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Arsenal are actively exploring their options to bolster the attacking unit ahead of the upcoming season, with high-profile names such as Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon emerging as potential recruits. The Gunners’ pursuit of reinforcements, however, is intrinsically linked to the future of Gabriel Martinelli.

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• Arsenal in search of a left-winger
• Martinelli might be put on sale in the summer
• If he leaves, Gunners would pursue Rodrygo or Gordon

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to 's David Ornstein, Arsenal would only consider making a move for a marquee left-sided attacker if Martinelli were to leave the club. While Rodrygo and Gordon remain on their radar, it has been claimed that any transfer would be contingent on Martinelli’s departure. He said: "If Martinelli were to leave, you can see them bringing in a top left winger. If he’s not to leave, I don’t think so. We’ve reported on Rodrygo and Gordon, but I think that’s if Martinelli leaves, not if he stays."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite speculation, reports that Arsenal have no intention of selling Martinelli to facilitate any new arrivals. The club is not under financial pressure to move him on, nor are they inclined to disrupt the chemistry of a squad that has been carefully built under Arteta’s guidance.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr are believed to have placed Martinelli on a shortlist of potential transfer targets, with internal discussions taking place regarding a possible approach. Despite this interest, no formal bid has been made. Martinelli himself is reportedly not attracted to the idea of playing in the Middle East and has shown no willingness to leave Arsenal. His ambition remains firmly rooted in competing at the highest level of European football, especially with Arsenal’s growing stature under Arteta.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  While the wing situation remains in flux, Arsenal are progressing steadily in their midfield revamp, with deals reportedly close for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. As of now, unless there’s an unexpected twist involving Martinelli, Arsenal are likely to continue their recruitment drive in other areas of the pitch, while keeping a watchful eye on developments involving Rodrygo and Gordon.

Newcastle and Aston Villa are both interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer, per a new report.

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• Ex-Arsenal midfielder in demand
• Has a €50 million (£43m) release clause
• Newcastle and Villa monitoring developments

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guendouzi has reportedly emerged as a target for both Villa and Newcatle this summer as both clubs seek midfield reinforcements. The France international has a €50m release clause in his contract, and Corriere della Serra reports that the Premier League pair are keeping a close eye on developments when it comes to the ex-Arsenal star's future.

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  Guendouzi has been with Lazio since 2023, initially joining on a season-long loan before the deal was made permanent. He has a contract until 2028 but the report states that Maurizio Sarri's side are acutely aware of the need to raise funds for their own summer business, meaning Guendouzi could be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer is tabled.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The defensive midfielder made 37 Serie A appearances last season as Lazio finished seventh. Their finish marked a failure to qualify for Europe, meaning they may have to sacrifice key players this summer. Sarri, for his part, would like the ex-Gunners ace to stay.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Lazio may well look to demand the entirety of the clause be paid if they are to let Guendouzi leave; it is unclear if either Villa or Newcastle are prepared to meet that asking price, however.

Arsenal have reportedly struck a deal worth over £50 million ($67.8m) to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with the England international set to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates. The 23-year-old former Tottenham academy graduate is expected to provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka on the right flank in Mikel Arteta's setup for the upcoming season.

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• Arsenal agree £52m deal to sign Chelsea’s Noni Madueke
• Winger set to sign five-year contract at the Emirates
• Madueke to provide depth and cover for Bukayo Saka

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Chelsea to sign Madueke for a fee of around £52 million, including add-ons, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The winger agreed on personal terms with the Gunners earlier this week and is set to undergo a medical and complete the transfer once Chelsea conclude their Club World Cup campaign.

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  Madueke leaves Chelsea after struggling for consistent minutes amid increased competition in attack at Enzo Maresca's side. The move also helps Chelsea balance their books amid Financial Fair Play concerns, as the Blues need to generate revenue through sales if they want to register their new signings for the Champions League this season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and made 92 appearances in all competitions and bagged 29 goal contributions for the Blues. Despite flashes of brilliance, his minutes were limited due to Chelsea's recruitment spree.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADUEKE?

  Madueke is expected to complete his medical and sign officially before Arsenal travel for pre-season. He will compete with Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for minutes in a tightly contested front line. Chelsea, meanwhile, will continue offloading fringe players to balance their squad and finances.

The details of the conversation that took place between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich over the transfer of Nick Woltemade have been revealed.

• Stuttgart reject first bid from Bayern
• Have demanded Bavarians to stop contact with Woltemade
• Bundesliga side asking for a bid worth at least €65m

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The transfer saga involving Bayern, Stuttgart and Woltemade continues to drag on, with revealing the discussions between the two Bundesliga sides which took place over email. Stuttgart remain firm on their stance to not negotiate until Bayern come up with an improved offer as they hope to keep the rising star.

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  The report presented some interesting piece of information. claim thats Stuttgart CEO Alexander Werhle and sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth received an email from the office of Bayern chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen, with sporting director Max Eberl also attached. However, the efforts from Bayern's chiefs did not interest their rivals, as Stuttgart made it clear that they will not entertain their opening bid of €40 million (£35m/$47m) + €5m in bonuses.

  Replying to Bayern's email last week, Stuttgart said: "VfB Stuttgart urgently requests that further discussions with the player be refrained from so that Woltemade can fully concentrate on his role at VfB"

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Die Roten continue to rely on Woltemade's wish to exit Stuttgart and arrive at the Allianz Arena this summer, despite Die Schwaben putting an improved wage structure on the table. Indeed, the DFB-Pokal holders agreed to raise the 23-year-old's salary from €1.5m to €2.4m. Stuttgart chief Wohlgemuth is confident that the German forward will end up staying at the Neckarstadion in the 2025-26 season, after Bayern were told that the board will consider negotiating only if an offer worth at least €65m (£56m/$76m) is tabled.

  “It is absolutely the most likely scenario that Nick will wear our colors in the 2025-26 season," said Wohlgemuth. "He is still a Stuttgart player, and we assume that nothing will change in that regard for the coming year.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Bayern are likely to return with an improved offer for Woltemade, with the player's desire to join the Bundesliga champions likely to play a factor in the negotiations. However, it remains to be seen if Bayern are willing to match Stuttgart's valuation, given that they are also in pursuit of Luis Diaz's signature.

The Herons and the Rojinegros will face off in the Leagues Cup Wednesday at Chase Stadium in Miami

• Pineda has faced Messi as an MLS head coach
• Said it will be an "unforgettable" match
• Holds a 2-1 record against Messi and Inter Miami

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gonzalo Pineda knows Lionel Messi well. The Mexican coach of Atlanta United has already faced the Argentine star in MLS, and on Wednesday, he will do it again – this time as the manager of Atlas, in both teams’ debut at the 2025 Leagues Cup.

  With a record of two wins and one loss against Messi’s Inter Miami, back when he was Atlanta coach, Pineda knows the challenge is tough, but not impossible. He said his team is ready to compete, while acknowledging the weight of facing a team led by Messi.

  “Playing against him is always special. Messi has an aura that can influence the game even before he touches the ball. But if we want to compete, we have to turn off that aura from the first minute,” Pineda said.

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  The Mexican coach described the matchup with Inter Miami as “unforgettable” and underscored the environment surrounding the Florida-based team.

  “It’s going to be a match to remember," he said. "We’re facing a club that has captured global attention and built a squad full of top-level talent.”

  Pineda emphasized that, although Messi and Miami present a major challenge, Atlas will not back down.

  “We also have talent, youth, and ambition," he said. "We want to go toe-to-toe and prove that Mexican soccer is ready for big moments.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Gonzalo Pineda has faced Messi three times while coaching Atlanta United in the MLS, holding a 2-1 record. In 2023, the Mexican coach suffered a 4-0 defeat against Miami, but months later got revenge in a 5-2 win.

  Then, in 2024, Pineda’s Atlanta United defeated Messi’s team 3-1.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ATLAS?

  Atlas will also face Orlando City and Atlanta United – the team that gave Pineda his first opportunity as a head coach – in Leagues Cup.

GOAL takes a look at the best forward options to include in your team in FPL.

Let's face it, goals are king in Fantasy Premier League and that's why you need to pack your team with forwards who score on a regular basis.

Fantasy Premier League tips, best players & guideRead more

Even better is the forward who takes penalties and provides their fair share of assists too. It can be difficult to figure out the best forward options in fantasy football, particularly when you need to spread your budget around.

Here, GOAL brings you the best forwards to include in your FPL team, including the top options, budget alternatives and mid-priced gems.

Useful links

• Best fantasy football team names
• FPL changes for 2025-26 explained
• Latest Premier League news & updates
• Upcoming Premier League fixtures & latest results
• How to watch Premier League soccer in the US

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  Erling Haaland | Man City | £14m

  Despite a slight drop-off in fortunes last season, Erling Haaland remains the most expensive striker in FPL in 2025-26. The aforementioned 'drop-off', by the way, meant that the Norwegian behemoth scored 22 goals and provided three assists, amassing a measly 181 points overall (the sixth-best scoring forward in FPL).

  Nevertheless, Haaland remains one of the most fearsome strikers in the world, with a proven track record, and he will be desperate to silence a few critics this term, so expect to see him hit the ground running.

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  Viktor Gyokeres | Arsenal | £9m

  Arsenal have handed Viktor Gyokeres the famous No. 14 jersey and their fans will be hoping the Swede can emulate its most iconic wearer. Having his 39 goals in 33 league appearances for Sporting last season, he was one of the most prolific strikers on the planet. A one-time Brighton cast-away, Gyokeres has transformed into a goal machine, first at Coventry City in the Championship, then in Portugal, as well as international level with Sweden.

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  Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa | £9m

  Ollie Watkins was one of the top five strikers in FPL last term thanks to a total points tally of 186 – 16 goals and eight assists. The Aston Villa striker has been fairly consistent over the past three seasons and he remains a key figure for the club. The only thing to be mindful of when selecting Watkins is the possibility of a departure from Villa Park, which could disrupt his consistency.

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  Chris Wood | Nottingham Forest | £7.5m

  One of the surprise packages of 2024-25, Chris Wood struck 20 goals for Nottingham Forest as they secured a European finish. The New Zealand international is heading into his mid-thirties, but if he can carry on last season's form, which saw him earn 200 FPL points, he'll be a quality choice.

Manchester United players have reportedly thrown their support behind manager Ruben Amorim’s bold call to remove Marcus Rashford and four other outcasts from first-team activities. With Rashford now at Barcelona and the remaining quartet sidelined, the dressing room atmosphere is said to be 'very good' as optimism grows for a fresh start under the new boss.

• Man Utd squad back Amorim on 'bomb squad' stance
• Dressing room confident after promising pre-season tour
• Amorim looking to move on exiled quartet before end of summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan after being dropped from United's plans by Amorim, while Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia also remain out of the first-team setup. The group has been ordered to train separately at Carrington and are no longer involved in senior activities or squad tours.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Last season was one of the worst in United’s decorated history, finishing 15th and missing out on European football. Amorim responded with a strict squad overhaul to change the culture this summer and the decision to isolate certain players has reportedly been welcomed internally as a necessary reset, as per .

• TELL ME MORE…

  The report has suggested United’s core squad is 'very optimistic' ahead of the new campaign. A senior player revealed the mood in camp has improved significantly since a productive pre-season tour of the US. Captain Bruno Fernandes staying on and leading a new leadership group has also boosted morale.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  Amorim remains keen to move on the remaining exiled players before the window shuts as United continue building their new-look squad with fewer distractions. With no European football, all eyes are now on domestic redemption.

The former USMNT player says Reyna could regain public support if he can find more minutes on the club level

• Lalas suggests Reyna can restore reputation
• Says health and productivity are key opinion changers
• Also touched upon Yunus Musah and his future

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Addressing Gio Reyna's complicated status ahead of the transfer window, former USMNT start Alexi Lalas suggested that either a transfer from Borussia Dortmund or a change in his current club situation could create the opportunity the midfielder needs.

  “There are people out there that roll their eyes because we talked about Gio Reyna so much," Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. But again, it it's relative to the fact that this player is undeniably talented. We don't know if he's even going to get called, in going forward… we still don't even know where he's going to end up. But if Gio Reyna either moves someplace else or obviously stays and things drastically change, then I think it would take very little for people to get right back on the Gio Reyna train.

  "And if you can look at what he is viewed at right now, he gets into a run of games where he is being productive and obviously he is healthy. I think people are going to say Gio Reyna's back and he is absolutely in the mix… I know maybe in his case that's a lot, but the gap can close dramatically.”

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  WHAT LALAS SAID

  Regarding another USMNT star, Lalas said that Yunus Musah can still contribute for AC Milan, despite some speculation that he could be on the move. Musah was not on Mauricio Pochettino's Gold Cup squad.

  “He has a tremendous amount to prove," Lalas said. "Obviously, he wasn't involved again this summer. And we can surmise that, you know, whatever the situation was, it still wasn't ideal for Pochettino and for this team and for Yunus Musah. And again, I go back to when Yunus Musah first burst on the scene… he would push the ball and had an incredible burst of speed that would get him out of situations, that would then send the US team into a much more attacking type of mode. And so that was really, really valuable.

  "And he has fallen off… what remains to be seen whether we were already looking at the ceiling and that's as good as it gets. And if that's the case, that's not good enough, especially when you're not playing. So I think he's got a lot to prove, but there's something in the tank – maybe not a starter, but maybe he can start to ask some questions. But if he's not playing on a consistent basis, I doubt he's even get going to get called in.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Both Musah and Reyna have struggled to earn regular minutes at the club level. That has seen them drop down the pecking order within the USMNT roster.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  The USMNT midfielders have been linked with possible moves. With less than a year until the World Cup, both Reyna and Musah face a critical period to either establish themselves.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including a star showing from Brian Gutierrez

As U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino continues the buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he and his staff will have eyes on the player pool ahead of each FIFA international window.

The European season is officially underway, with a number of Americans Abroad making statements at their clubs. Domestically, there are multiple members of USMNT player pool competing in MLS. 

Striker Brian White continues his fine season for the Vancouver Whitecaps, with yet another goal for the Canadian franchise, while rising midfielder Brian Gutierrez had a standout performance for the Chicago Fire, earning rave reviews from coach Gregg Berhalter. And Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream had a weekend to remember – in more ways than one.

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's USMNT players in MLS.

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• Tim Ream's mysterious handball

  Real Salt Lake have been on the wrong end of a few wild decisions in recent weeks, and Saturday just added to it. Tim Ream wasn't called for a handball in the box just five minutes into Charlotte's contest with the Western Conference franchise, a baffling decision from both the on-field officiating team and the VAR crew.

  From all indications, it was clearly a handball offense, with his arm not in natural position.

  Yet, Someway, somehow, VAR deemed his arm to be in a "natural position." Ream's arm is outstretched, it blocks the ball, and it's not a soccer play. But the USMNT veteran got away with it. Ironically, he went on to have a spectacular performance and was named Man of the Match as CLT defeated RSL 1-0.

  He put forth a brilliant defensive display and was crowned by fans after the match. Ironic result. From potential villain to hero. 

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• Gutierrez saves the day

  Brian Gutierrez had himself a day, helping secure three points for the Fire in a stunning 3-2 comeback win over St. Louis CITY SC. Winger Philip Zinckernagel brought them level with 23 minutes to spare, before setting up the 21-year-old midfielder for the game-winner in the 87th minute.

  Gutierrez, who has two caps, finished from distance with a goal-of-the-week candidate, bringing his season total to eight, plus three assists, in 21 appearances.

  "I just saw that there was space when Phil gave me the ball," Gutierrez told reporters. "I think my touch helped me a lot. I just didn't think twice about it and said, ‘Why not have a shot? Why not have a go?’ Thankfully, it went in.

  "This was an important victory for the club as our objective is to make the playoffs."

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  White remains consistent

  Brian White scored for the third straight game across all competitions Sunday as the Whitecaps drew the Houston Dynamo 1-1. His goal, a penalty kick, helped Vancouver to a draw as German legend Thomas Müller made his debut for the organization, as well.

  White has come into his own in his late 20s, and he's become an elite MLS forward who should at least be a name discussed for the USMNT. His goal total is up to 13 in just 18 appearances on the season, and he leads the Whitecaps – competing for a Western Conference title – in scoring.

  Sure, a penalty kick isn't the flashiest of goals, but he's incredibly consistent. He scores goals, is a team player, and does his job week-in and week-out.

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  What you might have missed

  + U.S. youth international Darren Yapi scored his third goal in two games for the Colorado Rapids. He's up to seven goals on the season.

  + U.S. youth forward Zavier Gozo will join senior team attacker Diego Luna on the sidelines for Real Salt Lake next weekend as both have yellow card accumulation suspensions. 

  + U.S. international Benjamin Cremaschi earned a start for Inter Miami after criticizing his role midweek, but was then called out by manager Javier Mascherano postgame.

Real Madrid are bracing themselves for late offers from Premier League trio Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City for out-of-favour forward Rodrygo.

• Real are awaiting offers for Rodrygo
• Forward did not feature against Osasuna
• Brazil star linked with Premier League move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international, 24, is being linked with a big-money move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after seeing his playing time reduced by new manager Xabi Alonso. Rodrygo was handed cameo appearances against Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg at the Club World Cup, before failing to come off the bench in Real's La Liga opener against Osasuna.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Spanish publication Marca, while Real are not believed to be actively looking to sell Rodrygo, the club are preparing to receive late bids from Arsenal, Liverpool and City ahead of the Premier League transfer window closing on September 1.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After moving to Real from Brazilian side Santos for €45 million in 2019, Rodrygo quickly established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet under former manager Carlo Ancelotti. The forward has scored 68 goals in 270 appearances in all competitions for Real, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RODRYGO AND REAL MADRID?

  It remains to be seen whether Rodrygo will play any part as Real travel to newly-promoted Real Oviedo in La Liga on Sunday. Alonso's men started their 2025-26 league campaign with a tight 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Bernabeu on August 19.