Arsenal have now been tipped to drop a key member of the starting eleven for their looming opening day clash against Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.

Mikel Arteta is poised to do battle with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the north Londoners ending their pre-season preparations as they gear up for yet another title challenge.

Nothing but a perfect start will do for Arsenal, having watched a plethora of their nearest rivals in Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City all splash hundreds of millions on a plethora of summer signings to bolster their squads.

Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has been a busy man too, investing north of £200 million on six major signings, with Kepa, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres all making the move to N5.

It is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Premier League campaigns in history, and especially near the top of the table, with many standout contenders already making themselves known after productive transfer windows.

“I think on the physical part we’re in a really good place,” said Arteta after Arsenal’s final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao.

“I think we have competed against very different opponents in different contexts, in different countries, so it’s been a really complete pre-season. You constantly learn and evolve in the team, that’s not going to stop now because this is the last test of pre-season. On Monday we’ll continue to work on things, on things that we have to develop and improve from today, from the last few games, and other things that we want to still do. And especially the integration of the new players to make sure that we create such a bond and spirit in the team that we can compete against the opposition.”

Arteta has a few imperative decisions to make ahead of Arsenal’s face-off with United in Manchester, who are under a significant amount of pressure themselves to make a good start to 2025/2026.

Arsenal tipped to drop Myles Lewis-Skelly for Man United

Journalist Charles Watts, speaking to CaughtOffside, is convinced that Arteta could even drop star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly for the clash.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign last season, with his performances at full-back earning Lewis-Skelly both calls to the England squad and a brand-new long-term contract.

The rising star teenager played 23 Premier League games last year, starting 15 of them, and was handed the nod by Arteta in their blockbuster Champions League ties against Real Madrid and PSG.

Lewis-Skelly has been called “incredible” by the likes of Gary Neville after his rise to the first-team, and he’s now become a key player for them.

However, Watts believes that Lewis-Skelly will be axed for United in favour of Riccardo Calafiori.

“I think who starts at full-back this weekend will be interesting for Arsenal. There is a real competition in those positions,” said the reporter.

“When he’s been on the pitch Riccardo Calafiori has looked very good. I really enjoyed his performance last weekend and if he’s deemed fully fit I think he might get the nod at left-back over Myles Lewis-Skelly.

“It’s a tough call, but Lewis-Skelly hasn’t looked at his best yet this summer, so I would not be surprised if Arteta goes with the Italian to try and negate the threat of Bryan Mbeumo and also cause problems up the other end.”

Calafiori suffered various injury problems across 2024/2025, which hampered the Italian’s game time, but if he can stay fit, Arteta will have a seriously star-studded left-back rotation at his disposal.

Transfer deadline day is always an exciting one for fans all over England, but today could prove to be a huge day for Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to end the window on a positive note.

Up to now, the business conducted by Thomas Frank has been a huge success, spending around £155m on new additions, with Xavi Simons being the latest big-money signing in North London.

The Dutchman joined in a £52m deal last week, adding to the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and a permanent move to land Frenchman Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

However, new boss Frank is evidently still hunting for further additions to help boost his chances of securing any form of success in Europe and or the Premier League this campaign.

Numerous names have emerged on their shortlist throughout deadline day, with progress being made on deals to land various top-level European talents.

Spurs’ hunt to land new talent on deadline day

Despite Simons’ transfer in recent days, Spurs have been hunting for the signature of Ademola Lookman over the last couple of hours – potentially costing a fee in the region of £43m.

The Nigerian, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, has been desperate for a transfer this summer, potentially getting himself a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

However, another name has emerged on their radar in recent hours, with Football Insider reporting the Lilywhites are keen on a late move for Conor Gallagher.

They claim that the Atlético Madrid star is available for €60m (£52m) in the coming hours, with Newcastle United also battling Frank’s side for a potential switch back to England.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kolo Muani

Alongside Lookman, Spurs are negotiating a deal with PSG for the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani – despite the Frenchman looking certain to join Juventus this summer.

It’s been reported this morning that the Lilywhites are close to agreeing personal terms with the forward over a deal to North London – with a loan with an obligation to buy mooted before tonight’s deadline.

Such a deal has advanced after Dominic Solanke suffered a setback with his current ankle issue, with no timeframe currently placed on his return to first-team action.

Kolo Muani, who scored 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan in Italy last campaign, would offer another impressive option in the final third – potentially being aided by Gallagher in his quest for goals in 2025/26.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is primarily a ball-winning option, he’s also showcased his ability to break the lines and play key passes into attacking areas – having the tools to be a perfect box-to-box talent in Frank’s side.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, with £52m potentially being an excellent price – should he replicate such figures in North London.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) in LaLiga – showcasing his ability to regain possession should he move to Frank’s side.

However, in possession, the England international also impressed, making an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – tallies which could provide Kolo Muani with constant chances in dangerous areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

2.6 of his progressive passes last season were made into the final third, further showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet, offering added ammunition for the Frenchman should he join the Lilywhites.

£52m would be another huge investment from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s already impressive midfield department.

If he can replicate his numbers from LaLiga last season, it would be a sensational pickup and one that could allow Kolo Muani to adhere himself to the supporters in the process.

Frank's next Wissa: Spurs close to agreeing terms to sign £50m star

Tottenham are set for a frenetic finish to the summer transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of strengthening the first-team squad this summer have been brought into question over recent weeks – and rightly so given the lack of activity.

Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel have been the only two senior first-team additions during the off-season, with Joao Palhinha also joining the Lilywhites during the off-season.

However, given the side’s lowly Premier League finish of 17th in 2024/25, new boss Thomas Frank would surely have wanted further reinforcements to help bolster his squad.

Morgan Gibbs-White was once seen as the club’s biggest target, but in typical Daniel Levy fashion, he was unable to get a deal over the line – with the Englishman subsequently penning a new deal at Nottingham Forest.

Such a deal isn’t the only one the owner has scuppered in recent weeks, but the latest one has certainly been inexplicable given the situation around the potential transfer.

Spurs’ failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze this summer

Eberechi Eze was seen as Spurs’ alternative to Gibbs-White this summer, making key moves with Crystal Palace to complete a move for the 27-year-old.

It was reported last week that the player himself was keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the prospect of Champions League football undoubtedly appealing to the attacking midfielder.

Talks were at an advanced stage, on the player’s side and between the two sides, leading to a £60m deal being in place for Eze to move to the Lilywhites for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

However, despite all the work conducted for the Eagles star’s signature, their failure to complete a deal has seen rivals Arsenal swoop in and take the player from their clutches.

A total agreement has been reached between Eze and the Gunners, with the England international missing the Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad to finalise his transfer.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy desperately need to delve back into the market to land other targets, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching on the horizon.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for an Eze alternative

After missing out on the Englishman’s signature, Spurs have turned their attention to his compatriot, Morgan Rogers, in an attempt to bolster the number ten position.

However, after making enquiries to land the 23-year-old this summer, it appears a deal could be unlikely, with Aston Villa currently demanding around £80m for his signature.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights at present, with Frank’s side ramping up their efforts to land Manchester City star Savinho, according to The Times.

Their article states that the Lilywhites could be set to return to talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the Brazilian, after previously entering negotiations to land the 21-year-old this summer.

It also claims that the Citizens don’t want to lose the Brazilian before the end of the window, but could listen to offers in the region of £60m for the attacker who notched 14 goal contributions in 2024/25.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Missing out on Eze, to a direct rival too, will undoubtedly be a bitter blow to the Spurs faithful, which has no doubt fuelled their disappointment towards owner, Levy.

He desperately needs to land a new talent or two within the final days of the transfer market to bolster the side, subsequently handing Frank the tools he needs to push for success in England’s top-flight.

It’s evident that money is available to spend, as seen by the moves for Eze and Gibbs-White, but this time around, the owner needs to be meaningful in his dealings to complete any signings.

The club are still being linked with various top-level players, as seen by their attempts to land Rogers, but it seems more likely at present that a deal for Savinho is more achievable this summer.

A deal for the Brazilian, whilst being an expensive one, would allow for a versatile option, with the youngster able to operate in central and wide areas when called upon.

Should talks progress, it would see the hierarchy spend a similar fee on Savinho as they would’ve with Eze, but they would be getting a talent six years younger in the process.

Despite his tender age, the City star managed to outperform the soon-to-be Arsenal man in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the immediate and long-term future.

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target rate in the Premier League last season, subsequently providing the side with an added threat in front of goal.

However, whilst goalscoring is partly important for a supporting player in Frank’s system, chance creation is something that is crucial – a talent which the Brazilian possesses in abundance.

He bettered Eze for key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, tallies which highlight his ability to either find the net alone, or provide golden chances for those around him.

Whilst the aforementioned assets are two of the 21-year-old’s strong points, he’s also showcased his superb dribbling ability at the Etihad – registering more take-ons and progressive carries per 90 – allowing him to beat the opponents before putting the finishing touches on any attack.

There’s no denying the Eze saga will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Spurs faithful, but it could prove to be a blessing if they can land a deal for Savinho.

In his first year in English football, he’s already demonstrated his top-level quality, able to develop further during Frank’s tenure and potentially catapult the side to added glory in the years ahead.

He's better than Eze: Spurs make approach to sign "sensational" £80m star

Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 22, 2025

Manchester City find themselves in a mini-rut after two successive defeats, though could be about to announce a statement signing ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

Manchester City suffer problematic defeat at Brighton

Despite being billed as one of the Premier League title favourites, Manchester City have lost back-to-back Premier League matches after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring and looked set to send the Citizens on their way to a victory, though a penalty from James Milner and Brajan Gruda’s late strike left Pep Guardiola with much to ponder after a disappointing collapse on the South Coast.

Speaking after the loss, Manchester City star Rodri admitted his side ‘are not at the level’ that they should be and urged newcomers to step up quickly if they have designs on fighting for major silverware.

He told Sky Sports: “Disappointed because we are Manchester City and we come here to win, but this is the reality. We are not at the level for a long, long time.”

“We are missing the level. It is a matter of the team and the changes. New players have to adapt, and of course, when you change the team that much, it is difficult. This is our reality, it is not for excuses and we have to see that this is not the way to achieve things.”

Related Man City plan to submit record £130m offer to sign Ballon d'Or nominee

The Citizens are ready to break the bank.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 29, 2025

Undoubtedly, the lack of cohesiveness between Manchester City’s defence and goalkeeper James Trafford is one factor behind their shaky nature. £27 million was forked out on the stopper who joined from Burnley, while fan favourite Ederson looks set to depart before the window closes.

Needing a replacement with the wherewithal to become a rock behind Guardiola’s backline, Manchester City could now have found their man with time ticking before tonight’s deadline.

Manchester City set to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma

After weeks of speculation, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on X that Manchester City are set to seal a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Ederson has agreed to join Fenerbahce, the renowned journalist added in his description, and the former AC Milan stopper is set for a medical this afternoon before an official announcement.

Weeks after Pep doubled down on Ederson’s importance to Manchester City, Donnarumma looks set to replace the Citizens’ legend between the sticks, though he hasn’t exactly had a simple journey of his own to get to this point.

Speaking about his situation at Paris Saint-Germain, for whom he kept 17 clean sheets in 47 appearances across all competitions last term, he admitted that he has been somewhat forced out at the Parc des Princes after protracted negotiations to extend his £212,000-a-week deal fell through.

Either way, that all appears to be water under the bridge and Manchester City will land an apt replacement for Ederson who will make a major difference between the sticks.

يستعد فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك لمواجهة نظيره ديكاداها الصومالي، في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويواجه الزمالك نظيره ديكاداها الصومالي، في تمام الساعة السادسة مساء اليوم بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب القاهرة الدولي، في إطار منافسات دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

طالع.. الزمالك يفقد 3 لاعبين أمام ديكاداها في الكونفدرالية

الزمالك تحت قيادة مديره الفني يانيك فيريرا يبحث عن مداواة جروحه الأخيرة، في مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز وتراجع نتائج الفريق ما أثار غضب جماهيره.

ويسعى الزمالك لاستعادة نغمة الانتصارات أمام ديكاداها، وإخماد غضب جماهيره لا سيما أن الفريق تعادل في مباراته الأخيرة في مسابقة الدوري المصري مع غزل المحلة بهدف لكل فريق.

جدير بالذكر أن الزمالك سيواجه ديكاداها في إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية يوم الجمعة الموافق 24 من شهر أكتوبر الجاري.