Chelsea have agreed a season-long loan deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte. The 20-year-old Argentind will now head to Stamford Bridge to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options, with no buy option included in the deal but a clause allowing Chelsea to match future bids for the player. Buonanotte, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leicester City, impressed with six goals and three assists in 35 appearances, despite the Foxes’ relegation. His versatility to play as a No. 10, winger, or attacking midfielder, combined with his Premier League experience, made him a prime target. Chelsea’s negotiations with Brighton accelerated after Leeds’ deal collapsed, with Buonanotte opting not to board a flight to West Yorkshire for a scheduled medical, paving the way for the Blues to finalize terms. The agreement marks another chapter in the productive transfer relationship between Chelsea and Brighton, following deals for Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro in recent years. Brighton’s insistence on loaning Buonanotte to a Premier League club to secure his homegrown status from January aligned with Chelsea’s interest, edging out competition from Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Lyonnais. Buonanotte’s arrival provides cover for Cole Palmer in the No. 10 role, with his ability to drift between the lines and contribute defensively, evidenced by his high tackle rate at Leicester, adding depth to Chelsea’s squad. The move also buys time for the Blues to evaluate young talents like Kendry Paez and Geovany Quenda, who are set to return from loans next summer. Brighton’s decision to loan Buonanotte aligns with their strategy under Fabian Hurzeler, who favors players like Yankuba Minteh and Matt O’Riley in similar roles. The Seagulls’ willingness to let the Argentine develop elsewhere ensures his growth while maintaining his value, with Chelsea poised to benefit from his flair and potential. As Chelsea prepare for a demanding season, including their Club World Cup campaign, Buonanotte’s signing offers a low-risk, high-reward option. The Argentine’s impact at Stamford Bridge will depend on how quickly he adapts to Maresca’s system, but for now, Chelsea have secured a versatile talent in a transfer window full of twists.

Olympique Marseille have made a bold move to sign Arsenal’s versatile defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, According to David Ornstein, Marseille are pushing for a permanent deal for the 28-year-old Ukrainian international, who has entered the final year of his contract with Arsenal. However, Zinchenko’s £150,000-per-week salary poses a significant hurdle, with Marseille exploring creative financial solutions, including a longer-term contract, performance-based bonuses, or Arsenal subsidizing part of his wages for the first year. Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £32 million, has seen his role diminish under Mikel Arteta, making just 11 appearances this season, including three starts. With Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, and the incoming Piero Hincapie ahead of him in the pecking order, Zinchenko is reportedly open to a new challenge. His versatility as a left-back and central midfielder, coupled with four Premier League titles from his time at Manchester City, makes him an attractive fit for De Zerbi’s system, which values technical quality and leadership. Marseille’s interest comes as they aim to reinforce their defense following the departure of Quentin Merlin to Stade Rennais. The club, set to compete in the Champions League, has already signed former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer and is in advanced talks for Lille’s Edon Zhegrova and Bournemouth’s Hamed Junior Traoré, signaling an ambitious transfer window led by president Pablo Longoria and director of football Medhi Benatia. Despite earlier links to Porto, Fenerbahce, Fulham, and Real Betis, Marseille have emerged as frontrunners, with Arsenal open to a transfer fee of £10-15 million to comply with UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules after heavy summer spending on players like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The Gunners are also finalizing Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto, which could facilitate Zinchenko’s exit as part of a broader squad overhaul. However, challenges remain. Zinchenko’s high wages and his ongoing commitments with Ukraine’s international team complicate negotiations, and Arsenal’s reluctance to accept a loan deal, having rejected such proposals from Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in January, means a permanent transfer is the only viable option. Marseille remain optimistic, with talks expected to intensify over the next 48 hours as they seek to secure a marquee signing to bolster their Ligue 1 and European ambitions.

Porto have secured the signature of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in a deal worth up to €27 million. The 25-year-old centre-back, who has struggled for regular game time at the Emirates, will join the Portuguese giants on an initial loan with a €2 million fee, including an obligation to buy for €17 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, potentially pushing the total package to €27 million. Kiwior is set to travel to Portugal within the next 24 hours for his medical and to finalize the transfer. The transfer marks a significant step for Porto, who have been eager to bolster their defense under manager Francesco Farioli. Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Serie A’s Spezia in January 2023 for €20 million, made 68 appearances for the Gunners, scoring three goals and providing six assists. His versatility as a centre-back and left-back proved valuable, particularly last season when he stepped in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, starting nine consecutive Premier League matches and playing a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final run, including a standout performance against Real Madrid. Despite his contributions, Kiwior remained a squad player under Mikel Arteta, with William Saliba, Gabriel, and new signing Cristhian Mosquera ahead of him in the pecking order. The Poland international, with 45 caps and two goals for his country, expressed a desire for regular first-team football, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Porto emerged as his preferred destination, with Kiwior reportedly rejecting offers from 14 other clubs, including AC Milan and Crystal Palace, to join the Primeira Liga side. His familiarity with fellow Polish international Jan Bednarek, already at Porto, and the opportunity to play under Farioli’s dynamic system were key factors in his decision. Porto’s pursuit of Kiwior intensified after losing right-back Joao Mario to Juventus and centre-back Otavio to Paris FC, making him their ninth signing of the summer and fourth defensive addition. The club’s proposal, initially rejected by Arsenal in July, evolved into a loan with an obligation to buy, aligning with Arsenal’s need to balance their books after a summer spending spree exceeding £200 million on players like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The inclusion of a sell-on clause ensures Arsenal will benefit from any future transfer. For Porto, Kiwior’s arrival promises to fortify their backline, with his robust defending, vertical passing, and ability to play as an interior full-back fitting Farioli’s tactical vision. Kiwior’s move signals the end of his Arsenal chapter and the start of a new challenge at the Estadio do Dragao, where he aims to cement his place as a defensive cornerstone.

Fenerbahce have parted ways with legendary manager Jose Mourinho just six games into the 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig season, following the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League league phase. The announcement, comes as a shock after the Portuguese tactician’s high-profile appointment in June 2024. The decision was triggered by a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round, relegating Fenerbahce to the Europa League. In a brief statement on their official X and Instagram accounts, Fenerbahce declared, “We have parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who has served as head coach of our Professional Football First Team since the 2024-2025 season. We thank him for his efforts for our team and wish him success in his future career.” Mourinho, 62, arrived in Istanbul amid fanfare, with thousands of supporters packing Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for his unveiling, hopeful that the “Special One” would end Fenerbahce’s 11-year title drought and challenge rivals Galatasaray’s recent dominance. Despite guiding the team to a second-place finish in the 2024/25 Super Lig season, 11 points behind champions Galatasaray, Mourinho’s tenure was marked by turbulence. The team exited the Turkish Cup in the quarterfinals and fell to Rangers in the Europa League round of 16, failing to deliver silverware. The final straw came on Wednesday, when Fenerbahce lost 1-0 to Benfica in the Champions League play-off second leg in Lisbon, following a 0-0 draw in Istanbul. Speaking after the defeat, Mourinho acknowledged the superiority of the opposition, stating, “We lost against a team that is better than us. We had chances, but then we were reduced to 10 men and the game was over.” However, the club’s board, frustrated by the lack of progress and Mourinho’s public criticism of their transfer policy, acted swiftly to terminate his two-year contract, reportedly at a cost of €15 million in compensation. Despite an unbeaten start to the Super Lig campaign, with four points from two matches, including a 3-1 win over Kocaelispor, Fenerbahce’s board deemed the Champions League failure unacceptable. The club’s absence from Europe’s elite competition now extends to 17 seasons, intensifying pressure from fans and stakeholders. Mourinho’s departure marks his shortest professional stint since his brief spells at Benfica and Uniao de Leiria early in his career, with only 62 matches managed, yielding 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses. Speculation about his next move is already rife, with former Manchester United scout Mick Brown suggesting to Football Insider that Mourinho could be “open” to a return to the Premier League, specifically mentioning Nottingham Forest as a potential destination amid tensions between their manager Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis. Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner and one of football’s most iconic figures, finds himself back on the market, leaving behind a chaotic chapter in Istanbul.

Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has made headlines after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the 20-year-old has expressed his desire to leave the club on a loan move before the summer transfer window closes. Mainoo is seeking regular playing time to further his development and boost his chances of securing a spot in England’s World Cup squad, but Manchester United are adamant about keeping him as a key part of their plans. “Talks between Manchester United and Kobbie Mainoo’s camp will continue on Friday. Kobbie wants loan exit to develop and play also with view on World Cup, not a permanent exit. Man Utd told Mainoo he won’t leave as considered important player.” The post has sparked intense speculation about the academy graduate’s future, with the transfer deadline looming. Mainoo, who burst onto the scene with a standout 2023/24 season under former manager Erik ten Hag, including scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final, has seen his role diminish under current boss Rúben Amorim. The England international has been an unused substitute in United’s opening two Premier League matches this season, prompting frustration. Mainoo had made it clear he wants a loan move to secure regular football, emphasizing that he has no intention of leaving United permanently. The situation has been further complicated by Amorim’s comments, where the manager expressed strong belief in Mainoo’s potential, stating, “I believe a lot in Kobbie Mainoo, more than everybody thinks… so I expect a lot from him. It’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place.” However, Amorim’s decision to bench Mainoo in favor of captain Bruno Fernandes, with whom he is reportedly in direct competition, has fueled the midfielder’s discontent. Reports suggest Mainoo’s limited involvement stems from Amorim’s view that he does not engage enough in games, a stark contrast to his dynamic displays under previous management. Despite interest from several clubs, including high-profile Premier League sides like Chelsea, Tottenham, and even rivals Leeds United, Romano has consistently downplayed the likelihood of an immediate transfer. “I can guarantee that there are no negotiations, no bids, and no active talks for Kobbie Mainoo to leave Manchester United,” emphasizing that the situation remains calm but delicate. United’s board is reportedly planning to hold talks with Mainoo in the next 24 to 48 hours to clarify his role and address his concerns, with the club keen to avoid a fallout with one of their brightest prospects. The saga has also been complicated by stalled contract negotiations, with Romano revealing that a potential extension was “very close” months ago but was derailed by the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth, a decision influenced by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This has left Mainoo’s long-term future uncertain, though a permanent exit seems unlikely given United’s stance and the late stage of the transfer window. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether United can convince Mainoo to stay and fight for his place or if a temporary move elsewhere will materialize before the window shuts. Source: Fabrizio Romano

In a dramatic twist in the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have surged ahead in the race to sign RB Leipzig’s star attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, with renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that Spurs have agreed a €60m fee with the Bundesliga club. The 22-year-old Dutch international, who has been a top target for Chelsea throughout the transfer period, now appears destined for North London, with a medical and final personal terms expected to be finalized today. Romano, known for his reliable transfer updates and iconic “Here we go!” catchphrase, broke the news early this morning via a post on X, stating, “Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons! Official bid accepted, green light after #THFC sent formal bid following player’s encouragement. Spurs want deal done today also on player side + medical in the next hours. Here we go, expected soo.” Simons, who has dazzled with 11 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for Leipzig last season, has been at the center of a protracted transfer saga. Chelsea’s pursuit of the versatile playmaker, capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or winger, had been ongoing for weeks, with personal terms reportedly agreed with the player as early as July. However, negotiations between Chelsea and Leipzig stalled over the transfer fee, with the Blues aiming for a £50m deal while Leipzig held firm at £60m. This hesitation appears to have opened the door for Tottenham to swoop in with a decisive bid. Romano’s updates throughout the week highlighted the intense competition for Simons. On August 28, he noted that Simons had arrived in London to clarify his future, with Tottenham making official contact with Leipzig that day, while Chelsea remained in talks but had yet to reach an agreement. Leipzig’s director, Rouven Schröder, had earlier hinted at the possibility of a late move, stating, “Xavi Simons is still with us. But the market is still open, you never know what might happen,” and confirming Simons’ ambition to join Chelsea. However, Tottenham’s swift action appears to have shifted the momentum. The transfer is a significant coup for Spurs, who have been looking to bolster their attacking options under manager Ange Postecoglou. Simons’ versatility, technical ability, and impressive record—65 goals and 53 assists in 178 games across his club career—make him a perfect fit for Tottenham’s high-pressing, dynamic style. His 28 caps for the Netherlands further underline his potential to become a cornerstone of the squad. For Chelsea, the development is a blow to their ambitious transfer plans under manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues have been linked with multiple attackers, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, but Simons was seen as a priority target to revamp their attack. Reports suggested that Chelsea’s ability to finalize the deal hinged on offloading Christopher Nkunku, with talks ongoing for a potential move to AC Milan. With the transfer window nearing its close, Chelsea now face a race against time to secure alternative targets. Romano also clarified earlier reports of Tottenham attempting to hijack Chelsea’s move, shutting down speculation on August 22 that Spurs had made an earlier bid. However, the latest developments confirm that Tottenham’s persistence has paid off, leaving Chelsea fans frustrated and Spurs supporters buzzing with excitement. As the transfer window edges toward its deadline, all eyes will be on Tottenham to see if they can finalize the deal for Simons in the coming hours. If Romano’s “Here we go” is confirmed, Spurs will have pulled off one of the most dramatic signings of the summer, while Chelsea must regroup and reassess their options before the window slams shut. Source: Fabrizio Romano

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked by Turkish club Besiktas. The 52-year-old took charge of the Istanbul club in January and steered them to a fourth-placed finish last season. But after defeat by Swiss side Lausanne in the Conference League play-offs on Thursday meant the club would not be playing European football this season, the club dismissed the Norwegian. They said: “Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at a board meeting. “Following the meeting, our chairman, Serdal Adalı, thanked Solskjaer for his services to date.” Besiktas were knocked out of Europa League qualifiers by Shakhtar Donetsk. Nuri Sahin, the former Borussia Dortmund player and manager, has been linked with the job. Source: bbc

Leeds have confirmed that Patrick Bamford’s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent and the striker will leave the club this summer. Last month, Leeds boss Daniel Farke revealed that he told Bamford he wasn’t a part of his plans for the Premier League and the 31-year-old was made to train away from the first team. Bamford has still been allowed to use the facilities at Thorp Arch since Farke exiled him from the squad. A financial package was agreed between him and the club to finalise his exit. In a video posted on his own social media, Bamford said the situation was ‘too raw’ for him to reflect on immediately. Bamford still had a left year on his contract but will now leave after seven years at the club where he won the Championship twice. ‘Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently, it’s all a little bit too raw to reflect on immediately, but I think in the years to come and further down the line, I’ll look back at this period of my life with nothing but joy, pride and be super happy with what I’ve achieved and the fact that I was able to wear this number nine shirt in front of you guys for this many years,’ said Bamford. He added: ‘The club became a massive part of my world, and I tried to make you proud by doing the most I could on the pitch and also in the community. As in any walk of life, there have been challenges, and we’ve had our ups and downs as the song goes, but I’ve always felt strongly connected with both fans and the community. But as I leave here, I’m a married man to my beautiful wife, Michaela, and we have two beautiful girls who were born here in Yorkshire. ‘I want to take this moment to thank everyone who was involved in bringing me to Leeds United, and also all the staff at the training ground and Elland Road who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their work is not often seen by the fans, but it really does lay the foundations for all of us to achieve what we do on the pitch, they really are the heartbeat of the club. Over the years here at Leeds, I’ve shared the dressing room with some amazing guys. Some I can now call friends for life – to name a few Klichy, Pablo, Bill, Coops, Stuey, Kalv and the guys I’ve shared the dressing room with more recently who achieved an amazing feat last year.’ ‘I’d also like to thank the managers I’ve had the chance to work with whilst here, especially Marcelo. I don’t know where the club would be without the foundations he laid. Under his guidance, I was able to achieve my dream I’ve had since a young boy, playing for England. And of course, finally, I’d like to thank you fans. I know at times it’s been frustrating, and you’ve probably pulled your hair out at points as well, but together, in these seven years, we’ve celebrated some of the best moments in the club’s recent history. I know I’ve still got a lot more to give and a lot more football to play, but for now, I’ll see you around. Your number nine, Patrick.’ In a statement, the club paid tribute to Bamford’s contribution to a pair of Championship titles and his work off the pitch with the fans and local community.

The draw for the league phase for the 2025/2026 Champions League have been conducted on Thursday. This year, the competition will continue to use the ‘Swiss-style’ league phase rather than the group stage to which fans had become accustomed. That means that 36 teams will again take part in the competition. Then the top eight sides will then qualify automatically for the knockout stages, while the teams that finish in ninth to 24th place will be drawn in a two-legged play-off to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition. Teams ranked 25-36 are eliminated from all competitions. Here are some of the fixtures: Bayern Munich will face Chelsea (H), PSG (A), Club Brugge (H), Arsenal (A), Sporting CP (H), PSV (A), Union SG (H), Pafos (A) Chelsea will play Barcelona (H), Bayern Munich (A), Benfica (H), Atalanta (A), Ajax (H), Napoli (A), Pafos (H), Qarabag (A) Real Madrid take on Manchester City (H), Liverpool (A), Juventus (H), Benfica (A), Marseille (H), Olympiacos (A), Monaco (H), Kairat Almaty (A) Inter Milan have been drawn against Liverpool (H), Dortmund (A), Arsenal (H), Atletico Madrid (A), Salavia Praha (H), Ajax (A), Kairat Almaty, Union SG Borussia Dortmund will face Inter Milan (H), Manchester City, Villarreal, Juventus, Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham, Athletic Club, Copenhagen (A) Liverpool play Real Madrid (H), Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Frankfurt, PSV, Marseille, Qarabag, Galatasaray (A) Barcelona take on PSG (H), Chelsea, Frankfurt, Club Brugge, Olympiacos, Slavia Praha, Copenhagen, Newcastle (A) Source: dailypost

Chelsea have agreed a £40m fee with Manchester United to sign Alejandro Garnacho. The deal, which includes a 10 per cent sell-on fee, represents the fourth-largest sale in United’s history after those of Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Angel Di Maria – and the club’s largest ever sale of an academy graduate. A compromise over Garnacho’s valuation had to be reached as United valued him at £50m – which was more than Chelsea were prepared to pay. United negotiated the fee up from an initial Chelsea offer of £25m and are understood to feel it is a good, pragmatic deal, delivering their largest sale fee for five years. They also believe it is a good solution for the player, who has been pushing strongly to leave. It is understood he leaves with United’s best wishes. Garnacho turned down offers from other clubs because he wanted to move to Chelsea. The winger was told he could leave at the end of last season and he is not training with Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad. Source: skysports