Newcastle United

And Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson released this statement, announcing his departure from the club:

"To all you Magpies...

"It's time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon.

"Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.

"I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate End really is as special as they say.

"All good things come to an end, but there's no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my family's hearts.

"Thank you for the memories."

Newcastle have posted on X, external:

"Callum Wilson. Goalscorer. Thank you for the memories, CW9."

That came alongside a video montage of some of the striker's key goals for Newcastle.

Callum Wilson and Newcastle have now confirmed the striker's departure with a statement to fans.

More to follow.

Sami Mokbel
BBC Sport Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

The answer to that last question is yes.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is leaving the club after failing to agree a new contract at St James’ Park.

The former England international’s deal expired last week but the Premier League side confirmed last month that the forward was in talks over a new deal.

However, well-placed sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Wilson has started the process of finding a new club after failing to reach an agreement to remain in the north-east.

It is understood a number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in the 33-year-old, while he also has options in Major League Soccer.

Wilson has made 130 appearances for the club after joining from Bournemouth for about £20m in 2020.

He has scored 49 goals during an injury-hit five years on Tyneside.

Wilson struggled with both back and hamstring injuries last season, and only managed 18 appearances in the Premier League.

Craig Nelson
BBC Sport reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Teenaged Spanish winger Antonio Cordero, 18, a free signing from Malaga, is the only new arrival at Newcastle so far this summer.

Numerous reports today, including from football journalist Fabrizio Romano, external and the Newcastle Chronicle, external, suggest that England striker Callum Wilson is ready to leave the club.

The 33-year-old former Bournemouth forward has had continuous problems with injury.

Last season he failed to score in the 18 games he was able to play in the Premier League.

When Newcastle released their retained list there was an asterisk next to his name. Wilson's contract has now ended, but discussions were ongoing about a potential new deal.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

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Ralph, Lancaster: Hi Phil, when might we see Eddie Howe's “early signings”? Newcastle are the only top six side still to join the market and surely needed more strength in depth for the Champions League campaign?

Morning, Ralph. Eddie Howe sat in front of us at St James’ Park on the final day of the season after qualifying for the Champions League and stated very clearly the importance of getting deals done quickly.

It will be hugely frustrating for him and Newcastle’s fans that this has not happened.

Joao Pedro, a prime target, went to Chelsea and Liam Delap – another player on Howe’s list - did the same. The attempts to sign Antony Elanga from Nottingham Forest are dragging on.

Howe will really want some movement soon because, for all the success of last season in winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the Champions League, his squad was thin beyond his main first-choice team.

Newcastle need to start doing deals quickly or those frustrations will grow.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

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Graham: Hi Phil. Do you agree that although Everton need a striker the best business they have done this summer is new contracts for Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye?

Hi, Graham. Absolutely. Two players at either end of their careers but both absolutely invaluable to Everton.

Branthwaite’s new contract is a real statement as I know plenty of Everton fans who thought he would leave for a big fee this summer. The 23-year-old is an outstanding defender and will form the cornerstone of David Moyes’ team this season.

Gueye was top class for Everton last season. Even though he is 36 in September, he looks in peak physical condition and is vital to the team in that calm, unfussy way he has. Great at sensing danger and just the sort of experienced, calm head Everton need.

And you’re also right about the striker. There seems to have been progress on Thierno Barry from Villarreal. If that goes through there will be plenty of expectation there.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

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James, Luton: Hi Phil, what are your views on Tottenham’s apparent slow pursuit of Mohammed Kudus? Any agreed fee looks likely to be approaching £60m and with Eberechi Eze seemingly available for £68m I don’t understand why we have not at least gone bold to find out if Eze would want to join. Kudus does not seem good value for an immediate impact.

Hello, James. I must admit the initial talk of £80m for Kudus sounded very, very rich to me, irrespective of his genuine talent. It would appear £60m is nearer the mark, but even then there is an element of risk because he has been inconsistent.

Eze would be a better bet, in my opinion.

For the slight reservations I have just expressed about Kudus, he is highly-rated by many very good judges.

When I spoke to Danny Murphy at the end of last season about players Liverpool should be looking at this summer, he named Kudus as one and was glowing about his talent.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Dave, Jersey: Morning Phil, with transfers done to date and those looking like done deals, who do you think has improved their squad most so far and has anyone changed what the top six from last season will look like this season?

Easy answer – at least in my opinion. Liverpool.

This is a sobering thought for those hoping to take the Premier League title back from them. Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong will add real strength and quality – and do not be surprised to see more coming in after sales.

Arsenal clearly mean business while Manchester City and Chelsea are not holding back, so at this stage, I do not see that much change to the top six.

Remember, though, that we are only just into July and so much will happen between now and the start of the season, which could change that.

Craig Nelson
BBC Sport reporter

Right, let's rejoin Phil McNulty's Q&A shall we...

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Ola Aina's new deal highlights Nottingham Forest's commitment to maintaining their momentum and aim of becoming a force again.

Discussions have been on-going for a while and the full-back, who played an important role in helping Forest finish seventh last season, is the latest key man to sign fresh terms.

Nuno Espirito Santo has stressed before he felt keeping his squad together was the most important thing - rather than bringing in an influx of new signings - and Forest have been working on doing that.

They have already tied down Chris Wood, Murillo and Neco Williams this year while Nuno himself signed a new three-year deal last month.

Forest do not want to sell Newcastle target Anthony Elanga - although every player has his price - as they build towards returning to Europe for the first time since 1995-96.

It is a tight squad, the unity was evident last season, and Aina is just the next piece of the puzzle in Forest's long-term desire of competing at the top.

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Ola Aina played an integral role in helping Nottingham Forest push for European qualification last season, with the club eventually finishing seventh to secure a place in the Conference League.

The 28-year-old right-back played 35 times in the Premier League - scoring twice and registering one assist as he regularly burst forward out of defence.

He also won 136 duels and 55 tackles, in total, as Forest conceded just 46 league goals last season, one of the best defensive records outside of the top five in the Premier League.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis praised Ola Aina's influence on the squad over the past two seasons.

Marinakis told the club website: “Ola has skill, determination and character in abundance. He epitomises the culture and hard work we expect from everyone associated with Forest. We look forward to continuing that journey together to help us achieve incredible things.”

Forest's chief football officer, Ross Wilson, added: "Everyone can see how much he gives the team on the pitch, and we also see every day what he brings off the pitch to our group. We are delighted he has further extended his time here."

“I’m over the moon, I can’t wait to continue this journey with the club," Nigeria full-back Ola Aina told the Nottingham Forest website.

"It’s always felt like a home ever since I joined and I’m happy to be here. Now my focus is on preparing for the new season well and getting back to hard work.”

The 28-year-old defender, who joined Forest in the summer of 2023 from Italian side Torino, returned to the club this morning for pre-season, along with his team-mates.

Nottingham Forest's first game of the Premier League season is at home to Brentford on Sunday, 17 August (14:00 BST).

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Versatile Nigeria full-back Ola Aina was a key figure for Nottingham Forest last season, impressing with his energy and defensive reliability.

The 28-year-old's new contract, until 2028, is a major boost as Forest look to build stability ahead of the new campaign and prepare for their return to European competition, in the Europa Conference League.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has signed a new contract, extending his stay at the club until 2028.

More to follow.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Joseph, an Arsenal fan from Southampton: Phil, why does it seem like Arsenal are prioritising a move for Noni Madueke over Eberechi Eze? Based on current form and versatility, Eze looks the more complete player. Also, what’s behind Arsenal’s growing interest in Chelsea players. Is it strategic, opportunistic, or something else entirely?

Morning, Joseph. Arsenal have spent big on Martin Zubimendi and look certain to do so again soon on Viktor Gyokores, so will be weighing up the rest of their expenditure carefully.

I agree that, at this point, Eze is the more complete player but Madueke is a real talent, four years younger and is also a full England international so it makes sense in the wider context.

I’m sure Arsenal’s interest in Chelsea players is purely strategic – and there might be some good deals to be had as they will need to sell some players at Stamford Bridge.

Craig Nelson
BBC Sport reporter

Arsenal did manage to get the signing of Martin Zubimendi completed on Sunday.

We will have a look at Zubimendi in more detail a little later, but for now let's welcome BBC Sport's Phil McNulty, who joins us to answer your burning questions.

Over to you Phil...

There will, of course, be a question mark hanging over Viktor Gyokeres until he gains some Premier League experience.

But he showed what he was capable of at the highest level with six goals in the Champions League last season.

Three of those came in the home tie against Manchester City.

The Swede stunned Pep Guardiola's side with a top-class demonstration of one-on-one finishing, as well as his quality from the spot and that poacher's instinct inside the box.

All qualities Mikel Arteta will hope come to the fore for Arsenal next season, should the Gunners get their intended £70m deal over the line.

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Despite the numbers stacking up in Viktor Gyokeres' favour for Sporting last season, it remains to be seen whether the Sweden striker could be quite as effective in the Premier League.

As mentioned, Rio Ferdinand expressed doubts when he was linked with a move to Manchester United.

And readers of this page seem to be split.

At the last count, our straw poll, asking whether Gyokeres was the right striker for Arsenal, showed 2,041 thumbs up, compared with 2,063 thumbs down.