve, but will have to do it all over again with 11 months of competitive action culminating back in the United States for the World Cup – the final of which takes place on 19 July in New Jersey.
Chris Wilson2 August 2025 00:00
Man United transfer news: Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, Corentin Tolisso and more
Manchester United face a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally gets the chance to shape his squad and transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table.
The release of the Premier League fixtures shows a difficult start for United, with an opening game agasint Arsenal and fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea within their first five matches of 2025/26, and the manager’s future could be called into question early should his side struggle.
United got some early business done with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal before completing a move for Brentford star Bryon Mbeumo, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made clear that the money pot is not deep.
Offloading high-wage players such as Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho seems key to funding the revolution, with a lack of movement causing frustration among fans as United lag behind their rivals.
Here’s everything you need to know about Manchester United’s summer transfer plans.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 23:00
Arsenal transfer news: Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo, Ollie Watkins and more
It was once again a case of close but not close enough for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2024/25. Finishing second fiddle to the Premier Leaguechampions for a third successive season, the Gunners endured another trophyless campaign after their Champions League push fell at the hands of eventual winners PSG.
A key reason for their failure to achieve was an attacking injury crisis that forced Mikel Merino to take up a role of makeshift number nine, and despite their undeniable quality in the starting XI, Arsenal’s depth is far from good enough for a team hopeful of major titles.
And with numerous players already on the chopping block, Arteta has promised a “big” summer of recruitment at the Emirates.
With the transfer window having re-opened on 16 June, a striker was top of the club’s shopping list, and they’ve finally got their man after completing a move for Viktor Gyokeres.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the club’s transfer dealings, and Arsenal will be hoping he can replicate his Atleti exploits in London as Arteta looks to lead the club back to the Premier League pinnacle for the first time since 2006.
Here’s everything you need to know about Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 22:00
Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak, Rodrygo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and more
The summer months of 2024 hardly shaped the season that followed for Liverpool, and Slot has already proven that he doesn’t require overwhelming transfer activity to be successful. Last summer, he saw just two arrivals come through the door in the form of Giorgi Mamardashvili (who was immediately loaned back toValencia) and Federico Chiesa, who played a total of just 104 minutes in the Premier League.
But with Trent Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit and a Premier League title to defend, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are expected to engage in a substantial recruitment drive over the coming months.
Here’s everything you need to know about Liverpool’s summer transfer plans.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 21:30
What FA statement really tells us about Lucas Paqueta’s ‘nightmare’ betting case
The headline rather downplayed the significance of the news. “Lucas Paqueta update” was found on the FA website, a story ranked below “New clubs ready for FA Cup debuts”. Update? It could have been the end, given the existential threat to the Brazilian’s career. Indeed, until news broke last Friday that he was likely to be cleared, the expectation was that a lengthy – perhaps even lifetime – ban beckoned.
The FA’s language was rather dry; it was also different to Paqueta’s. The governing body described the allegations – that the West Ham midfielder had got booked deliberately in four different games, in instances of spot-fixing to influence the betting markets – as “not proven” rather than declaring him not guilty. They also said the regulatory commission had proved two breaches of Rule F3, relating to a failure to answer questions and provide information. A punishment will be determined in the future.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 21:00
Liverpool unveil new home shirt after champions switch from Nike to adidas
Liverpool have unveiled their first adidas shirts as part of a new multi-year kit deal with the German athletic apparel giants.
The Premier League champions replaced a previous deal with manufacturer Nike, penning terms with adidas in March this year.
The Reds previously wore adidas kits between 1985 to 1996, and then again between 2006 and 2012, the partnership has seen the team win three top-flight domestic league titles and three FA Cup wins.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 20:30
Arsenal know Eze release clause deadline
Arsenal know Eze release clause deadline
This rumour feels very similar to Arsenal’s failed pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.
The Gunners have a price in mind and will not go past it. What that price is cannot be said but it seems to be lower than the £60m release clause Crystal Palace are waiting to be triggered.
The Gunners are in no hurry having already strengthened their forward line with Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
For his part, Eze is said to be keen on the move and has told his agents, who are in contact with Arsenal, that he is tempted by the opportunity.
Eze’s release clause expires before the start of the season on August 16, though it is believed Palace will keep their price the same after the expiry deadline passes.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 20:00
Everton eye Tyler Dibling as David Moyes targets six more signings
The Merseyside club have reportedly had a £27m bid for the teenager rejected by the relegated club.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 19:30
Newcastle reject formal bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak
The Sweden international has told the Carabao Cup winners he wants to explore the possibility of a move away from St James’ Park and Liverpool, who had made an inquiry about the 25-year-old last month, and followed it up with a formal bid.
Isak would be expected to command a price of over £100m and more than the club record sum Liverpool have paid for Florian Wirtz this summer.
Newcastle had long maintained that Isak was not for sale, but Liverpool are testing that position and manager Eddie Howe has admitted his top scorer’s future could be out of his hands.
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 19:00
Newcastle United transfer news: Benjamin Sesko, Yoane Wissa, Aaron Ramsdale and more
Having ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success last season, Newcastle United now have work to do in the transfer market.
With a return to the Champions League, the Magpies need to strengthen their squad to compete at the highest level.
Boss Eddie Howe has made it known that he is looking to work fast this summer, seemingly not wanting to repeat the sort of saga that saw Marc Guehi remain at Crystal Palace despite strong interest last summer.
The Saudi-backed club were without any major recruits over the past two seasons due to PSR rules, but started the summer with a big move for Anthony Elanga – with the Nottingham Forest winger joining in a deal worth £55m – and are set to make more notable additions as they continue a pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Here’s everything you need to know about Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans:
Chris Wilson1 August 2025 18:45