Premier League

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.

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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.

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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."

• Not a Chelsea fan? Find and follow your club

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."

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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

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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.

• Not a Liverpool fan? Follow your club here

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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.

Image source, Getty Images

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.

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French football expert Baptiste Reynaud has talked up Sunderland's record signing Habib Diarra as a "good fit" for the club.

Senegal midfielder Diarra joined the Black Cats from Strasbourg on Tuesday for a reported £30m.

The 21-year-old made 31 appearances for Strasbourg last term, helping the club to finish seventh in Ligue 1 and secure European football for only the second time in 20 years.

• Find and follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport

Reynaud, from Le Classique & Le Beau Jeu podcast, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "People should be excited. He is a full Senegalese international now.

"He's got the pedigree that makes it a very interesting signing. Also, the fact he's played for a club that's had its troubles and brushes with relegation makes him a good fit in the sense that he's used to adversity.

"What makes me particularly enthusiastic about it is he fits with the philosophy of Sunderland.

"He's played as an eight, as a 10, on the wing when necessary. At heart, he's a box-to-box midfielder, but he's also very versatile and played in a number of systems.

"He's a very adaptable player. He's young, very productive and experienced, and he's used to facing very different scenarios for his club.

"He's got resale value and strikes me as a very good signing for Sunderland."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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Jarrad Branthwaite says it was "quite an easy decision" to commit to a new five-year contract at Everton and that the club's ambition was a "huge" factor.

The 23-year-old defender - who joined from Carlisle United in 2020 - has put pen to paper on an agreement that ties him to the club until 2030.

"I'm over the moon," he told the club website.

"It's been something we've been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I'm really excited about.

"The trust the club's put in me and how many games I've played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing.

"I feel loved by the players – we've got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I've seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them.

"And, obviously, with the new stadium we've got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it's an exciting project and something I want to be part of."

• Tell us how you feel about Branthwaite's deal here

Branthwaite played 32 times for the Toffees last season in a campaign when the return of David Moyes as manager led to an upturn in form.

Moyes has backed Branthwaite to "have a huge role to play in an exciting new era".

Branthwaite continued: "I've been at Everton for five and a half years now and I've seen the change the club's had over the past six months.

"The ambition was a huge thing.

"The way the manager wants us to go as a team, what he wants us to do next season and where he wants us to challenge has had a big impact on the decision. You saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do."

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Kenny Tete has said he hopes Fulham "can push for more" after signing a new contract to 2028.

The right-back was out of contract at Craven Cottage and had been expected to join Premier League rivals Everton.

Speaking to FFCtv, external, Tete expressed his delight at extending his stay, citing the club's family atmosphere and his personal development as key reasons behind the decision.

"I'm really happy to have signed, for myself and for my family, and I hope I can give more for the fans in these three years, " said the 29-year-old.

"After my first year, I knew this was a family club, a really special club where I can develop. I want to be part of this group, and hopefully we can push for more."

Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan said he was "thrilled" at the news, adding: "Under Marco [Silva's] great leadership, Kenny is an integral player in the team.

"We are all very keen for him to stay with us, and I'm pleased that is now a long-term commitment, as we continue to prepare for another successful Premier League campaign."

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Neco Williams has signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest, keeping him at the club until 2029.

Williams joined Forest in 2022 from boyhood club Liverpool, and the 24-year-old has gone on to make 107 appearances for the Reds.

The Wales international played 39 times across all competitions for Nuno Espirito Santo's side in the 2024-25 season, playing a key role as the club secured a seventh-place finish and qualification for the Conference League.

On signing the new deal, Williams said: "This club has come so far in recent years, and I am proud to be on the journey.

"Everyone knows how ambitious our owner is, and I'm grateful to him for showing belief in me and showing belief in the club. The future is exciting.

"I am really happy here and I can't wait to get back to work and go again. The fans at this club are special and they have supported me since the day I joined.

"For us, it's a privilege to be playing for a football club with fans like the Forest fans. We are all looking forward to having those European nights at The City Ground and as a team we want to create more memories for everyone attached to Forest."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte

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Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong has effectively ruled out a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 19-year-old has been in and around Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign in the United States but has also been linked with moves to Tottenham, Newcastle and Dortmund.

Manager Enzo Maresca has said while other clubs like the player, Chelsea "also like Josh" and "my plan with Josh is quite clear".

When asked for his view, the homegrown star said: "I don't really look at it or think of my future. I just focus on my football.

"Enzo said he thinks I'm a good player. I love the club, so I always want to stay at Chelsea and just show what I can do."

Acheampong is is the latest academy graduate to make it through the ranks at Chelsea having been with the club since Under-8s level.

He renewed his contract at Chelsea in December 2024 and is under contract until 2029.

He has only played 14 times for Chelsea but believes he can compete among the great players in the squad and, when asked whether he gets star-struck being among World Cup winners like Enzo Fernandez or England international Cole Palmer, he said: "No, I'm not star-struck. I don't really look at them as big names. I just look at them as my team-mates. So they're all really nice.

"I'd say all the Cobham boys have been really supportive because they've done their journey recently and Tosin as one of the older ones. So everyone has been supportive."

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Wolves formally confirmed that Jorgen Strand Larsen has joined permanently from Celta Vigo for £23m, having triggered performance-related clauses during a successful season on loan at Molineux which yielded 14 Premier League goals.

His contribution was at times overshadowed by the more eye-catching displays of Matheus Cunha, who netted 15 times, including five strikes from outside the penalty area, and earned a £62.5m move to Manchester United.

But when Cunha missed four games through suspension in March and April it was Larsen who stepped up, scoring in crucial wins over Southampton, West Ham and Ipswich to effectively guarantee safety for Wolves. In fact, the Norwegian ended the campaign on a hot streak, netting seven times in his final seven starts.

Larsen is 6ft 4in tall and won 67 aerial duels in 2024-25, the sixth highest total by a forward, though he only scored three headers. But where he particularly excelled was in making the most of his chances.

His shot-conversion figure - the percentage of efforts resulting in a goal – was 25.9%, which was the second highest recorded by any player with at least 20 attempts last term, bettered only by Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood.

Larsen also directed 69.4% of his shots on target, the leading percentage among forwards who start regularly, and overperformed his expected goals total by 3.74.

It remains to be seen whether he can reproduce that clinical form in 2025-26, with the absence of Cunha perhaps meaning opposition defences will afford him less space.

But in a market where centre-forwards come at a premium, the 25-year-old has already proven a shrewd signing for Wolves.

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Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen's initial season-long loan from Celta Vigo has been made permanent after certain clauses in his contract were met to automatically trigger the £23m deal.

The Norway international scored 14 Premier League goals last season and now has a four-year contract to keep him at Molineux until 2029.

Larsen scored eight goals after Vitor Pereira's arrival in December, and his overall total was the most by a Wolves player in their debut Premier League campaign.

"It's been a good first season in the Premier League," the 25-year-old said.

"I'm proud of what I've done. I've been able to take the steps earlier than I've done before. Previously when I moved to a new country, I've needed more time to get into it and score goals.

"As a striker, the team need you to score the goals and be on the end of the crosses, so to score 14 goals – and come back after my injuries and a little dip of form – it was a good season for me in that respect."

Are you happy with four more years of Larsen?

Get in touch here with your thoughts on the signing

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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I have been a Newcastle fan for too long to get caught up in transfer rumours.

For years we experienced transfer droughts. When we were taken over in October 2021, I briefly flirted with the idea that we might actually make exciting signings year in, year out. But Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules soon put paid to that fanciful thought.

I am not saying we have not made exciting signings, and we were certainly spoiled in the first window post-takeover, but the past three windows have left a lot to be desired.

We are frequently linked with players who ultimately do not come to Newcastle - be it Marc Guehi last summer, who stayed at Crystal Palace, or Joao Pedro this summer, who looks to be going to Chelsea instead. Why not us, Joao? Why not the beautiful North East?

Many people - fans and pundits - try to understand why players are not coming to us.

I am of the opinion it usually comes down to money. It is not that the North East is too far. Too far from what? If London, it is 40 minutes on a plane or less than three hours on a train.

If players want a happy and wholesome home life, this is the city for them. The countryside is beautiful and, if you play well, fans will revere you like nowhere else.

It is difficult as a fan to be whipped back and forth from name to name - only to be disappointed. It is especially difficult in the context of next season when we have Champions League football to prepare for.

Eddie Howe made a pointed statement to the media in May that recruitment has not been good enough in the past few windows and we must make amends for that this summer.

I only hope July bears more fruit or the manager and fans will be very frustrated.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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In England, the clubs not in Club World Cup duty have more time to get their plans together for the new Premier League season.

Like everyone else, I am a little obsessed by the comings and goings, and the transfer speculation - even if I know that a very decent percentage of it is nonsense. Much of it is just stories dreamed up by agents to drum up interest in their clients.

Liverpool got their business done early and Manchester City are also well ahead with their rebuild, so lots of eyes are turning towards Arsenal.

Martin Zubimendi should arrive to steady the midfield and Brentford's Christian Norgaard would be a sensible signing.

If defender Cristhian Mosquera comes in from Valencia and former £78m Kepa Arrizabalaga is grabbed from Chelsea for less than 10% of that original fee, the thinking seems logical.

A bit of balance on the left for Bukayo Saka's danger on the right is why the likes of Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and even Rodrygo are being touted in the media. Any one of those four would work, so it all looks nearly very good... nearly.

The problem is still the gaping centre-forward-shaped hole that exists in the Arsenal squad. Manchester City have shown in the past that you can win things without an obvious striker, but then Arsenal have shown in recent years that it can also cost you trophies if you do not have one.

Mikel Arteta would get one if he could; Alexander Isak has long been a hope, if a somewhat forlorn one to date.

It is Groundhog Day for Arsenal fans, and they have been stuck in it for years now.

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Former Manchester United defender David May speaking on The Devils' Advocate podcast about summer transfer activity: "I really like the signings we have made so far. [Matheus] Cunha is a fantastic player. He is a Manchester United fan so he is already in love with the club. When Eric Cantona played for Man Utd, he changed the way we played. I'm not saying Cunha will do that, but he will bring that little edge, which Eric had as well. He can do things that other people can't and hopefully Cunha can follow in Eric's footsteps.

"[Bryan] Mbeumo would be a brilliant addition. Rasmus [Hojlund] struggled last year at times playing centre-forward on his own, it took its toll on him. He does need help and Mbeumo is a top player. The fact that he doesn't want to go to any other club is a bonus for Manchester United because you have players that want to play for this club. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and to say you've played for it is something special."

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On Alejandro Garnacho: "I want all the good players to stay at Manchester United but it comes down to whether they themselves want to play here. If you want to go and play somewhere else, you know where the door is. The manager will make the decision on Garnacho, on Rashford, on Sancho. If you don't want to play for this club, you shouldn't be at the club. These fans will back you 100%, but as soon as you start drifting, well, I wish you well.

"Ruben Amorim will be judged by the way we play. We played really well against Villa and City last season. There were six or seven really good games where we thought, this is it. This club needs European football. It's tradition to play in Europe so we want that, and to get a trophy.

"The main thing for us is to start playing the way Manchester United play, and that's attacking. Goals have been a problem and if you take Bruno [Fernandes] out of the equation, who knows where we would have been. The addition of three or four players and the club will be in the right direction.

"It is a tough start to the season, but bring it on. The Premier League is not easy at all but we don't have to worry about Europe as well, we can concentrate on each game as it comes. It doesn't matter who it is, the main focus for Amorim now is to get as many points on the board as possible and get back into Europe."

Listen to May in full

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Chelsea's reported £60m agreement for Brighton forward Joao Pedro is good business.

Here are some of your comments:

Azzan: While we could use defensive enforcements, the ownership dishes out £60m on another striker. He is a phenomenal player but he is surplus to requirements and for the fee, is not worth it.

Lewis: Completely unnecessary. Especially after Jamie Gittens joins. Our recruitment is starting to resemble Arsenal, where we buy more and more of the positions we don't need and don't recognise our weaknesses. I am surprised he came as he won't play. Brighton have done us again.

Simon: If they can offload the players not in their plans, keep the rest happy being consistently rotated and having enough playing time, keep the manager and stick to the plan, Chelsea may become a decent team in a couple of years time. But this is Chelsea, so disaster is imminent.

Ayoola: Chelsea's project has become chaotic: too many signings and a backlog of unused players. We need to clearly define our goals, maximize the potential of the current squad, and then strategically fill any gaps.

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James: Very pleased with this one. Thirty goals in 70 games is a good return and Pedro can take a penalty too. Very creative player who can only improve and is Premier League ready. Can see it being difficult to move players on. However, considering the long contracts and high wages, presumably the club will be looking for permanent exits rather than paying a portion of a salary for them to play elsewhere.

Ricky: Baffling. We have three forwards already, now a fourth? Even with potential player sales, why is another striker needed?

Stevie: Pedro will certainly help elevate our strike force if the stories about him joining Chelsea are true. Clearly some players will need to be moved on or sent to gain experience on loan. All we need to recruit now is a top goalkeeper and someone to deputise for Marc Cucurella.