Premier League

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter in Chicago

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Manchester United's Mason Mount has spoken to his old boss Thomas Tuchel about his international aims but knows their shared history is no guarantee of an England recall.

Mount delivered the brilliant defence-splitting pass to Kai Havertz that led to the German scoring the winner for Tuchel's Chelsea against Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.

It is the high point of Tuchel's managerial career, in which he has won 11 trophies, including the shortened version of Fifa's Club World Cup.

Tuchel has now been given the job of eclipsing that by guiding England to World Cup glory.

That must feel a long way off for Mount, who won the most recent of his 36 caps in the World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in December 2022.

Since his £55m move to United in 2023, the 26-year-old has spent most of the time battling injury and poor form.

Nevertheless, Tuchel still took the time to get in touch with Mount after he had been confirmed as Gareth Southgate's successor.

"He called me, said he's calling a lot of players and just wanted to catch up," said Mount.

"I don't know how many players he called, 40 or 50 maybe. But it was good to see his face, good to catch up with him and good to speak to him.

"He looked like he had loads of energy, like I remember, and was bang up for the new role. He was very excited and it was good to see what he was preparing."

Mount's most recent England call-up was in March 2023 but he had to pull out for fitness reasons.

"It's such a big honour to play for your country," said Mount. "Any opportunity you get to put that shirt on is amazing and I'd love to have that opportunity again.

"But I think with England it's totally different now because of the amount of people he can pick.

"He said to me 'there's no guarantees, even though you played for me'. But you want to push even more to get back into the squad."

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

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On Saturday, Arsenal finally announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres and a months-long transfer saga - and an even longer wait for a striker - has finally ended.

Arsenal's interest in the Sweden international has been one of this summer's worst-kept secrets. Even a few days prior to the announcement, fans were still debating whether Gyokeres was actually the right missing piece for the Gunners' squad.

The drawn-out affair of the negotiations has meant expectations are high, yet it is unclear whether he will be fit enough to start the season, when Arsenal face a difficult first few games. Regardless, fans will be desperate to see him hit the ground running.

Despite his impressive goal tally last season in Portugal, Gyokeres himself will also be on a mission to prove himself at his new club. His rumoured desperation to make the move to Arsenal has already endeared him to fans.

For too long, Arsenal have been a team of technical and skilled players, slotting together to make manager Mikel Arteta's perfect albeit polite attacking unit. Gyokeres represents a different approach, and fans will be expecting him to use his power to bully opponents in ways Arsenal could not do last season.

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He will join a squad bolstered this transfer window by a fleet of smart, although not spectacular signings. As Arsenal experiment with their new-look midfield on pre-season in Singapore, the feelings remains this squad is one signing short.

Similarly, while busy with incoming players, Arsenal are yet to move some of the players who have fallen out of favour. Oleksandr Zinchenko's future is unclear, while fans continue to question whether an upgrade on Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli is needed. Funds from such sales could go towards an additional signing.

With Gyokeres, Arsenal have indeed got their man. But without an additional left-sided player, there might be a risk that come September, fans are left content but underwhelmed.

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

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Josh Brownhill has confirmed his departure from Burnley after five and a half years with the club.

The 29-year-old's future at Turf Moor had been in doubt but boss Scott Parker had previously said in April he was "hopeful" a new deal could be agreed with the out-of-contract midfielder.

In a statement on his social media,, external midfielder Brownhill said it had been an "unbelievably difficult decision" but that it was the "right time for me to start the next part of my journey in football".

He made 211 appearances for Burnley across all competitions since joining from Bristol City in 2020, scoring 32 goals.

"My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further and continue to grow as a person and a professional," Brownhill said.

"I feel that a new project at this point in my career simply allows me to do that."

• Not a Burnley fan? Find and follow your club here

The next move for Brownhill, who was a key player in Burnley's Championship promotion campaign in 2024-25, is still unclear.

In the message he thanked manager Parker and owner Alan Pace for being "supportive" of his decision.

Brownhill added: "To the fans, I really want you to know that I understand and value what Burnley is to its people and will be forever grateful to you all. From watching the community coming together through Covid and seeing how hard you all work to be able to travel around the country supporting your team.

"To wear the captain's armband for this club was a real honour and something I felt privileged to do every day. From big goals in critical moments, trying to drive high standards every day and displaying the values of the community through my work on the pitch - I hope you can see as fans that I have always given my all for this great club and all it stands for.

"Lastly, it really felt like the perfect way to sign off my time at Burnley, by scoring two goals in my last game at Turf Moor, while captaining and being promoted into the Premier League with 100 points for a second time."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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William Saliba says that he will "hopefully" sign a new contract with Arsenal.

The defender is into the final two years of his contract, which expires in 2027.

His centre-back partner Gabriel has committed his future to the club and agreed a deal until 2029.

Arsenal are also hoping to secure a new deal with Bukayo Saka, who is also into the last two years of his contract.

Saliba is part of the squad in Singapore on Arsenal's pre-season tour and, when asked about whether he will sign a new contract, he said: "Yes, hopefully - of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's see."

Before the friendly with Newcastle, Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyokeres was unveiled to supporters.

"We know how good he is, it's scary to play against him," added France international Saliba.

"I'm so happy to have him in my club. I'm sure that he will help us to win games and win trophies."

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We asked for your views on Luis Diaz's imminent departure from Liverpool to Bayern Munich.

Here are some of your comments:

Phil: Gutted that Luis is leaving us. He was great to watch, wonderful skill on the ball and a great eye for goal. I'm worried about the impact of his loss. I love Cody Gakpo but Luis is a better carrier and more progressive with the ball. Shame he wants to leave but wishing him, and us, the best.

Ross: Diaz to Bayern is a great deal for all parties involved. He gets a bumper contract and Liverpool get some more spending power to continue our mental transfer window. Win-win all round.

Paul: It's not ideal, a workhorse of a player that has flair and an eye for a goal. Signing Alexander Isak would soften the blow though.

• Not a Liverpool fan? Find and follow your club here

Gary: From a financial perspective, it makes good sense but his energy and commitment on the pitch will be missed. Good luck to the lad!

Ash: He wanted to leave so let him go, and now use the money to get a centre-back. We have enough going forward - although Isak and Rodrygo would be nice too - but prioritise a centre-back.

Rod: Bad decision to let him go. He has worked his socks off for us and scored some wonderful goals. Will be very sorry to see him go.

Richard: A real shame to see Diaz leave. He is a fantastic player but with Gakpo, Wirtz and now the emergence of Rio Ngumoha as options on the left, I don't think we need to replace him. I suspect either Darwin Nunez or Harvey Elliott will also leave. Maybe both if we're serious about getting Isak.

Choose how you're feeling about Diaz leaving here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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It is easy to see why Luis Diaz is an attractive prospect for Bayern Munich.

Diaz's shot conversion rate of 18.3% in 24-25 comfortably ranked as his best in a Premier League season.

Many of his other attributes stood out statistically too.

Diaz sat just outside the top 10 in the Premier League for most combined goals and assists (18), shots on target (30), chances created (56) and dribbles completed (52).

His defensive attributes and work-rate are also evidenced by the fact he won possession in the final third on 22 occasions, more than any other Liverpool player relative to their time spent on the pitch.

He will certainly be a loss if and when his move to the Bundesliga goes through.

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Following the news that Morgan Gibbs-White had signed a "record deal" with Nottingham Forest, we asked for your views on the 25-year-old committing to three more years at the City Ground.

Here are some of your comments:

Samuel: How quickly the tide can change in football. Really didn't expect this, and it's brilliant for the club. Could have really done with it not being played out in public but he's a young guy and you cannot blame him for what has happened. However, Mr. Marinakis has done wonders to keep him - especially when all those Tottenham fans thought they'd got him on the cheap! Ambition from Forest. Definitely finishing above them (again)!

Andy: Could prove to be Forest's biggest 'signing' of the summer. Will calm a few nerves and show any potential targets we mean business and are a club continuing on an upward trajectory.

Ben: Expect the unexpected: this should be Forest's new mantra. Absolutely over the moon he's staying. Everything good that Forest do goes through him. Find an adequate replacement for Anthony Elanga and Forest are back on track for another exciting season!

John: Great news but we all know the worth of football contracts! Ask Wolves when Matheus Cunha signed a new contract in January and now is a Manchester United player!

Kerry: Always plays with his heart on his sleeve. No doubt more money for new contract - player and agent got want they wanted.

Richard: The whole thing with Morgan Gibbs-White was a farce but, as a devoted Forest fan, I'm glad he's staying.

Sean: It's great to get the uncertainty out of the way. We would be in trouble if we lost both Elanga and Gibbs-White in the same window, so this is a great result. We do still need to bring some players in to give ourselves a chance of competing throughout the season, but it's great news MGW is staying.

Gary: Relief mostly. A big cog in the Forest machinery. Folks will say he has held the club to ransom. I don't care - Morgan is staying.

Choose how you are feeling here

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter at the MetLife Stadium

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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Everton counterpart David Moyes had a bit of a grumble about the state of the pitch at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday night.

This follows on from complaints during the recent Club World Cup.

It is not ideal given the venue will host the World Cup final in 12 months' time.

The good news is, it won't be the same pitch. In fact, the surface used last night for the double-header which also saw Manchester United beat West Ham was a different one to the Club World Cup.

This pitch was laid at the beginning of the week after three shows by country music star Zach Bryan and will be taken up this week in time for WWE's Summer Slam on Saturday and Sunday.

The pitch will be taken to a local farm where it will be used to make compost soil.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle are exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in case Alexander Isak leaves this summer - as BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reports – but is he the man to fill the Sweden international's sizeable shoes on Tyneside?

Isak found the net 27 times in 42 games last term and is playing arguably the best football of his career.

The 25-year-old has notched 44 league goals over the past two seasons – a tally only bettered by six players in Europe's top five divisions, including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah.

But he wasn't always so prolific.

When he first joined Newcastle for a club record fee of £63m in 2022 he had scored just six league goals for Real Sociedad in the previous season - which was under his expected goals total of 9.78.

Isak was just 22 then and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was keen to stress that he saw the Swede as an "outstanding talent" rather than the finished article. The same can be said of Leipzig's 22-year-old Sesko, although the numbers suggest he is a more rounded player at the same age.

Sesko overperformed his expected goals total by 6.3 in 2023-24 and by 3.1 during the last campaign, in which he converted an excellent 19.1% of his chances.

The Slovenia international also holds a physical advantage.

Standing at close to 6ft 5in, Sesko contested almost double the number of aerial duels last season than Isak did in 2021-22, and won 11.4% more.

He is also deceptively quick, recording a top speed of 35.7 km/h in 2024-25, placing him among the Bundesliga's fastest attacking players.

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We asked for your views on Newcastle's summer transfer business so far and the number of targets opting to go elsewhere.

Here are some of your comments:

James: It is understandable we are missing out in targets due to wages, but lowballing clubs to allow rivals to enter the race and pay the figure that selling teams demand is frustrating. If we had gone in early with acceptable figures for both Joao Pedro and James Trafford I believe they would be Newcastle players. I am also very sure that Benjamin Sesko will find a team that will pay higher wages and that means we are left with not selling Alexander Isak, who doesn't want to be at Newcastle, or selling him and having no replacement. Poor management from the club - they either should have offered a decent contract to Isak or made contingency plans.

Tony: Simply dreadful. Eddie Howe said move fast and we have done the complete opposite. I suspect the 'turmoil' behind the scenes at the club does not help sell the project to players. We urgently need a CEO and sporting director in place and to start securing some new bodies through the door who will not only add depth but quality to the squad.

Robert: The boardroom team are not working in harmony with Howe to get the deals done. We need Amanda Stavely back negotiating.

Chris: Howe has yet again been massively let down by those above him. Why do we keep lowballing for these great players who we need to get Champions League football again, then act annoyed when we inevitably get outbid. The speed of our transfers is also baffling. Starting to lose faith - we can't continue to act this way. Five players needed in the next few weeks to claw back fans' faith. £150m for Isak please - we only want players who want to be here.

Ozzy: Some Toon fans are complaining about how the club has gone about its business during this window - without knowing any of the behind-the-scenes details! We've only lost players to the 'big clubs'. They have more revenue than us and therefore have more to spend (PSR), and they're also perceived as being more successful. To start addressing these problems we need to get our new stadium approved and built ASAP.

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Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

One of Thomas Frank's most reliable performers last season at Brentford was his elegant playmaker Mikkel Damsgaard.

The 25-year-old was largely deployed as a number 10 in Frank's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and contributed 10 assists in 34 top-flight starts.

But the Dane's work-rate - something Frank demands from his creative players - also caught the eye and he won possession 35 times in the final third last term, more than any other Premier League midfielder.

So can anybody replicate Damsgaard's output for Frank in this Tottenham team?

The obvious choice is James Maddison, who possesses the necessary creativity and passing ability - he scored nine goals and provided seven assists for Spurs in the league in 20024-25. However, he ran an average of 10.7km per game, which is the lowest of any of Tottenham's recognised midfielders.

Dejan Kulusevski was used centrally by Ange Postecoglou and is one of the side's most imaginative and industrious midfielders. The Sweden international chipped in with seven goals and four assists and covered an average of 12.4km per 90 minutes - only compatriot Lucas Bergvall ran further in a Spurs shirt last season.

Another option is Mohammed Kudus, who played alongside Damsgaard at FC Nordsjaelland in 2019-20. The Ghana international mostly featured on the right at West Ham but has repeatedly said his preferred position is through the middle. He is a superb dribbler but created an average of just one chance per game from open play in 2024-25.

Kulusevski is nursing a knee injury and had surgery in May, meaning it is likely to be a straight shootout between Kudus and Maddison - who has just recovered from his own knee problem – to fulfil that role in the short to medium term.

Alternatively, Tottenham could still sign Nottingham Forest's number 10 and creator-in-chief Morgan Gibbs-White, who they made an approach for earlier this month.

Of course, Spurs could always try to sign Damsgaard to join his former manager and play the role himself, but he did only extend his contract with the Bees until 2030 in January.

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With Liverpool understood to still be interested in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, we asked for your views on whether the Reds should try to sign the striker - who would be likely to cost a British record fee - or whether there are other areas to prioritise first.

Here are some of your comments:

Carl: I don't see the logic in this potential signing. Great player and Premier League proven no doubt, but the figures quoted are ridiculous. All us fantasy football players know the lad's injury record is a concern. With a significant outlay on Hugo Ekitike, I would rather see him get more game time and be given the chance to develop. Both seem more central players, so it is a more versatile attacker capable of playing on the left and right that we need.

Callum: Let's be honest, this is just us being greedy. He would be a great addition to the squad - any team would happily take him - but we just have so much threat in the attack that we simply don't need him to the point of spending over £100m.

Simon: If Isak is available and Liverpool can afford him, then go for it. This will take Liverpool to the same level that Manchester City have been at for the past few seasons. When you are champions, you make your team better. All the great teams do the same.

Michael: It's getting silly this! If there are funds to spend get a centre-back - that's the cover we need. We do not need another forward. Just because there's money don't mean we must spend it. Lets not behave like Chelsea, Manchester United or City. We DO NOT NEED Isak now. We have youth strikers coming in and they will learn a huge amount. If this experiment backfires we are lost forever. There is a difference between reinforcing a team and going berserk.

Will: It's not about what we need, but a statement about who we want to be. This window is setting us up to dominate for the next five years. With Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott and Luis Diaz all possibly going, Isak is the perfect final addition to our new world-beating attack.

Christine: Isak has not shown positive behaviours to his club. He could have asked to leave at the end of May and yet he has waited for pre-season. He is injury prone too and I don't want him at Liverpool. He doesn't fit and could prove to be an expensive mistake. Buy a centre-back and ensure we have cover in defence.

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Goalkeeper James Trafford is set to become the latest player linked with Newcastle this summer to sign for another club when he completes his move to Manchester City from Burnley.

It is understood City had a buy-back clause for Trafford but also matching rights, allowing them to match any offer from another club.

They have done so following a £27m bid from the Magpies but Trafford opted for a return to Etihad Stadium.

It is the latest blow this transfer window. Newcastle are preparing to fight on multiple fronts in 2025-26 after securing a return to the Champions League, but have been slow in strengthening their squad during the off-season.

They have fallen short in their pursuit of reinforcements, with targets Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining Chelsea, while Hugo Ekitike chose a move to Liverpool.

Forward Anthony Elanga is the only new addition to Howe's ranks after his £55m switch from Nottingham Forest.

With Callum Wilson having left at the end of his contract and Alexander Isak's future looking more uncertain, a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa remains a top priority for the club, while they are also understood to be exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club this week, former England captain Steph Houghton said: "If I was a Newcastle fan, I would be worried at this moment in time."

So how do you feel about Newcastle's summer so far? Is the number of targets going elsewhere a concern? Can the club still make this transfer window a success?

Get in touch with your thoughts here

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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Viktor Gyokeres, who is set to complete his move to Arsenal over the next 48 hours, averaged more than a goal a game in the season just gone at Sporting, notching 54 in 52 appearances, with 39 of those coming in the Portuguese top flight.

He was the division's top scorer by a distance, bagging more than double the number of Porto's highly rated Spain Under-21 striker Samu and Benfica's Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored twice against England at Wembley in October.

It is perhaps worth noting, though, that 35% of his goals in 2024-25 were penalties, with Gyokeres converting all 19 of his spot-kicks.

He is also productive at international level and finished top of the 2024-25 Nations League scoring charts with nine goals for Sweden, one more than Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo. However, five of those were scored in matches against Azerbaijan.

Prior to his spell in Portugal, Gyokeres notched 43 goals in 116 league and cup appearances for Championship side Coventry City and his former employers are set to land 10% of any profit Sporting receive above the price they paid for the marksman.

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Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle commentator

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Alexander Isak is Newcastle's star player. He's their main man.

The supporters love him and his team-mates love him. Eddie Howe has changed his style of play to suit him and has got so much out of him.

What they want is to build their future - short term and long term - around him. Newcastle had been hoping to open contract negotiations this summer with Isak.

He has got three years remaining on his current contract so they are in a pretty strong position in that respect, but they wanted to tie him down for longer and give him a substantial pay rise. Those talks were planned for this summer but now a decision has to be made - something has to change.

It feels as if Newcastle's hand may be being forced here. If they don't offer him a new deal that is suitable for Isak and his people then maybe a move away will be the alternative and what happens.

If Newcastle are to sell Isak they will want top money because he is a top striker and his value to them is hard to state.

For a couple of years it has all been about Arsenal's interest, and Chelsea were mentioned last year when Newcastle were struggling with PSR - but Liverpool have come in hard with their strong interest this summer and it has been very public.

The question supporters are asking is whether Liverpool can afford to go big for Isak, especially after signings Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle wanted to sign to play alongside the Swede. He also could have been Isak's successor.

Howe said acting fast in the window was key but it has been a tough summer and this is yet another problem causing more anxiety among the fanbase.

This felt like it could be a transformative summer given the club are clear of the serious PSR issues they had last year.

They have the ability to spend money but they have not managed to close deals. Top targets have gone elsewhere, there have been ongoing sagas, and they have to get things right off the field.

There has been too much changer at executive level and they are short of people in those key roles. Howe is taking on more of a role when it comes to transfers.

There are a lot of issues off the pitch at Newcastle. It does feel like the club is lacking leadership generally at the moment.

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We asked for your views on how important Boubacar Kamara is for Aston Villa and how you feel, as fans, about his contract extension.

Here are some of your comments:

Damien: Best deal of the summer. Getting Kamara on a free three years ago was incredible business. Securing him now is so important. We can build around him (if he stays fit) and if we can't match his ambitions in the next couple of years then at least we can demand a suitable fee for such a top player. Losing him might be less emotional than the likes of Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins or Tyrone Mings, but Kamara is more important to our future than those three.

Craig: Don't think we'll have a better signing this window. He makes the team tick and was a massive loss while out with his ACL injury. After all the speculation of whether he would sign a new deal, this is a huge positive.

Frank: Great news. Such an underrated player, only truly appreciated by the Villa fans who see him week in, week out.

Matt: Kamara is an excellent player who provides solidity in midfield and unlocks Youri Tielemans to be a more effective attacking player. It is great to see him commit his future to the club.

Ian: Delighted that Kamara has committed long term to the Villa. A very key player for our progression, but I am concerned of lack of activity in the transfer window. We need cover at centre-back and we definitely need another striker to cover Watkins - Jack Grealish, for me, plus we need to keep the rest of the squad. I trust Unai Emery but was hoping any deals would have already been done. Let's hope there are some in the pipeline, keep the faith.

Cassie: Kamara has always been an unsung hero in midfield for Villa. He can read a game, shield the ball well and also can defend. We need to keep our best players.

Nathan: Fantastic news- a bedrock of our midfield here to stay is a great signing! Excellent at breaking opposition play and starting off attacks, and noticeably adding to his game the ability to arrive late at the edge of the box in attack. Boubacar is a top-class all-round midfielder to have around the camp. Well done to Villa for this solid piece of business.

Paul: Kamara signing a new contract is fantastic news. He is arguably the best defensive midfield player in the Premier League after Rodri and he joined on a free transfer. We got Tielemans on a free too. The two biggest bargains ever!

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter in Chicago

Mason Mount is backing himself to force his way into Manchester United's starting line-up this season.

In signing what club sources have stressed were head coach Ruben Amorim's top two summer targets - Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo - United seem to have sealed off the two number 10 slots Mount seems ideally suited for.

With skipper Bruno Fernandes, striker Joshua Zirkzee, wide man Amad Diallo and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also providing competition, and no European football meaning substantially fewer games, Mount knows the pressure is on to get on the pitch at all.

But despite the £55m signing struggling with injuries and a loss of form since his arrival from Chelsea two years ago, Mount retains enough confidence in his ability to believe he can find a role.

"Yes, 100%," he said from the club's pre-season training camp in Chicago.

"Any time you get that opportunity to be on the pitch, you want to do something, you want to affect the game. That's always the way I've looked at it.

"I mean, I'll always back myself. I know what I can do.

"Obviously the new signings are going to elevate us to another level and we all need to be at that level to really perform."

• Find and follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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At 27, Colombia international right winger Jhon Arias is older than most South American players who cross the Atlantic to try their luck in Europe.

Nonetheless, Wolves' new signing has been the creative force for Brazilian side Fluminense for several years and is affectionately known as 'The Colombian Pele' by the club's supporters.

During the Club World Cup, exalted former Brazil playmaker Kaka described stocky livewire Arias as "an extremely dangerous player who can decide a match at any moment".

Arias showcased his trickery and relentless running in that competition, creating an unrivalled 18 chances across his six games.

He won the man-of-the-match award three times and earned a place in the team of the tournament.

Arias switched position to play up front for the latter half of Fluminense's run to the semi-finals but still led the side overall for most touches per 90 minutes (68) and was involved in 40 open-play moves that led to a shot, double that of any team-mate.

Arias also won possession more than any other Flu player, demonstrating his hard work off the ball.

He has scored 47 goals in 229 games for the Rio-based club and his tally of 55 assists is the second highest of any player for Fluminense this century.

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We asked for your thoughts on Chelsea's signings so far this summer and whether the Blues needed more reinforcements amid the links with Dutch duo Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato.

Here are some of your comments:

Dan: Chelsea still being interested in signing Simons and Hato makes sense. Hato is the much-needed back-up for Marc Cucurella, so players like Reece James and Malo Gusto will stop being played out of position as support. Simons can play on the left and in the centre, which is needed when joao Felix, Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkunku are all looking to be permanent departures this window.

Steve: They are trying to strengthen quality and depth. The moment they get what they want, they will offload what they don't want to balance their accounts.

Jay: We definitely have too many players. Hato is a good investment as back-up for Cucurella, which is desperately needed, but I think Simons is a bit unnecessary, and Jamie Gittens just looks like a Noni Madueke 2.0. No more incomings for me and hoping for plenty of sales!

Harry: We don't need anyone else. We have a big, strong squad, and they are more than capable of getting to the level they need to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

Fossie: We have a bloated squad and need to trim it down. The only position we need to strengthen is the goalkeeper. Why on earth did we sell Djordje Petrovic? I do not know as he is a better keeper than Robert Sanchez. While he had a good Club World Cup, Sanchez's distribution is still lousy.

Finn: Can we give it a rest? Simons is a great player, and perhaps would provide useful competition and/or back-up for Pedro Neto, but we are more stacked than Schwarzenegger in the wide positions. If we don't shift a couple of players, like Felix, we're going to end up with an unhappy contingent of players starved of meaningful game time, which can't be great for squad morale. This just seems like a scattergun, haphazard approach following the windfall from the Club World Cup.

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We asked you for your views on West Ham being in talks with striker Callum Wilson, who is a free agent after being released from Newcastle this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: Will West Ham never learn? They have continually bought 'sicknote', older strikers who are past their best, on really high wages with no resale value. They inevitably fail and just sit on the bench draining the club's bank account. Another typical David Sullivan signing.

Steve: Absolutely not. He is too old and too injury prone. We're meant to be building for the future and reducing the average age of our starting XI. Two centre-forwards with a combined age of 65 makes no sense whatsoever.

Brandon: I think he'd be a great signing to have if we put him on a pay-as-you-play contract as he just can't keep fit to warrant £150K a week. Just look at Danny Ings, who we just got rid of because he couldn't keep fit.

Phil: This is a backwards step. We should be looking at young, hungry players, not an old crock looking for a final payday. He is always injured so I cannot see any logic if this signing goes ahead.

Ian: This potential signing is so typical of the way West Ham operate. A cheap, ageing, injury-prone striker who is well past his best. Surely the club can find a more pacey, hungrier and younger player, who has a future and one we can develop. This is exactly the reason why we won't progress as a club while these owners are at the helm.

Mike: I know we have an Ings-shaped hole but that doesn't mean we have to fill it. The manager (and fans) want a young squad to nurture. We absolutely don't need a striker who has seen his best days on what would be big wages. Please let us learn from the disaster signing of Ings. Give us fresh, young, hungry talent.

Tony: Yet another over-the-hill, injury-prone striker to add to our list. At least he can keep Niclas Fullkrug company in the treatment room. When will we ever learn?

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Colombia international Jhon Arias, who has joined from Fluminense, is the latest shrewd bit of business after joining in a deal worth up to £19m.

The 27-year-old can play on either side and fits Vitor Pereira's style of play as an inverted winger.

At his age and with his experience - he has 31 caps for Colombia and won the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense - there is an expectation he will make an instant impact.

Arias is not viewed as a direct replacement for Matheus Cunha, after his £62.5m exit to Manchester United, but will take the number10 shirt, signifying how important Wolves view him to be.

He is the second signing of the summer, after attacker Fer Lopez joined from Celta Vigo, and Wolves are still looking for a replacement for right-back and captain Nelson Semedo, while another forward to compete with Jorgen Strand Larsen is wanted.

Yet the days of the club spending over £40m on individual players have gone, with the £44m record signing of Cunha in 2023 likely to stand for a while.

Last summer, midfielder Andre - who played with Arias at Fluminense - joined for about £17m, while centre-back Emmanuel Agbadou arrived from Reims in the winter window for £16.6m and played a large part in ensuring Wolves avoided relegation. Lopez cost £19m.

They are 'mid-range' fees as Wolves look to pay sensible money for players who can make an instant impact, having been burned by big-money signings who have not lived up to their price tags.

Midfielder Goncalo Guedes joined for £38m from Valencia in 2022 but struggled and has been loaned to Benfica and Villarreal, while Matheus Nunes arrived from Sporting for a similar fee and rarely shone despite then earning a move to Manchester City two years ago.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

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As Chelsea move towards the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, the immediate question is not about his talent, but his fit.

If the transfer happens, the Netherlands international would be another highly technical, creative player - one who occupies many of the same zones as Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer.

Palmer has, of course, been central to Chelsea's attacking identity since signing for the club.

Whether operating from the right or through the middle, the 23-year-old has offered consistent end product, mature decision-making and an ability to create in tight spaces.

The concern with Simons, then, is obvious: would his arrival crowd the same creative lanes? Would it limit Palmer's influence?

The data suggests otherwise.

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A comparison of their performance percentiles - measured against attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's top five leagues - shows two players who operate in similar creative zones but contribute in different ways.

Palmer ranks in the 95th percentile for shot-creating actions (SCA), slightly ahead of Simons, who also rates highly in the same category.

In terms of expected assists (xA), Palmer again has the edge, underlining the quality of his final ball. But Simons ranks higher for touches in the attacking third, progressive passes received and take-ons attempted, suggesting a more direct involvement in progression and build-up rather than end product.

The distinction is important.

Palmer is the more efficient of the two - fewer actions, more output. Simons offers volume, drive and constant presence. He takes more risks on the ball, looks to carry through the middle third and is more active in receiving forward passes in tight spaces. Both are creators, but they do so through different patterns of play.

The clearest evidence of compatibility, though, comes through their heat maps.

Palmer's involvement is concentrated in the right half-space and central areas just outside the penalty box. Simons, by contrast, operates predominantly on the left, drifting inward from wide zones but rarely infringing on Palmer's preferred territory.

There is minimal spatial overlap. The visual data suggests a natural left-right balance, with Simons on the left and Palmer either centrally or on the right - roles both have occupied last season with success.

Chelsea's use of Palmer at the Club World Cup reinforced this tactical flexibility. He was deployed in multiple roles, including as a right-sided and an advanced central midfielder, without a dip in influence.

Simons, who excelled for Leipzig in a left-sided creative role, could feasibly mirror this from the opposite flank.

The data supports a structure in which both can co-exist - two high-level creators, each with different methods, combining without stepping on each other's toes.

Palmer offers end product and control. Simons brings directness and progression. If used correctly, they do not duplicate each other - they complement.

For Chelsea, this could be seen as an opportunity rather than a dilemma.

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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It is an odd feeling when you are not that excited about a £69m (potentially rising to £79m) signing, but Liverpool fans have been consistently sold the dream of Alexander Isak while being spoiled this summer in the transfer market.

Florian Wirtz is the best signing any team will make and I'm completely convinced by that, but hopefully Hugo Ekitike will work well with the German superstar.

The Frenchman has lovely feet so will be much better in the build-up than Darwin Nunez, whose clumsy touch has driven supporters mad over the past few years.

Like Nunez, Ekitike is fast and works hard, but makes much better decisions and is not so emotionally affected by mistakes. It is undeniably an upgrade, especially if we can offload Nunez for big money to Saudi Arabia.

That will leave us with Ekitike as the only recognised centre-forward, given the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The Portuguese would have stayed to compete for a starting spot this season, but the brutal truth is that now Liverpool need to find another striker on top of Ekitike.

Isak will cost ridiculous money, but Liverpool could bank almost £200m themselves by selling Nunez, Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott, having already made plenty with the sales of Jarell Quansah and Caoimhin Kelleher.

If Diaz goes, Liverpool will need a new left-winger, too. So despite the Ekitike deal being one of the club's biggest ever, there is plenty of work to be done.

Before the season starts, we might see another striker, a left-winger and a centre-back arrive in what would be one of the biggest transfer windows by one club of all time.

What kind of position would that put Liverpool in, given they won the title last season anyway?

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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We asked for your views after Alexander Isak was not named in Newcastle's squad for their Asia tour because of what the Magpies describe as a "minor thigh injury".

Here are some of your comments:

Gary: If these tours are all about driving commercial revenue, surely you take your star striker regardless of a minor injury?

Kevin: Concerning. I hope it is just precaution. It would be really disappointing if he does leave this summer after all the hard work last season to get into the Champions League. Lack of transfers in areas and missing out on targets isn't making me feel any more confident for the coming season either.

Martin: Until he comes out and says he wants to leave, he is injured. Full stop.

Richard: I hope I am wrong but I do not see Isak being in a Newcastle shirt next season. I think the club will sell, but the way transfers have fallen so far, I worry that we will not be able to recruit to the level we need.

Bob: Is "thigh injury" just an excuse and he is on his way out? Be honest - the fans deserve it. If we go into the season with one striker who is not proven we have got no chance.

Kevin F: Isak had thigh problems end of last season so this is nothing new. But if it is true then it should have been sorted out by now. I just hope it's nothing more.

Mark: I think he is unsettled and can see him moving to another club. If he does, we desperately need other players up front. I hope I am wrong.

Richard: Something isn't quite right in my eyes. What really needs to happen here is Isak to come out and say he is staying and that's it, or we are going to have speculation all the time. Is it his agent fuelling the situation by saying: 'Why stay? You could earn mega bucks elsewhere.'