Premier League

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

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Martin Zubimendi played 236 times for Real Sociedad - his only club to date - and scored 10 goals.

But he is not a goalscorer, because he is primarily a defensive midfielder.

Real Sociedad played several formations last season, though mostly it was a 4-1-4-1 with Zubimendi as the pivot.

In La Liga in 2024-25, he ranked in the top five of central midfielders for successful passes, successful long passes, progressive passes, touches, tackles, interceptions, aerial duels won and distance of completed upfield passes (8.5km).

"He's not a paragon of technical prowess, nor does he stand out for his vision, his long ball touch, or his ability to link up," said Spanish journalist and Real Sociedad expert Roberto Ramajo, external.

"He delivers in every aspect of a midfielder's game, and he always contributes. And that's what sets him apart, what allows him to excel the way he has at Real Sociedad since he came into the first team.

"Martin has very good tactical ability. He knows how to occupy space on the pitch almost perfectly, and he reads his team's needs very well when it comes to helping his team-mates.

"He has fantastic reading of the game, because he's very intelligent without the ball. I know he's hailed with the ball, but I like him better off it."

Read the full piece here

Image source, Opta

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We asked for your thoughts on the signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Matthew: Kyle Walker is an outstanding signing for Burnley along with the other editions we have brought in so far. Centre-half alongside Maxime Esteve in my reckoning. It shows the intention, from our great board and manager, that we mean business next season. I have no doubt whatsoever that there will be three teams with less points than us by the end of the season. We will be trimming the squad at some point as it is quite big for us at present with sales or loans and a striker will be coming in next.

Peter: Exactly the experience we need in defence for the PL. It's what we lacked the last time, having stupidly let Ben Mee go. Great signing - well done, Scott Parker!

Simon: What a coup! He may not be at his peak but he's also not shown any evidence of significant fall off either. Although Connor Roberts was a stalwart last season, the opportunity to buy a player of Walker's experience and quality will be immensely beneficial to the entire squad and particularly the already solid defensive unit against much better attacking opposition this season. This signing will also hopefully improve our chances of signing players of a similar ilk who may have had doubts of signing for little old Burnley before now too.

Russell: Experience is essential in a newly promoted side and his leadership qualities should be a great asset to Burnley. Not now at the top of his game, but still a good acquisition for a club that need stability on promotion.

Graham: Very surprised! I wasn't expecting another right-back as we had two internationals already. A statement signing that I hope has positive implications, both on and off the park. I'm a little concerned at the pay differential though and the impact on other squad members.

Mark: I don't know what to make of this signing, I'm hoping it's not a big mistake like when we signed Joe Hart. I know I may sound negative but he's 35 now and lost his pace, which he was known for.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will see his team earn a substantial $21m dollars after beating Palmeiras in Fifa's Club World Cub but Uefa sanctions still pose a problem.

The Blues will rightly celebrate a 2-1 win over the Brazilian giants, helped by a wonderful Cole Palmer goal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

However, on the same day Fifa provided a windfall and something to celebrate, there was concerning news from Uefa.

Uefa's governing body announced an initial fine of 31m euros (£26.7m) and Chelsea could be fined a further 60m euros (£51.2m) over the next four years should they continue to not fulfil the financial controls enforced by European football's governing body.

Further to this, the sanction stipulates Chelsea must balance the books in Europe and make sure to end the transfer window with a "positive balance" or be unable to register new players, including new signings like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens.

Not only that, they must sell players that were previously on the A list in Uefa competition, in this case the Conference League squad from the second half of last season.

That means that balancing the £170m of purchases this summer needs to come from those registered from Europe's third tier, which Chelsea won, with only Marcus Bettinelli, sold for a nominal fee to Manchester City, thus far counting.

Sales of forwards Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku are not ruled out. Trevoh Chalobah could also be sold from the current squad.

The sales of Kepa Arrizabalga to Arsenal for £5m and defender Bashir Humphreys for £12.7m to Burnley do not count, neither would fees for Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja, Joao Felix and Renato Veiga, who were not selected for the Club World Cup and are deemed surplus to requirements.

This is a very complex case and it is not clear how many players will need to be sold but Chelsea say they are confident of future compliance and have spoken of their ongoing support for Uefa's rules.

The deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre have shaken the sporting world.

You can watch a BBC documentary on the Liverpool striker above and access it on iPlayer here.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

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Newcastle United's pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger's stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest. With an improved £55m offer reportedly on the table, the Magpies are hoping to add his pace, precision, and end-product to their ranks ahead of a crucial season.

Yet, according to BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray, the East Midlands club have no plans to sell - and when you look at the numbers, you can see why.

Elanga's statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.

A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers - being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work - he doesn't waste chances.

His crossing ability sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle's current wingers - Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon - averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, while Elanga averages 6.65.

Meanwhile, his progressive carries - how frequently he moves the ball towards goal - highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest's attack. Even his goals per shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among wingers.

For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third. Their recent transfer frustration stems from failing to make these kinds of decisive moves early. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in Europe.

But for Forest, the data offers equally compelling reasons to resist any approaches. Elanga is not just an emerging star - he's become integral to their style of play. His numbers aren't padded by penalties or purple patches; they reflect consistent, high-level contribution. At 23, he still has room to grow, and with Forest's ambitions to push higher up the Premier League table, keeping a player of this calibre sends a clear signal of intent.

For now, Forest's stance is firm: Elanga is not for sale. And whether you view the radar through the lens of a buying club or a club determined to keep its best talent, the conclusion is the same - Elanga is already among the Premier League's most valuable wide players.

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Everton are closing in on the signing of France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry from La Liga side Villarreal - but what would he bring to Goodison Park, and how does he compare to outgoing number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin's contract expired on Monday after nine years at the club in which he scored 71 goals in 273 games. The 28-year-old experienced highs and lows at Everton, enjoying fine 2019-2020 and 2020-21 seasons that earned him a place in England's European Championships squad, but at other times struggling with form and fitness.

In the two campaigns mentioned he scored 13 and 16 league goals respectively but did not reach double figures in any other single Premier League season.

Meanwhile, last season 22-year-old Barry scored 11 La Liga goals to help Villarreal finish fifth and achieve their highest points tally in 17 years, qualifying for the Champions League.

He was part of an elite group of players aged under 23 to score 10 or more goals in Europe's top five leagues, alongside the likes of Leipzig's in-demand Benjamin Sesko, PSG's Bradley Barcola and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.

One area the Toffees will be hoping Barry is an improvement on Calvert-Lewin in is aerially, especially in David Moyes' first full season back in charge with the Scotsman favouring a playing style that features lots of crosses into the box.

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Everton ranked seventh for open-play crosses in last season's Premier League, although they struggled to convert crosses into goals, scoring just three times from such situations – the fewest of any club other than Chelsea (2).

Barry's height makes him a huge threat in the air and he ranked second of all forwards in Europe's major leagues - and top of anyone in La Liga - for aerial duel success in 2024-25 for players who have competed in a minimum of 100 aerial duels.

He won 66.7% of his 153 challenges, while Calvert-Lewin has never won above 53.7% [in the 2020-21 season] in the Premier League.

Beto's surge of form after Moyes' return last season aside, Everton have lacked a reliable goalscorer who can offer a physical presence and threat.

If he can stay fit, Barry has the characteristics to thrive in the Premier League and endear himself to Toffees fans in the same way Calvert-Lewin did at the beginning of the 2020s.

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BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray believes Nottingham Forest have no desire to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle this transfer window.

"Forest are clearly not interested in selling," Fray said on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast. "They're not having to sell, not desperate to sell and they want to keep Anthony Elanga. That's not a surprise because there is no substitute for pace.

"You see the pace he has and he's also got something on the end of it. It's all very well being able to run fast but you've got to be able to control the ball when you're running and be able to do something with it.

"Just look at his goal against [last season] Manchester United at the City Ground - that will tell you everything you need to know about the player."

Elanga has 11 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances for Forest and Fray says his end product has caught the attention of rivals.

"That's why Newcastle want him," he said. "They've got a Champions League campaign and they're keen to strengthen, so they're looking at their options. Forest are not in a position that they have to sell but I suppose you come back to that old phrase of every player has got a price.

"There might come a point - it depends if Newcastle are going to go high enough. When the money becomes attractive, that's when you look at what players you can bring in. Option A - a replacement and option B - a replacement plus a couple more to add to the strength in depth."

Listen to the full chat here

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With Newcastle United's transfer business under the spotlight, former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark has called for sharper decision-making as the club looks to strengthen ahead of a pivotal season.

Newcastle United have Champions League football to offer in the upcoming season, but so far they remain inactive in the transfer market, with only speculation and rumours linking them to potential signings.

"It's a game of chess, isn't it, from the buying club to the selling club," Clark said on BBC Radio Newcastle. "The frustrating thing from Newcastle's point of view is that we seem to go in and have to do it three or four times.

"And when I say go in, I mean go in and get a bid rejected, whereas our rivals in the top six get close, maybe with the first offer and go smash it with the second.

"And with the type of players we are looking to bring in now, we are looking at the real elite level.

"Just seems to be that we are not making the right early moves in terms of making things happen. Obviously, you don't want to be paying over the odds. But we've gone three windows without really signing anyone in terms of seniority to help the team, and this summer is crucial for us - we've got to learn from the last Champions League campaign. Certainly got a terrific squad, but not big enough."

Listen on BBC Sounds

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Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On Instagram, Robertson wrote:

The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.

For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.

For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.

I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now.

It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.

Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.

He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.

We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.

The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much.

But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.

Love you, Diogo.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is attracting loan interest early in the transfer window.

The 21-year-old midfielder has received loan enquiries from clubs like Valencia and Hamburg but a Premier League loan remains the most likely option with further clubs monitoring his situation closely.

A season at relegated Southampton - where he made 31 appearances and started nine of the last 10 league games - highlighted Ugochukwu's physical traits make him suitable for the Premier League after his £23.2m move to Chelsea from Rennes in 2023.

However, Chelsea currently have a preference to sell the France Under-21s international, especially if they can attract a substantial bidder.

Chelsea are also cautious about overseas loans as Fifa limit all clubs to just six such loans outside of their domestic divisions through new rules established in 2024.

Therefore, a sale is preferred, a domestic loan is the second preference and an overseas loan will only likely be sanctioned later in the window - if the first two are not achieved.

The likes of Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka and those not at the Club World Cup - including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Djordje Petrovic - are in a similar situation.

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The centre-back Steve Howey believes is the best to wear the white and black of Newcastle United over the past 50 years is Jonathan Woodgate.

The former England defender only played for the Magpies for 18 months after signing from Leeds in 2003 for around £9 million.

The following summer, Real Madrid came calling but for Howey, he left a lasting impression.

"Good defender who read the game very well - a good footballer," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I have to be honest, there were times when I didn't see what everyone else saw when everyone raved about him [before he moved to St James' Park].

"But when I watched him at Newcastle, it was effortless for him. It didn't look like he was flustered. He looked comfortable all the time!"

A recap of Howey's five-best centre-backs to play for Newcastle:

1. Jonathan Woodgate

2. Steve Howey

3. Darren Peacock

4. Philippe Albert

5. Fabricio Coloccini

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

What do you make of Howey's choices?

How would you rank these five? Have a go here.

But who is missing from the list?

Let us know here

Nick Godwin
BBC Radio London reporter

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It is still a bit difficult to process that Tottenham will be in the Champions League in the coming season.

Previous trips into that competition came off the back of exciting, gravity-defying Premier League campaigns, under Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte, in which Spurs fought off hefty competition for those top four finishes and entered with a bit of a swagger.

It is fair to say the situation this time around is different and Spurs go forward knowing they need to improve dramatically.

Last season, it was a bit much to expect Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Djed Spence and Mikey Moore to shoulder the burdens of a brutal top-fight campaign and it would, again, be too much to ask them to take on heavy responsibilities in the Champions League.

I'm not saying any of them disgraced themselves last year – they performed creditably and learned loads - but they didn't make much difference to the results.

So for Spurs to play with any sort of confidence this year, they need to recruit players who will be immediately comfortable at that level.

I recall the eyebrows raised when Rafael van der Vaart arrived at Tottenham before they embarked on their exhilarating Champions League run in the 2010-11 season.

It was not entirely clear what he would offer Spurs on this new adventure until the early moments of their first group stage away game. His pinpoint cross was headed in by Peter Crouch to put Spurs 2-0 up. He ran the first half with intelligence and verve. Yes, the game ended 2-2 and Van der Vaart rarely played past the hour mark, but he showed the way for Spurs that day and helped power them to the quarter finals.

If Daniel Levy and Thomas Frank can find a Van der Vaart equivalent (or maybe a couple), Spurs fans can actively look forward to the Champions League rather than just rub their eyes in amazement that they are there in the first place

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We asked for your views on the news that Joao Pedro has joined Chelsea in a deal worth £60m and your initial reaction to the transfer.

Here are some of your comments:

Fran: Selling Pedro is a good bit of business for the Albion. I always thought he was inconsistent. He was always reliable as a penalty taker but you need more. I would be more sorry if we lost Mitoma. Anyway, good luck to Pedro in Brighton's reserve team!

Ted: For an established Premier League goal scoring forward - a profile in short supply - this looks somewhat cheap. I hope Brighton have a ready-made replacement in mind as we look a bit light up front.

Lawrence: Pleased. He's a great player and gives 100% in and out of the training/Premier League games. My only concern is he's hot-headed and can be a tad aggressive which lands him into trouble. Is that a bad thing or good thing? Time will tell but he has fallen out with a few players here and has received red cards so can be a liability. But, when he's on his game he's fabulous to watch. I wish him well.

Alastair: Brighton don't make many mistakes with player sales and this isn't one of them. Pedro only shows his best in flashes and gets petulant when Brighton concede or his fellow players are trying to walk the ball into the net, which is a common problem at the Amex. I expect he'll be swallowed up by the masses of failed transfers at Stamford Bridge. As ever Brighton are meanwhile quietly recruiting the next £60m sell-on.

Paul: Joao Pedro is undoubtedly a gifted player and I have had the privilege of seeing him score some cracking goals. However, I've never been convinced that he was 100% committed to the club. His demeanour and his interaction with other players just left me feeling his heart wasn't in it and he had his eyes on bigger, shinier things. He looked bored. He'll fit in well along the Kings Road and its London living and nightlife. Best of Brighton luck to the lad.

Alex: Obviously a loss on the pitch, but for every big moment there'd be games he went missing, and with Rutter, Gruda and perhaps Buonanotte all capable of playing in the same role, I think it's a good move. Rutter an upgrade as well I believe.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

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Expectations for exciting new arrivals to north London could not be higher this transfer season. Since finishing second for the third straight year, fans have been demanding significant acquisitions from the club.

As of the start of July, they might be feeling a bit disappointed.

So far, the activity has been sensible and practical. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea represents suitable competition for David Raya. In a similar vein, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is rumoured to be joining and his Premier League experience means he will be a solid addition to the squad.

But sensible and practical signings are not what the fans are craving. Fans want multiple, marquee signings. Real Madrid's Rodrygo, with his two Champions League titles, has been discussed as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli. In recent days, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze has shot to the top of wishlists.

But the story of the summer so far is the long-awaited striker, who for many remains the obvious missing piece in Arsenal's squad. Social media debate has raged on links with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. This is truly 2025's Jennifer Aniston versus Angelina Jolie, or team blue dress versus team gold dress.

With every day that goes by without concrete updates, the fanbase gets increasingly exasperated and polarised. There has also been no confirmation of the signing of Martin Zubimendi, supposedly confirmed months ago.

In recent years, patience has not been a word associated with Arsenal fans. And unfortunately with two months still to go until the transfer window closes, there is a lot of time left to be debating which superstars could help finally win the title next season.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

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We asked for your tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following the shock news of their deaths.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Completely devastated to hear this. Whenever we needed a moment of magic, Diogo always seemed to be the one that provided it. My thoughts go out to his wife and children.

Pat: Absolutely tragic - a genuinely great guy, a devoted husband and father, an LFC player who never really got the acclaim he deserved as one of their great playmakers. Life is so cruel - always happens to the good guys. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this devastating time.

Mihir: What a sad day, not just for Liverpool, but for football. A model professional for club and country.

Clare: Diogo was an inspirational signing for the Reds. Easy to overlook his contribution in a talented squad but he delivered and scored some beauties. How lucky were we to have him in our team. As a man he has excelled too, beautiful family and a gaming legend. Some stars shine brightly, but not for long enough - he was one of these. Sincerest condolences to all the family - we lost our #20 today but his family lost two sons, a father and a husband. Heartbreaking.

Joe: Still can't believe this. So young, so much to look forward to with his kids, wife, and the coming seasons as defending Premier League champion and Nations League champion. He must have been so excited for the next chapter in his life, I can't believe it finishes there. His song will ring out at Anfield for a decade and more. Thoughts to the family who lost two loved ones. Rest in peace, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Daniel: Diogo, you gave us moments of brilliance, of passion, of joy. You played with heart, and lived with love. The world of football mourns not just a player, but a soul who inspired so many. Your legacy will echo in every cheer, every goal, every child who dreams with a ball at their feet. Rest in peace, champion. You'll Never Walk Alone.

Sue: Filled with shock and such sadness to hear about the death of one of the Reds' finest. A father of three and just married - an unbearable loss for them. The Liverpool team are a family and the city too - they will be heart broken. We've lost one of the greatest footballers to watch on the pitch and by all accounts a really lovely human being. RIP Diogo and thank you for being a Red. YNWA.

Image source, Getty Images

Tributes have flooded social media since the news of Diogo Jota's death broke early on Thursday.

Here is a snapshot:

Portugal National Team on X: The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.

Much more than an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his team-mates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community.

We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.

Porto president Andre Villas-Boas: This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities. To the family and friends of Diogo and André, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honour of them having represented FC Porto.

Sporting CP on X: The world of football has become poorer.

Sporting CP expresses its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.

Jamie Carragher on X: Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.

Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.

Ruben Neves on Instagram: They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague: He had two things - he was very effective on the pitch and he was very liked by everyone. The Portuguese side in the past under Fernando Santos was divided into groups but Diogo Jota belonged to all of them. I am shocked because of his age, because of his importance to the team, because he was actually in a winning side, he was at the peak of his powers. He is in a Liverpool team at the forefront of football. You struggle to find the words, it is just shocking.

Image source, West Ham United FC

West Ham have unveiled their new 2025-26 home kit, based on a "clean, minimalist aesthetic".

The shirt has blue detailing with a claret and blue striped V-collar and matching cuffs.

After last year's blue-filled club crest, the badge on the front of the shirt returns to full-colour.

The club say the new strip is a "true modern classic in the making" - choose your verdict over here.

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says he "loved" the dressing room at Old Trafford and that Sir Alex Ferguson's criticism used to gee him up.

Cole spent six years at United, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999.

"Seriously, I loved it [the dressing room]," he told the Sacked in the Morning podcast. "I'm an individual. I never mind if people are screaming and shouting at me. You get used to that. My dad was always telling me off, so I can't lie, I got used to that.

"So when I played with Sir Alex, I remember the boys said to me 'whatever you do, don't make a mistake like five minutes before the first half ends or five minutes before the end of the game because that's all he'll remember when you go in the dressing room'.

"I appreciated what they were saying because that's all he'd remember for about five minutes and he'd go absolutely crazy at you and then he's starting someone else. But he only ever did it to get the best out of each us you know. Nothing was ever personal.

"I think that's why he was so good."

Cole scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United and still ranks fourth in the all-time top scorers in the Premier League.

"I never understood just how big Manchester United was," Cole added, referring to before he moved to Old Trafford from Newcastle United.

"I walked into a dressing room like that and two years before I'm playing for Bristol City in League Two watching Manchester United. Two years later I'm actually playing for Manchester United with these players.

"I think everyone would think that I was a seasoned pro in the Premier League. Well, I wasn't. I'd had one and a half seasons! Then you move to Manchester United and everyone looks at you as if to say, 'gotta hit the ground running'."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte

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Defender Levi Colwill says Chelsea should be a club for "winners only" and says he has been dissatisfied with his own performances.

The 22-year-old is already regarded as one of the leaders at Stamford Bridge by manager Enzo Maresca and his peers in the dressing room.

Colwill has started all but one of Chelsea's Club World Cup matches, and was clear when asked whether they could win the tournament before their quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday in Philadelphia.

"Yeah, why not?" before adding: "We all know how big this club is and how the culture of the club has always been to win. We're just trying to reinforce that to the young boys, to the boys coming in, that this club is for winners only.

"That's what we all need to do and strive towards."

Despite being a regular starter for Chelsea, Colwill said he struggled in the 2024-25 season. Asked what he needs to improve, he replied: "There's a lot I would say. We could be here for ages, to be honest.

"I know I am nowhere near where I would like to be in the future. There are so many areas of my game that aren't good enough.

"I think I've seen that this season. Of course, defending one v one has been tough this season and just being on the ball. I'm good at times when I'm trying to make passes and there are other times where I've been a bit lazy and you can tell.

"If you want to be the best and strive for the best things possible, you've got to be hard on yourself."

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Colwill also revealed he has struggled when on England duty but has followed the advice of a staff member to read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear to help him cope with different environments.

Having been in all but one of England's squads over the past 12 months, Colwill hopes to add to his single appearance under Thomas Tuchel, a defeat against Senegal last month, to ensure he is well placed to make the World Cup next summer.

"Of course it is going to be a huge season for me," he said. "Chelsea are back in the Champions League, we've got the Premier League where we want to push on and do better than we did this season.

"Looking at the end of the season with the World Cup, it will be a big aim to be there."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on Jarrad Branthwaite signing a five-year contract extension at Everton.

It is fair to say you are delighted...

Stephen: Hopefully, this shows we don't have to sell our best players to survive financially. This is a massive statement of intent. He is a key player that we need to keep and continue to develop. Future captain!

Tom: I'm very glad we kept a talent like Jarrad - he is one of my favourite players in this Everton team and brings confidence to the defence. He drives the team on and on, and I think he should be captain when Seamus Coleman leaves.

Spider: It's a massive signing. He's the best English centre-half in the country, and he's committed his future to Everton. A big relief!

Dennis: This is absolutely fantastic news. It shows every other club you can no longer come and take our best players.

Mike: I doubt any new signings this summer will be as important as Branthwaite signing a new contract. He is the future. After years of gloom, there is finally real optimism for the new season - not just hoping for the best and expecting the worst. There'll probably be a buyout clause, but I'd imagine it's a significant sum.

Brendan: Best bit of transfer news we'll have this summer. A top class Rolls-Royce of a central defender - and one in the eye for Tottenham, who (laughably) seriously considered putting a bid in for him!

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24, is entering the final 12 months of his Crystal Palace contract and continues to be linked with Liverpool. The reigning Premier League champions may be in need of defensive reinforcements, with 22-year-old Jarrell Quansah on his way to Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £30m fee.

But how do the two players compare?

In terms of playing style, one of the biggest differences is Quansah's ball-carrying. He showcased his ability to step into midfield as England won this summer's European Under-21 Championship, setting up a goal in the quarter-final win against Spain with a surging run and shot which was parried into Harvey Elliott's path.

The Warrington-born player carries the ball an average of 234m per 90 minutes in the Premier League, twice as far as Guehi over the past two seasons. Playing for a more dominant side obviously helps Quansah, while occasionally filling in at right-back gives him more opportunity to push forward, but it's still a key part of his game.

Quansah has also proved himself a highly effective tackler, winning 81.1% of his challenges over the previous two years. It is the second highest figure of any player who attempted at least 15 tackles in that period, and significantly above Guehi's percentage of 59.6%. Quansah, who is approximately three inches taller than six-footer Guehi, also performs better in the air, winning almost 10% more of his aerial duels since debuting in August 2023.

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We asked for your thoughts on Jorgen Strand Larsen now he has secured a four-year deal at Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Craig: Seems good business. Sold one player for £62m and brought in a good replacement who has scored goals for £23m. That'll be the mindset now for Wolves - buy for less than what they sell players for in order to meet profit and sustainability rules. Surprised I don't see them signing Victor Lindelof or some other free agents.

Bob: He is a bright spark for Wolves for the future.

Ben: Strand Larsen had a decent start to his Wolves career but he really kicked into gear after Vitor Pereira arrived. Excellent news he is staying - looks a reliable goalscorer and his physical presence helps dictate the shape of the team.

Allan: Tall, strong and clinical in front of goal. If he gets the service, I'm sure he will add many more goals to his tally. Very pleased to see him become a permanent signing.

Reuben: Yeah, viva Larsen!

Dairve: I believe this will be a terrific season for Jorgen Strand Larsen - he grew and grew last year. Exciting times for Wolves and the player himself.

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Liverpool have confirmed Giovanni van Bronckhorst will become an assistant coach at the club as part of a number of staff changes.

Van Bronckhorst has managed the likes of Besiktas, Rangers and Feyenoord, where he won the Dutch title in 2017.

His arrival - initially reported by BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel on 12 June - follows the departure of John Heitinga from Arne Slot's staff after the 2024-25 title-winning campaign.

The Reds have also reappointed Xavi Valero as head of first-team goalkeeping. Valero was at the club under Rafael Benitez and his return comes as Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel leave the goalkeeping department.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Everton will have to do plenty of deals in the remainder of the transfer window with so many players leaving at the end of their contracts and the squad in urgent need of improvement.

Jarrad Branthwaite's decision to sign a new long-term deal will, however, rank alongside any business as the most significant of the summer.

The 23-year-old central defender has been outstanding in the last two seasons and the prospect of Branthwaite leaving was a hot topic of discussion among Everton fans.

The fact that he has agreed to stay is a major statement of intent by the club and also a reflection on the ambition of new owners, The Friedkin Group, who want to demonstrate this is a new era of ambition for Everton as they prepare to move into their new state-of-the-art stadium next season.